September 12, 2017 - Minutes

Date:

Tuesday, September 12, 2017

Place:

Anderson Room
Richmond City Hall

Present:

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

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 July 11, 2017, be adopted.

CARRIED

NEXT COMMITTEE MEETING DATE

October 11, 2017, (tentative date) at 4:00 p.m. in the Anderson Room

COMMUNITY SAFETY DIVISION

1.

Business Licences Monthly Report - July 2017
(File Ref. No. 12-8275-01) (REDMS No. 5502997)

It was moved and seconded

That the staff report titled “Business Licences Monthly Report – July 2017” be received for information.

The question on the motion was not called as discussion ensued in regard to the extension of business licence hearings to provide bed and breakfast (B&B) owners additional time to come into compliance with the City’s regulations.

In accordance with Section 100 of the Community Charter, Councillor Carol Day declared herself to be in a conflict as her husband owns a bed and breakfast and left the meeting at 4:02 p.m.

Discussion ensued and in reply to queries from Committee, Carli Edwards, Acting Senior Manager, Community Safety Policy & Programs and Licencing, advised that of the B&B operators not in compliance with the City’s regulations; only one operator has yet to commence the permit approval process.

The question on the motion was then called and it was CARRIED.

Councillor Day returned to the meeting at 4:03 p.m.

2.

Community Bylaws Monthly Activity Report - June 2017
(File Ref. No. 12-8060-01) (REDMS No. 5472675)

It was moved and seconded

That the staff report titled “Community Bylaws Monthly Activity Report - June 2017”, dated July 19, 2017, from the General Manager, Community Safety, be received for information.

CARRIED

3.

Community Bylaws Monthly Activity Report - July 2017
(File Ref. No. 12-8060-01) (REDMS No. 5504092)

In reply to queries from Committee, Greg Scarborough, Manager, Property Use, Policy and Programs, Community Bylaws, advised that 17 cases were presented at the last adjudication hearing, of which 14 were upheld. Mr. Scarborough stated that information regarding the three violations that were dismissed would be provided to Council.

It was moved and seconded

That the staff report titled “Community Bylaws Monthly Activity Report - July 2017”, dated August 16, 2017, from the General Manager, Community Safety, be received for information.

CARRIED

4.

Richmond Fire-Rescue Monthly Activity Report – June 2017
(File Ref. No. 09-5000-01) (REDMS No. 5464450)

5.

Richmond Fire-Rescue Monthly Activity Report – July 2017
(File Ref. No. 09-5000-01) (REDMS No. 5489538)

The Chair acknowledged Fire Chief John McGowan’s retirement and thanked him for his years of service with the City of Richmond.

John McGowan, Fire Chief, Richmond Fire-Rescue, provided background information and spoke on two incidents: (i) the warehouse fire on Mitchell Island, and (ii) the boat fire on Dyke Road. Also, he noted that there is still a steady increase in call volume.

In reply to queries from Committee, Fire Chief McGowan advised incidents with hazardous materials will exist so long as there are businesses utilizing such materials.

It was moved and seconded

That the staff report titled “Richmond Fire-Rescue Monthly Activity Report – June 2017”, dated July 17, 2017 from the Fire Chief, Richmond Fire-Rescue, be received for information.

CARRIED

It was moved and seconded

That the staff report titled “Richmond Fire-Rescue Monthly Activity Report – July 2017”, dated August 17, 2017 from the Fire Chief, Richmond Fire-Rescue, be received for information.

CARRIED

6.

FIRE CHIEF BRIEFING
(Verbal Report)

(i)

Pink Shirt Breast Cancer Awareness

Fire Chief McGowan advised that Richmond Fire-Rescue (RFR) will be partnering with the International Association of Fire Fighters and other groups in October to promote awareness for Breast Cancer fundraising initiatives.

(ii)

Halloween / Fireworks Safety

Fire Chief McGowan advised that RFR is looking to partner with groups within the community in an effort to ensure a successful and safe Halloween.

(iii)

Cambie Fire Hall Opening

Fire Chief McGowan advised that Fire Hall No. 3 will be opening on October 14, 2017. He noted that the opening will coincide with fire prevention week and this year’s theme is “Every Second Counts.”

Fire Chief McGowan advised 18 new hires will be starting this month, and will be stationed at Fire Hall No. 3 as this will be the new training facility.

Discussion ensued regarding whether RFR has the ability to respond to calls on the water and Fire Chief McGowan advised that discussions are currently underway regarding this matter as RFR’s fleet does not include a vessel.

7.

RCMP Monthly Activity Report – June 2017
(File Ref. No. 09-5000-01) (REDMS No. 5452760)

In reply to queries from Committee, Superintendent Will Ng, Richmond RCMP, highlighted that the RCMP has seen record volunteer hours for auxiliary officers this summer and that the auxiliary officers were of invaluable support when regular members were aiding in wild fire relief. Supt. Ng then noted that a BBQ will be held to thank the auxiliary officers for their commitment, and a certificate will be presented.

In reply to queries from Committee, Supt. Ng commented on the RCMP’s partnership with the Canadian Border Services Agency in relation to seizures of illegal materials at YVR.

