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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2004-09-13 Adopted Special Council Meeting Minutes.pdfCorporation of the District of Maple Ridge SPECIAL COUNCIL MEETING September 13, 2004 The Minutes of the Special Council Meeting held on September 13, 2004 at 7:00 p.m. in the Maple Ridge Arts Centre and Theatre, 11944 Haney Place, Maple Ridge, British Columbia. PRESENT Staff J. Rule, Chief Administrative Officer T. Fryer, Municipal Clerk Elected Officials Mayor K. Morse Councillor E. Daykin Councillor J. Dueck Councillor C. Gordon Councillor J. Harris Councillor F. Isaac Councillor C. Speirs Guests M. Murray, General Manager of Community Development, Parks and Recreational Services Insp. J. Armstrong, RCMP B. McDonald, Director of Licenses, Permits and Bylaws Honourable Judge P. DeCouto R. Romano, Crown Counsel R. Kamp, M.P. R. Hawes, M.L.A. K. Stewart, M.L.A. C. Marlo, Confidential Secretary S. Wheeler, Special Project Manager Note: These Minutes are also posted on the Municipal Web Site at www.mapleridge.org 100 INTRODUCTION • Meeting Purpose • Meeting Parameters Mayor Morse called the meeting to order and explained the format of the meeting. 200 INTRODUCTION OF COUNCIL, STAFF, REPRESENTATIVES, HONOURED GUESTS RCMP, AGENCY = Special Council Minutes September 13, 2004 Page 2 of8 Mayor Morse introduced the members of Council, staff, RCMP, agency representatives and honoured guests who were in attendance at the meeting. 300 PRESENTATION -"WHAT WE KNOW" Mayor Morse gave a Power Point identifying issues, limitations, and examples of what can be achieved from the planned series of meetings.· 400 COMMENTS AND QUESTIONS Speaker 1 The speaker spoke of her concerns for safety and her feeling that there are no consequences for offenders. She described her personal experiences with break ins. She indicated that speakers she has heard through organizations that she belongs have said that the laws are not being enforced particularly with juvenile crime. She feels very vulnerable. Ann Marie Rihtaric Ms. Rihtaric described a specific issue in her neighbourhood. Insp. Armstrong indicated that she was aware of the case and as it was criminal in nature she suggested that Ms. Rihtaric meet with her following the meeting. Ms. Rihtaric asked what individuals could do other than calling 911 when situations such as this arise. The Director of Licenses, Permits and Bylaws described examples of situations where District bylaws apply and situations where the RCMP would need to be involved. Eero Innala Mr. Innala expressed his frustration and concern over the lack of response he received from the Provincial Government after he reported witnessing a contractor dumping waste oil into Stave Lake. Gordon Young Mr. Gordon read a statement recommending that Maple Ridge pass an anti- fighting bylaw similar to bylaws in place in Edmonton and Vancouver. He felt that such a bylaw would give a consequence to people found fighting as a fine could be issued on the spot. The Director of Licenses, Permits and Bylaws indicated that the District does not receive many calls about fighting. He described the process and costs that are involved in collecting fines if the recipient refuses to pay. He advised that the voluntary collection rate is 60% so 40% of the tickets are ignored. The District does not have the ability to add unpaid fines to property tax bills with the exception of costs under the Unsightly and Untidy Premises bylaw. Mayor Morse Special Council Minutes September 13, 2004 Page 3 of8 added that it can sometimes take over two years for a case to get to Court and if that happens the case can be thrown out because of lack of due process. Mr. Young said that he has talked to a Vancouver Councillor about this issue and has heard that in Edmonton 75% of the fines are collected. Speaker 5 The speaker commented on drug dealing in the community and problems with cleanliness. She suggested that public toilets be used in the community. Mayor Msirse noted that the homeless don't have washrooms that they could use and pointed out that public washrooms are prevalent in other countries. The speaker suggested that the Provincial Government should look at one providing one big detox centre to serve the Lower Mainland. Speaker 6 The speaker indicated her desire for more crime free multi-family housing units be developed using the Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design (CPTED) rules. Mayor Morse suggested that this was something that the Advisory Design Panel could look into. She described the premise of the CPTED rules. Ri chard Blommers Mr. Blommers indicated that his attendance came out of his interest in the security and safety of the community. He noted that there had been an increase in the number of homeless people, crime rates and property crimes. His wife does not feel safe walking and jogging in the community and the seniors on 224th Street