25th Avenue Traffic Up and Running

(Pete McIntyre) http://www.1075kiss.com/news/headlines/
Good news for Okanagan Landing area travellers. 25-th Avenue is now open on all four lanes and will remain that way for the long weekend The construction company still has to complete the sidewalks, medians and landscaping but they'reestimating the project could be completed in late July.That would be well ahead of the earlier projection of this fall.

U.N. votes to shut down unit that inspects Iraq weapons

Colum LynchWashington PostJun. 30, 2007 12:00 AM Azcentral

UNITED NATIONS - The U.N. Security Council voted 14-0 Friday to immediately shut down the U.N. weapons-inspection unit for Iraq, drawing to a close 16 years of international scrutiny of Iraq's nuclear-, chemical- and biological-weapons programs.The action ended more than four years of political deadlock between the United States and Russia over the fate of the inspection effort. Russia abstained, citing U.S. and British refusal to permit the inspectors to provide a final report confirming Iraq's disarmament.The resolution - sponsored by the United States and Britain - offers no formal judgment on the status of Iraq's weapons program. Instead, it refers to the findings of a CIA inspection team that concluded in 2004 that there are no weapons of mass destruction in Iraq.

South Okanagan Regional Growth Strategy

South Okanagan Regional Growth Strategy

by Contributed - Story: 31307June 29, 2007 / 12:15 pm http://www.castanet.net/edition/news-story-31307-21-.htm#31307
The Regional District Okanagan Similkameen has passed the South Okanagan Regional Growth Strategy through its first and second reading. The RGS was launched in November 2004 and has been developed to address growth management concerns of South Okanagan residents. RDOS chair, Dan Ashton, says staff has worked with the general public, five advisory committees and a number of provincial government agencies to develop the RGS. “The RGS is one of the most important initiatives undertaken by the Regional District. It is a plan for the future and it is a positive legacy that we can leave our children,” says Ashton. In the next few months, Regional District staff will be meeting with local municipal councils and rural area planning commissions to seek approval and agreement before the RGS bylaw adoption in December. “The strategy provides overarching policy for official community plans and it gives us a common agreement in managing growth in the region,” says Ashton. A draft version of the document is available at the RDOS website.

Residents challenge city hall's actions

By STACIE SNOW Morning Star StaffJun 29 2007 http://www.vernonmorningstar.com/

Roughly 200 individuals banded together to take action against city council during the Vernon Taxpayers’ Association emergency meeting held on Tuesday at the Schubert Centre. The meeting was called in response to the city’s implementation of an alternative approval process that would allow the city to borrow $20 million over a 25-year period for the construction of a civic complex. “We are faced with a council that is a dismissive dictatorship,” said Tony Stamboulieh, facilitator for the Vernon and District Taxpayers’ Association. “We believe we are heading to a place where council disregards public opinion and it is not acceptable. We need answers.”

Andy Danyliu, president of the Coldstream Ratepayers Association, said that the members are not necessarily against the proposed library, RCMP office, museum and art gallery; it is the abandonment of due process that has enraged the citizens. Steve Debella, an environmental and community activist, agrees. “Our city is growing and we do need those services,” he said. “If they went to a referendum most of us would vote for it because it is a benefit to our community but they need to do it in an acceptable way.”

At Monday’s city council meeting, members voted six to one to go ahead with the alternative approval process. Mayor Wayne Lippert said that the referendum has been discarded as an option because it is a time-consuming process and funding will not be available if the project is not completed by a 2010 deadline. “A referendum would put us behind our timeline for grants, whereas the alternative approval process fits within the constraints,” said Lippert.

Beginning on July 16, electors of the City of Vernon who are opposed to the borrowing may sign an alternative approval process elector response form. Electors will have 30 days to express their opinion to the bylaw. All elector response forms must be received by the city clerk before 4:30 p.m. on Aug. 15. The number of electors of the City of Vernon is estimated to be 27,772. If 10 percent of the estimated number of electors sign an alternative approval process form against the proposal, city council will not be able to proceed with long-term borrowing. “We believe that city council has a deliberate strategy to rush the process because no one can raise 2,777 signatures in July when everyone is away on vacation,” said Danyliu. “It is purposely designed to discredit our organization.”

At the meeting, the association passed three motions. They will compose and send a signed letter to Dale Wall, the Inspector of Municipalities in Victoria, to investigate the conduct of city council. In addition, the group proposed to rent a venue where people can have access to the petitions without going to the library, art gallery or city hall. They will also bring the petition door to door.
Lippert said that the association has every right to go ahead with the provincial investigation, and is glad that the community group is checking to ensure that council is following the proper processes.

However, he said that he is against the group setting up a venue or going door to door with the petition because it places pressure on citizens to sign. “There is not supposed to be any influence from outside organizations,” he said. “It is like a vote, there shouldn’t be anyone forcing anyone to sign. People need to be left to their own accord and decide to sign it or not sign it without feeling obligated to.” Despite the opinion of the mayor, Debella hopes that the petition will serve to wake up the council and bring the concerns of the community to the forefront. “The petition will show that there are people out there that care and are interested in the topic and saving our money,” said Debella. “If we have to, we will play their game but they need to know we are making up some of our own rules.”

Council sets poor example

Jun 29 2007 EDITORIAL http://www.vernonmorningstar.com/

One has to wonder why the City of Vernon even hired a long-term planner if her recommendations aren’t going to be listened to. Council was urged Monday not to consider any official community plan amendments until the OCP review is completed early next year. And while the broad notion was accepted, holes were immediately poked into the new policy. Among them was moving ahead on an application that would see a residential development constructed in Okanagan Landing. It is a major shift from the land use already in place there, and the OCP review should have been allowed to run its course. Obviously, though, there is some grey area with this one because the developer had already been working with city staff and it’s unrealistic to hold everything up.

However, the height of hypocrisy comes from those councillors who want to stall other projects during the OCP review but refuse to do so with city-owned land, specifically the Coldstream Hotel site. After abandoning the cultural complex idea, the city now wants to sell the site off to developers for commercial uses and possibly housing. But the property is currently designated commercial in the OCP, and housing would be a substantial change. Because of that, the consultants working on the OCP review should be allowed to consider that possibility and see if such a use is suitable there in terms of community objectives. Staff has stated nothing will happen with the Coldstream Hotel site before the OCP review wraps up, but that’s not the point.
The bottom line appears to be that there is one set of rules for the city and another set for everyone else.

