May 23rd Schreiber Council Meeting Highlights Community Safety and Crime Concerns

At tonights council meeting the first item on the agenda was the OPP report. Staff Sergeant Moscall updated the council with the last quarter report from 2022 plus the first quarter 2023 report. Schreiber is typically an area with a very low crime rate but being situated right on Highway 17 but there have been incidents along the north shore where fleeing criminals have breezed through town.

Fraudulent phone calls, especially involving seniors, is an ongoing situation and the OPP is encouraging dialogue to try and reverse the current trend of manipulating vulnerable seniors. Another area of concern is the protection of students at schools and awareness training has been focusing on ensuring safety in the classrooms. Breaking and entering has been on the increase this spring and again seems to be tied in with out of town groups.

Construction companies have also been targeted nationally and stolen goods have been transferred along the national corridor. Highway patrols have increased as well due to the rising incidents of highway collisions. Domestic calls may be related to mental health issues that seem to have arisen from the fallout of the COVID pandemic, according to Sergeant Moscall. The RIDE programme is primarily used to address alcohol related crimes but can aid in uncovering other problems as well through search and inspections. A short discussion followed where some ideas were put forward.

Question period was the next item but no questions were presented. Then the minutes of the previous meeting were approved. There was some business arising from the minutes, in particular with finalizing some transactions regarding equipment purchases from public works and merchandise for the Discovery Centre which will be opening on the first of June. 

Accounts for payment and debit orders were then approved and ratified. Other unfinished business centred around the disposal of a piece of unused property in town. Kevin Cardiff was approved for the flower watering contract and will be responsible for the summer period. The contract for the downtown washroom renovation project has been approved with work set to commence in the next few weeks by B&D Construction.The Fire Chief renumeration was approved.

The various department reports were up next. First to be discussed was the treasurers report. Reserve fund transfers and variance reports were briefly discussed as presented by CAO Nathan Dias. These transfers are meant to cover outstanding balances and secure conditions of ongoing projects. 

Director of Operations report gave council a status update on the various work going on around town. Most of this work can only be undertaken during warmer weather, especially any projects that focus on water and sewage. The Ontario Street reline project has already started. A change order has been issued to ensure the supply of water to residents that could be affected by any water shutoffs during the reline project. There will also be another crew working to finalize the certification of the new Splash Pad which will also be opening for this summer. Ownership of the water park will only take place once certification has been completed.

Finance and Special projects report prioritized the repairs needed for some municipal buildings, such as the arena and the municipal building. Most of these repairs can only be carried out next year after the winter weather subsides. 

Community Economic development report highlighted some upcoming project ideas. Signage was one item mentioned as it is thought to aid in attracting visitors to town. Cruise ships might be an additional source of tourism as interest in the Great Lakes and area shows potential. 

Under communications, the town has decided to support a request for support regarding the Hydro/Bell infrastructure. Schreiber has many hydro poles that need replacing and Bell is looking to use hydro poles for installing fibre internet services.

Unfinished business discussion focussed mostly on derelict vehicles on property. Under the existing property standards bylaw, there is no recourse or solutions that are clear as to how a municipality can enforce regulations over personal assets on private property. The initial bylaw allowed for vehicles stored on property if they were covered so it is not clear if the push for change is connected to simply aesthetic reasons or legitimate safety concerns. The same bylaw dictates length of grass and levelling grounds. The bylaw had been challenged in the past and caused the first rewrite in order to force residents to comply. 

The opening of the Splash Pad has lead to another potential problem for the town. It is located right beside a main road that is partially owned by CP Rail and is used as a throughway for heavy vehicles and trucks. The town would like to see the road closed off at the entrance in order to protect users of the water park during the summer season. 

Council had appointed new members to some of the committees as some have vacated their positions. A quick summary of the upcoming AMO conference schedule was mentioned and a list of priorities has been drawn up.
The meeting then adjourned.