Scorecard On Vernon's 2007 Goals !

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Nominations sought for World Mayor 2007

http://www.worldmayor.com/voting/voting2007.html

The World Mayor Project is again looking for the most outstanding mayors of the year: mayors, who do not only improve the lives of their citizens on a daily basis but who have also a vision for their cities beyond the next election as well as influence national and international debates on the role of cities in the 21st century. Above all, World Mayor is looking for mayors who fight for their citizens selflessly and courageously.

If you know of such mayors, please complete the form below as fully as possible. You may nominate one, two or three mayors. (If a town or city has no mayor, you may nominate whoever is executive leader.) Please ensure that their first and surnames are spelled correctly and that you indicate their gender. We also require the names of their cities and countries. Please use the Western (roman) alphabet.

Please also provide convincing supporting comments on your chosen mayors. When drawing up the shortlist of this year’s nominees for World Mayor, the persuasiveness of comments counts as much as the number of nominations! Please note, previous winners are not eligible in 2007.

Wanted: Council with a backbone

Aug 31 2007 EDITORIAL http://www.kamloopsthisweek.com/

Kamloops city council did the expected Tuesday and, in the process, essentially sent a message that should send shivers down the streets of every subdivision in the Tournament Capital. By sending the now notorious and illegal 12-unit Thompson Road building to a future public hearing, the city’s lawmakers have sent a clear message to those wishing to do some major work on their home: don’t ask for permission; simply do what you want to do, and do it fast. Then, when your nefarious work is found out, ask for forgiveness. The Valleyview building owned by Vito Pavlovic was originally built as a four-plex. However, over the years and without city approval, the number of units inside have swelled to 12, increasing the capacity of residents and, no doubt, the revenue taken in by the owner.

As has been outlined in these pages since this matter has found itself before council, the illegal expansion of the building only came to the attention of city hall after neighbours complained. Once the city received complaints, it sent inspectors to the 12-plex, where they determined the ever-expanding interior was violating building and fire codes. This week, council went against the advice of city staff and decided to send the issue to a public hearing. That the owner of a building has been able to illegally add eight units to a building meant to be a four-plex, has been able to reject an order from the city to revert to a four-plex plan, has been able to force the city to even suggest he apply for a rezoning to accommodate eight units, has been able to reject that generous compromise and has been able to wait out council and be granted the pubic hearing is nothing short of disgraceful.

Mayor Terry Lake voted to send the matter to public hearing, yet added: “I think we need to send a message — you don’t just do what ever you want.” Yes, the city does need to send such a message, but how the hell does bending over backwards to accommodate a person who has ignored city hall rules accomplish sending such a message? And why hasn’t the city done an inspection in this illegal building? It’s incomprehensible that one has not been done in light of various safety concerns raised by councillors, including some who have aided and abetted this disregard for rules by agreeing to a public hearing.

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Illegal 12-plex will get public hearing

By MARK MACDONALD Staff reporterAug 31 2007 http://www.kamloopsthisweek.com/

The owner of a Valleyview apartment building deemed illegal by the city will get the chance to present his case to the public. City council has voted five to two in favour of sending to public hearing Vito Pavlovic’s request to legalize his 12-unit complex, which has been expanded from a four-plex without the city’s approval. City staff recommended council deny Pavlovic’s application to approve the unit, but Mayor Terry Lake and councillors Joe Leong, Tina Lange, Peter Milobar and Arjun Singh first wanted to hear from the public. Councillors Jim Harker and John De Cicco voted against allowing the matter to advance to the public hearing stage.

Harker said the complex is riddled with “fire code infractions,” adding that Pavlovic has misled gas inspectors, showing a “total disregard for procedure. “He could have gone about this a different way.” But Milobar said the issue will be resolved faster if it goes to a public hearing, noting Pavlovic could have been granted 30 days to appeal if council denied his approval request on Tuesday. “Let’s hear from the whole neighbourhood,” Milobar said. “It’s still going to be a long shot. [But] I want to hear from the neighbourhood before I make a decision.” Lake also opted for a public hearing, though he expressed concern that Pavlovic broke the rules.

“I don’t think there’s any way to condone that. “I think we need to send a message — you don’t just do whatever you want,” Lake said. “I can’t condone the way it’s come to be in this situation. [But] I prefer to let the public have their say.” In response to Lake’s comment that Pavlovic is “flaunting the rules,” David Trawin, the city’s development and engineering services director, said Pavlovic could face fines for building without a permit and ignoring a zoning bylaw. Lange said denying Pavlovic’s request would further strain an already sparse apartment rental market in Kamloops. De Cicco was also hesitant to worsen the city’s shortage of low-income housing by denying the request. Still, he said he was “uneasy” with Pavlovic’s tactics. “There has to be a process and procedure to follow,” he said. “I cannot endorse this.” Singh was concerned for the safety of the tenants in the illegal building as the public and council ponders its fate. Trawin said he did not know the extent of the code violations, since there has been no official inspection of the building by city staff. However, he said city staff will notify tenants the complex was built without permits and “there are safety issues.”

Rec Ex wraps up early

By RICHARD ROLKE Morning Star Staff Aug 31 2007 http://www.vernonmorningstar.com/

Operation of Greater Vernon’s three arenas is changing four months early. As of Saturday, the Greater Vernon Services Committee will take over operation of the Multiplex, Priest Valley Arena and Civic Arena although Recreation Excellence’s contract was supposed to continue until Dec. 31. “It made it easier with staff issues to revolve around a full ice season,” said Gary Corner, GVSC chairman. GVSC notified Recreation Excellence back in February that its contract would come to an end Dec. 31. The company has managed the facilities for about six years.

But Tom Watson, Recreation Excellence co-owner, says he suggested that its relationship with GVSC come to an end Sept. 1 as a way of providing continuity. “Leaving Dec. 31 was not good for the community and the user groups, half way through the season,” he said. “The bulk of the staff is being retained by the regional district for now. They are being retained until next spring.” About 40 full and part-time workers will transfer over to GVSC, and officials are prepared for the Vernon Vipers’ exhibition game Saturday. “Everybody is ready to go,” said Al McNiven, parks and recreation administrator. McNiven is confident there will be a smooth transition. “Will there be things that fall through the cracks, sure. But we will deal with them,” he said.

A joint press release Wednesday indicated that GVSC and Recreation Excellence has concluded negotiations for the termination of the contract. “My (operational) shortfalls are covered and we are leaving with zero dollars,” said Watson. Recreation Excellence garnered supporters during its tenure in Vernon, but it also had detractors. Watson defends his company’s track record. “We saved Vernon a lot of money. We were given a mandate to follow and we more than fulfilled that mandate,” he said. “We got a rough ride from some politicians. Being in Vernon has been a challenge. We met lots of great people but we were never accepted as a teammate with GVSC.” Corner stands by GVSC’s shift away from contracting out of operations. “This gives us more control at the grassroots but there wasn’t anything terribly wrong with privatization,” he said.

