MINUTES

1.

It was moved and seconded

That the minutes of the meeting of the Community Safety Committee held on Tuesday, July 9^th, 2002, be adopted as circulated.

CARRIED

NEXT COMMITTEE MEETING DATE

2.

The next meeting of the Committee will be held on Tuesday, September 10, 2002 at 4:00 p.m. in the Anderson Room.

The Chair added to the agenda as an additional item, Emergency Resolution to the UBCM regarding the Canadian Coast Guard Hovercraft.

COMMUNITY SAFETY DIVISION

3.

Community Safety Buildings Master Plan Schedule Change
(Report:  August 12/02, File No.:  2050-20-F3, 2050-20-F4 ) (REDMS No. 830734)

Fire Chief Jim Hancock reviewed the report with the Committee.

Discussion then ensued among Committee members and staff, during which advice was given that public information meetings had been held with regard to the location of the proposed Community Safety Headquarters and the Bridgeport and Hamilton Fire Halls.  A photograph was circulated during the discussion to further explain the proposed location of the Sea Island Fire Hall on City-owned property located south-east of Lancaster Crescent.  (A copy of this photograph is on file in the City Clerks Office.)  Information was also provided that Council had endorsed the replacement of the existing Sea Island Fire Hall but action had been delayed because of negotiations with YVR on the possible construction of a perimeter fire hall. 

It was moved and seconded

That the revised Community Safety Buildings Master Plan Schedule be approved (as outlined in the report dated August 12, 2002 from the Fire Chief).

CARRIED

4.

Request for Support for Canada to Ratify the Kyoto Protocol
(Report:  August 9/02, File No.:  6125-01) (REDMS No. 733274)

The Assistant Manager Environmental Programs, Margo Daykin, reviewed the report with the Committee.

Discussion then ensued among Committee members and staff on the matter, during which the suggestion was made that the concerns of the City's Advisory Committee on the Environment (ACE) should be included in the report.  Concerns were expressed about (i) the feasibility of adopting the proposed recommendations when information was not available on the impact which the Kyoto Protocol could have on the Canadian economy, (ii) endorsing Canadas ratification of the Kyoto Protocol when Canada had not yet made a decision on whether to ratify that document; and (iii) whether the document would be implemented in a fair and equitable manner. 

Discussion also took place on the principle of the Kyoto Protocol to address climate changes and whether any recommendation adopted by the Committee and Council should reflect that Richmond supported the principle of lowering greenhouse gas emissions as soon as possible.

As a result of the discussion, the following amended recommendation was introduced:

It was moved and seconded

That:

( 1 )

the City of Richmond encourage Canadas ratification of the Kyoto Protocol agreement;

( 2 )

a letter be written to communicate this resolution to the Federal Member of Parliaments; Federal Ministry of Environment, Provincial Ministers of Water, Land and Air Protection, Sustainable Resource Management and Energy and Mines; federal and Provincial opposition leaders; and the Federation of Canadian Municipalities (FCM); and

( 3 )

the letter referred to in Part (2) above, include (i) the concerns expressed by the Advisory Committee on the Environment; and (ii) the following considerations and assumptions:

Considerations -

( a )

climate change could result in significant environmental, economic and social impacts to the City of Richmond and its residents;

( b )

climate change is a global issue and requires effort around the globe - the Kyoto Protocol represents an unified approach at the international level for proceeding with collective action;

( c )

the Kyoto Protocol has established conservative targets when compared to reduction measures called for by the scientific community; this suggests that the Protocol represents a reasonable first-time effort, one that balances immediate economic concerns with  long-term economic and environmental objectives;

( d )

the Federal Government has prepared a set of strategic options that they believe will enable Canada to meet its targets despite the lack of involvement by the United States; and

( e )

support for the ratification of the Kyoto Protocol is an extension of the City of Richmond's already existing commitments towards reducing greenhouse gas emissions and addressing climate change.

Assumptions

( a )

that Richmond and its stakeholders will be consulted and have a range of acceptable choices;

( b )

that the Kyoto Protocol would be implemented in a fair and equitable manner;

( c )

that the City of Richmond will be able to apply our principles of sustainability, equitability, cost-effectiveness, affordability, flexibility, integration, efficiency and co-operation; and

( d )

that senior governments will provide the necessary support (e.g., financial, technological, information, professional and technical expertise, etc.).

CARRIED

5.

Hamilton Fire Hall Configuration
(Report:  July 25/ 02, File No.:  2050-20-F5) (REDMS No. 820399))

Fire Chief Hancock reviewed the report with the Committee.

During the discussion which ensued, information was provided that (i) the inclusion of public washrooms (if approved) would increase not only the scope of this project, but also the cost of the overall project; and (ii) the public washroom component would be addressed as part of the budget review process.

In response to further questions, information was provided that the proposed washrooms would be incorporated into the building envelope; and that the basic design of all the fire halls incorporated the same meeting room space.  It was noted however, that the Hamilton Fire Hall would be the only fire hall to provide outside access to washrooms, with the internal washroom being accessible to the wheelchair disabled.

There was general support shown for the proposal, however, questions were raised about possible funding sources and the feasibility of making the outside washrooms accessible to the wheelchair disabled.  As a result of the discussion, staff were asked to report to the Committee on the cost of constructing washrooms which would be accessible to the wheelchair disabled.

It was moved and seconded

That the scope of the new Hamilton Fire Hall project, be changed to include public washrooms, at a cost of $55,000.

CARRIED

6.

MAINTENANCE TRAINING UPDATE FIRE-RESCUE
(Oral Report)

Chief Training Officer Dave Anderson circulated to the Committee, material which he used to explain (i) the current training schedule for the Fire-Rescue Department and (ii) how each companys training was monitored.  A copy of this material is on file in the City Clerks Office.

