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		TABLE OF CONTENTS REPORTS OF THE STANDING COMMITTEES AND OTHER COMMITTEES As Considered by The Council of the City of Toronto on May 11 and 12, 1999 EMERGENCY AND PROTECTIVE SERVICES COMMITTEE REPORT No. 5 1 Amendments to By-law No. 20-85 - Passenger Bill of Rights, Taxicab Meters, Limit to Hours of Work, and Owner Attendance at Inspections 2 Amendments to By-law No. 20-85 - Staff Restructuring 3 Formal Partnership and Co-Operation Between the Toronto Fire Services and the Lancashire Fire and Rescue Service, United Kingdom 4 Other Items Considered by the Committee City of Toronto REPORT No. 5 OF THE EMERGENCY AND PROTECTIVE SERVICES COMMITTEE (from its meeting on April 20, 1999, submitted by Councillor Dennis Fotinos, Chair) As Considered by The Council of the City of Toronto on May 11 and 12, 1999 1 Amendments to By-law No. 20-85 - Passenger Bill of Rights, Taxicab Meters, Limit to Hours of Work, and Owner Attendance at Inspections (City Council on May 11 and 12, 1999, adopted this Clause, without amendment.) The Emergency and Protective Services Committee recommends the adoption of the following report (March 5, 1999) from the Commissioner of Urban Planning and Development Services, subject to: (a) amending Recommendation No. (3) to provide that radio communication with dispatchers and cell phones be excluded from the silent ride provisions under the proposed amendment to Section 45 of Schedule 8 to By-law No. 20-85; (b) amending Recommendation No. (5) to read as follows: (5) with regard to the limits to the hours of work for drivers, the Licensing By-law be further amended to require that effective immediately shifts be limited to a maximum of twelve hours in a twenty-four hour period, and that Section 99 of Schedule 8 to By-law No. 20-85 be amended accordingly; and (c) deleting from the draft bill part (d) of Section 18.1(1) of Schedule 8 to By-law No. 20-85 which refers to the issue of a tip: Purpose: This report puts forward and seeks approval for recommendations to amend the Licensing By-law No. 20-85. These amendments are required to clarify and provide details to a number of the recommendations from the Task Force to Review the Taxi Industry. These changes to the regulations will allow staff to implement the recommendations pertaining to the Passenger Bill of Rights, a new meter requirement, and owner attendance at inspections. In addition, this report is submitted to meet Council's request for reports on: a limit on the hours of work of drivers; and a mechanism to ensure compliance with one of the recommended conditions for standard licences - owner attendance at inspections. Corresponding recommendations for By-law amendments are presented. Funding Sources, Financial Implications and Impact Statement: There are no significant cost implications for Municipal Licensing and Standards in adopting the amendments to the Licensing By-law sought in this report. Minor adjustments in the allocation of staff time will be required and costs in the production of the Passenger Bill of Rights will be incurred. Recommendations: It is recommended that: (1) the draft bill which amends the Licensing By-law be adopted. The draft bill is attached as Appendix A. This bill implements the recommendations of Council for the Passenger Bill of Rights, a new meter requirement, and owner attendance at inspections, and amends the Licensing By-law to enact the recommendations below; (2) the Bill of Rights be amended to state that drivers may not recommend hotel accommodation or restaurants unless requested by the passenger; and, if the meter is not in a recording position, the ride is free; (3) with regard to the Bill of Rights and requiring a silent ride for passengers, the Licensing By-law be further amended to require that, effective September 1, 1999, cell phones are included in the list of devices that should be turned off at the passenger's request; (4) with regard to enforcing the requirement that owners attend the tri-annual vehicle inspections, effective immediately, the Licensing By-law be further amended to give staff the authority to remove the taxicab owner's licence plate for non-attendance; (5) with regard to the limits to the hours of work for drivers, the Licensing By-law be further amended to require that effective immediately: (a) drivers be prohibited from working double shifts; (b) owners be prohibited from employing drivers for double shifts or more than sixty hours a week; and (6) the appropriate City officials be authorized and directed to take the necessary action to give effect thereto. Council Reference/Background/History: At the Council meeting on November 25, 26, and 27, 1998, the recommendations of the Task Force to Review the Taxicab Industry were adopted. Among these are requirements for: a Taxicab Passenger Bill of Rights; a new meter that issues receipts and monitors drivers' income; the introduction of a customer service number; a limit to a driver's hours of work; and holders of cab owners' licences to attend during the inspection of their vehicles. Council adopted the motion that all taxicabs must display a new Taxicab Passenger Bill of Rights that informs passengers of their right to a professional driver and a quality taxicab. Of the requirements relating to the professional driver and the vehicle quality, amendments are required to establish the new regulations for a silent ride, a vehicle that is air-conditioned or heated on demand, and a vehicle that is equipped with a meter that issues receipts noting the date and time of the trip, distance, taxicab licence number, and the fare charged. In other motions, Toronto Licensing was directed to adopt the easily remembered customer service number 1-877-TO-TAXIS. Staff were directed to report on possible by-law amendments to limit the number of hours that taxicab drivers can drive a cab to a maximum of 60 hours over seven consecutive days and also to require taxicab drivers to maintain a daily log, documenting hours worked, that must