Track and Field Sports Complex

Community Sports Field and Athletics Facility Detail Design

RFQ No. 2013-23 PRKS
The Regional District of North Okanagan (RDNO) is seeking to qualify Consultants experienced with the design and construction management of a Track and Field Sports Complex.
Responses will not be opened to public.

• Request for Quotation
• Addendum No.1 - June 12, 2013

Closing Date: Friday, June 28, 2013 - 2:00 pm

Vernon Fire Department offers free seat checks

By Staff Writer - Vernon Morning Star Published: June 16, 2013 1:00 AM

The Vernon Fire Department is offering free child seat and booster seat checks Tuesday. The event will run from 3 to 4:15 p.m. at the fire hall at 3401-30th St. “All children must use a child seat or a booster seat that is appropriate for their weight and age until their ninth birthday,” said Chris Kulak, fire training officer. The Justice Institute of B.C., ICBC and BCAA are working with the fire department to hold this free event so seven firefighters can be certified for their child passenger safety educator tech certificate. “For some of the firefighters, this will be a refresher course on how to do child seat checks,” said Kulak. “For others, it’s supervised training. For all, it’s an opportunity to serve the public, keep kids safe and provide a valuable service to parents.”

GVAC Meeting Today

Greater Vernon Parks Service Review Tuesday, June 18, 2013 - 8:00 am Agenda 

• Administrative Group – Progress Report dated June 17, 2013- Report and Discussion 
•  Meeting with Ministry of Community, Sport and Cultural Development Staff - Report from Administrator
• Transfer of Park Assets

Police Staff Commended For Work On Greeks Case

Written by Peter McIntyre  107.5 KISSFM Monday, 17 June 2013 15:49 
It took a lot of behind the scenes work to get convictions in the drug related killings by members of the Greeks gang in Vernon.  The case was the longest in BC history, with over 100 witnesses, one million documents, and costing an estimated 60 million dollars. At a news conference at the Vernon detachment Monday, Chief Superintendent Jim Gresham from the RCMP's E Division gave commanding officer accommodation certificates to six people today at the Vernon RCMP detachment, recognizing their significant roles in the case. "In my view, this investigation and the support of prosecution is simply one of the greatest accomplishments in the history of the RCMP's major crimes program. Each of today's recipients were integral in the success and therefore I'm here to day to thank each for their hard work and dedication," said Gresham. Former police officers Greg Heck, Al Rodgers, Ewen Pitt and Brent Lynn recognized along with support staff Pat Goertz who transcribed hours of interviews, and Sandy Irvine who as exhibit custodian, meticulously catalogued four thousand exhibits to prepare them for court. The police probe, which started in 2005, and subsequent court cases led to eight first degree murder convictions, three of second degree and three of manslaughter. Retired RCMP Inspector Al Haslett, who was the lead investigator in the case, says having a strong support staff was vital."We would never have had a successful prosecution without them. To see the work they did in the background was phenomenal and how they did it, and how committed they were. Going out and gathering the evidence is one thing, putting it before the courts is a total different thing," says Haslett, who retired from the force in February. 

Montreal Mayor arrested at his home

by The Canadian Press -Castanet Jun 17, 2013 / 6:27 am
A spokeswoman for Quebec's anti-corruption unit says Montreal Mayor Michael Applebaum has been arrested.  Anne-Frederick Laurence says Applebaum was arrested at his home this morning, but gave no other details. A news conference is scheduled for 10 a.m. ET today. Anti-corruption officials raided Montreal's city hall last February. They also targeted offices in various boroughs, including the one Applebaum represented for many years. Applebaum is just the latest Quebec mayor to be arrested by the anti-corruption unit. Gilles Vaillancourt, the former longtime mayor of Laval, was arrested in a sweep last month and charged with fraud and gangsterism. Applebaum was elected by Montreal's city council to serve as mayor after Gerald Tremblay stepped down last fall amid corruption allegations.

Smart meters banned on Osoyoos reserve land

By Joe Fries - Penticton Western News Updated: June 14, 2013 10:42 AM

OIB Smart Meters Press Release

Citing “science-based evidence,” the Osoyoos Indian Band announced Thursday it would ban the installation of smart meters at 700 homes and businesses on reserve land.  “Having been presented with science-based evidence, the band council and I are convinced that Fortis’ proposed wireless smart meters in meshed-grid networks have the potential to harm our children and our environment,” Chief Clarence Louie said in a press release. “No scientist on the planet has been able to verify the safety of these extremely dangerous devices that emit microwave radiation 24/7 and which cannot be turned off.” The press release does not specify the science-based evidence upon which the council based its decision. Louie did not immediately respond to a request for comment Friday. (more)

Cat vies for mayor of Mexican city

Morris sit on the lap of Diego Cruz, left, as Sergio Chamorro pets Morris, at their home in Xalapa, Mexico, Saturday, June 15, 2013. Put forth as candidate by Camacho and a group of friends after they became disillusioned with the empty promises of politicians,  (AP Photo/Felix Marquez)

The Canadian Press - Jun 15, 2013 / 9:01 pm
This mayoral hopeful in Mexico promises to eat, sleep most of the day and donate his leftover litter to fill potholes. Morris, a black-and-white kitten with orange eyes, is running for mayor of Xalapa in eastern Mexico with the campaign slogan "Tired of Voting for Rats? Vote for a Cat." And he is attracting tens of thousands of politician-weary, two-legged supporters on social media. "He sleeps almost all day and does nothing, and that fits the profile of a politician," said 35-year-old office worker Sergio Chamorro, who adopted the 10-month-old feline last year.

