December 9, 2014 - Minutes

Date:

Tuesday, December 9, 2014

Place:

Anderson Room
Richmond City Hall

Present:

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

Also Present:

Councillor Carol Day

Call to Order:

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

AGENDA ADDITION

It was moved and seconded

That the Changes to the Police Act with respect to Auxiliary Constables be added to the agenda as Item No. 6A.

CARRIED

MINUTES

It was moved and seconded

That the minutes of the meeting of the Community Safety Committee held on Wednesday, November 12, 2014, be adopted as circulated.

CARRIED

NEXT COMMITTEE MEETING DATE

Tuesday, January 13, 2015, (tentative date) at 4:00 p.m. in the Anderson Room

PRESENTATION

Edward Warzel, Manager, Community Bylaws, introduced Darren McClelland, BC Manager, Impark, and Michael Hamilton, Senior Product Manager, Digital Payment Technologies.   

With regard to the City’s new parking meters, Mr. McClelland commented that Impark’s services include (i) the removal of the existing meters and the installation of 45 new meters, (ii) support for wireless and on-line reporting, (iii) the collection of revenues, (iv) auditing, (v) preventative and/or reactive maintenance, and (vi) hosting the pay-by-phone system.  He further commented that Impark will not be patrolling the City’s zones or paid parking areas for the City.

Mr. Hamilton spoke to the design of the digital meters and their data management ability, such as tracking revenues and occupancy levels, which will provide clear information on the City’s parking operations.

In response to queries from Committee, Mr. Warzel advised that the Impark contract includes the initial purchase of the parking meters, as well as collection and maintenance services, and noted that previously, the City entered into three separate contracts.  Additionally, Mr. Warzel highlighted that, due to anticipated efficiencies with the new meters, Community Bylaws’ focus will be directed toward enforcement activities.

In reply to a query from Committee, Mr. Hamilton commented that the cellular modem within the parking meter has been updated, thus the meter start-up time between uses is faster.

LAW AND COMMUNITY SAFETY DEPARTMENT

1.

Richmond RCMP 2015-2017 Strategic Plan
(File Ref. No. 09-5000-01) (REDMS No. 4433236)

The Chair noted that an updated version of the Richmond RCMP 2015-2017 Strategic Plan was circulated on the table (copy on file, City Clerk’s Office).

Superintendant Renny Nesset, Officer in Charge, Richmond RCMP, commented that only the graphics had been updated in the Strategic Plan circulated on the table and preceded to provide background information on the Strategic Plan.

Discussion then ensued among Committee members and staff and the following information was noted:

§   

the Richmond RCMP’s Traffic Division and the City’s Community Bylaws and Transportation Divisions are examining a number of means to reduce vehicular collisions and related injuries, including the use of portable equipment and other mechanisms that monitor vehicular traffic with regard to volume, speed, and time of day;

§   

the importance of both drivers and pedestrians taking extra precautions during this period of seasonal change to mitigate vehicular/pedestrian collisions;

§   

one liaison officer is assigned to a specific high school for the duration of the school term, however, due to the number of elementary schools, officers rotate conducting visits on a regular basis throughout the school year;

§   

the Richmond RCMP’s Crime Reduction Committee functions similarly to COMPSTAT - a district level crime control model; it meets regularly to review and analyze local crime data, and due to the confidential nature of the information discussed, the meetings are not open to the public;

§   

City staff are working with “E” Division to seek a more equitable funding model for the integrated teams;

§   

approximately 13 organizations participated in the stakeholder consultation process, including representatives from Richmond Fire-Rescue, Transit Police, and the Vancouver Airport Authority; and

§   

“Cop Cards and Positive Tickets” are longstanding programs directed toward youth of all ages.

Discussion took place and Committee recommended that the strategic priorities outlined in the staff report be endorsed by Council.  As a result of the discussion, the following motion was introduced:

It was moved and seconded

That the strategic priorities as outlined in the report titled Richmond RCMP 2015-2017 Strategic Plan, dated November 24, 2014, from the Officer in Charge, Richmond RCMP, be endorsed.

CARRIED

2.