be provided to Licensing for review upon request. In addition, Council approved the recommendation that all Standard Licence owners must participate in the industry by personally attending all three annually-scheduled inspections. Comments and/or Discussion and/or Justification: Bill of Rights: Several By-law amendments are required to implement the Passenger Bill of Rights. These are appended as section 7 of the draft bill. Also attached, for your information, is a draft of the sign for the Passenger Bill of Rights. The following discusses amendments for the addition of established passenger rights to the New Bill of Passenger Rights, and adding cell phones to the list of devices that will be turned off when a passenger requests a silent ride, attached as section 12 of the draft bill. September Introduction: The introduction of the Passenger Bill of Rights is scheduled for September 1, 1999. This date will coincide with the start of the fall inspections. It is anticipated that by that date the new meters will be ready and installed in the vehicles. During this inspection period, vehicles will be inspected to ensure air conditioning and heating systems and the new meters are installed and meet the new standards. Owners will be given the Passenger Bill of Rights sign once they have completed the inspection. Also, by this time, the new Taxi/Wheels unit will be able to handle the anticipated large volume of calls from 1-877-TO-TAXIS number. Additional Rights: The Task Force recommendations for the Passenger Bill of Rights did not include one section of the By-law pertaining to passenger rights that are in place, that is Section 18(1)(f), which reads: "18(1)(f). Every owner shall for each taxicab for which he holds a licence provide and maintain therein and thereon while such vehicle is operated as a cab the following equipment and markings: a sign permanently and securely affixed in the cab, approved by the Commission, and containing the following information; (i) Drivers may not recommend hotel accommodation or restaurants unless requested by the passenger. (ii) If the meter is not in a recording position the ride is free." As these are currently posted in taxicabs, it is recommended that these be included with the other rights listed on the new Passenger Bill of Rights. Cell Phones: Section 45 of Schedule 8 currently allows a passenger to request a silent ride. The section requires a driver to turn off sound-producing devices at a passenger's request. It does not prohibit the use of any device in an emergency situation. Section 45 reads: "45. Notwithstanding section 56 of this Schedule, every driver and every owner driving his own taxicab shall turn off any radio, two-way radio, tape player or any other sound-producing mechanical device in his taxicab upon being requested so to do by any passenger, and having done so pursuant to such a request shall leave such device or devices in the off position until that passenger's trip has been completed." It is recommended that cell phones be included in the list of devices a driver may be asked to turn off. This could be effected by inserting the word "telephone" in front of the word "radio". Meters: The By-law amendments for the new meters are attached as sections 8 and 9 of the draft bill. Section 11 of the draft bill is an amendment that allows the Commissioner or his or her designate to approve the new meters. Council's intent to equip taxicabs, by September 1999, with meters that have the capability to issue receipts and provide income data is feasible. Preliminary investigations reveal that the technology exists to have the meters perform those functions and possibly eliminate the need for the driver to manually keep a trip record. Two printing meters currently in use in Canada have been identified. These would need to be reprogrammed to provide the pertinent data. In an effort to reduce the costs to the industry, discussions with the suppliers of meters have included issues such as remodelling currently used meters, trade-in allowances, warranties and monthly leasing options. Known suppliers in North America and Europe have been contacted; currently there is only one known supplier who can provide and install such printing meters in Toronto. An electronic swipe card for drivers is an optional feature of the new meters that could serve a number of useful purposes and is a feature staff is investigating. A swipe card reader appears to be needed for the use of credit cards and smart cards. Credit and smart cards would meet public demand and benefit the industry. As a safety feature, they limit the driver's cash on hand to avert possible robbery. Also, the swipe card option is necessary to electronically separate driver's shift data inside the meter for useful tracking of working hours. It is anticipated that the data can be electronically downloaded into a computer. Although more information is required, it appears from discussions with the manufacturer that implementation is possible commencing with the September inspection cycle. A future report will address the use of data from meters to track drivers' income. Limit on Driver's Hours of Work: The proposed By-law amendment, sections 3-6 of the draft bill, has been drafted limiting the number of hours a driver can drive a taxicab to 60 hours maximum over seven consecutive days. In the interim, the taxicab driver's Daily Trip Record (Appendix A to the draft bill) has been amended by including a section for the driver to mark the precise time that his shift started and finished. This amendment provides a method of monitoring compliance as the existing by-law already requires that these Daily Trip Records be reviewed and kept by the owner for at least twelve months and shall be open to inspection by any authorized person. More efficient methods are being investigated with the electronic capabilities of the taximeters. Double Shifts: Staff is recommending, as an additional safety measure, that drivers be prohibited from working double shifts. One shift is typically