MINUTES

1.

It was moved and seconded

That the minutes of the meeting of the Community Safety Committee held on Tuesday, November 9^th, 2004, be adopted as circulated.

CARRIED

NEXT COMMITTEE MEETING DATE

2.

Tuesday, January 11^th, 2005 at 4:00 p.m. in the Anderson Room.

COMMUNITY SAFETY DIVISION

3.

Police Chief Briefing

(Oral Report)  (30 Minutes in duration)

Supt. Ward Clapham presented a training video that demonstrated the Richmond detachment’s focus on a proactive approach to policing.  The video will be used as a training session worldwide, and Supt. Clapham expressed his appreciation to the City for its support.

Discussion then took place among Committee members and Supt. Clapham on (i) the full recognition that should be given to the Richmond detachment for this initiative; (2) the percentage of youth going through the restorative system; (3) whether the monies realized as a result of cases being diverted from the court system could be applied to the front end of the restorative system; (4) whether provincial monies realized from Traffic Ticket revenues are directly targeted to policing costs and crime prevention measures or whether the funds were included in the City’s general revenue, and (5) whether there were other programs the City would be interested in funding.

As a result of the discussion the following referral motion was introduced:

It was moved and seconded

That staff report back on the amount of funds received from the province as a result of traffic ticket revenues, and whether the funds are tied to specific City programs.

CARRIED

Items for discussion:

(1)

Traffic Update.

Cst. Peter DeVries provided an update on the traffic situation on No. 5 Road which included the results of a one week traffic study undertaken by staff, and the traffic enforcement operations that had been undertaken.

Discussion then ensued among Committee members and Cst. DeVries on (i) the lack of feasibility of a number of traffic slowing options; (2) the effectiveness of speed meters; (3) intersection cameras; and (4) the scaled penalties for speeding.

(2)

Introduction of Sgt. Ron Paysen and Cpl. Dennis Wilson (Youth Section).

Inspector Mahon introduced new detachment members Sgt. Ron Paysen, Client Services NCO; and, Cpl. Dennis Wilson, Youth Section.

Sgt. Paysen provided an update on a number of recent break-ins at Ackroyd Plaza, the policing issues involved, and the proactive measures being undertaken to make the area less inviting to this type of activity over the long term.

Discussion took place among Committee members and Sgt. Paysen on (1) the sustained presence of the RCMP in the area; (2) the cooperation received from the management company for the plaza, and the individual store owners; and (3) the negative activities that could be associated with bringing rapid transit into the City.

As a result of the discussion the following referral motion was introduced:

It was moved and seconded

That staff:

(i)

approach businesses within the rapid transit corridor to work with the RCMP and look at the environmental designs with a view to identifying what could be done on a proactive basis to make the area unattractive to crime; and

(ii)

make recommendation to RAVCO regarding the features such as walkways and lighting etc., that could be incorporated into the RAV stations.

CARRIED

URBAN DEVELOPMENT DIVISION

4.

RICHMOND HOMELESS CATS SOCIETY’S OFFER TO OPERATE THE RICHMOND ANIMAL SHELTER

(Report:  Dec. 1/04, File No.:   ) (REDMS No. 1361391)

The Manager, Community Bylaws, Don Pearson and Dal Benning, Bylaw Liaison Officer were present and responded to questions from Committee members on the limited outsourcing contract and the significantly reduced  costs associated with this, and, euthanasia.  

Mr. Craig Daniell, Chief Executive Officer and General Manager, Cruelty Investigations of the BC Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SPCA), and Ms. Michelle Rogers, Branch Manager of the Richmond shelter, were also present.

Mr. Daniell spoke about the BC SPCA policy on euthanasia, and stated that a determination for euthanasia would be for a medical conditions, or a failed behaviour test that indicated a dangerous animal, but that euthanasia would not be carried out due to a lack of space.  In response to a question Mr. Daniell described the nature of the behaviour testing that is carried out by a third party unrelated to the animal, and both he and Ms. Rogers provided specific examples of the test criteria.

Mr. Daniell said that the SPCA was comfortable with the proposed relationship between the SPCA and the City and thus was looking forward to a long term relationship with the City.  Mr. Daniell also noted the significant financial commitment made by the BC SPCA in operating the Richmond shelter, and the recognition given by the City to the need for animal control and animal welfare.

It was moved and seconded

That the offer from the Richmond Homeless Cats Society to operate the Richmond Animal Shelter, BE DECLINED.

CARRIED

5.

PARKING PROGRAM REVIEW

(Report:  Nov. 22/04, File No.:   ) (REDMS No. 1348801)

The Manager, Community Bylaws, Don Pearson, and Wayne Mercer, Supervisor, Parking Program, were present.  Mr. Pearson said that the revenue generating capacity of the program would be realized in 2005, and he spoke briefly about the move to a new adjudication process in 2005 that would result in a more timely receipt of funds.

Mr. Pearson and Mr. Mercer then responded to questions from Committee members on the amount of profit anticipated to result from the Parking Program; the number of complaints received; the structure of the schedule for the enforcement officers; the uniform and protective gear assigned to the enforcement officers; and, the training of the enforcement officers.

Cllr. Barnes left the meeting during the discussion – 5:25 pm.  Cllr. Dang took over the Chair.

Cllr. Barnes returned to the meeting – 5:30 pm.

Mr. Robert Gilchrist, President, Cupe Local 718, accompanied by Ms. Lorraine Bissett, Vice-President, Cupe Local 718, spoke in support of the report, which was the result of a two and a half year process.  Mr. Gilchrist said that the program had proven itself well, and that he hoped for a Committee and Council recommendation that would bring the Parking Program in house, which would not only generate revenue but would allow a flexibility for change when required.  Mr. Gilchrist clarified that three of the temporary positions referred to in the fourth recommendation were linked to regular full-time positions already approved by Council. 

Mr. Gilchrist and Ms. Bissett then provided further input on the work load scheduling of the Bylaw Enforcement Officers.

It was moved and seconded

(1)

That the report (dated November 22^nd, 2004, from the Manager, Community Bylaws), outlining the performance and features of the Parking Program to date for 2004 be received for information purpose.

(2)

That, based on the performance and advantages outlined, the management and administration of the Parking Program continue in its present form as an in-house operation of the City of Richmond.

(3)

That, based on the performance and advantages outlined, the enforcement function of the Parking Program, which includes pay parking, safety & liability issues and animal control, continue in its present form as an in-house operation of the City of Richmond.

(4)

That, in support of the decision to continue in-house management, administration and enforcement, the present seven temporary full-time positions for Bylaw Liaison Officers be converted to seven regular full-time positions.

CARRIED

6.

MANAGER’S REPORT

There were no reports.

ADJOURNMENT

It was moved and seconded

That the meeting adjourn (5:54 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 Tuesday, December 15^th, 2004.

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Councillor Linda Barnes
Chair

Deborah MacLennan
Administrative Assistant