Title
Environmental Reserve and Municipal Reserve Encroachment Enforcement - Personnel Increase
Recommendation
That Council approve an additional Community Peace Officer Level 1 position for the purpose of expediting soft enforcement of encroachments on Environmental Reserve and Municipal Reserve lands.
Body
Purpose
Council passed resolution 27-12 at their January 31, 2012 Council meeting requesting this information.
Summary
Council recently passed resolution 26-12 at their January 31, 2012 meeting directing Administration to proceed with "soft enforcement" of Environmental Reserve and Municipal Reserve encroachments. It is anticipated that with existing staff resources it will take upwards of five years to address current encroachment issues. Council has requested information regarding an increase in staffing to address these issues in a more expedient manner.
The approach implemented by Community and Protective Services is to target one area at a time. Last year soft enforcement began at Hubbles Lake, where Officer Heritage opened files on all properties in the area, each property is investigated to determine if any infractions exists; and if they exist he works with the property owner to address, if no infractions exist then the file is closed. This approach ensures that there is a record of all properties in the area and what their status is with regards to encroachments. If none exist at the time of investigation, but come about after the fact a more hardline enforcement approach would be taken. Lakes within the County that have residential development around them are the areas of focus, as that is where the majority of encorachments are occurring.
A second CPO Level 1 - Municipal Enforcement Officer would reduce the time required to carry out our "soft enforcement" approach enabling the County to address current encroachment issues within approximately two and half years. The emphasis of this position is on Land Use Bylaw, Parks Bylaw and Community Standards Bylaw enforcement. The most demanding time for enforcement of these bylaws occurs from spring to late fall each year. The less demanding times would see this position carrying out other patrol responsibilities such as enforcement of Traffic Laws and authorized provincial statutes.
Administrative Position
Administration supports the recommendation as presented.
Strategic Plan/Policy/Legal/Staff Implications (As Required)
Strategic Plan implications:
Quality of Life - Goal 2 Parkland County will maintain and enhance community safety.
Governance - Goal 1 Parkland County will ensure Administration is provided with the necessary tools to serve the residents of Parkland County efficiently and effectively.
Environment - Goal 1 Parkland County will be a respected environmental steward.
Goal 2 Parkland County will increase environmental awareness.
Staff Implications:
One additional CPO Level 1 Officer
Financial Impact:
Cost: $92,000 ($82,000 salary and benefits, $10,000 kit, clothing, training and other non capital requirements)
Source of Funding: 2012 spring budget adjustment
Other (As Required)