twelve hours long. The attached amendment, section 3 of the draft bill, prohibits the driver from working double shifts, and prohibits an owner from employing a driver on a double shift. Owners' Attendance at Inspections: The By-law amendments for requiring that owners attend vehicle inspections, and for granting staff authority to remove the owner's plate if the attendance provisions are not met, are attached as section 2 of the draft bill. Exemptions: The schedule for vehicle inspections is established by Licensing. Owners will be expected to attend at a predetermined time. As a matter of policy, owners will be permitted to reschedule their appointments prior to the inspection date if the appointment conflicts with a significant previous engagement. Appointments will be rescheduled for long-standing medical specialists' appointments, a court matter or exceptional vacation plans. Accommodation will be made for religious observances. In the event that an owner does not attend a scheduled inspection, the vehicle will not be inspected and the owner will be required to personally reschedule the inspection. In most cases there will be a $100.00 reinspection fee. Inspections may be rescheduled without charge given one of the following circumstances: - illness requiring hospitalization or of a serious nature; - bereavement; - court appearance; or - other compassionate grounds. These requests for rescheduling and any changes will be monitored for any individual or group patterns that may develop. Penalties for Non-Attendance at Inspections: If an owner does not attend for an inspection, the vehicle will not be inspected. If the owner does not reschedule the inspection, and attend in person at the rescheduled inspection within three days of the original inspection date, it is recommended that staff be authorized to remove the taxicab plate. The vehicle cannot operate as a taxicab. The plate will be not be returned until the owner attends in person for the inspection. This suggested procedure is similar to that established for not presenting a vehicle at a scheduled inspection. Set Fines: As an alternative to removing the plate, staff is investigating the introduction of a set fine as a penalty for non-attendance at an inspection. An owner would be issued a ticket and be required to pay a fine that may be as high as $500.00. The implementation of the set fine process will require a By-law amendment and an application to the Province, a process which can take up to six months. Conclusions: This report recommends adoption of the attached draft bill and includes requested information on limits to driver hours of work and enforcing the attendance of owners at inspections. The bill will put into effect the Council approved recommendations for a Passenger Bill of Rights, a new meter requirement, and owner attendance at inspections. The bill includes additional amendments designed to streamline the implementation of these recommendations. Contact Name: James Ridge, Executive Director Municipal Licensing and Standards Tel: 397-4634 -------- Appendix A Authority: Emergency and Protective Services Committee Report No. 13(1), November 25, 26 and 27, 1998 and Report No. Enacted by Council: CITY OF TORONTO Bill No. BY-LAW No. To amend further Metropolitan Toronto By-law No. 20-85, a by-law "Respecting the licensing, regulating and governing of trades, callings, businesses and occupations in the Metropolitan Area", a by-law of the former Municipality of Metropolitan Toronto. The Council of The City of Toronto HEREBY ENACTS as follows: 1. Section 1 of By-law No. 20-85, as amended, a by-law "Respecting the licensing, regulating and governing of trades, callings, businesses and occupations in the Metropolitan Area", a by-law of the former Municipality of Metropolitan Toronto, is further amended by adding the following subsections: (15.1) "Commissioner" means the Commissioner of Urban Planning and Development Services of the City of Toronto. (32.1) "Municipal Licensing and Standards Division" means the Municipal Licensing and Standards Division of the Urban Planning and Development Services Department, and includes employees thereof. 2. Schedule 8 to By-law No. 20-85, as amended, is further amended by adding the following section: 21.1 (1) Except when an owner submits his or her taxicab for examination before a licence is issued therefor, every owner shall attend in person, and not by an agent, at each scheduled or rescheduled mechanical examination of his or her taxicab conducted pursuant to subsection 21(1) of this Schedule. (2) Where an owner fails to attend in person at a mechanical examination in accordance with subsection (1) of this section, the taxicab shall not be inspected and the owner shall reschedule the mechanical examination within three days of the original examination date. (3) Where an owner fails to reschedule a mechanical examination and attend in person at such rescheduled mechanical examination in accordance with subsections (1) and (2) of this section, the Municipal Licensing and Standards Division shall remove such owner's plate from the taxicab and the plate shall not be returned until such time as the owner submits his or her taxicab for examination and attends in person at such examination. 3. Schedule 8 to By-law No. 20-85, as amended, is further amended by adding the following section: 99. (1) No driver shall operate a taxicab for more than sixty hours during any period of seven consecutive days. (2) No driver shall operate a taxicab for more that twelve hours during any period of twenty-four consecutive hours. (3) No owner shall permit any driver to operate a taxicab for any period in excess of the hours prescribed by this section. 4. Subsection 28(1) of Schedule 8 to By-law No. 20-85, as amended, is further amended by deleting the period at the end of paragraph (e) and replacing it with a semi-colon and the word "and", and by adding the following paragraph: (f) the time of the beginning and termination of each shift or working period. 