July 15, 2014 - Minutes

Date:

Tuesday, July 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

Call to Order:

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

AGENDA ADDITION

It was moved and seconded

That Richmond Fire-Rescue Emergency Response Services be added to the agenda as Item 7(iv).

CARRIED

MINUTES

It was moved and seconded

That the minutes of the meeting of the Community Safety Committee held on Tuesday, June 10, 2014, be adopted as circulated.

CARRIED

NEXT COMMITTEE MEETING DATE

Tuesday, September 9, 2014, (tentative date) at 4:00 p.m. in the Anderson Room

PRESENTATIONS

1.

(1)

PET KITS
(File Ref. No.)

Tim Wilkinson, Deputy Fire Chief, Richmond Fire-Rescue (RFR), accompanied by Mia Kivari, Firefighter, provided a brief presentation on the emergency pet kit initiative.  This initiative allows RFR to administer first aid to pets in trauma, including supplying oxygen to those that have suffered from smoke inhalation or requiring resuscitation.  Also, it was noted that each first response rescue truck is equipped with two Wag’n Pet Oxygen Mask Kits.

In response to queries from Committee, Ms. Kivari advised that (i) other fire departments have initiated similar pet kits, (ii) pet kit bags and oxygen masks were provided by the generous support of Invisible Fence and Burquitlam Animal Hospital, and (iii) the collapsible carriers and cat bags are available for purchase through pet supply retailers and local veterinary offices.

(2)

RICHMOND COMMUNITY CRIME PREVENTION GUIDE
(File Ref. No.)

Lainie Goddard, Manager, RCMP Administration, accompanied by Sheila Yamamoto, Block Watch Coordinator, and Shyreen Sharma, Crime Prevention Coordinator, presented the Crime Prevention Guide – a comprehensive booklet focused on promoting community safety.

Ms. Sharma advised that the Guide is a living document that will be adapted to meet Richmond’s changing needs and safety concerns.  Also, she noted that the Guide will be available at City Hall, community police stations, and on the City website.

In response to queries from Committee, Ms. Sharma and Ms. Yamamoto provided the following information:

§   

the Guide will be available on the City’s RCMP webpage, also, the Guide will be distributed to each block watch group; and

§   

further to the English and Chinese versions; the Police Contact Information (PCI) is available in Punjabi; it is anticipated that the PCI will also be translated in Tagalog in the near future.

Committee congratulated all those involved in the development of the Crime Prevention Guide and requested that the Guide be shared with the Richmond Chamber of Commerce and distributed to community centres.

LAW AND COMMUNITY SAFETY DEPARTMENT

2.

RCMP's Monthly Report - May Activities
(File Ref. No. 09-5000-01) (REDMS No. 4250660)

Eric Hall, Inspector, Operations Support Officer, Richmond RCMP, commented on May 2014 activities.  Insp. Hall advised that a concerted effort to reduce the number of thefts from motor vehicles is underway, noting that the RCMP is (i) working with local business operators to enhance surveillance equipment and signage in parking areas, and (ii) educating the public regarding vehicle crime reduction measures.

In response to queries from Committee, Insp. Hall provided the following information:

§   

the RCMP primarily use radar on high risk areas, while trained Speed Watch volunteers choose specific locations to monitor driving habits;

§   

a high percentage of stolen vehicles are recovered, as often these vehicles are used to carry out a crime, and are subsequently disposed of; and

§   

the increase in volunteer hours is a result of additional auxiliary officers.

Committee discussed whether the crosswalk signals on Minoru Boulevard, between Granville Avenue and Westminster Highway, and the crosswalk signal on Westminster Highway, between Minoru Boulevard and No. 3 Road, should be full traffic signals.  It was suggested that the matter be discussed at a future Public Works and Transportation Committee meeting.

It was moved and seconded

That the report titled RCMP’s Monthly Report – May Activities, dated June 9, 2014, from the Officer In Charge, Richmond RCMP be received for information.

CARRIED

3.

COMMUNITY BYLAWS MONTHLY ACTIVITY REPORT – May 2014
(File Ref. No.) (REDMS No. 4264017)

Edward Warzel, Manager, Community Bylaws, commented that the dog licence canvas program commenced in late May and resulted in a significant spike in new dog licenses for the month.

