PUBLIC
SAFETY COMMITTEE MINUTES
|
Thursday,
2015 December 10
|
|
An ‘Open’ meeting of the Public
Safety Committee was held in the Council Chamber, Burnaby City Hall, 4949
Canada Way, Burnaby, B.C. on Thursday, 2015 December 10 at 6:00 PM.
|
PRESENT: Councillor Pietro
Calendino, Chair
Councillor
Paul McDonell, Vice Chair
Councillor
Anne Kang, Member
Ms. Donna Dawson, Burnaby
Crime Prevention Society
Mr. Dan De Santis,
Citizens’ Representative
Mr.
Paul Holden, Burnaby Board of Trade
Mr. Stephen McLean,
Citizens’ Representative
Mr.
David Pereira, Citizens’ Representative
Mr.
Trevor Ritchie, Citizens’ Representative
Mr.
Tony Wong, Chair, District #1 – Hastings/Brentwood
Ms.
Carolyn Orazietti, Chair, District #2 – Burnaby Mountain
Ms.
Lindy McQueen, Chair, District #3 – Southeast
Ms.
Mary Gates, Chair, District #4 – Southwest
ABSENT: Mr.
Larry Hayes, School Trustee
Ms.
Emily Li, Citizens’ Representative
Ms. Emma Lee, Citizen’s
Representative (Resigned)
STAFF: Mr.
Lambert Chu, Deputy City Manager
Chief
Supt. Dave Critchley, OIC, RCMP
Supt. Stephan Drolet,
Operations Officer/Assistant OIC, RCMP
S/S/M John Buis, Executive
NCO, RCMP
Sgt. Gregor Aitken,
Strategic Planning NCO, RCMP
Insp. Kathy Hartwig,
Community Programs Officer, RCMP
Ms.
Maureen Gulyas, Communications Media Strategist, RCMP
Cst.
Shelby Murphy, Anti-Graffiti Coordinator, RCMP
Mr.
Chris Bowcock, Deputy Fire Chief
Ms.
Kathy Wipf, Anti-Graffiti Coordinator
Ms.
Margaret Manifold, Senior Social Planner
Ms.
Lynne Axford, Administrative Officer
The
Chair called the Open meeting to order at 6:12 p.m.
|
The Chair welcomed Deputy
Fire Chief, Chris Bowcock representing the Burnaby Fire Department as a new
addition to the Public Safety Committee.
MOVED BY Mr.
McLean
SECONDED BY Mr. Ritchie
|
|
THAT
the minutes of the Open meeting of the Public Safety Committee held on 2015
August 13 be adopted.
CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY
|
The Dixon Transition Society’s
presentation will be rescheduled to January 2016.
|
MOVED BY mR.
pEREIRA
SECONDED BY mR. rITCHIE
|
|
THAT
the correspondence be received.
CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY
|
A memorandum was received from the
Administrative Officer advising that Burnaby City Council, at the Open
Council meeting held on 2015 October 05, received and adopted the Social
Sustainability Strategy – Phase 1 Report on Action Items. Staff noted it was a
living strategy which has been embraced by the community and provided to the
Committee for information.
|
The Chair advised this Strategy
will act as a guide laying the framework for planning the future direction of
the City.
A memorandum was received from the
OIC, RCMP, Burnaby Detachment responding to questions raised at the 2015
August 13 Public Safety Committee meeting regarding the status of Block Watch
in District 4. The memo noted summer Block Watch events will be planned for
2016 and to date 141 volunteers have been trained and are involved in District
#4.
|
A memorandum was received from OIC,
RCMP, Burnaby Detachment regarding questions raised at the 2015 August 13
Public Safety Committee meeting regarding cell phone use while driving. The
memo advised there was a 90% increase in violation tickets issued in 2015 for
driving while using an electronic devise (July through September) versus the
same time in 2014.
The OIC noted that BC has the lowest
fines for distracted drivers in Canada and advised this matter will be raised
at the BC Chief’s meeting in an attempt to push changes to legislation
allowing stiffer penalties.
|
d)
|
Correspondence
from Mr. Brian Cheung
Re:
Additional Regulations for Halloween Fireworks
|
|
A letter was received from Mr. Brian
Cheung requesting the City to consider additional regulations on the sale of
Halloween fireworks and a complete ban on all fire crackers and noise makers.
|
The OIC advised calls for
service increase when Halloween falls on a Friday or Saturday. In 2015, 246
calls were received of which 67 were firework related. The vast majority of
complaints regarding firearm or shots fired are actually fireworks. The speaker
noted the value of defusing these situations to lessen the drama rather than
taking an aggressive response.
The Deputy Fire Chief
emphasized the importance of removing the risk to personal health and safety by
fires that may be created through the inappropriate use of fireworks. The
speaker noted with the increase in density in Burnaby, this is an even greater
challenge particularly for storage within commercial or mixed use spaces. The
speaker advocated for a regional policy through discussions with Fire Chiefs
throughout the area for consideration of an appropriate and consistent approach.
