MINUTES

1.

It was moved and seconded

That the minutes of the meeting of the Community Safety Committee held on Tuesday, April 11, 2006, be adopted as circulated.

CARRIED

NEXT COMMITTEE MEETING DATE

2.

Tuesday, June 13, 2006  (tentative date) at 4:00 p.m. in the Anderson Room.

DELEGATION

3.

Introduction by Chief Superintendent Peter German, of Gary Bass Assistant Commissioner (A/Commr.), OIC, Criminal Operations Branch, “E” Division to make a presentation about the RCMP-initiated Crime Reduction Program.

A/Commr. Bass thanked the Committee for having him at the meeting and he stated that he has consulted various City Councils throughout British Columbia regarding the idea of a “made in BC” Crime Reduction Program.

The Program is designed to: research, review, measure, coordinate and evaluate crime reduction strategies; to bring together all of the stakeholders in the criminal justice system to form effective and productive partnerships with the common goal of reducing crime; and to work in partnerships to seek solutions to the root causes of crime which do not fit easily into any one agency’s mandate.

A/Commr. Bass used a comprehensive PowerPoint presentation (on file in the City Clerk’s Office) to introduce the Crime Reduction Program which can be defined as an over-arching, strategically and tactically focused approach to the identification and execution of specific initiatives, or Crime Reduction Strategies. The crime reduction strategy is based on research the RCMP has done into England’s Local Criminal Justice Boards (LCJB), established in April of 2003. The LCJBs were charged with raising public confidence in the justice system, to improve the delivery of justice by bringing more offences to justice, and to give victims and witnesses more support.

(Cllr. Dang left the meeting at 3:40 p.m. and returned at 3:45 p.m.)

A/Commr. Bass also discussed a new Integrated Criminal Justice Strategy for British Columbia which has two principles: unifying the criminal justice system and engaging the community. The benefits of this new model would be (i) responding to community needs and concerns; (ii) the development of joint priorities and targets; (iii) increased coordination and integration of information; (iv) better problem management in cross agency environment; (v) increased efficiency; (vi) and independence maintained.

The RCMP was motivated to explore a new Crime Reduction Program and an Integrated Criminal Justice Strategy because British Columbians’ reported confidence in the justice system is the second lowest in Canada; because the fear of crime is highest where people perceive the justice system to be doing a poor job; and because the fear of crime is reduced when community-based justice initiatives are introduced.

A/Commr. Bass’s presentation outlined the “next steps” which include continuing to brief all mayors and councillors as well as conducting briefings for key Provincial government Ministers and Deputies. In response to an inquiry, A/Commr. Bass said that the program has not involved those at the Federal level yet, as it was important that this be perceived as an initiative on the part of BC, but that it would be a mistake to not involve the Federal government at some point.

In answer to a question A/Commr. Bass explained that the idea is gaining momentum and that if Richmond would like to participate at some level it should move quickly. He added that he needs Richmond’s Council’s input on how it can tie issues specific to Richmond to the priority setting mechanism of the Program.

In response to a further inquiry A/Commr. Bass stated that the financial implications of the City’s participation would most likely involve such social responsibility elements as drug treatment programs, harm reduction initiatives, and so on.

(Councillor Evelina Halsey-Brandt left the meeting at 4:45 p.m. and returned at 4:48 p.m.)

(Mayor Brodie left the meeting at 5:01 p.m.)

The Chair thanked A/Commr. Bass for his presentation.

It was moved and seconded

That staff review the RCMP’s Crime Reduction Program, reporting back on how Richmond could be involved in the next steps of this initiative, and what would be the financial implications.

CARRIED

(Councillor Derek Dang left the meeting at 5:20 p.m. and returned at 5:24 p.m.)

COUNCILLOR HOWARD

4.

THEFT OF METAL PRODUCTS

(File No.: 09-5350-01)

Phyllis Carlyle, General Manager, Law and Community Safety provided an update on the difficulties being encountered by staff to address the growing problem of theft of metal products. She remarked that she would be glad to have the Committee refer the matter to staff as a project.

Dave Semple, Director of Parks and Public Works Operations, advised that city staff is doing its best to deal with this problem by welding plaques onto surfaces; carrying out remedial work hoping to cut down on the theft; and exploring the use of granite instead of metal for such things as memorial plaques.

In answer to an inquiry, Mr. Semple remarked that aluminium is an alternative material staff is looking into, as it has the same durability as bronze.

It was then moved and seconded

That staff, in consultation with the RCMP, be directed to seek a solution to the problem of the theft of metal products, perhaps similar to that used in the tracking methods for second hand shops.

CARRIED

POLICIES / STRATEGIES (0 ITEMS)

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DECISIONS / ACTIONS (1 ITEM)

5.

SITE CLEAN UP OF AN UNSIGHTLY PROPERTY CIVIC ADDRESS: 23380 WESTMINSTER HWY LEGAL DESCRIPTION: LOT B, SECTION 36 BLOCK 5 NORTH RANGE 4 WEST, PLAN 20693)

(Report:  April 27, 2006, File No.: 12-8075-20-01-2006) (REDMS No. 1813441, 1796266, 1798963)

Wayne Mercer, Manager, Bylaws and Tracey Christopherson, Bylaw Liaison Officer responded to an inquiry regarding the unsightly property advising that the correct name of the property’s tenant is Bill Yee.

