MINUTES

1.

It was moved and seconded

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

The question on the motion was not called, as reference was made to:

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the availability of funding in 2006 for the West Nile Virus Program – advice was given that the Provincial Government had not yet indicated if the program would continue in 2006

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whether consideration might be given to PST exemptions for fire-related projects and whether this exemption could be applied to hotels which purchased fire detection equipment – advice was given that there was nothing further to report on this matter at the present time, however, Chief Hancock indicated that he would ask that Chief Fire Prevention Officer Bob Furlong, the City’s representative on the Fire Commissioner’s Working Group on Building Upgrading Authority, to provide an update to the Committee on this issue

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the timing of a report to Committee on those areas of the City which might be more prone to liquefaction – advice was given that a report on the City’s dyking system had been submitted to the Committee, and that as a result of that report, staff were now focusing on the south ends of No. 3 Road and No. 5 Road; further advice was given that this project was on-going and that periodic reports would be made to Council in the future.

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

NEXT COMMITTEE MEETING DATE

2.

The next meeting of the Community Safety Committee is scheduled for Tuesday, December 13^th, 2005 at 4:00 p.m. in the Anderson Room.

DELEGATION

3.

(1)

Introduction of Mr. Don Gulley, Chair of the Board, Richmond Safe Communities Alliance by the Manager - Policy Development & Corporate Programs, Shawn Issel.

The Manager, Policy Development & Corporate Programs, Shawn Issel, spoke briefly about the creation of the Richmond Safe Communities Alliance, and she introduced Mr. Don Gulley, Chair of the Board.  

(2)

Presentation of Richmond Safe Communities Alliance Annual Report (Don Gulley/Shawn Issel).  (File No.:  01-0060-20-RSCA1)

Mr. Don Gulley reviewed the Richmond Safe Communities Alliance Annual Report, during which he advised that the Board was now permanent; that the business plan originally adopted by the interim board had been amended to focus on three specific areas – Substance Use, Misuse and Addictions; Traffic Safety for Road Users, and Slips, Trips and Falls; and that the Board would continue to bring government, community and business leaders together, with the result being a safe and healthy Richmond community.

Mr. Gulley further advised that the Alliance was in the process of developing a crime prevention plan for the community, as well as working towards a ‘World Health Organization’ designation.  He added that the Alliance hoped to expand the membership of the Alliance to include the Asian Chamber of Commerce.  He then introduced those members of the Alliance who present this afternoon:  Christa Mullaly, Dr. James Lu, Aileen Cormack, Fire Chief Jim Hancock and Insp. Tony Mahon of the Richmond Detachment of the RCMP.

Ms. Christa Mullaly, an addiction specialist with Richmond Addiction Services, provided information on the new “Meth Watch” program, a program to identify and educate businesses and/or industries which manufactured or sold the precursors needed to produce crystal meth.

Ms. Mullaly stated that while Richmond did not have a visible area which had to be cleaned up of drug use, etc., the City was the same as other communities regarding the number of people using drugs, and the amount of drugs being used.  She added that members of the Substance Use, Misuse and Addictions Sub-committee included representatives of the Fire Department, the RCMP, the Drug Section of Richmond Health Services, SUCCESS and the Richmond District Parents’ Association.

Ms.Mullaly further stated that the “Meth Watch” program would be launched at the end of January, with a town hall meeting planned to discuss crystal meth and methamphetamines, and with a community blitz proposed for after the town hall meeting.  She added that development of the program had provided the opportunity to talk with businesses and organizations about crystal meth and the need to stop production of this drug.

In response to questions about what the City could do to support the program, advice was given that the Alliance had submitted a request for a grant in the amount of $12,000 through the City’s Grant Program.  She also spoke about upcoming legislation to control the trafficking of methamphetamines across borders nationwide.  She added that having the support of the City no matter what form that support took, would be invaluable.

Discussion continued with Ms. Mullaly, during which in response to questions, information was provided that:

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there had been an increase, although not drastic, in the use of  certain drugs because of availability; however Richmond, although it did not have a visible area or population, such as Vancouver’s east side, where drug use was evident, was still comparable to other communities

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as a group the Substance Use, Misuse and Addictions Sub-committee had not yet met with local retailers about the “Meth Watch” program, although discussions had been held with the Richmond Chamber of Commerce

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although only Maple Ridge and Richmond were the only two communities to implement the “Meth Watch” program at the present time, a coordinated approach had always been the desire of the Alliance; because Richmond has been a proactive community in the past, the Alliance hoped to standardize the program with the long range goal being to establish the program developed by the Alliance throughout the region.

Aileen Cormack, accompanied by Dr. James Lu, Medical Health Officer, reported to the Committee on the “Slips, Trips and Falls” initiative.  A copy of the material circulated to Committee on this matter is attached as Schedule A and forms part of these minutes.

