MINUTES

1.

It was moved and seconded

That the minutes of the meeting of the Community Safety Committee held on Tuesday, July 15^th, 2003, be adopted as circulated.

CARRIED

NEXT COMMITTEE MEETING DATE

2.

The next meeting of the Committee will be held on Wednesday, October 15^th, 2003, at 4:00 p.m. in the Anderson Room.

COMMUNITY SAFETY DIVISION

3.

POSITIVE TICKETS
(Video)  (5 Minutes in duration)
 

Supt. Ward Clapham presented a video to the Committee on Positive Tickets, a program which awarded different types of vouchers for pizza, movies, etc., to youth for good behaviour.

Following the presentation of the video, Supt. Clapham spoke further on the program, during which he congratulated and thanked the City and the Parks, Recreation & Cultural Services Division staff for their support of, and assistance with, the program.

Discussion ensued among Committee members and Supt. Clapham on the program, during which, in response to questions, advice was given that:

statistics would be available by October 1^st on the number of tickets which had been redeemed by the youth

the program enabled RCMP officers to build a positive relationship with the youth, both in schools and on the streets

with reference to the youth who had been vandalizing parks and equipment in the Steveston area, more resources, including additional officers were now available; a business case analysis was being completed and the results should be known soon

one of the ten priorities in the Detachments Five Year Community Policing Plan, was youth; the School Liaison section of the detachment now worked nights and on weekends to make connections with youth

all Richmond RCMP officers carried positive tickets; all the schools had been adopted by constables; connections were made with Outreach workers in 2002 and more will be done to work with youth at risk.

During the discussion, Supt. Clapham was congratulated on the implementation of an excellent program.  Reference was made to the number of youth who hang out at Subway shops, and the comment was made that there could be opportunities to hand out tickets for the types of product carried by Subway and other similar establishments.  In response, Supt. Clapham indicated that he would pursue the suggestion with Fire Chief Jim Hancock.

The Coordinator, Youth Services, Wayne Yee, spoke about the tickets and the positive aspects of the program to reach and connect with Richmond's youth.  The Chair asked that Mr. Yee provide input from his perspective on the program, in addition to the material to be provided by Supt. Clapham.

In concluding the discussion, the Chair thanked Supt. Clapham for his presentation.
 

4.

FIREWORKS REGULATION CHANGES FOR HALLOWEEN, 2003
(Report:  Aug. 27/03, File No.:  8060-20-7585/7486) (REDMS No. 1057153, 1058262, 1058306)

The Manager, Operational Support, Sandra Pearson, accompanied by Asst. Fire Prevention Officer, Doug Hystad, indicated that they were available to answer questions from the Committee.

Reference was made to the addition of a Licence Inspector.  In response to a question about whether this was a new employee, advice was given that this was not a new position, and that the addition of this position to the Municipal Ticket Information Authorization Bylaw would allow the Licence Inspector to issue tickets for bylaw infractions.

Concern was expressed that the amount of the $100 fine to be imposed for illegally selling Roman candles would not be much of a deterrent, and questions were asked about whether fine amounts could be increased.  In response, advice was given that the fine levels were established by the Chief Judge for British Columbia.  The suggestion was made that staff could pursue the matter with other municipalities to see if those jurisdictions had the same concerns.  Cllr. McNulty requested that staff investigate the matter and forward the results to the Chief Judge.

Discussion then ensued on the sale of fireworks, during which information was provided on steps taken by other municipalities the results of which prohibit vendors from selling fireworks for two years if they were caught selling illegal fireworks.  The comment was made that this was an option which could be considered for 2004 if problems arise during this years Halloween.

During the discussion, questions were raised as to how the public would be advised that the sale and purchase of individual Roman candles would be illegal.  In response, advice was given that retailers would be provided with information on which fireworks were illegal to sell.  As well, residents would be encouraged to attend fireworks displays at larger centres rather than putting on their own displays in their backyards, which in the newer subdivisions, could be quite small.

Questions were raised about whether any consideration had been given to encouraging block parties, and advice was given that the matter had not been addressed.  Concern was expressed that there were many issues which would have to be addressed, such as lighting fireworks in public roads.  Further advice was given that residents were being encouraged to attend community events rather than light fireworks in their neighbourhoods because of the unsafe environment.  The comment was made that while community activities were normally encouraged, the Fire Department was first concerned with safety and in the newer subdivisions, there often was insufficient clearance to safely light fireworks.