In reply to queries from the Committee, Mr. Warzel advised that (i) calls to the public regarding dog licensing were conducted by Community Bylaw staff, and (ii) parking meter upgrades are underway.

The Committee expressed appreciation for Community Bylaws’ efforts in relation to unsightly premises and grease management inspections.

It was moved and seconded

That the staff report titled Community Bylaws Monthly Activity Report – May 2014, dated June 10, 2014, from the General Manager, Law & Community Safety, be received for information.

CARRIED

4.

Richmond Fire-Rescue – May 2014 Activity Report
(File Ref. No. 09-5000-01) (REDMS No. 4260970)

John McGowan, Fire Chief, RFR, highlighted that RFR’s Car Seat Inspection Program has generated interest from across local governments, and is becoming a model program. Fire Chief McGowan further highlighted that 99% of property and content value was protected for the month of May.  He noted that the lack of water supply at an incident presented challenges for fire crews; however, RFR worked with the company to install a tanker water supply in the event of a future emergency.

Committee advised staff to encourage the IAFF 1286 Society to increase the use of the “Boot Drive” fundraising initiative at community events.

It was moved and seconded

That the staff report titled Richmond Fire-Rescue – May 2014 Activity Report, dated June 18, 2014, from the Fire Chief, Richmond Fire-Rescue, be received for information.

CARRIED

5.

Lafarge Canada Inc. – High Angle Rope Rescue Service
(File Ref. No.) (REDMS No. 4249702)

Fire Chief McGowan accompanied by Kim Howell, Deputy Fire Chief, provided background information and noted that site improvements to the training facility are anticipated to commence in October 2014.

It was moved and seconded

That the Chief Administrative Officer and General Manager, Law and Community Safety be authorized to negotiate and execute an amendment to the existing Confined Space Rescue Service Agreement between the City and Lafarge Canada Inc. (Lafarge) to include Technical High Angle Rope Rescue services by Richmond Fire-Rescue to Lafarge operations at 7611 No.9 Road on the terms and conditions outlined in the staff report titled High Angle Rope Rescue Services, dated June 19, 2014,  from the Fire Chief, Richmond Fire-Rescue.

CARRIED

6.

Fire Protection and Life Safety Bylaw Update
(File Ref. No. 09-5140-01/2014) (REDMS No. 3784900 v.9)

In response to a query from Committee, Fire Chief McGowan accompanied by Kevin Gray, Deputy Fire Chief, advised that fines have increased from $100 to $1000 to address RFR’s costs and the risks associated with such offences.  Also, it was noted that the fines are comparable with those of other lower mainland municipalities’.

It was moved and seconded

(1)

That Fire Protection and Life Safety Bylaw No. 8306, Amendment Bylaw No. 9151, be introduced and given first, second, and third readings;

(2)

That Consolidated Fees Bylaw No. 8636, Amendment Bylaw No. 9152, be introduced and given first, second, and third readings;

(3)

That Municipal Ticket Information Authorization Bylaw No. 7321, Amendment Bylaw No. 9153, be introduced and given first, second, and third readings; and

(4)

That Notice of Bylaw Violation Dispute Adjudication Bylaw No. 8122, Amendment Bylaw No. 9154, be introduced and given first, second, and third readings.

CARRIED

7.

FIRE CHIEF BRIEFING
(Verbal Report)

(i)

Bloodmobile

Fire Chief McGowan advised that as part of the Canadian Blood Services – Public Service Challenge between June 15, 2014 and August 31, 2014, RFR will be participating in an event on Tuesday, August 19, 2014 at Fire Hall No. 1.  RFR members and the public are encouraged to donate blood and alternatively, if unable to attend the event, to book an appointment to donate blood.  Appointments may be made by calling 1-888-2-DONATE or by visiting the Canadian Blood Services website at www.blood.ca.

(ii)

Summer Safety

Fire Chief McGowan commented that RFR is focusing on barbeque and water safety messaging through news releases, social media, and read-o-graph messaging during the summer months.

