Minutes of Meeting, November 19, 2007

Present: Jane Anderson (Fleetwood CA), Darlene Bowyer (Port Kells CA), Bonnie Burnside (Whalley CA), Deb Jack (Surrey Environmental Partners), Nick Kapty (Cranley Place RA) Lucy Matich (Port Mann RA), Tanja Michelle (Bolivar Heights), Dave Moffat (Country Woods RA), Barb Paton (Semiahmoo RA), Mike Proskow (Country Woods RA), Grant Rice (South Westminster RA), Wally Sandvoss (Port Kells CA), Cindy Law (CRONIC- Newton), Joanna and Phil Whittingstall (Fraser Heights CA), Velma Wilson (Cloverdale CA), Rosemary Zelinka (Elgin Ratepayers and Coordinator for Surrey ASC).

1. Appointment of Chair

Rosemary Zelinka was appointed Chair for this meeting.

2. Approval of Agenda

Moved by Barb Paton and seconded by Wally Sandvoss, that the Agenda be approved as amended. CARRIED

3. Minutes

Moved by Wally Sandvoss, seconded by Velma Wilson that the Minutes of the October meeting be approved as circulated. CARRIED

4. Presentation

Lance Talbott, the City’s new Crime Reduction Manager described his work in implementing the City’s Crime Reduction Strategy. He explained the four main strands in the Crime Reduction Strategy: prevent and deter crime; apprehend and prosecute offenders; rehabilitate and reintegrate offenders; and reality and perceptions of crime.

There was a lengthy discussion regarding Surrey’s proposals for a community court, which is currently being considered by the province. Under this proposal, persons willing to plead guilty to an offence would be subject to a “triage” assessment by probation, police and health officers who would recommend to the judge, diversion options to suit each person’s needs e.g. addiction treatment, housing, counselling etc. This “wrap-around” package of services would be require considerable funding. Deb Jack, who is a retired probation officer, pointed out that this approach is nothing new and that probation officers have done this for years but government cut-backs have curtailed the availability of the support services without which the program cannot function effectively.

Lance mentioned that the City’s application for funding from the National Crime Prevention Program had not received funding, as it did not fit program criteria. However, the federal government has now provided $250,000 to fund a school supervision program to ensure that students suspended from school for misbehaving are required to attend a structured program. Darlene Bowyer suggested that community associations should send letters to Stockwell Day urging funding for the City’s application.

Lance advised that the RCMP is intending to hire about 10-15 community safety officers (not full police officers) as a pilot project. Tanja Michelle described the Bolivar Heights RA’s website where members can record possible criminal activity and which is regularly checked by their community safety officer. The role of community police stations was questioned, when they are not open during evenings and weekends.

Cindy Law pointed out issues in Newton, where residents feel there is an overconcentration of social facilities and community care residences. CRONIC is discussing this matter with City Council.

There was a discussion on whether reporting crime to the RCMP is not a waste of time. Apparently, only about a third of crimes are reported to the police. The police will not take third party reports of a crime. A better way of reporting crimes, with more attention given by the police, is needed. It was suggested that many business operators do not report break-ins etc due to fear that police reports will find their way to insurers who will increase rates or refuse to insure premises.

Lance advised that a Crime Strategy Reduction Board is being established with representation from agencies and organizations, who in turn will set up action committees to implement recommendations. It was pointed out that the Crime Reduction Strategy was very much developed by agencies and there was not one ordinary citizen on any of its committees. Lance responded that in its implementation stages, the Strategy will build a broader community base through more public involvement.

Regarding the usefulness of CCTV cameras in public areas, as extensively used in the UK, Lance said they appease public concerns, but they may displace crime to other areas. He felt their use should be in accordance with carefully considered objectives and their effectiveness should be continually evaluated.

Lance mentioned that he is working with SFU to develop a crime victimization survey to use in assessing the public’s concerns about crime.

With regard to what Surrey ASC can do, Lance encouraged community associations to continue to engage and involve the public.

5. Business arising from the Minutes

(a) It was reported that nothing further has been heard from the United Way regarding a further grant. The City is likely to announce its grant awards in the next few weeks.

(b) The meeting with architect Bing Thom is postponed indefinitely.

6. New Business

(a) After some discussion, it was decided not to make a submission regarding the City’s proposed 2008 budget.

(b) Bonnie Burnside advised that she had suggested to the Now newspaper the possibility of doing a feature on the work of community associations and that this had been favourably received. This would probably be a fill article published sometime next year. There was general support for this idea, which will be investigated further in the New Year.

(c) The first AGM of the society is planned for Thursday, January 17. No-one volunteered to chair the nominations committee.

7. Next Meeting

The AGM will be held at 7.00 pm, Thursday January 17, at Port Kells Community Hall.

8 Adjournment

The meeting adjourned at 9.15 pm.