5. Section 28 of Schedule 8 to By-law No. 20-85, as amended, is further amended by adding thereto the following subsection: (3) Every driver shall, at the beginning of each shift or working period, record the time of the beginning of such shift or working period on his or her trip record. 6. Appendix "A" to Schedule 8 of By-law No. 20-85, as amended, is further amended by adding at the top thereof the words "Driver Start Time" and "Driver Finish Time" such that Appendix "A" is in the form attached to this by-law as Appendix "A", which Appendix shall form part of this by-law. 7. Schedule 8 to By-law No. 20-85, as amended, is further amended by adding thereto the following section: 18.1 (1) Every owner shall securely affix to the back of the front passenger seat of his or her taxicab a Taxicab Passenger Bill of Rights in a form provided by the Commissioner or his or her designate, which form shall state that taxicab passengers have a right to: (a) direct the driver on the route to be taken; (b) an effective complaints process; (c) a free ride if the meter is not in a recording position; (d) reduce the tip if the services referred to in this section are not provided; (e) a quality taxicab which: (i) is in good mechanical and physical condition; (ii) has a clean passenger area and trunk (iii) is heated or air-conditioned on demand; (iv) has easy access to seatbelts; (v) is a smoke-free environment; (vi) equipped with a meter that issues receipts noting the date and time of the trip, the distance travelled, the taxicab licence number and the fare charged; and (f) a professional driver who: (i) is licensed and knowledgable; (ii) knows the major routes and destinations in the City of Toronto; (iii) speaks and understands English; (iv) is courteous and provides assistance; (v) provides a safe ride; (vi) knows and obeys the by-laws and all traffic laws; and (vii) offers a silent ride if desired. (2) The Taxicab Passenger Bill of Rights shall also state that drivers may not recommend hotel accommodations or restaurants unless requested by the passenger. (3) No owner or driver shall operate or permit to be operated his or her taxicab unless a Taxicab Passenger Bill of Rights, as prescribed by this section, is displayed therein in accordance with subsection (1) of this section. 8. Section 9 of Schedule 8 to By-law No. 20-85, as amended, is further amended by adding thereto the following subsections: (10) equipped with an automatic receipt dispenser which provides a receipt stating the date, the time of the commencement and conclusion of the trip, the distance travelled, the plate number of the taxicab, the total fare charged and the Municipal Licensing and Standards Division taxicab customer service telephone number; (11) programmed to record the income of each driver of the taxicab. 9. Section 83 of Schedule 8 to By-law No. 20-85, as amended, is repealed and the following is substituted in lieu thereof: 83. Every owner and driver shall give a passenger a receipt containing the information prescribed by subsection 9(10) of this Schedule. 10. Schedule 8 to By-law No. 20-85, as amended, is further amended by adding the following section: 20.2 (1) No owner or driver shall operate or permit to be operated his or her taxicab unless such taxicab is equipped with fully functional air-conditioning and heating systems. (2) Every owner and driver shall, upon the request of a passenger, activate the air-conditioning or heating systems in such owner or driver's taxicab. 11. Subsection 9(8) of Schedule 8 to By-law No. 20-85, as amended, is further amended by deleting the words "By-law of the Commission" and inserting in lieu thereof the words "the Commissioner or his or her designate", such that the said subsection reads as follows: (8) numbered, and, subject to the provisions of this By-law, shall be of a make and model approved by the Commissioner or his or her designate. 12. Section 45 of Schedule 8 to By-law No. 20-85, as amended, is further amended by inserting the word "telephone" between the words "any" and "radio", such that the said section reads as follows: 45. Notwithstanding section 56 of this Schedule, every driver and every owner driving his own taxicab shall turn off any telephone, radio, two-way radio, tape player or any other sound-producing mechanical device in his taxicab upon being requested so to do by any passenger, and having done so pursuant to such a request shall leave such device or devices in the off position until that passenger's trip has been completed. 13. Paragraph 18(1)(f) of Schedule 8, as amended, is repealed. 14. (1) Sections 1 to 6 and 11 of this By-law shall come into force on the date of enactment of this by-law. (2) Sections 7 to 10, 12 and 13 of this By-law shall come into force on September 1, 1999. ENACTED AND PASSED this day of, A.D.. Mayor City Clerk (Corporate Seal) (A copy of each of Appendix A to Schedule 8 and the Taxicab Passengers Bill of Rights was forwarded to all Members of Council with the agenda of the Emergency and Protective Services Committee for its meeting on March 23, 1999, and April 20, 1999, and a copy thereof is on file in the office of the City Clerk.) -------- The Emergency and Protective Services Committee reports, for the information of Council, also having had before it during consideration of the foregoing matter communications from the following: - (March 21, 1999) from Mr. Ian Allaby forwarding suggestions concerning the proposed amendments to By-law No. 20-85 pertaining to taxis; - (March 20, 1999) from Mr. Robert A. Stewart responding to the proposed amendments to By-law No. 20-85; - (March 23, 1999) from Mr. Lloyd Pollock, Dignity Transportation Inc. (Celebrity Taxi), submitting comments with respect to the proposed amendments to By-law No. 20-85; - (March 23, 1999) from Mr. Lawrence Eisenberg, President, The Toronto Taxicab Owners and Operators Association, resubmitting his comments of February 8, 1999, regarding the mechanism involved in implementing the necessary changes to By-law No. 20-85; and - (April 19, 