December 15, 2015 - Minutes

Date:

Tuesday, December 15, 2015

Place:

Anderson Room
Richmond City Hall

Present:

Councillor Bill McNulty, Chair
Councillor Derek Dang
Councillor Alexa Loo
Councillor Linda McPhail

Absent:

Councillor Ken Johnston

Also Present:

Councillor Carol Day

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 November 10, 2015, be adopted as circulated.

CARRIED

The Chair advised that E-Comm will be considered as Item No. 8A.

PRESENTATION

1.

With the aid of a PowerPoint and video presentation, (copy on file, City Clerk’s Office) Corporal Kevin Krygier and Auxiliary Constable Mike Dally, Richmond RCMP, presented on new forensic trace technologies available for property marking and highlighted the following:

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property crime investigations are resource intensive;

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the new forensic trace technologies can be applied to the property and the mark can be identified by specialized devices;

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adoption of new forensic trace technologies by residents would improve the prevention of property crime and could help investigators focus resources on other priorities;

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the new forensic trace equipment is not currently available in BC; however is available online;

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implementation of the new forensic trace technologies would require training of law enforcement members; and

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Richmond RCMP can propose to encourage residents to adopt the forensic trace technologies or deploy the Community Response Team to provide community members with equipment and assistance.

In reply to queries from Committee, Corporal Krygier noted that (i) there could be issues associated with the Richmond RCMP directly selling the forensic trace equipment to residents, (ii) the forensic trace kits retail for approximately $40, and (iii) acquiring the forensic trace equipment and the initial implementation of the program would require a modest financial investment.

Discussion ensued with regard to (i) presenting a business plan to Council, (ii) incorporating the new forensic trace technologies into the Block Watch program, (iii) Block Watch program membership, and (iv) encouraging community members to participate in the Block Watch program.

In reply to queries from Committee, Corporal Krygier advised that the Richmond RCMP is actively involved in the Block Watch program and is engaged in its assessment.

Discussion then took place with regard to the adoption of the forensic trace technology by other law enforcement agencies.

As a result of the discussion, staff were directed to examine options to implement the use forensic trace technology in the community and incorporate its implementation with the Block Watch program, and report back to the Community Safety Committee.

LAW AND COMMUNITY SAFETY DIVISION

2.

Community Bylaws Monthly Activity Report – October 2015
(File Ref. No.) (REDMS No. 4790974 v. 3)

Discussion ensued with regard to abandoned and vacant homes used to assist low income families with housing. It was then directed that staff arrange a presentation from Chimo Community Services to update Council on the utilization of vacated homes to assist low income families in the city.

In reply to queries from Committee regarding the licensing of dogs in the city, Edward Warzel, Manager, Community Bylaws, noted that the combined efforts of going door-to-door, online registration and bylaw enforcement have had a positive effect on dog registration in the City.

Discussion then took place with regard to the new Sign/Business License Inspector position.

In reply to queries from Committee, Phyllis Carlyle, General Manager, Law and Community Safety, noted that responsibility of bylaw enforcement is divided among the City’s different departments.

As a result of the discussion, staff were directed to provide Council with an organizational chart related to bylaw enforcement in the City.

It was moved and seconded

That the staff report titled “Community Bylaws Monthly Activity Report – October 2015,” dated November 16, 2015, from the General Manager, Law and Community Safety, be received for information.

CARRIED

3.

Richmond Fire-Rescue Monthly Activity Report - October 2015
(File Ref. No. 09-5000-01) (REDMS No. 4810709)

Tim Wilkinson, Deputy Fire Chief, briefed Committee on the transformer fire located near No. 4 Road and River Road.

Deputy Chief Wilkinson spoke on response by Richmond Fire-Rescue (RFR)  on Halloween night, noting that RFR focused on areas of concern, which contributed to a successful evening.

Deputy Chief Wilkinson then briefed Committee on an apartment fire on Bennett Road, noting of the importance of training for effective fire suppression.

In reply to queries from Committee regarding vacant and abandoned homes, Deputy Chief Wilkinson noted that RFR coordinates with staff from other City departments to identify vacant properties and that RFR is notified of demolition applications. He added that there are requirements for the plywood used when vacated properties are boarded up.

It was moved and seconded

That the staff report titled “Richmond Fire-Rescue Monthly Activity Report - October 2015,” dated November 17, 2015, from the Fire Chief, Richmond Fire-Rescue, be received for information.

