Crime Prevention, Safety and Long Term Planning Committee Meeting
Minutes – January 11, 2012
Present: Ben, Bruce, Jack, Bryan, Jayne, Sharon, Greer, Kelly, Janet, Tammy.
1. The first items on the agenda were discussions, comments , updates & follow-ups on issues which we have been working on:
2. Writing a letter to the ACGO regarding liquor licences for small businesses was discussed. Bryan will look into obtaining a copy of the new LCBO Legislation from the AGCO.
3. In other business, Janet brought up the fact that not all of the issues we are working on are of interest to everyone.
The next meeting date is scheduled for Wed. Feb. 08 at 7 p.m
The City of Barrie's report card is out, and while its grade average was boosted by gold stars in the arts and garbage/recycling categories, a less than stellar performance on the buses and roads was flagged as remedial.
After almost 14 months with the new council and mayor, a phone survey administered by Environics Research Group to more than 1,000 Barrie residents in October reveals most are happy with most services.
"I'd give them a B-plus," said June Bouchard, after shopping at Georgian Mall, Wednesday. "I think they're doing a really good job, the mayor's doing a really good job, there's lots of opportunities for kids and no problem getting health care.
"Barrie's pretty good compared to a lot of other cities."
Good grades were also received by the city's new water management and fire rescue services, as well as fire prevention and education.
However, of the more than 10,700 residents called, about 12% or 1,050 who were eligible to respond, they repeatedly told the Environics marketing firm that the city had dropped the ball in traffic, public transit and roads.
About 65% of respondents to the survey reported they had 'low satisfaction' with the general road conditions. Their comments ran the gamut from 'synchronize traffic lights better' to 'cheaper rates for public transit,' to 'improve roads, repair potholes.'
"It was a particularly helpful survey," Mayor Jeff Lehman said. "It's the traffic that's been a really big issue. It was interesting to to see the response to public transit, it really speaks to the need of our looking at improvements."
By comparing results from the last report card in 2008, the quality of the environment went up a full six points in the high approval category, while falling slightly by four points on the safe place to live question.
Combining the high and medium marks, most respondents, a full 89%, said they consider Barrie a good place to raise a family now, compared to a slightly less 86% in 2008.
Some of the respondents worried specifically about their wards, including wards 3, 4, 7, and 8, where those aged 35 and older (who are homeowners) only gave a medium grade for their local parks, trails and green spaces. Residents in Ward 10 gave a low satisfaction rating to the city's overall recreational facilities, mainly because they don't have one in that ward.
Lehman noted a marked increase in factors contributing to a low quality of life were linked to the downtown core where concern had risen by 11 points since 2008.
"That was a surprise. The downtown issue was a much bigger issue than it was three years ago," he said. "I think
that Dunlop Street has really improved this year, most of the empty stores are filled.
"And, there's even a huge development crane working there. We haven't seen a crane downtown in six years."
Lehman also noted the downtown core's camera installation report is due in January.
A Barrie resident of six years, Rick McKnight said he can't complain about the roads because he lives in the Leacock Road area and his road was recently paved.
"The only complaint I have would be about the water, because the price of my water bill has doubled since I moved here," McKnight said. "I expect taxpayers are paying for the
new water treatment plant,
but I don't even draw water
from there.
"I know the police can't be everywhere, but I wouldn't mind seeing more of them at rush hour when people are running red lights," he said with a laugh. "But I guess I'm nitpicking. Overall, I'd say at least a B-plus."
For more information or to see the the 98-page survey results, visit the city of Barrie website at www.barrie.ca.
twitter.com/CherylBrowne1
City councillors are considering asking the Ontario government to prohibit the use of downtown Barrie as a destination for ex convicts.
Council could pass a resolution Monday night asking the Ministry of Community Safety and Correctional Services to review its offender release practice that currently drops released inmates from Penetanguishene's Central North Correctional Centre at the downtown Barrie bus station weekly.
