Chinatown Historic Area Planning Committee Proposed Revision to Terms of Reference

REPORT TO COUNCIL

CHINATOWN HISTORIC AREA PLANNING COMMITTEE

November 30, 1999

RECOMMENDATION

1. Chinatown Historic Area Planning Committee

Proposed Revision to Terms of Reference - Length of Term

The Chinatown Historic Area Planning Committee, its meeting on October 12, 1999, discussed concerns related to the current maximum four-year term for members. It was agreed to request Council to amend the Committee’s terms of reference to allow for a maximum consecutive term of six years. The Assistant Director of Current Planning supports the recommended change.

The Terms of Reference for the Committee were last revised on December, 13, 1994. At that time, two main changes were approved:

… membership organization: was revised to specify that certain groups were to be represented: property owners, the Chinese Culture Centre, the Dr. Sun Yat-Sen Garden Society, Heritage Vancouver, Chinese Merchants Association, Chinese Benevolent Association, Architectural Institute of BC, SUCCESS, Planning Institute of BC and Member-at-Large; and

… term of office: a four year time limit was set on length of time any one member could serve.

The intent of the four year term limit was to ensure a turn over of members that would bring new perspectives and energy to the Committee. The experience of the past few years has shown there are disadvantages to this provision. The four year limit does not allow the Committee to benefit from the continuity and experience that a longer term would provide.

Clause 1 Cont'd

Therefore, the Chinatown Historic Area Planning Committee,

RECOMMENDS,

THAT Council amend the Terms of Reference for the Chinatown Historic Area Planning Committee to permit appointed members to serve a maximum of six consecutive years, instead of the current limit of four years.

(Signed) "Ronald Bijok"

Ronald Bijok, Chair

Chinatown Historic Area Planning Committee

CITY MANAGER'S COMMENTS

The City Manager notes approval of the foregoing recommendation would allow the current Chair of CHAPC, Ron Bijok, the opportunity to continue on the Committee for an additional 2-year term. Mr. Bijok has initiated, and is currently involved in, projects such as the Chinatown Gate. However, Council should also note the future of both the Gastown and Chinatown Historic Area Planning Committees will be dealt with near the end of this year, in conjunction with the Gastown Historic Area Management Plan. Therefore, the City Manager,

RECOMMENDS,

THAT, on a one-time basis, Ron Bijok, current Chair of the Chinatown Historic Area Planning Committee, be given the opportunity to serve a third 2-year consecutive term.

Comments or questions? You can send us email.