May 10, 2005 - Minutes

Community Safety Committee

Date:

Tuesday, May 10^th, 2005

Place:

Anderson Room
Richmond City Hall

Present:

Councillor Linda Barnes, Chair
Councillor Derek Dang, Vice-Chair
Councillor Evelina Halsey-Brandt (4:18 p.m.)
Councillor Sue Halsey-Brandt

Absent:

Councillor Bill McNulty

Call to Order:

The Chair called the meeting to order at 4:00 p.m.

MINUTES

1.

It was moved and seconded

That the minutes of the meeting of the Community Safety Committee held on Tuesday, April 12^th, 2005, be adopted as circulated.

CARRIED

NEXT COMMITTEE MEETING DATE

2.

The next meeting of the Committee will be held on Tuesday, June 14^th, 2005 at 4:00 p.m. in the Anderson Room.

COMMUNITY SAFETY DIVISION

3.

POLICE CHIEF BRIEFING

(Oral Report) (30 Minutes in duration)

Items for discussion:

(1)

Victim Services - Update

Sgt. Maria Salzl first introduced Scott Valance, Unit Manager, and Darlene Grieve, Auxiliary Victim Services, and then provided a brief update on the status of the Victim Services Program.

Mr. Valance spoke briefly about Ms. Grieve’s previous experience, and then provided information on the changes being made to the manner in which the Victim Services Program functioned to make the volunteers more accountable for their time to the program. He stressed that these changes had not had a negative impact on the level of service provided.

Ms. Grieve spoke further on the changes, noting that the focus of the volunteers would now be to the community. She also provided information on the volunteer recruitment process which had just been completed, the training now taking place, and the upcoming recruitment process later in the year. Ms. Grieve stated that the Program had a heavy demand for service.

Discussion then ensued among Committee members and the delegation on:

§

the hours of operation and the on-call system

§

the recruitment process, the volunteers, and the optimum number of volunteers who would be recruited

§

the training provided to the volunteers

§

whether the Victim Services Program liaised with the City’s Coordinator, Emergency Social Services/Volunteer Management (the Chair encouraged Mr. Valance and Ms. Grieve to work towards this end).

The Chair thanked the delegation for their presentation, and they then left the meeting.

Supt. Clapham spoke further on the Victim Services Program and about the possible use of Police Officer Supervisors to provide assistance during the evening hours.

(2)

POLCYB and Tech Crimes.

(Cllr. Evelina Halsey-Brandt entered the meeting – 4:18 p.m.)

Corporal Steve Goss, responsible for the Detachment’s Economic and Computer Crime Section, accompanied by Supt. Clapham, spoke at length on technology and internet crime.

Supt. Clapham provided information on POLCYB.

Discussion then took place on:

§

whether there would be sufficient funds to sustain the program for the long term, and whether the Federal Government should be providing funding for the program because of the high cost of maintaining this program

§

the need for front-line, uniformed police officers to have a better understanding of internet technology issues and crime

§

the availability of specific software programs to the RCMP

§

public use of available technology and ‘identity theft’

§

the feasibility of conducting a public forum to help the public to protect themselves when using the internet

§

internet pornography, pedophiles, the lack of Federal Government legislation on this issue, and the role which the City could assume to deal with this issue (a newspaper article was circulated on this particular subject, and is on file in the City Clerk’s Office)

§

the sale of stolen property on the internet (an email received by the Chair on the sale of stolen high school music equipment on EBay was circulated and is on file in the City Clerk’s Office) and whether the Economic and Computer Crime Section monitored EBay for stolen property.

As a result of the discussion on the need for legislation on this subject, the delegation was requested to prepare a number of suggestions for discussion with the Community Safety Committee at its next meeting.

The Chair then recognized two upcoming police events, the first being the “Policy Week BBQ”, being held on Thursday, May 12^th, 2005 at City Hall, with the proceeds raised going to the Law Enforcement Torch Run for Special Olympics. The second event is the retirement of Assistant Commissioner Gary Forbes on Thursday, June 2^nd, 2005. It was agreed that a letter of congratulations would be sent to Asst. Commissioner Forbes, on behalf of the Committee.

