Pubdate: Tue, 24 Apr 2007
Source: Packet & Times (CN ON)
Copyright: 2007, Osprey Media Group Inc.
Contact:  http://www.orilliapacket.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/2397
Author: Courtney Whalen

BOARD LOOKS AT GROW-OP RECOVERY COSTS

The Orillia Police Services Board passed a unanimous motion yesterday 
to begin work on a draft bylaw that would set out fees to help 
recover costs associated with dismantling of marijuana grow houses.

After receiving the go-ahead from city council, members of the board 
voted to have manager of legislative services Gayle Jackson work with 
detachment commander Terry Wright to draft the bylaw.

"I think personally that we do need something in place," said board 
member George Morano, during discussions about whether to go ahead 
with the bylaw.

The new bylaw would allow the city to recover costs associated with 
dismantling grow houses or making them acceptable for resale, from 
the property owner.

Once the draft bylaw is completed it will be submitted to council for 
approval and dates for public input will be scheduled.

The board was also discussing the possibility of keeping the police 
station open 24 hours a day. Members were presented with information 
collected from detachments in other municipalities on how they staff 
offices which are open 24 hours.

"There is a cost, a huge cost if we want to keep the doors open 24 
hours," Wright told the board, noting that many detachments have an 
additional five or six positions in order to cover for the shift work 
associated with remaining open.

Before moving any further toward making a decision the board passed a 
motion to look into the actual costs that would be associated with 
keeping the Orillia detachment open 24 hours a day.

Approval was given to renew the Community Policing Partnerships 
Program until 2009. The provincial cost-sharing program is used to 
enhance front-line police services. Currently one local position is 
funded through the program.

Board members were also offering their congratulations to detachment 
operations manager Dave Lee who will be moving to Collingwood to 
assume the Staff Sergeant position at that detachment.

The next meeting of the Orillia Police Services Board is scheduled for May 29.
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MAP posted-by: Elaine