Questions arise on annual report

  By Richard Rolke - Vernon Morning Star Published: June 16, 2013 1:00 AM 
There’s suggestions that a key City of Vernon document needs some editing.  Council has received the draft 2012 annual report which details the city’s activities, including financial, for the previous year. “I have questions about the accuracy of some of it,” said Coun. Bob Spiers. “I found five or six factual errors and if we get the public looking at them, it could be embarrassing.” Among the items, Spiers says there is a wrong figure for the business to residential tax ratio and the number of sewer connections appears to have shrunk since 2011. He also says that Mayor Rob Sawatzky’s reference to taxation as part of total revenue does not align with another part of the report. “People will look at the mayor’s speech and compare figures,” said Spiers. Staff has stated it will review Spiers’ concerns and any required changes to the report will be made. Public input on the 2012 annual report will be received June 24 at city hall at 5 p.m. Copies of the report can be found at www.vernon.ca
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Don Quixote Note: All the factual errors have been corrected as requested.  see 2012 Annual Report Schedule - 35 Kb.  Actual annual report that will be the subject of Public input at 5 PM Monday June 24th (Agenda Index )   can be found at 2012 Draft Annual Report - 28.7 MB.

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Annual meeting on report

99 (1) The council must annually consider, at a council meeting or other public meeting,
(a) the annual report prepared under section 98, and
(b) submissions and questions from the public.
(2) The annual meeting must occur at least 14 days after the annual report is made available for public inspection under section 97.
(3) The council must give notice of the date, time and place of the annual meeting in accordance with section 94 [public notice].

Vehicle allowance fuels council talk

By Richard Rolke - Vernon Morning Star Published: June 16, 2013 1:00 AM
Vehicle allowances for staff has driven some lively debate among Coldstream politicians. Councillors Pat Cochrane and Peter McClean opposed a motion Monday that calls for exempt employees to receive a monthly vehicle allowance, if approved by the chief administrative officer, to cover the cost of personal vehicle expenses in the discharge of their duties. “This is opening it up to all exempt staff at the discretion of the CAO,” said Cochrane. “It leaves things a little open. I’d prefer a list of who qualifies. It allows the CAO to add it to contracts without council input.” Council had been asked to approve a policy that only included a vehicle allowance for the chief administrative officer, director of financial administration and the director of development services. Other staff would have been paid mileage for using their own vehicles. However, Coun. Doug Dirk presented an alternative motion that referred to exempt employees in general and did not specify any positions. “If there is enough usage, submitting a mileage report frequently doesn’t make sense,” said Dirk. “This simplifies the process. If there are 14 requisitions in a month, it may make more sense to have an allowance.” Except for McClean and Cochrane, the rest of council endorsed Dirk’s plan. “It doesn’t affect anyone at this time. It only affects anyone new,” said Mayor Jim Garlick. Coun. Gyula Kiss was absent from Monday’s meeting.

Water plan needs public assent

By Richard Rolke - Vernon Morning Star Published: June 16, 2013 1:00 AM
Greater Vernon residents will have a say on multi-million-dollar upgrades. A petition process or referendum could be held in the spring or in November 2014 to determine if there is public support to borrow funds for the $111 million master water plan. “It’s important for the politicians to allow the public to weigh in on this,” said director Jim Garlick. The initial borrowing could be for $68 million and Garlick says there would be an awareness campaign leading up to any vote. “The public needs an opportunity to understand the plan and the Interior Health Authority requirements.” A negative vote, though, may not mean borrowing or the project have stalled. “If it’s not supported, there is the opportunity for IHA to step in and order it to be done. They could order us to borrow without (public) consent,” said Garlick. Option 2 provides for filtration to be provided at the Duteau Creek treatment plant for $26.5 million and at the Mission Hill plant for $30 million. There is also raising the height of the Aberdeen dam, an Okanagan Lake pump station, distribution improvements and separating irrigation water in Lavington from domestic use. The scope of the plan covers until about 2037. “The master water plan is being brought on us because of IHA requirements to have more safety built into the system,” said director (sic) Bob Spiers. “Water rates will definitely be impacted. You will see a doubling of rates in eight to 10 years as they are calculated now.” The plan does include pursuing senior government grants to try and offset the cost. “I hope the province and the feds will come in with their one-third, one-third (funding) as they have in other places,” said Spiers. The Greater Vernon Advisory Committee has recommended the master water plan to the Regional District of North Okanagan board, which will consider approval June 26. The document must also be ratified by the Interior Health Authority.
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Don Quixote Note: GVAC has recommended to to RDNO Board that Option 2 (111.71 million) be approved. This approval (or rejection) will come at the RDNO meeting 4pm June 26th. (Originally schedule for June 19.). The RDNO directors will receive TM1 to TM10 to guide their final decision.
((sic) Spiers is an Alternate Director only)