In concluding the discussion, the Chair spoke briefly about problems being created in secondary schools by internet chat lines.

CHIEF ADMINISTRATIVE OFFICE

4.

RICHMOND SUBSTANCE ABUSE TASK FORCE PHASE 1 REPORT & PHASE 2 WORKPLAN

(Report: Apr. 28/05, File No.: 01-0100-20-RSAB1-01) (REDMS No. 1468484)

The Manager, Policy Development & Corporate Programs, Shawn Issel, accompanied by Vince Battistelli, Chair of the Task Force, and representing Richmond Addictions Services, spoke briefly about the successful outcome of the Task Force.

Discussion then ensued among Committee members, staff and the delegation on:

§

the purpose of the “Meth Watch” program

§

the focus of the work plan on youth and parents to assist them to make the right life choices

§

the needs of the community with respect to the availability of treatment facilities, including residential treatment facilities for youth and women; within Richmond Hospital, the need for the Emergency Department to deal with individuals more effectively, the need for a privately managed program in a home, and whether these needs were being adequately addressed

§

the involvement of Richmond Health Services in providing much more intensive services to deal with substance abuse

§

whether Richmond Health Services was exploring any other avenues with respect to substance abuse, the action being taken by RHS and how the City was endeavouring to deal with detoxification, either through a free-standing house or other type of facility; whether the City should be planning for both types of facilities, and the overall view of addiction services in the City for the future.

During the discussion, information was provided that the total in-kind contribution amount of $14,500 did not include volunteer hours.

Reference was made to the involvement of Richmond Health Services in dealing with substance abuse, and the suggestion was made that Richmond Health Services be asked to provide a memo on the action being taken by that agency on the ‘bigger picture’ of substance abuse, prior to the staff report being forwarded to Council.

The Chair, as Liaison to the Richmond Substance Abuse Task Force, commended the Task Force for their hard work and acknowledged the efforts of Brian Wardley and Inspector Tony Mahon. She asked that the congratulations of the Committee on a job well done be forwarded to the Task Force.

It was moved and seconded

(1)

That the Richmond Substance Abuse Task Force Phase 1 Report & Phase 2 Workplan be approved, and

(2)

That $50,000 for Phase 2 be approved from the casino revenues set aside by Council in 2001 for substance abuse initiatives.

CARRIED

COMMUNITY BYLAWS

5.

ANIMAL CONTROL, DOG LICENCING & MTI BYLAW AMENDMENTS

(Report: Apr. 27/05, File No.: 12-8060-20-7932/7933/7934) (REDMS No. 1465653, 1518124, 1504380, 1504263)

The Manager, Community Bylaws, Don Pearson, briefly reviewed his report with the Committee. Questions were raised about how the many regulations contained in the bylaw would be enforced, particularly with respect to enforcement of dog off-leash regulations on the West Dyke.

In response, information was provided that efforts were made to maximize staff in areas from which a large many of complaints were being received. Comments were made that City staff had a higher visibility than in the past; that more tickets were being issued, and that bike patrols along the dykes and in local parks would be implemented in the summer.

Discussion ensued on the need to undertake bicycle patrols in a consistent manner, and the suggestion was made that four or five City Bylaw Enforcement Officer vehicles should be outfitted with bicycle racks with bikes attached, and helmets in the vehicles, so that the inspectors could patrol the dykes at intermittent times.

It was moved and seconded

That the following bylaws be introduced and given first, second and third readings:

(1)

Animal Control Regulation Bylaw No. 7932;

(2)

Dog Licencing Bylaw No. 7138, Amendment Bylaw No. 7933, to implement a number of amendments to (i) bring the bylaw up to date and to ensure consistency within the bylaw, and (ii) increase dog licence fees; and

(3)

Municipal Ticket Information Authorization Bylaw No. 7321, Amendment Bylaw No. 7934, to increase fines and to add new fine sections relating to the welfare/care of an animal and the safety of the public.