"My concern with the current practice is that it often leaves released offenders with little services and support," said Coun. Lynn Strachan.
Penetanguishene's correctional facility buses ex convicts to Barrie with whatever possessions they had with them when they were arrested, said Greg Flood, spokesman at the ministry.
If they had cash on them when they were arrested, that is returned to them.
Flood says they are then driven to Barrie by the correctional facility and released with a bus ticket home.
"Once they've satisfied their sentence, they're free to go," said Flood.
However, if the next bus to their home town isn't scheduled for several hours, they remain in the downtown core and that's where they can get into trouble.
"It leads to social and safety concerns downtown," said Strachan. "People are released and other people prey on those folks, influencing them often in an inappropriate manner."
After a recent meeting with the Downtown Barrie Business Association (BIA) Strachan said they've spoken to Barrie MPP Rod Jackson about their concerns.
"If we pass the resolution at council, that makes Rod Jackson aware of our concerns. He's been to the downtown (BIA) meetings, so this would enable him to advocate on our behalf."
Once passed, the resolution would be sent to the Ministry of Correctional Services to determine if there are other release points for the men and women who leave the North Correctional Centre, such as a GO station.
Strachan said the future site of the new bus station on Welham Road could also help alleviate some of the concerns of the downtown.
twitter.com/CherylBrowne1
The next meeting will be Wednesday November 9, 2011, at the Barrie Community Health Centre at the corner of Ross and Maple Streets in downtown Barrie. See you there.
BARRIE DOWNTOWN NEIGHBOURHOOD ASSOCIATION
Crime Prevention, Safety and Long Term Planning Committee
WEDNESDAY Oct. 12, 2011
PRESENT: Sharon, Ben, Jack, Irene, Amber, Bruce, Kelly, Kelly, Tammy, Cindy, Ali.
Meeting began@ 7:00pm
Minutes of the Sept. 14, 2011 meeting approved.
1. BDNA congratulated the police on the sex trade sting as it worked very well.
BUSBY CENTRE has been extremely helpful to the police with their outreach workers
Police would like to restart Citizens on Patrol for the Downtown in the near future as they were extremely helpful in the past. This will be done as a Community Service.
2. Noise from the Bars - There is co-operation with the Downtown Bars at the east end pertaining to noise. For 2 noise violations they are fined $490.00 for the 3rd violation the fine is $5000.00, this is done through the Alcohol & Gaming Commission. Difficult to prove which Bar is noisier. We may need a Municipal Noise Violation Person to go part & parcel with the Parking changes.
3. City of Barrie will be extending the parking to 12:00pm. This will be passed at the end of October or November, which will increase revenue for the City.
4. Video Cameras for the Downtown- recommendation going to Barrie council soon
5. Overnight Parking: The gentleman living out of his car on Maple St. pays $55.00 per month for parking. This brought questions about the viability of overnight parking in our municipal lots. The BDNA is concerned with the gentleman’s safety. Is this an enforcement issue? Should social service agencies be involved? It was felt that a letter be sent to the City stating our concerns.
6. Bus Terminal – No further update in regard to released offenders transferred to Barrie Bus Terminal. It was suggested that the City send more factual information to the Ministry and consider drafting an agreement with the CNDC that will rectify this situation. It was felt that many released offenders stay in Barrie and create a heavy burden on many of our local services.
The solution might be to bring them down from Penetang l day before they complete their time and have them released in their home town.
We will invite Rod Jackson to our next meeting to discuss this matter further.
7. Rooming Houses - No updates on minimum standards bylaw for rooming houses. Jack to get more
info.
Kelly showed has a letter of welcome (from the BDNA) that she distributed to residents of the West Village. There is interest in starting a Neighbourhood Watch Program there. Angela Butler is our contact at Barrie Police Services for this.
Meeting adjourned @ 8:20pm.
When asked, Barrie residents responded overwhelmingly to cameras in the downtown core.
City police ran a survey last spring to determine what Barrie citizens felt should be the prime concern of the force.