Opinions conflict over waterfront plan

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

Vernon’s waterfront plan is making waves. About 50 people attended a public hearing Monday to debate two proposed bylaws relating to the tourist commercial waterfront plan. Opinions were divided as some favoured the city’s goals while others were opposed. “It’s so bad you should throw everything out and start over,” said Don Defeo, a Vernon realtor. “We’ve been four years at it and where are the tourists and the commercial? Let’s be honest and call it a residential area.” Defeo told council that the price of real estate precludes small businesses, such as cafes, from moving to the waterfront.

However, others praised the city for its vision. “This plan looks really awesome. Let’s invite the developers to build something,” said Bruce Stobee. The public hearing specifically dealt with a bylaw that would see the former Lakers Golf clubhouse on Cummins Road designated from residential and parks to tourist commercial. Another bylaw would see zoning shift from parks to tourist commercial and four-plex residential. The city owns the Lakers building and hopes to move the Elks Lodge there as part of a land swap. But many residents are concerned about traffic and noise.

“We’re so frustrated because this is the third time we’ve been here. I hope you hear us,” resident Kevin Lepp told council. But while the hearing dealt specifically with the Lakers site, discussion continued about the waterfront plan. “We need a place to go for a Starbucks or an ice cream,” said Joel Ellams. Some speakers spoke about the merits of Kelowna’s waterfront, but that didn’t go over well with Diana Bainbridge, who wants wetlands preserved. “If you like what Kelowna and Penticton have chosen, you can move there,” she said. Some at the hearing were concerned to see publicly owned lots on Okanagan Lake identified for tourist commercial uses on city maps. “Why would we buy these properties and give them up for developers,” said Bill Wagner. Council will now consider the comments from the public hearing before making any further decisions on the bylaws. “The intent is to find a plan that is hopefully workable for everybody,” said Mayor Wayne Lippert.

Cochrane accuses city of ignoring rules

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

A Vernon politician believes the city may be contradictory when it comes to developing its own property. Council agreed Monday not to endorse official community plan amendments while the OCP is under review. However, Coun. Pat Cochrane is concerned that decision won’t apply to the city-owned Coldstream Hotel site. “How can we let development go ahead on that property without the OCP review being completed first?” he said. The city is pursuing developers who may be interested in constructing commercial uses on the site, which was originally purchased for a cultural complex. The land is currently designated commercial and Cochrane says any changes in use will not be reflected by the OCP. “The expectation is there will be a lot higher focus on residential downtown.”

Cochrane was also concerned the city will be seen as following different rules when other applications are on hold during the OCP review. “I don’t see a difference between developing a piece of property downtown or on Eastside Road,” he said. Cochrane’s attempts to have the new policy include the Coldstream Hotel site failed. It was pointed out by Coun. Juliette Cunningham that there isn’t 100 per cent support among council for housing there. "We need to be clear as a council,” she said.

Leon Gous, chief administrative officer, doesn’t expect anything will happen with the Coldstream site before the new OCP goes before council for consideration in early 2008. “You won’t see anything happen there very quickly,” he said. Under the new policy, any applications for OCP amendments (including neighbourhood plan submissions) received during the review process will not be endorsed. The only exception may be amendments regarding affordable housing, child care facilities and social amenities.

Putin's Arctic invasion: Russia lays claim to the North Pole - and all its gas, oil, and diamonds

Daily Mail UK

Russian President Vladimir Putin is making an astonishing bid to grab a vast chunk of the Arctic - so he can tap its vast potential oil, gas and mineral wealth. His scientists claim an underwater ridge near the North Pole is really part of Russia's continental shelf. One newspaper printed a map of the "new addition", a triangle five times the size of Britain with twice as much oil as Saudi Arabia. The dramatic move provoked an international outcry. The U.S. and Canada expressed shock and environment campaigners said it would be a disaster. Observers say the move is typical of Putin's muscle-flexing as he tries to increase Russian power. Under current international law, the countries ringing the Arctic - -Russia, Canada, the U.S., Norway, and Denmark (which owns Greenland) - are limited to a 200-mile economic zone around their coasts.

New form of Crystalized Meth

Emergency responder organizations to be on the lookout for a new form of Crystalized Meth that is targeted at children and to be aware of this new form if called to an emergency involving a child that may have symptoms of drug induction or overdose.They are calling this new form of meth "Strawberry Quick"and it looks like the "Pop Rocks" candy that sizzle in your mouth.In it's current form, it is dark pink in color and has a strawberry scent to it.Please advise your children and their friends and other students not to accept candy from strangers as this is obviously an attempt to seduce children into drug use. They also need to be cautious in accepting candy from even friends that may have received it from someone else, thinking it is just candy.

This connects to the story at CBS.com http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2007/05/02/health/main2752266.shtml

It just gets harder and harder to keep our children safe.

Short-List For Expansion Kelowna General Hospital and Vernon Jubilee Hospital

http://www.castanet.net/edition/news-story-31271-1-.htm#31271

The provincial government has short-listed three teams to participate in the Request for Proposal phase of the competition to design, build, finance and maintain the expansion of Kelowna General Hospital and Vernon Jubilee Hospital . Three proponent teams responded to the Request for Qualifications that closed on June 4. Following evaluation of the responses received, all three teams were short-listed. They are:

• Infusion Health
• Okanagan Health Solutions
• Plenary Health

The short-listed respondents will be invited to respond to the RFP. The RFP stage will result in the selection of a preferred proponent to undertake hospital expansions in Kelowna and Vernon. Construction is expected to begin in 2008, after tendering is completed and costs are finalized, with completion targeted for 2010. All health services will be funded by the Province of B.C. through Interior Health, in keeping with the Canada Health Act.

Amending OCP Only Requires a MAJORITY Vote

Send in the Clowns and the 'Smpathetic Developer '
In this post I had stated 'I thought I was told by staff that an OCP amendment ultimately required a 2/3 0r 3/4 majority , i.e a 5-2 vote and unless the two opposing groups changed this would become an exercise in futility for the applicant. (a Phyrric victory). HOWEVER, I scoured the community charter and the City's website and could find NO confirmation that such a super majority is actually required.'

It has been confirmed by City Hall that an OCP amendment no longer requires 2/3 majority since 2001.

Confirmation from City Hall
Section 882 of the Local Government Act was amended in 2001 to delete the
requirement for a 2/3 majority to adopt or amend an Official Community Plan Bylaw.
It now only requires an affirmative vote of a majority of all council members.