CARRIED

6.

PEACE OFFICER STATUS

(Report: Apr. 19/05, File No.:   01-0172-03) (REDMS No. 1468113)

Mr. Pearson briefly reviewed his report with the Committee. A brief discussion then ensued regarding the recognition of Bylaw Enforcement Officers as ‘Peace Officers’ by the provincial court system.

It was moved and seconded

That the report (dated April 19, 2005, from the Manager, Community Bylaws), regarding Peace Officer Status For Bylaw Enforcement Staff, be received for information.

CARRIED

The Chair, on behalf of the Committee, asked that Mr. Pearson accept the Committee’s gratitude and congratulations on his upcoming retirement. He was thanked by Councillor Evelina Halsey-Brandt for his professionalism and his ‘can do’ attitude.

7.

MANAGER’S REPORT

The Chair referred to a survey recently completed by IPSO Reid on the ‘quality of life’ in Richmond, and noted that crime was the second biggest issue for residents.

Fire Chief Jim Hancock reported:

(1)

that Budget & Analytical Accountant Brenda Bartlett-Smith would be replacing Parissa Aujila, the Manager, Finance & Administration for the Fire Department, while she was away on maternity leave.

(2)

that it would seem unlikely that the funds generated by the Insurance Premium Tax would be directed to local governments to cover the cost of local fire fighting services, however he indicated that the BC Fire Chiefs would continue to lobby the Provincial Government on this issue. A brief discussion among Committee members and staff ensued on the matter.

(3)

that the foundations for the new Sea Island Fire Hall building would be poured and construction started within the next week.

ADJOURNMENT

It was moved and seconded

That the meeting adjourn (5:26 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, May 10^th, 2005.

_________________________________

_________________________________

Councillor Linda Barnes
Chair

Fran J. Ashton
Executive Assistant, City Clerk’s Office

Alerts

May 10, 2005 - Minutes

MINUTES

NEXT COMMITTEE MEETING DATE

COMMUNITY SAFETY DIVISION

CHIEF ADMINISTRATIVE OFFICE

COMMUNITY BYLAWS

ADJOURNMENT

In this section

Date:	Tuesday, May 10^th, 2005
Place:	Anderson Room Richmond City Hall
Present:	Councillor Linda Barnes, Chair Councillor Derek Dang, Vice-Chair Councillor Evelina Halsey-Brandt (4:18 p.m.) Councillor Sue Halsey-Brandt
Absent:	Councillor Bill McNulty
Call to Order:	The Chair called the meeting to order at 4:00 p.m.

	1.	It was moved and seconded
		*That the minutes of the meeting of the Community Safety Committee held on Tuesday, April 12^th, 2005, be adopted as circulated.*
		CARRIED

3.	POLICE CHIEF BRIEFING (Oral Report) (30 Minutes in duration)
	Items for discussion:
	*(1)*	*Victim Services - Update*
		Sgt. Maria Salzl first introduced Scott Valance, Unit Manager, and Darlene Grieve, Auxiliary Victim Services, and then provided a brief update on the status of the Victim Services Program.
		Mr. Valance spoke briefly about Ms. Grieve’s previous experience, and then provided information on the changes being made to the manner in which the Victim Services Program functioned to make the volunteers more accountable for their time to the program. He stressed that these changes had not had a negative impact on the level of service provided.
		Ms. Grieve spoke further on the changes, noting that the focus of the volunteers would now be to the community. She also provided information on the volunteer recruitment process which had just been completed, the training now taking place, and the upcoming recruitment process later in the year. Ms. Grieve stated that the Program had a heavy demand for service.
		Discussion then ensued among Committee members and the delegation on:
		§	the hours of operation and the on-call system
		§	the recruitment process, the volunteers, and the optimum number of volunteers who would be recruited
		§	the training provided to the volunteers
		§	whether the Victim Services Program liaised with the City’s Coordinator, Emergency Social Services/Volunteer Management (the Chair encouraged Mr. Valance and Ms. Grieve to work towards this end).
		The Chair thanked the delegation for their presentation, and they then left the meeting.
		Supt. Clapham spoke further on the Victim Services Program and about the possible use of Police Officer Supervisors to provide assistance during the evening hours.

