Some councillors don't like idea of no police involvement
Welland city council is going over a public behaviour policy for all public spaces, including city hall.
Officials say it's been a pilot project, on how to handle unruly behaviour, whether it be written warnings, to suspension to permanent banning.
However, Councillor Speck wasn't too crazy on that approach, since it's mediated and enforced by city staff.
"If an outside member of the public is threatening staff, leaving evidence such as voicemail, the police should be brought in, not sent to a jury of senior members of our staff in order to rule on it," he says.
City staff say with a warning, as well as thorough city review of a situation, there are no appeals.
Councillor DiMarco did not see the point, since, for example, there are signs at arenas outlining proper behaviour that's expected. "It's a waste of staff time. I think Councillor Speck put it perfectly.... if there's any kind of fighting or threatening, that's a Niagara regional police issue, not ours."
City staff say the goal is to educate before ruling on a particular case. They add this has been used in other cities.
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