May 9, 2023 - Minutes
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Community Safety Committee
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Date: |
Tuesday, May 9, 2023 |
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Place: |
Council Chambers |
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Present: |
Councillor Andy Hobbs, Vice Chair |
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Absent: |
Councillor Alexa Loo |
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Also Present: |
Councillor Carol Day Councillor Michael Wolfe (by teleconference) |
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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 April 12, 2023, be adopted. |
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CARRIED |
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AGENDA ADDITION |
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The Vice Chair advised that Consumption Of Liquor In Public Places will be considered as Item No. 7A. |
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COMMUNITY SAFETY DIVISION |
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1. |
ANIMAL PROTECTION SERVICES MONTHLY ACTIVITY REPORT – MARCH 2023 (File Ref. No. 09-5375-09) (REDMS No. 7181489) |
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It was moved and seconded |
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That the staff report titled “Animal Protection Services Monthly Activity Report – March 2023”, dated April 11, 2023, from the General Manager, Community Safety, be received for information. |
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CARRIED |
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2. |
PROPERTY USE AND PARKING ENFORCEMENT MONTHLY ACTIVITY REPORT – MARCH 2023 (File Ref. No. 12-8375-02) (REDMS No. 7201345) |
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In reply to queries from Committee, staff advised that (i) the reported increase in short-term rental violations is linked to new operators, and staff are exploring new methods of enforcement such as new software tools, (ii) there has been a significant increase in short term rental licence applications and acceptance rates, (iii) enforcement and proactive education campaigns have helped prevent short term rental violations, (iv) staff will provide Committee with more information on the stop work removal order at 14551 Westminster Highway, (v) recreation vehicle (RV) encampment on Vulcan Way has been successfully vacated through a joint effort made by City staff, RCMP, Richmond Fire Rescue, and Provincial partners and staff are regularly patrolling these areas, and (vi) licenced bed and breakfasts are identified on a map which can be found on the City website, other types of short term rentals can be identified by contacting the Business Licensing department. |
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It was moved and seconded |
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That the staff report titled “Property Use and Parking Enforcement Monthly Activity Report – March 2023”, dated April 14, 2023, from the Director, Community Bylaws & Licencing, be received for information. |
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CARRIED |
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3. |
BUSINESS LICENCE ACTIVITY REPORT – FIRST QUARTER 2023 (File Ref. No. 12-8375-01) (REDMS No. 7201348) |
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It was moved and seconded |
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That the staff report titled “Business Licence Activity Report – First Quarter 2023”, dated April 14, 2023, from the Director, Community Bylaws & Licencing, be received for information. |
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CARRIED |
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4. |
RICHMOND FIRE-RESCUE MONTHLY ACTIVITY REPORT – MARCH 2023 (File Ref. No. 99-Fire Rescue) (REDMS No. 7201122) |
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In reply to queries from Committee, Fire Chief Jim Wishlove advised that |
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It was moved and seconded |
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That the staff report titled “Richmond Fire-Rescue Monthly Activity Report – March 2023”, dated April 11, 2023, from the Fire Chief, be received for information. |
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CARRIED |
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5. |
FIRE CHIEF BRIEFING |
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Items for discussion: |
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None |
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6. |
RCMP MONTHLY ACTIVITY REPORT - MARCH 2023 (File Ref. No. 09-5000-01) (REDMS No. 7176908) |
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In reply to queries from Committee, Chief Supt. Dave Chauhan advised that (i) 28 percent of shoplifters are residents of Richmond, (ii) the property crime unit will be working in conjunction with BC transit police and loss prevention officers to target shoplifters, and through targeted enforcement will be targeting prolific and priority offenders and the high crime areas where most shop lifting occurs first, (iii) the Richmond RCMP have been tracking thefts of catalytic converters and are targeting prolific offenders, (iv) the Richmond RCMP will continue to provide fraud prevention education to the public, (v) the Lock Out Auto Crime Program is run by volunteers who target hot spots for vehicle-related crime, with the goal of increasing public awareness to prevent vehicle break and enter incidents, (vi) the Hate Has No Place Campaign runs throughout the year, (vii) there is zero tolerance for hate related crimes, and (viii) Richmond’s violent crime rate has remained lowest in comparison to other municipalities. |
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It was moved and seconded |
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That the report titled "RCMP Monthly Activity Report - March 2023", dated April 14, 2023, from the Officer in Charge, Richmond RCMP Detachment, be received for information. |
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CARRIED |
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7. |
RCMP/OIC BRIEFING |
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Designated Speaker: Chief Supt. Dave Chauhan |
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(i) |
Richmond Night Market |
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The RCMP will have a high visibility presence at the Richmond Night Market which will run from April to October, Friday to Sunday and Statutory holidays. |
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(ii) |
Chief Constable Alexander Main Memorial at the Detachment |
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Constable Alexander Main was the first Chief of police in Richmond in 1899, who was murdered in 1900. The Richmond RCMP is honoring Chief Main with a plaque at the detachment commemorating him. A news release will be issued with a link to Cllr. McNulty’s research on Constable Alexander Main. |
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COUNCILLOR KASH HEED |
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7A. |
CONSUMPTION OF LIQUOR IN PUBLIC PLACES |
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Discussion ensued with regard to a pilot project exploring the possibility of alcohol consumption in City Parks this summer, similar to what other municipalities are doing, and as a result the following referral motion was introduced: |
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It was moved and seconded |
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That staff explore how the City can move forward this summer on a pilot project for the consumption of alcohol beverages in City parks similar to what other municipalities in the region have in place, and report back to General Purposes Committee. |
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The question on the referral motion was not called as discussion ensued with respect to (i) concerns regarding over consumption of alcohol in public parks, (ii) engaging the public if this pilot project is allowed, (iii) success of similar initiatives in other municipalities, (iv) the proposed pilot providing opportunities to gather with family and friends and enjoy an alcoholic beverage responsibly, (v) reviewing options to include public consultation as part of proposed pilot project, (vi) public concerns expressed on the use of illegal drugs in public places, and (vii) ensuring that safety and enforcement measures are in place. |
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The question on the referral motion was then called and CARRIED with |
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8. |
MANAGER’S REPORT |
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(i) |
Public Works Open House |
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Staff from Community Safety, Richmond Fire Rescue, RCMP and SPCA staff will be in attendance at the Public Works Open House being held on Saturday, May 13, 2023. |
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ADJOURNMENT |
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It was moved and seconded |
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That the meeting adjourn (5:09 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 Tuesday, May 9, 2023. |
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Councillor Andy Hobbs |
Raman Grewal |