Chatham-Kent councillors will be discussing possible new security measures within Council chambers to ensure a safe and protected environment within that space.
Administration is recommending additional safety and security measures, including trained security guards, controlled access points, attendance and capacity limits, and public barriers. The current chambers configuration does not have any hard barriers to ensure the public does not enter areas only permitted to Council and staff.
The issue is up for consideration at the Council meeting Monday night after security concerns were raised in March 2024 regarding verbal threats made by the public and physical altercations with Council members and staff, creating safety concerns for Council, staff, and the public that attend the dozens of meetings each year.
"Reconfiguration of the Council chambers is necessary to create a physical barrier between members of the public and Council/staff. This will ensure that members of the public have an area to sit to attend Council meetings while ensuring increased safety of Council and staff," wrote CK's Director of Parks, Fleet and Facilities Rob Pollock in his report. "It is paramount that the health and safety of staff, members of the public, and elected officials is provided through a secure and resilient Council Chambers environment that promotes public participation while safeguarding the well-being of all individuals and mitigates potential risks and safeguards against emergencies."
The existing chamber configuration has a total of 63 public spaces, including 30 seats and two spots for mobility devices along the south side of the chamber and 33 seats, including six for the media along the west side of the chamber that are considered publicly accessible. The remainder of the seating is reserved for Council and staff.
The proposed reconfiguration would increase public spaces to 69, including 39 seats and two spots for mobility devices along the south side of the chamber, and 30 seats, including three for the media along the west side of the chamber that are considered publicly accessible. The remainder of the seating would be reserved for Council and staff.
Pollock noted the physical waist high barrier and gates would deter unauthorized entry into the Council circle. Delegations would utilize the gate on the west side to enter and it is recommended that deputations would be seated in the front row, closest to the podium.
The proposed project is estimated to cost $29,615 and would be funded from the Buildings Lifecycle Reserve.
The cost for the security guards would be funded as a variance from the 2024 Facilities operating budget and a business case for the funding of ongoing security services would be brought forward for consideration in the 2025 budget.
Security guards have been on the job for a month giving all visitors passes at the entrance of the Civic Centre to account for who and how many people are in the building and they will be present for the entire meeting in case somebody has to be removed.
Top Defense Security Services won the bid and is charging $7,580.