1998) from Mr. Stan Steiner, Taxicab Consulting Services, respecting the proposed amendment pertaining to Owner attendance at inspections; and outlining a proposed amendment in regard thereto. The following persons appeared before the Emergency and Protective Services Committee in connection with the foregoing matter: - Mr. Nabil Charbel; - Mr. Lloyd Pollock, Dignity Transportation; - Mrs. Wilma Walsh; - Mr. Eugene Meikle, Toronto Taxi Drivers Association; and submitted a brief in regard thereto; - Mr. Bruce Davis, Urban Intelligence; and submitted a list of suggested representatives for a proposed Taxicab Advisory Committee; - Mr. Ian Allaby; - Mr. Frank Carnevale, Toronto Taxi Alliance; - Mr. Al Moore; and submitted a brief in regard thereto; - Mr. Ervine Shaw; - Mr. Michael Carman; - Councillor Howard Moscoe; - Mr. Paul Forhan, Independent Cab Owners' Co-operative Incorporated; and submitted a brief in regard thereto; - Mr. Stan Steiner, Taxicab Consulting Services; and - Mr. Owen Leach. (City Council on May 11 and 12, 1999, had before it, during consideration of the foregoing Clause, a communication (April 29, 1999) from Mr. Kuldip Singh, Political Action Committee, Metro Cab Company Taxi Union, expressing concerns regarding the proposed amendments to By-Law No. 20-85 pertaining to the taxi industry.) 2 Amendments to By-law No. 20-85 - Staff Restructuring (City Council on May 11 and 12, 1999, adopted this Clause, without amendment.) The Emergency and Protective Services Committee recommends the adoption of the following report (April 19, 1999) from the Commissioner of Urban Planning and Development Services: Purpose: This report recommends technical amendments to By-law No. 20-85, the Licensing By-law, to permit the day to day administrative licensing functions to continue without legal impediment. The need for these amendments arises from the restructuring of the licensing activities and the integration of the administrative licensing functions into the Municipal Licensing and Standards Division of the Urban Planning and Development Services Department. Funding Sources, Financial Implications and Impact Statement: There are no financial implications arising from this report. Recommendation: It is recommended that: (1) By-law No. 20-85, the Licensing By-law, be amended by: (a) deleting the words "General Manager" wherever they appear in the Licensing By-law and inserting in lieu the words "Executive Director"; (b) deleting the words "Manager of Issuing" wherever they appear in the Licensing By-law and inserting in lieu the words "Executive Director or his or her designate"; (2) these amendments come into force retroactive to March 15, 1999; and (3) the appropriate authority be granted to introduce the necessary Bill in Council to give effect thereto. Council Reference/Background/History: In May 1998, Council adopted the recommendations of the Special Committee to Review the Final Report of the Toronto Transition Team for the separation of the quasi-judicial and administrative functions of the former Metro Licensing Commission. As a result, a separate Licensing Tribunal was created. Subsequently, the administrative licensing functions were integrated into the Urban Planning and Development Services Department as part of the Municipal Licensing and Standards Division. Comments and/or Discussion and/or Justification: The current wording in By-law No. 20-85, the Licensing By-law, refers to an organizational and staffing structure that no longer exists. The proposed amendment is necessary to permit the day to day administrative licensing functions to continue without legal impediment. Under the current wording of the Licensing By-law, the General Manager and Manager of Issuing are responsible for activities essential to the administration of By-law No. 20-85. The By-law gives the General Manager the legislative authority to carry out a number of duties, including: - signing of all licences issued and notices of licence revocation; - suspending of the licence for vehicles that have failed an inspection; - notifying of drivers and owners who have been struck from the taxicab waiting list; and - suspending of the licences of horse-drawn vehicles and pedicabs without proper insurance. Similarly, the Manager of Issuing is granted the authority to: - investigate to ensure licence applicants comply with by-law requirements; - notify applicants of a hearing if an investigation reveals grounds to deny their application; and - issue interim taxicab plates to replace lost or damaged plates. As a result of restructuring, the position of General Manager and Manager of Issuing no longer exist. The legislative authority granted to these positions needs to be reassigned to the new officers of Municipal Licensing and Standards. The proposed by-law amendments reassign the legislative authority to reflect the new structure. The duties of the General Manager are assigned to an Executive Director, who reports directly to the Commissioner of Urban Planning and Development Services and has assumed responsibility for the administration of the licensing function. The duties of the Manager of Issuing are assigned to the Executive Director or his or her designate. The proposed reassignment of responsibilities will be retroactive to March 15, 1999. This reflects the date that the Executive Director assumed responsibility for the administrative functioning of the Licensing By-law. A complete review of the Licensing By-law to address additional technical matters that were created by the separation of the quasi-judicial and the administrative functions is presently underway and a comprehensive package of amendments will be forthcoming upon completion of the review. Conclusion: This report recommends amending By-law 20-85, the Licensing By-law, to permit the day to day administrative licensing functions to continue without legal impediment. Contact Name: James Ridge Executive Director Municipal Licensing and Standards Tel: 397-4634/Fax: 392-3821 3 Formal Partnership and Co-Operation Between