PUBLIC SAFETY COMMITTEE MINUTES

Tuesday, 2017 April 11

An Open meeting of the Public Safety Committee was held in the Council Chamber, City Hall, 4949 Canada Way, Burnaby, B.C. on Tuesday, 2017 April 11 at 6:00 p.m.

1.

CALL TO ORDER

PRESENT:

ABSENT:

STAFF:

Councillor Pietro Calendino, Chair

Councillor Sav Dhaliwal, Vice Chair      

Ms. Donna Dawson, Burnaby Crime Prevention Society

Mr. Corey Redekop, Burnaby Board of Trade

Mr. Ken Robb, Burnaby HUB

Mr. Tom Webster, ICBC

Mr. Stephen Baron, Citizens’ Representative

Mr. Eric Laity, Citizens’ Representative

Ms. Bethany McGoldrick, Citizens’ Representative

Mr. Lloyd Paul, Citizens’ Representative

Mr. David Pereira, Citizens’ Representative

Mr. Dave Reid, Citizens’ Representative

Mr. Trevor Ritchie, Citizens’ Representative

Mr. Tony Wong, Chair District #1 – Hastings/Brentwood

Ms. Maisie Cheng, Chair District #2 – Burnaby Mountain

Ms. Tazul Nisha Ali, Chair District #3 – Southeast 

Ms. Mary Gates, Chair District #4 – Southwest

Councillor Anne Kang, Member

Councillor Nick Volkow, Member (due to illness)

Councillor James Wang, Member

Trustee Larry Hayes, School Board

Ms. Jen Mezei, District Parent Advisory Council

Ms. Emily Li, Citizens’ Representative

Ms. Serena Mawani, Citizens’ Representative (due to illness)

Mr.  Dave Critchley, Director Public Safety and Community Services

Chief Supt. Stephan Drolet, Officer in Charge, RCMP                       

Mr. Doug Louie, Assistant Director Engineering, Transportation Services

Deputy Fire Chief Dave Samson, Fire Department

Sgt. Gregor Aitken, Strategic Planning NCO, RCMP

S/Sgt. Gerard Sokolowski, Traffic Services NCO, RCMP

Ms. Margaret Manifold, Senior Social Planner

Ms. Nikolina Vracar, Administrative Officer

The Chair called the Open meeting to order at 6:08 p.m.

2.

INTRODUCTIONS

The Chair welcomed new members to the Committee.  The members and staff introduction followed.

3.

MINUTES

a)

Minutes of the Traffic Safety Committee Open meeting held on 2016 December 06                                                                

MOVED BY mr. Laity

SECONDED BY mr. baron

THAT the minutes of the Open meeting of the Traffic Safety Committee held on 2016 December 06 be adopted.

CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY

b)

Minutes of the Public Safety Committee Open meeting held on 2017 January 24                                                                   

MOVED BY mr. ritchie

SECONDED BY mr. pereira

THAT the minutes of the Open meeting of the Public Safety Committee held on 2017 January 24 be adopted.

CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY

4.

DELEGATION

a)

Nicholas and Lauren Udovicic

Re: Traffic Safety Concerns in Westridge Neighbourhood

Speakers: Nicholas Udovicic & Lauren Udovicic

The delegation was unable to appear before the Committee at this time.

5.

PRESENTATION

MOVED BY Mr. wong

SECONDED BY mr. ritchie

THAT the presentation be heard.

CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY

a)

Margaret Manifold, Senior Social Planner & Sgt. Gregor Aitken, Strategic NCO, RCMP

Re: 2015 Workplan Report & 2017-2019 Workplan Preparation                                                                         

Ms. Margaret Manifold, Senior Social Planner and Sgt. Gregor Aitken, Strategic NCO, RCMP provided an overview of the amended Terms of Reference, the Committee's 2015 Workplan, and 2017-2019 Workplan preparation.

Ms. Manifold noted that the Committee was established in 1994 as the Community Policing Committee.  In 2015, the Committee was renamed to the Public Safety Committee, absorbed the responsibilities of the Mayor’s Taskforce on Graffiti, and was expanded to include the Fire Department.  In 2017, the Committee integrated the Traffic Safety Committee.