Marine Patrol Program - Post Patrol Report 2014
(File Ref. No. 09-5000-01) (REDMS No. 4410376)

Supt. Nesset provided background information and in reply to queries from Committee, provided the following information:

§   

the Richmond RCMP Marine Section works closely with the Royal Canadian Marine Search and Rescue;

§   

offenses regarding proof of competency required under the Canada Shipping Act are rare; smaller offenses related to safety, such as the use of life jackets, are more common;

§   

the Richmond RCMP Marine program operates year round; however, funding from the District is available only during the peak seasons;

§   

the vessel used for the program was provided free of charge from Fisheries and Oceans Canada; operational costs associated with the program, above the District’s contributions, are approximately $6,000 annually; those costs are further offset by partnerships with the Delta Police Department; and

§   

the marine program involves (i) low level enforcement and training for safety standards, and (2) assisting vessels in distress along the inland tributaries and south channel of the Fraser River; the Canadian Coast Guard conducts high seas search and rescue operations.

In order to monitor increasing costs, Committee directed staff to provide a memorandum to Council detailing the financial impact associated with operating the Marine program.

It was moved and seconded

That the report titled Marine Patrol Program – Post Patrol Report 2014, dated November 3, 2014 from the Officer in Charge, Richmond RCMP be received for information.

CARRIED

3.

RCMP’s Monthly Report – October Activities
(File Ref. No. 09-5000-01) (REDMS No. 4413692)

Supt. Nesset spoke of the RCMP’s October activities and noted that the annual statistics are consistent with the five year average, with the exception of motor vehicle thefts and thefts from motor vehicles, which have increased throughout the Lower Mainland.

In response to queries from Committee, Supt. Nesset advised that (i) analysis is going with regard to a police incident involving a super-charged vehicle and that an update will be provided to Council once the investigation has been completed, (ii) the licensing of grow operations in industrial areas versus small independent operations has created challenges through the courts, however Richmond RCMP regularly monitor the industry, (iii) theft’s from motor vehicles are concentrated at large parking areas and are often the result of valuable articles being left exposed in the vehicle. 

John McGowan, Fire Chief, Richmond Fire-Rescue (RFR), commented that, with regard to grow operations, RFR operates its program under the former legislation and inspections of such activities are conducted to ensure that fire and operational safety requirements are being met with fines being issued where appropriate.  He further commented that RFR continues to monitor electrical activity in buildings to identify new illegal grow operations.

It was moved and seconded

That the report titled RCMP’s Monthly Report – October Activities, dated November 4, 2014, from the Officer in Charge, Richmond RCMP be received for information.

CARRIED

4.

Lower Mainland District Regional Police Service Integrated Team Annual Report 2013/14
(File Ref. No. 09-5350-01) (REDMS No. 4331511 v6)

Anne Stevens, Senior Manager, Community Safety Policy and Programs, provided background information and commented that the City has exceeded costs by approximately $500,000 over the three year period.  She further commented that the City has consistently paid more than the value of service received for the Emergency Response Team and the Integrated Homicide Investigation Team.

In response to a query from Committee, Phyllis Carlyle, General Manager, Law and Community Safety, advised that the funding formula is a process conducted between the Province and the local municipalities.  Ms. Carlyle spoke to the proposed legislative changes to the BC Police Act that will grant the Province sweeping powers to impose a specialized service provider for the provision of specialized policing services on a municipality and to allocate the costs for such services between the municipalities and the Province.   It was noted that discussions are ongoing with regard to the funding formula; however, a consensus has not been reached by the participants.

It was moved and seconded

That the staff report titled Lower Mainland District Regional Police Service Integrated Team Annual Report 2013/14 from the Senior Manager, Community Safety Policy and Programs, dated November 19, 2014, be received for information.

CARRIED

5.

Richmond Fire-Rescue – October 2014 Activity Report
(File Ref. No. 09-5000-01) (REDMS No. 4390174)

In reply to a query from Committee, Fire Chief McGowan advised that the estimated value of property preserved is based on the evaluation of RFR’s Investigator and those of the insurance adjustors.

In an effort to enhance public awareness, Committee encouraged staff to provide additional statistics related to ongoing RFR training.

It was moved and seconded

That the staff report titled Richmond Fire-Rescue – October 2014 Activity Report, dated November 19, 2014, from the Fire Chief, Richmond Fire-Rescue be received for information.

