The review of the city’s bylaw department could cost the city another $25,000.

Bylaw manager Dave Pruden brought forward the budget increase, which will bring the project up to $55,000 from the initial $30,000 approved in the 2017 budget for the work.

There were no proposals submitted for the project after the city put out a request for proposals.

However, Pruden said, officials with one firm indicated the scope of the project is greater than what the budget would allow.

“The last review of bylaw services department programs is over 10 years old,” he said.

“With the increase in population and the expectations of the department by various levels of government, stakeholders, and the public, it is critical that services be reviewed to determine priorities and ensure that public expectations and budget commitments can be met.

“This means that a full review of the department’s programs is required.”

The project is set to include:

a technical review;

comparison with other jurisdictions; consultation with other governments, stakeholders and the general public;

a review, analysis, recommendations and an implementation plan; and preparing a draft review document followed by the final plan that would then be adopted.

“With the proposed scope, the program review will provide clear guidance and outline clear expectations on what is desired in the short, medium and long term,” Pruden said.

“Failing to provide such guidance will mean that the bylaw department will struggle to meet current expectations as well as emerging issues such as trail patrols, traffic concerns and staffing.”

The additional $25,000 is proposed to come out of the city’s general reserve.

With the city into the last quarter of the year and work beginning on the 2018 budget, Coun. Dan Boyd wondered whether the city could look at it as part of next year’s budget plans.

While Pruden argued that would delay the project by another year, Boyd commented that was “splitting hairs,” given the time it will take to put the call out for proposals again if the recommendation is approved.

Boyd also questioned whether an implementation plan is actually needed.

Pruden pointed out that the implementation plan will give the city direction on how to move toward a number of milestones outlined in the plan.

Coun. Rob Fendrick, meanwhile, asked if the review would look at issues around bylaw’s role in traffic enforcement and whether bylaw would continue its practise of complaint-based enforcement.

Pruden replied by noting bylaw’s role in traffic enforcement is limited to parking regulations with the RCMP dealing directly with moving traffic. He also said the review will look at how city bylaws are enforced.

Meanwhile, Coun. Jocelyn Curteanu wondered whether the review would look at the new legislation making recreational marijuana use legal as of next July 1.

As Pruden pointed out though, legislation around marijuana use is up to the territorial and federal governments.

The city’s role will be more around zoning and business licensing for potential businesses that may come from the legislation.

Council will vote next week on whether to increase the budget for the project.

Councillors Samson Hartland and Betty Irwin were absent from Monday night’s meeting.