are having problems. He felt that there was only so much members of law enforcement could do as their hands are tied. He suggested that something be done now to address the problems and that the problems not be "sugar coated". Mayor Morse indicated that everyone agrees but tools are needed to effect change as it must be handled within the laws. We have to look at which laws have to be changed and who is responsible for those laws. Speaker 8 The speaker described activities of the homeless and youth in the greenbelt area behind her home and suggested that it should be cleaned out. The property is municipal land. The Director of Licenses, Permits and Bylaws advised that Bylaws staff work with the RCMP to move homeless people before they become entrenched on a property. The question then becomes where do those people go. The municipality can clean up the property if it is municipal land. If it is privately owned the municipality does not have any authority to go on the property but attempts to work with the owner to try to convince them to make the property less attractive to occupy. The speaker said that the problem behind her is not just with the homeless but with teenagers. She stated that she hoped when the Olympics come in 2010 and Vancouver wants to clean up the city they don't send the homeless people out here. She felt that problems in other areas are being pushed Special Council Minutes September 13, 2004 Page 4 of 8 out to Maple Ridge. Mayor Morse indicated that moving people from place to place is not the answer, detoxification centres and housing is needed. The community needs to get to a position where we know what to do with the people. Dennis and Melanie Stoibers Mr. Stoibers expressed concerned about people loitering in his area and asked what could be done about this. He indicated that he had written the municipality about this and had received a response that no laws were being broken. Mayor Morse asked the community to consider if they would want everything regulated or deal with specific issues. Mrs. Stoibers asked what the loitering law is. The Director of Licenses, Permits and Bylaws responded that the municipality does not have an anti-loitering bylaw. He indicated that some jurisdictions do have this but he did not know how effective the bylaw is. He suggested that enforcing such a bylaw could be difficult. Mr. Stoiber stated that he has found people defecating in a neighbouring park. He felt that the community has lots of rehabilitation facilities and at some point we need to stop forcing people into rehab and giving them time for doing something illegal. Mayor Morse responded that the District does not have sufficient rehabilitation resources and suggested that accurate information is needed about what is available. Gordon Robson Mr. Robson agreed that as a community we have to do something but he felt that something is being done. He congratulated the Municipality, the RCMP and the Salvation Army on the great job they have done. He noted that a large number of people have been moved off the streets. He provided information on the Task Force that has been developed with respect to problems associated with use of crystal meth. Reports will come back from the groups on what should be done. He asked why the Department of Justice is not participating in this Task Force. Mayor Morse indicated that the local MLA's were assisting to have representatives of the Provincial Government attend future Town Hall Meetings. Mr. Robson pointed out that the Department of Justice is the Ministry that handles drugs and they had been unable to get them to attend their meetings. Bill Jupp Mr. Jupp congratulated Council on cleaning up the area behind the A&W. Mayor Morse advised that this was done by a private contractor who donated the work. Mr. Jupp felt that the cleaning of private property should come under the provisions of the Fire Act if there was a risk to other properties. Mr. Jupp agreed with the comments of Mr. Young with respect to fines. He suggested that there are all kinds of ways to collect fines with incurring fees from lawyers. Mayor Morse suggested that Mr. Jupp participate in the round table discussion on this topic at the next meeting. Mr. Jupp felt that only the problems were being discussed and not the solutions. He suggested that Council direct that a task force ) .l 7 J Special Council Minutes September 13, 2004 Page 5 of8 be put together to come forward with a strategic plan. Mayor Morse indicated that Council's decision is to have a task force of concerned citizens and staff members participate in a series of workshops. She felt the outcome would be a number of good, legal ideas that could be implemented right away. Lisa Fierro Ms. Fierro indicated that she is working in mental health in this community and we do not have rehabilitation resources here. There are only 60 detox beds in the Lower Mainland and there are long waitlists to get one of those