Arising from discussion, Mr. McLean
was granted leave to introduce the following motion:
MOVED BY
mR. Mclean
SECONDED BY Ms. Orazietti
|
|
THAT
the Fire Chief brings back a report banning fireworks in Burnaby.
The Committee raised the
following points for consideration:
·
Investigate
a compromise to the licencing process that allows only organizations under
stringent guidelines to use fireworks
·
Provide
an educational component including literature to the public through the
licencing process
·
Only
certified professionals with approved permit applications under established
regulations may use fireworks
·
Fireworks
are portable, consider discussions with other cities to have a regional
policy for the ban of fireworks
·
Consider
controlled firework displays within the community – possibly by the Fire
Department
Arising from discussion,
the Committee inquired if other cities or Provinces have an existing full ban
on the use of fireworks already in place.
The Deputy Fire Chief
undertook to investigate and advise the Committee at the next meeting.
MOVED BY
mR. Mclean
SECONDED BY Ms. Orazietti
THAT
this matter be REFERRED to the Fire Chief for a report to the
Committee.
CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY
|
|
The Committee requested the
report include recommendations on the sale and use of fireworks.
e)
|
Correspondence
from Mr. Fred Ludwig
Re:
Halloween Fireworks
|
|
A letter was received from Mr. Fred
Ludwig regarding Halloween Fireworks seeking the City’s consideration for the
elimination of private fireworks in favour of publically sponsored and City
controlled firework events.
|
This
matter was reviewed under Item 4 (d).
f)
|
Correspondence
from Ms. Jennifer Lee
Re:
Halloween Fireworks
|
|
A letter was received from Ms.
Jennifer Lee seeking Council’s approval for amendments to the Bylaw that
would restrict the use of Halloween fireworks.
This matter was reviewed under Item
4 (d).
g)
|
Correspondence from Ms. Emma Lee
Re: Letter of Resignation
|
|
A letter was received from
Ms. Lee tending her resignation on the Public Safety Committee as she has
recently moved to Vancouver.
The Chair expressed
appreciation for Emma’s contributions to the Committee and wished her every
success in the future.
MOVED BY Ms.
McQueen
SECONDED BY Mr. Wong
|
|
THAT
the Monthly Reports be received.
CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY
|
a) District #1 - November
Mr. Wong, Chair, District
#1 provided a verbal report advising that the District has been experiencing a
rise in theft from auto with multi-vehicle incidents of broken windows in the
Brentwood and Heights areas.
Mr. Wong conveyed the
Heights Merchants Association have reported an ongoing concern for hypodermic syringes
being left along Hastings and nearby streets in the shrubbery, on sidewalks,
hidden in cracks or ledges. The Heights Merchants Association has hired a
worker to clean along Hasting Street and collect any syringes he may find.
The speaker advised that
residents continue to observe drivers ignoring stop signs and red lights. The
OIC advised that someone from the Traffic Section would be in touch with Mr.
Wong to obtain the dates, times, and locations for further follow up.
Mr. Wong noted a need to revisit
the purpose of the D1 CPAC to re-energize and engage its volunteer members. The
speaker noted a number of changes which includes the appointment of a new acting
Corporal along with extending an
invitation to the CPO
Manager to attend the meetings. The District Chair expressed confidence that
these steps will assist in the rejuvenation and renewal of the CPAC in its
efforts to serve community policing as it continues to evolve.
b) District
#2 – October & November
Ms. Orazietti, Chair, District
#2 provided a verbal report noting concern for the rate cars are speeding along
Hastings and Sperling and requested approval for the purchase of a Speed Reader
Board that would be shared between the four districts. The speaker noted that the
Speed Watch volunteers have expressed an interested in using the Speed Reader
Board as an Educational tool. In addition, Mr. Wong expressed support for the
purchase from funds allocated annually to the districts.
Staff recommended an RCMP
presence when CPAC volunteers operate the Speed Reader Board. In addition, the
OIC noted that Speed Reader Boards are available on loan through ICBC. The OIC
advised he will discuss this matter further with the CPACs.
Ms. Orazietti raised
concern of inadequate street lighting levels on Fell Avenue between Frances and
Hastings.
The Deputy City Manager
advised a memo was forwarded to the Committee in 2014 supporting the
installation of interim street light between Holdom and the westernmost light
at mid-block Frances. A request was then forwarded to BC Hydro in 2014 June,
seeking consideration for their action in this matter.
The Deputy City Manager undertook
to forward a copy of the memo to Ms. Orazietti.
Ms. Orazietti advised that
Burnaby Mountain Secondary students have initiated Graffiti Busters Club and a
CSI Club. These youth are acting as ambassadors for the District by spreading
the word at the public high school level on the fight against crime and
graffiti in the area.