*(2)*	*POLCYB and Tech Crimes.*
	(Cllr. Evelina Halsey-Brandt entered the meeting – 4:18 p.m.)
	Corporal Steve Goss, responsible for the Detachment’s Economic and Computer Crime Section, accompanied by Supt. Clapham, spoke at length on technology and internet crime.
	Supt. Clapham provided information on POLCYB.
	Discussion then took place on:
	§	whether there would be sufficient funds to sustain the program for the long term, and whether the Federal Government should be providing funding for the program because of the high cost of maintaining this program
	§	the need for front-line, uniformed police officers to have a better understanding of internet technology issues and crime
	§	the availability of specific software programs to the RCMP
	§	public use of available technology and ‘identity theft’
	§	the feasibility of conducting a public forum to help the public to protect themselves when using the internet
	§	internet pornography, pedophiles, the lack of Federal Government legislation on this issue, and the role which the City could assume to deal with this issue (a newspaper article was circulated on this particular subject, and is on file in the City Clerk’s Office)
	§	the sale of stolen property on the internet (an email received by the Chair on the sale of stolen high school music equipment on EBay was circulated and is on file in the City Clerk’s Office) and whether the Economic and Computer Crime Section monitored EBay for stolen property.
	As a result of the discussion on the need for legislation on this subject, the delegation was requested to prepare a number of suggestions for discussion with the Community Safety Committee at its next meeting.
	The Chair then recognized two upcoming police events, the first being the “Policy Week BBQ”, being held on Thursday, May 12^th, 2005 at City Hall, with the proceeds raised going to the Law Enforcement Torch Run for Special Olympics. The second event is the retirement of Assistant Commissioner Gary Forbes on Thursday, June 2^nd, 2005. It was agreed that a letter of congratulations would be sent to Asst. Commissioner Forbes, on behalf of the Committee.
	In concluding the discussion, the Chair spoke briefly about problems being created in secondary schools by internet chat lines.

4.	RICHMOND SUBSTANCE ABUSE TASK FORCE PHASE 1 REPORT & PHASE 2 WORKPLAN (Report: Apr. 28/05, File No.: 01-0100-20-RSAB1-01) (REDMS No. 1468484)
	The Manager, Policy Development & Corporate Programs, Shawn Issel, accompanied by Vince Battistelli, Chair of the Task Force, and representing Richmond Addictions Services, spoke briefly about the successful outcome of the Task Force.
	Discussion then ensued among Committee members, staff and the delegation on:
	§	the purpose of the “Meth Watch” program
	§	the focus of the work plan on youth and parents to assist them to make the right life choices
	§	the needs of the community with respect to the availability of treatment facilities, including residential treatment facilities for youth and women; within Richmond Hospital, the need for the Emergency Department to deal with individuals more effectively, the need for a privately managed program in a home, and whether these needs were being adequately addressed
	§	the involvement of Richmond Health Services in providing much more intensive services to deal with substance abuse
	§	whether Richmond Health Services was exploring any other avenues with respect to substance abuse, the action being taken by RHS and how the City was endeavouring to deal with detoxification, either through a free-standing house or other type of facility; whether the City should be planning for both types of facilities, and the overall view of addiction services in the City for the future.
	During the discussion, information was provided that the total in-kind contribution amount of $14,500 did not include volunteer hours.
	Reference was made to the involvement of Richmond Health Services in dealing with substance abuse, and the suggestion was made that Richmond Health Services be asked to provide a memo on the action being taken by that agency on the ‘bigger picture’ of substance abuse, prior to the staff report being forwarded to Council.
	The Chair, as Liaison to the Richmond Substance Abuse Task Force, commended the Task Force for their hard work and acknowledged the efforts of Brian Wardley and Inspector Tony Mahon. She asked that the congratulations of the Committee on a job well done be forwarded to the Task Force.
	It was moved and seconded
	*(1)*	*That the Richmond Substance Abuse Task Force Phase 1 Report & Phase 2 Workplan be approved, and*
	*(2)*	*That $50,000 for Phase 2 be approved from the casino revenues set aside by Council in 2001 for substance abuse initiatives.*
	CARRIED