Taxpayers Association Requests Investigation

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

A public watchdog group is taking action over the city of Vernon's plan for a new library and civic complex. About 200 people attended a meeting held Tuesday by the Vernon Taxpayers Association. Meeting chair Andy Danyliu says the common theme of the people who spoke, was that city council should be holding a referendum for the 20 million dollar plan. 'They had a sense of deja vu, that it was, they felt that the way this council is handling this cultural centre, library project is reminiscent of the worst days of Sean Harvey.' The group voted to write a letter to the Inspector of BC Municipalities asking it to investigate any irregularities in the city's process.
The participants also agreed to oppose the plan through the counter petition process, which starts July 16-th.

Black Press eyes Osprey

Jun 28, 2007 04:30 AM RITA TRICHUR http://www.thestar.com/Business/article/230219

The battle for Osprey Media Income Fund intensified yesterday after the newspaper publisher received a $404.5 million takeover bid from Black Press Ltd. that trumps a previous offer from Quebecor Media Inc.Markham-based Osprey, which owns daily newspapers around Ontario, saw its units soar on the news. It said Quebecor Media now has until July 5 to either match or top the Black Press offer. If it fails to do so, Osprey will pay Quebecor Media a break fee of $15 million and accept the offer from Black Press.

Quebecor Media, the media division of Montreal-based communications giant Quebecor Inc., had tabled a $355.5 million proposal on May 31. Spokesperson Luc Lavoie said the company is not contemplating a higher bid and would not speculate about one emerging down the road.Black Press, a Victoria-based newspaper publisher, is offering $8.25 per unit for Osprey. That tops Quebecor Media's current offer by $1 per unit. CEO David Black said Osprey's newspapers would give his company, which primarily operates in western Canada and the United States, a solid foothold in the key Ontario market. "I think that newspapering in Ontario is just good business," Black said in an interview.

Hospital draws global suitors

By JORDAN NICURITY Thursday, June 28, 2007 http://www.dailycourier.ca/stories.php?id=51126

The expansion of Vernon Jubilee Hospital and Kelowna General Hospital is one step closer to reality as three development teams have been short-listed to carry out the project. An amalgamation of companies from Canada, Europe, Australia and the United States with expertise in design, finance, construction, engineering and maintenance have expressed interest in the project. The three development teams will now be asked to participate in the request for proposal phase of the tender process. “This scale of project rarely receives over three submissions,” said Cam McAlpine, a communications officer with Interior Health. “We‘re quite happy that we had three responses, that will raise the level of competition.”

Twenty-four different companies, including Vernon‘s MQN Architects, were among the three teams to respond to the request for qualifications – which acts as a resume phase of the tendering process – and all three made the short list. Controversially, all three of the groups that have been short-listed have a company on roster that is involved in housekeeping and maintenance contracting. According to Interior Health, whether the housekeeping and maintenance contracts will be part of the final proposal is yet to be decided. A recent Supreme Court of Canada decision struck down portions of Bill 29, the contentious bill that paved the way for the privatization of some health care services. This decision gave the government of B.C. one year to implement the ruling, which protects collective bargaining under the Charter of Rights and Freedoms.

“Given the results (of the ruling), we are waiting for some feedback from the government, who are looking at it,” said Joanne Konnert, chief operating officer for the Okanagan region of Interior Health. The Hospital Employees‘ Union (HEU), which represents the housekeeping and maintenance staff of the hospitals, does not feel that the government is responding to the Supreme Court decision. “The court gave them one year to deal with the repercussions of the ruling,” said Zorica Bosancic, speaking on behalf of HEU. “But they did not hand this government a free pass to continue to fire workers or make long-term business deals based on an unconstitutional law.” The union said that more than 300 jobs will be lost if the housekeeping and maintenance contracts are privatized. Konnert said the government would let Interior Health know how the ruling would affect the tendering process before it put out the specifications the three groups would need to include in the request for proposal. Those specifications are due out in mid-July. The tendering process is expected to be completed by the end of the year and construction is slated to begin in 2008 and finish in 2010. The new Vernon Jubilee Hospital tower will include outpatient care services, intensive care, cardiac care, and maternity services as well as pediatrics.

FOI Request (Freedom of information ) NEW UPDATE May 31

I thought you might be interested in how a FOI request is processed and the time and costs involved. I have a FOI request for :

The Revenue Agreement signed by the City of Penticton, Lake City Casinos, the BC Lottery Corp (BCLC) and the provincial Government in the summer of 2006 re the South Okanagan Centre.


Don Quixote Update June 28/07
Yesterday I received a return call from Ministry of Public Safety and Solicitor General that my request was waiting comments from the final party, BC Lottery, which is ironic because they were the people I made the original request to on Jan. 3/07. They aknowledged that their deadlined extension had passed and could not be extended. They indicated that I would be receiving the agreement shortly as the other three parties had made no valid objections and as the reason for their original extension of how it would 'affect third parties' business interests' (Casino) was no longer a concern. They have my e-mail address and will be informing me of the next step shortly.

Don Quixote Update May 31/07: On May 28 after an unanswered e-mail and telephone call I received a letter dated May 17 from Ministry of Public Safety and Solicitor General that my request would be acted upon before June 22 2007.(The postmark was May 25) This new timing was an extension under section 10 of the Act: 'The disclosure of the records you have requested may affect third parties' business interests. To assist us in determining whether we may disclose these records, we are providing those third parties with the opportunity to make representations concerning disclosure. The Ministry is required to make a decision regarding disclosure by June 22, 2007.'

Don Quixote Update Apr 20/07: April 19 received a letter dated April 13 from Ministry of Public Safety and Solicitor General that my request would be acted upon before May 17,2007. This is in response to my New FOI request by e-mail of Apr. 3/07.

Don Quixote Update Apr 3/07: In a phone call from the Provincial Government (Ministry of Attorney General) I was advised that the agreement has now been signed and I could resubmit my FOI request. I did so on Apr 3 by e-mail to the designated person I was given.

Don Quixote Update Mar 25/07: On Mar 19/07 I received an e-mail reply message from the City of Penticton as follows:"can resubmit his application after we get the signed copy back. Until the document has been executed by all parties it is only an agreement in principle. I would anticipate that we will get a copy back in a month or so. There are multiple signatories and they all require approval from their respective Boards and Agencies so it may take awhile."