 (Project)                          (Year planned)   (Cost)     
1. Duteau Creek WTP - Stage 1, 110 ML/d....2017....$26.5 million
2. Mission Hill WTP - Stage 1, 56 ML/d..... 2022.......$30 M
3. Aberdeen Dam Improvements - Raise Dam by 4 m.....2022....$6.41 M
4. Gold-Paradise Extension..... 2037......$3.6 M
5. Domestic System Distribution Investments.....2013 -2017..... $9.8 M
6. Lavington System Separation..... 2013-2017..... $19.5 M
7. Irrigation Main Twinning..... 2013-2017......$9.8 M
8. Twinning Transmission Main (Oversizing).....2013-2017......$3.5 M
9. Okanagan Lake Pump Station.....2014......$2.6 M
Total $111.71 million
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2012 Master Water Plan

• TM1 Domestic & Agricultural Water Demand Forecast
• TM2 Evaluation of Water Supply Source
• TM3 Source Storage and Supply
• TM4 Domestic Water System Analysis
• TM5 Independent Agricultural System
• TM6 Water Conservation Strategies
• TM7 Water Treatment
• TM8 GVW Financial Issues and Principles to Support the Master Water Plan
• TM9 System Separation Option Analysis (DRAFT)
• TM10 Financial Plan (DRAFT)

Citizens get chance to force vote on new RCMP building

Saturday, 15 June 2013 18:00 Kelowna Daily Courier

Kelowna residents will get the chance this fall to say whether they support construction of a new RCMP detachment. An alternate approval process is tentatively set for November to secure citizen endorsement of the city's plan to borrow millions of dollars for the new police building. City council is expected Monday to authorize preparation of design plans for the new building, to be constructed on Clement Avenue, between Richter and St. Paul streets. The city's capital plan currently projects a budget of about $46 million for the new detachment. Borrowing to secure the necessary funds will go ahead unless 10 per cent of city residents sign petitions asking the project be put to a referendum. It is anticipated the new building would be about 86,000 square feet, more than double the size of the current detachment on Doyle Avenue. More than 300 RCMP members, municipal staff, auxiliaries, Crime Stoppers personnel and volunteers will work out of the new building, which has an anticipated completion date of 2016-17.

The Beginning of the End of an Era in Policing

Prince George RCMP 2013-06-12 13:56 PDT

For more than 15 years, one model of car has been the primarily vehicle of choice by law enforcement in North America. This week the Prince George RCMP are proud to place into service two of the last of their kind.  Considered the workhorse for police forces throughout the continent since 1997, the iconic Ford Crown Victoria police vehicle seen in the movies, on television and more importantly, in reality, will soon be a memory.

 The last four Crown Victoria Police Interceptors set for use by the RCMP in British Columbia were outfitted for service in Chilliwack recently. Two of the four have been issued to the Prince George City Detachment. Police unit numbers PG1106 and PG1112 arrived this week and will begin service very soon. The rear wheel drive, V8 engine and ‘body on frame’ construction has been ideal for police use. The rear wheel drive made the car easier to avoid spin outs on hard maneuvers and enabled the car to withstand driving over curbs and other obstacles, common necessities in policing. The ‘body on frame’ construction has allowed inexpensive repairs after collisions and of course the V8 engine provided the power necessary for quick responses.




In 2011, the Crown Victoria model was discontinued by the Ford Motor Company. A version of the Ford Taurus has been manufactured to take its place. The new Taurus Police Interceptor will be all-wheel drive which will allow better traction in our winter road conditions. It will also have a V6, 3.5 litre engine, producing 280 hp, allowing speed with better fuel mileage. The first Taurus Police Interceptor is scheduled to arrive in Prince George later this summer.

Eight Drug Overdoses In Last Week

Photo: Heroin

Written by Peter McIntyre  107.5 KISSFM Fri, 14 June 2013 13:10 An advisory has been issued after eight people suffered drug overdoses in Vernon over the last week. Outreach supervisor Bev Henke says some heroin and oxycodone being sold on the streets actually contains fentanyl, which is said to be 100 times more potent than morphine. "This substance increases your chances of a fatal overdose. Street level dealers may be unaware, or are potentially mis-representing the product to consumers," she tells Kiss FM. Henke says all of the overdoses were 'serious', where the person basically dies and is brought back, but none have been fatal. She says there's no way to tell if the heroin or oxycodone has fentanyl added. "Anyone using opiates should be advised of the danger of the substance being sold as heroin or oxycodone."

