Wednesday, August 12, 2009

Enhanced Policing Position Crowsnest Pass

Would like to clear up some misconceptions about the enhanced policing position in the Crowsnest Pass.
First some background, over the last four years we have gone through four bylaw officers.
We have had trouble attracting people who are fully qualified for the position, several reasons one there is a shortage of qualified bylaw officers available, two until last year the position was only a 32 hour per week position, three the municipality pays their bylaw officer in the range of $24 per hour. Most municipalities around southern Alberta pay in the $30 per hour range.
(Easily confirmed if you go to CUPE Alberta's web site they show numerous collective agreements, that a person can compare to.
Any way when the latest bylaw officer choose to leave us, the option was raised of taking a different approach, that of hiring a "Enhanced Policing Position". Many questions were raised during the debate over that the position;
Availability- we were told originally that it could take up to a year for the RCMP to fill the position, with a bit of luck it turned out an officer became available for July 1st 2009.
Cost- The cost of the "Enhanced position" would cost us in the range of $126,000 per year, which would include the officer, vehicle, uniforms, office support, preparation for court etc etc, our Bylaw Officer cost was roughly $96,000 we were told that the difference would be made up by additional revenue coming in from increased enforcement, and by not spending money training less than qualified bylaw officers every year.
Municipal Bylaw Enforcement- I believe this is the key issue, we were told originally that this officer would enforce all municipal bylaws, (plus being a RCMP member would be free of any kind of political interference). As the process moved along Council was informed that a mistake, a miscommunication had been made, the "Enhanced Officer" would not be able to enforce any municipal bylaw that did not fall under either Alberta or Federal stature.
This means in simple terms that bylaws such as the "Unsightly premises, long weeds etc" would not be enforced.
So what began as a process to replace the Municipal Bylaw Officer, now as turned into determining if we want an additional RCMP member in our municipality, doing what the RCMP already does. (No discredit to the RCMP I think we are very lucky to have the people we do here).
We need a Bylaw officer here the suggestion as been made that those types of "Unsightly Premises" issues only happen during the summer months, that we could hire a summer student from the Bylaw Field to fill that role so now the $126,000 cost will become ?
The Enhanced position was a good idea, when we were working with the belief that we were gaining an additional RCMP member who would fill the role of a Bylaw Officer, that is no longer the case, that is why I will not support this position.

11 comments:

Anonymous said...

You'd better believe that His Worship certainly isn't looking for anyone to enforce the unsightly premises bylaw....

John Prince said...

Totally agree with your position. We need a Bylaw Officer who can 'enforce' our bylaws, not a RCMP officer who cannot.

So with that said, we are back at square one. How do we get our bylaws 'enforced' when at present 'political interference' rules the roast?

It seems this mayor runs circles around you guys (as he did when I was on council (except you guys have a majority (and no excuse) but are still impudent?) and the only solution to this impasse is waiting for the next election, when both he and his lapdog in administration are removed by the ballot box and by the boot, respectively.

Chad P. said...

Money may be one issue that turn potential candidates around running but has anyone considered the fact that we are missing a complete demographic of people here? Namely those who are 20-30 and more than likely the age group of those officers looking for positions. This makes it tough to find a potential spouse in this community and of course brings up the whole issue of creating a new family and staying here long term. If I came new to this community with a small family or even single I would hit the road too. School enrollment is dropping, minor hockey numbers are dropping, adult curling is dropping and our swimming pool could be used as a skating rink in the winter. Lets take a better look at ourselves as a town and how we look to potential residents and then decide what the real problem may be....money is not everything.

John Prince said...

Chad P.
Very 'astute' comments. Good for you!

Anonymous said...

So let me get this straight. At this time no one is enforcing any of the municipal bylaws that don't relate to federal and provincial statutes.

I can water my lawn every day!

Anonymous said...

Chad, what in hell does this area have to offer anyone? you have lived here your whole life and you don't see that unless you work at a mine you can't make it here! With your statement, it only proves that you have absolutely no concept of how the rest of the world works. Picture yourself moving here with some money and a plan. But here's the rub, you have no family to fall back on to help out when things get tough. What would you do? Over charge for your product? You know thats how you lose business right? Get a grip!

Chad P. said...

To the last post. I suspect you want to draw me into battle, however I have no intention of getting into a spat with someone that will not show face. If you would like to have a chat I invite you to do so in person or post your name.

Let me comment however on a few things you mentioned. One, I think that people can "make it" here without working in the mine. It may take some personal sacrafice and ingenuity but there are many members of this community who have taken the chance and have been successful.

Now to how the rest of the world works...have you ever found your spouse unconscience, eyes rolled back and near death? I have - my wife in a diabetic coma. Do you wake up every morning and stick a
1" needle in your stomach and hope it makes it's way through the scar tissue underneath without too much pain? I do everyday as I have M.S. In the real world it really helps to have family to fall back on in difficult times and I am lucky that I can. That my friend you are correct on.

Crowsnest Pass Home said...

Chad well said, as always I have tons of respect for your comments.
A lot of times people shoot of there mouths about other people or issues. Yet of no idea of the real story.

John Prince said...

Chad, I agree with Dean. Thanks for sharing!

Anonymous said...

Interesting comments that make no sense towards the issues at hand, by turning a rebuttal into something personal means simply that you are not prepared to accept any answer except the one that you have already concocted in your head. Therefore answering with common sense is rendered useless.

Chad P. said...

Anonymous: The point of my personal points were merely to point out to you that ones opinion of "how the real world works" are entirely different from anothers. People suffer in other ways aside from lack of money or opportunity and you made it personal by hinting that I do not have any appreciation or respect for others hardships. On the skin it may seem one has the ideal life, but it is not until you get to the guts that the true reality becomes evident. I never take this for granted.

I love to debate - and believe everyone is entitled to their opinions. I'd be happy to express mine in person to you if given the chance. Thanks to Dean and John for your comments!