During the brief discussion which ensued, information was provided on the frequency and timing of the training programs as compared to other cities and municipalities.

In concluding the discussion, the Chair commented on the difficulties encountered in organizing the training for the department, and she thanked Mr. Anderson for his review.

The General Manager, Community Safety, Chuck Gale, confirmed that the recommendations contained in following service level review reports did not commit the Committee or Council to the additional levels of service proposed.  He stated that the recommendations, if adopted, would be considered as part of the overall budget process.

Mr. Gale noted that the Finance Select Committee had asked that the various service levels for all City departments be consolidated into one report, and he advised that this report was currently being prepared.  He stated that this report would provide Council with the bigger picture of the service provided by all departments.

A brief discussion ensued during which concern was expressed about the wording of the proposed recommendations, and suggestions were offered on possible alternatives.

7.

SERVICE LEVEL REVIEW Fire rescue
(Report:  August 28/ 02, File No.: 0340-20-CSAF3) (REDMS No. 828322)

Fire Chief Hancock reviewed the report and proposed recommendations with the Committee.

Discussion then ensued among Committee members and staff on the proposed additional level request to implement a school-based, public education program, and whether (i) the proposal had been discussed with the School District; (ii) it was the responsibility of the City to instigate the program; and (iii) existing resources could be used to support this program. 

It was moved and seconded

That the report dated August 28^th, 2002, from the Fire Chief), regarding Service Level Review Fire Rescue, be received for information.

Prior to the question on the motion being called, the comment was made that further information was needed on what would be involved in implementing the proposed school-based, public education program, including whether the City and the Fire Rescue Department was capable of having fire fighters attend schools to assist with the teaching of the program.

The question on the motion was then called, and it was CARRIED

8.

Service Level Review - Community Bylaws Program
(Report:  August 19/02, File No.:  0340-20-CSAF3) (REDMS No. 814713)

The Manager, Community Bylaws, Sandra Tokarczyk, advised that she was available to answer any questions about her report. 

Discussion then ensued among Committee members and staff on such issues as: 

the service delivery contract between the City and Environmental Health advice was given that a report was currently being prepared which would provide a number of options on the feasibility of contracting out the services currently provided through the Environmental Health Department

barking dogs staff were currently exploring ways to deal with barking dogs, and both this issue and the delivery of services by Environmental Health were a top priority

the City's graffiti program; the steps being taken to deal with this problem and the involvement of outside agencies including BC Hydro in a possible partnership program.

It was moved and seconded

That the report (dated August 19^th, 2002, from the Manager, Community Bylaws), regarding the Community Bylaws Program Service Level Review, be received for information.

CARRIED

9.

Service Level Review - Emergency Services Program
(Report:  August 13/02, File No.:  0340-20-CSAF3) (REDMS No. 818303, 831695)

The Manager, Emergency & Environmental Programs, Suzanne Bycraft, briefly reviewed her report with the Committee.

It was moved and seconded

That:

( 1 )

the report (dated August 13, 2002 from the Manager, Emergency & Environmental Programs), regarding Emergency Services Administration service levels, be received for information; and

( 2 )

letters be sent to the Minister of Public Safety and the Solicitor General and the Office of the Premier urging the provincial government to restore the Provincial Emergency Programs funding for Emergency Management Training and the Personal Disaster Assistance program.

CARRIED

10.

Service Level Review  - Environmental Programs
(Report:  August 14/02, File No.:  0340-20-CSAF3) (REDMS No. 832391, 833487)

Ms. Bycraft reviewed her report with the Committee. 

Discussion then ensued among Committee members and staff on

(i)

the types of materials accepted at the Recycling Depot;

(ii)

whether residents were encouraged to compost their yard waste;

(iii)

whether commercial operations were charged for depositing yard waste regardless of where these companies were based; and whether non-Richmond residents could be charged more;

(iv)

whether any consideration had been given to establishing a limit to the number of bags which could be put out for the curb side collection of garden waste;

(iii)

the impact which the proposed increase in rates to dispose of yard waste items might have, and whether residents should be charged; and

(iii)

whether commercial operators should be prohibited from using the Recycling Depot.

It was moved and seconded

That:

( 1 )

the report (dated August 14, 2002 from the Manager, Emergency & Environmental Programs), regarding Environmental Programs services levels, be received for information; and

( 2 )

the fee for disposal of yard waste items at the Recycling Depot be increased from $12 per cubic yard to $15 per cubic yard effective January 1, 2003.

CARRIED

It was moved and seconded

That staff consider establishing a different rate for non-Richmond businesses and residents utilizing the Recycling Depot.

WITHDRAWN

It was moved and seconded

That the issue of allowing commercial operators to dispose of yard waste at the Recycling Depot be referred to staff for an analysis of pricing and other strategies.

CARRIED

11.

EMERGENCY RESOLUTION TO UBCM FOR SUPPORT FOR A SECOND HOVERCRAFT

It was moved and seconded

That staff report to the September 9^th, 2002 Council Meeting with a resolution to the Union of British Columbia Municipalities, in support of a second hovercraft being commissioned to the West Coast of British Columbia, and that the resolution include the submission of a letter through the Mayors Office.

CARRIED

12.

MANAGERS REPORT

Mr. Gale provided information on the efforts of the Richmond-based Vancouver Metropolitan Lions Club to raise funds which were then channelled back to the City, and on an event to be held on November 2^nd, 2002.

ADJOURNMENT

It was moved and seconded

That the meeting adjourn (6:00 p.m.).

CARRIED

Certified a true and correct copy of the Minutes of the meeting of the Community Safety Committee of the Council of the City of Richmond held on Wednesday, August 28^th, 2002.

_________________________________

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Councillor Linda Barnes
Chair

Fran J. Ashton
Executive Assistant