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Rec Ex: Agenda Behind New Ice Management (Pete McIntyre) http://www.1075kiss.com/news/headlines/

The owner of the company that has run the Vernon Multiplex the last six years, feels his firm is getting a 'bum rap'.Tom Watson of Rec Excellence feels the decision to switch to NORD, which begins tomorrow, has nothing to do with performance.'The users of the facilities have been very happy. In fact several of the users say its going to be a real shame if this company leaves.' Instead, Watson says a few local politicians and at least one official, have had an agenda to get rid of his firm, and return to public operation.He predicts the new system will end up costing local taxpayers two to three hundred dollars more a year to run the four ice facilities.Watson also questions whether NORD will be able to attract as many events.

NORD pay hikes draw attack

By RICHARD ROLKE Morning Star Staff Aug 31 2007 http://www.vernonmorningstar.com/

Massive pay hikes at the North Okanagan Regional District has the City of Vernon demanding action. The city will ask NORD to allow each member jurisdiction to pay their own directors instead of the regional district paying politicians to sit at the board table. “There’s money going out of the window every which way and we need to streamline things,” said Coun. Barry Beardsell, who raised the issue at council Monday. On Aug. 8, NORD increased the base salary for the eight municipal directors from $1,523 to $6,240 a year, and the salary for the five electoral area directors from $5,994 to $6,240.

“That kind of amount going out is amazing,” said Beardsell, pointing out that the City of Vernon provides 70 per cent of the funding for the regional district. “The increases are not reasonable. We pick up more than our fair share of these costs.” Beardsell believes allowing each community to determine what their NORD representative is paid will provide for more control of taxpayers’ dollars. He pointed out that in 2006, $508,000 was spent on meetings by Vernon, Coldstream and the regional district. “That’s the kind of money coming out of the public’s pocket and it’s too much,” said Beardsell.

Beardsell garnered unanimous support from his council colleagues. “I’m thoroughly disgusted with the (increase being) retroactive to Jan. 1 and having sat at NORD, the base pay is not realistic,” said Coun. Pat Cochrane. “Some increase is overdue but it should be realistic based on the workload.” Jerry Oglow, NORD chairman, was caught off guard by council’s actions Monday. “I would like to think about it and consider the implications. It’s an interesting notion,” he said of allowing each jurisdiction to pay for their NORD director.

Halfway house debate stalled

By RICHARD ROLKE Morning Star Staff Aug 31 2007 http://www.vernonmorningstar.com/

The City of Vernon is standing firm on not discussing a proposed halfway house. Council reconfirmed its policy Monday that it will not consider a new halfway house until the trial into Bill Abramenko’s death is completed and reports are released. The city was asked by the Community Advisory Board to meet with it, Correctional Services Canada and the operator of a facility. “We’ve already given them a strong message so I don’t see a need to meet with them at the earliest opportunity,” said Coun. Barry Beardsell.

Abramenko, 75, died in 2004 in his South Vernon home. The individual who has been charged with the death was missing from a halfway house at the time of the incident. Both Correctional Services Canada and the RCMP have refused to release internal reports into the Abramenko case to protect the integrity of the trial, which begins in January. But the city insists those reports are necessary before it can decide on the future of a new halfway house. “We have emphatically given out the requirements,” said Beardsell, who wants to ensure public safety is addressed. “After all that happens, if there is a need to meet with the Community Advisory Board, so be it.”

In a letter to council, the Community Advisory Board states there are outstanding issues that could be addressed during a face-to-face meeting. “The Community Advisory Board was formed by the City of Vernon and Correctional Services Canada in April 2005 in order to learn about correctional issues so they could advise Corrections and city hall of the ideal halfway house for the Vernon community,” said Rose Carson, with the board. “The CAB underwent a very stringent educational experience and spent a great deal of time creating a full report including 25 recommendations that we feel will guide the re-establishment of a community residential facility in Vernon.”

CANADA-B.C. FUNDING IMPROVES LAKEMOUNT’S WATER SUPPLY

http://www2.news.gov.bc.ca/news_releases_2005-2009/2007CS0060-001067.htm
SALMON ARM – The development of Lakemount, in the Columbia-Shuswap Regional District, will have access to clean, safer drinking water and better fire protection thanks to $633,332 in federal and provincial government funding for a new water system, Colin Mayes MP for Okanagan-Shuswap, and Shuswap MLA George Abbott, announced today.

“This investment delivers a sustainable water source to the development, and reflects the commitment of Canada’s New Government to encourage action on things that matter most to Canadians – a clean, safe and healthy environment for our citizens,” said Mayes.

The Canada-British Columbia Municipal Rural Infrastructure Fund (CBCMRIF) grant, will help pay for a new water system that includes intake works from a better quality water source, an enhanced distribution system, dual disinfection and a protected storage reservoir. A total of 45 households will be connected to the more reliable municipal water service and will be served by new fire hydrants.

“It is important that British Columbians have access to a healthy supply of clean drinking water and this funding will serve to end a long-term boil water advisory that has been in place here,” said Abbott. “I’m pleased our partnership with the federal government and the regional district on this project also ensures a water system that offers better fire protection for residents.”

Arena contract iced early

By Natalie Bank Wednesday, August 29, 2007 http://www.dailycourier.ca/stories.php?id=61917

The same staff will be taking care of Vernon‘s ice rinks this winter, but under a different employer. On Wednesday the North Okanagan Regional District announced its contract with Canadian Recreation Excellence Corporation has been terminated early. In 2003 the private company began operating public facilities in the area, but last winter residents voiced concerns over the poor shape of local arenas and expressed a desire to bring them back under public control. In January NORD staff met and agreed running recreation in-house might be better, said Al McNiven, director of parks, recreation and culture for Greater Vernon Services. “They just felt it was much easier for them to respond to community concerns and suggestions.” The RDNO then decided to cancel its contract with Recreation Excellence at the end of 2007, but McNiven said the two groups mutually agreed to terminate the agreement early. “We thought it might be better to do it now rather than in the middle of the ice season.”
Starting Sept. 1, RDNO will be responsible for the management and operation of the facilities. Part of the new agreement with Recreation Excellence is that all its staff can keep their jobs. McNiven said the district will do their best to make sure the transition this September is seamless. “We hope it goes very smoothly, however I expect that in the next week or two we might find a few things aren‘t covered and we‘ll take care of it right away.”

Vernon 2006 Annual Report Available for Pickup at City Hall !

The 2006 Annual Report can be picked up at City Hall. A public input session for comments on this report will be advertised shortly probably for Sept 10.

This Report Contains:

• Consolidated Financial Statements for 2006. (Full detailed financials should be posted on City's web page shortly.)
• 2006 Permissive Tax Exemptions
• Summary of 2006 Year End Financial Results.
• 2005 Goal and Objectives Final Report (35 goals in total)
• 2006 Goals and Objectives Restated (19 goals in total)
• 2007 Goals and Objectives (5 goals in total)
• 2006 Schedule of Council Remuneration and Expenses
• 2006 Schedule of Employee Remuneration over $75,000 and expenses.
• 2006 Vendors paid in excess of $25,000

Shortly online will be posted:

• Detailed Variance report 2006
• 2006 Financial Statements
• 2007-2011 five year plan adopted in early Spring.