City issues grants

By Richard Rolke - Vernon Morning Star Published: June 14, 2013 1:00 AM Taxpayers’ dollars have been handed out to a number of community activities.  Vernon council has approved a total of $24,795 in grants to five separate organizations. “People are more aware of the grants here because of reductions elsewhere (senior government),” said Coun. Juliette Cunningham. “Some organizations have come more than one time and we’re trying to spread it around.” Council has approved a one-time grant of $1,500 for the Rotary Club of Vernon/Silver Star to operate the Wings and Wheels event. There will also be $1,745 for bleachers, garbage cans and securing event insurance. The Literacy and Youth Initiatives Society will receive a one-time grant of $4,000 for seniors computer support while there will also be one-time funding of $1,050 for the Kalamalka Highlanders Band for kilt replacement. Other one-time grants include $1,500 for the Vernon Concert Band (insurance and facility rental) and $15,000 for the Upper Room Mission (fire suppression system). The city denied a $2,500 request from the Community Foundation of the North Okanagan to produce a Vital Signs report. Council is also considering a financial request from the Royal Canadian Legion to assist with restructuring of the branch, storage costs and insurance.

$111 Million in Water Projects Set To Flow

Written by Peter McIntyre Thursday, 13 June 2013 17:05

Greater Vernon politicians have given their approval to nine capital water projects totalling 111 million dollars. The support came during a special meeting today of the Greater Vernon Advisory Committee. The projects, which include separating the domestic and farming systems in Lavington, are part of the updated master water plan  that still needs approval from the regional district board before going to Interior Health. RDNO's Engineering G-M Dale McTaggert says directors will look at rate hikes and borrowing, as ways to fund the initiatives. "Once we get Interior Health approval, we'll come back to GVAC and we'll work out how they wish to fund it," he says. McTaggert says senior government grants will also be applied for. "They were talking about the federal government announcing two billion dollars a year (in grants) over a number of years, so there maybe opportunities but certainly we will apply for every opportunity we can." McTaggert says the projects, which are spread out over a number of years, are needed to meet the requirements of the BC Drinking Water Protection Act.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
 (Project)                          (Year planned)   (Cost)        
1. Duteau Creek WTP - Stage 1, 110 ML/d....2017....$26.5 million
2. Mission Hill WTP - Stage 1, 56 ML/d..... 2022.......$30 M
3. Aberdeen Dam Improvements - Raise Dam by 4 m.....2022....$6.41 M
4. Gold-Paradise Extension..... 2037......$3.6 M
5. Domestic System Distribution Investments.....2013 -2017..... $9.8 M
6. Lavington System Separation..... 2013-2017..... $19.5 M
7. Irrigation Main Twinning..... 2013-2017......$9.8 M
8. Twinning Transmission Main (Oversizing).....2013-2017......$3.5 M
9. Okanagan Lake Pump Station.....2014......$2.6 M
Total $111.71 million
---------------------------------

2012 Master Water Plan

• TM1 Domestic & Agricultural Water Demand Forecast
• TM2 Evaluation of Water Supply Source
• TM3 Source Storage and Supply
• TM4 Domestic Water System Analysis
• TM5 Independent Agricultural System
• TM6 Water Conservation Strategies
• TM7 Water Treatment
• TM8 GVW Financial Issues and Principles to Support the Master Water Plan
• TM9 System Separation Option Analysis (DRAFT)
• TM10 Financial Plan (DRAFT)

Lumby Community Forest Gets Approval

Written by Peter McIntyre 107.5 KISSFM Wednesday, 12 June 2013 17:00 
 Logging could start this summer in the Monashee Community Forest that the village of Lumby and Splatsin First Nation have got approval to run. Lumby's finance director Ken Klassen says the 25 year deal with the province gives them control over harvesting 21,595 cubic meters of timber each year in the CF area. "Which is basically Trinity Valley up to Putnam Creek (borders the village and Silver Star Provincial Park). There is a potential to make money because we will be harvesting trees and selling them on the open market," says Klassen. Klassen says any profits will be split with the partners, and used to create local employment in the forest industry. He says the 21,595 cubic meters is the equivalent of 400 logging truck loads. RDNO director Rick Fairbairn represents the public at large on the managing committee. "Various permits have been issued and we could see some activity starting as early as July," Fairbairn tells Kiss FM. Fairbairn says he's excited by the deal. "Forestry is one of the main economic drivers in the North Okanagan, and this is a win-win for everybody." The village first started efforts to establish a community forest in the 1990's. The Community Forest will be a partnership between the Village of Lumby and Yucwmenlúcwu (Caretakers of the Land), Splatsin's forest management company. It will be managed by a committee consisting of Lumby Mayor Kevin Acton, Ken Klassen from the village office, Reno Lee and Lawrence Williams from Splatsin and Rick Fairbairn, from the community at large.

