Board Highlights
May 28, 2007

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 - May 28, 2007

CHAIR'S REPORT

The Chair reported on a number of community initiatives over the last few weeks including the launch of the Vancouver Police beach patrols, in partnership with the Park Board; and unveiling of the Mountain View street banners, an arts project funded by the Neighborhood Matching Program. The Chair recognized youth from Trout Lake Community Centre for their recent successful fundraising efforts and passed on praise to staff for the Ted and Mary Greig Rhododendron Gardens in Stanley Park.

GENERAL MANAGER'S REPORT

Park Board-related items on Council agenda included 2006 Year End position and 2007 Operating and Capital Budgets for the PNE; BC-Alberta Trade, Investment and Labour Mobility Agreement; and request for funding of Canada Day fireworks in Burrard Inlet off Canada Place.

COMMITTEE REPORTS

At the most recent Finance Committee, agenda items included fundraising for improvements to Strathcona Track, 1st quarter 2007 Operating Statements, and parking proposal for Rupert Park.

STAFF REPORTS

Donor Recognition Guidelines
The Board approved an expanded recognition program for donors which provides for new opportunities to showcase appreciation and engage residents in the Park Board's activities. The guidelines will be used for all philanthropic financial support including donations to the Stanley Park Restoration project.

Queen Elizabeth Park Observation Tower
The concept of a privately developed and operated viewing tower in Queen Elizabeth Park was referred to a public review process. This proposal, which was brought forward by a private developer, would have impacts on the tourist industry, the park, the neighborhood and Park Board revenues. The public process will be undertaken to assess community reaction to the advantages and disadvantages of the concept of an observation tower in the park adjacent to the Bloedel Conservatory, at the highest point in the City.

Vancouver Aquarium Expansion
The development permit schematic design plans for the Aquarium's expansion were approved. The design responds to issues raised at the conceptual approval stage last November. As part of the plans, the public will be given access to the gift shop. The Board asked staff to investigate a fee structure for the gift shop consistent with other not for profit gift shops within the Park Board system.

Killarney Demolition Contract Award
Haebler Construction Projects was awarded the contract ($406,457) for the deconstruction of Killarney Ice Rink and Lobby. This work is expected to take 10 to 12 weeks. The most recent cost estimates for the project indicate a $2.4 million shortfall for construction as a result of market conditions. Accordingly, a number of budget adjustments, design changes, value engineering initiatives and reallocations have been made; however, an additional $700,000 still needs to be identified to fund the entire project.

Electrical Parts and Components Contract Award
The contract for the supply of electrial parts and components was awarded to Wesco Distribution Canada for a three year term with the possibility of one or two 12-month extensions. This is part of a shared services initiative with the City of Vancouver, creating a joint contract for such items as wire, cable and conduit. The consolidation of electrical supplies under a single provider will provide consistent product quality in a cost-effective manner.

Integrated Security Services Contract Award
Concord Security was awarded the contract for security services to be phased in over a period of 5 years beginning June 2007. This contract, which extends to all City departments and boards under a shared services arrangement, will give a continuity of services through one provider and uninterrupted service throughout the 2010 Winter Games and beyond.

Connaught Park West Field Reconstruction
The Board awarded the contract for reconstruction of the west field in Connaught Park to Cedar Crest Lands (BC) for $412,729. This popular west side playing field, which is heavily used for rugby, is expected to be ready for play for the Fall 2008 sport season.

Vancouver Sports Strategy Consultant Contract Award
Citius Performance Corp/Pozitive Results Sport Strategies was awarded the contract for services related to the development of the Vancouver Sports Strategy, at a price of $93,060. The civic Sports Strategy will guide infrastructure, policy, program development and support around sporting events.

MOTIONS

A Motion was put forward that the Board reconsider its decision of January 29, 2007 regarding the start date of construction for the new Trout Lake Rink. The Motion carried. A Motion was put forward that the Board authorize the selective pre-demolition phase at Trout Lake Rink to start in July 2007, providing that existing programs can occur until August 19, 2007 when the construction project will commence. The Motion carried.

NEXT MEETING

The next regular meeting of the Park Board will be held at 7 pm on Monday, June 11th at 2099 Beach Avenue.

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