Council turns up heat on district

Managing editor Scott Neufeld EDITORIAL aug 29 http://www.dailycourier.ca/

Away from the bright lights of the TV cameras at the afternoon meeting,city council was busy opening a can of worms at the morning meeting.Council voted unanimously, with Coun. Patrick Nicol absent, to oppose the pay increase for regional district directors and voted to suggest that municipalities pay their own representatives directly.

News of the decision surprised North Okanagan Regional District chairman Jerry Oglow. He said the district is already reviewing its government structure and the city’s vote appears to open up a much larger issue. If municipalities paid their representatives directly, where would it stop? Would each jurisdiction pay for all services directly, bringing about the end of regional taxation? Under such a scheme municipalities could pick and choose what regional services they want, as if they were picking through a buffet table.Paying directors straight from the municipalities could set up a dangerous precedent and open up the regional system to even more squabbling.

However, Vernon city council appears adamant in its opposition of NORD’s 300 per cent pay increase, which is retroactive to the beginning of 2007.The increase will cost taxpayers more than $250,000 and several city councillors have said it’s too large an increase to swallow all at once. With such strong opposition on Vernon council, there were few options but to continue to make waves on the issue even though it appears to be too late. But as Oglow says, this is about more than just politicians’ remuneration. By continuing to push this issue and the review of services, Vernon seems to be making an attempt to direct the course of its involvement in the regional district. Council is looking to the district to show them costs and benefits of participating at the regional level.

The answers to the city’s questions won’t be coming anytime soon. The consensus at the regional district is that the review may take years, not months. In the meantime Vernon will likely continue to pressure the district. All of this is set to the background of a push from the Central Okanagan to unify the Okanagan regional districts. As this debate grows, it appears Vernon council’s decision is just one more component of the discussion.What is unclear is whether for all of the reviews and debates, taxpayers will be any better off.

No Word on Coldstream Sports Complex Cost

(Pete McIntyre) http://www.1075kiss.com/news/headlines/

The chairman of Greater Vernon Services says the cost of a proposed sports complex in Coldstream,won't be released at this time. Gary Corner is responding to a request from the Coldstream Ratepayers Association to put a pricetag on the 120 acres of land, new sports fields, and stadium. 'The cost of the land is still in camera, it is still a pending real estate deal between the ColdstreamRanch and Greater Vernon Services so we don't divulge that until we go through the process to makesure that we can actuall purchase this land from them..' Corner is also rejecting a request to attend the Ratepayers townhall meeting on September 6-th. He says the District's special meeting on the 11-th is the more appropriate venue for the public to attend, when input will be received, and a decision made by council.

City reveals expenses for politicians and staff

By RICHARD ROLKE Morning Star Staff Aug 29 2007 http://www.vernonmorningstar.com/

Big bucks were racked up by politicians and bureaucrats while doing the public’s business last year. The City of Vernon released its 2006 annual report Monday and it shows that $188,483 was spent on wages and expenses for the seven council members, and $12,445,565 in wages, allowances and expenses for employees. Topping the list among council was Mayor Wayne Lippert with remuneration of $59,189 and expenses of $6,512. All councillors earned $19,094 but Coun. Jack Gilroy led the pack with expenses of $3,727. “I went to a safe cities conference in Calgary and that was expensive,” said Gilroy, adding that such conferences provide direct benefits to the community. “We came back with ideas to get the police out of their cars and there were a whole bunch of bylaws from it.” An interesting trend is that the new members of council claimed expenses, including Buffy Baumbrough at $2,147 and Juliette Cunningham at $2,341, while the veteran politicians (Barry Beardsell, Pat Cochrane and Patrick Nicol) submitted no expenses. “We are new to council so we have to see what is happening,” said Gilroy of attending conferences and other sessions.

In terms of staff, there were 18 individuals last year who earned more than $75,000. They included chief administrative officer Leon Gous, who earned $122,658 and had allowances of $4,800 and expenses of $6,603. He was followed by former finance manager Bernie Fehrmann with earnings of $127,343, allowances of $2,275 and expenses of $1,273. Next was deputy chief administrative officer Marg Bailey with earnings of $102,643 and expenses of $2,574. Lippert admits the staff figures may seem high to the average taxpayer. “It’s part of doing business. We need to compete with other municipalities and regional districts (to attract staff),” he said. Lippert added that it is important for staff to attend conferences and training sessions that improve their skills or lead to new initiatives that benefit residents. “We have good staff and they give us a lot back.”

City salaries rise $800,000

By NATALIE BANK Wednesday, August 29, 2007 http://www.dailycourier.ca/stories.php?id=61712

The City of Vernon spent nearly $800,000 more on employee salaries in 2006 than 2005 and to some city council members, that money means less is being spent on city services. The city's 2006 financial report shows the earnings of the 18 staff members who make more than $75, 000 per year increased by about $87,000 from 2005 to last year. Mayor Wayne Lippert cautioned against looking at the increase as a poor use of funds. He said labour is in demand and the city needs to offer competitive wages to keep their qualified employees on staff. "I know taxpayers may not appreciate it because it's paying out more of their taxes, but you need good employees"

Coun. Barry Beardsell said it's a reasonable method, but any rise in pay will affect benefits to the public. "Any increase in the remuneration to politicians on top of the cost of wage increases that are negotiated for city employees ends up being quite significant and cuts into the services we are able to deliver that taxpayers are so concerned about and one of those is road conditions." Lippert said the city may be spending more on wages, but that doesn't directly translate to less being spent on city projects because revenues are also on the rise. "You need to remember the city is a business in the sense that they have expenditures and revenue, and that doesn't necessarily come from taxpayers." Lippert said another off-set to staff salary increases is a near $1 million surplus the city will use as a reserve.

City councillors saw less than a $27,000 increase in overall earnings between 2005 and 2006, but expenses stayed roughly the same at more than $14,700. This year the current council agreed to approve only future members' remuneration so councillors won't be deciding how much to increase their own pay. In 2006 city councillors received just over $19,000 in pay with individual expense payments ranging from zero to more than $3,700. The mayor earned almost $60,000 in salary. Lippert said the city's 2006 financial report should be available to the public by next week.

City approves event funding

By RICHARD ROLKE Morning Star Staff Aug 29 2007 http://www.vernonmorningstar.com/

The City of Vernon has placed funding for a major sports event right on the button. Council agreed Monday to provide $30,820 to the Ford World Women’s Curling Championships, which runs March 22 to 30, 2008 at the Multiplex. “It’s probably the biggest sporting event held here,” said Coun. Patrick Nicol of why he supported funding. Greater Vernon will play host to 12 rinks from around the world, as well as their families, support staff and curling fans. Nicol says the event will provide substantial exposure for the entire North Okanagan, and he believes there is a need for the city to rally around the organizing committee. “They gave a demonstration of what other communities have done and this is within range.” Nicol points out that other North Okanagan communities are also financially supporting the event. “I think there is a will to do this in the region,” he said.

