Belleville Councillor Paul Carr questioning staff about enforcing city bylaws, January 23, 2017 (Photo: Mary Thomas/Quinte News)
Belleville may soon be taking a more active role in enforcing its bylaws.
Councillor Paul Carr told council Monday he is concerned about the way the system works in that the bylaw officers only react to complaints.
Carr said that in the last two years he had complaints every week from residents about all kinds of issues such as cars blocking driveways or noise complaints.
Chief Building Official Ted Maracek says he has some ideas for “fine tuning” the matter but there would be a cost.
Council decided to have staff develop a policy on pro-active enforcement and refer it to the operating budget this spring.
Casey Road issue continues
Belleville council wants more information before making any changes to heavy truck restrictions on Casey Road in Thurlow Ward.
Councillor Paul Carr told city council Monday night it’s not about the speed but about heavy truck traffic which he says causes damage to the road.
After hearing that a 10-hour study was carried out to determine whether the truck traffic was local or through-traffic, Carr said he wanted a more expansive study done.
Manager of Transportation Pat McNulty told council the number of businesses along the road is significant and requires heavy trucking.
Council voted to return the issue to staff for a study, extending over three days, to determine how much of it is through-traffic.
More young committee members needed
Belleville set its long list of committees during Monday’s council meeting.
While council approved the appointment of Cameron Bardell of St Theresa’s Catholic Secondary School to the Belleville Youth Advisory committee, Councillor Paul Carr said more applicants are needed.
Council dissolved a number of committees, including the Agricultural, Cultural and Graffiti committees.
