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Kramp questions police board conference spending

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In Midland
Dec 22nd, 2010
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By DOUGLAS GLYNN Midland Free Press December 22 2010
A new member of the Midland Police Services Board has asked for an explanation of why spending on conferences is about $8,000 over budget.
Deputy Mayor Stephan Kramp raised the issue during a review of the 2010 financial reports last week. He asked for information on how many conferences board members had attended and whether they had provided reports.

Kramp and Coun. Jim Attwood are the new council appointees to the board. The new provincial appointee is Kathy Willis, executive director of La Maison Rosewood Shelter. They join community member Rob McKenzie, board chair, and George MacDonald, a sitting provincial appointee.
Willis asked if there was a policy that covers attendance by board members at conferences.
McKenzie replied saying they might attend if there was anything being presented that would benefit the board.
“If two attended would they report to the board? Kramp asked.
Attwood, who had sat as a provincial appointee before resigning from the board to run for council, replied that they would report.
Insp. Ron Wheeldon, who presented Chief Mike Osborne’s report, said the police service has asked people to ensure they lock their cars because many of the thefts that occur are from unlocked vehicles.
The report said that officers have charged 13 people with using cell phones while operating a motor vehicle. The charge carries a $155 fine, court costs and a victim fine surcharge.
“This poses a real safety concern because the drivers are dividing their attention between operating their vehicle and carrying on a conversation,” the report said. “That division of attention could be the difference between keeping proper control of a vehicle and preventing a tragedy or being involved in a tragedy that could affect the lives of many.”

 

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