Makes you wonder how the City could start the building of the South Okanagan Centre based and have gone to a referendum based only on a 'agreement in principle' ??

Don Quixote Update Feb 26/07: My FOI requests have been closed by the City of Penticton and the B.C. Government. Neither were kind enough to inform me when the agreement would be signed so I would know when to reapply. I wished that they had simply informed me that when the document was signed that they would send me a copy asap. (After applicable fees that I know I will be asked for.) I plan to phone them this week in hope of getting an approximate time frame for reapplying. Wish me luck as I wade into the darkness and shadows of Provincial and Municipal bureaucracy !

• Jan 3, 2007: Made request by mail to the BCLC. (cost .52 stamp) (Kamloops)
• Jan 31, 2007: Made identical request by mail to the City of Penticton. (cost .52 stamp)
• Feb 2, 2007: Letter from BCLC dated Jan 23, 2007 stating that they had forwarded my request to the Minister of Public Safety and Solicitor General (Victoria) for further action. "They must respond within 30 days of receiving your transferred request, unless they extend the time limit for responding to you."
• Feb 12. 2007: Letter From Ministry of Public Safety and Solicitor General dated Feb. 7, 2007 stating that "We will make every effort to provide the records available to you under the Act as quickly as possible. The Act allows us 30 business days to respond to your request, therefore, we will be responding on or before March 15, 2007. However in limited circumstances the Act provides that we may extend this time limit if necessary."
• Feb 22, 2007: Letter from City of Penticton dated Feb 16 and stating: "At this time, the agreement has not been signed and the details are still pending, therefore, the City cannot accommodate your request." *
• Feb 26, 2007: Letter from Ministry of Public Safety and Solicitor General dated Feb. 22, 2007 stating : "The Term of Agreement have been negotiated. However it is in its final stages of review and until the agreement is signed, we are unable to provide you with a copy. You may wish to contact our office at a later date to request the final signed agreement. Your file with this office is now closed."

*City endorses funding for event centre It appears Penticton Council endorsed this agreement at their Feb 19 meeting. (Item 8.2 at http://www.penticton.ca/city/council/meetings/2007/02/2007-02-19-VideoReview.asp (Review Recorded Video - part 2 ) ( 2.02.35 Hours into meeting.)

It would appear that Penticton answered my request on Friday, Feb16 knowing full well that the Council would be voting to endorse on Monday Feb.19/07. However the postmark on the envelope is also Feb 19/07 !

HEU says KGH & VJH Expansion Bids Unconstitutional

Charmaine de Silva - Standard Radio News http://www.vernon.thesun.net/node/548495

The province may face a lawsuit if it continues with plans to contract out support staff at Kelowna General and Vernon Jubilee Hospitals. Hospital Employees' Union spokesperson Mike Old says laying off public employees and turning over their jobs to for-profit companies ignores a recent ruling by the Supreme Court. By ingorning the highest court, Old says the province is exposing taxpayers to future liability. The move to privatize support staff at K-G-H and Vernon Jubilee could result in the loss of over 3-hundred jobs.

Council meeting rises hotter than usual

– Managing editor Scott Neufeld, reporter Jordan Nicurity EDITORIAL Wed. June 27 http://www.dailycourier.ca/

According to many council observers, Monday’s meeting was one of the more raucous in recent years. With some councillors likely still fuming the next day, it’s hard to separate the hot from the cold with so many hot-tempered politicians at the meeting.

At the top of the hot list is Coun. Buffy Baumbrough who was brimming with emotion on Monday. Baumbrough grew angry when several councillors violated a new policy to delay Official Community Plan projects. The councillors changed their minds the first time a project came along that violated the OCP. She rarely speaks at meetings so Baumbrough’s display of passion was impressive.

Sliding on to the cold list this week is Coun. Pat Cochrane who led the charge in approving the project that went against the OCP. Why approve a policy if you’re going to breach it at the first opportunity? Although Cochrane may have been correct that it’s a worthy project, the way the
issue was handled paints council in a negative light.

On the hot list is Coun. Barry Beardsell, partly for his heated outburst at council but also for his opinions on the O’Keefe Ranch grant. The ranch desperately needs provincial help and depending on an RV park for income is beneath a heritage site.

On the cold list is Coun. Jack Gilroy, who was part of the council flip-flop on the OCP. Other than that the former firefighter had little to say.

Landing on the hot list this week is Coun. Juliette Cunningham who voted against the OCP amendment on principle. Cunningham said although she thinks the proposal may be valid she voted against it because it violated the city’s new policy. The councillor also threw her support behind sending a letter of support for local hospital workers threatened by the privatization of Vernon Jubilee.

Coun. Patrick Nicol finds himself on the cold list this week for joining in on the council flip flop. One wonders if the councillors truly understood what they were doing when they voted to approve the project. Despite asking questions of the long-range planner, they went against her
recommendations anyway.

Finally, Mayor Wayne Lippert lands on the cold list for casting the deciding ballot and making the flip-flop official. Although the mayor has switched sides in the past on development issues, this was his most obvious about-face to date. It may be too much to hope but, maybe council
will try and be more consistent in the future.

Alternative Approval Processes (KELOWNA)

With regards to this process and since the release used Kelowna as an example of a city that used the alternate approval option I provide the following link to all the details that Kelowna offered when this method was used. (excerpt below).

Vernon has adopted a 10 signature form which is better than Kelowna and hopefully will allow form to be downloaded from website.

http://www.city.kelowna.bc.ca/CM/Page1212.aspx

Once the AAP starts, the forms are available from the City Clerk’s Office at City Hall (for pick up or they can be faxed, mailed, or e-mailed to an elector). In some cases, they are also made available at other public facilities such as recreation centres, public libraries and the like, as well as available for downloading from the City’s website. The completed forms must be delivered to the City Clerk’s Office by the deadline in order to be counted. Usually there is room for five or six electors to sign one form, or each elector may sign his or her own form. Accurate copies of the Council approved forms are also acceptable, so long as they are not altered (in other words, someone may obtain one form and photocopy it if needed).

Library/Civic Building LAST OPEN HOUSE TODAY

LAST OPEN HOUSE TODAY

The public will be provided three opportunities within the next two weeks to view site concepts for the inclusion of the proposed library/civic building on the civic complex block.

The Open Houses will be held at City Hall on the following dates:
Wednesday, June 20th, 2007 – 5:00 – 8:00 p.m.