It was moved and seconded

That:

(1)

Bylaw 7585, which amends Firecracker & Fireworks Regulation Bylaw No. 2116, be introduced and given first, second, and third readings.
 

(2)

Bylaw 7586, which amends Municipal Ticket Information Authorization Bylaw No. 7321, be introduced and given first, second, and third readings.

CARRIED

5.

ANIMAL CONTROL & SHELTER SERVICES CONTRACT
(Report:  Sept. 2/03, File No.:  1000-05-021 ) (REDMS No. 1060672)
 

It was moved and seconded

That the City advise the SPCA that it will not exercise the option under clause 3.02 of the Animal Control & Shelter Services Contract with the BCSPCA to extend the current agreement for a further period of two years under existing conditions and financial obligations.
 

Prior to the question on the motion, the Manager, Community Outreach, Don Pearson, advised in response to questions, that adoption of the proposed recommendation would result in the BCSPCA being advised that the City did not wish to exercise its option to extend the current agreement for a further two years. 

Concern was expressed by Mayor Brodie that the report did not provide sufficient information on (i) the City's rationale for not wanting to extend or renew the existing contract, and (ii) the options which might be available.  He asked that this information be provided prior to the September 22^nd, 2003 Regular Council Meeting.

Reference was made to options which might be available, and comments were made that the SPCA should be advised that their current approach to dealing with animals needed to be addressed; that enforcement was inadequate, and that their customer service was unacceptable.

Questions were also raised about why the City was not supporting the extension of the current contract.  Information was provided that (i) the SPCA had indicated during initial discussions that there would be a significant increase in cost if the City approved the contract extension; (ii) the SPCA was also not interested in extending the contract; and (iii) City staff wanted the opportunity to explore other options.

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

6.

Location of Pay and Display Parking Meters
(Report:  Aug. 28/03, File No.:   6455-05-01) (REDMS No. 1050412)
 

It was moved and seconded

(1)

That the recommendations (in the report dated August 28, 2003, from the Manager, Community Outreach), titled Location of Pay and Display Parking Meters, relating to the removal of parking meters and the installation of parking signage in those areas where the meters are being removed, be endorsed, and
 

(2)

That the future purchase of pay and display meters be in accordance with the City's Purchasing practices and policies.

The question on the motion was not called, as Mr. Pearson circulated a revised map of the City's parking meters.  Questions were raised about the rationale for eliminating five meters from the east side of Buswell Street, and advice was given that the east side would now be for permit parking to allow those individuals who work in the area to park close to their businesses.  Further advice was given that with regard to pay meters, parking would be free after 8:00 p.m.

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

7.

RICHMOND SUBSTANCE ABUSE TASK FORCE WORK PLAN
(Report:  Aug. 19/03, File No.:  3000-09/0100-20-RSA1-01) (REDMS No. 1055721)

The Manager, Community Safety Planning, Shawn Issel, introduced Mr. Brian Wardley, and Ms. Christa Mullaly, members of the Substance Abuse Task Force.  She also circulated to Committee members, a revised Financial Impact table, a copy of which is on file in the City Clerks Office. 

Reference was made to the unspent portion - $50,000, and the suggestion was made by the Mayor that the funds should be transferred to Council Provision Account with the hope that it would be put into one of the City's reserve accounts. 

Discussion then ensued among Committee members and staff on:

the need, if any, for the proposed staff position and the work which this individual would oversee as part of the substance abuse strategy

whether there had been any attempt to secure matching funds with other stakeholders to ensure that the City was not bearing the burden of the cost of implementing the strategy

the amount of funding which had been set aside for the original Mayors Task Force on Drugs and Crime, and whether this amount had been formally approved by Council

the rationale for changing the Terms of Reference to increase the membership

the role of the City in the implementation of the various strategies outlined in the work plan.

During the discussion on the question of securing financial assistance from stakeholders in the project, advice was given that letters of support for the implementation of the substance abuse strategy had been received from the Richmond School District, the Richmond Alcohol & Drug Action Team (RADAT), Turning Point, the Vancouver Coastal Health Authority and the Heart of Richmond Aids Society.  Copies of this correspondence are on file in the City Clerks Office.

Discussion then focussed on the need for financial support, whether such support could be obtained from the stakeholders, and whether there had been any discussion on what would happen if City funding for the strategy was not approved.  Comments were made during the discussion that many of the stakeholders were already taking an important role in providing education to the community and its youth to make better and more appropriate choices on the use of drugs and alcohol, without asking the City to provide financial assistance.

