September 21, 2021 - Minutes

Date:

Tuesday, September 21, 2021

Place:

Council Chambers
Richmond City Hall

Present:

Councillor Bill McNulty, Chair
Councillor Carol Day 
Councillor Andy Hobbs 
Councillor Alexa Loo (by teleconference) 
Councillor Harold Steves (by teleconference)

Also Present:

Councillor Chak Au 
Councillor Linda McPhail (by teleconference) 
Councillor Michael Wolfe (by teleconference)

Call to Order:

The Chair called the meeting to order at 4:00 p.m.

The Chair paid tribute to fallen Constables Jimmy Ng and Tom Agar.

MINUTES

This item was not discussed.

NEXT COMMITTEE MEETING DATE

October 13, 2021, (tentative date) at 4:00 p.m. in Council Chambers

COMMUNITY SAFETY DIVISION

1.

Business licence quarterly activity report-q2 2021 
(File Ref. No. 12-8375-03) (REDMS No. 6723542)

In reply to a query from the Committee, staff advised that the number of illegal suites decreased due to the COVID-19 pandemic and travel restrictions.

It was moved and seconded

That the staff report titled “Business Licences Quarterly Report – Second Quarter 2021”, dated August 3, 2021, from the General Manager, Community Safety be received for information.

CARRIED

2.

PROPERTY USE MONTHLY ACTIVITY REPORT-JUNE 2021 
(File Ref. No. 12-8375-02) (REDMS No. 6726329)

Staff noted that the reference to the issuance of a violation notice under the heading “Grease” on Page 3 was in error.

In reply to queries from the Committee, staff advised it will provide memos (i) with information regarding the non-compliance issues, and (ii) with information regarding the $9,900.00 judgement against a Richmond property.

It was moved and seconded

That the staff report titled “Property Use Monthly Activity Report- June 2021”, dated August 9, 2021, from the General Manager, Community Safety, be received for information.

CARRIED

3.

Property use monthly activity report-july 2021
(File Ref. No. 12-8375-02) (REDMS No. 6726469)

Staff noted that the reference to the issuance of a violation notice under the heading “Grease” on Page 3 was in error.

In reply to a query from the Committee, staff confirmed that the resident subject to the bylaw prosecution removed the over-height fence in question.

It was moved and seconded

That the staff report titled “Property Use Monthly Activity Report- July 2021”, dated August 10, 2021, from the General Manager, Community Safety, be received for information.

CARRIED

4.

Community bylaws parking enforcement and animal services monthly activity report- june 2021 
(File Ref. No. 12-8060-01) (REDMS No. 6706308)

In reply to a query from the Committee, staff advised that SPCA officers have increased patrols at Garry Point.

It was moved and seconded

That the staff report titled “Community Bylaws Parking Enforcement and Animal Services Monthly Activity Report – June 2021”, dated July 15, 2021, from the General Manager, Community Safety, be received for information.

CARRIED

5.

Community bylaws parking enforcement and animal services monthly activity report- july 2021 
(File Ref. No. 12-8060-01) (REDMS No. 6726715)

In reply to queries from the Committee, staff advised (i) the new SPCA contract will have officers starting a shift at 7:00 a.m., (ii) an increase in stray cats in August 2021 was likely due to windows and doors being kept open in hotter weather, and (iii) bylaw officers have not received any coyote complaints.

It was moved and seconded

That the staff report titled “Community Bylaws Parking Enforcement and Animal Services Monthly Activity Report – July 2021”, dated August 13, 2021, from the General Manager, Community Safety, be received for information.

CARRIED

6.

Richmond fire-rescue monthly activity report-june 2021 
(File Ref. No.) (REDMS No. 6713101)

Jim Wishlove, Deputy Chief, Richmond Fire-Rescue, introduced Brennan MacLachlan, as the new Emergency Programs Manager.

In reply to queries from the Committee, Tim Wilkinson, Fire Chief, advised (i) the ongoing wait time with BC Ambulance has increased and a report from the Provincial Government is expected shortly, (ii) increased call-outs are due to the reimposition of Provincial Health Orders and return to previous call out strategies, (iii) staff felt proud and privileged to offer their services to smaller locations in BC, (iv) some staff were deployed to smaller communities in BC for a substantial amount of time, and (v) the tire fire of June 28, 2021 was compounded by high temperatures, but was managed by fire suppression equipment.

It was moved and seconded

That the staff report titled “Richmond Fire-Rescue Monthly Activity Report – June 2021”, dated July 19, 2021, from the Fire Chief, be received for information.

CARRIED

7.

