MINUTES

It was moved and seconded

That the minutes of the meeting of the Community Safety Committee held on Tuesday, April 13, 2010, be adopted as circulated.

CARRIED

NEXT COMMITTEE MEETING DATE

Tuesday, June 15, 2010, (tentative date) at 4:00 p.m. in the Anderson Room

DELEGATION

Roger Mah, BC Ambulance Services, distributed copies of the Vial of Life (VOL) brochure (attached to and forming part of these Minutes as Schedule 1) and showed the Committee a sample vial.

With the aid of a PowerPoint presentation (copy on file, City Clerk’s Office), Mr. Mah  provided an overview of the Program and stated the following:

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the Vial of L.I.F.E. is “Life-saving Information for Emergencies”;

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the kit enables First Responders and emergency Medical Personnel to quickly locate vital information regarding the client’s medical history and medication in a time of crisis;

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information is updated and stored in the “Vial” in the client’s refrigerator;

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the principal aim of the VOL program is to help the client, paramedics and fire fighters on the scene of an emergency gain quicker access to medical history and medication information, which means safer and more timely treatment and transport;

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having this information easily accessible will also save time for emergency room and hospital personnel and facilitate the registration and care process;

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the VOL was introduced to British Columbia 20 years ago but faded out as operations were focused on  Eastern Canada;

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in the last two years, the program was reintroduced to the Province;

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the past trial run was reportedly successful but evidence is only anecdotal as no empirical data has been gathered.

In reply to queries from the Committee, Mr. Mah added the following information:

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Pharmanet cannot be accessed by paramedics from the ambulance;

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there are sufficient materials and supplies to start a one-year trial run of the program from May 2010 to May 2011;

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the target group for the VOL trial program is Richmond residents who are 60 years and older and are “aging-in-place”;

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McCue Drugs in Richmond presently offers the program to clients in the target group and will print out a standardized Medication Administration Record (MAR) for the vial; however, program participants can request a print out from any pharmacy;

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Superstore and Shoppers Drug Mart are also joining the program and other pharmacies have been contacted and invited to participate as well;

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support for the VOL program is being provided by the working group and two branches of Coast Capital Savings;

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the VOL trial program in Richmond will be empirically evaluated in order to establish quantifiable measures of success and data will be used to build a business-case for financial support for the sustainable expansion of the program; and

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the evaluation plan involves tracking of the VOL kits being distributed and talking to vial users and other stakeholders.

LAW AND COMMUNITY SAFETY DEPARTMENT

1.

RCMP’S MONTHLY ACTIVITY REPORT FOR MAY 2010

(File Ref. No.: 09-5000-01) (REDMS No. 2875914)

Rendall Nesset, OIC, Richmond RCMP, in response to queries from Committee regarding pedestrians struck by vehicles, advised the following:

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one of the biggest concerns of Richmond RCMP is pedestrians struck by vehicles which result in fatalities;

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these incidents are investigated by Richmond RCMP and discussed with City staff;

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Richmond RCMP believes that proper education on pedestrian safety is needed to address this concern;

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many drivers suspended for alcohol or drugs are repeat offenders and the new Provincial legislation on drinking and driving should be helpful in addressing this situation if it stands the test of the courts;

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pedestrian fatalities tend to be the elderly because of their inability to sustain the impact of a collision; and

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drivers of vehicles carelessly making left and right turns in intersections pose a danger to pedestrians.

In response to a query on the trend of dog attacks on humans, OIC Nesset advised that it is not on the rise based on complaints received by the RCMP.

Wayne Mercer, Manager, Community Bylaws, provided the following additional information on dog attacks in Richmond:

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dog attacks and aggressive pursuits appear to be rising and in the past 18 months,  two dogs were seized and destroyed;

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incidents involving dog attacks are thoroughly investigated and a process is being developed in dealing with the situation;

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at the very least, dogs which have been found to attack people are deemed dangerous and the following measures are undertaken:  (i) dogs are confined in the owner’s property, either inside the house or within a five-sided enclosure and muzzled at all times; (ii) violation tickets are issued to dog owners; and (iii) dog licensing fee is increased from $50 to $250.

In reply to a query regarding the two suspects with extensive criminal records who were arrested for stealing a bait car and subsequently released on a Promise to Appear with a court appearance,  OIC Nesset stated that it is a normal procedure and that there is no guarantee that the suspects will appear in court as promised.

The Chair noted the increasing trend over a two-year period in shoplifting and theft from motor vehicles in Richmond and mentioned a newspaper report on the success of the City of Vancouver in bringing down its property crimes. 

In response to a query from the Chair, OIC Nesset stated that the increase in shoplifting and theft from motor vehicles in Richmond could be attributed to the prevailing economic situation.  He added that he would look into how the City of Vancouver has dealt with its property crimes and expressed willingness to learn from its successful method.

