Title
False Alarm Bylaw 2016-24
Proposed Motions
1. That Bylaw 2016-24 receive first reading.
2. That Bylaw 2016-24 receive second reading.
3. That Bylaw 2016-24 be presented at this meeting for third reading.
4. That Bylaw 2016-24 receive third reading and final reading.
Body
Administration Recommendation
Administration supports the proposed motion.
Purpose
Administration was requested to bring forward a False Alarm Bylaw for Council consideration. This bylaw will authorize Parkland County to enact a service fee for Fire Services’ response to false fire alarm incidents. The service fee shall be listed in a schedule in the Fees and Charges Bylaw which will be presented as part of the budget process.
Summary
At the October 4, 2016 Committee of the Whole meeting, administration gave a presentation on the impact that fire alarms incidents has on Fire Services and the financial impact it has on Parkland County. Administration presented a conceptual bylaw that would implement a fee for service, granting the County the ability to recover a portion of the financial loss incurred by these incidents.
During Administration’s research and development of this bylaw, it was determined that Parkland County is one of the few municipalities not charging a fee for this type of service. The proposed fees are in line with many other municipalities’ rates and are based on the recovery of fire service staff costs incurred by these types of incidents
On October 4, 2016, the Committee passed a motion directing administration to present a bylaw to Council.
The proposed False Alarm Bylaw as presented will:
- Provide a means for recovering the financial impact incurred upon Parkland County by false fire alarms,
- Penalize those businesses who are not adhering to their responsibilities to the Safety Code Act and the Alberta Fire Code,
- Will not penalize alarm holders when an alarm activates during a true emergency,
- Provide motivation to ensure that alarm systems are ins...
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