The event’s organizing committee had asked the North Okanagan Regional District for $60,000, but because it does not have a grant function, it passed the request on to its six member municipalities and five electoral areas. The only opposition Monday came from Coun. Barry Beardsell, who is concerned that the curling organizers are also seeking support from the Greater Vernon Services Committee, which is also funded in part by the city. “I’m not against what they are doing, but I’d like the overall picture loud and clear first,” he said. Also on Monday, council agreed to write a letter of support for the Sovereign Lake Nordic Club. The club is seeking provincial funding so it can host a Haywood FIS NorAm cross-country ski competition Dec. 1 and 2. This event will involve 260 athletes, 100 volunteers, 600 spectators, 30 coaches and 30 officials.
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Out in left field
By Richard Rolke Aug 29 2007

Obviously politicians are elected to represent their constituents, but occasionally they need to pull their heads out of the sand and take a look at the world around them. Recently, two politicians have clung to their turf, ignoring the fact that their communities are part of the broader North Okanagan. In the one case, Coun. Carolyn Farris told her Spallumcheen colleagues last week that the township will not benefit from the 2008 Ford Women’s Curling Championships so why should it provide funding. Her contention is that Spallumcheen doesn’t have any restaurants, hotels or shops that will garner revenue from the visiting curlers and fans.
And while Farris is technically right, she is so woefully wrong. I wonder how many Spallumcheen residents own or work at businesses in Armstrong and Vernon that will benefit from a major international sports event coming to the region? From that revenue, they will raise families and pay property taxes in Spallumcheen, including Farris’ annual salary.

But Farris isn’t the only elected official with such a narrow focus. Joining her in that club is Coldstream Coun. Bill Firman, who opposes turning farm land into a sports complex. If Firman had made his argument based on planning issues that would have made sense. But he strayed into left field in July when he said, “Funtastic is a Vernon issue, not a Coldstream issue. All of the benefits go to Vernon.” Like Spallumcheen, Coldstream isn’t rolling in commercial enterprises but virtually all of its adult residents make a living in Vernon. Many of them own or work at shops, restaurants and motels that directly or indirectly make money off of Funtastic.
Firman has also fallen into the trap like many others of claiming the sports complex would only be for Funtastic. Funtastic is such a small part of the plan it’s laughable. Yes there will be ball fields but they would be directed primarily towards league play for local residents. The designs also call for soccer, football and track and field. Thousands of Coldstream residents play these sports, so Firman’s suggestions that a complex will only benefit Vernon are false. But Firman’s narrow view isn’t just limited to the sports complex. While council debated curling funding Monday, Firman denied any potential benefit for Coldstream residents. “How is it a benefit to me when people come to town, throw rocks down the ice and get drunk?” he said.

As a Coldstream resident, a curler and a Ford Women’s volunteer, it could be very easy for me to take offence to Firman’s comments. But luckily some politicians are willing to look outside the box. The North Okanagan’s five electoral area directors recently agreed to provide funding towards the 2008 Ford Women’s Curling Championships. Representing such far-flung areas as Cherryville, Mabel Lake and Mara, it would have been easy for these five politicians to say there is no benefit to them and their residents. But they took a different approach. “It’s a tremendous opportunity for the North Okanagan,” said Rick Fairbairn, rural Lumby director. Fairbairn believes all North Okanagan communities will benefit from a worldwide audience taking in the event. “The exposure will be invaluable,” he said. Thankfully the views of the electoral area directors and most municipal politicians appear to be the majority and those of Farris and Firman are in the minority. But it’s still extremely troubling that these opinions actually exist. They are serving absolutely no one, including Firman and Farris’ constituents.

Conservatives host AGM

By Morning Star Staff Aug 29 2007 http://www.vernonmorningstar.com/

The B.C. Conservative Party’s annual general meeting will feature some familiar faces from the North Okanagan. The Sept. 7 to 9 session at the Schubert Centre will feature Okanagan-Shuswap MP Colin Mayes and Darrel Stinson, former MP. “I am looking forward to hearing what they have to say,” said Wilf Hanni, B.C. Conservative leader. “I am sure everyone will enjoy meeting and listening to these guest speakers.”

Mayor Wayne Lippert is also on the agenda, bringing official greetings from the City of Vernon. Mayes will speak during a lunch Sept. 8 while Lippert, Stinson and Hanni will appear at a banquet later that day. During the AGM, party members will discuss a number of policy resolutions, as well as elect a new board of directors.

No action yet on civic complex

By RICHARD ROLKE Morning Star Staff Aug 29 2007 http://www.vernonmorningstar.com/

There appears to be a lack of direction when it comes to the future of a proposed library/office building in Vernon. City council was embroiled in significant debate about the matter Monday, but ultimately the only decision that came forward was that it be discussed again before Okanagan Regional Library meets Sept. 19. There was an evident split among those council members who want to go to referendum for $20 million, and others who want to follow a different direction. “I hope we go forward. There should be a say for everyone and I think we should do that,” said Coun. Patrick Nicol, who pushed for a referendum. That was also the view of Coun. Jack Gilroy, who says more information must be provided to the public. “I want to take it to the public and let them vote on it,” he said.

But Coun. Pat Cochrane called for the current plan to be abandoned and for the city to resurrect designs for a cultural complex at the Coldstream Hotel site. “Do we want a vision for the long-term for the community, or do we want to build a three-storey rectangle in a parking lot next to city hall?” he said. Coun. Barry Beardsell insisted that all planning be tabled so the needs of the library can be revisited. “Instead of constructing a Taj Mahal, we could ask the library to extend its hours,” he said. “It’s the library that has pushed this scenario and created anguish in the community.” Beardsell also suggested that RCMP offices could be moved into a sub-station downtown instead of in a new building. Beardsell’s comments brought a strong reaction from Nicol. “The library hasn’t driven this. They couldn’t afford Barry Beardsell’s plan for the Coldstream Hotel,” said Nicol.

Both Councillors Juliette Cunningham and Buffy Baumbrough were concerned about what a referendum would mean for ORL’s push for a new library, and if the agency’s $9 million will be lost if the matter is delayed. “If we go to referendum in February, what does that mean for the library?” said Baumbrough. Council also decided Monday to approach the Greater Vernon Services Committee and the District of Coldstream to see if they would support expanded facilities for the museum and art gallery. Vernon Taxpayers Association representatives observed the debate Monday and they question planning for a new library complex. “They seem so focused on the building but they haven’t justified the need,” said member Glen Canyon.
Despite claims from ORL, Canyon doubts a larger library is required. “You can throw a bowling ball through there most days,” he said.

Paving paradise? - Video

CHBC VIDEO

A proposed sports complex is creating dissention in the north Okanagan

What to do now? - Video

CHBC VIDEO

The counter-petition results have stymied Vernon city councillors

No Council Consensus Reached on Library

(Pete McIntyre) http://www.1075kiss.com/news/headlines/

It's going to take more time to determine what happens next with the city of Vernon's proposed library complex.City council debated the issue yesterday and the opinions included councillors Nicol and Gillroy wanting to proceed to a referendum, and Councillor Beardsell wanting to go back to square one to determine if a new library is even needed.Councillor Cochrane would like to see the Coldstream Hotel site reconsidered.Mayor Wayne Lippert says more discussions will be needed.'The motion today was for council to meet as a committee of the whole before the regional library to discuss the different scenarios and hopefully to find solutions and a plan on which way it could go so we can sit down and discuss with the library the best directions.'

