PUBLIC SAFETY COMMITTEE

MINUTES

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

1.

CALL TO ORDER

The Chair called the Open meeting to order at 6:03 p.m.

2.

MINUTES

a)

Minutes of the Open meeting of the Public Safety Committee held on 2017 May 02                                                                    

MOVED BY TRUSTEE HAYES

SECONDED BY MR. BARON

THAT the minutes of the Public Safety Committee Open meeting held on 2017 May 02 be adopted.

CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY

3.

DELEGATIONS

MOVED BY councillor dhaliwal

SECONDED BY mr. baron

THAT the delegations be heard.

CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY

a)

Concerned Citizen

Re:  Public Safety Concerns near Wesburn Community Centre

Speaker: Concerned Citizen                                                                       

A concerned citizen appeared before the Committee to express concerns regarding public safety near Wesburn Community Centre.

**Mr. Holden arrived at the meeting at 6:05 p.m.**

The speaker advised that the Wesburn Park neighbourhood has always had loitering issues, but in the past year the neighbourhood has become unsafe as a result of a group of young men frequenting the area on a daily basis and engaging in suspicious activities, including:

·         arriving and leaving in vehicles several times during a night;

·         vehicle break-ins;

·         a shooting incident;

·         public urination;

·         trespassing inside vacant homes;

·         smoking and loitering;

·         driving the same vehicle with different license plates; and

·         speeding and driving on a sidewalk.

The speaker noted residents are concerned for personal safety and avoid parking on the street and spending time outside.  The group’s presence has not decreased despite reports of their activities to the RCMP.

The delegation requested the City:

·         increase nighttime patrol presence;

·         stand open file for dispatchers to reference;

·         increase priority of the case;

·         hire more patrol officers;

·         have a liaison officer communicate with the Block Watch Captains to advise residents of activities in the area;

·         install speed humps, “resident only” parking signs and “no noise after 10 p.m.” signs; and

·         remove the community centre.

Staff noted two Community Response Team members in District #4 met with the speaker to discuss the case.  Further, staff advised a comprehensive approach, including the Block Watch and Bike Patrol, is being used to resolve the issue.  A Bike Patrol recently visited the neighbourhood without observing any suspicious activity, and will continue to monitor the area.  Staff undertook to connect residents with the Block Watch.

**Ms. Li arrived at the meeting at 6:15 p.m.**

The speaker expressed concern regarding response time and follow-up by the RCMP. 

The Committee requested staff develop a strategy to address the concerns.

In conclusion, staff undertook to meet with the concerned citizen and follow-up with residents.

b)

Cathy Griffin

Re: Cyclist Safety along Gilmore Avenue/Diversion

Speakers: Cathy Griffin,  Simon Cowell, and Adrian Powell

Ms. Cathy Griffin, HUB Burnaby, Mr. Simon Cowell, HUB Burnaby, and Mr. Adrian Powell appeared before the Committee to express concerns regarding cyclist safety along Gilmore Avenue/Diversion between Douglas Road and Canada Way.

Mr. Cowell noted cyclists have reported several hazards during the Bike to Work week, including:

·         difficulty accessing Sea to River Bikeway and competing with other road users when travelling northbound and southbound near Lougheed Highway;

·         expansion joint tripping hazard at the entrance to Home Depot driveway;

·         wavering bike path and poor visibility of cyclists and pedestrians by vehicles turning right on Henning Drive;

·         narrow ramps and obstructing posts at Still Creek Avenue; and

·         uneven pavement and pipe rail fence on west side of the railway crossing south of Dawson Street.

The delegation inquired regarding the status of Gilmore Way Urban Trail expansion over Highway #1 overpass, and requested the City:

·         install protected bike lanes on Gilmore Avenue between Douglas Road and Lougheed Highway;

·         address the expansion joint hazard;

·         petition the railroad company to address uneven pavement and upgrade rail fence at the railway crossing; and

·         widen ramps and improve access to bike trails at Still Creek Avenue and Henning Drive intersections.

Staff undertook to address the expansion joint hazard and contact the railway company regarding the delegation’s concerns.  Further, staff noted the development near the Gilmore SkyTrain will result in upgrades to Gilmore Avenue, and redevelopments north of Lougheed Highway will result in separated bike facilities.  Regarding the Gilmore Urban Trail expansion, staff advised the project has been placed on hold indefinitely due to uncertainty regarding the future of the Highway #1 overpass.   