New RCMP Bosses Named

Nick Romanchuk

Inspector Brad Mueller

Written by Peter McIntyre  107.5 KISSFM Wed, 12 June 2013 13:07 There's a new boss at the Kelowna RCMP detachment. Inspector Nick Romanchuk has been named the new officer in charge. Romanchuk has 22 years of service with the force, most recently in charge of the Kootenay Boundary Regional Detachment. He takes over for Bill McKinnon who retired after 38 years with the police, including nine years leading the Kelowna department.  Romanchuk, who was born and raised in Saskatchewan, joined the RCMP in 1991. His first posting was in Lillooet, BC where he was stationed from 1991 to 1995. He was detachment commander in Nakusp in 1999, and in Lumby from 2002 to 2004. Meantime, Inspector Brad Mueller has been named the new officer in charge of the Kamloops RCMP. The Brandon Manitoba native is currently an assistant district officer of the Manitoba West District. Mueller succeeds Yves Lacasse who retired in January to take a position with KGHM-Ajax.
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http://bc.rcmp-grc.gc.ca/ViewPage.action?siteNodeId=50&languageId=1&contentId=30594

http://bc.rcmp-grc.gc.ca/ViewPage.action?siteNodeId=50&languageId=1&contentId=30595

Safeway To Sell Canadian Arm To Sobeys For $5.8 Bln.

6/12/2013 5:49 PM ET RTT News:

Supermarket chain Safeway Inc. (SWY: Quote), said Wednesday it has agreed to sell its Canadian division to Canada-based grocery retail giant Sobeys Inc. for C$5.8 billion in cash. Shares of Safeway surged over 34 percent in after-hours trade, following the news. The acquisition includes 213 grocery stores under the Safeway banner in Western Canada, 199 in-store pharmacies, 62 co-located fuel stations, 10 liquor stores, 4 distribution and 12 manufacturing facilities. Safeway's Canadian arm generated sales of about C$6.7 billion and operating profit of C$428 million in the 52-week period ended March 23, 2013. Empire Company Ltd (EMP_A.TO: Quote), the parent company of Sobeys, said the deal will be funded with a combination of equity offering, lease-back of purchased real estate assets, debt and cash in hand. Empire expects the deal to be immediately accretive to adjusted earnings per share. Paul Sobey, President and CEO of Empire said, "The acquisition of Canada Safeway represents an excellent strategic fit, strengthening our presence in Western Canada with the addition of great employees, excellent stores and exceptional real estate." The transaction has been approved by the boards of both companies. The deal is expected to close in the fall of 2013. Marc Poulin, President and CEO of Sobeys, said, "We anticipate capturing annual cost synergies of approximately $200 million within three years, through integrating and modernizing distribution networks, reducing cost in procurement, administration and marketing, and leveraging Sobeys' IT infrastructure."

Theaters Evacuated

Written by Glen Morrison Wednesday, 12 June 2013 04:56 
 The Cineplex theatres in Vernon's Polson Mall are dark and will remain that way until apparent structural issues are addressed . Staff had spotted some fallen bricks inside yesterday morning, but it wasn't until the busy evening shows were under way that a structural engineer was able to take a look. He then ordered the building cleared shortly before 6:30. There's no word on how long any repairs may take.
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 Galaxy Cinema Evacuated Update
Written by Glen Morrison Wednesday, 12 June 2013 09:56 
The Galaxy Cinemas, Cineplex theatres in Vernon's Polson Mall are dark and will remain that way until tonight with structural issues being addressed.  Staff had spotted some fallen bricks inside Tuesday morning, but it wasn't until the busy evening shows were under way that a structural engineer was able to take a look. He then ordered the building cleared shortly before 6:30. Management says a temporary support beam's being installed now and they will reopen tonight.
Further permanent repairs will take a couple days more.

Vernon mayor defends staff salaries

By Richard Rolke - Vernon Morning Star Published: June 12, 2013 1:00 AM
Vernon’s mayor denies wages are out of control at city hall. The city’s 2012 annual report shows that $21.4 million was spent on employee compensation and expenses, with 91 individuals earning more than $75,000. “With long-term union contracts and the cost of living, payouts increase over time,” said Mayor Rob Sawatzky. “Government has not grown as a percentage of tax dollars.” Sawatzky also says the municipality is responsive to residents’ needs. “A point of endless debate is how much government do you want and how much do you want it to do.” Payroll for city staff went from $18.8 million in 2010 to $20.9 million last year (sic) . Eighty-two employees earned more than $75,000 a year in 2011, up from 66 in 2010. Of those employees who earned more than $75,000 in 2012, chief administrator Will Pearce was at $101,940 in wages and expenses. Rob Dickinson, manager of engineering, was at $128,108 for salary and expenses while fire chief Keith Green was at $127,578. Including Green, 26 individuals at the fire hall earned more than $75,000 in 2012. In terms of elected officials, the city’s 2012 annual report indicates $198,109 was spent on council remuneration and expenses. “For the hours council puts in, most are very poorly paid,” said Sawatzky of his colleagues attending meetings and spending hours reading documents and researching matters. “I doubt they make $10 an hour.” Coun. Mary-Jo O’Keefe received a salary of $21,844 while it was $20,611 for Coun. Juliette Cunningham and $20,474 each for Councillors Catherine Lord, Patrick Nicol, Bob Spiers and Brian Quiring. Sawatzky would not discuss his own salary of $63,466 because he says any comments he made could come across as self-serving. In terms of expenses, there was $5,816 for Sawatzky, $1,715 for Lord, $1,396 for O’Keefe and $1,367 for Cunningham. Nicol, Quiring and Spiers did not submit expenses for 2012. “I just never have. It’s my contribution to the community,” said Nicol. “Each individual (council member) gets to choose what they do. It (not submitting) feels right to me.”
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2012 Draft Annual Report - 28.7 MB

