City of Surrey 2016 Annual Report

CITY OF SURREY OVERVIEWS CITY MANAGER'S DEPARTMENT

The City Manager’s Department provides advice and recommendations to City Council-related policies and emerging issues. The department assists in guiding the work of other City Departments, thus ensuring a coordinated and balanced implementation of Council policy. The City Manager’s office provides effective financial management by monitoring the annual budget and the 5-year Financial Plan and has the responsibility for the following operational divisions/sections:

LEGAL SERVICES The Legal Services Division provides legal services to City Council and all of the City’s Departments. City solicitors serve as court counsel, provide legal advice and render legal opinions on a wide variety of matters along with drafting and reviewing all forms of legal and legislative documentation associated with the business of the City. PUBLIC SAFETY OFFICE The Public Safety Office is responsible for developing, implementing and monitoring the City of Surrey Public Safety Strategy, an evidence- based approach aligned with the vision and strategic goals of Council. The Public Safety Strategy fosters integration across all public safety portfolios in the City and is linked with the RCMP Strategic Framework, other strategic approaches in the City and the mandate of Provincial agencies and service providers in the City of Surrey. The Public Safety Office provides oversight and support to RCMP Support Services.

BYLAW ENFORCEMENT & LICENSING SERVICES The Bylaw & Licensing Division is responsible for the enforcement of regulatory bylaws, the issuance of business licenses, animal control functions, operation of the Surrey Animal Resource Centre and parking enforcement. Using both complaints from the public and a proactive approach, enforcement staff work with property owners to address safety, maintenance, beautification and livability issues within the community. LEGISLATIVE SERVICES The Legislative Services Division carries out the statutory responsibilities of the Corporate Officer as legislated under the Community Charter. The Division provides services to City Council, City Departments and the public; is responsible for ensuring City business is undertaken in accordance with all levels of government legislation; and manages the City’s compliance with the Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy (FIPPA) legislation which includes the Corporate Records program, privacy training, impact assessments, and responding to requests for information under FIPPA.

2 0 1 6 A C C O M P L I S H M E N T S

• Developed a new civic engagement model for Surrey to inform, engage and empower citizens. An ELP team reviewed best practices and outlined a new approach. This project is moving to implementation through a second ELP team tasked with executing recommendations. • Implemented the Community Patrol Program in Newton, where Community Patrol Officers work alongside Surrey RCMP, Surrey Crime Prevention Society, and the Newton Business Improvement Association (BIA) Commissionaires, to address crime and nuisance activity. • Obtained Council approval for a new streamlined screening and licensing process for recovery homes to improve the overall management from both a regulatory and customer service perspective. The goal is to reduce both complaints and the operation of illegal recovery homes. • Established the Impact Investment Committee within the Surrey Homelessness & Housing Society to facilitate structured equity and financing of affordable rental housing in partnership with the City and existing non-profit operators.

• Developed a new model for an Integrated Services Network, in partnership with the Provincial Government. The model seeks to enhance court efficiencies while reducing recidivism among offenders facing multiple social challenges. A business case is in development for provincial funding. • Launched the Freedom of Information (FOI) Portal to provide easier access for the public, and enhance internal handling and processing efficiency. The portal tracks both formal FOI and routine information requests. • Launched Project IRIS, an online database where residents and businesses can register the location of their security cameras. City staff manage the database to assist Surrey RCMP to more quickly identify potential camera resources should an incident occur. Project IRIS was developed from projects undertaken by two Emerging Leaders Program (ELP) teams.

• After broad citizen consultation, developed and launched a new Public Safety Strategy which brings together all of the City’s responses to crime, emergency preparedness, personal safety, transportation safety, and persistent social challenges, within 35 strategic initiatives. • Launched the City Centre Response Plan to ensure integrated responses for our most vulnerable residents impacted by homelessness, mental health and addictions. This three-phased plan includes The Surrey Outreach Team which brings together RCMP, City staff as well as government partners and social service agencies to ensure comprehensive and timely supports. • Completed 50% on the Land Use Contract (LUC) Termination project, and successfully completed the “grace period” on the LUCs from 2015, which means that the underlying zoning is currently in effect.

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