"It really helps in establishing our priorities," Const. Toni Dufour said. "This survey gives us a bird's eye view of what's important to the people of Barrie. We're really pleased to have this feedback."
While only 377 people responded to the survey that was on the police force's website between March 7 to April 15, that's up from 192 respondents in 2010.
Dufour points out that not all respondents replied to every question asked. Around 300 people responded to most questions, however, so they were able to get a good feel for how most people felt about certain topics.
Overall, 60% of respondents said they were satisfied or very satisfied with Barrie policing, while 23.9% said they were dissatisfied and another 14.4% said they were very dissatisfied.
With respect to their neighbourhoods, only 17% said they were very concerned about crime prevention, while 29% said they were only moderately concerned. More than 20% said they weren't worried about crime prevention in their community and 16% said 'not at all' worried.
Yet, they did list break and enter crimes and traffic management or speeding or impaired driving, as their biggest concerns.
Residents said they would like to see a larger police presence in their neighbourhoods, including both cruiser and foot patrols.
The majority of respondents, almost 78.6%, said they favoured closed circuit cameras in the downtown core; 17% said no to cameras, and about 4% said they had no opinion.
Dufour said she believes that because the severity or violent crime index that came out early this year reflected an 8.6% drop in violent crime, more residents are concerned with day-to-day concerns, such as traffic, than they would have been in previous years.
cbrowne@thebarrieexaminer.com
MEETING MINUTES – AUG, 10, 2011
CRIME PREVENTION AND SAFETY COMMITTEE
&
LONG TERM PLANNING & PROPERTY STANDARDS COMMITTEE
Attending: Sharon, Ben, Mike, Karen, Meredith, Jack, Stephen & ?
Minutes prepared by Ben, and include personal observations as well as details of the meeting.
Prior to the meeting Stephen had outlined his problems with through the week with noise from the downtown bars, and the response time by the Barrie Police. He is unaware if charges were laid or tickets issued, but it seems remote.
At the meeting called by the City Clerk to discuss the new long form questionnaire to be submitted with liquor licence applications there was discussion about the police not logging charges against the bars so that the fines never escalate above step 1. At that time I requested that the 2 senior officers present look into that situation and create a file which would be available to responding officers so that repeat offenders would be treated to increased deterrents. They indicated that they would investigate that situation. To my knowledge, they have not followed through on that commitment.
Sharon called the meeting to order at 07:05 P.M.
Immediately after opening the meeting, the floor was turned over to our guest, City Clerk, Dawn McAlpine. Dawn told us of some of the successes and failures of communication between groups such as the BDNA, the City, and the Alcohol and Gaming Commission. She handed us copies of the AGCO: Services For You – Liquor Sales Licences – Risk Based Conditions. Risk Based Conditions are a recently introduced change in policy for the AGCO. Items of particular interest to us are as follow:
The holder of the licence shall file in writing with the Registrar of Alcohol and Gaming by Date the measures that the holder has in place to deter disorderly conduct on property adjacent to and in the vicinity of the premises and to minimize damage, nuisance or other harm to such property arising out of disorderly conduct engaged in by patrons or persons attempting or waiting to enter the premises or leave the premises.
The holder of the licence shall not provide or permit music or other forms of entertainment in outdoor areas.
The holder of the licence shall not provide or permit amplified music or other forms of entertainment in outdoor areas.
The holder of the licence shall ensure that no live or amplified music is played in the licensed outdoor area(s) past the time designated by the Registrar of Alcohol and Gaming.
The holder of the licence shall ensure that the areas adjacent to and within XY metres of the premises are kept clean and free from any garbage associated with the operation of the premises and patrons.
The holder of the licence shall ensure that there is a designated and supervised area for smokers that does not adversely affect property adjacent to the premises.