Vernon fire hall tackles overtime bill

By Richard Rolke - Vernon Morning Star Published: June 12, 2013 1:00 AM
Attempts to extinguish overtime costs at Vernon’s  fire hall are growing. Council has endorsed a strategy to reduce staff compensation beyond regularly scheduled shifts. “We’re responsible for the cost to the community,” said Mayor Rob Sawatzky. “To the credit of the chief and our administrator, there is a rigorous process to bring it under control.” Net overtime costs in 2012 were $273,935. That included about 320 additional hours ($22,443) for The Rise wildfire Aug. 14 and 109 hours for the Birnie Road wildfire ($7,317) Aug. 21. “If there are a number of fires, you can’t just stop,” said Sawatzky. There was also premium time pay for statutory holidays and off-duty training time required to achieve certification. Part of the strategy includes trying to conduct training exercises while staff is on-duty and implementing roster pre-planning for scheduling improvement. Sawatzky says one of the challenges the city faces is firefighters’ pay is based on parity with Vancouver. Some overtime is also related to the first medical responders program, and the fire department, as a result, is  limiting response to life-threatening cases. Sawatzky considers first medical responders a form of downloading as medical care is handled by the B.C. Ambulance Service and is a provincial mandate. FMR cost the city between $60,000 and $80,000 in 2012 and Sawatzky isn’t sure if the service should continue in the future. “We’re always reconsidering these things. It’s come up at council,” he said.
The fire department hopes to decrease overtime costs by $30,330 in 2013 and $26,300 in 2014.

Employment Opportunities - District of Coldstream

 Chief Administrative Officer job posting, closes June 28, 2013
Chief Administrative Officer:
The District of Coldstream is seeking a qualified and experienced professional in the challenging and highly responsible position of Chief Administrative Officer, due to the impending retirement of the incumbent at the end of 2013. This position reports to the Mayor and Council and is responsible for overseeing the effective and efficient delivery of municipal programs and services, managing administration, and providing advice to Council in regard to strategic leadership in all aspects of the organization.Please submit your résumé and a covering letter by 4:00 p.m. on Friday, June 28, 2013
Job Posting & Description - PDF

Two Okanagan MLAs appointed Whip roles

 Jun 11, 2013 - 1:59 PM Info-Tel Multimedia

B.C. Liberal Party Whip

B.C. Liberal MLAs were sworn-in today at the provincial legislature with two Okanagan members to fill officer positions.  Returning Vernon-Monashee MLA Eric Foster was re-appointed as Government Whip while the rookie representing Boundary-Similkameen, Linda Larson, will serve as Deputy Whip. "I'm delighted to be given the confidence of Premier Christy Clark and continue to serve as government Whip," Foster said in a press release. "With the election behind us, it's now time to get on with what our party has been mandated by British Columbians to do, and that is govern. We're wasting no time and I look forward to the upcoming summer session." Larson said she was honoured to be chosen as Deputy Whip and serve "on a great team of returning veterans and new faces". "This election proved that votes cannot be taken for granted," Larson said. "Although we've been given a mandate as a majority government, I'm going to help make sure our B.C. Liberal MLAs are there in numbers to represent their constituents in Victoria." Whips are appointed to help organize their caucus' parliamentary business. They are responsible for making sure members vote and participate in legislative business including debates, motions and committee work. The Caucus Chair position will be filled by Michelle Stilwell, MLA for Parksville-Qualicum.
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Annual Basic Compensation
Effective April 1, 2009, the annual basic compensation per member is $101,859.00.
Note: The members’ basic compensation is to be increased April 1 of each year by the percentage increase of the BC consumer price index, if any, for the 12-month period ending on December 31 of the previous year, in accordance with subsection 2(2) of the Members’ Remuneration and Pensions Act. Legislative amendments introduced since the Spring of 2010 call for no adjustments to be made to basic compensation with respect to fiscal years commencing on April 1, 2010, April 1, 2011, April 1, 2012 and April 1, 2013.
MLAs who hold parliamentary or ministerial office receive an additional salary that corresponds to a percentage of the basic compensation.
Effective April 1, 2009, the annual basic compensation per member is $101,859.00

Charlotte Helston  Info-Tel Multimedia Jun 11, 2013 - 11:21 AM 
VERNON — A strategy is being put in place by the Vernon fire department to extinguish overtime costs by the end of 2014.  Fire chief Keith Green told city council Monday that an overtime trend that started in 2011 is not sustainable. He says blazes like the August Birnie Road fire and the Rise fire contributed substantially to the gross overtime cost of  $313,082 for 2012. Other overtime drivers include statutory holidays, and Green says five staff must be on duty every day of the year, including Christmas. "Family Day will add another stat where we are paying overtime," Green says. Off duty training also played a part in firing up overtime. Despite efforts to incorporate training into on-duty work, Green says 209 hours of off-duty training time were included in the gross overtime total. With senior staff beginning to retire, Green says it was essential to bump members of the crew up to the Fire Officer I and II levels. "Officer training is now complete for many years," Green says. A number of strategies are being put in place to achieve the department's goal of reducing overtime by $56,630 over the next two years. Green says a new dispatch system will allow the service to better prioritize which calls they respond to. If a call doesn't meet their criteria, the system will automatically tell B.C. Ambulance they aren't coming. Green says on-duty training will continue to be emphasized and pre-planned estimation sheets for scheduling will be implemented to keep overtime at a minimum.
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• Vernon Fire - Rescue Services 2012 Annual Report (P. 33) • Vernon Fire - Rescue Overtime Reduction Strategies (P. 57) Agenda Package  June 10

