Mayor suggests abandoning complex

By RICHARD ROLKE Morning Star Staff Aug 22 2007 http://www.vernonmorningstar.com/

Vernon’s mayor is calling for a $29 million project to be abandoned in the wake of public opposition. It’s possible the results of the recent alternate approval process could be discussed by council at a special meeting Friday, and Wayne Lippert is calling on his colleagues to walk away from the library/office complex. “We should make it all a wash and let Okanagan Regional Library carry on with a building on its own,” he said. Based on the results of the alternate approval petition, Lippert believes going to full referendum would be a waste of time. “It’s overwhelming. They (Vernon Taxpayers Association) came up with 6,000 names. It shows the process worked,” he said.

The city had proposed long-term borrowing of $20 million for a complex that would house a new library and offices for the city and RCMP. With the city unable to do that because of the petition, Lippert believes ORL should pursue a free-standing library branch on its own downtown. As for cramped quarters at city hall and the RCMP, Lippert says rental space may have to be sought. But while he personally wants the complex project sidelined, Lippert points out a final decision will be made by council. Coun. Juliette Cunningham wants the city to go to the next step in public opinion — a full referendum. “There’s a lot of support for the project even among those who opposed borrowing,” she said, adding that the building is a good use for the location next to city hall. Coun. Barry Beardsell claims library circulation has decreased while the population has increased, and he insists no decision should be made until designs for a library are reviewed. “It needs to be looked at from square one,” he said.

Lippert’s comments aren’t going over well with Carol Williams, ORL chairman. “I’m disappointed but heartened there will be a discussion of the whole council. I’m surprised but I have to see how the council discussions proceed,” she said. Of the total $29 million price tag, $9 million was to come from ORL. Williams questions whether ORL can go it alone now because it would have to purchase land. “We’d need a large piece of property so I’m not sure $9 million will do it,” she said.