DISTRICT OF SQUAMISH A G E N D A For the Meeting of the Smoke Bluffs Park Advisory Committee to be Held on Thursday, June 5, 2014 at 7:00 pm in Council Chambers, 37955 Second Avenue, Squamish BC 1. ADOPTION OF AGENDA THAT the June 5, 2014 Smoke Bluffs Park Committee meeting Agenda be adopted. 2. MINUTES A. COMMITTEE MINUTES (i) Meeting Minutes THAT the minutes of the Smoke Bluffs Park Committee meeting be approved. B. BUSINESS ARISING 3. BUSINESS A. (i) DOS Update E. Naisby, Planner (ii) (iii) (iv) (v) Crag Work Group B. Moorhead Trails and Amenities J. Harvey Vermi-composter Update B. Moorhead July Park Walk-through for Council and Staff Planned Format 4. STATUS OF RECOMMENDATIONS TO COUNCIL 5. CORRESPONDENCE 6. ROUNDTABLE DISCUSSION 7. TERMINATION THAT the meeting be terminated.
DISTRICT OF SQUAMISH Minutes of the Meeting of the Smoke Bluffs Park Advisory Committee held Thursday, at 7:00 p.m. in the Council Chambers, 37955 Second Avenue, Squamish, B.C. PRESENT ABSENT ADVISORY STAFF Eric Hughes, Member at Large John Harvey, Member at Large Todd Gerhart, Member at Large Laura Modray, Member at Large Jamie Finlayson Climber Access Society of British Columbia Brian Moorhead, Chair, Squamish Access Society Helen Habgood, Deputy Chair, Federation of Mountain Clubs Councillor Raiser Bob Brant, Squamish Trails Society Spencer Fitschen (Alt. Paul Cordy), Howe Sound Trials Riders Elaine Naisby, Planner Matt Simmons, Capital Projects Manager The Chair called the meeting to order at 7:04 p.m. 1. ADOPTION OF AGENDA moved by T. Gerhart, seconded by E. Hughes, THAT the Smoke Bluffs Park Committee meeting agenda be adopted. 2. MINUTES A. COMMITTEE MINUTES (i) April 3, 2014 Meeting Minutes moved by T. Gerhart, seconded by H. Habgood, THAT the April 3, 2014 meeting minutes for the Smoke Bluffs Park Committee be approved. B. BUSINESS ARISING NIL 3. BUSINESS A. (i) DOS Report and Budget Update E. Naisby and M. Simmons gave an update on District matters for discussion: 2014 budget approved, approximately $23,853 remaining; The District allocated $25,000 in capital budget for the culvert replacement design work at the entrance of the Smoke Bluffs Park; estimate requesting an additional budget of $100k for 2015 to complete; Habitat is sensitive so design work needs to be comprehensive; Consider replacing the signs on Loggers Lane and adding directional signage; suggestion to replace sign in 2015 when work is complete; In stream work for fisheries this year is August through September; sometimes possible to work under other conditions if agreeable; many considerations to take into account; Parking lot expansion; recommending that the Committee fund an environmental study for $2500 from their budget; consensus to add to the three-year plan and complete work this year;
Page 2 Bike rack replacement still being investigated; BC Hydro working in Northridge area; extent of work not known yet; Alexis area and corridor and providing funds for low vegetation; BC Hydro to pay the District $1,000 for planting once a landscape plan of proposed species is developed. Suggestion to purchase Vine Maples and Nine Bark from a nursery since these are indigenous, low growing plants. Consider planning work for October and scatter planting; Shade trees at Burgers and Fries versus greening area at Alexis; Follow up on bouldering wall for downtown revitalization initiative; a climbing boulder (estimated at $35k) is planned for Squamish Function Park. The District is seeking sponsors including climbing groups but not funding. (ii) Smoke Bluffs Vermicomposter Toilet M. Simmons, Capital Project Manager advised on the vermicomposter toilet for discussion. Grant application submitted by the proprietor to Mountain Equipment Coop for funding; Septic aspect of composter is a problem for urine in the proposed area; proposed location is too wet and has permeability issues. Location requires proximity to a manhole and direct connection to sewage; project will be a hybrid form rather than pure composting; Watermain project at Hospital Hill update; background document circulated to the members; discussion about extra fill from project being re-used at the Park to raise area in Kids Zone; Working around the large manhole at Burgers and Fries; difficulty running sewer pipes over water lines; three meter separation is best practice; Facility project and construction; the District will build the outhouse facility and the proprietor is responsible for the internal components. The proprietor committed to maintaining the toilet for three years. Facility design to be durable and minimize vandalism. Facility construction to begin week of April 4 and the anticipated timeline for the toilet installation is June-September depending on sequencing; Discussion of using the Smoke Bluffs Park budget to install a water line when connecting to sewage. Provides cost savings and the infrastructure required for a future water fountain and possibly a public washroom; Vermicomposter could be converted to public washroom in the future if desired; Concern raised about the visual impact of proposed fill on Park visitors; consider adding topsoil and grass seed to improve aesthetics; communicating with neighbourhood to prepare them for changes; Consensus by the members to fund the water line installation (estimated between $3-$5k) and topsoil and grass seed for (estimated $2K); Clear material roof feedback; not in favour and prefer standing seam metal roof (green or galvanized).
