Anron asked useless question about staff time spent on this issue. Woodsworth asking about MMA criminality, but City Manager Penny Ballem states that out of date stautes are bound to be surpassed by societal progress (paraphrased). Ballem says it is a pilot and trial, but she is willing to proceed with best practices in place and also the indemnity clause. Woodsworth worries about concussion liability, but check out my Part 2 of the MMA series (a link posted yesterday) that details the minute risk compared to things like cheerleading. Ballem references snowboarding as much more risky for the head, speaking as a physician. Woodsworth is totally off base with this one, as city stats show that concussion risk compared to boxing is about one third. Rick McKenna from VPD up to answer Deal’s question about underground fights, one of which was shut down just a week after the Edgewater event. VPD rep wants city to get into the sanctioning business to make the fighting industry in this city above board. Reimer asking about indemnity – injuries, crowd control – what is the level of the indemnity? Ballem says they are experts on indemnification, but there are many considerations to factor in before a specific amount can be identified. Meggs asks about AG letter – Bill C-31 introduced by feds in May, but cannot fing text of bill. Hammill says that it had to do with amateur, not pros. Chow asks about increase of risks if it takes place in city facility. Ballem answers, but still needs to talk internally with with facilities like the PNE Coliseum.

Canadian Athletic Commissions have taken different approaches across the country. Province first passed the buck back to city, but a letter received yesterday from AG Mike de Jong said that he is now willing to look at sanctioning – will not criticize or rule out Montreal model. Concussion rates in boxing and hockey are much, much higher. VPD said that previous events have not been more of a problem than a hockey game for example. Best practices collected from 6 Canadian and 3 American jurisdictions (long list) with regards to administering such an event. UFC rules are tight as a drum. 3 scenarios for revenues but range is from $800,000 to $4.7 million – more than likely $1.5 million (a GROSS underestimate). Concern about not enough medical oversight without sanctioning, but City would negotiate with province and medical bodies in BC to work something out. Raising the seat tax will go towards increased costs with regulating such an event. VAC must be broadened in knowledge, experience and legal affairs. Going over the recommendations as were outlined in the link I posted earlier. Woodsworth wants a deferral, Anton and Deal say no. Chow and Deal have now arrived so quorum is now met.

Deal and Chow absent. Robertson, Cadman (of course) and Stevenson on leave of absence. Clerk states that quorum is met. Rushing through agenda to get to MMA but Anton corrects the record that you need 8 votes for passage of recommendations. Presentations begin with Chief Licensing Officer Tom Hammill. However vote delayed; will not happen today. Crowd seems dejected.