Reports from Wheatland Protective Services

Times Contributor

 

A proposal to establish a new Health and Safety Officer position was run past Wheatland County council by the Protective Services Manager, Gerald Skibinsky, with the support of other County of Wheatland staff.

Currently Wheatland relies upon a combined effort from all departments to carry out inspection duties.

“There are over 30 sites and inspections that take staff away from their regular duties. Inspections are running behind and with nine fire and building inspections added on, it requires evening and weekend work,” said Skibinsky.

He proposed that a Health and Safety Officer would be beneficial because they could be on site, helping site personnel understand safety regulations. He said with so much work, other municipalities are also hiring full time Health and Safety Officers.

The costs and job description was provided to council for their consideration. Council gave approval to establish and post the position.

 

Call statistics

Sergeant Jeff Cyr gave an update of the protection services statistics for May 2012.

There were:

• Seven criminal investigations that were forwarded to the RCMP. 

• 60 traffic stops

• 13 animal complaints

• two unsightly premises

• two fire and ems assists

• four environmental calls

Cyr indicated officers continued to help Drumheller and Strathmore RCMP on requests for assistance, and the services had forwarded their appreciation for the help. They would be helping during Canada Day celebrations and for Heritage Days.

Disturbing the peace

Counsellors asked Cyr to look into a ratepayers request to monitor an unsightly address in Gleichen. The complainant said there was increased drunk and disorderly activity near the address and complaints of increased panhandling activity, especially in the evening hours. Councillors will contact the ratepayer and communicate with the Siksika Council as to recommendations to deal with the complaint.

 

Fire news

Andy Schultess, long time Standard Fire Chief, is retiring. He will help part time with training exercises. He and his wife are looking to travel and spend winters in the south.

New Standard fire hall

The Standard Fire Association is looking to build a new shop on County land, close to the County mechanical shop. They had made previous inquiries to the County and no objections were voiced. 

The Association would retain control of the hall, while the County would retain ownership of the land. The designs are in and the Association has narrowed the bid to two contractors. The decision will be made at the July 7 Capital Budget meeting.

 

Service awards

Only three fire departments have responded with members’ years of service. The information was needed to make service awards. 

“If there is no interest there, there may be no awards,” said Skibinsky.

The deadline for submission is June 30.

 

Mutual aid agreements

Wheatland County Fire has mutual aid agreements with Brooks/Newell County, and Dalum Fire has an agreement with Drumheller. However, County councillors cautioned that the services should have a written agreement to deal with any potential liability issues.