Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAboutCS 41-09 CAW REPORT TO COUNCIL I KERI Report Number: CS 41-09 J L 8 Date: October 19, 2009 From: Gillis A. Paterson Director, Corporate Services & Treasurer Subject: Toys for Tickets / Food for Fines Promotion - File: L-2220-001-09 Recommendation: 1. That Report CS 41-09 of the Director, Corporate Services & Treasurer be received; 2. That the proposed Toys for Tickets / Food for Fines Promotion be implemented for December 10 and 11, 2009; and 3. That the appropriate staff of the City of Pickering be given the authority to give effect thereto. Executive Summary: The Toys for Tickets / Food for Fines program accepts toys or groceries in lieu of payment for parking tickets for a limited period in the month of December. Toy or food donations must be dropped off to City Hall, and a receipt must be presented to confirm the value of the donation equals or exceeds the fine. Tickets for parking in a Disabled Parking Space are not eligible for the program The Toys for Tickets / Food for Fines program is a worthy cause which will be well- received by the public and create positive customer relations with parking ticket recipients. The Toys for Tickets / Food for Fines promotion benefits needy families, demonstrates community involvement and enhances the image of the City's Municipal Law Enforcement Services section. Financial Implications: The program cost in lost fines would be relatively low. It is estimated that lost fine revenue would range between $500.00 - $2500.00, depending on the turnout for the promotion and tickets issued during the eligible range. Sustainability Implications: This program supports the social aspect of sustainability by providing assistance to families in need. Report CS 41-09 October 19, 2009 Subject: Toys for Tickets / Food For Fines Promotion Page 2 29 Background: The Toys for Tickets program originated in Boston in 1999. It was adopted by the City of Kingston in 2005, the City of Oshawa in 2007, and now operates in Niagara Falls, London, Whitchurch-Stouffville, Red Deer and Fort St. John, B.C. It was suggested that food donations be included in the City of Pickering's program, as food donations can be distributed to a wider range of families in need. The program sets a range of eligible dates for tickets issued, then sets two days only where payment for the tickets issued during the eligible dates may be made with donations. The date range proposed for eligible tickets would be from December 1 - 9, 2009, with the Toys for Tickets / Food for Fines dates as December 10 & 11, 2009. Tickets may be paid with the donation of toys or food equal to or exceeding the value of the fine on the ticket. A receipt for the donation must be presented to verify the amount. War toys and toys requiring batteries are discouraged. Food must be non-perishable. Toys and Food collected will be donated to the Durham Regional -Police Food and Toy Drive. As the City of Pickering already participates with the Durham Regional Police Food & Toy Drive, the Toys for Tickets / Food for Fines program would be a continuation of this partnership. The program could be promoted with flyers distributed with the tickets issued during the eligible date range, as well as newspaper and website promotions. The Toys for Tickets / Food for Fines promotion has been very successful in the municipalities offering the program. It transforms the negative perceptions of the parking ticket into a positive community involvement initiative. Prepared By: Approved/Endorsed By: Kimbe ly Thompson, CMM I, Debi A. Wilcox, CMM III, CMO Manager, By-Law Enforcement Services City Clerk Gillis A. Paterson, Director, Corporate Services & Treasurer KT: kt Copy: Chief Administrative Officer CORP0227-07/01 revised Report CS 41-09 October 19, 2009 Subject: Toys for Tickets/ Food For Fines Promotion Page 3 Recommended for the consideration of Pickering City C fnci a~ 10 Th a J Quinn, R R, e III Chief Administrative Officer I CORP0227-07/01 revised