Saturday, June 23rd, 2007 – 11:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.

Wednesday, June 27th, 2007 – 5:00 – 8:00 p.m.

Library and Art Gallery representatives, City Staff, RCMP, and Architects will be available to provide information on the preliminary design, cost and borrowing bylaw approval process.

Wrong message sent

By Richard Rolke Jun 27 2007 http://www.vernonmorningstar.com/

Most of Vernon council may have been oblivious to the fact, but the optics behind their actions look bad. On Monday, three readings were given to a bylaw that establishes an alternate approval process between July 15 and Aug. 15. Through this mechanism, the city hopes to borrow $20 million for a new library/civic building. Now the city has always maintained that an alternate approval process is a legitimate way of garnering public support and that hearing from residents is important. So some taxpayers may be taken aback to learn that even before the approval process has been held, significant steps are being taken by city hall.

On Monday, three readings were given to a bylaw that would allow the city to borrow the $20 million. This may be just a bureaucratic procedure that allows the city to act quickly once the alternate approval process is done, but raising hands for bylaws before the public has had their say sends a questionable message. More importantly, though, was a decision to short-term borrow $300,000 so an architectural firm can be hired to do design work. Even before the public input process has started, money is already being spent. But that really shouldn’t shock anybody.

On Monday, Mayor Wayne Lippert reiterated the common mantra, “The building will be built.” No matter what happens with the counter-petition, the politicians (except for lone critic Barry Beardsell) insist the project will go ahead. Council points out that the bylaw deals only with how to fund the building, and not whether it should go ahead. A similar tact was taken by the District of Coldstream council years ago when it came to a new municipal office. Technically, Coldstream council was correct. Residents voting against a borrowing bylaw didn’t prevent it from pursuing other options for the office. But many residents saw it as doing an end-run around democracy and emotions still run high over the issue. I suspect the same hard feelings will surface in Vernon if the city goes against a large chunk of voters.

And it is increasingly obvious that the city doesn’t have all of its ducks in a row. Two weeks ago, the city issued a press release indicating that if long-term borrowing is shot down, it could still go to the bank for short-term cash. But it has now discovered that provincial legislation actually prevents it from borrowing such a large sum on a short-term basis. Because of that, publicly owned lands may now be sold off to raise the necessary cash. The public open houses have also been misleading as they include information about the space requirements for the art gallery and museum. Missing from the equation is the fact that the museum and art gallery fall under the mandate of the Greater Vernon Services Committee and not the city. GVSC has not agreed to provide additional operating funds for expanded space, and until that occurs, it is unlikely either agency will be impacted by the city’s plans.

For a council that promised to be open and responsive to the wishes of the community, it is treading awfully close to being seen as out-of-touch and overbearing. Time will only tell if these actions are held against mayor and council during the November 2008 election.

Emotions run high at council

By RICHARD ROLKE Morning Star Staff Jun 27 2007 http://www.vernonmorningstar.com/

Tempers flared Monday as some Vernon councillors accused their colleagues of ignoring long-term planning. Councillors Buffy Baumbrough, Barry Beardsell and Juliette Cunningham were visibly upset as Mayor Wayne Lippert and Councillors Pat Cochrane, Jack Gilroy and Patrick Nicol supported an official community plan amendment for a residential development on Eastside Road. “The four of you are smacking the general public in the face,” said Beardsell.
At issue is whether the application from Ekistics Town Planning can proceed now or should wait until early 2008 when the city’s OCP review is completed.

The city’s new long range planner had asked that any applications for OCP changes be placed on hold during the review process. While that recommendation was accepted it does not apply to the Eastside Road property. “Why are we bothering to have an OCP review done at such a huge cost? If this isn’t fast-tracking, I don’t know what is,” said Beardsell. Cunningham fears council’s actions will send the wrong message to Okanagan Landing residents. “They believe the only reason the city wanted Okanagan Landing was for land and tax dollars,” she said. Baumbrough also wanted the proposed 100 residential units on the old Paraiso Point campground to wait.
“It does not fit many of the Smart Growth principles,” she said.

However, the four councillors defended supporting an OCP amendment from tourist commercial to residential-low density. “If this was truly bare land, I’d be content to support a deferral but it’s already zoned tourist commercial. They could operate as a campground which didn’t have any support from the neighbourhood. Residential is a better use of the property at this time,” said Cochrane. But that brought a sharp retort from Beardsell, who pointed out the campground can’t legally open. “The argument about the campground has no validity,” he said. Lippert says the matter must still go to a public input session and then bylaw changes must be considered. It doesn’t mean it’s going anywhere,” he said of the Ekistics’ application.

In terms of considering it before the OCP review is done, Lippert believes that is appropriate, “This (application) was already in process,” he said. Gilroy maintains the developer is following all of the rules. “You can’t hide behind the OCP. Business can’t stop,” he said. Developer Craig Stowe hopes the process will remain on track. ‘It’s a huge investment and we’ve got public support in the neighbourhood,” he said. “It fits into the residential neighbourhood. It’s a positive development.”

Library project can’t be stopped

By Jordan Nicurity Wed, June 27 2007 http://www.dailycourier.ca/stories.php?id=50895

The question is no longer if the new library/civic complex will be built, but how it will be funded. At Monday‘s council meeting it was made clear the project would move forward regardless of where the funding for the multi-million dollar building will come from. “We are committed to the project,” said Coun. Juliette Cunningham. “The time is right for this on so many levels.” Cunningham said the RCMP‘s dire need for office space must be considered along with the needs of not only the library but also the art gallery, which will occupy the second floor of the new building, and the museum, which would move into the old library.

While addressing council, Mayor Wayne Lippert made it clear that the building construction would go ahead. “Council has made the recommendation that the building be built, the site has been chosen; now we need to find how to fund it,” said Lippert at the meeting. It is the issue of funding, and how public approval to borrow the $20 million needed for the project will be obtained, that has some citizens and Coun. Barry Beardsell up in arms. “I think it sends a message of arrogance to the public. We‘re going to do it come hell or high water; we don‘t care what you think, it‘s going to get done,” said Beardsell, who was the only councillor to vote against the creation of a bylaw that would authorize the city to borrow the money, barring a challenge through an alternate approval process.

