City Mulls Public Safety Committee

Saint John council has asked the city manager to study the idea of a public safety committee.

Coun. Greg Norton presented a motion before council at last week’s meeting.

Norton told council the committee would encompass more than just police and fire.

“Pedestrian safety, sidewalk servicing, EMO response, school zone safety, positive recreation opportunities, street lighting, cybersecurity for city and citizens, environmental hazards and response,” said Norton.

In a report, Norton said public safety services account for more than $57 million of the city’s $160-million general operating budget for 2019.

The committee would not interfere with regular reporting from agencies, boards and commissions, he said.

“For those of you that are unclear with what I’m saying, I’ll give an example of PAC for instance,” Norton said. “When you’re talking growth committee, we’re not there to take over what PAC does.”

City Has Two Other Committees

The city already has two council committees — finance and growth — which were created in 2016.

Norton said a staff review of the committees in 2017 indicated positive results.

While most of council was in favour of the motion, two voted against it, including David Merrithew.

“It’s not that it’s a bad motion,” Merrithew said. “It’s just that I won’t dilute what staff and the city manager have to do at this very moment in time, which I believe is the sustainability of this city and the white paper.”

Coun. Blake Armstrong said he has no problem referring the motion and letting staff report back when the time is right.

Council left it up to the city manager to decide when he will bring a report before council.