MINUTES

1.

It was moved and seconded

That the minutes of the meeting of the Community Safety Committee held on Tuesday, March 11, 2008, be adopted as circulated.

CARRIED

NEXT COMMITTEE MEETING DATE

2.

Tuesday, May 13, 2008  (tentative date) at 4:00 p.m. in the Anderson Room.

DELEGATION

3.

Presentation by Steve Chong, Health Assessment Supervisor, Richmond Health Services and Dr. James Lu, Richmond's Medical Health Officer, and Laverne Fratar, Tobacco Reduction Coordinator, Richmond Health Services regarding Item 6 (Enhanced Smoke-Free Areas in Richmond).

With the aid of a power point presentation (copy on file, City Clerk’s Office), Dr. James Lu, Richmond’s Medical Health Officer, noted that this presentation was being provided in support of staff’s recommendations as outlined in Item #6.  The following points were highlighted:

§         

new Provincial Tobacco Control Regulations took effect March 31, 2008;

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the new regulations prohibit smoking in any indoor public places and workplaces, and within three metres at most entry ways;

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the new regulations do not address smoking on patios, signage requirements, and more effective distances at entry ways; and

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the City’s proposed bylaw includes a six metre smoke free zone at entryways, no smoking on patios, and signage requirements.

Discussion then ensued among the Committee, the delegation and staff, and the following information was provided:

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a combination of public health staff, community bylaws officers, and RCMP members would enforce the proposed bylaw;

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‘QuitNow.ca’ is an internet based free program open to all BC residents; the site offers online peer support, email reminders and tips, and expert advice on quitting strategies;

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owners are responsible to post the mandatory signage set out in the proposed bylaw;

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bus stops should be given the same treatment as transit shelters as outlined in the proposed bylaw;

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the proposed bylaw will take effect on November 30, 2008; and

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an MTI (Municipal Ticket Information) would be issued in violation of the proposed bylaw.

LAW AND COMMUNITY SAFETY DEPARTMENT

4.

RESPONSIBLE BEEKEEPING IN RESIDENTIAL AREAS AMENDMENT TO THE ANIMAL CONTROL REGULATION BYLAW NO 7932

(Report:  March 20, 2008, File No.:  12-8060-20-8357) (REDMS No. 2347463)

It was moved and seconded

That Animal Control Regulation Bylaw No. 7932, Amendment Bylaw No. 8357 be introduced and given first, second and third reading.

CARRIED

5.

39TH ANNUAL LIBOA-BC CONFERENCE - OCT 7-10, 2008 LICENCE INSPECTORS & BYLAW OFFICERS ASSOCIATION OF B.C.

(Report:  March 17, 2008, File No.:  01-0125-01) (REDMS No. 2359854)

It was moved and seconded

That the City of Richmond host the October 2008 LIBOA-BC Conference.

CARRIED

6.

ENHANCED SMOKE-FREE AREAS IN RICHMOND

(Report:  March 28, 2008, File No.:  12-8060-20-8360 / 12-8060-20-8361) (REDMS No. 2361518)

It was moved and seconded

That:

(1)

Council endorse the increased regulation of smoking in Richmond;

(2)

Public Health Protection Bylaw No. 6989, Amendment Bylaw No. 8360 be introduced and given first, second and third reading;

(3)

Municipal Ticket Information Authorization Bylaw No. 7321, Amendment Bylaw No. 8361 be introduced and given first, second and third reading; and

(4)

the Public Health Protection Bylaw No. 6989, as amended, be deposited with the Minister of Health.

The question on the motion was not called as discussion ensued with regard to the addition of ‘bus stops’ in Section 6.1.1 (d).  Staff advised that they would act on this suggestion and Section 6.1.1 (d) would reflect the addition of ‘bus stops’.

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

7.

REGULATION OF CONDITIONS AND ACTIVITIES AT PROBLEM PROPERTIES IN TRANSITION NEIGHBOURHOODS

(Report:  March 26, 2007, File No.:  12-8060-01/2008-Vol 01) (REDMS No. 2354916)

Ron Graham, Property Use Inspector, provided updated photographs of several sites that are considered to be problem properties (copy on file, City Clerk’s Office) and advised that property owners are cooperating to have the subject sites cleaned up in a reasonable time frame.