While a referendum could technically be held within 90 days, city staff say the earliest date they would recommend would be February to avoid the Christmas period and allow proper time for information and promotion.Glen Kenyon from the Vernon Taxpayers Association also feels more discussion is needed on the need for a new library.'We're hearing information in there of reduction of library usage is the norm and I see that as still continuing. The council seems still focused on building that but they have not justified the need to the community.'Kenyon supports holding a referendum but questions library stats that say an average of 900 people a day use the Vernon facility.

The Library Debate - More real costs come to light .

Coun Beardsell threw out a bombshell about the Library's contribution of $9 million towards the Library/Civic Complex at yesterday's Council Meeting. He stated that less than $600,000 of this money had been placed in the Library's building reserves. These figures were taken from the Library's financial statements. ( From incomplete financial information available at http://www.orl.bc.ca/aboutus/finance.aspx it appears that $ 364,963 was added in 2006 to the building reserve.) (I have not located any reserve amounts totals on line yet )

If Coun. Beardsell is correct and you ain't going get me to argue with him about figures on a financial statement without a lot more research; then I have been under a mistaken impression that the Library Board had already built up these reserves from past taxes. I naively kept insisting that the Library's money that they claim to bring to the table was only money garnered from taxation in PAST years from taxpayers. Actually it appears that taxation in the future will have to increase to cover the additional $8.4 million needed if this building goes ahead.

Now it is true that this taxation is spread across 22 different municipalities and regional districts and Vernon taxpayers share will be a lot less then if the money came from Vernon Taxpayers alone there will be an added tax to consider when and if you decide to support this building.

All figures below Library Boards website link above:
For instance, budgeted expenditures for 2005 are $11,538,882. Taxpayers in 18 municipalities and four Regional Districts will pay $10,137,027 of that cost. The average Vernon property value calculated at $192,500 by the Library's figures paid a rate of .25650/1000 in 2005 or $49.38. You can do the math: if we decided to tax $8.4 million in one year (8.4/10.137 x 49.38= $40.92 for the average Vernon Property owner in 2005.

(The $49.38 was confirmed by my 2005 Tax Information sheet attached to my tax bill.)

Now I realize that they might borrow the money and the increase in taxes would be spread over a longer period at lower rates but the above calculation is the present day value commitment that would be the taxpayers burden.

Council Pays Tribute to Ferhmann

(Pete McIntyre) http://www.1075kiss.com/news/headlines/

A former long time city of Vernon employee was remembered at yesterday's council meeting. Bernie Fehrmann died on Friday of cancer. He was 61. Fehrmann retired last October after serving 21 years as the city's finance manager. Council observed a minute of silence before Monday's meeting. Funeral services will be held Friday at 2 at All Saints Anglican church.

What is the value of Council experience ?

http://www.vernon.ca/council/documents/2007/agenda_070827_pkg2.pdf (p.16)

The value of experience in the workplace is usually measured by salary paid to individuals that are performing the same job. In Vernon Council's annual report this is confirmed when on Page 16 of above link we see that the 3 incumbent or experienced Councillors are paid MORE than the 3 novice or Rookie Councillors.
Now this might be subject of debate among the voters on whether experience should be paid more but in the City of Vernon's case the long overdue audited financial statements confirm that this anomaly exists.
There is a poll on the right where you can cast your vote on whether this practice is acceptable to you.
A listing of Council remuneration can also be found at 2006 VERNON ANNUAL REPORT

Peak passenger capacity

By NATALIE BANK Tuesday, August 28, 2007

http://vernon.ok.bc.ca/stories.php?id=61510

Vernon Regional Transit Service hopes to start expanding its service area and increase the frequency of stops on existing routes by the new year. During Monday's city council meeting, B.C. Transit presented a report suggesting VRTS make several improvements over a three-phase, four-year plan. After conducting passenger surveys, an open house, passenger counts and consultations with partners, the VRTS report indicates there's a need for more frequent service, a longer service day, possible evening services and service to outlying areas such as Silver Star Mountain and UBC Okanagan.

Right now the VRTS has seven routes that run hourly, except the Alexis Park route, which runs every half hour. Almost 1,000 people ride the bus on weekdays, with nearly 265,000 passengers annually. Myrna Moore, of B.C. Transit, said it's a well-used service, but there's a demand for more convenient, reliable service and service to growth areas that can't be met without additional resources. "It's pretty much at its peak to expand without being able to extend hours increase the number of vehicles." The short-range plan, which would take effect within one to two years, includes a new Friday night service to Armstrong and expanding to Silver Star Mountain and Silver Star Foothills. It would also bring buses around every 30 minutes, rather than every hour. Bus frequency would also increase to every 30 minutes during peak times for service to Pleasant Valley, Okanagan Landing, Mission Hill, Vernon Hospital and Okanagan College.

To do all that, the VRTS needs at least two more vehicles. Moore also added that within two years the VRTS will need a new transit exchange area and garage. Some of the medium-range plans, which would start in two to three years include evening service, expanding daily schedule hours and service to the Paddlewheel Park, South Beach and East Vernon areas. Within four years, the VRTS could be increasing its frequency to and from Coldstream and other outlying areas as well as using a full-size bus for some regional services. Councillors were receptive to the report's plans. Coun. Pat Cochrane said it's unfortunate some of the changes are not taking place already. "Hopefully we can get on with expansions as soon as possible." In a future meeting council will vote on approving the short-range service plan for implementation in December 2007.

Library debate raises more questions than answers

By Natalie Bank Tuesday, August 28, 2007
http://vernon.ok.bc.ca/stories.php?id=61509

If there's anything on solid ground about potential plans to build a new library/ civic complex in Vernon, it's that everything is up in the air, including city councillors' opinions. At their regular meeting Monday the issue was up for discussion again but rather than conclusions, only questions were raised. Councillors asked about everything from a possible referendum to its location, which could include expansion on the library's existing building or moving to the former Coldstream Hotel site. "There's still a lot of questions that need answers," said Coun. Buffy Baumbrough After nearly 6,000 people signed a petition countering and halting the city's alternate approval process to borrow $20 million for the complex's construction, council's next steps are on unsteady ground.

One possible direction is a referendum, which was suggested by various councillors to be held in 90 days, after Christmas or in the next municipal election. The referendum's topic, either where the complex should be built or whether a complex should be built at all, was also up for debate. "In this referendum we need to ask if people actually support building the project," said Coun. Pat Cochrane, who was in favour of holding a referendum in the next election. Councillors also had differing views on if the complex should contain other components, such as an art gallery or a museum. Coun. Juliette Cunningham said she believes in the project, but knows council can't get there without a single vision. "I do believe before we can move forward, we need a clear plan."

