April 15, 2014 - Minutes

Date:

Tuesday, April 15, 2014

Place:

Anderson Room
Richmond City Hall

Present:

Councillor Derek Dang, Chair
Councillor Linda McPhail
Councillor Ken Johnston
Councillor Evelina Halsey-Brandt
Councillor Bill McNulty

Mayor Malcolm Brodie (entered at 4:36 p.m.)

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, March 11, 2014, be adopted as circulated.

CARRIED

NEXT COMMITTEE MEETING DATE

Tuesday, May 13, 2014, (tentative date) at 4:00 p.m. in the Anderson Room

DELEGATION

1.

Gary Cross, 8238 Saba Road, provided background information regarding rodents at Lang Park and the following information was noted:

§   

concerns regarding rodents and pigeons at Lang Park was initially brought to staff’s attention in April 2013;

§   

Lang Park is riddled with pigeon feces, and as such, this may pose a health risks for park users and children attending the adjacent daycare;

§   

bylaw enforcement officers do not enforce provisions related to rodents of the Public Health Protection Bylaw No. 6989 while attending Lang Park;

§   

there is one individual who attends Lang Park regularly and continually feeds the rodents and pigeons;

§   

basic rodent control measures include the elimination of reliable food sources; and

§   

in an effort to address concerns of rodents at Lang Park, the City removed hedges where the rodents were nesting and placed bait stations throughout the park; this is not an adequate measure to control the rodents as the rodents continue to have a reliable food source.

In reply to queries from Committee, Mr. G. Cross advised that the individual who regularly attends Lang Park to feed the rodents and pigeons typically arrives in the afternoon.  Mr. Cross noted that he has requested that multi-lingual signs be placed at Lang Park; however this has not been done. 

Committee queried whether food vendors at the Richmond Public Market are perpetuating the rodent issues, and it was noted that since the rodents are eating in the park and have burrows in the park, their food source is located in the park, not at the Richmond Public Market.

Dalton Cross, Environmental Health Officer, Richmond Health Services,
Vancouver Coastal Health, spoke of the rodent concerns at Lang Park and advised the following:

§   

health officers have attended Lang Park on several occasions and witnessed food on the ground and people feeding the pigeons;

§   

an investigation concluded that the rodents do indeed live in the park;

§   

bait stations have been placed throughout the park; however as there continues to be a reliable food source, the rodents do not ingest the bait;

§   

the rodents’ food source must be eliminated so that they are encouraged to ingest the bait;

§   

bait stations are not a long-term solution; and

§   

the location of bait stations must be carefully determined in compliance with provincial regulations.

Mike Redpath, Senior Manager, Parks, stated that staff have removed open-basket garbage cans and increased litter patrol in an effort to address the rodent concerns.  He advised that the City’s signage practice is to provide pictogram signage as oppose to multi-lingual signage.  Also, he noted that staff have been working with the City Centre Community Centre to advise patrons not to feed the rodents or pigeons at the park.

In reply to queries from the Chair, Edward Warzel, Manager, Community Bylaws, spoke of the individual who has been attending Lang Park regularly and continually feeds the rodents and pigeons, noting that a warning was issued to this individual.

Discussion ensued and Committee queried (i) the individual’s state of mind, (ii) the Richmond Public Market’s cleanliness, and (iii) the number of rodents at Lang Park. 

In reply to concerns expressed by Committee, staff advised that (i) the open-basket garbage cans were not replaced as there are garbage cans along the area’s sidewalks, and (ii) fines may not deter the individual from continuing to feed the rodents and pigeons.  Also, Mr. D. Cross noted that, assuming that the rodents and pigeons’ feces possess pathogens that make people sick, proper hand washing effectively addresses any health risks.

Mr. Warzel then commented on next steps and the Chair requested that Committee be updated on the matter in the near future.

PRESENTATION

2.

Lainie Goddard, Manager, RCMP Administration, acknowledged Greg Lindenbach, Manager, RCMP IT Support, and Elaine Pedersen, Records and Information Coordinator, Richmond RCMP, for their work on the development of Online Crime Reporting.

Ms. Goddard then provided background information and highlighted the following regarding Online Crime Reporting:

§   

currently, an individual wishing to report a crime that has occurred in Richmond can do so only by phone or in person at the Richmond detachment;

§   

the Online Crime Reporting initiative will facilitate a third manner in which an individual may report a crime that has occurred in Richmond – on the internet; and

§   

crimes reported online must meet the following criteria: (i) the value of a stolen item must be less than $5,000; (ii) the value of a lost item must be less than $5,000; (iii) an unknown person has vandalized one’s property or one’s vehicle; (iv) an unknown person has broken into one’s vehicle; and (v) one’s vehicle has been in a hit and run accident.

Mayor Brodie entered the meeting (4:36 p.m.).

With the aid of a PowerPoint presentation (copy on file, City Clerk’s Office), Ms. Goddard reviewed the Online Crime Reporting submission process.

