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Oakville resident chairs police services board for another year Hammell assumes the role from Burlington's Rick Burgess, a provincial appointee who completed his term Jan. 25 The chair of the board overseeing and whose position is currently vacant. Halton's police service will continHis four-year term expires Nov. ue on in his role for another year. 30 of this year or until council Oakville's Bob Maich, a former appoints a replacement. business executive, was acclaimed Other members of the board to the position at last week's include Halton regional chair Halton Regional Police Services Gary Carr, Burlington Councillor Board meeting. Carol D'Amelio, Milton Councillor Maich was first elected chair of Colin Best and Oakville's Andrew the seven-member board in Tyrrell, a Provincial appointee January, 2007. whose six-year term expires June He has been a Provincial Bob Maich 20, 2012. appointee to the board since Sept. 1, While council members do not 2005 and his term expires Aug. 31 of this receive any payment to sit on the board, the year unless the Province asks him to contin- other four positions receive part-time remuue on in his role. neration from Halton Region. For 2010, the North Halton's Randy Hammell, a payment will increase 0.8 per cent, with Regional council appointee, was acclaimed Maich receiving $12,017 and the three other to the role of vice chair of the board. citizen members $9,288, according to a OAKVILLE BEAVER STAFF 5 · Thursday, February 4, 2010 OAKVILLE BEAVER · www.oakvillebeaver.com By Tim Foran report reviewed by the board last week. The cost-of-living increase is in line with the average monthly change in inflation in Ontario and the Toronto census metropolitan area from September 2008 to September 2009, according to Statistics Canada. The police services board sets policies for and oversees the delivery of local police services in Halton Region. Halton Regional Police Chief Gary Crowell reports directly to the board. The board is also in charge of approving the service's budget, which is funded primarily from property taxes. The service's 2010 budget is $129 million, with property taxes covering $109 million of that. That tax levy amount is 30 per cent higher than it was in 2006, according to Regional reports. Halton's population increased 12.3 per cent from 2005 to 2009. However, total calls for service increased more than 28 per cent over the same time period, according to police statistics. Black History Month starts tonight The Canadian Caribbean Association of Halton (CCAH) kicks off Black History Month today at Oakville Town Hall. From 6:30-8 p.m., will be the official opening of Beyond the Rhythm art exhibit. Guest speaker is 15-year-old best-selling author and Oakville resident James Valitchka, a Goodwill Ambassador for Literacy and an anti-bullying advocate. There will also be performances by pianist and Gospel singer John Campbell, international drummer Mutahdi, African drummers and a steel pan band. Oakville Town Hall is at 1225 Trafalgar Rd. The art exhibit is in the North Atrium while the performances and speakers will be hosted in the South Atrium. Admission is free, but donations will be accepted for Haiti disaster relief. Oakville man charged with child pornography An Oakville man faces child pornography charges as a result of an investigation by Halton Regional Police Service, Internet Child Exploitation (I.C.E.) Unit. The arrest was made Monday. According to the police, a large quantity of child pornography images were recovered. I.C.E. investigators also seized three computer towers, one laptop, four external hard drives, video and digital devices. Vincenzo Del Vecchio, 55, is charged with making available child pornography and possession of child pornography. The I.C.E. Unit works in conjunction with police agencies across Ontario. The combined objective is to combat Internet child exploitation. The Halton Regional Police Service continues to investigate Internet child exploitation incidents. Anyone with relevant information should contact the Child Abuse and Sexual Assault Unit at 905-825-4777 or 905-634-1831, ext. 5235 or CrimeStoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477). Creating sensational smiles in Oakville for 15 years. NEW!