March 15, 2016 - Minutes

Date:

Tuesday, March 15, 2016

Place:

Anderson Room
Richmond City Hall

Present:

Councillor Bill McNulty, Chair
Councillor Ken Johnston
Councillor Alexa Loo
Councillor Linda McPhail

Absent:

Councillor Derek Dang

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 February 10, 2016, be adopted as circulated.

CARRIED

NEXT COMMITTEE MEETING DATE

April 12, 2016, (tentative date) at 4:00 p.m. in the Anderson Room

DELEGATION

1.

Ken Frail and Graham Boyle, Block Watch advocates, referenced presentation boards displayed at the meeting (attached to and forming part of these minutes as Schedule 1) and spoke on the Block Watch program in Richmond.

Comments were offered on (i) gaps in Block Watch area service coverage, (ii) discussions held with Richmond RCMP and City staff, (iii) public meetings held regarding the program, (iv) ambiguity related to the details of break and enter incidents in some areas, and (v) the current availability of Block Watch information in only English and French.

Mr. Frail suggested some preferred improvements to the Block Watch program in Richmond, including (i) assigning a full time City coordinator to the program, (ii) a plan for full Block Watch coverage, (iii) multi-lingual Block Watch information, (iv) a training program for Block Watch captains, and (v) meeting space for Block Watch meetings.

Mr. Frail offered further suggestion on how the Block Watch program can be integrated into emergency planning by utilizing community resources and neighbourhood connections.

Discussion ensued with respect to (i) other Block Watch programs in the Lower Mainland, (ii) coordinating with other Block Watch captains, (iii) the structure of the Block Watch program, (iv) holding Block Watch meetings in schools, (v) training required for Block Watch captains, (vi) forming an advisory committee on the Block Watch program, and (vii) promoting the Block Watch program in the city.

In reply to queries from Committee, Mr. Frail noted that a survey would be required to accurately gauge the number of active Block Watch captains in the city and that social media could be utilized as a communication tool within neighbourhoods. Superintendent Renny Nesset, Officer in Charge, Richmond RCMP, added that a staff report reviewing the Block Watch program in Richmond is expected to be presented in April 2016.

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

It was moved and seconded

That the presentation provided to the Community Safety Committee on March 15, 2016, by Ken Frail and Graham Boyle, regarding the Block Watch program in Richmond, be referred to staff to consider in the context of the pending staff report on the Block Watch program, and report back.

CARRIED

LAW AND COMMUNITY SAFETY DIVISION

2.

Community Bylaws Monthly Activity Report – January 2016
(File Ref. No.) (REDMS No. 4911569 v. 4)

In reply to queries from Committee regarding the Grease Management Program, Phyllis Carlyle, General Manager, Law and Community Safety and Michelle Orsetti, Acting Manager, Community Bylaws, noted that (i) the City’s Grease Management Officer conducts regular inspections of food sector establishments, (ii) the program is managed under the Engineering and Public Works Division and was established under the City’s budget process, and (iii) the program enforces the proper disposal of grease.

During discussion on the Animal Control Program, comments were offered on potential gaps in the dog licensing schedule, and dog license fees and fines.

In reply to queries from Committee, Edward Warzel, Manager, RCMP Administration and Ms. Orsetti advised that (i) residents are encouraged to license dogs in a timely manner, (ii) the dog licensing schedule provides residents time to submit applications and enables staff to efficiently process applications, (iii) staff estimate that there are over 7,000 dogs in the city, and (iv) City canvassers will be going door-to-door to alert residents of the City’s dog licensing requirements.

In reply to queries from Committee, Ms. Orsetti noted that the City provides information on dangerous dog regulations in the local newspaper and on the City’s website. It was suggested that staff determine what signage was posted at dog parks with respect to dog ownership requirements and licensing.

It was moved and seconded

That the staff report titled “Community Bylaws Monthly Activity Report – January 2016,” dated February 15, 2016 from the General Manager, Law & Community Safety, be received for information.