Instead of a referendum, council has decided to use the alternate process, which requires that council be presented with a petition containing the signatures of 10 per cent of the voting public refusing to authorize the borrowing. Citizens will be able to sign the petition between July 15 and August 15. If the required 2,777 signatures are on the petition, council will have to seek an alternate method to fund the project, or take the issue to a referendum. “The library board did put a bit of pressure on us regarding the timeline of the project. That‘s why we‘re doing a petition (as the public approval method),” said Cunningham. Council also made it clear that if they cannot borrow the money, they would consider selling off assets to fund the project. “We own other land; there is the possibility we would have to sell assets. I‘m not sure which ones but that is an option,” said Cunningham.

Council moves ahead with library project

By RICHARD ROLKE Morning Star Staff Jun 27 2007 http://www.vernonmorningstar.com/

A Vernon politician believes the rest of council is steamrolling over the wishes of residents. Coun. Barry Beardsell is angered his colleagues made some major decisions regarding a proposed library/civic building Monday despite the matter not going before the public for approval yet. “It sends the message of arrogance and, ‘Hey we’re going to do it come hell or high water,’” he said. Council has given three readings to a bylaw that authorizes it to long-term borrow $20 million over 25 years for the building. Final adoption must still be granted. Council also gave the green light to staff to short-term borrow $300,000 for building design work.

Beardsell was the only one to oppose the expenditure. “It’s not a done deal at this stage. The public may turn against it,” he said, referring to the alternate approval process that allows those opposed to borrowing $20 million to sign a petition. If 10 per cent of the voters sign the petition, borrowing can’t proceed. Mayor Wayne Lippert has indicated construction will go ahead no matter the outcome of the petition process. That has Coun. Barry Beardsell suggesting his colleagues will find other ways to come up with the money. “A lot of city assets could be flogged off if the counter-petition is turned down,” he said. Lippert admits selling city-owned land to generate the necessary funds is possible. “Staff has been instructed to look at different ways to fund it,” he said.

Despite a press release two weeks ago, the city has now learned that it can’t legally borrow $20 million short-term. Other options may be to tap into city reserves or to go to referendum. The city has drawn fire over holding an alternate approval process instead of going to full-referendum. However, council states the counter-petition route was chosen because of tight timelines for a new library and to access government grants. “I know we are going to take flack but I believe it’s the right thing to do,” said Coun. Juliette Cunningham. The alternate approval process will run from July 15 to Aug. 15. Beardsell is encouraging people to challenge the city’s actions. “I hope a number of people will be working with the counter-petition,” he said of getting signatures.

City fires planning director

By Ron Seymour Wednesday, June 26, 2007
http://www.kelownadailycourier.ca/stories.php?id=50897

The City of Kelowna‘s planning director has been fired after less than a year on the job. Mary Pynenburg was dismissed last Friday because of personality conflicts with staff and differences in philosophy, city manager Ron Mattiussi said Tuesday. “Over the last 10 months, it became apparent that there really wasn‘t a good fit between the way Mary carried out business as the director of the department and our corporate and community culture, and I didn‘t think it was in anyone‘s interest to let that continue,” Mattiussi said in an interview. Also fired was Carlos Felip, who Pynenburg had hired as development services manager - essentially, the No. 2 in the planning department - just last month. The pair, longtime friends, had a management style that was proving divisive in the planning department, Mattiussi said. “Mary has very good credentials, but you want to build a team and move forward and create a feeling of cohesion, and clearly we weren‘t going there,” he said. “And, lately, a fragile situation went critical.” Pynenburg did not return a phone call Tuesday.

Members of Kelowna‘s development community said they weren‘t surprised that Pynenburg had been fired, describing her as difficult to deal with and often contemptuous of their projects. “She called one of my projects ’laughable‘ and another ’a joke,‘ and I heard she told an architect he should quit because he was incompetent,” one builder said. “No matter what she thought of them, that‘s just not the way to deal with people.” “She had this idea that she was going to modernize Kelowna, put her footprint on the city,” said another developer. “It was a typical attitude for someone coming here from a bigger place, but she didn‘t sell it very well with the people she had to deal with.” Pynenburg was director of planning for the City of New Westminster from 1992-2004. She has also worked in the United States and overseas.

Pynenburg ran unsuccessfully for the federal Liberals in the 2004 and 2006 elections in the Lower Mainland. Her 2004 campaign became controversial when it emerged she was soliciting donations from developers while working for the New Westminster planning department, creating concerns about a conflict of interest. Pynenburg started with the City of Kelowna last September. Two members of the planning department have quit since the beginning of the year, and their positions haven‘t been filled. Mattiussi suggested Pynenburg didn‘t get along with younger members of the planning staff, and expressed the belief that might make it difficult to hire other employees in the future. “I need people in leadership positions who can deal with Gen X and Gen Y, try to build a good team to serve the people of the city,” Mattiussi said. “When the chemistry isn‘t working, it‘s important not to prolong that.” Asked if he anticipated a wrongful dismissal lawsuit from Pynenburg, Mattiussi said the city‘s intention was to be “fair” in reaching a financial settlement. “I‘m sure she‘s getting legal advice,” he added. David Shipclark, the city‘s director of corporate services, has become the planning director on an interim basis.

Sewer process labelled flawed (Coldstream)

By Jennifer Dyck Morning Star Staff Jun 27 2007 http://www.vernonmorningstar.com/

A Coldstream councillor is blowing the whistle on his own colleagues over a service he says is robbing the majority to serve few interests. Coun. Bill Firman is calling the recent sewer line extensions’ public process flawed, and is demanding that the Ministry of Community Services review the process. “We didn’t follow the proper process of a petition,” said Firman, whose motion was tabled for a future meeting so council could spend more time dealing with the issue.
“The current sewer users were looted of money and the bank roll extended the sewer in this community,” said Firman, echoing the concerns of resident Gyula Kiss who routinely voices his disgust with the process and fees being paid by current users. “It’s so fundamentally unfair and I think we need an opinion on it and we need a legal opinion.” Firman has voiced his opposition in the past to the sewer extensions, but when it comes to the Kalamalka Road extension from McClounie to Aberdeen Roads chief administrative officer Wendy Kay says that project is not flawed as it has long been identified in the sewer plan.

But Firman is particularly frustrated with the extension from McClounie Road to Mackie Drive, which came on board with a local developer. The Coldstream Meadows developer put in the sewer line along Giles, Pine and Mackie drives. A latecomer agreement for residents on this extension was recently paid out to the developer by the district, costing $264,000. That reduces the nearly $10,000 connection fee to make sewer connection equal for all users at $2,000.
But Firman says this is unfair to those who have been paying into the sewer system for a lot longer. “It seems to me at the very least these people (along the extension) should be forced to hook up,” said Firman.

