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.

 

1.

CALL TO ORDER

 

                  

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.

 

2.

 

MINUTES

 

 

a)

Minutes of the Open meeting of the Public Safety Committee held on 2015 August 13

 

 

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

 

3.

DELEGATION

 

 

a)

Dixon Transition Society

Re: Dixon Transition Society - Overview of Services

Speaker: Pany Aghili

 

 

The Dixon Transition Society’s presentation will be rescheduled to January 2016.

 

4.

CORRESPONDENCE

 

 

MOVED BY mR. pEREIRA

SECONDED BY mR. rITCHIE

 

THAT the correspondence be received.

 

CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY

 

a)

Correspondence from Administrative Officer

Re: Social Sustainability Strategy - Phase 1 Report on Actions

 

 

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.

 

 

b)

Correspondence from the OIC, RCMP, Burnaby Detachment

Re: Block Watch Status

(Public Safety Committee Meeting 2015 August 13)

 

 

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.

 

c)

Correspondence from the OIC, RCMP, Burnaby Detachment

Re: RCMP Monthly Reporting

(Public Safety Committee Meeting 2015 August 13)

 

 

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.

 

5.

MONTHLY REPORTS

 

 

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.

 

e)

Graffiti - November

 

 

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.

 

f)

RCMP - July, August, September & October

 

 

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.

 

g)

Fire Department

 

 

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.

 

6.

NEW BUSINESS

 

 

            No items of new business were brought before the Committee at this time.

 

7.

INQUIRIES

 

 

No inquiries were brought before the Committee at this time.

 

8.

CLOSED

 

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