The Committee collaborates with the Fire Department, RCMP, and Engineering Department to implement and promote public safety programs and initiatives while providing an opportunity for the public’s input on community safety priorities. 

The Committee’s functions include:

·         liaison between Council, RCMP, Fire Department  and CPAC to create linkages to broader community;

·         advocacy for public safety; and

·         reception of nominations and recommendation of recipients for the Public Safety Award.

The Terms of Reference identify additional functions specific to fire, police, graffiti and traffic safety.

Sgt. Aitken reviewed the following five actions contained in the 2015 Workplan:

·         creation and maintenance of the Business Watch Program;

·         extension of the  external communications and  public education plan;

·         implementation of the RCMP’s Mental Health Intervention Program;

·         promotion of increased traffic enforcement and pedestrian safety in school zones through the Speed Watch Program; and

·         implementation of the Cell Watch Program.

The Committee inquired regarding the 2017-2019 Workplan.

Staff advised that the Workplan will be considered at the next Committee meeting.

The Committee requested that staff provide an electronic copy of the 2015 Workplan to the members ahead of the next meeting. 

Staff undertook to provide the information as well as the list of new RCMP tactical priorities following the April 20 Annual Performance Plan consultation session.

6.

DISCUSSION

a)

Councillor Calendino, Chair

Re: Traffic Accidents and Enforcement Measures

The Chair informed the Committee that Council, at the Open Council meeting held on 2017 March 27, discussed the use of photo radar to enforce vehicle speed limits.  The Chair noted that the two fatalities on Canada Way between Sperling Avenue and Burris Street on 2017 March 16 were likely a result of high speed. 

The Committee requested clarification regarding jurisdiction for photo radar.

Staff advised that photo radar is provincially legislated and the current Provincial Government does not support installation of photo radars. 

The Committee discussed ideas regarding prevention of high speed accidents.

RCMP advised that officers have issued 35 speeding tickets on Canada Way since 2017 April 01.  Officers have also focused their enforcement efforts on the Lougheed Highway and Barnet Highway, the scenes of two other recent fatalities.

Staff reported that Engineering Department and RCMP have met with ICBC and are considering several options to address traffic safety concerns related to high speed.  A report will be forthcoming at a future date.

Further, staff advised that they have ordered the new speed reader board with additional features to warn the drivers that they are driving too fast.

The Committee requested staff investigate potential relaxation of the provincial photo radar legislation and the use of photo radar in other Canadian jurisdictions.

MOVED BY COUNCILLOR DHALIWAL

SECONDED BY MR. RITCHIE

THAT this item of business be REFERRED to staff for a report.

CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY

7.

CORRESPONDENCE

MOVED BY councillor dhaliwal

SECONDED BY mr. paul

THAT the correspondence be received.

CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY

a)

Correspondence from George Kavallis

Re: Traffic Safety Concerns on Brentlawn Drive between Willingdon Avenue and Beta Avenue                                  

Correspondence was received from Mr. George Kavallis expressing concern regarding large vehicles, including the TransLink bus #134, travelling on Brentlawn Drive between Willingdon Avenue and Beta Avenue and causing damage to parked vehicles.

Staff informed the Committee that the City has previously received similar concerns as well as requests to relocate the bus route #134.  As a result of previous complaints, TransLink has switched to using a smaller commuter bus on the weekends only, since 40-foot bus is needed during the work week for capacity reasons.  Relocation of the route is not an option since it provides a beneficial service to the community.   Four-way stop signs at Beta Avenue and Brentlawn Drive and a right turn only sign on Graveley Street at Willingdon Avenue were installed to address some of the concerns.

Staff have responded to Mr. Kavallis.

b)

Correspondence from Anna Solnickova

Re: Traffic Safety Concerns at Willingdon Avenue and Beresford Street                                                               

Correspondence was received from Ms. Anna Solnickova expressing concerns regarding near-misses and several accidents on Willingdon Avenue and Beresford Street. 