Page 3 (iii) Trails and Amenities Report J. Harvey gave an update on the trails and amenities for discussion: E. Naisby to look into acquiring a log amenity from the ones downtown currently on display for the Kids Park; Consider fixing the yellow gate; Using available boulders and widening the pinch point at Neat and Cool; using the best rocks for the new road to better define the ditch; can be completed immediately if work is supported; estimating under $3k; Vegetation management on the corner at the chicane; request BC Hydro to take alders down under hydro line instead of chipping. Consider leveling and some vegetation removal to improve sight lines at corner. Leave some smaller rocks and materials to discourage bikes; Question about holding an official Park dedication; FMC plaques; Maps at kiosk not replaced as of yet; Lumberland Trail; request Hydro not to chip the cluster of trees under Black Zawn when removing; prefer debris is moved off the road side; request changing BC Hydro s tree removal process to stop most chipping; Board walks update; Ronins corner trail and trenching work; Trail at Tunnel Rock done. (iv) Vegetation Management B. Moorhead advised on a recent issue at Tunnel Rock where alder trees were removed by a climbing enthusiast developing a route. The incident resulted in a response by the Bylaw Department. E. Naisby advised about vegetation management concerns; further, that the current authorization process involves bringing forward recommendations to the Committee for support. If the Committee supports the proposed work then the members and DOS staff will review the plans and impacts before approving work. Members discussed the need for more formalized guidelines and communicating to the climbing community as a first step in preventing further incidents. Members supported the District sending out a general letter to individuals and various climbing groups, and for the kiosk. Members discussed developing an overall Park Management Plan, including vegetation management. moved by E. Hughes, Seconded by H. Habgood, THAT the Smoke Bluffs Park Committee recommends to Council THAT the DOS directs staff to develop vegetation management plan guidelines as the high priority from the Smoke Bluffs Park budget for 2014. J. Harvey left the meeting at 8:20 p.m. T. Gerhart left the meeting at 8:25 p.m.
Page 4 4. MOTION TO CLOSE moved by E. Hughes, seconded by H. Habgood, THAT the meeting to be closed to the public for the purpose of considering whether dealing in public with a matter relating to the acquisition, disposition or expropriation of land or improvements might reasonably be expected to harm the interest of the municipality; and if Council determines that such harm might be reasonably be expected, the meeting be closed to the public for the purpose of considering the acquisition, disposition or expropriation or improvements of land by the municipality. Meeting was closed to the public at 8:33 p.m. Meeting was reopened to the public at 8:56 p.m. The members agreed that a letter be sent by the Chair to the homeowners. 5. STATUS OF RECOMMENDATIONS TO COUNCIL NIL 6. CORRESPONDENCE NIL 7. ROUNDTABLE DISCUSSION NIL 8. TERMINATION Staff recommendation: moved by H. Habgood, seconded by E. Hughes, THAT the meeting of be terminated. Meeting Adjourned at 8:57 p.m. Next meeting is Thursday, June 5, 2014. Brian Moorhead, Chair