MINUTES

1.

It was moved and seconded

That the minutes of the meeting of the Community Safety Committee held on Tuesday, May 10^th, 2005, be adopted as circulated.

CARRIED

NEXT COMMITTEE MEETING DATE

2.

The next meeting of the Committee will be held on Tuesday, July 5^th, 2005 (tentative date) immediately following the Planning Committee meeting.

DELEGATION

3.

Gail Terry, Richmond Automall, and ‘Bumper’, to speak about “Kidsake Day” to be held on Sunday, July 17^th, 2005.

Ms. Gail Terry, General Manager of the Richmond Auto Mall, invited members of Council to attend the 7^th Annual Kidsake Day on Sunday, July 17^th, 2005.  The largest Child Safety Day in British Columbia is to include the participation of 35 non-profit and community organizations on the ‘Safety of Children’ theme of the event, and will offer a variety of information on various associated topics and many fun children’s activities.  The significant number of volunteers required to support the event was noted, as were the efforts being made to solicit additional volunteer help including that of senior citizens. 

Cllr. Barnes thanked Ms. Terry for her presentation, and spoke about the success of past Kidsake events.  Cllr. Barnes also mentioned the inclusion of the City in the Safe City Alliance.

Ms. Terry then responded to questions from Committee regarding last year’s attendance and how parking and crowd issues would be handled.

COMMUNITY SAFETY DIVISION

4.

POLICE CHIEF BRIEFING

In the absence of Inspector Clapham, Inspector Tony Mahon provided an update on the success of fundraising for the DARE program, including the well attended Gala Ball and the Jimmy Ng event, which will ensure the continuation of the DARE program for a number of years.

Inspector Mahon also provided an update on a recent event involving a Sikh youth in Richmond, which had received the full resources of the RCMP on the investigation.  Inspector Mahon indicated that upon the confession being made by the youth involved, discussion at all levels had taken place on whether charges should be laid against the youth.  The resulting determination was that due to the age of the youth involved and the singleness of the criminality involved, criminal charges would not be laid but rather a restorative justice approach taken.

Support for this decision was expressed by Committee members, and a request was made that a report on the general outcome of the Restorative Justice program be provided.

Corp. Steve Goss reported on identity theft, or impersonation for criminal purposes, which was noted to be the fastest growing type of fraud.  Mortgage fraud, credit card fraud and mail fraud were included in the discussion, as was the hiding of one’s identity for the purposes of terrorism, drug trafficking and money laundering.  Corp. Goss noted the key documents involved in identity theft to be birth certificates, Social Insurance Numbers and Drivers Licences, with Drivers Licences noted to be the most trusted picture identification issued by the government.  The use of the documents included those stolen, scanned, faked or fraudulently obtained.   

Corp. Goss spoke about i) the manner in which identification could no longer be relied upon, and the various methods utilized by the RCMP to ensure proper identification of individuals; ii) how individuals can protect themselves; iii) how to keep computers safe; iv) how secure email and wireless technology are; v) how to be proactive in protecting identity; vi) what to do when identity theft occurs; and, vii) the challenges identity theft presented to law enforcement.

Cllr. Barnes thanked Corporal Goss for the presentation, and asked whether proactive workshops would be held for the public.

5.

FIRE CHIEF BRIEFING

Fire Chief Jim Hancock introduced Deputy Fire Chief Ron Beaman, who then provided an update, by way of a PowerPoint presentation, on the status of the Sea Island and Hamilton Fire Halls as of June 14^th, 2005.

Cllr. Barnes requested that an update be provided on i) the # 3 Fire Hall; and ii) the joint Community Safety building in Steveston, at the next Community Safety meeting.

6.

RICHMOND FIREFIGHTERS FOR HABITAT FOR HUMANITY

(Report:  May 31/05, File No.:   0090-01) (REDMS No. 1585168, 1541083, 1539586)

Fire Chief Jim Hancock introduced Ms. Amar Gottenbos, project leader, and Ms. Anneke Rees, from Habitat for Humanity Canada, Greater Vancouver region, to those present.

Fire Chief Hancock described the goal of the team to build, in a sustainable model, one or more homes in Sri Lanka, and a playground complete with a City of Richmond dedication plaque.

Discussion ensued among Committee members and the delegation which included information being provided on the cost of building one home in Sri Lanka, why Sri Lanka was chosen, and the criteria developed by Habitat for Humanity for its housing.

Support and appreciation for the project was expressed by the Committee members, and suggestions were put forth regarding seeking community sponsorship, involving the Retired Firefighter’s Society, and, the possibility of video documentation of the project.

It was moved and seconded

That the Richmond Firefighters Habitat for Humanity Canada Team be supported by the City of Richmond with services in kind (as detailed in the report dated May 31^st, 2005, from the Fire Chief).

CARRIED

7.

MANAGER’S REPORT

There were no reports.

ADJOURNMENT

It was moved and seconded

That the meeting adjourn (5:15 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, June 14^th, 2005.

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Councillor Linda Barnes
Chair

Deborah MacLennan
Administrative Assistant