Report to Council - Granicus
Report to Council DATE:
May 9, 2016
TO:
Mayor and Council
FROM:
Kristen Meersman, P. Eng., MBA Director of Engineering and Public Works Robin Wishart Director of Corporate Support
SUBJECT:
Water Shortage and Solid Waste Compliance Strategy
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY: At both TSPW and CSC, the issue of water usage, solid waste sorting, and cart lock use have been discussed in the context of education, awareness, and enforcement. This report describes the roles of the ambassadors and Bylaw Services proposed for 2016 in the stewardship of these areas, and proposes changes to the Bylaw Notice Enforcement Bylaw to allow for the issuance of solid waste contamination fines to offenders placing contaminated recycling, organics or garbage out for collection. In brief, the proposed enforcement strategy is to ticket for Sort-it-Right after two warnings by the ambassadors and for Water-it-Right after one warning by the ambassadors. Ambassadors will not issue warnings for Lock-it-Right, but will forward the address to Bylaw Services who will inspect the property and may ticket immediately. Bylaw Services will also conduct its own Lock-it-Right inspections in problem areas. RECOMMENDATION: That the outreach, education and enforcement strategies for Water-It Right, Lock-It Right and Sort-It Right be endorsed, and that staff bring forward the Bylaw Notice Enforcement Amendment Bylaw, 2016, No. 3953, for first three readings at the subsequent Council meeting. BACKGROUND: In 2016 Council endorsed the continuation of the programs for the solid waste and water utilities focused on water conservation, solid waste sorting, and bear lock usage. These proactive programs of public engagement and outreach are aimed at supplementing bylaw enforcement in the City of Port Coquitlam. The City will continue to use the messages “Water-it-Right”, Sort-itRight”, and “Lock-it-Right” to reinforce good stewardship of these initiatives. The ambassador program will result in the City being able to deliver educational messaging in a planned and consistent manner, and will provide additional resources to the Bylaw division for investigations and targeted enforcement.
Ambassador Program Update and Proposed Bylaw Changes Page 2
Ambassadors are responsible for educating the public by:
Engaging with residents about the issues at grocery stores, community events, and farmers markets Delivering and distributing educational material and notices Performing “knock and talks” Monitoring program compliance through curb side inspections
It is important to note the difference between the work of the ambassadors and bylaw enforcement. These groups will work together to proactively address the issues, but the ambassadors scope of work will be limited to education, outreach and information gathering; Bylaw Services will be responsible for all enforcement and ticketing activities. The proposed program for the ambassadors was considered by the Transportation and Public Works Committee, and referred to Council for consideration. Similarly, the issue of enforcement of bear locks was discussed at Community Safety, and referred to Council for enforcement policy discussion. This report is intended to discuss the comprehensive strategy that staff has developed collectively to manage these three key initiatives. 2016 Education, Outreach and Enforcement Initiatives The following sections detail the ambassadors outreach strategy for the three initiatives of Water-it-Right, Sort-it-Right, and Lock-it-Right; and Bylaw Services enforcement strategy for each initiative. Water-it-Right (Water Restrictions) Ambassadors will again this year be patrolling neighbourhoods to educate and report on water usage aimed at increasing awareness and educating residents and business owners on the importance of water conservation and the consequences of non-compliance. Ambassadors will educate the public via a door knocking campaign and by investigating calls for service related to water use complaints. The ambassadors will use promotional and informational materials such as door hangers and post cards. Social media advertisements will also educate the public with respect to the water conservation efforts. In order to assist Bylaw Services with identifying repeat violators during the watering restrictions, the ambassadors will:
First offence – Provide a warning and education door hanger Second offence – Report address and offence information to Bylaw Services for enforcement and ticketing activities
Ambassador Program Update and Proposed Bylaw Changes Page 3
Upon receipt of a second offence notice from the ambassadors, Bylaw Services will proceed immediately to ticketing. The appropriate bylaws are already in place to ticket residents for violation of the watering restrictions. Fines for violating watering restrictions are: Description Unpermitted watering - Stage 1 Unpermitted watering - Stage 2 Unpermitted watering - Stage 3 Unpermitted watering - Stage 4
Penalty $100 $150 $300 $450
Discounted Penalty (if paid within 14 days) $75 $100 $200 $300
Last year it was found that education and outreach reduced repeat violators of the water restrictions by 88% after residents/business owners were visited by the Ambassadors. In addition to realizing the environmental benefits of water conservation, the Ambassador Program assisted in reducing purchase costs of water from Metro Vancouver and provided City resources to listen and react to the community’s education needs. Lock-it-Right (Bear Locks) Properly secured waste carts are a major deterrent to wildlife entering residential neighbourhoods in search of food. In 2015 Port Coquitlam distributed wildlife-resistant locks to residents in areas of high bear activity, including the entire north side and a portion of the south side. The ambassadors will be primarily focused on the Water-it-Right and Sort-it-Right initiatives, but will provide support to Lock-it-Right as time and circumstances permit. Ambassadors will:
Verify from the street if carts are secured with locks (ambassadors will not enter private property for this purpose). Refer addresses not using wildlife-resistant locks to the Bylaw Division for follow up.