4.

CORRESPONDENCE

MOVED BY councillor dhaliwal

SECONDED BY trustee hayes

THAT the correspondence be received.

CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY

a)

Correspondence from a Concerned Citizen

Re: Public Safety Concerns near Parkwood Crescent and Parkwood Avenue Intersection                                             

Correspondence was received from a concerned citizen regarding public safety concerns near Parkwood Crescent and Parkwood Avenue intersection.  The writer advised that since the past year, the neighbourhood has experienced increased crime (e.g. a shooting incident, vehicle break-ins, thefts and trespassing on private property), and increased noise levels as a result of drug dealings, speeding vehicles and young people gathering during the night.  The writer requested the City address the problem by:

·         increasing the RCMP presence and the Wesburn Park patrol;

·         installing mosquito tone near the park and ensuring the park gate is closed at night;

·         increasing lighting at Wesburn Community Centre and nearby parkade;

·         posting “resident only” signs and “no noise and parking after 10 p.m.” signs;

·         installing speed humps; and

·         installing barriers to prevent traffic flowing on Parkwood Crescent.

Staff undertook to follow-up with the writer.

b)

Correspondence from Bayside Property Services Ltd.

Re: Parkade Security Concerns at 4657 and 4689 Hazel Street

Correspondence was received from Mr. Charles Wong, Property Manager, Bayside Property Services Ltd. regarding parkade security concerns at 4657 and 4689 Hazel Street.  Mr. Wong advised the two parkades were broken-in on three occasions between 2016 December 16 and 2017 April 07, resulting in damage to parkade gates and parked vehicles, and loss of personal property. 

Staff advised that members of the Bike Patrol and Prolific Offender Suppression Team have identified, located, and arrested the individual responsible for the incidents. 

c)

Correspondence from Hildegard Weber

Re: Traffic Safety Concerns on Dover Street between Nelson Avenue and Royal Oak Avenue                                                         

Correspondence was received from Ms. Hildegard Weber regarding traffic concerns on Dover Street between Nelson Avenue and Royal Oak Avenue.  Ms. Weber advised:

·         turning left from Dover Street on Royal Oak Avenue is challenging due to westbound vehicles blocking the intersection;

·         vehicles are travelling eastbound through the intersection and turning left on Oakdale Road and Oakdale Crescent (residential neighborhood) to reach Royal Oak Avenue; and

·         the school crosswalk on Dover Street is contributing to congestion since the traffic is held-up for children not yet at the crosswalk.

The writer noted the need for a dual left turn from Dover Street to Royal Oak Avenue.

Staff advised they extended the eastbound left turn bay on Dover Street at Royal Oak Avenue and the traffic signal timings to improve the operation of the intersection.  Staff cautioned against dual left turn bays since it would widen the intersection, increase crossing time for pedestrians (including school children),

and require removal of large trees in the southeast corner of the intersection.  Staff will monitor the area for vehicles shortcutting through Oakdale Road and Oakdale Crescent.

d)

Correspondence from Brendan O'Leary

Re: Traffic Safety Concerns and Speed Humps on McGill Street                                                                                       

Correspondence was received from Mr. Brendan O'Leary regarding the volume and speed of traffic on McGill Street.  The writer advised vehicles travel on McGill Street to avoid the speed humps on adjacent streets, and urged the City to install the speed humps on McGill Street. 

Staff advised that a majority of residents who were petitioned through the Local Area Service Program did not support the installation of speed humps.

e)

Correspondence from Monica Urrutia

Re: Request for Traffic Lights at 6th Street and 15th Avenue Intersection                                                                                 

Correspondence was received from Ms. Monica Urrutia regarding installation of traffic lights at the 6th Street and 15th Avenue intersection.  Ms. Urrutia has observed pedestrians risking their safety by running across 6^th Street and 15^th Avenue to reach a bus stop along 6^th Street.  Further, the writer advised it is challenging for vehicles to turn left on 6^th Street in either direction, and the intersection has been a site of serious collisions during the last three years.  Ms. Urrutia noted that a new mid-rise building at the intersection will likely increase the traffic volume at the intersection. 

Staff advised the installation of a traffic signal at 6^th Street is not recommended since the signal may attract additional traffic on 15^th Avenue, the signal would be of limited benefit to vehicles along 15^th Avenue, and a pedestrian signal already exists at the intersection of 6^th Street and 14^th Avenue. 

