October 11, 2017 - Minutes
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Community Safety Committee
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Date: |
Wednesday, October 11, 2017 |
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Place: |
Anderson Room |
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Present: |
Councillor Bill McNulty, Chair |
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Absent: |
Councillor Derek Dang |
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Call to Order: |
The Chair called the meeting to order at 4:00 p.m. |
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MINUTES |
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It was moved and seconded |
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That the minutes of the meeting of the Community Safety Committee held on September 12, 2017, be adopted as amended under Item No. 10 to reflect discussion regarding additional staff resources for Emergency Services as part of the Operating budget process. |
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CARRIED |
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1. |
Community Bylaws Monthly Activity Report - August 2017 |
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It was moved and seconded |
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That the staff report titled “Community Bylaws Monthly Activity Report - August 2017”, dated September 15, 2017, from the General Manager, Community Safety, be received for information. |
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CARRIED |
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2. |
Richmond Fire-Rescue Monthly Activity Report – August 2017 |
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In reply to queries from Committee, Acting Fire Chief Tim Wilkinson, Richmond Fire-Rescue, advised that the report regarding an Optimal Deployment Study for Richmond Fire-Rescue will be complete in December. Also, he noted that “The World is Not Your Ashtray – Butt Out Responsibly” campaign will continue and be utilized throughout the province. |
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It was moved and seconded |
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That the staff report titled “Richmond Fire-Rescue Monthly Activity Report – August 2017”, dated September 18, 2017 from the Fire Chief, Richmond Fire-Rescue, be received for information. |
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CARRIED |
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3. |
FIRE CHIEF BRIEFING |
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Item for discussion: |
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Time Change/Smoke Alarm Check |
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Acting Fire Chief Wilkinson spoke on the upcoming time change, noting that the biannual daylight savings is a good reminder for residents to check their smoke alarms, and requested Committee support in promoting this message to the community. |
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In reply to a query from Committee, Acting Fire Chief Wilkinson advised that the use of social media to convey the message can be examined. |
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4. |
RCMP Monthly Activity Report – August 2017 |
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Superintendent Will Ng, Richmond RCMP, highlighted that the RCMP has seen record volunteer hours for auxiliary officers and community response teams in August. He advised that a recognition evening will be held to appreciate the auxiliary officers and community response teams for their invaluable efforts. |
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Discussion took place in regard to a discovery made on October 9, 2017 at Garden City Park. In reply to a query from Committee, Supt. Ng advised that the forensics team can determine whether the incident site was a primary or secondary crime scene. |
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Discussion ensued regarding staff resources from Vancouver Coastal Health to assist the Richmond RCMP with mental health related calls and Committee queried whether any progress has been made with regard to meetings with the provincial Minister of Health. |
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In response to Committee’s discussion, Cecilia Achiam, General Manager, Community Safety, noted that staff at the Ministry of Health have advised that any requests for Registered Nurses to assist the Richmond RCMP with mental health related calls must be administered through Vancouver Coastal Health. She noted that a meeting has been scheduled with Vancouver Coastal Health and following this meeting, arrangements may be made to meet with the Minister of Health. Also, Ms. Achiam noted that the Richmond RCMP would be included in any such discussions. |
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It was moved and seconded |
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That the report titled “RCMP’s Monthly Activity Report – August 2017,” dated September 11, 2017, from the Officer in Charge, Richmond RCMP Detachment, be received for information. |
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CARRIED |
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5. |
RCMP/OIC BRIEFING |
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Item for discussion: |
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Farmland Vandalism and Thefts |
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In reply to queries from Committee, Supt. Ng advised that farm owners use alarms and other preventative crime tools to secure their crops as a result of thefts during harvesting. |
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Ms. Achiam advised that staff are working with the City’s Communications Department to educate the community on respectful practices for food grown locally. Also, Ms. Achiam advised that following the harvest season, staff will liaise with local farmers to discuss a potential education campaign. |
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6. |
Emergency Programs Activity Report – August 2017 |
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Norman Kotze, Acting Manager, Emergency Programs, highlighted that (i) an Emergency Program’s volunteer session will be held at City Hall on October 14th and November 30th, and (ii) the emergency preparedness workshop is being launched on October 29th and November 5th at Sea Island Community Centre and on November 18th and November 26th at Thompson Community Centre. |
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In reply to a query from Committee, Mr. Kotze advised that staff anticipate presenting before all local Community Centres within a year. Also, he noted that an annual review of the Emergency Preparedness program will take place to ensure any changes that may have occurred are incorporated in the programs materials. |
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Discussion took place on whether there were enough resources to maintain these programs and Mr. Kotze advised that should the program be successful and grow rapidly, additional staff would be needed. |
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The Chair recommended that Emergency Programs make a presentation to the Community Associations board members and suggested that each community association have a community safety liaison on the board to aid with implementing the Emergency Preparedness program. |
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In reply to a query from Committee, Mr. Kotze advised that all Emergency Preparedness program information will be available on the City’s website and that an information sheet can be provided to Committee, providing an overview of the program. |
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It was moved and seconded |
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That the staff report titled, “Emergency Programs Activity Report – August 2017,” dated September 25, 2017 from the General Manager, Community Safety, be received for information. |
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CARRIED |
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7. |
Committee Standing Item |
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E-Comm |
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The Chair advised that Oliver Grüter-Andrew has been appointed as the new Chief Executive Officer for E-Comm. |
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7A. |
Cannabis legalization and regulation secretariat |
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Discussion took place on the session at Union of BC Municipalities (UBCM) regarding Cannabis Legalization and it was queried whether Council would have an opportunity to complete the UBCM Cannabis Legalization and Regulation Survey and provide input to the Cannabis Legalization and Regulation Secretariat. |
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In reply to queries from Committee, Ms. Achiam advised that a staff report on the matter is forthcoming and that staff can examine working with the Secretariat to provide input. |
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7B. |
Money laundering |
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Discussion took place regarding the recently reported money laundering allegations at the River Rock Casino and Resort and it was noted that Peter German, former Deputy Commissioner, RCMP, has been appointed as a special investigator on the money laundering in the Lower Mainland. |
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In reply to queries from Committee, Supt. Ng commented on money laundering activities in Richmond, and advised that the Richmond RCMP is liaising with the Combined Forces Special Enforcement Unit. |
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8. |
MANAGER’S REPORT |
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New Sign Inspector |
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Carli Edwards, Acting, Senior Manager, Community Safety Policy and Programs and Licencing, advised that a new sign inspector has been hired and is multilingual. |
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ADJOURNMENT |
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It was moved and seconded |
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That the meeting adjourn (4:30 p.m.). |
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CARRIED |
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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 Wednesday, October 11, 2017. |
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Councillor Bill McNulty |
Sarah Kurian |