Bylaw Services will:
Obtain regular updates from the Conservation Officer Service identifying areas of high bear activity and/or problematic bylaw compliance. Investigate reports from residents regarding unsecured wildlife attractants and resulting bear intrusions. Receive reports from the ambassadors regarding observed non-compliance with the Lock-it-Right requirement. Deploy officers in problem areas to inspect properties for compliance with the Lock-itRight requirement. Attempt to contact each resident at the door to identify themselves and the purpose of the visit.
Ambassador Program Update and Proposed Bylaw Changes Page 4
Issue tickets for non-compliance with the Lock-it-Right bylaw provisions. Ensure that new residents are properly educated about Lock-it-Right and issue warning notices to new residents as appropriate.
The necessary bylaws are already in place to ticket residents/businesses for not properly securing solid waste carts. The fines for not securing solid waste carts are: Description
Penalty
Failure to secure container after collection
$150
Discounted Penalty (if paid within 14 days) $100
Unsecured wildlife attractants
$150
$100
Sort-it-Right (Solid Waste Contamination) There will be an increased presence of physical checks by ambassadors through curbside cart inspections aimed at correcting poor sorting habits. Ambassadors will be taking to the streets on collection days to educate, inspect and report on contaminated collection carts. The City will also undertake additional communications and outreach activities throughout the year including online outreach, print materials, newspaper and outdoor advertising. The City’s approach is proposed to again be a progressive three step system aimed at correcting poor garbage, recycling and organics sorting habits. Ambassadors will use lists of addresses generated by the GPS in the garbage trucks to target areas with repeat high contamination offenders. It is proposed that the ambassadors will:
Upon initial inspection, a tag is placed on the lid of the collection cart notifying the resident of the concern. These addresses would be recorded and targeted for future inspection. A supplementary education brochure and letter advising the resident of the progressive three step system will be delivered to the household. The second step would be initiated to those households who have previously received a tag and failed to comply with the notification provided. A formal letter is delivered to the resident advising them of the fines for non-compliance of the City’s Solid Waste Regulation Bylaw. A third and final step will be initiated upon two failed previous attempts at correction and will result in addresses of repeat offenders being forwarded to Bylaw Services to issue a fine directed to the property owner for non-compliance with the City’s Solid Waste Regulation Bylaw.
It is proposed that upon notice of a third offence from the Ambassadors, Bylaw Services will proceed directly to ticketing without further warnings. However, there are currently no provisions in the bylaws to ticket residents for improperly sorting their garbage, organics or recycling, and therefore offences will need to be established in the Bylaw Notice Enforcement Bylaw to support this strategy.