Discussion then ensued among Committee members and Mr. Gulley on the process to be followed to ensure that the City retained its designation as a safe community.  Information was provided that an update of the business plan prepared by the Alliance was required on an annual basis, with measurements in place as to the goals which had been met, along with a business plan for the next year.  Advice was given that subsequent to that, the national organization would make a decision on whether the ‘safe communities’ designation would continue, based on the success of the first year’s plan.

The issue of funding was addressed, and information was provided that the Provincial Government was expecting to announce the availability of funding for community methamphetamine response programs.  Reference was also made to funding available through the Provincial Government’s Community Health Promotion Fund, and Shawn Issel was requested to advise the Alliance as funding became available.

A general discussion ensued among Committee members and the delegation on:

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the need for bylaws to assist with the purpose of the “Meth Watch” Program, and the Bylaw Enforcement staff were requested to liaise with the Alliance to determine the feasibility of creating bylaws which could help address this program

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whether the buildings plans for hotel facilities were reviewed by the Advisory Design Panel as a means of addressing potential safety issues.

During the discussion, reference was made to a forum to be hosted by the Richmond District Parents’ Association on drug and alcohol awareness, and information was provided that this forum would be held at the Steveston Secondary School on November 29th, 2005.

The Chair thanked the Richmond Safe Communities Alliance on behalf of the Committee and the City for their worthwhile efforts in having the City designated as a safe community.  She encouraged the Alliance to continue with its efforts, and to apply for any grants which became available.

The delegation then left the meeting.

5.

POLICE CHIEF BRIEFING

(Oral Report)  (30 Minutes in duration)

Item for discussion:

(1)

General Update – Insp. Tony Mahon reported that a decrease had occurred in the amount of crime between this time last year and now, and he indicated that he was hopeful that this was due to the number of initiatives which had been implemented, including the creation of a Crime Reduction Team, which focussed primarily on key offenders.

Insp. Mahon spoke briefly about Halloween, advising that the vandalism to local schools had been kept to a minimum, with a total of 13 broken windows as compared to 39 in 2004; fire/arson incidents were reduced from nine to zero, and there was one incident of graffiti as compared to three in 2004.  He stated that the Detachment was of the belief that these results were due to the diligence of schools and increased security, and the coordinated effort which took place throughout the City.

Insp. Mahon advised that the Detachment would be engaging the services of an international crime consultant Rana Samson to undertake a review of its policing services.  At the request of the Chair, Committee members were requested to make themselves available for discussions with Ms. Samson, who would be in Richmond from November 20^th to 30^th, 2005.  The Richmond Safe Communities Alliance was also requested to speak with Ms. Samson.

Discussion then ensued briefly on ways in which to reduce crime and to keep repeat offenders off the streets, and whether there were any programs available to help these ‘career’ criminals change their ways.

URBAN DEVELOPMENT DIVISION

4.

AMENDMENTS TO FINE SCHEDULES – MUNICIPAL TICKET INFORMATION AUTHORIZATION BYLAW NO. 7321

(Report:  Oct. 12/05, File No.:  12-8060-20-7985) (REDMS No. 1671136, 1671238)

Bylaw Liaison Officer Ron Graham briefly reviewed the report with the Committee, during which the Chair requested that copies of the current bylaw be provided in order that a comparison could be undertaken of the proposed and existing bylaw.

It was moved and seconded

That Municipal Ticket Information Authorization Bylaw No. 7321, Amendment Bylaw No. 7985 (to address inconsistent section numbers and fines for certain infractions relating to animal control and dog licencing), be introduced and given first, second and third readings.

CARRIED

6.

FIRE CHIEF BRIEFING

(Oral Report)  (30 Minutes in duration)

Items for discussion:

(1)

Fire Hall Update – Odd Bell / Ron Beaman

Deputy Chief Ron Beaman, accompanied by Facilities Project Planner Odd Bell, gave a PowerPoint presentation to provide an update on the status of construction of the Hamilton and Sea Island Fire Halls.  A copy of the PowerPoint presentation is on file in the City Clerk’s Office.

(2)

Burkeville Fire Hall – Ron Beaman.

Deputy Chief Beaman showed a video clip which highlighted the Burkeville Fire Hall, and the small store in that building where candy was sold to children living in the Burkeville area, with the funds being donated to charity.

Reference was made to the seismic upgrades which were being undertaken with a number of fire halls throughout the City, and questions were raised about the source of funding for the project.  Discussion ensued among Committee members and staff on this matter and on the status of the construction of the new community safety building.  As a result, staff were requested to provide a breakdown on the funding; the status of the program, particularly with regard to the seismic upgrades, and whether there would be sufficient funding available to complete the projects.

Also addressed was the status of the replacement of the Bridgeport Fire Hall, during which information was provided that the project had been deferred primarily because of siting issues along Cambie Road.  The Chair voiced concern about the delay, noting that Council had approved the program and project in question, and now something different was being proposed on which Council had not yet had the opportunity to comment. 

Questions were also raised about whether the fire halls would have a life span of more than 50 years, and information was provided that the buildings in question should be functional for the next 50 to 75 years.