the Toronto Fire Services and the Lancashire Fire and Rescue Service, United Kingdom (City Council on May 11 and 12, 1999, amended this Clause by adding thereto the following: "It is further recommended that the Fire Chief be requested to: (1) submit a report to the Community Services Committee on the anticipated revenues from a Toronto Training Program, such revenues to be directed back to the budget of Toronto Fire Services to assist with the purchase of equipment and technology; and (2) investigate the possibility of a twinning/partnership arrangement with the City of Phoenix, Arizona.") The Emergency and Protective Services Committee recommends the adoption of the following report (February 8, 1999) from the Commissioner of Works and Emergency Services: Purpose:To form a close formal working relationship between the Lancashire Fire and Rescue Service and the Toronto Fire Services. This proposal is to include exchange visits of Fire Services personnel and, where appropriate, Members of Council. Funding Sources, Financial Implications and Impact Statement: The Toronto Fire Services budget to cover travel costs for Toronto Fire Services staff to participate in reciprocal visits. We will explore potential for billeting arrangements to minimize expenses. Recommendation: It is recommended that this proposal be considered and that the Fire Chief be authorized to negotiate a partnership arrangement with Lancashire Fire and Rescue Services which will include closer future contacts and, where opportunities exist, staff reciprocal visits. Council Reference/Background/History: In 1996, T/Assistant Chief Officer O'Neill of the Lancashire Fire and Rescue Service visited Toronto and North York while taking part in the International Research Project element of his Brigade Command Course and a liaison with the Toronto Fire Services commenced. This liaison has strengthened in the interim period and since that first visit Senior Divisional Officer Richardson, of Lancashire, has also visited Toronto to conduct research for his 1998 Brigade Command Course Project. These visits served to underline the usefulness of international contact between Fire Services. The Chief Fire Officer of Lancashire continued to encourage this liaison and this culminated in the attendance of Fire Chief Alan Speed at the 1998 Glasgow Conference of the Chief and Assistant Chief Fire Officers Association (CACFOA) where Chief Speed delivered a paper on the experiences of amalgamating six separate Municipal Fire Departments into a unified fire service, for the new City of Toronto. This visit was paid for by the conference organizers. During the conference, the Chairman was introduced to Chief Speed and it is possible that further international contacts will flow from this meeting. Following the visit to the CACFOA conference Chief Speed visited Lancashire Fire and Rescue Service for three busy days witnessing all aspects of their service. It became very evident that tremendous potential exists for the benefit of both organizations by formulating an agreement of co-operation and information sharing. Comments and/or Discussion and/or Justification: Some benefits identified by the Chief Fire Officer of Lancashire and the Toronto Fire Chief are the exchange of professional and technical information, also the comparison of strategies, policies, systems and equipment leading to shared information and ideas with the added benefits of "international bench marking". Also, the discussion of opportunities and challenges for each organization, from different perspectives and mutual provision of solutions to problems that either organization has had previous experience of. Other benefits include joint training opportunities, possible staff exchange programs, joint events and contacts for elected officials and further commercial opportunities for the international training of Fire Services personnel. Conclusions: There are many positive elements to these liaisons and it is proposed that a more formal relationship be formed between the Toronto Fire Services and the Lancashire Fire and Rescue Service to capture many of the benefits and advantages identified above. The Chief Fire Officer of the Lancashire Fire and Rescue Service is keen to formalize such a relationship and is in the process of securing approval from his elected officials. Experience has shown the value of such international partnerships, for example the UK/US Chief Fire Officers Forum is now well established, but no such link has been formed between Canada and the U.K.. In advancing this proposal, Toronto will be "pioneering" by forming this Fire Services related partnership between a U.K. and Canadian Fire Service. Contact Name: Alan Speed Tel: 397-4300/Fax: 397-4325 4 Other Items Considered by the Committee (City Council on May 11 and 12, 1999, received this Clause, for information.) (a) Request for Amendment to By-law No. 20-85 to Allow for Installation of Video Monitor and VCR System in Toronto Taxicabs and Limousines. The Emergency and Protective Services Committee reports having directed that: (1) the following proposal be referred to the Taxicab Advisory Committee with a request that it consider the following options: (a) the feasibility of: (i) the passenger being able to turn the video off; (ii) the passenger being able to choose what advertising they wish to view; and (iii) being able to inform passengers of their rights as a passenger; and providing other City public service announcements; and (b) appropriate identification for those cabs carrying the video equipment; (2) the Taxicab Advisory Committee and Commissioner of Urban Planning and Development Services be requested to undertake a public consultation process with respect to the aforementioned proposal; and (3) the Commissioner of Urban Planning and Development Services be requested to report to the new Planning and Transportation Committee on the outcome of the discussions by the Taxicab Advisory Committee: (March 8, 1999) from Mr. Peter McNamee, See Hear, requesting the