Reference was made to the proposed project manager position, and in response to questions, advice was given that the individual in that position would oversee the implementation of the strategy as outlined in the work plan, and would be in the position until April, 2005, the planned completion date for implementation of the strategy.  Discussion then took place on whether the strategy could be implemented in the event that the position was not filled.

Questions were raised about the amount of staff time which would be required, and advice was given that Ms. Issel that staff time would be approximately six to eight hours per month, with support staff time being approximately six hours per month.

Discussion continued on the issue of financing for the strategy, whether the stakeholders had been asked to provide any financial assistance, and the outcome if the City chose not to continue with the work.  Concern was expressed that the financial contributions of the City could be even more than the amount now being proposed, due to the support provided by City staff, the continuing responsibilities of the manager, and other City support.  Reference was made to the number of agencies mandated to provide assistance in this field, while the City, which had no such mandate, was taking on the additional expense to implement the program and to hire a consultant to oversee the project.  

In concluding the discussion, the Chair expressed support for the proposed recommendations, stating that the City should not let the momentum for the project cease.  She noted that there was a very specific time period and that a key point was the fact that a person from outside the organization with a specific contract, would be overseeing the project. 

Cllr. Barnes referred to the suggestion made earlier that the various stakeholders be requested to provide financial support for the strategy, and stated that many of the individual agencies did not have the ability to provide financial assistance.  Also, she suggested that a project coordinator would be able to implement more of the strategy than individual agencies, because of their limited resources.

It was moved and seconded

(1)

That the Terms of Reference for the Richmond Substance Abuse Task Force be approved;
 

(2)

That $96,000 in program funding for implementing the Richmond Substance Abuse Strategy (as outlined in the report Richmond Substance Abuse Task Force Work Plan from the Manager, Community Safety Planning, dated August 19, 2003), be approved; and
 

(3)

That the funding come from the casino revenues set aside by Council as part of the Mayors Task Force on Drugs and Crime.
 

The question on the motion was not called, as the request was made that the recommendations be dealt with separately.

The question on Part 1 of the resolution was then called, and it was CARRIED.

The question on Part 2 of the resolution was not called, as discussion ensued on the issue of program funding; the project coordinator position; whether the development of a web-based information source could be completed in-house; and the development of a performance management system to indicate where the program was now and where it would be at the end of the term. 

The question on Part 2 was then called, and it was DEFEATED on a tied vote, with Mayor Brodie and Cllr. McNulty opposed.

It was moved and seconded

That a six month portion of the Substance Abuse program proceed on the basis that the City would provide one-half of the $52,000 in funding, and that the balance of $26,000 would be provided through financial or in-kind contributions from the other partners and stakeholders.
 

The question on the motion was not called, as discussion ensued on (i) whether the other partners and stakeholders should be expected to provide additional funding, and (ii) the impact to the strategy and work plan if the total amount of funding could not be obtained from these agencies.  As a result of the discussion, the following referral motion was introduced:

It was moved and seconded

That the motion, That a six month portion of the Substance Abuse program proceed on the basis that the City would provide one-half of the $52,000 in funding, and that the balance of $26,000 would be provided through financial or in-kind contributions from the other partners and stakeholders, be referred to staff and to the Richmond Substance Abuse Task Force for their comments .
 

Prior to the question on the motion being called, staff were requested to confirm with the stakeholders the level of support which the agencies could provide.

(Cllr. Sue Halsey-Brandt left the meeting at 5:51 p.m., and did not return.)

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

The Chair directed that Part 1 of the recommendation would not go forward to Council until such time as the referral to staff had been dealt with.

It was moved and seconded

That the $50,000 in unspent funds from the Mayors Task Force on Drugs and Crime be referred to the Finance Select Committee for a discussion on how these funds should be disposed of.

CARRIED

8.

MANAGERS REPORT

The Chair referred to a memorandum received from Supt. Clapham regarding a recent tour of Richmond massage parlours to determine if there were any bylaw infractions occurring.  She noted that previous reports had always indicated whether there were issues which had to be addressed by Council, and expressed concern that this memo had provided no such indication.

Discussion ensued among Committee members and staff on this matter, as a result of which, the General Manager, Community Safety, Chuck Gale, indicated that he request Supt. Clapham to provide more detailed information.

ADJOURNMENT

It was moved and seconded

That the meeting adjourn (5:59 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 Thursday, September 11^th, 2003.

_________________________________

_________________________________

Councillor Linda Barnes
Chair

Fran J. Ashton
Executive Assistant, City Clerks Office