In reply to queries from Committee, Superintendent Renny Nesset, Officer in Charge, Richmond RCMP and Ms. Goddard advised that (i) the Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act protects individual information submitted, while allowing the RCMP to utilize other information for statistical purposes, (ii) watch commanders and station constables have received training on this initiative, (iii) the types of crimes permitted to be filed online typically do not require the attendance of a police officer, (iv) a vetting process will ensure that files that do require the attendance of a police officer are forwarded accordingly, and (v) Surrey RCMP and Richmond RCMP are the only police agencies in the Lower Mainland that utilize Online Crime Reporting.

Supt. Nesset stated that the Richmond RCMP anticipates that Online Crime Reporting will simply crime reporting for lesser crimes, thus providing a more accurate level of crime occurring in Richmond.

LAW AND COMMUNITY SAFETY DEPARTMENT

3.

Emergency Information Plan
(File Ref. No.) (REDMS No. 4166524 v. 5)

Ted Townsend, Senior Manager, Corporate Communications, provided background information and commented on extensive changes in communication best practises for emergencies.  He stated that the prevalence of the Internet, and the advent of social media and mobile devices have heightened the importance of information during an emergency, noting that information is instantaneous. 

In reply to queries from Committee, Mr. Townsend commented on public outreach initiatives such as the Get REaDY Summit, and spoke of the City’s social media accounts.

It was moved and seconded

That the Emergency Information Plan, as required under the British Columbia Emergency Program Act, be approved.

CARRIED

4.

The City’s Emergency Programs and the Auditor General Report: Catastrophic Earthquake Preparedness in BC
(File Ref. No. 09-5125-01/2014) (REDMS No. 4194974 v. 5)

It was moved and seconded

That the staff report titled The Auditor General Report: Catastrophic Earthquake Preparedness in BC and the City’s Emergency Programs dated March 28, 2014 from the General Manager, Law and Community Safety be received for information.

CARRIED

5.

BC Ambulance Service – Dispatch Protocol Changes
(File Ref. No.) (REDMS No. 4189980 v. 5)

Tim Wilkinson, Deputy Fire Chief, Richmond Fire-Rescue (RFR), provided background information and commented on the effects of changes to the BC Ambulance Service (BCAS) Medical Dispatch System.

In reply to queries from Committee, Deputy Fire Chief Wilkinson stated that, thus far, the city has not experienced any improvements as a result of the protocol changes; however he noted that BCAS has excellent response times for critical events in the city and therefore RFR does not anticipate significant improvements in this area.  With that said, he noted that RFR is experiencing longer wait times for less critical events, and as such, RFR is continuing to closely monitor this area.  Also, Deputy Fire Chief Wilkinson commented on advocacy from the Fire Chiefs Association of BC, noting that currently data is being studied to determine the true impact of BCAS’s protocol changes.  Also, Deputy Fire Chief Wilkinson stated that BCAS evaluates patients’ outcomes, and therefore, RFR does not have access to such information; however, the Fire Chiefs Association of BC is trying to gain access to said information.

It was moved and seconded

(1)

That the Fire Chief continue to update Council on the impacts of the BC Ambulance Service dispatch protocol changes; and

(2)

That staff continue to work collaboratively with BC Emergency Health Services, to further develop the emergency medical care system for the citizens of Richmond.

CARRIED

6.

Community Impacts of the Proposal to Eliminate Home Delivery Service by the Canada Post Corporation
(File Ref. No. 01-0140-20-CPOS1/2014) (REDMS No. 4206383)

Amarjeet Rattan, Director, Intergovernmental Relations and Protocol Unit, provided background information and noted that staff are in discussions with Canada Post’s Vice-President of Government Relations and Policy regarding impacts to the City.

Mr. Rattan reviewed Richmond’s mail delivery service, noting that currently 41,000 addresses receive home mail delivery (representing 54% of mail throughout the city), 4,600 addresses are served by community mailboxes (representing six per cent of mail throughout the city), and the remaining 40% receive home mail delivery through other methods such as lobby mailboxes.  Also, Mr. Rattan advised that business will not be impacted by the proposed changes.

In reply to queries from Committee regarding mail security impacts associated with community mailboxes, Mr. Rattan advised that staff have no new information regarding this matter; however, he stated that staff anticipate discussing this matter with Canada Post’s Vice-President of Government Relations and Policy.

Discussion ensued and Committee expressed concern with regard to (i) the location of community mailboxes, particularly in established neighbourhoods, and (ii) lack of information regarding Canada Post’s proposal to eliminate home delivery service.