CARRIED

3.

Richmond Fire-Rescue Monthly Activity Report - January 2016
(File Ref. No.) (REDMS No. 4911569 v. 4)

Fire Chief John McGowan reviewed Richmond Fire Rescue’s (RFR) January 2016 activities, noting that losses from fires were minimized and that increased incidents of sickness and headaches could be linked to influenza.

In reply to queries from Committee, Ms. Carlyle noted that drug abuse is a growing concern, and referenced a fentanyl-related death in the city.

Deputy Fire Chief Tim Wilkinson further noted that (i) details related to overdose victims are not available, (ii) more potent drugs are becoming accessible, and (iii) the City is working with the Coroner’s office and community groups on issues related to drug use and public health.

The RFR was commended for their community involvement. Chief McGowan recognized the culture of volunteering, noting that RFR members are encouraged to engage in community events.

It was moved and seconded

That the staff report titled “Richmond Fire-Rescue Monthly Activity Report - January 2016,” dated February 15, 2016 from the Acting Fire Chief, Richmond Fire-Rescue, be received for information.

CARRIED

4.

Touchstone Family Association Restorative Justice Annual Performance Outcome Evaluation Report
(File Ref. No. 09-5350-01) (REDMS No. 4912969 v. 5)

Discussion ensued with regard to the volunteer involvement in the Richmond Restorative Justice program.

In reply to queries from Committee, Judy Valsonis, Executive Director, Touchstone Family Association, advised that the organization recruits volunteers when required and regularly hosts recruitment drives.

The organization was recognized for their on-going community service.

It was moved and seconded

That the 2015 Restorative Justice: Performance Outcome Evaluation Report, as attached to the report, “Touchstone Family Association Restorative Justice Annual Performance Outcome Evaluation Report” dated February 11, 2016 from the Senior Manager, Community Safety Policy and Programs, be received for information.

CARRIED

5.

2016-2017 RCMP Annual Performance Plan - Community Priorities
(File Ref. No. 09-5000-01) (REDMS No. 4834312)

Supt. Nesset briefed Committee on the proposed community priorities for 2016-2017 and listed them as (i) pedestrian safety, (ii) break and enters (residential break and enters, thefts from automobiles, mail theft) and (iii) mental health.

In reply to queries from Committee, Supt. Nesset commented on (i) observations of more brazen break and enter incidents, (ii) links between driver behaviour and pedestrian safety, (iii) speeding violations and distracted driving, (iv) escalating penalties for distracted driving in other communities, and (v) the Richmond RCMP utilizing volunteers and trained officers to alert residents of break and enter incidents in their area.

Discussion ensued with regard to (i) community engagement and visibility of the Richmond RCMP, (ii) enforcing pedestrian and speeding violations, (iii) posting clear school zone signage, (iv) collaborating with community groups such the Richmond Addiction Services Society, and (v) business crime included in the staff report.

In reply to queries from Committee, Supt. Nesset added that the proposed community priorities were current and emerging enforcement challenges.

It was moved and seconded

That (i) Pedestrian Safety, (ii) Property Crime – Residential Break and Enters, Theft from Automobile, Mail Theft, and (iii) Mental Health, be included as community priorities in the staff report titled “2016-2017 RCMP Annual Performance Plan – Community Priorities” (dated December 4, 2015 from the OIC, RCMP); to be considered for inclusion in the Richmond Detachment fiscal 2016-2017 (April 1, 2016 to March 31, 2017) RCMP Annual Performance Plan.

CARRIED

6.

2015-2016 Richmond RCMP Detachment Annual Performance Plan (APP) Third Quarter Results (October 1 to December 31, 2015)
(File Ref. No. 09-5000-01) (REDMS No. 4907146)

It was moved and seconded

That the report titled “2015-2016 Richmond RCMP Detachment Annual Performance Plan (APP) Third Quarter Results (October 1 to December 31, 2015) dated February 1, 2016, from the Officer in Charge, Richmond RCMP, be received for information.