Raising alarm over foreign objects

By Jordan Nicurity Wed, June 27, 2007 http://www.dailycourier.ca/stories.php?id=50894

At their Monday meeting, City council approved a motion to stop the airport from turning into a junkyard. On a recommendation from the airport advisory committee, council said they would create a bylaw “that would deal with nuisances” at the airport. According to airport manager Grahame Go, the nuisances are the garbage and debris that are cluttering up the airport. The debris is being left outside At their Monday meeting, City council approved a motion to stop the airport from turning into a junkyard. On a recommendation from the airport advisory committee, council said they would create a bylaw “that would deal with nuisances” at the airport. According to airport manager Grahame Go, the nuisances are the garbage and debris that are cluttering up the airport. The debris is being left outside the hangars by the businesses that lease them. “It is mainly garbage and different things that people are not keeping in their hangars,” said Go, who is also the chair of the airport advisory committee. “This creates a possible hazard to the aircraft taking off and landing.” Go said there are many reasons for keeping the airport grounds in tidy condition. “First, pieces of garbage can get sucked up into propellers or turbines. In the air industry we call that ’FOD‘ – foreign object damage,” said Go. “The secondary reason is that we want to keep the airport looking professional. We want it clean and tidy for people looking to rent or other people coming to the airport.”

A drive around the airport grounds revealed that approximately half of the hangars had garbage or debris placed outside. There was also a boat and an old car under a tarp as well as many rusted airframes and landing floats littering the area. “Some of the leases have clauses saying that they can‘t put garbage out but it‘s just not economically viable to take (the tenants) to court on a breach of the lease agreement,” said Go, adding that by creating a bylaw specific to the airport, the situation could be dealt with effectively. Go said airport requests to the businesses in the hangars to clean up their areas have gone largely ignored. “All airports have this problem. A lot of people have said they will do something about it but haven‘t. Others have just ignored out letters.” The new bylaw would allow the so called nuisances to be removed and the cost of the removal added to the property tax of the offenders. Go said that although the threat of debris on the runway could have potentially serious consequences, staff does an inspection of the tarmac every morning.

Vernon Teen Missing

by RCMP - Story: 31214June 26, 2007 / 9:00 pm Castanet
Police are actively attempting to locate Jessica Dawn Kuzyk, 17, of Vernon. Kuzyk walked out of the Psychiatric Ward at Vernon Jubilee Hospital on Sunday, June 24th at 9 a.m. She has not been seen since. Kuzyk had been admitted to the Ward the evening before. She may have substance abuse problems, be suicidal and violent. Kuzyk was last seen wearing green army pants and a grey shirt. Her hair is short, curly and brown. She is 5'4" tall. Her family and police believe she is still in the Vernon area. Anyone knowing of her whereabouts is requested to immediately call the Vernon RCMP.

Former mayor denies deceiving Landing residents

By Vernon Daily Courier staff http://www.dailycourier.ca/index.php Mon June 25

Former Vernon mayor Wayne McGrath has taken issue with comments made by Coun. Pat Cochrane and Okanagan Landing resident Alan Hill which were printed in the Vernon Daily Courier last Wednesday. “I think Pat Cochrane’s comments were inappropriate,” said McGrath, “He admits he has no knowledge of this letter but he says I’ve misled people.” The article highlighted the disagreement between the city and residents of Okanagan Landing over which party was responsible for the costs to connect to the sewer line. In the article, Alan Hill quoted a letter from McGrath addressed to Okanagan Landing residents in which the former mayor is alleged to promise that Okanagan Landing residents would be able to connect to the sewer system at no cost. Cochrane also blamed McGrath for the confusion regarding the responsibility of connection costs, saying that “it seems that Mr. McGrath encouraged people to believe that there would be no cost.”

A copy of the letter in question, dated March 29, 1993, states that “The City will provide existing Landing residents with access to trunk sewer lines, force mains, lift stations, sewage treatment plant and effluent disposal at no cost.” However, the next sentence holds that residents would be required to pay for the cost of collector lines that “may be required to connect to trunk mains”. McGrath acknowledged that the technical terms used could be misleading to a layperson but also said that “you can read very clearly that there is a
cost for residents.” McGrath added that existing residents were told they would not have to pay connection fees, but would be responsible for paying for the sewer lines that would connect their house to the main “trunk” line.

McGrath admitted that “all documents are relatively silent on who pays for the line from the individual homes to the main line”, but that it was made clear that residents would pick up the tab.While McGrath defended the honesty of his council, he was quick to point out that he felt it was unfair that Landing residents are currently required to purchase pump equipment – that could cost as much as $15,000 – if they want to join the line. “We never envisioned people would have to put in grinder pumps,” said McGrath, noting that the original sewer plan was changed after the Outback development “leapfrogged” existing sewer systems, requiring city planners to change the type of pump that would drive the system.

City tender to replace Library Roof Top Unit costs $12,441.96

http://www.vernon.ca/services/purchasing/pdf/Q-FAF-07-52_RTU_Replacement.pdf

Closes June 20, 2007 2:00PM




http://www.vernon.ca/services/purchasing/index.html#tenders
Q-FAF-07-52
RTU Replacement
June 20, 2007
Britech HVAC Ltd.
$12,441.96

Only 3 firms left in Running.

The 16 submissions from Architectural firms have been reduced down to 3. Three firms have been selected by the Evaluation committee and asked to proceed to the Request for Proposal – Architectural phase of the project.

A Technical Steering Committee comprised of representatives of the Okanagan Regional Library, City staff and a council rep. Mayor Lippert will pick the successful firm that will design the complex . (Art Gallery may alo be on committee but not confirmed yet ?)

At yesterday's council meeting, $300,000 was authorized via short term borrowing to provide sufficient money to continue the process. (6-1 vote, Beardsell in minority again)

Library Complex to be Built One Way or Another AND Council Heats up Over Proposed Resort

(Pete McIntyre) http://www.1075kiss.com/news/headlines/
Library Complex to be Built One Way or Another
One Vernon city council member feels the city is ramming ahead with the proposed library building,regardless of what residents think. Barry Beardsell made the comment after city council gave three readings to the bylaw to borrow up to 20 million dollars for the project, leaving the process one step from final approval.'I think it sends a message of arrogance to the public- look we're going to do it come hell or high water, we don't care what you think its going to get done.'Beardsell was the lone councillor to oppose the bylaw which is the subject of a counter petition in July and August.