The Committee inquired regarding collisions at the intersection, and placement of the 14^th Avenue pedestrian signal considering the bus stop is located closer to the 15^th Avenue.

Staff undertook to review crash and the bus stop utilization statistics.  It was noted that Transportation Canada Association standards are considered when determining a signal placement.

f)

Correspondence from Councillor Dhaliwal

Re: Request for Signalized Crosswalk on Cariboo Road

Correspondence was received from Councillor Dhaliwal regarding a request from Mr. Bill Schulz for a signalized crosswalk on Cariboo Road south of the Highway #1 overpass.  Councillor Dhaliwal advised vehicles speed through the area which includes a multi-housing complex, two churches and bus stops, and church parking lots traffic is creating congestion along the road.

MOVED BY councillor dhaliwal

SECONDED BY councillor wang

THAT correspondence be REFERRED to staff for a report.

CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY

g)

Memorandum from the Deputy City Clerk

Re: Launch Activities for the Environmental Sustainability Strategy (ESS)                                                                         

A memorandum was received from the Deputy City Clerk advising that Council, at the Open Council meeting held on 2017 June 12, received and adopted the above noted report regarding launch activities for the Environmental Sustainability Strategy (ESS).  The City created “My Green Pledge” to celebrate the launch of the ESS, inspire residents and businesses to take action in support of the ESS, and spread the word by engaging residents through social media.

Staff encouraged the Committee members to take the pledge.

**Councillor Wang left the meeting at 7:20 p.m.**

h)

Correspondence from Trevor Ritchie

Re: Resignation from the Committee

Correspondence was received from Mr. Trevor Ritchie, Citizens’ Representative, informing the Committee of his resignation.  Mr. Ritchie will be leaving Burnaby to pursue graduate studies and will no longer meet the residency requirement.

The Chair thanked Mr. Ritchie for his involvement and contribution to the Committee over the years.

MOVED BY mr. pereira

SECONDED BY councillor dhaliwal

THAT the Committee send a thank you letter to Mr. Ritchie.

CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY

5.

REPORTS

MOVED BY councillor dhaliwal

SECONDED BY mr. baron

THAT the reports be received.

CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY

a)

Report from the Director Engineering

Re: Intersection Operations - Goring Street at Holdom Avenue                                                                               

The Director Engineering submitted a report reviewing the traffic control at the intersection of Goring Street and Holdom Avenue.

The Director Engineering recommended:

1. THAT the Committee recommend to Council the installation of all-way stop control at the intersection of Goring Street and Holdom Avenue, as detailed in this report.

MOVED BY councillor dhaliwal

SECONDED BY mr. paul

THAT the recommendation of the Director Engineering be adopted.

CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY

b)

Report from the Director Engineering

Re: Intersection Operations - Beresford Street at Willingdon Avenue                                                                                         

The Director Engineering submitted a report reviewing safety and operational concerns at the intersection of Beresford Street and Willingdon Avenue.

The Director Engineering recommended:

1. THAT the Committee recommend to Council geometric modifications at the intersection of Beresford Street at Willingdon Avenue, as detailed in this report.

2. THAT a copy of this report be sent to Ms. Anna Solnickova of 504-4350 Beresford Street, Burnaby, BC  V5H 4K9.

MOVED BY trustee hayes

SECONDED BY councillor dhaliwal

THAT the recommendations of the Director Engineering be adopted.

CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY

**Councillor Wang returned to the meeting at 7:25 p.m.**

c)

Report from the Director Engineering

Re: Review of Pedestrian Crosswalks at Four Locations

The Director Engineering submitted a report reviewing existing crosswalk operations at North Fraser Way/Fraserton Crescent, North Fraser Way/Fraserwood Crescent, Eastlake Road/Centaurus Drive, and Halifax Street/Augusta Avenue.

The Director Engineering recommended:

1. THAT the Committee recommend to Council the installation of roadside mounted special crosswalks at four existing marked crosswalks, as detailed in this report.

MOVED BY Mr. pereira

SECONDED BY councillor wang

THAT the recommendation of the Director Engineering be adopted.

CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY

6.

MONTHLY REPORTS

MOVED BY trustee hayes

SECONDED BY councillor wang

THAT the monthly reports be received.

CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY

a)

District #1 – April/May/June 2017

Mr. Wong, Chair, provided a report of activities that took place in District #1 during April/May/June 2017:

·         a member attended the RCMP Annual Performance Plan session;

·         Burnaby Citizens Crime Watch recruited two new members;

·         Brentwood Park Elementary School, a polling station during the Provincial election, suffered theft of classroom items during the polling;

·         Hastings Street merchants will separate recyclable containers from the garbage to discourage garbage spillage by individuals collecting recyclable materials; and

·         Hats Off Day was a success with a few minor incidents being promptly addressed.

b)

District #2 - April/May/June 2017

Ms. Cheng, Chair, provided a report of activities that took place in District #2 during April/May/June 2017:

·         no panhandling incidents were reported on North Road due to cooperation between the RCMP and SkyTrain patrol; and

·         the BC Crime Prevention Association invited the CSI club at Burnaby Mountain Secondary and Graffiti Busters to make a presentation.

c)

District #3 - April/May/June 2017

Ms. Ali, Chair, provided a report of activities that took place in District #3 during April/May/June 2017:

·         CPAC attended the RCMP’s Annual Performance Plan, the Edmonds Clean Sweep, and Canada 150 event at Edmonds Centre;

·         concerns were raised regarding suspicious gatherings near Edmonds Street and 6^th Street, and the City installed gates around the property as a preventative measure;

·         a member is retiring after 20 years of service;

·         robberies and residential break and enters were below average in June while auto thefts and thefts from auto remain at average levels; and

·         school liaison officers have been busy addressing end of the year school pranks.

d)

District #4 - April/May/June 2017

Ms. Gates, Chair, provided a report of activities that took place in District #4 during April/May/June 2017:

·         Bonsor Community Centre staff reported increase in mental health related incidents, and the RCMP promptly followed-up;

·         Bob Prittie Library staff have been dealing with patrons exhibiting behavioural issues, and the library security guard retrieved a gun, knife and hoodie near the library premises;

·         incidents of loitering on Kingsway benches and sleeping in stairwells have been reported; and

·         residents are concerned regarding vehicles speeding near the Beresford Street and Tefford Avenue intersection.

The Committee recommended the Bike Patrol monitor the area near Beresford Street and Tefford Avenue to track down the offenders.

Staff undertook to follow-up.

e)

RCMP - April/May 2017

C/Supt. Drolet submitted a report providing an overview of activities that took place during April/May of 2017.

Inspector Hartwig highlighted the following items:

·         crime statistics are good with District #3 and #4 experiencing more crime than other areas;

·         Community Response Team members attended the Kinder Morgan pipeline protests to ensure everyone’s safety;

·         a number of Auxiliary Constables have been accepted to Depot Division in Regina;

·         Crime Prevention Unit is developing the Crime Free Multi-Housing Program to address high density property crime files;

·         four volunteers were recruited for the Burnaby Citizen’s Crime Watch;

·         Victim Services open on average 20 new files each week;

·         Superintendent Randy Marquardt retired after 35 years of service;

·         the RCMP Musical Ride will take place on Friday, August 18 to celebrate Canada’s 150^th and Burnaby’s 125^th anniversaries; and

·         18 officers were deployed to assist with the provincial fire evacuations.

f)

Fire - April/May 2017

The Fire Chief submitted a report providing an overview of activities that took place during April/May of 2017.

The Fire Chief highlighted the following items:

·         incident statistics are consistent with medical emergencies constituting 61% of all calls;

·         drug overdoses decreased by almost 40% in May with majority of overdoses occurring in Districts #3 and #4;

·         the Department will distribute posters across the City aimed at informing the public regarding drug overdoses;

·         firefighters demonstrated two training scenarios for the Committee members prior to the Committee meeting;

·         the first Youth Academy was organized to encourage underrepresented members of community to consider fire service as a career;

·         the RCMP’s Emergency Command Vehicle will be rebranded as a dual-purpose vehicle for both fire and police services; and

·         firefighters are preparing for deployment to assist with provincial wildfires and provide structural protection.

7.

NEW BUSINESS

There was no new business brought before the Committee at this time.

8.

INQUIRIES

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

9.

ADJOURNMENT

MOVED BY trustee hayes

SECONDED BY mr. reid

THAT this Open Committee meeting do now adjourn.

CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY

The Open meeting adjourned at 8:10 p.m.

________________________

________________________

Nikolina Vracar

ADMINISTRATIVE OFFICER                  

Councillor Pietro Calendino

CHAIR