Board Meeting Highlights
February 28, 2005
The following information is intended to provide quick highlights of this scheduled Board meeting. Every attempt has been made to summarize these highlights as accurately as possible; however, the complete and official minutes will be posted on the web site on the Monday one week prior to the next scheduled Board meeting.
Meeting Agenda - February 28, 2005
GENERAL MANAGER'S REPORT
Several items affecting the Park Board are on the agenda at Council and Committees this week, including Report Reference on background and planning for the 2006-2008 Capital Budget; number of remaining reports on the Official Development Plan for Southeast False Creek; Vancouver Police Department Budget Initiatives; 2005 Property Tax Options (three year land averaging for calculations); and Langara College redevelopment. On March 15th, the interim 2005 operating budget will be presented at Council; on March 17th, delegations will respond to the interim report; on March 31st, the final budget will be presented. The final budget report will go to the Park Bord on April 11th.
STAFF REPORTS
Park Naming Report
Following community feedback, the Board approved the naming of the small Kitsilano park site at Redbud and Vine Streets as "Rosemary Brown Park". A park naming ceremony will be held on June 17th to recognize the late Rosemary Brown's dedication to the citizen of Vancouver and her importance as a role model for women.
Dogs Off-leash Program
Improving the Dog Off-leash program continues to be a priority. The Park Board established several new areas for dogs Off-leash: two in New Brighton Park for use only in the winter (staff to report back in a year); and one for small dogs in in the old Stanley Park shuffle board courts for a one year trial. In addition, Off-leash hours were extended at Killarney Park to all day over the summer (staff to report back in a year). And, later this Spring staff will carry out public consultation around a proposed new Off-leash area on the beach section of English Bay.
Ethical Purchasing Policy
The Board approved an Ethical Purchasing Policy for buying staff clothing and fair trade agricultural products including coffee for sale in park concessions and golf clubhouses. The new policy, which will be implemented on a gradual basis, requires suppliers to comply with certain international labour standards and practices. It supports the Park Board's commitment to sustainability and since many fair trade products are organic, it also fits into the Board's move to healthier food choices in facilities. Coffee will be the first product to be purchased under the new policy. The Park Board's global budget has been adjusted for the estimated $185,000 extra required in 2005 under the new policy.
Queen Elizabeth Park Contract
Construction can now start on the Queen Elizabeth Park Plaza, with the project awarded to Alexander Construction Ltd. at a price of $4.61 million. This follows the demolition and reconstruction of the GVRD reservoir completed in the Spring of 2004. The plaza design includes a water feature, arbours, a celebration pavilion, washrooms, paved plaza, parking and extensive plantings of trees, shrubs and lawns. It is expected to be completed by November 2005.
NEXT MEETING
The next regular meeting of the Park Board is at 7:00 pm on Monday, March 14th at 2099 Beach Avenue.
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