There are a great many conditions, all of which may be read at the AGCO web address below:
http://www.agco.on.ca/en/services/conditions_riskbased_LSL.aspx
Dawn has suggested that we, when requesting limitations on a licence, or registering objections to same, reference these clauses. The AGCO may place more weight on our requests if the requests are more easily referenced and understood by them.
The following is a link to the AGCO site that lays out the people per area allowed.
http://www.agco.on.ca/pdfs/en/guides/1214_a.pdf
It states that the allowable number of people is established in 1 of three ways i.e.
2. There are three methods of assigning a capacity to
your establishment, either:
a) capacity is assigned by the building department; or
b) capacity is assigned by the fire department; or
c) capacity is calculated by an architect or professional engineer.
The sample looks at total area, and does not take into account fixtures such as a bar, tables, game boards or other fixtures that occupy floor space which is shown as available for human movement. As well, I (personal opinion) seem to remember Dawn indicating that the AGCO seemed o disregard the recommendation of the Building & Fire Departments and applied it’s own standard to the capacity of an establishment, which, if true, would be in direct defiance of their published policy.
If the approximate standard of 1.15 m2 per person is being applied without regard to fixtures, then perhaps it is time for the AGCO to examine its policy.
Also the AGCO does not supply feedback to the City or to the BDNA on the results of license applications. It might be appropriate for the AGCO to at least let the City know what is going on.
Dawn also indicated that Barrie is one of only a handful of communities to ask license applicants to fill out a form to submit with the application, and ours is the most detailed form in use.
The City Clerk’s presentation ended at approximately 08:15 P.M.
It was noted that the ‘Minimum Separation Bylaw for Bars’ was still being researched. There was a question about the status of the requested ‘Minimum Separation Bylaw’ for boarding and rooming houses. This was a project of Cindy’s, and in her absence (she’ll be back next month) Ben indicated that he would follow up, and report back to us next meeting (September 14).
The video camera project has received favourable reviews by the Police Department and City Council. All that remains now is for them to develop a concrete plan and cost , and allocate funds. We will continue to follow up on this project. There is a police board meeting August 25 at 4 P.M. Perhaps there will be something to report after the meeting.
We will continue our efforts to ameliorate the CNCC drop off situation at the Barrie bus terminal downtown. We recognize that if the main terminal is moved as per plan and if the one roof concept actually happens the situation will be altered, but those items are 2 to 5 years in the offing, and we cannot afford to wait that long if we wish to rejuvenate the Downtown.
We also need to motivate panhandlers, prostitutes and defilers of public spaces to remove themselves from the Downtown core. These people can be seen on a daily basis. This can only be accomplish by the Police Department applying due diligence.
The next meeting will be Wednesday, September 14 at the Steckley-Gooderham Funeral Home on Worsley Street – 7:00 P.M.
BARRIE - Members of the Barrie Police Services Board want to install 10 cameras downtown at a cost of $300,000.
Mayor Jeff Lehman told the board Tuesday PowerStream is willing to install the cameras at no cost.
He was also hopeful a service group like Rotary might participate by funding all or part of the equipment costs.
“As mayor, there have been a number of groups interested in fixing up a park or playground,” said Lehman, adding maybe they’d be willing to contribute to community safety too.
Lehman was surprised with the community’s support for a surveillance camera project.
“I thought it would be more controversial. But if the police service feels it would be an asset to tackle the issues downtown, then I’m supportive of it,” he said.
Lehman wanted full disclosure on the cost of the cameras, including the cost of the manpower needed to use the system.
“There will be an impact to the Barrie Police Service if we install cameras, including ongoing maintenance and securing video if it’s going to be used in an evidentiary circumstance,” said Chief Mark Neelin.
He expects a few officers will be required to train others with the initial setup, for things like making sure cameras are facing the right way while recording.
After the first two months, Neelin expects the operating costs to decrease.
He stressed to Lehman that the camera costs will be a reason he’ll ask for more money next year.
“We would keep this as a separate item in the operating budget for 2012, because we want to be able to point out the cost of the cameras,” said Neelin.