beds. The residential treatment centre in Maple Ridge is a private facility that requires quite a bit of money to access and individuals need to have had a good period of sobriety to make use of those facilities. She asked what the situation is with the funding requested by the Homelessness Society. The Special Project Manager advised that the Alouette Home Start Society had applied for federal funding but the request was unsuccessful. The Society is continuing to work toward the goal of developing transitional housing. Mayor Morse added that the problem with the request was the number of units. If facilities were developed with smaller numbers funding may be more available. Sheila McLaughlin Ms. McLaughin works in the housing area and indicated that addictions is a concern but there has been an increase in homelessness with families and seniors. Not all homelessness is the result of addictions. She suggested that the number of homeless has increased as services have decreased. She asked the representatives in attendance from the Federal and Provincial Government what they were going to do to address the issues. Mayor Morse advised that those representatives were in attendance to gather information for future sessions and not to respond to questions at this session. Ms. McLaughlin felt that those levels of government have to come to the table and address the need for more low income housing, more services and do something about poverty. People who only receive $550 a month for food and shelter are going to end up on the street. Derek Klassen Mr. Klassen indicated that his home had been robbed within the first three weeks of moving to Maple Ridge. He did not know what the solution is but thanked everyone for coming out to try to do something. He was upset about the bicyclists from the Salvation Army taking everything they own. Mayor Morse reminded everyone that there are more levels of criminal invasion than just that one. Neil Pukesh Mr. Pukesh thanked the Salvation Army for the job they are doing at the Caring Place. He felt it was the responsibility of the community to deal with the root cause of homelessness. We're warehousing people by putting them into beds in shelters. He suggested that courses in high school on how to properly parent would be valuable, as well as the 12 step program which teaches people to meet Special Council Minutes September 13, 2004 Page 6 of8 life on life's terms. Mayor Morse noted that information could be gathered from the School District on such programs. Claire Pratt Ms. Pratt asked if there was a bylaw that stated a time when children must be off the street. Mayor Morse responded that there is no bylaw. Ms. Pratt felt that such a bylaw had been passed in 1968. Mayor Morse indicated staff would check again to see if such a bylaw existed. Eileen Klassen Ms. Klassen stated that she would be here for future meetings and indicated that she would like to hear at those meetings what needs to be done. She felt citizens would agree to do the work. Mayor Morse indicated that it had been her experience that there is little or no buy in if people are told what to do. Mike Schroeder From his experience as a volunteer at Kings Inn, Mr. Schroe·der felt that due to their visibility the homeless were getting a bad rap in terms of what part of crime issues they are actually part of. He asked if there was any research that would say there has been an increase in homelessness and they are the source of crimes. Mayor Morse indicated that this is the type of information that would be brought to the meeting on homelessness and the District would endeavour to gather accurate information for that meeting. Mr. Schroeder said that as he works with these people he has come to know that they are people like anyone else and he does not feel that they are a threat to him. Mayor Morse felt that the behaviour of some of the homeless people is what causes the greatest anger as it is so foreign to most people. Cathy Chiu, Salvation Army Cpt. Chiu advised that continually moving homeless people is a method used to get homeless people to eventually come to the Salvation Army to get help. She indicated that by the time they come to them, many have suffered mental damage from use of crystal meth. Much of their behaviour is the result of this damage. Many of them cannot figure out how to break into a house but they will take items left outside. She felt that other elements are responsible for house break ins. The Salvation Army is participating in the Task Force on crystal meth and Cpt. Chiu challenged those on the panel to take action with what comes from those talks. Mayor Morse reminded people that the crystal meth group was initiated by the Rotary Club and is part of the bigger picture. There are other criminal elements at work. Crystal meth is a very big part of the problem and Council is grateful to have that portion under way. Jennifer Johnson Ms. Johnson advised that since purchasing