Another issue that could contribute to progress on the complex is the support of Coldstream and Greater Vernon Services, which has not yet been sought. Perhaps the ones who can suggest where to go from here aren't on city council. Coun. Jack Gilroy said the public needs to guide council in its decisions. "Let's let the taxpayers tells us what's right and what's wrong," he said. Coun. Barry Beardsell said certain issues regarding the library's needs, such as more workspace for staff and increased service hours are things that can be changed easily at little cost, but when it comes to construction, he wants council at square one. "I think we need to stop trying to rush this and do it properly." Council agreed to meet again to come up with a clearer plan before the library's board meeting in the third week of September.

City of Vernon's Financial Statements coming online shortly? (And detailed Variance report?) (And Annual Report ?)

City of Vernon's Financial Statements for 2006 Coming Shortly !
Originally posted Aug 21

I went to the Audit Committee meeting last Thursday. The Auditors presented their full report to the committee and the delay and the responses to the delay were presented by the Auditors and the Financial Administrator respectively.

The 2006 Financial Statements will finally be presented to the City Council at the next meeting and will be available to the public shortly thereafter. The variance report that details the budget variances will be given to the councillors at the next meeting. I have been assured that it will be similar to the 2005 report in content so individual detailed analysis will be possible. (2005 Year End Detailed Variance Analysis - 1.13MB ) and it will be posted on the City's website. Also the 2007-2011 5 year financial Plan is to be posted to the website shortly so the list starting from 2004 will be updated.

The Annual report and public input meeting which was required to be complete by June 30 will follow 2 weeks or more after the report is made available. This report will present the financial statements, a summary of 2005 and 2006 objectives and results, a 2007 objectives section, statement of remuneration and expenses for both Politicians and staff in excess of $75,000, suppliers accounts greater than $25,000, permissive tax exemptions etc.

COW MEETING Monday Aug 27 Shortest on Record.

In the shortest COW meeting that I can remember we were treated to a fine presentation of the purchasing procedures and controls by Shannon Shannon followed by an equally informative add on presentation on First Responders from Fire Chief Lysholm. This program has been in operation for only 1 week and their first week activity shows the value to the community that this initiative will bring.

Several agenda items were postponed until the afternoon as in the Appointment of representatives to the Library / Civic Building Advisory Committee or to a council meeting with full representation (Nichol absent) as in the case of the POLICY – QUESTION AND ANSWER PERIOD.

Letter dated August 8th , 2007 from Rose Carson, Chairman of Policies and Procedures, Community Advisory Board, re: Requesting Council consider a meeting with representatives from Correctional Service of Canada, Community Corrections Liaison Officer, RCMP and Okanagan Halfway House Society was received for information and Council decided not to formally meet with this reconstituted Advisory Board that seems to have been re-formed as requested by Corrections Canada several months ago. This committee that was to disband after the initial CAB report of Oct 2005 is still using letterhead that makes it appear that they are still running under the authority of both Corrections Canada and the City of Vernon. The decision to receive the letter only was unanimous.

Council then moved onto discussion on: Remuneration for NORD Directors and consideration as to whether NORD should be requested to require that each municipality be required to pay their own directors as opposed to NORD paying for the directors.

This motion was passed Unanimously to request that NORD put off any remuneration increases for municipal Directors until at least January of 08 (Although 09 was preferred) and for each individual Municipality to be responsible for their Director's remuneration at NORD and GVSC.

The question of whether Municipal Director's remuneration increase from $1523 to $6240 was retroactive was still not clear if you read the NORD administrator's 'clarifying' memo as regards to point 8. It does appear that the meeting stipend increase from $102 to $135 will be effective the date of the Bylaw which is Aug 8, 2007.

City needs a clearer development message

– Managing editor Scott Neufeld Editoria, Monday Aug 27 http://www.dailycourier.ca/

Vernon must be a confusing place to be a developer. As the city undergoes its official community plan (OCP) review it is difficult to know how council will look at development in the city. In July, city council voted to deny any development that ran counter to the OCP until the new document is completed in the spring. Vernon’s elected officials then went and contradicted that new policy a few minutes later. First there was a stalemate over a plan to turn Paraiso Point Campground into a condos and then council decided the Coldstream Hotel block wasn’t limited by their OCP ban. Now it seems residential development at the airport is also okay.

So the message to developers from council is, “projects that conflict with the OCP will not be approved, unless we change our minds.” While the message to residents is “we value your OCP input but in the meantime we’re going to approve whatever we want.”

The lack of consistent decision-making has raised the level of frustration for residents. In today’s council meeting the city will once again be asked to approve the re-development of Paraiso Point. They will be asked to break the deadlock while keeping in mind the 65-signature petition opposing it from Eastside Road area residents. These residents may feel they’ve entered a time warp. Just five years ago Eastside Road residents were at a public hearing to oppose the proposal which allowed the campground to build in the first place. At the time some residents worried that the campground would only encourage more development. With a 100-unit development now proposed for the property it seems their fears are being realized.

Residents are opposed to it, it conflicts with the OCP, so it would seem to be an easy answer for council. Instead council is all tied up on the issue and if all seven council members show up, the development appears likely to be approved. For residents who attend the public hearings, who want their neighbourhoods to remain quiet, such a decision would be a slap in the face. Why participate in a public process if the city won’t listen to what you or your neighbours want? City Hall is under increased pressure to approve more tourist residential developments. Lakeshore property is becoming increasingly limited and developers are trying to maximize the space that’s left. But if the city does not even stick to the existing plans for each neighbourhood, they risk alienating current residents. An increasing number of people are angry with council for allowing higher density development in older, low-density areas. While this may help the city’s bottom line, as a whole there’s no real benefit to the existing residents. If council cannot live up to its OCP commitments and take the time to really listen to neighbourhood residents, then the new OCP is rendered meaningless before it’s even been finished. If council cannot give a clearer message to developers, Vernon will never live up to its potential.

-----------------

Don Quixote Note: I saw nothing in the agenda to indicate that Council will debate 'the re-development of Paraiso Point.' Perhaps the Editor assumed that this would happen after it was postponed last meeting because of the 3-3 Council Stalemate or he is feels that it will be added to this afternoon's Agenda.

City may call for a referendum

By NATALIE BANK Monday, August 27, 2007 http://www.dailycourier.ca/stories.php?id=61358


Some city councillors are hoping the next step in the creation of a new library/civic complex will be a referendum. That move would make the local taxpayers group happy, but only if it was accompanied by a cost-benefit analysis. In a special meeting on Friday, council rescinded the alternate approval to borrow $20 million for the complexÕs construction after more than 6,000 people signed a petition opposing the bylaw. Coun. Patrick Nicol said he recognizes the anger some residents had over the approval process, and believes the best move now is a referendum. "There should be a referendum and all communities should have an opportunity to talk about the price of this and what's to be gained and what's to be lost and give everybody a say in a democratic referendum."

Andy Danyliu, who speaks for the Vernon and District Taxpayers Association, said they would like to see a referendum only after the public receives more information. "If a new library is in fact needed, what still remains to be done, and that must accompany a referendum, is a cost-benefit analysis as to why a new library is needed at this time. What are the needs, pressures and demand for doing it?" Danyliu also said it's important the complex plans coincide with Vernon's community plan.

