Two members of Grey Highlands council would like to know more about how the municipality’s bylaws are being enforced.
Council at its regular meeting Monday morning received a Municipal Law Enforcement Report from Municipal Law Enforcement Officer Bill Bamford. The report listed the number and type of complaints Bamford has investigated since being appointed to his position in November 2007.
The report did not include any specific information about the various investigations launched. From mid-November to the end of December 2007 Bamford investigated seven property standards matters, four zoning matters, two noise matters, one dog at large issue, one livestock issue, one illegal parking issue and one non-bylaw issue for a total of 17 occurrences.
From January to June 30 Bamford investigated 12 property standards issues, three zoning issues, three noise issues, two dog licensing issues, four dog at large issues, one unlicensed kennel and one open fire for a total of 26 occurrences. Of the complaints received Bamford’s report said six were still outstanding.
The bylaw enforcement report generated plenty of discussion around the council table. Councillors Paul McQueen and Stewart Halliday both questioned the lack of detailed information in the report.
“We have had a more in-depth report in the past,” commented McQueen.
Councillor Halliday said the limited information in the report made it difficult for members of council to respond to queries from the public about bylaw issues.
“I would support further information on property standards matters. From time to time I get questions about certain properties from the public. Right now I have to say I don’t know what’s happening,” said Halliday. “If we’re not informed we have to act D-U-M-B,” he said.
Mayor Brian Mullin cautioned fellow councillors that privacy laws were very strict when dealing with what information can be made public about specific properties and property owners.
“It’s a public report. We can’t have names and property locations,” said Mullin. “Giving any information about a specific property would disclose that a property is under investigation,” said Mullin.
The Mayor recommended that council invite Bamford to a meeting to discuss what information can be made public in his reports.
Councillor McQueen said it was difficult for members of council - who are responsible for making decisions about the governance of the municipality - to stay informed with so little information being made available.
“I think (the report) is too brief and keeps council in the dark. We can’t ask any questions,” he said.
Both McQueen and Halliday said they could accept that some information they were interested in receiving might have to be done in-camera.
Clerk Debbie Robertson said privacy laws on specific bylaw enforcement issues are specific.
“Anything on law enforcement is between the bylaw enforcement department and the individual,” said Robertson, suggesting that councillors refer questions about such matters to either herself of the Municipal Law Enforcement Officer.
Robertson said the report was meant to illustrate the various issues enforcement staff is dealing with. “These are the issues that are out there and you can see what tends to be the complaints,” she said.