CARRIED

4.

RCMP's Monthly Report - October Activities 2015
(File Ref. No. 09-5000-01) (REDMS No. 4794094)

Inspector Konrad Golbeck, Richmond RCMP, updated Committee on the recovery of stolen property and the apprehension of an individual suspected of committing purse snatchings.

Discussion ensued with regard to gangs in city, and in reply to queries from Committee, Inspector Golbeck advised that the Richmond RCMP will present a report to Committee in the coming months.

It was moved and seconded

That the report titled “RCMP’s Monthly Report – October Activities 2015,” dated November 3, 2015, from the Officer in Charge, Richmond RCMP, be received for information.

CARRIED

5.

2015/2016 Richmond RCMP Detachment Annual Performance Plan (APP) Second Quarter Results (July 1 to September 30, 2015)
(File Ref. No. 09-5000-01) (REDMS No. 4797629)

Superintendent Renny Nesset, Officer in Charge, Richmond RCMP, commented on the number of pedestrian incidents in 2015 in city, noting that the Richmond RCMP has partnered with ICBC on pedestrian safety.

Discussion ensued with regard to (i) resources available to address mental health issues in the city, (ii) the statistics related to the number of police incidents involving mental health issues in the city, (iii) the Richmond RCMP working with local health authorities to address mental health issues, and (iv) the length of service of Richmond RCMP members.

As a result of the discussion, staff were directed to schedule a presentation from the Richmond RCMP Mental Health Coordinator to update Council on mental health issues in the city, and for staff to provide statistics related to the number of Richmond RCMP members and their length of service.

Discussion then ensued with regard to the number of RCMP members requesting to return to Richmond.

It was moved and seconded

That the report titled “2015/2016 Richmond RCMP Detachment Annual Performance Plan (APP) Second Quarter Results (July 1 to September 30, 2015),” dated November 6, 2015, from the Officer in Charge, Richmond RCMP, be received for information.

CARRIED

6.

Lower Mainland District Regional Police Service Integrated Team Annual Report 2014/15
(File Ref. No. 09-5350-01) (REDMS No. 4822286 v. 2)

Discussion ensued with regard to the funding formula for the Lower Mainland District Regional Police Service Integrated Team.

In reply to queries from Committee, Ms. Carlyle, noted that (i) there is no municipal consensus on the funding formula, (ii) there is currently no governance structure for the Integrated Teams, and (iii) the Province is willing to examine a governance model for the Integrated Teams.

It was moved and seconded

That the staff report titled “Lower Mainland District Regional Police Service Integrated Team Annual Report 2014/2015” from the Senior Manager, Community Safety Policy and Programs, dated December 2, 2015, be received for information.

CARRIED

7.

FIRE CHIEF BRIEFING
(Verbal Report)

(i)

Holiday Season Safety

Deputy Chief Wilkinson spoke on staying safe during the Holiday Season, noting that RFR posts safety information on the City’s website.

(ii)

Christmas Tree Chipping Event

Deputy Chief Wilkinson advised that the annual Christmas Tree Chipping Event is scheduled on January 2 to 3, 2016 in Garry Point Park.

8.

RCMP/OIC BRIEFING
(Verbal Report)

Operation Red Nose

Inspector Golbeck spoke on Operation Red Nose, noting that the event would be scheduled for dates in November and December 2015 and would operate between 9:00 p.m. to 3:00 a.m. He added that in 2014, over 400 rides were provided with over 1500 individuals driven home.

8A.

E-Comm
(File Ref. No.)

The Chair briefed Committee on E-Comm’s annual budget for 2016, noting that (i) the infrastructure levy increase will be 2.5% and that the average agency increase is 2.4%, (ii) E-Comm’s coverage includes approximately 80% of BC, and (iii) there is discussion to add a second E-Comm facility south of the Fraser River.

The Chair then encouraged Council members to visit E-Comm and BC Ambulance facilities.

Discussion then ensued with regard to E-Comm’s response to the recent windstorm and emergency calls received.

9.

MANAGER’S REPORT

RCMP Labour Relations with Federal Government

Ms. Carlyle briefed Committee on the introduction of a RCMP Labour Relations Bill by the federal government, noting that information related to the impact of the legislation to the City is not available.

ADJOURNMENT

It was moved and seconded

That the meeting adjourn (5:08 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 15, 2015.

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Councillor Bill McNulty
Chair

Evangel Biason
Legislative Services Coordinator