Ambassador Program Update and Proposed Bylaw Changes Page 5
Bylaw Infraction Fines in Other Municipalities A review of several local municipalities’ ticketing bylaws revealed a wide range of penalties for contaminated or commingled waste carts. Fines range from a low of $50 per offence to as high as $500 per offence. Some use an escalating fine structure for repeat offenders while some use a static fine. This table summarizes ticketing fines for contaminated or commingled waste carts. Municipality
Penalty
Port Moody
1st offence: Warning 2nd offence: $50.00 3rd offence: $100.00 4th offence: $150.00 1st offence: $200 2nd offence: $300 $500 $100 $450 $100
New Westminster Coquitlam Pitt Meadows Burnaby District of North Vancouver District of West Vancouver
$200
Early Payment (less than 14 days) No
Late Payment
$150 $275 No $80 $350 $75
$225 $350 n/a n/a n/a $150
$185
$215
n/a
Proposed Port Coquitlam Contraventions and Penalties The table below includes the proposed contraventions and penalties. The level of penalty is intended to serve as a deterrent while remaining reasonable for such an offence. Description Disposal of materials other than recyclables in a recycling cart Disposal of materials other than kitchen or yard waste in a kitchen or yard waste cart Disposal of materials not permitted for disposal in a garbage cart
Discounted Penalty (within 14 days) $100
Full Penalty (after 14 days) $150
$100
$150
$100
$150
Ambassador Program Update and Proposed Bylaw Changes Page 6
BUDGET CONSIDERATIONS: The ambassador program utilizes funds approved by Council in 2016 for water conservation and solid waste outreach and education, at a budget of $50,000 funded from the Solid Waste Utility, and $20,000 funded from the Water Utility. Bylaw enforcement is funded by the Bylaw Division’s operating budget, with partial offset from fine revenue imposed under the Solid Waste Bylaw and the Bylaw Notice Enforcement Bylaw. ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT: Proactive education and outreach on water conservation, solid waste sorting and bear lock usage by ambassadors supplements the Bylaw Division’s work to enforce City Bylaws. The combined efforts of these initiatives aims to reduce water consumption during heavy demand summer months in the region; reduce the contamination in the waste streams and associated financial penalties; and deter wildlife from entering residential neighbourhoods in search of food.
Ross Maki, AScT Section Manager of Solid Waste & Fleet Services
Dan Scoones Manager of Bylaw Services
Approved by Robin Wishart Director of Corporate Support
Approved by Kristen Meersman, P. Eng., MBA Director of Engineering & Public Works Attachment:
Appendix A - Bylaw Notice Enforcement Bylaw Amendment, 2016, No. 3953
BYLAW NOTICE ENFORCEMENT AMENDMENT BYLAW NO. 3953
Ticket
A Bylaw to amend Bylaw Notice Enforcement Bylaw No. 3814 to include penalties related to recycling and green waste contraventions.
___________________________________________________________________ Whereas the Local Government Bylaw Notice Enforcement Act, S.B.C. 2003, c. 60, as amended (the “Act”), provides that a local government may deal with the contravention of a bylaw by bylaw notice; Now therefore the Municipal Council of The Corporation of the City of Port Coquitlam enacts as follows: Citation 1.
This Bylaw may be cited for all purposes as “Bylaw Notice Enforcement Bylaw, No. 3814, 2013, Amendment Bylaw, 2016, No. 3953”.
Administration 2.
That the Bylaw Notice Enforcement Bylaw No. 3814 be amended in Schedule A for Solid Waste Bylaw No. 3900 by adding the following rows in the appropriate numerical sequence:
DESCRIPTION
Disposal of materials other than recyclables in a recycling cart Disposal of materials other than kitchen or yard waste in a kitchen or yard waste cart
SECTION NO. IN BYLAW
DISCOUNTED PENALTY IN $ (within 14 days)
FULL PENALTY IN $ (after 14 days)
6.1 (a)
100.00
150.00
COMPLIANCE AGREEMENT DISCOUNT (where Compliance Agreement Entered in accordance with section 8 (a)(v) of this bylaw) n/a
6.1 (a)
100.00
150.00
n/a
3953 1
Disposal of materials not permitted for disposal in a garbage cart
6.1 (a)
100.00
150.00
Read a first time by the Municipal Council this 9th day of May, 2016. Read a second time by the Municipal Council this 9th day of May, 2016. Read a third time by the Municipal Council this 9th day of May, 2016.