Discussion ensued in regard to educating drivers, cyclists and pedestrians on road safety. Supt. Ng advised that the RCMP has a strong partnership with ICBC in promoting awareness and educating the public on road safety. Supt. Ng also noted that social media can be used to inform drivers of proper road safety protocols.

It was moved and seconded

That the report titled “RCMP’s Monthly Activity Report – June 2017,” dated July 17, 2017,  from the Officer In Charge, Richmond RCMP, be received for information.

CARRIED

8.

RCMP Monthly Activity Report – July 2017
(File Ref. No. 09-5000-01) (REDMS No. 5487535)

Discussion took place on the rise in mental health related calls and Committee queried how the City can assist the RCMP in addressing these concerns.

Supt. Ng echoed Committee’s concerns and remarked that although the number of mental health related calls has risen, the Richmond RCMP continue to work on reducing this number by providing customized service to individuals who generate the most calls for service.

Discussion further took place and it was suggested that, in light of the upcoming Union of British Columbia Municipalities’ convention, it may be timely to schedule a meeting with the provincial Minister of Health to discuss this matter in more detail.  Also, it was noted that a public health nurse may be of assistance to the RCMP when responding to mental health related calls; however, Vancouver Coastal Health (VCH) does not assign such a position without the full support of the requesting municipality.

In response to Committee’s discussion, Cecilia Achiam, General Manager, Community Safety, provided background information regarding the City’s efforts to better equip the RCMP when managing mental health related calls.  She stated that staff can schedule a meeting with Dr. Meena Dawar, VCH’s new Medical Health Officer for Richmond, to discuss options.

Committee further expressed concerns regarding the rise in mental health related calls and it was noted that many of VCH’s resources for mental health issues are allocated to Vancouver’s downtown eastside.

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

It was moved and seconded

That:

(1)

staff schedule a meeting with the Minister of Health during the 2017 Union of British Columbia Municipalities’ Convention; and

(2)

a letter be written to Vancouver Coastal Health requesting support for the Richmond RCMP as it relates to mental health related calls for service and how the City may obtain such assistance.

CARRIED

It was moved and seconded

That the report titled “RCMP’s Monthly Activity Report – July 2017,” dated August 14, 2017, from the Officer In Charge, Richmond RCMP, be received for information.

CARRIED

9.

RCMP/OIC BRIEFING
(Verbal Report)

(i)

Wild Fire Update

Supt. Ng advised that the Richmond RCMP had 150 volunteers aid in the wild fire relief. He noted that the experience gained by these officers by working collaboratively with the Canadian Armed Forces has been invaluable. Supt. Ng informed that this experience has fostered many relationships with different agencies and district offices and contributed to knowledgeable information for the City of Richmond.

(ii)

Richmond World Festival

Supt. Ng highlighted that the Richmond World Festival was a successful event with minimal incidents.

10.

Emergency Programs Activity Report – June and July 2017
(File Ref. No. 09-5126-01) (REDMS No. 5479621)

In reply to queries from Committee, Norman Kotze, Acting Manager, Emergency Programs, advised that Richmond aided three evacuee families from the wild fires with regard to food, shelter and access to community facilities.

Discussion ensued on the value of community outreach in emergency preparedness education and it was noted that additional staff resources could be examined so that all community associations may benefit. With regard to additional staff resources, Mr. Kotze advised that a submission has been entered for Council’s consideration as part of the Operating budget process.

In response to queries from Committee, Mr. Kotze advised that all emergency preparedness information presented at public booths is available on the City website and the provincial Emergency Management website.  Also, he stated that staff are examining how emergency kits can be universal across the Lower Mainland.

It was moved and seconded

That the staff report titled, “Emergency Programs Activity Report – June and July 2017,” dated July 27, 2017 from the General Manager, Community Safety, be received for information.

CARRIED

11.

Ms. Achiam distributed a revised copy of the Emergency Management Organization Establishment Bylaw No. 9232 and commented on housekeeping amendments made (attached to and forming part of these Minutes as Schedule 1).

Discussion took place on the various authorities for expenditures during a state of emergency period and Ms. Achiam stated that a further housekeeping amendment to clarify the matter would be made prior to the Bylaw being presented at a Council meeting.

It was moved and seconded

That Emergency Management Organization Establishment Bylaw No. 9232 be introduced and given first, second and third reading.

CARRIED

12.

Committee Standing Item

E-Comm

The Chair advised that E-Comm’s new Chief Executive Officer will be starting in their new position soon and noted that E-Comm is examining the viability of a second site for its operations.

13.

MANAGER’S REPORT

(i)

Emergency Programs Staff and Volunteers

Discussion took place on the invaluable support provided by Emergency Programs staff and volunteers during the wild fires and it was noted that said staff and volunteers should be recognized for their efforts.

(ii)

Update on Soils Bylaw

Ms. Achiam commented on the Soil Removal and Fill Deposit Regulation Bylaw 8094, noting that staff anticipate presenting a revised bylaw to Council in the new year.

ADJOURNMENT

It was moved and seconded

That the meeting adjourn (4:57 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, September 12, 2017.

_________________________________

_________________________________

Councillor Bill McNulty
Chair

Sarah Kurian
Legislative Services Coordinator