February 12, 2014 - Minutes

Date:

Wednesday, February 12, 2014

Place:

Anderson Room
Richmond City Hall

Present:

Councillor Derek Dang, Chair
Councillor Linda McPhail
Councillor Ken Johnston
Councillor Bill McNulty
Mayor Malcolm Brodie

Absent:

Councillor Evelina Halsey-Brandt

Also Present:

Councillor Chak Au

Call to Order:

The Chair called the meeting to order at 4:00 p.m.

MINUTES

It was moved and seconded

That the minutes of the meeting of the Community Safety Committee held on Tuesday, January 14, 2014, be adopted as circulated.

CARRIED

NEXT COMMITTEE MEETING DATE

Tuesday, March 11, 2014, (tentative date) at 4:00 p.m. in the Anderson Room

PRESENTATION

Grant Wyenberg, Training Officer, Richmond Fire-Rescue (RFR) and Dave McGee, GIS Analyst, gave a brief presentation on ‘Open Street Map’ - a database that can be regularly updated to reflect current address information particularly with regard to strata properties.  It was highlighted that the database improves the quality and accuracy of mobile maps; thus enabling RFR to respond faster.  Also, it was noted that the database has been in place for approximately five weeks, with 295 updates completed to date.  Also, Mr. Wyenberg noted there is no cost to the City for the database and that it can accommodate additional details, such as floor plans and mechanical information, which assist RFR.

In response to a query from Committee, Kim Howell, Deputy Fire Chief, RFR, advised that the display of the civic address is a requirement of Fire Protection and Life Safety Bylaw No. 8306. She noted that Bylaw 8306 is currently under review, and staff is examining incorporating information related to the display of the civic address as part of the business licensing, building approval, and development permit processes.

Mayor Brodie left the meeting at 4:14 p.m. and did not return.

LAW AND COMMUNITY SAFETY DEPARTMENT

1.

RCMP's Monthly Report – December 2013 Activities
(File Ref. No. 09-5000-01) (REDMS No. 4115970 v.4)

Eric Hall, Inspector, Operations Support Officer, Richmond RCMP, highlighted the significant increase in volunteer and community policing hours and efforts with respect to: (i) the distribution of notices for stolen vehicles, (ii) the speed watch program, and (iii) the distracted driver initiative.

Committee expressed gratitude to the Auxiliary Constables and acknowledged the importance of their presence in the community.

In response to queries from Committee, Insp. Hall stated that a working group of policing partners, including the Insurance Corporation of British Columbia, are developing a multilingual media strategy in an effort to reduce the number of pedestrian fatalities.  Also, he noted that the number of Auxiliary Constables continue to increase with approximately twenty-five trainees anticipated to graduate in the spring.

It was moved and seconded

That the report titled RCMP’s Monthly Report – December 2013 Activities (dated February 2, 2014, from the Officer in Charge, RCMP) be received for information.

CARRIED

2.

Richmond Fire-Rescue – December 2013 Activity Report
(File Ref. No. 09-5000-01) (REDMS No. 4127547 v.3)

John McGowan, Fire Chief, RFR, noted that the figures for “Multi-family Residential” statistics were missing from Figure 3 of the staff report dated January 17, 2014; however, he noted that the total values were accurate.

Discussion ensued regarding the tragedy at the seniors’ residence in L’Isle-Verte, Quebec.  Fire Chief McGowan advised that RFR does not have a comprehensive list of residences with or without sprinkler systems.  He noted that a fire prevention plan, from a building and mobility perspective, to address such risks is being examined.  Also, he stated that RFR has held discussions with a number of groups in an effort to identity individuals with mobility issues and to have such information updated annually.

It was moved and seconded

That the staff report titled Richmond Fire-Rescue – December 2013 Activity Report, dated January 17, 2014, from the Fire Chief, Richmond Fire-Rescue, be received for information.

CARRIED

3.

Community Bylaws – December 2013 Activity Report
(File Ref. No. 12-8375-02) (REDMS No. 4125047 v.4)

In reply to queries from Committee, Edward Warzel, Manager, Community Bylaws, advised that, (i) approximately three calls per month are received related to the Soil Watch Program, and (ii) court action is only pursued in the event that staff is unsuccessful in achieving compliance.

Discussion ensued regarding whether the Fat, Oil and Grease Management Program should be expanded to include residential properties.  Mr. Warzel noted that Community Bylaws and Engineering staff are currently exploring various options for the Program; however, plans have not been finalized.

At the conclusion of the discussion the following referral was introduced:

It was moved and seconded

That the Fat, Oil, and Grease Management Program be referred to staff to examine potentially including single and multi-family residences.

CARRIED

It was moved and seconded

That the staff report titled Community Bylaws – December 2013 Activity Report dated January 31, 2014, from the General Manager, Law & Community Safety be received for information.

CARRIED

4.

Transportation of Dangerous Goods By Railway
(File Ref. No. 09-5125-00) (REDMS No. 4136493)

Discussion ensued regarding the transportation of dangerous goods on the Fraser River as well as RFR’s ability to manage an emergency involving hazardous material.  Tim Wilkinson, Deputy Fire Chief, RFR, stated that in the event of an emergency RFR, in partnership with the Public Works Division, have the resources and the skills to handle and contain a large hazardous material spill.

It was moved and seconded

That the staff report titled Transportation of Dangerous Goods By Railway dated January 23, 2014 from the General Manager, Law and Community Safety be received for information.

CARRIED

5.

City of Richmond Crime Reduction Survey
(File Ref. No. 09-5350-01) (REDMS No. 4123489)

Committee expressed gratitude for the comprehensive staff report and suggested that the Richmond RCMP partner with the business sector with regard to break and enters in the community.

It was moved and seconded

That Council’s survey from the Blue Ribbon Panel for Crime Reduction be provided to the Parliamentary Secretary for Crime Reduction.

CARRIED

6.

FIRE CHIEF BRIEFING
(Verbal Report)

(i)

Heart Health Month

Fire Chief McGowan advised that RFR is supporting Heart Health Month by promoting healthy lifestyle tips that will reduce the risks of heart disease and stroke.

(ii)

Firefighters Ball

Fire Chief McGowan spoke of the upcoming 2014 Richmond Firefighters Gala scheduled for Thursday, March 13, 2014 hosted by the Richmond Firefighters Charitable Society, the Rotary Club of Richmond, and the Rotary Club of Richmond Sunset.

(iii)

Spring Ahead – Time Change

Fire Chief McGowan noted that RFR will be reminding homeowners to replace the batteries in their smoke and carbon monoxide detectors when changing the clocks for Daylight Savings Time.

(iv)

Eating Together Campaign – Touchstone

Fire Chief McGowan spoke of RFR’s participation in the upcoming 2014 Eating Together Campaign sponsored by Touchstone Family Association at Debeck Elementary School on Sunday, February 16, 2014 from 10 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.

(v)

Joint Update with the RCMP – Anti-Bullying Day

Fire Chief McGowan spoke of Anti-Bullying Day noting that RFR will show its support by wearing pink on Wednesday, February 26, 2014.

7.

RCMP/OIC BRIEFING
(Verbal Report)

Insp. Hall advised that the Richmond RCMP would be hosting the BC Chiefs of Police from Tuesday, February 18^th to Thursday, February 20^th at the River Rock Casino Resort.

8.

MANAGER’S REPORT

None.

ADJOURNMENT

It was moved and seconded

That the meeting adjourn (4:52 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 Wednesday, February 12, 2014.

_________________________________

_________________________________

Councillor Derek Dang
Chair

Heather Howey
Committee Clerk