January 11, 2022 - Minutes

Date:

Tuesday, January 11, 2022

Place:

Council Chambers
Richmond City Hall

Present:

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

Also Present:

Councillor Chak Au (by teleconference)
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 December 7, 2022, be adopted.

CARRIED

NEXT COMMITTEE MEETING DATE

February 15, 2022, (tentative date) at 4:00 p.m. in the Council Chambers

AGENDA ADDITION

It was moved and seconded

That Temporary Patios be added to the agenda as Item No. 7A.

CARRIED

DELEGATIONS

1.

Oliver Grüter-Andrew, President and CEO, and Stephen Thatcher, Vice President, Operations, E-Comm 9-1-1 (E-Comm), were in attendance to provide a presentation on police communication operations and 9-1-1 update.  A PowerPoint presentation was given (attached to and forming part of these minutes as Schedule 1), providing an overview of E-Comm operations, including service challenges, review processes, statistics and proposed recommendations, together with an introduction to Next Generation 9-1-1.

Discussion ensued with respect to the increased 9-1-1 call volume and subsequent delay in response times, noting that historical weather events, simultaneous with the considerable staffing vacancy of BC Ambulance, were drivers for the historical call volume increase late spring 2021.  Mr. Thatcher noted that recruiting and vacancy challenges are North America wide and that the more complex the operation, the more challenging it is to retain employees.  Mr. Thatcher further noted that, in an effort to reduce wait times, E‑Comm worked with BC Ambulance to build capacity and implement a system to triage calls (cross-train staff, etc.).  However, without the required increase in BC Ambulance staffing to meet the call volume targets (approximately 125 additional staff), the increase in service was limited and not sustainable for E-Comm.

The delegation advised they are in conversation with City staff with respect to E-Comm’s community safety initiatives, and that a further update will be provided to the Committee later in the year.

COMMUNITY SAFETY DIVISION

2.

Property Use Monthly Activity Report – November 2021
(File Ref. No. 12-8375-03) (REDMS No. 6793753)

A brief discussion ensued with respect to illegal ride-hailing.  Staff noted they are aware of three illegal ride-hailing companies operating in the Lower Mainland, including Richmond, and that the number of drivers working for these companies is unknown.  Staff further noted they will continue to work with partner law enforcement agencies in a pro-active manner for ongoing enforcement and to seek additional opportunities to address.

With respect to snow removal enforcement, staff noted there were no fines or warnings issued during the recent snow storm, adopting the strategy to gain compliance through education (e.g. pamphlets, social media, etc.) and that, going forward, fines will be issued as it will be a reoccurrence.  Staff further noted in cases where the residence is empty, snow removal can be done on an emergency basis, with a fine issued to the property owner.

It was moved and seconded

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

CARRIED

3.

Community Bylaws Parking Enforcement and Animal Services Monthly Activity Report – November 2021
(File Ref. No. 12-8060-01) (REDMS No. 6786539)

Discussion ensued with respect to non-compliance and ticketing regarding off-leash dogs on school grounds and City parks.  Staff noted that compliance is generally sought through education, with Bylaw Officers providing information and a warning when non-compliant.  Staff further noted that Bylaw Officers have access to previous warnings and will move forward with a ticket for any reoccurrence.

It was moved and seconded

That the staff report titled “Community Bylaws Parking Enforcement and Animal Services Monthly Activity Report – November 2021”, dated December 8, 2021, from the General Manager, Community Safety, be received for information.

CARRIED

4.

Richmond Fire-Rescue Monthly Activity Report – November 2021
(File Ref. No. 99-Fire Rescue/) (REDMS No. 6794970)

It was moved and seconded

That the staff report titled “Richmond Fire-Rescue Monthly Activity Report – November 2021”, dated December 6, 2021, from the Acting Fire Chief, be received for information.

CARRIED

5.

FIRE CHIEF BRIEFING
(Verbal Report)

Items for discussion:

None.

6.

rcmp monthly activity report – november 2021
(File Ref. No. 09-5000-01) (REDMS No. 6787436)

It was moved and seconded

That the staff report titled "RCMP Monthly Activity Report - November 2021 ", dated December 7, 2021, from the Officer in Charge, Richmond RCMP Detachment, be received for information.

CARRIED

7.

RCMP/OIC BRIEFING
(Verbal Report)

Items for discussion:

None.

7A.

Temporary Patios

Item 7A was withdrawn.

9.

MANAGER’S REPORT

None.

ADJOURNMENT

It was moved and seconded

That the meeting adjourn (5:18 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, January 11, 2022.

_________________________________

_________________________________

Councillor Linda McPhail
Chair

Lorraine Anderson
Legislative Services Associate