MINUTES

It was moved and seconded

That the minutes of the meeting of the Community Safety Committee held on Tuesday, March 13, 2012, be adopted as circulated.

CARRIED

NEXT COMMITTEE MEETING DATE

Tuesday, June 12, 2012, (tentative date) at 4:00 p.m. in the Anderson Room

PRESENTATIONS

1.

(1)

Introduction of Inspector Bart Blachford, Richmond RCMP

Renny Nesset, OIC, Richmond RCMP, introduced Inspector Bart Blachford and provided a brief history of Insp. Blachford’s service with the RCMP.

(2)

Corporal Dustine Rodier, Richmond RCMP, to present on the Specialized Victim Team

With the aid of a PowerPoint presentation (copy on file, City Clerk’s Office), Corporal Dustine Rodier, Richmond RCMP, spoke of the detachment’s Specialized Victim Team (SVT).

In reply to queries from Committee, Cpl. Rodier provided the following information:

§          

the SVT works closely with Crown Counsel in an effort to have a high conviction rate for SVT case files;

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the SVT collaborates with the Criminal Investigation Unit regarding human trafficking files;

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four RCMP members are part of the SVT: two Corporals and two Constables;

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the majority of referrals received by the SVT are from the Ministry of Children and Family Development and the BC Children’s Hospital; and

§          

when translation is required, the SVT works closely with other RCMP members who are fluent in the victim’s language.

(3)

Introduction of Bob Alexander, BC Ambulance Service

Phyllis Carlyle, General Manager, Law & Community Safety, introduced Superintendent Bob Alexander, District 5, BC Ambulance Service.

Supt. Alexander provided a brief history of his work with the BC Ambulance Service.

The Chair advised that the matter of Replica Guns would be discussed as Item 5A.

LAW AND COMMUNITY SAFETY DEPARTMENT

2.

RCMP’s Monthly Report – February 2012 Activities

(File Ref. No. 09-5000-01) (REDMS No. 3490504)

RCMP’s Monthly Report – MARCH 2012 Activities

(File Ref. No. 09-5000-01) (REDMS No. 3502620)

OIC Nesset advised that iPhone thefts continue to be a concern.  In reply to queries from Committee, OIC Nesset advised that (i) the RCMP carryout targeted patrols for distracted driving; (ii) credit card skimming has tapered off significantly; and (iii) in order to reduce iPhone thefts, an iPhone needs to be of no value unless in the hands of the rightful owner.

OIC Nesset advised that the RCMP are informing the public on how these thefts are occurring in an effort to curb them.

Discussion ensued regarding iPhone thefts and there was consensus among Committee members that a letter to the manufacturer of iPhones may be of value in expediting anti-theft options.

It was moved and seconded

(1)

That the report titled “RCMP’s Monthly Report – February 2012 Activities” (dated March 12, 2012, from the OIC, RCMP) be received for information; and

(2)

That the report titled “RCMP’s Monthly Report – March 2012 Activities” (dated April 2, 2012, from the OIC, RCMP) be received for information.

CARRIED

3.

Pedestrian Safety Campaign 2012 Update

(File Ref. No. 09-5000-01) (REDMS No. 3492356)

John McGowan, Fire Chief, Richmond Fire-Rescue, accompanied by OIC Nesset, provided background information and highlighted that the initiative was well received by the public.

In reply to queries from Committee, Fire Chief McGowan and OIC Nesset advised the following:

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the RCMP take advantage of every opportunity to educate all members of the public on pedestrian safety;

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school-aged children are well trained on road safety precautions through various initiatives;

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statistics indicate that elderly pedestrians are the most victimized by collisions;

§          

ICBC’s ‘Learn to Drive Smart’ manual is relatively up-to-date;

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cautionary markings on crosswalks may not be effective as many pedestrian collisions do not occur at marked crosswalks; and

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pedestrian safety is a regional concern.