Mayor
Corporate Officer
3953 2
n/a
May 9, 2016
TO:
Mayor and Council
FROM:
Kristen Meersman, P. Eng., MBA Director of Engineering and Public Works Robin Wishart Director of Corporate Support
SUBJECT:
Water Shortage and Solid Waste Compliance Strategy
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY: At both TSPW and CSC, the issue of water usage, solid waste sorting, and cart lock use have been discussed in the context of education, awareness, and enforcement. This report describes the roles of the ambassadors and Bylaw Services proposed for 2016 in the stewardship of these areas, and proposes changes to the Bylaw Notice Enforcement Bylaw to allow for the issuance of solid waste contamination fines to offenders placing contaminated recycling, organics or garbage out for collection. In brief, the proposed enforcement strategy is to ticket for Sort-it-Right after two warnings by the ambassadors and for Water-it-Right after one warning by the ambassadors. Ambassadors will not issue warnings for Lock-it-Right, but will forward the address to Bylaw Services who will inspect the property and may ticket immediately. Bylaw Services will also conduct its own Lock-it-Right inspections in problem areas. RECOMMENDATION: That the outreach, education and enforcement strategies for Water-It Right, Lock-It Right and Sort-It Right be endorsed, and that staff bring forward the Bylaw Notice Enforcement Amendment Bylaw, 2016, No. 3953, for first three readings at the subsequent Council meeting. BACKGROUND: In 2016 Council endorsed the continuation of the programs for the solid waste and water utilities focused on water conservation, solid waste sorting, and bear lock usage. These proactive programs of public engagement and outreach are aimed at supplementing bylaw enforcement in the City of Port Coquitlam. The City will continue to use the messages “Water-it-Right”, Sort-itRight”, and “Lock-it-Right” to reinforce good stewardship of these initiatives. The ambassador program will result in the City being able to deliver educational messaging in a planned and consistent manner, and will provide additional resources to the Bylaw division for investigations and targeted enforcement.
Ambassador Program Update and Proposed Bylaw Changes Page 2
Ambassadors are responsible for educating the public by:
Engaging with residents about the issues at grocery stores, community events, and farmers markets Delivering and distributing educational material and notices Performing “knock and talks” Monitoring program compliance through curb side inspections
It is important to note the difference between the work of the ambassadors and bylaw enforcement. These groups will work together to proactively address the issues, but the ambassadors scope of work will be limited to education, outreach and information gathering; Bylaw Services will be responsible for all enforcement and ticketing activities. The proposed program for the ambassadors was considered by the Transportation and Public Works Committee, and referred to Council for consideration. Similarly, the issue of enforcement of bear locks was discussed at Community Safety, and referred to Council for enforcement policy discussion. This report is intended to discuss the comprehensive strategy that staff has developed collectively to manage these three key initiatives. 2016 Education, Outreach and Enforcement Initiatives The following sections detail the ambassadors outreach strategy for the three initiatives of Water-it-Right, Sort-it-Right, and Lock-it-Right; and Bylaw Services enforcement strategy for each initiative. Water-it-Right (Water Restrictions) Ambassadors will again this year be patrolling neighbourhoods to educate and report on water usage aimed at increasing awareness and educating residents and business owners on the importance of water conservation and the consequences of non-compliance. Ambassadors will educate the public via a door knocking campaign and by investigating calls for service related to water use complaints. The ambassadors will use promotional and informational materials such as door hangers and post cards. Social media advertisements will also educate the public with respect to the water conservation efforts. In order to assist Bylaw Services with identifying repeat violators during the watering restrictions, the ambassadors will:
First offence – Provide a warning and education door hanger Second offence – Report address and offence information to Bylaw Services for enforcement and ticketing activities
Ambassador Program Update and Proposed Bylaw Changes Page 3
Upon receipt of a second offence notice from the ambassadors, Bylaw Services will proceed immediately to ticketing. The appropriate bylaws are already in place to ticket residents for violation of the watering restrictions. Fines for violating watering restrictions are: Description Unpermitted watering - Stage 1 Unpermitted watering - Stage 2 Unpermitted watering - Stage 3 Unpermitted watering - Stage 4
Penalty $100 $150 $300 $450
Discounted Penalty (if paid within 14 days) $75 $100 $200 $300
Last year it was found that education and outreach reduced repeat violators of the water restrictions by 88% after residents/business owners were visited by the Ambassadors. In addition to realizing the environmental benefits of water conservation, the Ambassador Program assisted in reducing purchase costs of water from Metro Vancouver and provided City resources to listen and react to the community’s education needs. Lock-it-Right (Bear Locks) Properly secured waste carts are a major deterrent to wildlife entering residential neighbourhoods in search of food. In 2015 Port Coquitlam distributed wildlife-resistant locks to residents in areas of high bear activity, including the entire north side and a portion of the south side. The ambassadors will be primarily focused on the Water-it-Right and Sort-it-Right initiatives, but will provide support to Lock-it-Right as time and circumstances permit. Ambassadors will:
Verify from the street if carts are secured with locks (ambassadors will not enter private property for this purpose). Refer addresses not using wildlife-resistant locks to the Bylaw Division for follow up.
