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Calls for service from Sundre RCMP declined in 2011
There was a marked decline in calls for service to the local RCMP detachment in Sundre in 2011 compared with the previous year, town council heard.
Detachment commander Sgt. Percy Leipnitz presented 2011 crime statistics to town councillors during last week’s regularly scheduled council meeting.
There were 3,938 calls for service in 2011, including 2,163 in town. That is down from 4,498 in 2010, including 2,376 in town.
Overall persons crimes (such as assaults, sexual assaults and uttering threats) were down, property crimes were down, Criminal Code traffic offences (such as impaired driving) were up, provincial statutes (excluding traffic) were down, provincial traffic charges were up, and collisions were down.
There were 64 persons crimes in Sundre (127 in entire detachment), down from 89; 176 property crimes, (312 detachment), down from 224; 94 Criminal Code traffic (161 detachment), up from 76; and 71 total Criminal Code traffic (121 detachment), up from 63.
There were 41 assaults in Sundre (81 detachment), down from 60 in 2010; 23 other persons crimes (46 detachment), down from 29; 12 break-ins (25 detachment), down from 16; 11 thefts over $5,000 (25 detachment), up from eight; 71 mischief (124 detachment), down from 120; 24 frauds (31 detachment), up from 17; 94 other Criminal Code (161 detachment), up from 76; 14 municipal bylaw, down from 28.
On the traffic side, there were 15 fail to remain at scene charges (23 detachment), down from 18 in 2010; six dangerous driving (eight detachment), down from seven; 18 suspended drivers (23 detachment), down from 19, 485 speeding/insurance/seatbelt (758 detachment), down from 444; 67 impaired driving charges (116 detachment), up from 60.
There were 75 collisions, including five injury accidents. There was one traffic fatality in the detachment area in 2011.
The detachment set out three key initiatives for 2011, said Sgt. Leipnitz.
• Proactive drug enforcement/CDSA search warrant execution:
“Our target is 55 charges/no case seizures. This means we should get about 13/14 per quarter to reach our goal. In Q1 we had 12, in Q2 we had 8, in Q3 we had 18, for a total of 39. Of the 18 cases in the third quarter, 16 were no case and two resulted in charges.”
• Police and youth at risk interaction sessions:
“With this initiative we are trying to continue to build a positive relationship and trust between the police and youth. Our target goal is to hold at least seven interaction sessions and presentations between police and youth. There were a total of 11 in 2011.
“Involvement between the membership of this detachment, the community and the youth has been good and will hopefully continue to grow.”
• Traffic focus on impaired drivers:
“With this initiative we have a target goal of 20 impaired drivers. There were a total of 35 in 2011. Sundre RCMP will continue on with this initiative of keeping impaired drivers off our streets. We are out there and the guys are trying to get impaired driving.”
Sgt. Leipnitz said the detachment is planning to continue with several key initiatives in 2012.
“We will be considering new initiatives for the upcoming year. Any suggestions or input from the community would be welcome,” he said.
Coun. Tony Jordan said residents would like to see more speeding enforcement on Main Avenue.
Coun. Mike Baird called on the detachment to host an awareness meeting to educate parents about illegal drugs.
There are currently six constables, one sergeant, one corporal, two office staff, and the victim services unit at the Sundre RCMP detachment.
Amendment proposed to rollout cart bylaw
In other town council news, councillors have given first reading to a change to the solid waste collection, removal and disposal bylaw dealing with residential rollout carts.
The change was made to clarify the existing bylaw, which was ambiguous when it comes to damage and replacement.
The existing bylaw states: “The repair of damage or replacement of carts assigned to the unit due to theft, misuse, alternations or abuse shall be the responsibility of the owner or occupant of the eligible premises and shall be the responsibility of the owner or occupant of the unit to which the cart is assigned.”
The proposed amendment adds the following sentence to the bylaw: “If the theft, misuse, alterations or abuse has been caused by the owner or occupant of the unit to which the cart has been assigned.”
In a note to council, interim CAO Dave Dubaukas said: “The solid waste curbside pickup system requires that carts be placed on the curb in front of each residence. This exposes the carts for potential theft and abuse by passing cars and pedestrians but this sort of vandalism has been minimal. As discussed by council, it is difficult to charge residents for theft or abuse of the cart if they are following the bylaw by setting the cart out for pickup.”
The present cost of replacing a cart is $75.
Members appointed to seniors housing committee
Councillors have passed a motion appointing members to the seniors housing committee, which is looking at current and future Sundre seniors housing needs.
The new members are Joe Henze, Charlotte McInnes, Glynn Westcott, Carol Anderson, Joan Dixon, Leslie Munns, Tom Bouchard, Monica St. Dennis, and Patricia Campkin.
“Several members were appointed last fall but the committee was stalled therefore some of the above volunteers were reappointed and some are new appointments,” Dubaukas said.
The committee was formed following discussions on September 7, 2011. It is working with Mountain View Seniors’ Housing on gauging Sundre seniors housing needs through surveys and other means.
Rip rock tender accepted
Although the town moved ahead last month with stockpiling rip rock boulders for the riverbank stabilization project, councillors have now accepted the low tender for the rock piling.
Councillors accepted the low tender of $761,226 from Downer Construction for the supply and stock piling of Class 3 rock rip rap.
The cost of the rocks and the work to bring them to town is being covered by a $2.4 million provincial grant for the riverbank stabilization project, council heard.
In all, about 15,000 tonnes of rocks are being stockpiled along the Red Deer River’s west bank in south Sundre.
Animal control contract approved
Councillors have passed a motion approving the contracting of Jane Finney as the town’s animal control person for the next year.
“Having a dedicated person to conduct a set number of hours of animal patrol would benefit the community and ensure that animal control laws are being followed,” said Dubaukas.
“The applicant runs a well-respected kennel at present (near Bergen), and is experienced in handling animals and has pet first aid training.”
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