It was moved and seconded

That the report titled ‘Pedestrian Safety Campaign 2012 Update’ (dated March 27, 2012, from the Fire Chief, Richmond Fire-Rescue and Officer in Charge, Richmond RCMP Detachment), be received for information.

CARRIED

4.

Richmond Fire-Rescue – February 2012 Report

(File Ref. No. 09-5000-01) (REDMS No. 3499141)

Richmond Fire-Rescue – MARCH 2012 Report

(File Ref. No. 09-5000-01) (REDMS No. 3512357)

It was moved and seconded

(1)

That the staff report titled Richmond Fire-Rescue – February 2012 Report (dated March 22, 2012, from the Fire Chief, Richmond Fire-Rescue) be received for information; and

(2)

That the staff report titled Richmond Fire-Rescue – March 2012 (dated April 18, 2012 from the Fire Chief, Richmond Fire-Rescue) be received for information.

CARRIED

5.

Community Bylaws – February 2012 Activity Report

(File Ref. No. 12-8060-01) (REDMS No. 3494855 v.4)

Community Bylaws – MARCH 2012 Activity Report

(File Ref. No. 12-8060-01) (REDMS No. 3513531)

It was moved and seconded

(1)

That the staff report titled Community Bylaws February 2012 Activity Report (dated March 20, 2012, from the General Manager, Law & Community Safety), be received for information; and

(2)

That the staff report titled Community Bylaws March 2012 Activity Report (dated April 17, 2012, from the General Manager, Law & Community Safety), be received for information.

CARRIED

5A.

bylaw regarding replica guns

(File Ref. No.)

Discussion ensued regarding concerns related to the sale of replica guns in Richmond, and the lack of clarity in existing legislation.

OIC Nesset stated that replica guns appear very similar to real guns, causing concern on the part of the Richmond RCMP.

As a result of the discussion, the following referral was introduced:

It was moved and seconded

That the matter of replica guns be referred to staff for investigation of a possible bylaw to control the sale of replica guns.

CARRIED

6.

COMMERCIAL VEHICLE TRAFFIC – 16000 BLK OF RIVER ROAD

(File Ref. No.) (REDMS No. 3240955)

Wayne Mercer, Manager, Community Bylaws, provided background information.

It was noted that the staff report titled Commercial Vehicle Traffic – 16000 Blk of River Road be available at an upcoming Planning Committee meeting, where several applications in this vicinity are anticipated to be presented.

In reply to queries of Committee, Mr. Mercer stated that the condition of the road is good; however if traffic were to increase significantly, there may be reason to be concerned with the wear and tear of the road.  Also, Mr. Mercer stated that the installation of cameras, although an option are not recommended as they provide the public with a false sense of security.

It was moved and seconded

That the proposed control and enforcement measures related to commercial vehicles on River Road as outlined in the staff report titled Commercial Vehicle Traffic – 16000 Blk Of River Road (dated April 2, 2012, from the General Manager, Law & Community Safety), be endorsed.

CARRIED

7.

FIRE Chief Briefing

(Oral Report) 

Designated Speaker:  Fire Chief John McGowan

Item for discussion:

Fire Chief McGowan stated that Fire Hall No. 2 participated in Doors Open Richmond and highlighted that approximately 800 people visited the site.  He spoke of the various activities offered during the open house and noted that many of the public’s questions were in relation to the building’s numerous green features.

8.

RCMP/OIC Briefing

(Oral Report)

Designated Speaker:  Supt. Renny Nesset

Item for discussion:

OIC Nesset provided an update on the City Centre community police station and advised that a soft opening is anticipated for May 27, 2012.  In reply to a query from Committee, OIC Nesset advised that bike and ATV patrols will be carried out throughout the summer months.

9.

MANAGER’S REPORT

Ms. Carlyle advised that RCMP and Fire-Rescue personnel will be at the upcoming Public Works Open House.

ADJOURNMENT

It was moved and seconded

That the meeting adjourn (5:06 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 15, 2012.

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Councillor Derek Dang

Chair

Hanieh Berg

Committee Clerk