Bylaw Services will:
Obtain regular updates from the Conservation Officer Service identifying areas of high bear activity and/or problematic bylaw compliance. Investigate reports from residents regarding unsecured wildlife attractants and resulting bear intrusions. Receive reports from the ambassadors regarding observed non-compliance with the Lock-it-Right requirement. Deploy officers in problem areas to inspect properties for compliance with the Lock-itRight requirement. Attempt to contact each resident at the door to identify themselves and the purpose of the visit.
Ambassador Program Update and Proposed Bylaw Changes Page 4
Issue tickets for non-compliance with the Lock-it-Right bylaw provisions. Ensure that new residents are properly educated about Lock-it-Right and issue warning notices to new residents as appropriate.
The necessary bylaws are already in place to ticket residents/businesses for not properly securing solid waste carts. The fines for not securing solid waste carts are: Description
Penalty
Failure to secure container after collection
$150
Discounted Penalty (if paid within 14 days) $100
Unsecured wildlife attractants
$150
$100
Sort-it-Right (Solid Waste Contamination) There will be an increased presence of physical checks by ambassadors through curbside cart inspections aimed at correcting poor sorting habits. Ambassadors will be taking to the streets on collection days to educate, inspect and report on contaminated collection carts. The City will also undertake additional communications and outreach activities throughout the year including online outreach, print materials, newspaper and outdoor advertising. The City’s approach is proposed to again be a progressive three step system aimed at correcting poor garbage, recycling and organics sorting habits. Ambassadors will use lists of addresses generated by the GPS in the garbage trucks to target areas with repeat high contamination offenders. It is proposed that the ambassadors will:
Upon initial inspection, a tag is placed on the lid of the collection cart notifying the resident of the concern. These addresses would be recorded and targeted for future inspection. A supplementary education brochure and letter advising the resident of the progressive three step system will be delivered to the household. The second step would be initiated to those households who have previously received a tag and failed to comply with the notification provided. A formal letter is delivered to the resident advising them of the fines for non-compliance of the City’s Solid Waste Regulation Bylaw. A third and final step will be initiated upon two failed previous attempts at correction and will result in addresses of repeat offenders being forwarded to Bylaw Services to issue a fine directed to the property owner for non-compliance with the City’s Solid Waste Regulation Bylaw.
It is proposed that upon notice of a third offence from the Ambassadors, Bylaw Services will proceed directly to ticketing without further warnings. However, there are currently no provisions in the bylaws to ticket residents for improperly sorting their garbage, organics or recycling, and therefore offences will need to be established in the Bylaw Notice Enforcement Bylaw to support this strategy.
