ST. PAUL - A new policy was put before council regarding County of St. Paul staff towing people during adverse weather, but following a discussion around the topic, a motion to approve the policy was defeated on Sept. 12.
At an Aug. 23 Policy Committee meeting, the committee discussed whether or not to develop a Towing Policy, heard council. The committee moved forward with a policy based on what Athabasca County has in place.
The PW-19 Towing Policy was presented to council, but some voices around the table did not agree with limiting staff when residents are in need of help.
“In most circumstances, County vehicles and equipment shall not be used to tow/pull out any private vehicle from being stuck on a County roadway or road allowance except in cases where the safety of the driver, passengers or travelling public is deemed to be at risk (due to extreme cold or other hazardous conditions),” read the draft policy.
The draft policy also included a waiver that must be signed before the County can tow or pull someone.
“It is the responsibility of the County Employee who is to tow/pull out the other vehicle to have the party requesting the towing/pulling, to complete the Release, Waiver Indemnity Vehicle Tow Form (as attached),” reads the draft policy. “The party requesting the towing/pulling, must complete and sign the Release, Waiver, Indemnity Vehicle Tow Form before any municipal equipment or vehicle is authorized to commence a towing/pulling situation.”
“Why do we need this policy?” questioned Reeve Glen Ockerman, as it was presented on Sept. 12.
Coun. Ross Krekoski noted that without a policy in place, the municipality could be taking on a lot of risk, while fellow Coun. Darrell Younghans agreed, noting it is council’s job to protect the municipality.
“Have we had any incidents?” posed Ockerman, further questioning the need for the policy.
CAO Sheila Kitz said there have been reports in other municipalities where incidents have occurred while towing vehicle, and people were injured or killed. But the policy also acknowledges that there are incidents when it’s -40C outside, and you simply cannot leave someone stuck, as it is a life-or-death situation in those conditions.
Ockerman noted that he has personally pulled out County of St. Paul vehicles, such as sanding trucks, with his own personal machinery, and helping those in need is simply “human compassion.”
“Nobody drives into the ditch on purpose,” added the reeve.
Coun. Maxine Fodness also acknowledged that there’s an expectation that the County of St. Paul staff are there to help people. She said she believes the County should tow people, but it boils down to finding a way to protect the municipality too.
Younghans made a motion to accept the policy, but that motion was defeated.