Discussion further ensued and Committee commented on strengthening staff’s recommendation.  As a result of the discussion, the following motion was introduced:

It was moved and seconded

(1)

That a letter be written to the Federal Government and the Canada Post Corporation, through the federal Minister of Transportation, to express City opposition with the current proposal to replace home mail delivery service with community mailboxes and request that Canada Post consult with the City to:

(a)

ensure that any new mail delivery service proposal provides for the continued security of citizens’ private information and property;

(b)

ensure that all proposals related to home mail delivery provide for the necessary safety and protection of seniors and persons with mobility restrictions;

(c)

address specific issues related to the impact of any proposed home mail delivery changes to existing federal, provincial and local government obligations related to the statutory notification of property owners and citizens;

(d)

remove the discretion of the Federal Government under the Canada Post Corporation Act to utilize City-owned property for any community mailbox program in urban centres, without the direct consultation and approval of local governments;

(2)

That a copy of the letter to the federal Minister of Transportation be sent to:

(a)

Richmond MPs and MLAs;

(b)

the Honourable Coralee Oakes, Minister of Community, Sport and Cultural Development;

(c)

the BC Chief Electoral Officer – Mr. Keith Archer, Elections BC;

(d)

the Federation of Canadian Municipalities;

(e)

the Union of BC Municipalities; and

(f)

Metro Vancouver.

CARRIED

7.

Hazardous Materials Equipment Loan Agreement – Her Majesty The Queen
(File Ref. No.) (REDMS No. 4167453 v. 5)

In reply to queries from Committee regarding the hazardous materials equipment, Deputy Fire Chief Wilkinson provided the following information:

§   

the hazardous materials equipment is sophisticated and can identify explosives, weapons, chemical agents, biohazards, nuclear and radioactive materials, and narcotics;

§   

the equipment is being offered to RFR as it is no longer useful to the federal government agency; and

§   

the equipment’s lifecycle indicates that it will be of use for approximately ten years.

It was moved and seconded

That the Chief Administrative Officer and General Manager of Law and Community Safety be authorized to execute a loan agreement on behalf of the City of Richmond and Her Majesty The Queen In Right of Canada for hazardous materials identification equipment to be used by Richmond Fire-Rescue, as outlined in the staff report dated March 28, 2014 from the Deputy Fire Chief.

CARRIED

8.

Richmond Fire-Rescue – February 2014 Activity Report
(File Ref. No. 09-5000-01/2014) (REDMS No. 4179697 v. 4)

Deputy Fire Chief Wilkinson commented on fires in February 2014, noting that the increase in total content loss is attributed to one incident; he advised that an estimated $750,000 of damage was a result of water damage from the sprinkling system.

Committee thanked RFR for their community involvement, highlighting RFR’s donations at the Night of Hope event.

It was moved and seconded

That the staff report titled Richmond Fire-Rescue – February 2014 Activity Report dated March 28, 2014 from the Fire Chief, Richmond Fire-Rescue be received for information.

CARRIED

9.

RCMP's Monthly Report – February 2014 Activities
(File Ref. No. 09-5000-01/2013) (REDMS No. 4172020 v. 2)

Inspector Sean Maloney, Richmond RCMP, reviewed RCMP activities for February 2014.

It was moved and seconded

That the report titled RCMP’s Monthly Report – February 2014 Activities (dated March 28, 2014, from the Officer in Charge, Richmond RCMP) be received for information.

CARRIED

10.

Community Bylaws Monthly Activity Report – February 2014
(File Ref. No.) (REDMS No. 4171136 v. 7)

In reply to a query from Committee, Ed Warzel, Manager, Community Bylaws, commented on complaints regarding off-leash dogs, noting that staff are taking steps to address the matter.

It was moved and seconded

That the staff report titled Community Bylaws Monthly Activity Report – February 2014, dated March 21, 2014, from the General Manager, Law & Community Safety, be received for information.

CARRIED

11.

FIRE CHIEF BRIEFING
(Verbal Report)

(i)

911 Awards Dinner

Deputy Fire Chief Wilkinson noted that the 911 Awards honour all members of the emergency services in Richmond, and highlighted that 30 RFR members were nominated for an award.

(ii)

Bike to Work Month

Deputy Fire Chief Wilkinson spoke of RFR initiatives related to Bike To Work month, such as the importance of wearing a helmet and being visible while cycling.

(iii)

McHappy Day

Deputy Fire Chief Wilkinson advised that, in support of McHappy Day – May 7, 2014, RFR crews will be providing safety information regarding cooking at home.

12.

RCMP/OIC BRIEFING
(Verbal Report)

In reply to a query from Committee regarding Chinese driver’s licences, Supt. Nesset provided the following information:

§   

violations are not categorized by an individual’s race;

§   

Richmond RCMP have encounter fraudulent driver’s licences as a result of stopping a vehicle for a traffic violation;

§   

the Officer in Charge of traffic services for BC has requested that the Province review related legislation to clarify any areas that may be confusing;

§   

tourists and students from foreign countries may use a driver’s licence issued from another country for up to six months; however, such individuals must be able demonstrate that they are indeed a tourist or a student; and

§   

if an individual has permanently moved to BC, the individual must obtain a BC driver’s licence within 90 days of becoming a permanent resident.

Supt. Nesset then demonstrated examples of fraudulent driver’s licences the Richmond RCMP has encountered.

13.

MANAGER’S REPORT

None.

ADJOURNMENT

It was moved and seconded

That the meeting adjourn (5:50 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, 2014.

_________________________________

_________________________________

Councillor Derek Dang
Chair

Hanieh Berg
Committee Clerk