Ambassador Program Update and Proposed Bylaw Changes Page 5
Bylaw Infraction Fines in Other Municipalities A review of several local municipalities’ ticketing bylaws revealed a wide range of penalties for contaminated or commingled waste carts. Fines range from a low of $50 per offence to as high as $500 per offence. Some use an escalating fine structure for repeat offenders while some use a static fine. This table summarizes ticketing fines for contaminated or commingled waste carts. Municipality
Penalty
Port Moody
1st offence: Warning 2nd offence: $50.00 3rd offence: $100.00 4th offence: $150.00 1st offence: $200 2nd offence: $300 $500 $100 $450 $100
New Westminster Coquitlam Pitt Meadows Burnaby District of North Vancouver District of West Vancouver
$200
Early Payment (less than 14 days) No
Late Payment
$150 $275 No $80 $350 $75
$225 $350 n/a n/a n/a $150
$185
$215
n/a
Proposed Port Coquitlam Contraventions and Penalties The table below includes the proposed contraventions and penalties. The level of penalty is intended to serve as a deterrent while remaining reasonable for such an offence. Description Disposal of materials other than recyclables in a recycling cart Disposal of materials other than kitchen or yard waste in a kitchen or yard waste cart Disposal of materials not permitted for disposal in a garbage cart
Discounted Penalty (within 14 days) $100
Full Penalty (after 14 days) $150
$100
$150
$100
$150
Ambassador Program Update and Proposed Bylaw Changes Page 6
BUDGET CONSIDERATIONS: The ambassador program utilizes funds approved by Council in 2016 for water conservation and solid waste outreach and education, at a budget of $50,000 funded from the Solid Waste Utility, and $20,000 funded from the Water Utility. Bylaw enforcement is funded by the Bylaw Division’s operating budget, with partial offset from fine revenue imposed under the Solid Waste Bylaw and the Bylaw Notice Enforcement Bylaw. ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT: Proactive education and outreach on water conservation, solid waste sorting and bear lock usage by ambassadors supplements the Bylaw Division’s work to enforce City Bylaws. The combined efforts of these initiatives aims to reduce water consumption during heavy demand summer months in the region; reduce the contamination in the waste streams and associated financial penalties; and deter wildlife from entering residential neighbourhoods in search of food.
Ross Maki, AScT Section Manager of Solid Waste & Fleet Services
Dan Scoones Manager of Bylaw Services
Approved by Robin Wishart Director of Corporate Support
Approved by Kristen Meersman, P. Eng., MBA Director of Engineering & Public Works Attachment:
Appendix A - Bylaw Notice Enforcement Bylaw Amendment, 2016, No. 3953
BYLAW NOTICE ENFORCEMENT AMENDMENT BYLAW NO. 3953
Ticket
A Bylaw to amend Bylaw Notice Enforcement Bylaw No. 3814 to include penalties related to recycling and green waste contraventions.
___________________________________________________________________ Whereas the Local Government Bylaw Notice Enforcement Act, S.B.C. 2003, c. 60, as amended (the “Act”), provides that a local government may deal with the contravention of a bylaw by bylaw notice; Now therefore the Municipal Council of The Corporation of the City of Port Coquitlam enacts as follows: Citation 1.
This Bylaw may be cited for all purposes as “Bylaw Notice Enforcement Bylaw, No. 3814, 2013, Amendment Bylaw, 2016, No. 3953”.
Administration 2.
That the Bylaw Notice Enforcement Bylaw No. 3814 be amended in Schedule A for Solid Waste Bylaw No. 3900 by adding the following rows in the appropriate numerical sequence:
DESCRIPTION
Disposal of materials other than recyclables in a recycling cart Disposal of materials other than kitchen or yard waste in a kitchen or yard waste cart
SECTION NO. IN BYLAW
DISCOUNTED PENALTY IN $ (within 14 days)
FULL PENALTY IN $ (after 14 days)
6.1 (a)
100.00
150.00
COMPLIANCE AGREEMENT DISCOUNT (where Compliance Agreement Entered in accordance with section 8 (a)(v) of this bylaw) n/a
6.1 (a)
100.00
150.00
n/a
3953 1
Disposal of materials not permitted for disposal in a garbage cart
6.1 (a)
100.00
150.00
Read a first time by the Municipal Council this 9th day of May, 2016. Read a second time by the Municipal Council this 9th day of May, 2016. Read a third time by the Municipal Council this 9th day of May, 2016.
Mayor
Corporate Officer
3953 2
n/a