Nicol, however, said for all the work that's been done over the last three years, he hopes movement can continue, rather than stop on the official community plan. "You can wait forever, but if you have a land opportunity and money available, you have to give people a chance to at least have a say,'Ó he said. Some councillors agree with Nicol about the need for a new library, while others support progress with certain parts of the potential complex, like an art gallery or cultural facility. Over the summer the taxpayers association was a driving force behind the petition to counter the city borrowing money to build the complex through an alternative approval process. City council will discuss the issue again at their regular meeting this afternoon.

Library/ CIvic Complex Vernon City Council Discussion Aug 24

This was my first attempt to record a Special Council Meeting about the Library/Civic Complex. I have got it in three different sections and the camera was shaking so quality is not great.

Dispute erupts over patrols

By RICHARD ROLKE Morning Star Staff Aug 26 2007 http://www.vernonmorningstar.com/

A considerable rift is developing over security issues in downtown Vernon. Council received information Friday on what security services are currently provided downtown, and that further heightened differences of opinion between Coun. Juliette Cunningham and the Downtown Vernon Association. The DVA is calling for the city to take over funding of foot patrols either through the Commissionaires or city staff. But Cunningham questions the need. “Why should the general taxpayer subsidize business to ensure their staff feel safe?” she said of the Commissionaires escorting downtown workers to their vehicles. The DVA insists the city has a responsibility in ensuring those who work and shop downtown are safe. “Many of the city’s most valuable assets are downtown, including city hall, the city plaza and the library,” said Earl Hansen, executive director.

“Downtown typically has the largest population of homeless who are preyed upon by criminals.” The DVA has paid for the Commissionaires to patrol downtown and it would like the city to contribute $30,000 to cover the remainder of the year. But Cunningham insists putting more money towards enforcement isn’t the answer when dealing with drug addiction and the homeless. “If we’re not going to put resources into the underlying causes, it will never end,” she said, adding that she is disappointed with the views of some business owners. “All they want is to get the homeless out of their face and that’s not acceptable. This is a community problem and it needs a community solution,” she said. In speaking to council, DVA vice-president Nola Neilson stated that homelessness is a separate issue from security. “If people are afraid to come and shop, we won’t be there,” she said.

But that brought a sharp retort from Cunningham, who owns a business downtown. She says merchants must be responsible for their staff’s safety. The DVA and the Commissionaires, though, did have some support. “We need to stay vigilant. We have made good progress together,” said Coun. Patrick Nicol. Council was made aware of initiatives by the RCMP, the Safe Communities Unit and bylaw enforcement and Coun. Buffy Baumbrough believes that should be considered when considering the DVA request. “What the RCMP is doing fits the goals of the DVA,” she said.

Development sparks debate

By RICHARD ROLKE Morning Star Staff Aug 26 2007 http://www.vernonmorningstar.com/

Some Okanagan Landing residents fear city hall is ignoring concerns about a proposed development. Vernon council recently debated plans for a 100-unit project on the old Paraiso Point campground property on Eastside Road and a clubhouse on Whitepoint Road. But a 65-name petition was not part of discussions. “They aren’t looking at this stuff,” said David Pusey, an Eastside Road resident who circulated the petition. “I thought by leaving this with council, they’d make a decision that shows the public is against it but the vote hasn’t changed.” Attempts to deal with the issue at the Aug. 13 council meeting were deadlocked. It will come back Monday when all council members are present.

Mayor Wayne Lippert is aware of the petition and letters from concerned residents, and he insists they aren’t being ignored. “One reason it’s coming back is because staff has received these submissions and there wasn’t time to get it into the (Aug. 13 staff) report,” he said. “We need input and to hear from the people living down there.” There are two components to the petition — one opposing rezoning for a clubhouse and the other demanding that access to Paraiso Point be from a new road above the development and not from Eastside Road. “With the amount of traffic on the road now, it’s a mess,” said Pusey, who believes the project could lead to rental accommodations and increased traffic in the area. As for the proposed clubhouse, there is concern that such a use is inappropriate for the current single-family residential site on Whitepoint Road. “This is a residential neighbourhood,” said Richard Frontain, a Whitepoint Road resident. “Where once a family lived, there could be 400 people or 100 people or what ever the number is. It completely changes the design of that property.” Frontain claims a clubhouse could lead to noise and traffic and set a precedent for other developments in the area to purchase lakeshore homes for clubhouses. “We could be surrounded by these things,” he said.

But other residents are willing to accept the project if strict development guidelines are in place. “It’s a better thing than a campsite,” said Robert Rutherford, who lives on Cameron Road. “He (developer Craig Stowe) has listened to our input. It’s been a very respectful process.” Rutherford also backs having a clubhouse. “It’s an attempt to provide lake access,” he said.
Eastside Road resident Marcel Payeur downplays suggestions of noise at the clubhouse. “There will be noise requirements and they will offer kayaks. It will be a quiet use of the lake,” said Payeur. In terms of the clubhouse, Stowe says that became part of the plans based on concerns from year-round residents about how people from his development would access Okanagan Lake. “People think it (clubhouse) is a great idea because it takes pressure off the public access beaches in the neighbourhood.” Stowe also defends the use of Eastside Road for the development. “We’ve done a traffic study and it says that road can sustain that development,” he said. He added that while a new, upper-level road could ultimately be constructed, it is a long-term initiative of the city and it will be funded by future development.

Politicians apologize for complex process

By RICHARD ROLKE Morning Star Staff Aug 26 2007 http://www.vernonmorningstar.com/
Some Vernon politicians are seeking forgiveness over the alternate approval process, but others remain unrepentant. Council rescinded three readings of a bylaw Friday that would have allowed it to borrow $20 million for a library/office complex. That move came after 6,223 names were signed to a petition opposing borrowing. Coun. Patrick Nicol immediately called for there to be a referendum, something the Vernon Taxpayers Association sought while soliciting names for the petition. “I clearly made a mistake on that (alternate approval process), there’s no question,” he said.

An apology also came from Coun. Juliette Cunningham. “It was probably my inexperience as a councillor,” she said, adding that Okanagan Regional Library placed tight timelines on council to proceed with the building. “We were put in a position of going the alternate approval way.”

But not all council members were willing to back away from the alternate approval process. “The decision wasn’t undemocratic or arrogant,” said Coun. Buffy Baumbrough. “Given the information provided to us, we chose to move forward. At the time, we all believed in what we were doing.” That was also the view of Mayor Wayne Lippert. “The process worked. You got your signatures,” he said of the association getting enough names to block borrowing. On Friday, staff presented council with various options to fund the proposed complex. They include going to referendum, selling property, short-term borrowing and drawing from reserves. “The issue is on the agenda Monday but whether a decision will be made is up to council,” said Lippert.

Many council members favour the plan to construct a complex between city hall and the existing library. “Everyone present voted to put it out there and we made a commitment (to ORL),” said Coun. Jack Gilroy. “The library is a done deal on that property.” But Coun. Pat Cochrane wants a cultural complex on the city-owned Coldstream Hotel site revisited. “There is a year to the next election and that year could be used to draw up detailed plans and then go to the public and let them vote on it,” he said.