(iii)

Raise a Reader Program

Fire Chief McGowan noted that on Wednesday, September 24, 2014, volunteers from RFR will be attending high pedestrian traffic areas, such as the Richmond Brighouse Canada Line station, to exchange copies of the Vancouver Sun for donations to the Raise-A-Reader Program campaign.  The Program aims to empower children and families with tools to improve their reading skills.

(iv)

RFR Emergency Response Services

Fire Chief McGowan spoke on RFR’s Emergency Response Services with regard to a referral from Committee on May 13, 2014, and reviewed the staff memorandum titled Richmond Fire Rescue Emergency Response Services dated July 14, 2014 (copy on file City Clerk’s Office).

In response to queries from Committee, Fire Chief McGowan provided the following information:

§   

RFR will respond to critical, life intervention emergencies at the Vancouver International Airport (YVR); however, YVR medical attendants or British Columbia Ambulance Services will be first responders for minor medical emergencies;

§   

while RFR can provide statistical data for assessing service performance and service delivery capacities, a consultant has the expertise required for analysis and assessment purposes; and

§   

a critical component of developing a request for proposal for consulting services to develop (i) a comprehensive strategic and long range facilities, and (ii) a deployment plan for RFR and the Richmond RCMP, is the participation of staff throughout the process.

Frances Clark, 8160 Railway Avenue, expressed concern with regard to her experience liaising with senior staff subsequent to her May 2014 presentation to Committee.  Ms. Clark was of the opinion that a staff report addressing the May 2014 referral has yet to come before Committee.  Ms. Clark was also of the opinion that a community decision must be made to increase emergency services within Richmond in order to meet demands and to adequately respond to a major event. 

Committee thanked Ms. Clark for expressing her concerns and acknowledged the importance of reporting back to Committee and advising those concerned with regard to the May 2014 referral.

Committee suggested that staff seek community stakeholder input (i.e. appropriate Advisory Committees, Richmond Chamber of Commerce) related to emergency services prior to reporting back to Committee on the referral.

8.

RCMP/OIC BRIEFING
(Verbal Report)

(i)

Strategic Plan Update

Insp. Hall advised that the Strategic Plan is in the community consultation process and it is anticipated that the RCMP will report back to Committee in the fall.

In response to a query from Committee, Phyllis Carlyle, General Manager, Law and Community Safety, advised that correspondence from an individual concerned with the response by E-Comm and the Richmond RCMP has been forwarded to Dave Guscott, President and CEO, E-Comm, and Superintendent Renny Nesset, Officer in Charge, Richmond RCMP for independent investigations.  Committee requested that Ms. Carlyle report back to Committee whether the matter has been resolved.

(ii)

RCMP Updates

Insp. Hall advised that Richmond RCMP vehicles are sporting new decals as part of a campaign launched by the Combined Forces Special Enforcement Unit of British Columbia (CFSEU-BC) to aid in the public education of gangs, the effects of gang violence, and the prevention of gang membership.

Insp. Hall further advised that a rumbler siren, a device that emits a low frequency bass vibration in conjunction with the traditional lights and sirens, is being tested on a number of Richmond RCMP vehicles as an additional tool to gain a driver’s attention to an approaching police vehicle.

In response to a query from Committee, Insp. Hall commented that frequent water patrols are being conducted during the summer months.

9.

JOINT BRIEFING - FIRE CHIEF AND RCMP/OIC
(Verbal Report)

(i)

Canada Day – Ships to Shore

Insp. Hall advised that the Canada Day – Ships to Shore event was successful, noting that it was the lowest number of calls for service over the past five years.  Also, it was noted that a separate radio channel was used during the event, which allowed members to respond quickly to calls for service.

Fire Chief McGowan commented that over 300 children attended the RFR obstacle course and that the parade, Ships to Shore event, and Canada Day fireworks display were successful events due to the planning efforts of Community Services, RFR, Richmond RCMP, B.C. Ambulance Services, and Marine Search and Rescue.

10.

MANAGER’S REPORT

None.

ADJOURNMENT

It was moved and seconded

That the meeting adjourn (5:27 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, July 15, 2014.

_________________________________

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Councillor Derek Dang
Chair

Heather Howey
Committee Clerk