Details lacking as referendum approved

By RICHARD ROLKE Morning Star Staff Oct 14 2007

Vernonites are heading to the polls over the proposed library/office complex but critical details are still missing. A referendum will be held Jan. 26 to gain elector support to borrow funds for the $31 million project. But it hasn’t been decided if borrowing will require $20 million or $30 million, or if outlying communities will participate. Okanagan Regional Library’s role is also unknown. Because of these uncertainties, Coun. Barry Beardsell refused to support going to referendum. “We need every question answered,” he said. A final figure for borrowing will depend on whether ORL wants to own the library space in the new building or if it is willing to lease from the city. If ORL insists on owning, it will bring $9 million to the table and the city will only need to borrow $20 million for the project. But if ORL decides to lease, the entire cost of the complex will be borne by the city and $30 million will be required. Anything above $30 million would be covered by cash financing or reserves by the city. “We’d prefer to own that part of the building but we are open to discussion,” said Carol Williams, ORL chairman.

Beardsell insists that ORL  acquiring space could ultimately lead to it being sold off to other interests. “This civic site is up for grabs. I believe in preserving the civic centre and ownership by the taxpayers of Vernon,” he said. Council has agreed to set aside space in the complex for the art gallery but the Greater Vernon Services Committee — which oversees the gallery — is not onboard yet. “If we don’t get GVSC and Coldstream support, are we going to spend Vernon taxpayers money, I can’t support that?” said Coun. Jack Gilroy. The city will take the issue to GVSC for discussion. “Absolutely GVSC should consider it,” said director Stan Field, who admits, though, that he is concerned about the impact on taxpayers.

The architectural designs call for a two or three-storey complex between the existing library and city hall. It would incorporate the current library. A 30,000-square-foot library would be on the ground floor and upper levels would include offices for city staff and the RCMP and possibly an art gallery. “We need space for the civic workers and the RCMP. We’re not building this space for tomorrow but for 40 years from now,” said Gilroy. Coun. Patrick Nicol believes there will be public support during the referendum. “Library services are expanded with this. The library is a fundamental part of the community,” he said.

But the Vernon Taxpayers Association opposes the timing of the referendum. “The most crucial neighbourhood is downtown so why is council tinkering with the official community plan before the OCP review is completed?” said Tony Stamboulieh, association spokesman. "They are missing the big picture and going their own sweet way. The OCP review will be done in May so what’s the rush?” Planning for the referendum is under way, including getting information out to voters. “We will hold a number of open houses and be innovative about getting out to the public,” said Mayor Wayne Lippert.

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Oct 14 2007 EDITORIAL Right way to go but only if...

Still reeling from the results of the alternate approval process, the City of Vernon is doing the right thing and getting direct public input on the proposed library/office complex. But while there is a need for a referendum to resolve the issue once and for all, one has to wonder if the timing is premature? A number of critical items still have to be resolved before Vernonites can actually head off to the polls. Among them is the amount to be borrowed — $20 million or $30 million? But that’s all going to depend on whether Okanagan Regional Library sticks to its guns and wants to own its space or if it’s willing to lease from the city. If it wants to own, ORL has $9 million to contribute, meaning the city only needs $20 million to borrow. But if the library board decides to lease, the entire cost of the project falls on the city and it will have to borrow $30 million.

Some city officials are reluctant to give up long-term control over the publicly owned civic centre and they would prefer a lease with ORL. But it may take some work to get ORL to abandon the concept of ownership. And negotiations will also be needed with the Greater Vernon Services Committee if an art gallery is to be part of the project. Currently, surrounding communities have shown little interest in paying for expanded facilities. If all of these critical items can be pulled together, then the city’s vision for a fast-track referendum was wise. But if the necessary information can’t be pulled together and residents still don’t have full details as Jan. 26 approaches, then a referendum should be deferred until the scheduled civic election in November 2008. And while waiting until next fall would defer the matter further, keep in mind that politicians have been dragging their heels for years on this very issue.