TAMRMS#: B06
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Bylaw 01/2020 Fire Services Amending Bylaw (1st, 2nd and 3rd Reading)
Presented by: Bernd Gretzinger, Fire Chief, Emergency Services Department
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RECOMMENDATION(S)
recommendation
1. Bylaw 01/2020 being Amendment 10 to the Fire Services Bylaw 21/2002 be read a first time.
2. Bylaw 01/2020 be read a second time.
3. Unanimous consent be given for consideration of third reading of Bylaw 01/2020.
4. Bylaw 01/2020 be read a third and final time.
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PURPOSE OF REPORT
Subsequent to administration’s annual review of the Fire Services Bylaw proposed amendments are being brought forward for approval.
ALIGNMENT TO PRIORITIES IN COUNCIL’S STRATEGIC PLAN
N/A
ALIGNMENT TO LEVELS OF SERVICE DELIVERY
Service name: Fire Prevention and Investigation
Service Definition: Compliance and enforcement of the Alberta Fire Code and other relevant laws and regulations ensuring Firefighter safety and pertaining to the prevention and control of fires including proper storage, handling and use of hazardous materials, proper operation of alarm and safety systems and carrying out after event fire investigation with follow up reporting to proper authorities.
Current Service Level: Inspections and Investigations are completed by certified Safety Codes Officers (SCO). Inspection frequency is based upon the potential risk of the property use and function. Currently 100% compliance with Quality Management Program (Fire) and Safety Codes Council of Alberta. Resources: two dedicated fire prevention officers/investigators with additional qualified investigators available to back fill for busy times or absences.
ALIGNMENT TO COUNCIL (OR COMMITTEE) DIRECTION OR MANDATORY STATUTORY PROVISION
N/A
BACKGROUND AND DISCUSSION
Bylaw 21/2002 was originally a combination of the Ambulance Bylaw (1977) and Fire Bylaw (1983). Bylaw 21/2002 was amended in 2015, 2019, and 2020 to its present form. New amendments are being proposed that will align the bylaw with current industry best practices, safety concerns, and the Safety Codes Act. The amended bylaw will serve the mandate of the St. Albert Fire Services and will provide the necessary legal framework within which certain costs can be recovered. It will also provide a means by which the department can emphasize to the community the importance of complying with reasonable and accepted fire and safety practices.
The Community Standing Living Committee (CLSC) reviewed the bylaw amendments on January 13, 2020 and made some recommendations. The CLSC's recommended changes are noted in blue in the attached redlined version.
STAKEHOLDER COMMUNICATIONS OR ENGAGEMENT
N/A
IMPLICATIONS OF RECOMMENDATION(S)
Financial:
None at this time
Legal / Risk:
No significant legal risk, since the Municipal Government Act does authorize a council to pass such a bylaw.
Program or Service:
None at this time
Organizational:
None at this time
ALTERNATIVES AND IMPLICATIONS CONSIDERED
Alternative 1. Keep the current Bylaw knowing that it does not adhere to current industry best practices, does not align with the Safety Codes Act, and states that the St. Albert Fire Services is operating outside its jurisdiction (i.e. Tank Works).
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Report Date: February 18, 2020
Author(s): Bernd Gretzinger
Committee/Department: Emergency Services Department
Deputy Chief Administrative Officer: Kerry Hilts
Chief Administrative Officer: Kevin Scoble