November 9, 2021 - Minutes

Community Safety Committee

Date:	Tuesday, November 9, 2021
Place:	Council Chambers Richmond City Hall
Present:	Councillor Linda McPhail, Chair Councillor Carol Day Councillor Andy Hobbs Councillor Alexa Loo Councillor Bill McNulty Councillor Harold Steves (by teleconference)
Also Present:	Councillor Chak Au Councillor Michael Wolfe (by teleconference)
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 13, 2021 and October 13, 2021, be adopted.*
		CARRIED

NEXT COMMITTEE MEETING DATE

December 7, 2021, (tentative date) at 4:00 p.m. in the Council Chambers

AGENDA ADDITIONS & DELETIONS

The Chair noted that Item No. 1, delegation from, Daniel Xiao and Martin van den Hemel, KABU-Ride Inc., was removed from the agenda.

		It was moved and seconded
		*That* *Illegal Ridesharing be added to the agenda as Item No. 7A, and* *Crisis Hotline Status be added to the agenda as Item No. 7B.*
		CARRIED

COMMUNITY SAFETY DIVISION

	2.	Community Bylaws Parking Enforcement and Animal Services Monthly Activity Report – September 2021 (File Ref. No. 12-8060-01) (REDMS No. 6762449)
		In response to queries from the Committee, staff noted that completion of the construction of the Animal Shelter is anticipated late January or early February, 2022. It was later suggested Council have a tour of the facility once completed.
		It was moved and seconded
		That the staff report titled “Community Bylaws Parking Enforcement and Animal Services Monthly Activity Report – September 2021”, dated October 13, 2021, from the General Manager, Community Safety, be received for information.
		CARRIED

	3.	Property Use Monthly Activity Report – September 2021 (File Ref. No. 09-5350-00) (REDMS No. 6763310)
		In response to queries from the Committee, staff noted the reporting detail provided by staff is consistent with prior years, however the complexity of the workload, predominantly complaint driven, has increased (e.g., follow-up inspections to ensure compliance), which may lead to the possibility of additional staff.
		A brief discussion ensued with respect to soil deposit proposals. Staff noted the current number of non-compliance files that are moving closer to compliance.
		It was moved and seconded
		*That the staff report titled “Property Use Monthly Activity Report – September 2021”, dated October 13, 2021, from the General Manager, Community Safety, be received for information*
		CARRIED

	4.	Richmond Fire-Rescue Monthly Activity Report – September 2021 (File Ref. No. 99-Fire Rescue/) (REDMS No. 6760381)
		Discussion ensued with respect to the suggestion of a newsletter from Richmond Fire-Rescue (similar to the Crime Prevention quarterly newsletter issued from the RCMP) noting that it would compliment the components already in place through social media.
		It was further suggested a record of the addresses/intersections of the motor vehicle incidents responded by Richmond Fire-Rescue listed in a report, rather than the mapping image, would provide greater documentation.
		It was moved and seconded
		*That the staff report titled “Richmond Fire-Rescue Monthly Activity Report – September 2021”, dated October 12, 2021, from the Fire Chief, be received for information.*
		CARRIED

	5.	FIRE CHIEF BRIEFING (Verbal Report)
		Items for discussion:
		*None.*

	6.	RCMP Monthly Activity Report- September 2021 (File Ref. No. 09-5000-01) (REDMS No. 6756236)
		Chief Supt. Ng provided a brief review of the report noting a reduction in most categories for the month of September compared to the previous month and prior year.
		Discussion ensued with respect to the substantial road safety enforcement efforts. It was reported that Richmond is No. 1 in the lower mainland for speed enforcement and total violation tickets issued, and also topping the charts with respect to electronic devices. It was further noted that the Integrated Road Safety Unit (independent of Richmond RCMP) provides additional enforcement in Richmond, and staff are also working with ICBC to provide more speeder reader boards and education through social media.
		It was moved and seconded
		*That the staff report titled "RCMP Monthly Activity Report – September 2021", dated October 14, 2021, from the Officer in Charge, Richmond RCMP Detachment, be received for information.*
		CARRIED

	7.	RCMP/OIC BRIEFING (Verbal Report)
		Items for discussion:
		Chief Supt. Ng noted the Annual Toy Drive on November 20, 2021 at Landsdowne Centre from 8:00 a.m – 1:00 p.m.

	7A.		ILLEGAL RIDESHARING
			The Committee expressed public safety concerns with respect to unlicensed ride sharing operations in Richmond, particularly as it pertains to young, vulnerable students that may not be aware the drivers are not licensed. It was further noted that many incidents that may happen will likely be unreported.
			In response, Chief Supt. Ng reported on the implementation of an education awareness campaign, not only at schools but for all those utilizing transportation, to draw attention to these types of illegal operations. It was further reported that the topic will be raised with the British Columbia Association of Chiefs of Police in an effort to collaborate and look for ways to provide more action and information awareness.
			The Chair invited Mr. Martin van den Hemel, KABU-Ride Inc., to respond to questions from the Committee. Mr. van den Hemel provided a brief overview of KABU-Ride noting the excessive decline in ridership over the past two to three years as a result of illegal ridesharing, and have been working with the BC Passenger Transportation Board and Branch to look for ways to address.

	7B.		CRISIS HOTLINE STATUS
			Discussion ensued with respect to the recent announcement by the Province to conduct an open bid Request for Proposals process to award a contract for crisis services to one service provider in each health region, as opposed to the current crisis services offered. It was noted that Richmond currently receives crisis services through three phone lines: a local CHIMO Crisis Line, the provincial suicide prevention line (1-800-SUICIDE) and the provincial mental health support line (310-6789). The Committee expressed concern for the proposed reduction of this invaluable service. Staff noted a letter had been requested from CHIMO to outline their views on the matter and, once received, will add to the agenda of an upcoming General Purposes meeting. The Committee will also be kept informed of any additional supportive action that may be required.

		It was moved and seconded
		That staff write the appropriate correspondence to the Crisis Centre of BC expressing support for the maintenance of the suicide prevention line (1-800-SUICIDE).
		CARRIED

8.	MANAGER’S REPORT
	(i)	*Illegal Ridesharing*
	Staff provided an update with respect to their discussions with the Passenger Transportation Board regarding enforcement action to address illegal ridesharing services in Richmond and a communication plan to reach potential riders. It was noted that the item will be discussed at the next Council/School Board Liaison Committee meeting.

ADJOURNMENT

	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, November 9, 2021.
_________________________________	_________________________________
Councillor Linda McPhail Chair	Lorraine Anderson Legislative Services Associate

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