Mr. Yee was in attendance and at the invitation of the Chair made a brief presentation, making the point that due to water damage sustained in his rental home it necessitated the removal of items from the home and onto the grounds outside the home.

Ms. Christopherson then updated the Committee by reporting that when she visited the property before coming to the Committee meeting, she noted what appeared to be new items on the grounds of the home, and secondly, that she was approached by a neighbour who complained that the number of unsightly items continues to grow.

It was moved and seconded

That authorization be given to John’s Custom Tractor and Disposal Service to remove all the discarded materials, under sections 17 (1) of the Community Charter and Local Government Act at 23380 Westminster Hwy, Richmond as outlined in the “Order to Comply” of April 7, 2006, under the Unsightly Premises Bylaw No. 7162, of the City of Richmond.

CARRIED

6.

UBCM Community Methamphetamine Response Funding Program

(Report: May 02, 2006 , File No.: 03-1087-01) (REDMS No. 1838993)

The City of Richmond received two requests for a letter of support from Council in their bid to receive funding from the Province, through the UBCM to support community-based anti-meth programs. One applicant met all the criteria, while the other applicant did not.

In response to an inquiry, Shawn Issel, Manager, Policy Development and Corporate Programs, replied that after the Committee meeting she will contact Miscellaneous Productions, one of the two agencies requesting a letter of support, to discuss with them the rationale for their request being turned down.

It was moved and seconded

That Richmond Addiction Services be provided with a letter of support with respect to their application for funding from the UBCM Community Methamphetamine Response Funding Program.

CARRIED

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INFORMATION / AWARENESS (1 ITEM)

7.

Hotel Fire Safety Review - Update

(Report:  March 14, 2006, File No.: 09-5170-01) (REDMS No.1755639)

Geoff Lake, Deputy Fire Chief accompanied by John Mitchell, a Captain in the Fire Prevention Department took questions from the Committee.

In response to an inquiry, Captain Mitchell noted that unlike the City of Vancouver, Richmond does not have a bylaw that addresses sprinklers, but the building code designates which buildings need to be sprinklered. The code will inform a builder, or renovator, about the need for sprinklers.

It was remarked that the city could investigate the legalities of a bylaw or another tool that would trigger the necessity of sprinklers on renovation jobs that cost over a base amount.

In response to a further inquiry Deputy Fire Chief Geoff Lake responded that Fire Rescue will review the sprinklers at hotel renovation sites at six month intervals, while in the past the frequency of such inspections was on a twelve month basis.

In closing Captain Mitchell noted that the Hotel Fire Safety Review, as well as the attendant media coverage, has had an effect on the hotel industry in the community, and he advised that the Richmond Inn has agreed to add sprinklers and that the Delta Hotel is in the process of adding sprinklers.

It was moved and seconded

That the report ” (dated March 14, 2006 from the Fire Chief) entitled “Hotel Fire Safety Review, be received for information.

CARRIED

NEW BUSINESS

8.

ENVIRONMENTAL PROGRAMS

Councillor Linda Barnes introduced the subject of the City of Calgary’s 2004 Corporate Climate Change Program, noting that it was a successful program, and the subject of the City of Surrey’s program entitled Nature Matters, believing both Programs were worthy of further investigation.

It was moved and seconded

That staff review and comment on two environmental programs: one from Surrey entitled “Nature Matters” and one from Calgary entitled “Corporate Climate Change Program”, to see if there are possibilities for Richmond to do something similar.

CARRIED

9.

MANAGER’S REPORT

(a)

Fire Chief Jim Hancock

Chief Hancock reported that Richmond Fire Rescue had just completed a joint exercise with GVRD at the Gilbert Road sewage plant, involving high angles and confined spaces, during which a mock victim was rescued from the third floor. The manoeuvre was fairly complicated but went over well, and the chief felt that the exercise also aided in building a trusting working relationship between the two participating groups.

He further reported that at the 911 Awards in April of this year Kevin Gray was recognized as Firefighter Of The Year.

Chief Hancock informed the Committee that they would receive invitations to an event, that will take place on either June 16 or June 17, 2006 on the city hall’s plaza, to wrap up the habitat for Humanity Project in Sri Lanka recently undertaken by some members of Richmond Fire Rescue. In response to an inquiry, the Chief reported that the team of firefighters had aided in the construction of three homes. The Chair asked Chief Hancock to relay the Committee’s congratulations to the participating firefighters.

In closing, Chief Hancock advised that 30 minutes before the beginning of the June 13, 2006 Community Safety Committee meeting there would be a hazardous vehicle demonstration event held outside city hall.

(b)

RCMP Officer in Charge Ward Clapham

Ioc Ward Clapham remarked that he was on hand to answer any questions. There were no questions forthcoming.

The Chair, on behalf of Committee members, acknowledged with congratulations the appointment of Phyllis Carlyle as General Manager, Law and Community Safety Department.

ADJOURNMENT

It was moved and seconded

That the meeting adjourn (5:57 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 9, 2006.

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Councillor Rob Howard
Chair

Sheila Johnston

Committee Clerk, City Clerk’s Office