The Committee welcomed Richmond RCMP’s newest member, Constable Daryl Morrison, a former auxiliary constable in Richmond since 2007.

The Chair also commended Richmond RCMP for the interactive crime maps made available to the public in the internet and stated that it is a very helpful tool for people looking for information on the situation of the City’s neighbourhood.

It was moved and seconded

That the staff report dated April 7, 2010, from the Officer in Charge, Richmond RCMP Detachment, entitled “RCMP’s Monthly Activity Report for May 2010” be received for information.

CARRIED

2.

2010 First Quarter Report - Fire-Rescue

(File Ref. No.:  09-5140-01) (REDMS No. 2879217)

In reply to queries, Fire Chief John McGowan advised the following:

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the electrical and fire safety inspections conducted by Richmond Fire-Rescue (RFR) were done through a number of programs;

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RFR’s decision whether or not to respond to an emergency call is predetermined through an established  procedure and criteria where information regarding a reported incident is gathered through questioning before the call is dispatched to RFR;

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RFR experienced an increase in call volumes, though not as large as expected, during the 2010 Winter Olympics due to the marked increase in Richmond’s population and related events held in Richmond such as the O Zone;

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the increase in call volumes were due to an increase in medical calls as fire calls were fairly flat during the Olympics;

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the increase in RFR’s budget for the period covering the Olympics was intended for the expected delivery of extra services to the community by RFR regardless of the volume of calls received; and

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gators, which are small, light and mobile vehicles, proved to be helpful in delivering effective and timely services in the O Zone as they could access all areas of the large site.

It was moved and seconded

That the staff report dated April 28, 2010 from the Fire Chief, entitled “2010 First Quarter Report – Fire-Rescue” be received for information.

CARRIED

3.

Visual Safety Alarms

(File Ref. No.:  09-5100-01) (REDMS No. 2882540)

Deputy Fire Chief Kim Howell informed the Committee regarding two important pieces of legislation: (i) changes in the B.C. Fire Code which mandates that effective May 1, smoke alarms should be installed on all buildings constructed before 1979; and (ii) the proposed Ontario legislation which requires all new provincial and municipal buildings to install visual fire alarms. She then distributed copies of the Information Bulletin by the Ministry of Housing and Social Development regarding the new provincial legislation (attached to and forming part of these Minutes as Schedule 2)  which she mentioned in the staff report.

Deputy Chief Howell further advised that RFR has been conducting educational campaigns on the changes to the BC Fire Code and has been visiting homes to check fire alarms under its Home Safety Program.  She added that she foresees RFR receiving more requests from the public for home inspections.

In reply to queries, Deputy Chief Howell provided the following information:

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changes to the BC Fire Code cover both residential and commercial buildings;

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battery operated smoke alarms can be installed if the cost of hard wiring is prohibitive;

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home inspections conducted by RFR under the Home Safety Program is through invitation by residents; and

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changes to the BC Fire Code pertains to the installation of smoke alarms while the proposed Ontario legislation is about the mandatory use of visual fire alarms.

It was moved and seconded

That the staff report dated April 22, 2010, from the Chief Fire Prevention Officer, entitled “the Visual Safety Alarms” be received for information.

CARRIED

4.

Bed & Breakfast Operations

(File Ref. No.:  12-8060-02-01) (REDMS No. 2739801)

Mr. Mercer and Magda Laljee, Supervisor, Community Bylaws, advised the following in reply to queries from Committee:

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since the referral of bed and breakfast operations to staff on September 29^th and discussions on the issue at the General Purposes Committee on October 5^th, staff has done some activities that dealt with safety issues and educated owners on how to meet the City’s requirements for the establishment of bed and breakfast operations;

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homeowners who are presently applying for bed and breakfast operations are covered by Zoning Bylaw No. 8500;

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staff provides information to applicants such as (i) how to proceed with their applications; (ii) advice on whether rezoning is required; and (iii) how to obtain a business license;

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applicants for bed and breakfast operations are not required to obtain a business license if accommodation is limited to two guests at any given time and if they intend to have more than two guests, they will have to obtain a business license as well as apply for rezoning;

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owners of existing bed and breakfast operations have informed staff that they intend to have only two guests stay in their homes at a time; 

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there is only one pending application for rezoning related to bed and breakfast operations; and

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staff has not received further complaints regarding bed and breakfast operations in the City.

It was moved and seconded

That the staff report dated April 26, 2010 from the General Manager, Law & Community Safety entitled “Bed & Breakfast Operations”, be received for information.

CARRIED

5.

COMMUNITY BYLAWS PROPERTY USE SERVICE DEMANDS 2009

(File Ref. No.:) (REDMS No. 2886917)

Mr. Mercer pointed out that the staff report includes a visual break-up using charts and maps of the top five categories of enforcement issues addressed by the Property Use Inspectors in the Community Bylaws Division, namely: (i) Unsightly Premises, (ii) Animal Regulations, (iii) Boulevard Maintenance, (iv) Zoning Regulations, and (v) Barking Dogs.