opportunity to appear before the Committee with respect to the feasibility of installing in some Toronto taxicabs and limousines a video monitor and VCR system to show a 15-20 minute VHS video loop containing commercials; and further requesting an amendment to By-law No. 20-85 to make the proposal possible. -------- Mr. Peter McNamee of See Hear appeared before the Emergency and Protective Services Committee in connection with the foregoing matter; and submitted a copy of his proposed in cab monitor system. (b) KPMG Fire and Ambulance Services Facilities Study. The Emergency and Protective Services Committee reports having: (1) accepted the joint report of the Chief Administrative Officer and Commissioner of Works and Emergency Services, and the KPMG Fire and Ambulance Services Facilities Study as a framework for Fire and Ambulance Services in the future; (2) directed that the Chief Administrative Officer be requested to make available the full KPMG Fire and Ambulance Services Facilities Study, its appendices, and all former drafts to any Member of Council upon request, and that a copy be filed in the office of the City Clerk; (3) referred the following joint report, Study and communications, together with the following motions to the Commissioner of Works and Emergency Services, the Fire Chief and the General Manager, Ambulance Services, with a request that they consult with The Toronto Professional Fire Fighters Association and the Canadian Union of Public Employees, Locals 79 and 416, and report thereon to the Community Services Committee prior to the end of September 1999: Motion by Councillor Fotinos: "That the recommendations to close Fire Stations T26 (153 Chatham Avenue) and T31 (462 Runnymede Road), and the reallocation of Aerial 23 from Fire Station T23 be reconsidered in the context of the station study conducted by the former City of Toronto in 1994, wherein it was recommended that Fire Stations T16 and T31 be closed in favour of a new fire station on Bloor Street; and that the Fire Chief be requested to report back to the Community Services Committee on this matter as part of his overall assessment of the KPMG Study." Motion by Councillor Fotinos, on behalf of Councillor Adams: "That the Fire Chief and General Manager, Ambulance Services, in consultation with local communities, Ward Councillors, and Risk Assessment experts, be requested to review and report on the increased costs to local businesses and residents as a result of reduced fire protection services." Motion by Councillor Balkissoon: "That the Fire Chief and General Manager, Ambulance Services be requested to report to the Community Services Committee: (i) on the four key areas outlined in Recommendations Nos. (3) through (8) of the joint report of the Chief Administrative Officer and Commissioner of Works and Emergency Services; and (ii) identifying all budgetary implications." Motion by Councillor Duguid: "(A) That the recommendations in the joint report of the Chief Administrative Officer and Commissioner of Works and Emergency Services be approved with the following amendments: (i) that final decisions regarding the closure of Fire Stations T26 and T31 be subject to a further report from the Fire Chief outlining the anticipated impact on the affected communities currently being served by those Fire Stations, and confirming an adequate level of fire service provision in those communities; and further that community consultation take place prior to any final decisions being made; (ii) that Recommendation No. (4) of the joint report be amended by adding after the words "associated cost savings" the following words: "and that a thorough analysis be done to confirm the need and priority of new fire stations/ambulance stations"; and (iii) that staff continue to ensure that the impacted Unions and Associations are involved in discussions and reports regarding the implementation of the recommendations of the KPMG Fire and Ambulance Services Facilities Study. (B) That the recommendations of the Working Group, Fire and Ambulance Services, be received. (C) That no recommendations be implemented until the Fire Chief has completed an analysis of the KPMG Study and brought forward an implementation plan."; and (4) directed that following receipt of the report of the Commissioner of Works and Emergency Services, the Fire Chief and the General Manager, Ambulance Services, the Community Services Committee be requested to forward such report to the Community Councils for review, public consultation, and comment thereon to the Committee, prior to such report being forwarded to Council: (i) (April 12, 1999) from the Chief Administrative Officer and Commissioner of Works and Emergency Services providing an overview of the Fire and Ambulance Services Facilities Study, completed by the consulting firm of KPMG; and recommending that: (1) Council adopt, in principle, the recommendations outlined in the Headquarters Accommodation Plan, Fire and Ambulance Location Plan and Fleet Maintenance and Mechanical Facilities Plan of the KPMG Fire and Ambulance Facilities Study; (2) the following issues pertaining to the rationalization of facilities, the relocation of apparatus, fleet maintenance and human resources be reviewed prior to implementation; Rationalization of Facilities: (3) the Fire Chief and the General Manager of Ambulance Services prepare a detailed schedule for phasing in the proposed fire station location plan and ambulance co-location plan outlining critical milestones; (4) the Fire Chief and the General Manager of Ambulance Services prepare a five to ten year capital plan which includes detailed cost estimates for the construction of new fire stations/new ambulance stations and for the required improvements to existing fire and ambulance stations together with a timetable for the realization of associated cost savings; Reallocation of Apparatus: (5) Council approve the reallocation of the apparatus and that the Fire Chief prepare a detailed timetable for the reallocation and review of the feasibility