Staff noted that the neighbourhood is experiencing increased traffic due to development in the area, and advised that they are considering several options to address concerns at this intersection. A staff report will be prepared for a future meeting.

c)

Correspondence from Cecilia Costorio

Re: Traffic Safety Concerns on Sprott Street and Douglas Road towards Canada Way                                                   

Correspondence was received from Ms. Cecilia Costorio regarding traffic safety concerns on Sprott Street and Douglas Road towards Canada Way.  Ms. Costorio noted that there have been several near-misses involving pedestrians and several instances of damage to parked cars. The writer requested increased road warning sings, road markings, traffic calming measures, enforcement, roadway design, publicity, and photo radar enforcement. 

Staff advised that 50 km/h speed limit signs are posted along Sprott Street.

The Committee inquired if speed humps could be installed, and if staff have considered moving the no-parking area on Sprott Street near Highway #1 exit further down the street to improve visibility for vehicles coming off the highway.

Staff noted that Sprott Street is an arterial truck route and therefore speed humps are not an appropriate measure.  There have been no recent changes to the parking area.

Staff undertook to follow-up with the writer, and review deployment of the Speed Watch Program along the street.

d)

Correspondence from Anne Fung

Re: Traffic Safety Concerns at Canada Way and Smith Avenue                                                                              

Correspondence was received from Ms. Anne Fung regarding traffic safety concerns, including a near-hit by a vehicle and drivers running through a red light, at Canada Way and Smith Avenue.

Staff advised that the intersection is fully controlled and equipped with push buttons for pedestrians.  Staff will follow-up with the writer to clarify concerns.

The Committee suggested that staff monitor the intersection to observe drivers’ behavior.

Staff undertook to follow-up.

e)

Correspondence from Brad Jones

Re: Traffic Safety Measures on Canada Way between Burris Street and Sperling Avenue                                                      

Correspondence was received from Mr. Brad Jones regarding a request for stronger traffic safety measures, including a photo radar and enforcement, on Canada Way between Burris Street and Sperling Avenue.

The concerns expressed by the writer were discussed under item 6(a) of the agenda.

f)

Correspondence from Harj Bansal

Re: Request for Pedestrian Flashing Lights at Greenall Avenue and Marine Drive                                                   

Correspondence was received from Mr. Harj Bansal regarding a request for pedestrian flashing lights at Greenall Avenue and Marine Drive crosswalk.

Arising from discussion, staff undertook to evaluate the request, conduct traffic counts in the area, and provide a recommendation to the Committee.

g)

Correspondence from Paul Britton

Re: Sidewalk Bulges at Yukon Crescent and Dawson Street

Correspondence was received from Mr. Paul Britton expressing concern regarding removal of sidewalk bulges at Yukon Crescent and Dawson Street. 

Staff responded to the writer advising that bulges have been removed due to a large scale development in the area and as a safety precaution since bulges restrict the turning movement of larger vehicles.

The Committee inquired if Dawson Street will be connected between Beta Avenue and Douglas Road, and whether bulges will be re-installed.

Staff advised that Dawson Street will continue through and connect to Douglas Road.  The bulges on Yukon Crescent may be re-installed at a future date.

h)

Memorandum from the Director Public Safety

Re: Preparation for the 2017-2019 Workplan  

A memorandum was received from the Director Public Safety and Community Services providing an overview of the current programs and initiatives that address actions contained in the 2015 Workplan and outlining the process for preparation of the 2017-2019 Workplan.

8.

REPORT

MOVED BY mr. wong

SECONDED BY mr. pereira

THAT the report be received.

CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY

a)

Report from the Director Engineering

Re: Crosswalk - Oakland Street at Dufferin Avenue

The Director Engineering submitted a report reviewing pedestrian safety concerns at the intersection of Oakland Street and Dufferin Avenue.

The Director Engineering recommended:

1. THAT the Committee recommend to Council the installation of a roadside mounted special crosswalk on Oakland Street at Dufferin Avenue, as detailed in this report.

MOVED BY mr. laity

SECONDED BY mr. ritchie

THAT the recommendation of the Director Engineering be adopted.

        CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY

9.

MONTHLY REPORTS

MOVED BY mr. wong

SECONDED BY mr. ritchie

THAT the monthly reports be received.

CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY

a)

District #1 - January/February/March 2017

Mr. Wong provided a report of activities that took place in District #1 during January/February/March 2017:

·         CPAC welcomed Corporal Al Lawson and Constable Billy Quan;

·         following a higher incidence of condoms disposed near Brentwood Park Elementary School and vandalism at Confederation Elementary School, parents at the two schools have been advised to contact the schools and suggest that lighting on school grounds be adjusted to illuminate the school buildings;

·         a member reported that thieves have damaged locks on Honda vehicles south of Hastings Street;

·         North Burnaby Neighbourhood House has re-located to 4908 Hastings Street.

b)

District #2 - January/February/March 2017

Ms. Cheng, Chair, provided a report of activities that took place in District #2 during January/February/March 2017:

·         the celebration of life for Ken Ryan was held in January;

·         members partnered with RCMP to distribute safety information at the University Highlands;

·         youth members continue to raise safety awareness in the community;

·         suspicious activity by teenagers was reported at a construction site on Government Road;

·         CPAC would like to request traffic calming measures for traffic light on Beaverbrook Drive between Noel Drive and Cameron Street.

Staff advised that Beaverbrook Drive is a collector road, and traffic calming measures are generally implemented on local roads.

Ms. Cheng noted that speed is an issue and there are many children in the area.

Staff suggested that enforcement in the area may address the issue.

c)

District #3 - January/February/March 2017

Ms. Ali provided a report of activities that took place in District #3 during January/February/March 2017:

·         a member witnessed unsafe driving at Hillside Garden Complex and the City has installed barriers to block off access to the property;

·         a member notified the City about drivers passing through a red light at a pedestrian controlled crosswalk on 10^th Avenue between Kingsway and Canada Way;

·         CPAC will partner with Edmonds People in Community (EPIC) for the Clean Sweep on Edmonds Street on 2017 May 06;

·         RCMP has been informed of garbage located at a property near the intersection of Edmonds Street and 6^th Street.

The Committee requested that staff monitor 10^th Avenue for drivers running the red light and enforce the Unsightly Premises Bylaw in regard to property located near Edmonds Street and 6^th Avenue.

Staff undertook to follow-up.

d)

District #4 - January/February/March 2017

Ms. Gates provided a report of activities that took place in District #4 during January/February/March 2017:

·         RCMP conducted a five day surveillance to disrupt drug activity;

·         several tickets were issued as a result of the Speed Watch Program;

·         ICBC held a distracted driving information session at the Simon Fraser University;

·         Transit Police reported lower incidence of reported sexual assaults and advised that youth violence in Metrotown is an on-going problem;

·         a citizen acted aggressively towards guards and customers at Station Square.  Several calls to 911 did not receive a prompt response, and the resident was eventually taken away by the ambulance.

The Committee requested staff examine a lack of prompt response to 911 calls. 

Staff undertook to investigate.

e)

Graffiti

No report was provided at this time.

f)

Fire

The report will be provided at the next Committee meeting. 

g)

RCMP

The report will be provided at the next Committee meeting. 

10.

NEW BUSINESS

Eric Laity

Mr. Laity inquired regarding crime prevention through environmental design.

Staff advised that it is an approach of designing communities which takes into consideration opportunities for crime to occur and implements measures to deter crime.

Stephen Baron

Mr. Baron inquired regarding status of the speed humps on Eglinton Street between Gatenby Avenue and Gilmon Avenue.

Staff noted that the speed humps are generally installed during summer, and undertook to provide an update on the project status.

C/Supt. Drolet

C/Supt. Drolet informed the Committee of the three upcoming Burnaby RCMP events:

·         Annual Performance Plan consultation session on 2017 April 20

·         Safe Community Series: Fentanyl Awareness presentation to be held on 2017 April 27 from 6:00 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. at Council Chamber, City Hall

·         Citizens Crime Watch volunteer recruitment campaign

11.

INQUIRIES

There were no inquiries brought before the Committee at this time.

12.

ADJOURNMENT

MOVED BY councillor dhaliwal

SECONDED BY mr. laity

THAT this Open Committee meeting do now adjourn.

CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY

The Open meeting adjourned at 8:13 p.m.

________________________

________________________

Nikolina Vracar

ADMINISTRATIVE OFFICER                  

Councillor Pietro Calendino

CHAIR