In response to queries from the Committee regarding the staff report, Mr. Mercer provided the following information:

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a dot in the map represents a single incident and a specific address;

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examples of issues under the abovementioned categories include: (i) Barking Dogs – off leash dogs running around yards in the neighborhood; (ii) Recycling Regulations – complaints on the activities of a small group of people taking things out of the blue recycling boxes; (iii) Boulevard Maintenance – construction of rock and wood structures that may impact the City from a liability point of view; and (iv) Unsightly Premises – commercial vehicles  and private vehicles without license plates and have defective or missing parts such as wheels and doors that are parked in front yards; and

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cases seldom reach the courts as the rate of voluntary compliance by the offending tenant or homeowner  is  around 95%,  a remarkably high figure which can be attributed to the  education of the public and the approach used by Bylaw Officers.

A comment was made on the need to introduce an amendment bylaw which will provide a definition of “unsightly premises” as there are private vehicles parked in front yards which are not defective and have no missing parts but look unsightly.

In response to said comment, Mr. Mercer remarked that at present, staff deals with complaints on the matter based on community standards and will look into the possibility of proposing a bylaw in the future to address the issue.

It was moved and seconded

That the staff report dated April 21, 2010 from the General Manager, Law & Community Safety entitled “Community Bylaws Property Use Service Demands 2009” be received for information.

CARRIED

6.

FIRE Chief Briefing

(Oral Report) 

(i)

Facilities Update – No. 2 Hall

Fire Chief McGowan provided a brief update on the construction of Fire Hall No. 2 and stated that the project is on track.  Transfer date of staff to said facility is in January 2011 with a grand opening in May 2011. He added that the facility has the following features:  (i) it can accommodate any type and size of fire apparatus; (ii) has a pre-plan office; and (iii) the buildings are built according to Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) Silver standards and also incorporates LEED Gold components such as green roofs.

7.

RCMP/OIC Briefing

(Oral Report) 

(i)

Strategic Plan – RCMP

OIC Nesset reported that he recently discussed with the City’s Administrators Group (TAG) the RCMP’s Strategic Plan and the processes involved. He stated that he received a good feedback from TAG and mentioned that he will make a presentation of the plan to the Committee in the future after getting more feedbacks from stakeholders.

(ii)

Cell Phone Usage/Tickets

OIC Nesset advised that it would be premature at this time to give a report on the effects of the new legislation prohibiting the use of cell phones while driving.

In response to queries, OIC Nesset stated that RCMP has started issuing tickets to violators of the law on cell phone usage but statistics could not be provided to the Committee at this time due to the lengthy process of gathering said statistics.

8.

OTHER ITEMS

(i)

Vial of Life (VOL) Program

A comment was made regarding the earlier presentation of VOL program, particularly on the financial and material requirements to implement the one-year trial run of the program in the City of Richmond.

As a result of the comment, the following referral motion was introduced:

It was moved and seconded  

That staff study and report back on the advisability of contributing $3,000 to the Vial of Life program from the Council Contingency Fund.

The question on the motion was not called as a discussion ensued on the funds needed and whether the proposed contribution would be voluntary on the part of Council.

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

(ii)

Safe Communities

Councillor Greg Halsey-Brandt, Council Liaison to the Safe Communities Alliance spoke of the Association’s recent activities.  He commented on the proposal that the City of Richmond be given recognition for its work in helping make the City a safe community.

It was moved and seconded  

That staff investigate and report back on the desirability and advantages of a Safe Community designation for the City of Richmond.

CARRIED.

9.

MANAGER’S REPORT

Uniform Program for Property Use Bylaw Officers

Mr. Mercer advised the Committee on the uniform program for Property Use Inspectors in the Community Bylaws Division and introduced Property Use Inspector Ruby Thind who wore a sample of the proposed uniform.  Mr. Mercer stated that under the said program, Property Use Inspectors would be provided a set of uniforms which are functional, professional and enhance the personal safety and recognition of the Bylaw Officers.

In response to queries, Mr. Mercer and Ms. Phyllis Carlyle, General Manager,  Law and Community Safety, provided the following information:

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the uniforms will be provided to six Property Use Bylaw Officers;

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initial cost of the uniforms is $6,000;

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the set of uniforms consisting of black T-shirt and jacket can be matched with white or khaki pants when used by Bylaw Officers in the performance of their official duties.

It was moved and seconded

That staff be authorized to purchase the uniforms for Property Use Inspectors in the Community Bylaws Division.

CARRIED

ADJOURNMENT

It was moved and seconded

That the meeting adjourn (5:31 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 11, 2010.

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Councillor Derek Dang

Chair

Rustico Agawin

Committee Clerk