CARRIED

6.

community bylaws monthly activity report – october 2014
(File Ref. No.) (REDMS No. 4403038)

It was moved and seconded

That the staff report titled Community Bylaws Monthly Activity Report – October 2014, from the General Manager, Law and Community Safety, dated November 17, 2014,  be received for information.

CARRIED

6A.

Changes to the Police Act with respect to Auxiliary Constables
(File Ref. No.)

Councillor McPhail referenced correspondence received by Council from the City of Coquitlam (attached to and forming part of these minutes as Schedule 1) regarding policy changes to the deployment and engagement of Auxiliary Constables within detachments across Canada, noting that Auxiliary Constables will now have to be directly supervised by regular members.

In response to a query from Committee, Supt. Nesset advised that Auxiliary Constables have long supplemented Richmond RCMP’s operations; however, the policy change will require that sworn officers attend with Auxiliary Constables, which in effect will reduce the activities of Auxiliary Constables.

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

It was moved and seconded

That the correspondence from the City of Coquitlam regarding Auxiliary Constables dated November 4, 2014 be referred to staff to report back to Committee on potential impacts to policing services.

CARRIED

7.

FIRE CHIEF BRIEFING
(Verbal Report)

(i)

Fire Hall Christmas Lighting / Open House Events

Fire Chief McGowan spoke to the successful Christmas Lighting and Open House events at five of the Richmond Fire Halls with over 450 people visiting the halls.

(ii)

Movember

Fire Chief McGowan provided a brief update on the Movember Shave-Off held on Sunday, November 30, 2014 at Steveston Barbers where approximately $2,600 was raised.  Fire Chief McGowan, on behalf of the Firefighters Union, thanked Stevston Barbers for hosting the event and offering their services again.

(iii)

Christmas Tree Chipping Event

Fire Chief McGowan advised that the 33^rd Annual Richmond Firefighters Charitable Society Drive-Through Tree Chipping event is scheduled to be held on Saturday, January 3, 2015 and Sunday, January 4, 2015 at Garry Point Park from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.  Tree chipping will be by donation and will raise funds to benefit charities, such as the BC Professional Firefighters Burn Fund, MD Canada, Vancouver Children’s Hospital, Make-A-Wish Foundation, and the Richmond Food Bank.

(iv)

Richmond-Fire Rescue Move to City Hall West

Fire Chief McGowan commented that work is underway to relocate Fire Hall No. 1 functions to temporary locations to accommodate the construction of the new Fire Hall.  The temporary move includes (i) the Emergency Vehicle Technicians relocating to Fire Hall No. 6, (ii) a Rescue truck relocating to Fire Hall No. 4, and (iii) the Administration, Suppression and Training operations relocating to City Hall West.  It is anticipated that the move will take place in early 2015 with appropriate action being taken to ensure services and community safety is maintained.

8.

RCMP/OIC BRIEFING
(Verbal Report)

None.

9.

MANAGER’S REPORT

(i)

Law and Community Safety Department Updates

Ms. Carlyle advised Committee that Deborah Procter, Manager, Emergency Programs, has recently received certification from the International Association of Emergency Managers, becoming one of eight Certified Emergency Managers within the Lower Mainland.

Committee congratulated Ms. Procter on obtaining certification as an Emergency Manager.

Ms. Carlyle noted that the Province, in response to alleged police dog bites, has assembled experts to implement standards on police dog services.  The regulations will continue to allow police dogs to bark and bite; however they are no longer allowed to run off-leash unless certain criteria has been met.   Additionally, the dogs will be required to undergo annual testing; increased costs are not anticipated at this time.  On April 1, 2015, the City will be paying their portion of the costs for the RCMP dog facility located in Alberta.

(ii)

Blue Ribbon Panel for Crime Reduction Update

In reply to a query from Committee, Ms. Carlyle advised that staff have not received any update on the Blue Ribbon Panel for Crime Reduction from the Parliamentary Secretary for Crime Reduction Daryl Plecas.  Ms. Carlyle has been appointed by the Union of BC Municipalities to a provincial panel that is examining a model for policing.

ADJOURNMENT

It was moved and seconded

That the meeting adjourn (5:11 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, December 9, 2014.

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Councillor Bill McNulty
Chair

Heather Howey
Committee Clerk