NEWS BRIEFS MORINGSTAR July 28

http://www.vernonmorningstar.com/ Jul 28 2006

Hospital conditions on council’s agenda
Vernon Jubilee Hospital will be on the agenda when city officials get together with their provincial counterparts. Council is currently setting up meetings with provincial cabinet ministers for the Union of B.C. Municipalities convention this fall. The goal is to meet with George Abbott, health minister, about the hospital. “It would be an ideal opportunity to discuss our concerns,” said Coun. Juliette Cunningham. Doctors recently asked council to lobby Victoria over poor facilities at VJH, as well as a lack of physicians in the area.

Sister city committee back on track
Vernon council has decided to reinstate the sister cities committee. The committee fosters relations between Vernon and communities in the U.S., Japan and Italy. John Topping, who has been involved with the program in past, is pleased the city is taking an interest in the committee. “We’ll begin working with the city on the committee and on planning for a major exchange with Modesto, Calif. in 2007,” he said. The committee will receive funding from the city although an exact amount has not been determined.

New DVA administrator down to business
The Downtown Vernon Association’s new executive director is quickly establishing relationships with the city. Earl Hansen introduced himself to council Monday and he has already discussed issues of mutual concern with Leon Gous, the city’s chief administrative officer. Hansen told council that he is looking forward to an upcoming meeting between DVA directors and council.

New transit group gets the green light
The City of Vernon is moving ahead with transit issues. On Monday, council adopted the terms of reference for a new transit advisory committee. The committee will consider the need, costs and benefits of expanding and modifying the existing transit service and routes in the city and provide recommendations to council. The committee will have seven voting members, including three residents, two business people, one KIA Transit official and one B.C. Transit representative. Coun. Pat Cochrane questioned the need for two business people. “It may be difficult to find two. They’re far too busy and it makes sense to have one appointed by the DVA,” he said.