Richmond fire-rescue monthly activity report-july 2021 
(File Ref. No.) (REDMS No. 6729072)0

In reply to queries from the Committee, Chief Wilkinson, advised (i) the major event on July 26, 2021 was maintained by “cold fire” to minimize fluid use, (ii) a dam process and removal protocols are implemented for all hazardous fluid spills, (iii) all vehicles are equipped to dam hazardous spills, (iv) there is speculation that the July 8, 2021 wildland fire was caused by a train, and (v) the incorrect disposal of personal smoking materials continues to be a concern.

It was moved and seconded

That the staff report titled “Richmond Fire-Rescue Monthly Activity Report – July 2021”, dated August 16, 2021, from the Fire Chief, be received for information.

CARRIED

8.

FIRE CHIEF BRIEFING
(Verbal Report)

Designated Speaker: Fire Chief Tim Wilkinson

There were no items for discussion.

9.

RCMP Monthly Activity report- June 2021 
(File Ref. No. 09-5000-01) (REDMS No. 6701675)

Chief Superintendent William Ng, Officer in Charge, (i) thanked the Chair for the acknowledgement of fallen officers, (ii) welcomed new Emergency Programs Manager, Brennan MacLachlan, and (iii) advised that two suspects were arrested with respect to a series of arsons.

In reply to queries from the Committee, Chief Superintendent Ng advised (i) the average 90-minute wait time is an improvement from previous months, (ii) RCMP engage in regular meetings with Vancouver Coastal Health to alleviate some wait times, (iii) some technology has been implemented to improve the wait times, and (iv) RCMP is collaborating with Transit Police to prevent theft from retail.

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

It was moved and seconded

That a letter be sent from the Mayor to the Provincial Minister of Health expressing concern regarding the continuing hospital wait times for mental health related incidents requiring Richmond RCMP members to remain in hospital.

CARRIED

In reply to queries from Committee, Chief Superintendent Ng advised (i) no permanent injuries have been suffered by officers, and (ii) metrics are required regarding the relationship between mental health and specific crimes.

It was moved and seconded

That the staff report titled RCMP Monthly Activity Report-June 2021”, dated July 14, 2021, from the Officer in Charge, Richmond RCMP Detachment, be received for information.

CARRIED

10.

rcmp monthly activity report- july 2021 
(File Ref. No. 09-5000-01) (REDMS No. 6719495)

The Chair requested Chief Superintendent Ng and Fire Chief Wilkinson thank their respective departments from the Committee.

It was moved and seconded

That the staff report titled” RCMP Monthly Activity Report- July 2021” dated August 18, 2021, from the Officer in Charge, Richmond RCMP Detachment, be received for information.

CARRIED

11.

RCMP 2021-2025 Strategic Plan 
(File Ref. No. 09-5000-01) (REDMS No. 6717979)

In reply to a query from the Committee, staff advised the strategic plan can be made accessible on the City’s website.

Discussion ensued on a suggestion to incorporate the graphs depicting the downward trend in crime rates in the next City mailout.

It was moved and seconded

That the report titled “Richmond RCMP Detachment Strategic Plan 2021-2025”, dated July 28, 2021 from the Officer in Charge, Richmond RCMP Detachment, be received for information.

CARRIED

12.

RCMP/OIC BRIEFING
(Verbal Report)

Designated Speaker: Chief Supt. William Ng

Chief Superintendent Ng announced the grand opening of a City Center District Police Office on Thursday, September 29, 2021 at 2:30 p.m.

In reply to a query from the Committee, Chief Superintendent Ng advised that over 60 officers were deployed in the forest fire fighting efforts to protect homes from theft and all returned safely.

13.

17000 – 19000 River Road

(Verbal Report)

Discussion ensued on concerns with reported criminal activity, stolen property offences, unsightly premises and environmental concerns.

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

It was moved and seconded

That staff assess properties on River Road, specifically between 17000 and 19000 block of River Road, including the river side:

(1)

To determine the ownership, and other relevant factors regarding compliance with the city bylaws, applicable provincial and federal environmental regulations and the criminal code;

(2)

Further that police and bylaw staff assess criminal activity, such as stolen property and violations of applicable bylaws and statutes; and

(3)

Staff report back with actionable options for Committee consideration.

CARRIED

IN CAMERA

The Committee adjourned to an in-camera session from 4:53 p.m. to
5:09 p.m.

ADJOURNMENT

It was moved and seconded

That the meeting adjourn (5:09 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 21, 2021.

_________________________________

_________________________________

Councillor Bill McNulty
Chair

Debbie Reimer
Recording Secretary