Councillors here believe residents should know the full costs of vandalism in their town.
A report from town manager Lisa Hass began with News on recent vandalism along the trail at the Woollen Mills Conservation Area.
In 2007-08, a walking trail was established through the Credit Valley Conservation area.
The trail’s creation was a combined effort of community groups, volunteers, and Erin’s recreation and culture committee.
Hass said five interpretive signs were designed and created at substantial expense. The first was replicated at the entrance of McMillan Park in downtown Erin.
Her report stated that in 2010, kids riding on mountain bikes and performing wheelies damaged one of the signs.
After locating a dented and scuffed sign in the dried up mill race, the sign was still legible and, with waxing, was adequate for viewing.
However by August, the facing of the sign was completely removed and not found.
Replacement costs are estimated at $344 and the CVC has offered to split that with the town.
Hass recommended council endorse the purchase of the replacement sign and the cost be shared with the CVC and councillors endorsed that arrangement.
Mayor Lou Maieron commented, “This is yet another case of vandalism in the community.”
With costs rising substantially, Maieron asked how council is prepared to deter vandalism.
“These are incurring costs to our taxpayers,” he said.
The issue has been publicized. “I would like to see a report on the signs and how much that cost,” he said.
Councillor John Brennan said staff could be asked to come up with a good estimate on the cost of vandalism – not just for a specific incident – but all totalled, so council could explain to taxpayers what it is costing.
“It’s a lot of money, and a lot more than anyone realizes,” Brennan said. He added the amount is much more than picking out specific incidents here and there.
Hass agreed.
“It’s ongoing … a lot of things that certainly add up.
In a later report, she said earlier that month, vandalism and restitution was discussed.
In speaking with Wellington OPP Inspector Scott Smith, Hass said her understanding is if the OPP lays charges, the town can request restitution.
“The municipality would be contacted to see what amount of damage was incurred.”
In regard to the traffic sign removal, Scott believes it would be a good idea to have something put into the local papers explaining the implications if an accident were to happen as a result of signs being removed.
Smith said Crime Stoppers might be an avenue to be pursued.
Brennan asked staff to prepare a report outlining the costs of vandalism and the repair in the municipality so far this year.
Maieron asked that the Crime Stoppers venue also be pursued. He noted Smith’s recommendation to pursue that option – but not how.
Councillor Deb Callaghan said Crime Stoppers can be called and informed of the dates and times, which can be published.
Callaghan said individuals calling Crime Stoppers may be entitled to money from Crime Stoppers.
Maieron asked if those asking for assistance [such as the municipality] would be required to make a financial contribution.
Crime Stoppers makes a yearly request for assistance and that request is dealt with during the budget process.