her home a year ago she has had three break ins which have cost her family a lot of money and her insurance rates have Special Council Minutes September 13, 2004 Page 7 of8 increased dramaticaly. She is seeing a lot of bush clearing and foot patrols in the area but she often picks up needles in her yard. She asked what we will do in the future when the bridge is built. She felt we should be thinking about this now before it becomes a problem. Mayor Morse indicated that this is why the District is preparing a sustainable financial plan. Ms. Johnson asked if having different groups working on these issues is dividing up the resources. Mayor Morse responded that the District is trying to coordinate communication between the groups. She pointed out that the cystal meth task force is a time limited group. Noreen Woods Ms. Woods spoke of the increase in crime in rural areas and said she felt that those areas are sometimes forgotten. The different levels of government need to know there is a concern in the rural areas. Insp. Armstrong responded that Ms. Woods concerns were valid. Insp. Armstrong participated in a meeting on this issue with Whonnock residents and is following up on the comments made at that meeting. She pointed out that people can do a lot to make their property safer. Jim Findlay Mr. Findlay has spent 2 years pondering the notion that maybe there is something you can do to prevent violent crime from happening to you and your family. In his situation the person convicted of killing his wife lived close by and had been on a crime spree. He felt that if he had known that there was someone within 100 yards who might subject his family to crime he might have been ready. He spoke of conversations he had with officers who indicated that discretionary calls were made by officers during previous arrests of that individual. Mayor Morse suggested that discussion of this might be better done one on one rather than in a public forum. She felt that the comment of letting people know when there is a danger in the area was a worthy topic and a discussion of that kind of watch system would be appropriate. Mr. Findlay said discretionary calls as it pertains to youth come down to the vagaries of shift. The officers he found most passionate about crime in the community are those who live in community and have a vested interest. He complimented those officers. At end of day, he has decided that you have to protect yourself. Mayor Morse indicated that the District would gather information on the Young Offenders Act. Bob Goos Mr. Goos spoke of the link between crime and homelessness. The District didn't have crime increases in the past but had homelessness. He felt that what has changed is the use of drugs, the loss of cheap housing and changes to social assistance rates. He asked that the two senior levels of government address the issue of affordable housing. The municipality can be creative and use its land base to facilitate and enable that type of housing. The other change is the downsizing of Woodlands and Riverview. The people from those facilities are now on the street. In Vancouver they have identified that up to 40% of homeless people have those issues. Special Council Minutes September 13 , 2004 Page 8 of8 Chuck Gale Mr. Gale was struck by the complexity of the issues. He was part of a group that patrolled his neighbourhood but he is worried that they could be put in the position of solving those issues at the fence. His preference was to have professionals do this work. He noted that the problem is money but felt that people would pay if they knew that the money was going directly to what they were agreeing to pay. He suggested that at the workshops they talk about what resources would be required to offer three different degrees of improved service and ask the community if they would agree if the money goes directly to those services. Sheila McLaughlin Ms. McLaughlin commended the municipality for their role in applying for Federal funding for the Alouette Home Start Society. The application was unsuccessful but the Ministries recognized the role of the municipality and indicated that the municipal contribution was exactly the kind of thing that is needed to make these projects work. Gordon Robson Mr. Robson asked what the population to police ratio is for Maple Ridge. Mayor Morse indicated that she did not have that information immediately at hand but could obtain that ratio as part of the information gathering following the meeting. 500 SUMMARY Mayor Morse thanked everyone for coming out to the meeting. Advertisements will appear in the local papers on the dates and topics of future meetings. She asked that in the meantime if anyone has information to put forward in terms of personal experiences they forward it to the District as Council would like to make a plea to the courts to include those experiences in their deliberations. 600 ADJOURNMENT -9:00 p.m. Certified Correct