City hall refuses request for full-time firefighters at Okanagan Landing hall

Charlotte Helston  Info-Tel Multimedia Jun 11, 2013 - 11:29 AM 
VERNON — City hall is turning down a community's plea for enhanced fire services without much debate. Two weeks ago, a representative of Canadian Lakeview Estates approached council about the possibility of staffing the Okanagan Landing firehall with two full-time professional firefighters. Jim Dubois said emergency response times are not good enough at 14-20 minutes. "We find it very hard to accept insufficient emergency services that may result in the unnecessary loss of property or worse, the loss of life," he said. But a report from Vernon Fire Rescue says response times are in line with industry standards and makes no recommendations for changing the present system. "They're not below industry standards," Coun. Catherine Lord tells InfoTel News. "The standard response times for urban and suburban areas are different. (Lakeview Estates) is on par with outlying, suburban areas." Lord says council made a previous agreement to operate the Okanagan Landing hall with volunteer firefighters only. "We're keeping with that resolution," she says. According to the report, relocating the Okanagan Landing firehall (station 2) wouldn't improve response times for Lakeview Estates, and would actually worsen them for other residents, including those on Eastside Road.  Adding another station is something Lakeview Estates has been asking for since 2010, but Lord says the timing isn't right just yet for what is pegged at a $2 million project. "Right now it doesn't warrant it," she says. "Not until there are a lot more residents." Council accepted the report from fire chief Keith Green with little discussion at a meeting Monday and directed him to ensure copies were sent to the residents of Canadian Lakeview Estates.

Coldstream wants more time for master water plan

By Richard Rolke - Vernon Morning Star Updated: June 11, 2013 8:16 AM
Some officials are calling for more time to hammer out Greater Vernon’s master water plan. Coldstream council believes the Interior Health Authority should extend the June 30 deadline by a few weeks so the plan can be finalized. “The politicians haven’t had time to vet it all,” said Coun. Maria Besso. “We have to take into account the taxpayers and what they can afford.” A technical committee meets today to discuss specific plan details and it will go before the Greater Vernon Advisory Committee for consideration Thursday. Significant effort has gone into developing the document, but Mayor Jim Garlick admits there should be additional time ensure all issues are addressed. “We’ve narrowed it down significantly from all of the options,” he said. “It would be nice to look at all of the details so we are comfortable with the direction we are taking.” Financials are one aspect of the plan still in flux and those could be finalized by the end of July. The process originally included nine options for providing water to Greater Vernon. At this point, the preferred option calls for partial separation for irrigation and domestic uses, with treatment at the Duteau Creek and Mission Hill plants. Total capital costs would be about $105.6 million, with annual operating costs of $1.5 million. If IHA does not change the deadline, the Regional District of North Okanagan will consider approval of the master water plan June 19.
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Thursday's GVAC Agenda:  Agenda

No Plan For Paid Firefighters in Landing

Written by Peter McIntyre  107.5 KISSFM Tuesday, 11 June 2013 06:02 
 There won't be a move to add paid fire fighters in Vernon's Okanagan Landing, any time soon. A request for council to consider it two weeks ago from a resident of Canadian Lakeview Estates on Tronson Road as a way to improve response times, didn't even get any debate from city council. Councillor Mary Jo O'keefe says now is not the time to consider changing from the paid on-call volunteers in the Landing. "We will see further development out there and we will need to develop more resources, but right at this stage after this huge economic downtown, are we really in the position to spend this kind of money improving response times?" Councillor Patrick Nicol says they got a report from fire chief Keith Green Monday who said the response times are within acceptable ranges using paid on-call volunteers. "The report was really to answer those citizens in the appropriate way," says Nicol. Chief Green says city crews responded to 70 percent of their 3,013 emergency calls last year, in under 6 minutes. 529 were in 6 to 9 minutes, and 269 or 9%, had response times over 9 minutes.
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• Agenda Package    (P.88)
  Memo dated May 30, 2013, from Fire Chief Keith Green, re: June 10, 2013, Regular Meeting "Unfinished Business" - Staffing Fire Station #2.
  