As a result of the discussion, the Chair requested that staff prepare a report for presentation to Committee at the next meeting on the rationale for the delay in the construction of the new Bridgeport Fire Hall, including a new timeline for construction of the facility.  Staff were also requested to include in the report, information on the status of the budget; the status of the building phases and seismic upgrades, and how funding would be provided for these projects. 

7.

HALLOWEEN UPDATE

(Oral Report)

Deputy Chief Beaman reported that the Department had only five fire works related calls on Halloween evening.  He expressed the opinion that the coordinated efforts of the City, the RCMP, Crime Watch, the Fire Department and others helped to reduce the amount of vandalism which had occurred in previous years.  Deputy Chief Beaman added that it was hoped that more neighbourhood community displays would be held in 2006.

A brief discussion ensued, during which the suggestion was made that more neighbourhood events should be encouraged to allow residents to walk to the fireworks displays rather than drive.  The opinion was also expressed that the fireworks displays put on at community centres helped to reduce the amount of traffic in the downtown core, particularly at Minoru Park.

As a result of the discussion, it was agreed that a letter of congratulations would be sent to the community centres thanking them for undertaking Halloween fireworks and special events; to the Richmond School District for showing initiative in increasing the amount of security at local schools, and to Captain – Fire Protection Services, Dave Clou, for his efforts in pursuing the total ban of fireworks and firecrackers in the City without the necessary permits.

The Chair referred to the construction sign on display at the Hamilton Fire Hall, which indicated that occupancy would take place by December 31^st, 2005.  Staff were requested to change the sign to reflect that occupation of the new fire hall would not take place until February, 2006 (advice was given that instructions had been given to the contractor to remove the sign).  In response to a question, advice was also given that the amenities planned for the Hamilton Fire Hall would remain as originally proposed and would not be impacted as a means of staying on budget.

8.

MANAGER’S REPORT

Fire Chief Hancock congratulated the Committee and Council for taking the initiative to pass the Fireworks And Firecracker Regulation Bylaw to limit the sale and displaying of fireworks.  He noted that he had spoken to Captain Clou and congratulated him for his personal and professional interest in this project.  A brief discussion then ensued on the status of a regional ban on fireworks and firecrackers.

The Chair referred to the City’s Council Referral Program, and advised that there were a total of nine outstanding referrals which would be returned to the Committee between December, 2005 and March of next year.

Cllr. Barnes referred to the press released issued by the Ministry of Attorney General regarding the expansion of the Bylaw Dispute System to six new communities including Richmond. 

She noted the absence of staff to respond to questions on this and other matters, and she expressed her displeasure at this absence, indicating that the Committee only met once a month and that staff should be in attendance for the entire meeting. 

As a result, the following referral motion was introduced:

It was moved and seconded

That staff report to the next Community Safety Committee meeting on Tuesday, December 13^th, 2005, with information on (i) where the bylaw dispute system would take place; and (ii) when the system would be put into operation.

The question on the motion was not called, as Cllr. McNulty voiced concern that tickets were still being issued through the mail to individuals who were caught parking in ‘no parking’ zones in order to drop off or pick up passengers.  As a result, staff were also requested to report on this issue at the December 13^th, 2005 meeting, and staff were requested to place the matter of ‘municipal ticketing’ on the agenda for this meeting.

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

Reference was made to a recent newspaper article on four Richmond companies which had been named on the Greater Vancouver Regional District’s ‘Non-Compliance List of Polluters’.

It was moved and seconded

That staff provide an update to the Community Safety Committee regarding the four Richmond companies which had been named on the Greater Vancouver Regional District’s ‘Non-Compliance List of Polluters’.

CARRIED

The Chair referred to a newspaper article regarding the need for defibrillators in schools, and a brief discussion ensued on this matter, during which Chief Hancock advised that his department supported this initiative.  As a result, the following referral motion was introduced:

It was moved and seconded

That staff examine the feasibility, and ramifications, of placing defibrillators in public facilities, including schools .

CARRIED

Reference was made by the Chair to correspondence received from the AS/C (Advocates for Sight Impaired Consumers), addressed to Deputy Fire Chief Geoff Lake, regarding the availability of an emergency response database for persons with disabilities, and she questioned whether the matter had been addressed.

Advice was given by Deputy Fire Chief Lake that he had responded to the organization, indicating that the Department did not have such a database.  He stated that he would provide a copy of his response to the Committee.  A brief discussion ensued among Committee members and Deputy Chief Lake on the information which was available to the Department on those individuals with disabilities who resided within multiple family residential buildings, and on the need to ensure that this information was accurate.

The Chair referred to the report received from the Surrey Fire Department entitled “Eliminating Residential Marijuana Grow Operations – An Alternate Approach”, and she questioned when the Committee would receive an analysis of the report.  In response, Fire Chief Hancock advised that a report would most likely be submitted to the Committee no later than January, 2006.

ADJOURNMENT

It was moved and seconded

That the meeting adjourn (5:43 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, November 15^th, 2005.

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Councillor Linda Barnes
Chair

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