District’s actions still raise questions

By Jennifer Dyck Morning Star Staff Jul 06 2007 http://www.vernonmorningstar.com/

A lengthy paper trail of Coldstream’s sewer process history has yet to flush out some local frustrations. District staff attempted to clear up any confusion over the recent sewer extension process from McClounie Road with a special meeting Tuesday evening. Councillors received a detailed history report, dating back to the mid-‘90s of the sewer approval process, which satisfied most that the process was not flawed. But resident Gyula Kiss continues to point his finger at council and staff over what he terms an undemocratic process. “I don’t believe that all the proper procedures were followed,” said Kiss, who as a former mayor of the district, says he knows the rules. “To me, if people don’t have any voice in it then there’s a problem. Democracy is not just a word, you actually have to live it.”

But Catherine Lord, director of financial administration, says the Environmental Management Act states that despite anything in the community charter or the local government act, since the extension from McClounie to Mackie Drive was approved by the minister it did not require a petition or the approval of electors. Still, Kiss stands firm that more of a public voice was needed and that the public cries against the extension were ignored. Therefore he has requested the district to have the Ministry of Community Services review the process and come to a conclusion. “I just want to have justice.” Kiss is also irate over the spending of funds, as the extension was partially paid for by existing users.

“I wonder why my money was in the reserve for all sorts of purposes and all of a sudden is gone and I have to keep paying for it,” said Kiss. The sewer capital fund balance before the sewer extension was just over $1 million. “Out of every $100,000 there was only $7,000 paid for by the users,” said Lord, adding that the only option is to make everyone pay the seven per cent for such expenses that benefit the community as a whole. There is an option to pay back the existing 1,857 sewer users, but Lord says the amount would be a mere $41 each. “It’s almost useless to try and give it back.” The $264,000 buyout of the latecomer agreement which the district paid the Coldstream Meadows developer is also a sore spot for Kiss. The Coldstream Meadows developer put in the sewer line along Giles, Pine and Mackie Drive. The latecomer agreement was formed to help the developer recover some of the costs as residents hooked onto the sewer.

“But now he has the money in the bank,” said Kiss. Coun. Bill Firman agrees this situation is unfair, and wants to see everyone who hasn’t currently hooked onto the extension be forced to do so. But Mayor Gary Corner wants to hold off until the current environmental impact study on the area is completed. “If we can determine that the area is in trouble and failing then we can try and get some grants and get everybody on board.”