Airdrie City administration will provide information to council regarding anti-bullying programs being provided at seniors’ homes following a discussion on Jan. 18.
“Literature suggests there’s a need for further studies. At the very least, I would like to hear from staff what’s available from the seniors’ homes. What are they doing, what are they not doing,” Councillor Allan Hunter said.
Staff suggested three areas of potential focus to help prevent bullying amongst the senior and adult population including decreasing social isolation, increasing social support networks and raising awareness.
“I hope we’re not opening up to a completely different mandate,” Councillor Candice Kolson said. “There are many programs in the seniors’ home. (But) it’s great to connect those dots and to have our staff go above and beyond.”
Currently, adults and seniors fall under the Public Behaviour Bylaw, which aims to stamp out bullying in the community. Since 2013, the bylaw has not been utilized by law enforcement.
“The bylaw, in my opinion, could be worded better so we could have the tools that would help municipal enforcement deal with these things,” Deputy Mayor Darrell Belyk said. “There’s gotta be another way we can deal with this without going through the courts.”
Pit bull ban
Council quickly dismissed a formal request made through the City of Airdrie website to ban pit bulls in Airdrie.
“It’s an age-old debate that it’s either the dog or the owner. Most of the time, the owner always comes up,” Belyk said. “Definitely, I’d be looking at filing this.”
Close to 40 community members broke out in applause following the unanimous filing of the correspondence. Residents made their way to the meeting after receiving word that a potential ban would be debated.
“It’s not lost on this council the horrificness of any dog attack in this community. Our condolences go out to the animals and the owners,” Mayor Peter Brown said. “I think it’s the responsibility of the owners of the animals to make sure everybody is going in the right direction.”
Pay freeze
Council per diems will remain consistent until the next election in Airdrie following a unanimous vote.
“(I’d like to) bring it forward in the next election year. I’m comfortable leaving it for the next council,” Belyk said.
Currently, councillors are paid $150 per full day and $75 per half day. That rate is on the low end of comparable communities – Grande Prairie and Lethbridge councillors receive $200 per full day and $100 per half day, while Medicine Hat councillors receive $150 per full day and $100 per half day.
Staff will now provide a recommendation for consideration prior to the next municipal election.