of a potential reduction/redevelopment of five fire companies; Fleet Maintenance: (6) the Commissioner of Works and Emergency Services and the Commissioner of Corporate Services review the recommendations regarding fleet maintenance and mechanical facilities within the context of the corporate fleet study; (7) the Commissioner of Corporate Services immediately begin a discussion with Toronto Hydro on the shared use of the Toronto Hydro Underwriters Road facility for vehicle maintenance purposes; Human Resources Implications: (8) the Fire Chief and the General Manager of Ambulance Services prepare respective individual reports on the human resources implications of the Fire and Ambulance Facilities Study in view of current staffing needs and service demands; and (9) the appropriate City officials be authorized and directed to take the necessary action to give effect thereto; (ii) (April 1999) from Councillor Brad Duguid, Chair, Working Group, Fire and Ambulance Services, outlining the recommendations of the Working Group from its meeting on April 8, 1999; (iii) (April 20, 1999) from Councillor Sandra Bussin, East Toronto, Ward 26, expressing concern with respect to the proposed recommendation to close Fire Station T26; and requesting that the matter be deferred until she has had the opportunity to thoroughly review the conclusions of the KPMG study with her community; and (iv) (April 19, 1999) from Ms. Anne Dubas, President, Canadian Union of Public Employees, Local 79, providing comments on the KPMG Fire and Ambulance Services Facilities Study. -------- The following persons appeared before the Emergency and Protective Services Committee in connection with the foregoing matter: - Mr. Jeffrey Seider, Principal, KPMG, and gave an overhead presentation on the Fire and Ambulance Services Facilities Study; - Ms. Ann Dembinski, Canadian Union of Public Employees, Local 79, and Mr. Richard Bochenek, Ambulance Dispatcher, Canadian Union of Public Employees, Local 79; - Mr. Jim Lee, The Toronto Professional Fire Fighters Association; and submitted a brief in regard thereto; - Councillor John Adams, Midtown; - Councillor Sandra Bussin, East Toronto; - Councillor Chris Korwin-Kuczynski, High Park; and - Councillor David Miller, High Park. (c) Status Report Concerning Establishment of a Fourth Collision Reporting Centre. The Emergency and Protective Services Committee reports having: (1) deferred consideration of the following reports until its next meeting to be held on May 18, 1999, and directed that the matter be placed as the first item of business on the agenda for such meeting; and (2) referred the material submitted by Mr. Sanderson of the Greater Toronto Towing Association to the City Solicitor and City Auditor to comment thereon to such meeting: (i) (April 6, 1999) from the City Solicitor responding to the request of the Committee on January 12, 1999, to report on various issues concerning the establishment of a fourth downtown collision reporting centre; and recommending that the Emergency and Protective Services Committee consider the report of the Chief Administrative Officer, dated September 23, 1998, recommending that no additional collision reporting centre be established, in conjunction with the report of the City Auditor, dated November 17, 1998, regarding the operations and profit margins of existing CRCs, and in conjunction with the other material submitted as appendices to this report; and (ii) confidential report (April 6, 1999) from the City Solicitor responding to the request of the Committee on January 12, 1999, to report on the feasibility of transferring administration of Collision Reporting Centre contracts from the Toronto Police Services Board to the City of Toronto; and recommending that the report be received for information. -------- Mr. Rick Tilling and Mr. Daniel Sanderson of the Greater Toronto Towing Association appeared before the Emergency and Protective Services Committee and filed copies of confidential material pertaining to Collision Reporting Centres. (d) Status Report - Evaluation of Standardized Self-Contained Breathing Apparatus for the Toronto Fire Services. The Emergency and Protective Services Committee reports having received the following joint report: (March 11, 1999) from the Commissioner of Works and Emergency Services and the Fire Chief providing a status report on the evaluation of standardized Self-Contained Breathing Apparatus (SCBA) for the Toronto Fire Services; and recommending that the report be received for information. (e) Cardiac Arrest Care and Emergency Medical Services. The Emergency and Protective Services Committee reports having received the following report: (March 26, 1999) from the Commissioner of Works and Emergency Services providing information on a report from the Institute for Clinical and Evaluative Studies on Cardiovascular Health and Services in Ontario respecting Cardiac Arrest Care and Emergency Medical Services; and recommending that the report be received for information. -------- Councillor John Adams, Midtown, appeared before the Emergency and Protective Services Committee in connection with the foregoing matter, and asked questions of the General Manager, Ambulance Services. (f) Request to Repeal Section 61 of Schedule 8 of By-law No. 20-85. The Emergency and Protective Services Committee reports having received the following communication; and having directed that a copy thereof be forwarded to the Commissioner of Urban Planning and Development Services: (April 19, 1999) from Mr. Stan Steiner, Taxicab Consulting Services, requesting that Section 61 of Schedule 8 of By-law No. 20-85 be repealed to allow for taxicabs to provide shared ride services during the Toronto Transit Commission strike. Respectfully submitted, DENNIS FOTINOS Chair Toronto, April 20, 1999 (Report No. 5 of The Emergency and Protective Services Committee, including an addition thereto, was adopted, as amended, by City Council on May 11 and 12, 1999.)
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