5.	ANIMAL CONTROL, DOG LICENCING & MTI BYLAW AMENDMENTS (Report: Apr. 27/05, File No.: 12-8060-20-7932/7933/7934) (REDMS No. 1465653, 1518124, 1504380, 1504263)
	The Manager, Community Bylaws, Don Pearson, briefly reviewed his report with the Committee. Questions were raised about how the many regulations contained in the bylaw would be enforced, particularly with respect to enforcement of dog off-leash regulations on the West Dyke.
	In response, information was provided that efforts were made to maximize staff in areas from which a large many of complaints were being received. Comments were made that City staff had a higher visibility than in the past; that more tickets were being issued, and that bike patrols along the dykes and in local parks would be implemented in the summer.
	Discussion ensued on the need to undertake bicycle patrols in a consistent manner, and the suggestion was made that four or five City Bylaw Enforcement Officer vehicles should be outfitted with bicycle racks with bikes attached, and helmets in the vehicles, so that the inspectors could patrol the dykes at intermittent times.
	It was moved and seconded
	*That the following bylaws be introduced and given first, second and third readings:*
	*(1)*	*Animal Control Regulation Bylaw No. 7932;*
	*(2)*	Dog Licencing Bylaw No. 7138, Amendment Bylaw No. 7933, to implement a number of amendments to (i) bring the bylaw up to date and to ensure consistency within the bylaw, and (ii) increase dog licence fees; and
	*(3)*	Municipal Ticket Information Authorization Bylaw No. 7321, Amendment Bylaw No. 7934, to increase fines and to add new fine sections relating to the welfare/care of an animal and the safety of the public.
	CARRIED

	6.	PEACE OFFICER STATUS (Report: Apr. 19/05, File No.: 01-0172-03) (REDMS No. 1468113)
		Mr. Pearson briefly reviewed his report with the Committee. A brief discussion then ensued regarding the recognition of Bylaw Enforcement Officers as ‘Peace Officers’ by the provincial court system.
		It was moved and seconded
		*That the report (dated April 19, 2005, from the Manager, Community Bylaws), regarding Peace Officer Status For Bylaw Enforcement Staff, be received for information.*
		CARRIED
		The Chair, on behalf of the Committee, asked that Mr. Pearson accept the Committee’s gratitude and congratulations on his upcoming retirement. He was thanked by Councillor Evelina Halsey-Brandt for his professionalism and his ‘can do’ attitude.

		Fire Chief Jim Hancock reported:
		(1)	that Budget & Analytical Accountant Brenda Bartlett-Smith would be replacing Parissa Aujila, the Manager, Finance & Administration for the Fire Department, while she was away on maternity leave.
		(2)	that it would seem unlikely that the funds generated by the Insurance Premium Tax would be directed to local governments to cover the cost of local fire fighting services, however he indicated that the BC Fire Chiefs would continue to lobby the Provincial Government on this issue. A brief discussion among Committee members and staff ensued on the matter.
		(3)	that the foundations for the new Sea Island Fire Hall building would be poured and construction started within the next week.

		ADJOURNMENT
		It was moved and seconded
		*That the meeting adjourn (5:26 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, May 10^th, 2005.
_________________________________	_________________________________
Councillor Linda Barnes Chair	Fran J. Ashton Executive Assistant, City Clerk’s Office