In attendance: Councillors Wacko, Skehill, Day, Zinck and Damota, and Mayor Ireland. Absent: Councillor Wall

Presentations: 

RCMP statistics, presented by Sgt. Dave Maludzinski:

Sgt. Maludzinski reported on the Jasper detachment’s statistics in a detailed crime report for Jan. 1 to June 30. 

The six-month statistical review compares the first six months of 2011 to the same time period each year dating back to 2006. With 25 incidents falling under the liquor act this year, Maludzinski said that number is substantially decreased from previous years. The same was said of acts falling under the Criminal Code, including disturbing the peace, which Maludzinski said was not even close to the 2006 numbers.

Regarding federal investigations, in particular drug enforcement, Maludzinski said numbers are down from previous years, though a Jasper member did orchestrate a seizure of nine kilos of cocaine on June 2 – the second largest in the province.

Maludzinski said that the number of false alarms/abandoned 911 calls are still at a high level for a community this size, but attributes many of the calls to tourists trying to dial overseas.

He also reported that while acts that fall under Criminal Code (property) – acts of mischief are up slightly – overall these numbers are showing a decline.

“It looks like everything’s going down, which is a positive thing for us in Jasper,” said Maludzinski.

He pointed out the number of offences occurring within provincial traffic investigations has risen dramatically, but that this is because the Jasper detachment has made efforts to have more members on the highway. Overall, Maludzinski reported that the Jasper detachment has a clearance rate of 89.4 per cent this year, which is substantially higher than previous years. Clearance rates are investigations that are cleared either by charge or other means such as alternative measures, where the accused is known yet a formal charge is not laid.

Maludzinski said that the 2011/2012 Performance Plan will keep the same priorities as in the past few years, with the detachment focusing on drug and alcohol enforcement, check-stops and vandalism in the core areas of the community.

Department reports:

Culture and Recreation report, prepared by Yvonne McNabb, director:

McNabb reported that phase one of the activity centre/aquatic centre renovations, the day care, is now open for new business.

“There are still a few deficiencies that have to be taken care of, like a sink replacement and wall paper replacement,” she said. “Those should be completed by the end of August.” 

McNabb reported that construction of the new offices is now underway; the walls are up and waiting to be painted. The cement floor in the fitness centre has caused some delays due to the humidity level in the concrete. 

“When the moisture content is lower, we will then be able to install the flooring,” she stated in her report. “Our most recent estimation of substantial completion for the fitness centre is the end of September, 2011.”

Summer camps have been successful this year in Jasper, but McNabb said that Volleyball camp reduced their camp from three weeks to two. This is due to the camp using a site which has a field house. Soccer camp registration almost doubled from last year, and McNabb said that most of the participants were locals and did not require lodging or meals.

“I am now attending regular meetings for the hosting of the Special Olympics from Feb. 29 to March 3 in St. Albert,” said McNabb. Jasper will host Alpine Skiing for this event. There will be a total of 45 athletes and 30 coaches, plus the parents and family of the competitors. “We are still looking for another 20 volunteers for the ski hill events.”

Those interested in volunteering for this event should contact McNabb at 780-852-6508.

Emergency Services report, prepared by Greg Van Tighem, director:

Van Tighem reported that there have been a total of 24 fire department responses since his June 16 report, 14 fire command calls and 10 full fire department responses.

He said that there have been a total of 16 fire prevention inspections completed, seven follow up inspections, two occupant load calculations and three building plan reviews.

Van Tighem said the fire department has recently welcomed three new members and one new auxiliary member. Four volunteers from the department along with Van Tighem will take part in the FireFit Challenge in Edson on Sept. 10 and 11  – part of that community’s centennial celebrations.

He reported that all finances are in line with budget expectations.

Requests for decision:

Bylaw #149, “Jasper Street Naming and Address Numbering Bylaw 2011”, prepared by Verne Balding, director of corporate and legislative services:

Recommendation: 

Administration recommended that council amend Bylaw #135, the “Jasper Street Naming and Address Numbering Bylaw 2010’  as proposed in draft Bylaw #149, the “Jasper Street Naming and Address Numbering Bylaw 2011”.

Bylaw # 149 formalizes the following changes: 

The address for the Jasper Aquatic Centre of 401 Pyramid Lake Rd. was adjusted incorrectly to 311 Bonhomme St. on Jan. 31, 2011, when the intent had been to adjust it to 305 Bonhomme to fit with the adjacent activity centre address. Bylaw #149 formalizes this change.

Bylaw #149 formalizes the return of Poplar St. to Poplar Ave.

The municipality has received a request from leasholders in Parcel CD (78 Connaught Dr.) to designate separate addresses for each of the three buildings on the site so as to provide greater clarity for licensing and insurance purposes. Bylaw #149 responds to this request.

Councillor Wacko made a motion for council to give the bylaw first reading. The motion was carried unanimously.