April 10, 2018 - Minutes

Date:

Tuesday, April 10, 2018

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 March 13, 2018, be adopted.

CARRIED

NEXT COMMITTEE MEETING DATE

May 15, 2018, (tentative date) at 4:00 p.m. in the Anderson Room

DELEGATION

1.

With the aid of a PowerPoint presentation (copy on file, City Clerk’s Office) David Poppell, Station Leader, Royal Canadian Marine Search and Rescue (RCMSAR), provided an  update on RCMSAR activities and spoke of the following:

§   

maritime services provided to the community;

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RCMSAR locations: Middle Arm of the Fraser River and Steveston;

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participation in community outreach and community interaction events;

§   

statistics on the past 12 months in and out of the water;

§   

various vessels owned by the RCMSAR and potential new vessels;

§   

potential collaboration with the Canadian Coast Guard; and

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RCMSAR future goals.

In reply to queries from Committee, Mr. Poppell advised that a portion of the funds for the new vessel would be provided by the federal and provincial governments and RCMSAR would seek additional funding from local sponsorship.  He then noted that RCMSAR is examining the potential to liaise with the City’s emergency services departments for collaboration.

Discussion took place and it was noted that information on the role of the Canadian Coast Guard in emergency situations would be valuable 

COMMUNITY SAFETY DIVISION

2.

Community Bylaws Monthly Activity Report - February 2018
(File Ref. No. 12-8060-01) (REDMS No. 5763192 v.3)

In reply to queries from Committee, Fire Chief Tim Wilkinson, Richmond Fire-Rescue, advised that due to long processes for demolition permits, properties remain vacant for long periods of time; however RFR ensures that such properties are secure for safety reasons and to deter illegal activities.

Carli Edwards, Acting Senior Manager, Community Safety Policy and Program and Licencing, noted that Richmond has a successful program with regard to securing vacant lots and that RFR is very responsive if and when any issues arise. She advised that some properties remain vacant for long periods of time for various reasons; however staff are consistently inspecting said properties to ensure community safety. 

In reply to queries, Ms. Edwards advised that short-term rental offences saw an increase in 2017 as a result of new regulations; however additional staff were retained to address the issue. Also, she noted that as the year progresses, grease related issues will likely also increase.

Cecilia Achiam, General Manager, Community Safety, advised that grease enforcement falls under the Engineering Department, and noted that staff have managed the residential grease issues and efforts are now focused on commercial buildings.

In reply to a further query from Committee, Ms. Edwards advised that a property may remain vacant indefinitely as long as it is safe and secure.

It was moved and seconded

That the staff report titled “Community Bylaws Monthly Activity Report - February 2018”, dated March 16, 2018, from the General Manager, Community Safety, be received for information.

CARRIED

3.

Touchstone Family Association Restorative Justice Annual Performance Outcome Evaluation Report
(File Ref. No. 03-1000-05-069) (REDMS No. 5766682 v.2)

In reply to queries from Committee, Ms. Achiam advised that the City currently funds the Restorative Justice Program as there is no provincial contribution; however various grants are being examined to help offset these costs.

In reply to queries from Committee, Superintendent Will Ng, OIC, Richmond RCMP, advised that the new standardized referral program has been positive, and noted that officers will be trained in the this new referral process.

Discussion took place on the Restorative Justice Program and in particular, on its social and economic benefits to the community.  It was noted that it may be of value to other municipalities to learn of the Program and highlight successes the City and the community has experienced with it.

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

It was moved and seconded

(1)

That the staff report titled “Touchstone Family Association Restorative Justice Annual Performance Outcome Evaluation Report” dated March 12, 2018 from the Acting Senior Manager, Community Safety Policy & Programs and Licencing, be received for information;

(2)

That a letter be written to the Minister of Public Safety and Solicitor General and the Attorney General highlighting successes of the Restorative Justice Program in Richmond; and

(3)

That staff examine the possibility of promoting the Restorative Justice Program at the annual Union of British Columbia Municipalities convention and report back.

CARRIED

4.

Richmond Fire-Rescue Monthly Activity Report –  February 2018
(File Ref. No. 09-5000-01) (REDMS No. 5772255)

In reply to queries from Committee, Chief Wilkinson spoke of the Voluntary Building Access Program, highlighting that it has commenced, and considerable interest has been shown.

It was moved and seconded

That the staff report titled “Richmond Fire-Rescue Monthly Activity Report – February 2018”, dated March 12, 2018 from the Fire Chief, Richmond Fire-Rescue, be received for information.

CARRIED

5.

FIRE CHIEF BRIEFING
(Verbal Report)

Item for discussion:

None.

6.

RCMP Monthly Activity Report – February 2018
(File Ref. No. 09-5000-01) (REDMS No. 5750148 v.2)

Superintendent Ng advised that the increase in residential break and enters is related to theft from automobiles, whereby individuals are accessing homes by using garage door openers left in unsecured vehicles.  

In reply to queries from Committee, Superintendent Ng advised that the Richmond RCMP have partnered with Canada Post with regard to mail thefts and that enhancing mailbox security features has proven successful.  He then noted that the RCMP is working with Strata’s and owners to educate them on mail theft and enhancing mailbox security in condominiums and apartment buildings. Superintendent Ng advised that staff can examine the potential to include condominiums and apartment buildings in the Voluntary Building Access Program. Also, Superintendent Ng spoke of an expert that was brought in to educate officers and provide resources on human sex trafficking.

Supt. Ng advised that (i) all individuals are encouraged and welcome to join the Block Watch Program, (ii) the Combined Special Forces Enforcement Unit is currently investigating two cases that occurred in Richmond and are regularly involved in activities within the city, and (iii) community partners will be consulted for future RCMP annual performance plans.

Committee requested that information regarding the involvement of integrated teams in Richmond be provided.

It was moved and seconded

That the report titled “RCMP Monthly Activity Report – February 2018”, dated March 19, 2018, from the Officer in Charge, Richmond RCMP Detachment, be received for information.

CARRIED

7.

RCMP/OIC BRIEFING
(Verbal Report)

Item for discussion:

None.

8.

Committee Standing Item

E-Comm

The Chair spoke of upcoming strategic planning sessions for E-Comm.

9.

MANAGER’S REPORT

None.

ADJOURNMENT

It was moved and seconded

That the meeting adjourn (4:50 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, April 10, 2018.

_________________________________

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Councillor Bill McNulty
Chair

Sarah Kurian
Legislative Services Coordinator