Wayne Mercer, Manager, Community Bylaws, noted that the joint operations team, composed of community bylaws staff, RCMP staff, and fire staff, lends its expertise to address difficult issues.

It was moved and seconded

That Council endorse the City’s comprehensive approach to programs and processes addressing conditions and activities at problem houses and properties in transition neighbourhoods.

CARRIED

8.

PAY PARKING AND DISABLED PARKING REVIEW

(Report:  March 28, 2008, File No.:  12-8060-20-8341/8342) (REDMS No. 2347485)

Discussion ensued between the Committee and Mr. Mercer, and the following issues were noted:

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parking rates should be equal throughout the City;

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parking rates have not increased since 2002;

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the public should be made aware of the changes in parking regulations; and

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out of province and out of country vehicles displaying recognized disabled permits would not be penalized.

It was moved and seconded

That:

(1)

Council increase the City’s pay parking meter rates and parking permit rates;

(2)

Council prohibit stopping in parking spaces designated for use by persons with disabilities;

(3)

Traffic Bylaw No. 5870, Amendment Bylaw No. 8341 be introduced and given first, second and third reading; and

(4)

Parking (Off-Street) Regulation Bylaw No. 7403, Amendment Bylaw No. 8342  be introduced and given first, second and third reading.

The question on the motion was not called as a request was made to separate part (1) of the motion.

(1)

That Council increase the City’s pay parking meter rates and parking permit rates.

DEFEATED

OPPOSED: Cllrs. E. Halsey-Brandt and S. Halsey-Brandt

Discussion ensued and as a result the following motion was introduced:

It was moved and seconded

That Council increase the City’s pay parking meter rates by 50 cents per hour, for two years.

CARRIED

OPPOSED: Cllr. Howard

Further discussion ensued and it was mentioned that the above motion did not address parking permit rates.  As a result of the discussion, the following motion was introduced:

It was moved and seconded

That Council increase the City’s parking permit rates as outlined in the report dated March 28, 2008 from the Manager, Community Bylaws.

CARRIED

The question on (2), (3), and (4) was then called and it was CARRIED.

9.

Funding for Front Line Policing

(Report:  March 31, 2008, File No.:  09-5350-01) (REDMS No. 2431961)

Shawn Issel, Manager, Community Safety Policy and Programs, advised that planning has been postponed with regard to how funding for front line policing would be utilized.

It was moved and seconded

That the Solicitor General John Van Dongen be requested to direct the recently announced federal funding commitment to front line policing in municipalities.

CARRIED

10.

FIRE Chief Briefing

(Oral Report) 

Items for discussion:

(1)

Personal Gas Monitor for Carbon Monoxide (CO)

Ron Beaman, Acting Fire Chief, joined by Stuart Corrigal, Acting Deputy Fire Chief – Operations, advised that CO is an odourless, colourless, and tasteless gas.  CO displaces the oxygen in one’s lungs, and exposure to high levels pose a health hazard leading to death.  Mr. Beaman also mentioned that all on duty Fire Captains will wear personal gas monitors and this is the first program of its kind in the Greater Vancouver area.  In reply to a query, Mr. Beaman advised that the monitors are economically priced and have a shelf life of three years.

(2)

YVR - Exercise Coastal Endeavour - Operational Plan

Mr. Beaman gave a brief overview of the program and highlighted that the purpose of the exercise is to bring various agencies together, to work as one should a significant incident occur.

11.

RCMP/OIC Briefing

(Oral Report) 

Rendell Nessett, Inspector, Operations Support, advised that the lower mainland district is creating four positions for its district office.  These senior positions will allow the RCMP to have 24/7 supervision coverage.

Mr. Nesset advised that the vacancy rate within the police department is approximately 9% and Richmond has been recognized to have priority filling their vacancies.

Mr. Nesset also advised that a homicide occurred the previous night, and indicated that there are no risks associated to the general public.

12.

OTHER ITEMS

No other items were discussed.

13.

MANAGER’S REPORT

Deborah Procter, Manager, Emergency Programs, noted that emergency contact information was distributed to Council and senior staff.

ADJOURNMENT

It was moved and seconded

That the meeting adjourn (5:34 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, April 15, 2008.

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Councillor Evelina Halsey-Brandt
Chair

Hanieh Floujeh
Committee Clerk