The Vernon Taxpayers Association wants the official community plan review completed before there is a decision, and for the public to be involved in large expenditures. “Our position is we want council to provide a cost benefit analysis on any proposed large expenditures and put it to referendum,” said spokesman Tony Stamboulieh in a release. “Our community is drowning in debt and there are so many issues to be dealt with that are far more important than building offices for Mayor Lippert and council.”
---------------------------------
Vernon Morningstar EDITORIAL Aug 26
Message lost on mayor
It appears like Vernon’s mayor still doesn’t understand the actual focus of the recent alternate approval process. During a special council meeting Friday, Wayne Lippert continued to defend using the alternate petition process instead of going to referendum to garner public input on borrowing $20 million for a library/office complex. “The process worked. You got your signatures,” he told representatives of the Vernon Taxpayers Association, which collected 6,000 names on a petition and blocked borrowing. That would lead people to believe that residents signed the petition because they were against the complex or borrowing. And while there was some of that, most people inked their names to the petition because they opposed the approval process the city was using and they wanted to force a referendum.

By making these comments, Lippert continues to ignore the fact that the city botched the entire matter when it didn’t use the age-old format for garnering public opinion on spending their money — a referendum. If that route had been selected from the get-go, the city wouldn’t likely find itself in the situation it is now — determining whether the complex will go ahead or not.
But Lippert isn’t the only one who hasn’t got the message. “Given the information provided to us, we chose to move forward. At the time, we all believed in what we were doing,” said Coun. Buffy Baumbrough. Toeing the party line and not apologizing despite overwhelming public defeat may be the direction Baumbrough wants to follow, but has she ever thought the advice the city got was wrong?

Highlights of COW AGENDA

Cow Agenda COW AGENDA PKG
COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE MONDAY, AUGUST 27, 2007 8:40 AM

• UNFINISHED BUSINESS :
• POLICY – QUESTION AND ANSWER PERIOD (P. 13) ,
• Council, at its August 13 Committee of the Whole meeting deferred consideration of the following until completion of the Alternate Approval process. • Appointment of representatives to the Library / Civic Building Advisory Committee.
• UBCM BRIEFING NOTES – FILLED FORESHORE (P. 15)


• NEW BUSINESS :
• COMMUNITY ADVISORY BOARD (P. 27) Letter dated August 8th , 2007 from Rose Carson, Chairman of Policies and Procedures, Community Advisory Board, re: Requesting Council consider a meeting with representatives from Correctional Service of Canada, Community Corrections Liaison Officer, RCMP and Okanagan Halfway House Society.
• OCP GROWTH SCENARIO WORKSHOP (P. 29)
• NORD – DIRECTOR REMUNERATION (P. 31) Verbal Report – Councillor Beardsell, re: Remuneration for NORD Directors and consideration as to whether NORD should be requested to require that each municipality be required to pay their own directors as opposed to NORD paying for the directors.

Regular Meeting of Council AGENDA HIGHLIGHTS

AGENDA AGENDA PKG 1 AGENDA PKG 2 AGENDA PKG 3
Regular Meeting Aug. 27 1:30 PM

• Vernon Transit Delegation
• Vernon Hospice House request for funding (p.15)
• Council discussion of Library/Civic Complex
• Municipal fee bylaw for Smith Creek Area 2 (P.17)
• Grant request for 2008 Ford's world Curling from NORD
• Financials for 2554 Lakeshore Road -from Airport Advisory Committee (P.49)
• Okanagan Landing sewer servicing plan .(P.53)
• Waterfront Plan (p.55) from Environmental Committee.
• BC Transit Grant priorities (p.59)
• 2006 Annual Report (p. 109)
• 2597 Lakeshore road Dev Variance permit and Road closure(p.151)
• Changes to Outbacker latecomer bylaw: P.191

Meeting Stipends at NORD raised from $103 to $135 !

Greater Vernon politicians are teaming up to address some local issues. 16 politicians (7 each from Vernon and Coldstream and the 2 Area Reps from B & C) will be holding a joint meeting to resolve outstanding service concerns. Service review meetings have taken place over the past few month to address issues with water,parks and rec, and tourism and economic development. NORD Chair Jerry Oglow and GVS Chair Gary Corner both say these meetings have been helpful but have solved nothing. The Greater Vernon Governance Service Review Committee will convene a meeting and bring in a facilitator to expedite some resolution. No date for the meeting has been set.

Don Quixote Note: (to correct posting of Aug 22 when I used the old meeting rate of $103 per meeting.)

Just weeks after voting themselves a 300% pay hike for the NORD eight municipal directors from $1,523 a year to $6,240, with the five electoral area directors, who also received a pay boost from $5,994 to $6,240 retroactive to start of 2007, they are calling a mass special meetings under the auspices of the GVSV Service review committee. I wonder how many of the 16 will be entitled to draw the $135 meeting stipend ($2160) ?? (Nord Political Remuneration 2006 ) (before increase). Also, the Regional Board Chair shall be paid the sum of $135 for all unappointed committee meetings attended whether or not the Board Chair has been invited in an official capacity.
http://www.vernon.ca/council/documents/2007/agenda_070827_cow_pkg.pdf (P.31-35)

2006 VERNON ANNUAL REPORT

http://www.vernon.ca/council/documents/2007/agenda_070827_pkg2.pdf

CLICK ON IMAGES TO ENLARGE

NORD NUMBERS AND COLDSTREAM NUMBERS CAN BE FOUND AT:

2006 NORD STAFF Remuneration > $75,000

Coldstream 2006 Annual Report

Pelland Found

Starlee Speers, Standard Radio News http://www.thesunonline.ca/news/565/575659

Missing sex-offender Harvey James Pelland has turned himself into Kamloops police. Pelland was reported missing yesterday after failing to report to his probation officer in Vernon.He'll appear in Provincial court this afternoon, he told police he hitch-hiked to Kamloops.

Sex Offender At Large Vernon
by Wayne Moore - August 24, 2007 / 6:00 am Castanet

A warning from Vernon RCMP that a sex offender is at large. Police say Harvy James Pelland, 71, is a high risk to re-offend. Pelland was convicted in a child pornography case and served 18 months in jail. "He is not to be near any parks, schools, playgrounds or swimming pools where anyone under the age of 17 might be expected to attend, and is not to be in the presence of anyone under 14 without written permission," says Vernon RCMP spokesman, Gordon Molendyk. He says Pelland was released from jail August 9 and was to report to Vernon as part of his release conditions. "He was caught the same day coming out of a park in White Rock and was arrested for breaching his conditions and returned to jail. On Aug 16, he appeared in Vernon court and was released on a four month conditional sentence. He was to reside at a local motel." Molendyk says Pelland reported to his probation officer as required on Wednesday, but failed to show up Thursday morning. Pelland is described as a white male, 5'11", 220 pounds. He has white hair, a moustache, beard and brown eyes. He is missing the tip of his index finger on his left.