The speaker advised
District #2 is collaborating with the Transit Police, SFU Security and the
UniverCity representatives to provide education through a program called ‘See
Something, Say Something’.
c) District #3
Ms. McQueen, Chair,
District #3 provided a verbal report noting concern regarding the CPO Office
signage which is faded and does not clearly identify the police office.
Arising from discussion,
this matter has been REFFERED to staff to investigate appropriate
enhancements for the sign.
The speaker advised that
Byrne Creek School is interested in starting a CPAC group for students. A
proposal was put before the Principal and School Coordinator for their
consideration.
d) District #4
Mary Gates, Chair, District
#4 provided a verbal report outlining activities taking place within the
District and noted advising that 1800 reflectors to heighten visibility had
been distributed by CPO volunteers.
In addition, the speaker
noted the positive effects of the safety fence in deterring pedestrians from crossing
at Nelson Avenue between Bennett and Kingsway, and requested consideration for
a similar fence down Willingdon between Kingsborough and Kingsway.
A report was received from Cst.
Shelby Murphy, Burnaby RCMP and Kathy Wipf, City of Burnaby Anti-Graffiti
Coordinator outlining activities during the fall as they continue to work
together on the four elements of the Anti-Graffiti Strategy which includes:
1.
Eradication
2.
Education
3.
Prevention
4.
Identification
and Deterrence
|
Cst. Murphy advised that in
November, 23 students from Burnaby Mountain Secondary joined the first Graffiti
Busters team with the first meeting held to introduce graffiti education. The
speaker noted that subsequent meetings will begin the process of having the
students create graffiti programs for their elementary feeder schools.
The Chair emphasized if Committee
members observe any graffiti tags around the City to immediately notify the
Anti-Graffiti Coordinators.
A report was received from the OIC,
D. Critchley providing an overview of activities taking place during the past
four months and noted concern for the rash of theft from auto in which
numerous vehicle windows were smashed. These incidents have taken place in a
series where cars are parked together. The speaker advised some bait cars
have been triggered where finger prints may have been left on the outside of
the vehicles.
The OIC noted a rash of residential
B&Es and personal robberies by a number of individual having a
significant impact on resources with some staff from CPOs being reallocated to
increase the RCMP presence on the street. The OIC advised staff are working
with schools and reaching out to parents to engage and educate.
|
The OIC advised that bike
patrol targets were not reached in 2015; however, in the spring 2016, four (4)
full time members will patrol hot spots to engage citizens in support of crime reduction.
The Deputy Fire Chief, Chris Bowcock
provided an overview of operations within the Fire Department some of which
included:
·
Fire
Prevention
o New construction, permits
(e.g. building), fire education, routine inspections (code compliance)
·
Fire
Operations
o 7 Fire Stations
delivering; fire, medical, motor vehicle, advance technical rescue, public
service (e.g. response to gaps for public safety hazards)
·
Training
Division
o Fire Officers Program
(only one in the Province)
o Mentorship program
|
|
The speaker highlighted
statistics from the third quarter and month of November for 2015 advising medical
emergencies were up considerably given the impact of ambulance response codes. The
Deputy Fire Chief noted motor vehicle accidents were up due to the highway
expansion and efforts were taking place with Burnaby Fraser Health Authority to
address the needs of the elderly and people with special needs.
In closing, the speaker
advised one fatality by fire early in 2015 and staff have undertaken work on
risk benefit analysis to further improve this already low national standard.
h)
|
Role
of the District Community Policing Office Coordinators
|
|
The Committee inquired into
the role of the CPO Office Coordinators and if they were able to provide
support for submissions of the District Monthly Reports (e.g. minute summaries).
** Councillor Kang retired from the meeting at 8:23 p.m.
and did not return.**
Arising from discussion, the
Deputy City Manager, Councillor Calendino, Chair and Chairs from the four (4)
Districts will meet to review this matter further.
No
items of new business were brought before the Committee at this time.
No inquiries were brought before the
Committee at this time.
Public excluded according to Sections
90 and 92 of the Community Charter.
9.
|
Moved BY MS. MClean
SECONDED BY mr. ritchie
THAT
the Open meeting do now recess.
The
meeting recessed at 8:40 p.m.
Moved BY Mr. Ritchie
SECONDED BY mr. Wong
THAT
the Open meeting do no reconvene.
The
Open meeting reconvened at 8:40 p.m.
ADJOURNMENT
|
CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY
CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY
|
MOVED BY
mS. oRAZIETTI
SECONDED BY MS. MCQUEEN
|
|
THAT
the Open Committee meeting do now adjourn.
CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY
|
The Open Committee meeting adjourned at 8:40 p.m.
_______________________
|
______________________
__
|
Lynne
Axford
ADMINISTRATIVE
OFFICER
|
Councillor
Pietro Calendino
CHAIR
|