CARRIED

7.

RCMP's Monthly Report - January 2016 Activities
(File Ref. No. 09-5000-01) (REDMS No. 4901748 v. 3)

Supt. Nesset reviewed the Richmond RCMP’s January 2016 activities, noting that some minor increases in crime statistics may have skewed percentages.

During discussion on the RCMP’s national directive that auxiliary constables no longer be permitted to participate in ride-along duties, Supt. Nesset and Ms. Carlyle explained that (i) although auxiliary and regular members are uniformed similarly, auxiliaries are unarmed, (ii) the directive was implemented as a result of risk assessments, (iii) auxiliaries remain involved in a number of community activities, and (iv) changes are anticipated by June 2016 to auxiliary members’ training and duties. Benefits of auxiliary constables’ participation in the “Difference Makers” project were acknowledged.

It was moved and seconded

That the report titled “RCMP’s Monthly Report – January Activities 2016,” – dated February 15, 2016 from the Officer in Charge, Richmond RCMP, be received for information.

CARRIED

8.

RCMP/OIC BRIEFING
(Verbal Report)

(i)

PADs Dogs Partnership

Supt. Nesset reported that Pacific Assistance Dogs Society (PADS) trainers brought dogs to the Richmond RCMP office during their final phase of training.

(ii)

Child Seat Safety Program

Supt. Nesset noted that staff and technicians conducted some child seat safety inspections as children arrived at school, and offered guidance as required.

(iii)

Pink Shirt Day

Supt. Nesset acknowledged that many officers participated in Pink Shirt Day.

(iv)

Chinese New Year Festivals

Supt. Nesset referenced Richmond RCMP’s participation in a number of Chinese New Year activities.

9.

EMERGENCY PROGRAMS
(Verbal Report)

(i)

First Aid Kit Review

Lainie Goddard, Manager, Emergency Programs, emphasized the importance of checking first aid kits annually, noting that a list is posted on the City’s website. She added that (i) “Get Ready Richmond Personal Preparedness Workshops” scheduled in February and March 2016, offered information to residents on emergency planning and what to do in an emergency, (ii) discussions will occur with RCMP and Block Watch representatives on emergency services, and (iii) City staff are being trained on personal emergency preparedness.

(ii)

Quake Cottage

Ms. Goddard confirmed that the Quake Cottage mobile earthquake simulator will be at the May 14, 2016 Public Works Open House. To experience the simulator, participants (or their guardians) will be required to sign waivers.  Although there are no age restrictions to participate, Ms. Goddard will inform the Committee, if she learns of any other restrictions.

(iii)

Training Stats

None.

10.

Committee Standing items

(i)

E-Comm

The Chair reported that given E-Comm’s recent service expansion, the E‑Comm Board of Directors would be expanding its membership by four seats.  

(ii)

Emergency Services

Emergency Services was discussed earlier in the meeting.

(iii)

Block Watch

Block Watch was discussed earlier in the meeting.

11.

manager’s report

In reply to questions raised, Ms. Carlyle advised that (i) the City did not participate in a recent multi-jurisdictional emergency training exercise in Burnaby, (ii) Emergency Services, RFR, Environmental Services and Richmond RCMP will participate in a May 2016 meeting with Transport Canada and the Canadian Coast Guard on ship sourced oil spills, (iii) staff will update Council on changes to the Fire Services Act, (iv) the Province asked each municipality to provide an email address dedicated to receiving Amber Alerts, which the City will distribute accordingly, (v) Mayor Brodie is hosting a March 23, 2016 discussion with other Mayors on emerging RCMP issues, and (vi) terms of reference are being drafted for a joint study between municipalities and the Province on integrated policing teams.

ADJOURNMENT

It was moved and seconded

That the meeting adjourn (5:37 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, March 15, 2016.

_________________________________

_________________________________

Councillor Bill McNulty
Chair

Evangel Biason
Legislative Services Coordinator