Ranch Funding Debate Wrangles On

Written by Peter McIntyre  107.5 KISSFM Tuesday, 11 June 2013 06:00 
A Vernon councillor wants the city to take another look at phasing out its subsidy to the O'Keefe Ranch. Mary Jo O'Keefe says the ranch is being put in jeopardy by the city's plan to start reducing its grant in 2016. "The ranch had put forward a heritage grant application, and the response was, that the grant supplier did not want to support them because they did not want to make an investment in a heritage location that wasn't being supported by some government group," says O'Keefe. City staff will meet with ranch officials and report back to council. However, councillor Bob Spiers doesn't think the issue should be revisited, saying the phase-out doesn't start for three years, which gives the ranch time to become more self sufficient. "We're going to get another staff report and use staff resources to address an issue that we've already decided upon," says Spiers. Councillor Patrick Nicol feels the grant should be phased out gently, over a longer period. "Unfortunately I don't think the business case is there. There's so many well intentioned volunteers. They've done phenomenal work, but so have the taxpayers when you consider all the money for the buildings and upgrades the taxpayers have provided." Under an agreement with the ranch, the city is only mandated to provide $10,000 a year. Council earlier decided to reduce the ranch's $150,000 annual grant, to $100,000 in 2016, then to $50,000 in 2017, and to $10,000 by 2018. The ranch is located in Spallumcheen, but is owned by the city of Vernon.

Vernon mayor believes council members are providing value

By Richard Rolke - Vernon Morning Star Updated: June 10, 2013 5:27 PM
Vernon's mayor insists residents are getting a good deal when it comes to elected representation. The city's 2012 annual report indicates $198,109 was spent on council remuneration and expenses. "For the hours council puts in, most are very poorly paid," said Mayor Rob Sawatzky of his colleagues attending meetings and spending hours reading documents and researching matters. "I doubt they make $10 an hour." Coun. Mary-Jo O'Keefe received a salary of $21,844 while it was $20,611 for Coun. Juliette Cunningham and $20,474 each for Councillors Catherine Lord, Patrick Nicol, Bob Spiers and Brian Quiring. Sawatzky would not discuss his own salary of $63,466 because he says any comments he made could come across as self-serving. In terms of expenses, there was $5,816 for Sawatzky, $1,715 for Lord, $1,396 for O'Keefe and $1,367 for Cunningham. Nicol, Quiring and Spiers did not submit expenses for 2012. "I just never have. It's my contribution to the community," said Nicol. "Each individual (council member) gets to chose what they do. It (not submitting) feels right to me."

Council Remuneration 2012

City decision threatens funding at O'Keefe Ranch

By Richard Rolke - Vernon Morning Star Updated: June 10, 2013 11:44 AM
City cuts aren’t the only financial squeeze facing a historic site. O’Keefe Ranch says other agencies are reconsidering  funding after Vernon council decided to reduce its annual commitment starting in 2016. “If a partner in the community is pulling out, they are looking at their participation,” said Glen Taylor, general manager. A Heritage Legacy Fund grant for restoration of St. Anne’s Church was recently denied. “They said no because the city is backing its funding down,” said Taylor. “It’s funding we were depending on.” Council voted recently to continue with a $150,000 annual grant for the  city-owned property. But in 2016, that will drop to $100,000, followed by $50,000 in 2017 and $10,000 in 2018. Coun. Mary-Jo O’Keefe is concerned the city’s actions are having a snowball effect on funding. “Some of the broader impacts of our decision aren’t known,” she said. “Because of our decision that we will cease funding, those (outside) agencies are questioning their funding.” Council has instructed staff to determine the extent of the impact on the ranch’s budget if other organizations restrict grant levels. Opposition to a staff report came from Councillors Bob Spiers and Brian Quiring. “That information should come from O’Keefe Ranch. It’s not the city’s place to generate another report,” said Quiring, who questions suggestions that agencies are basing funding on what the city does. “I’d like to see evident that this is the case. It (2016) is along ways off.” A similar view is also coming from Spiers. “I don’t know how that affects a grant being done now,” he said. Taylor insists the ranch is working on plans to attract more visitors and enhance the bottom line. “We have three years to show we can increase activity and we will show the city the ranch is providing an important service,” he said of preserving the region’s heritage and bolstering the economy.

2012 annual report remuneration

Council Remuneration 2012

Staff Total Remuneration 2011  20,728,864 / Total Remuneration 2012  $ 21,221,670 Total Over Year Increase  $ 492,806 / %age Increase Y/Y  = 2.38%

 Elected Officials 2012:
Total Remuneration 2012 $ 187,815 / Total Remuneration  2011  $195,351
 Total Over Year Decrease  $ 7536 / %age Decrease Y/Y  = 3.86%



 Comparisions and all reports from Annual Reports:
 2012 Draft Annual Report - 28.7 mb          2011 - 7.1 MB

Comparision of Municipal Taxes on a $100,000 Property. (Residential-Business, Lt. & Hvy Industry, Farm )

2013 Tax Rates For Vernon & Coldstream

2012 Tax Rates for Selected Communities

All 2012 Figures come from the Prov., Govt. Stats (schedule 702).
Schedule702_2012.xls (228 KB)Tax Rates
2013 Figures from published figures on Coldstream & Vernon websites.

Schedule707_2012.xls (357 KB)Tax Burden

2012 Tax Receipts for Vernon & Coldstream by Assessment Class