Mayor Wayne Lippert says the building will get built, even if that means selling city's assets to fund it. 'I suppose anything like that is possible. There are different ways that staff have been instructed to go and look at different ways of funding this project if the alternate approval process fails.' Lippert argues the facilities are needed to keep up to the city's growth

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

Council Heats up Over Proposed Resort .(Pete McIntyre)
A proposed new development in Okanagan Landing has caused a bitter divide on Vernon council. Ekistics is planning the Whitepoint Resort with up to 100 homes on the former Parisio campsite land on Eastside Road. Council voted 4-3 to continue with the application and seek public input. Councillors Beardsell, Cunningham, Baumbrough were upset at the decision, preferring the proposal be put on hold until the O-C-P is completed. Buffy Baumbrough says it went against the recommendation from the city's long range planner. 'In my books it doesn't fit with the guiding principles of our OCP. It doesn't fit with smart growth principles and so it would be inadvisable for us to proceed at this point and I agreed with the deferral.' Mayor Wayne Lippert cast the deciding vote. He points out nothing's been approved, and the input session will give council more clarity on the issue.

Send in the Clowns and the 'Smpathetic Developer '

If you get a chance to watch the Council Replay on Shaw Cable on Tuesday (following Council meeting) at 11:00 a.m. Saturday at 11:00 a.m. Sunday evening at 7:00 p.m, tape it, for it will become a Council Classic. Whether it becomes known as 'Send in the Clowns' or 'They all flew over the Cuckoo's Nest' will be the subject of the only real debate heard at yesterdays meeting.

The council had received a report from the New Long Range Planner Kim Flick at the morning's Cow Meeting and had voted 6-1 to accept no major OCP amendments that were not at least at the public hearing stage until the OCP was substantially completed. It was probably the most impressive presentation of an inaugural report from a new Staff member that these old eyes have witnessed and her grasp of her subject and knowledge of the Provincial legislation were educational and enlightening. She even turned aside Coun. Beardsell's few technical questions as though they were slow pitches and actually left him wordless. (This item was not on the original agenda but was added as new item 4.c and was noted as 'Policy regarding OCP amendment applications during the review of the OCP. (previously distributed).)

In the afternoon meeting this motion was reintroduced as is the custom and the vote after a brief debate from Coun. Cochrane who was consistent in voting against it again passed 6-1. Within 30 minutes an application for an OCP amendment and rezoning for 9609 and 9650 Eastside Road hit the councillor's desk and the shit hit the fan. The staff explained the merits of the project and gave their recommendation to proceed in their usual competent and thorough manner as they are required to do for any item that is presented on the Agenda. A brief debate and a resolution from Coun. Beardsell to turn down the application at this time was offered, seconded by either Coun. Cunningham or Baumbrough and the vote was called. Watch the vote closely and watch the stunned look on the Councillors who voted in the affirmative as they realize that they had just been defeated as the vote was 4-3 against them. The vote was then reintroduced to support the OCP amendment and passed by the same 4-3 vote. (Cochrane, Nichol, Gilroy and Lippert in majority.)

And the session deteriorated into name calling and accusations and counter accusations that made me wonder if I had stumbled into the Canadian Parliament during Question Period. The justifications for the perceived inconsistency in voting were proffered but rejected by Cunningham, Beardsell and Baumbrough. In turn they spoke of supporting the application as a vast improvement in use but not at this time and place and the application was 'premature' and not in keeping with the just passed OCP policy.

The applicant was caught in the crossfire and though this application will proceed to public input stage it was not agreed to in principal and passed to Public hearing stage. I thought I was told by staff that an OCP amendment ultimately required a 2/3 0r 3/4 majority , i.e a 5-2 vote and unless the two opposing groups changed this would become an exercise in futility for the applicant. (a Phyrric victory). HOWEVER, I scoured the community charter and the City's website and could find NO confirmation that such a super majority is actually required.

It is not often that a developer comes across as a sympathetic figure but the actions of this council have in the passing of two seemingly inconsistent resolutions made it happen. Personally I like the project and if it can be built so the existing taxpayers are not burdened with any of the infrastructure costs for an 'out of time and out of place' project' I would give it my vote. (for what that is worth). At the same time I would not have voted for the OCP amendment moratorium if I was then going to change my mind a half hour later.

Divisive vote sparks heated debate

http://vernon.ok.bc.ca/stories.php?id=50704 By Vernon Daily Courier staff Tues June 26

An otherwise sedate city council meeting erupted into a loud and heated debate on Monday over an application to amend the Official Community Plan (OCP). Conflict arose after some councillors seemed to violate the terms of a report they had just approved. “I‘d like to know where the heck these councillors are coming from,” said Coun. Barry Beardsell, his voice getting louder. “Why are we even bothering to have an OCP review done at such a huge cost?” “If you want this community to be well-planned, you will put this on hold and do the OCP.” The report recommended that council deny any OCP amendments until the new plan is completed. However, when Beardsell‘s motion to oppose a developer‘s application because it went against the OCP, the debate became heated. Beardsell‘s motion was voted down by Coun. Jack Gilroy, Coun. Pat Cochrane and Coun. Patrick Nicol. and Mayor Wayne Lippert broke the deadlock. The other councillors argued the amendment was not dealing with “bare land,” in the words of Cochrane, but an area already designated as tourist commercial that “would be better as residential.”

The report, tabled earlier by Kim Flick, the city‘s new long range planner states that “applications for Official Community Plan amendments . . . received during the review of the Official Community Plan not be endorsed.” Coun. Buffy Baumbrough and Coun. Juliette Cunningham were equally incredulous that the rest of council seemed to be ignoring the report. “People have said time and again that they want more thought to go into long-term planning. There are so many things (in the application) that go against our OCP now. Why are we going ahead with this?” said Baumbrough, matching Beardsell for volume. The proposed amendment would change the designation of the former Paraiso Point Tent and RV Resort on 9650 Eastside Rd. from tourist commercial to resort residential. Ekistics Town Planning Inc. is proposing a “lakeshore amenity building” near the Okanagan lakeshore and 100 residential units. Council voted to request, with councillors split along the same line as the previous vote. “You can only hide behind the OCP for so long,” said Gilroy after the meeting. “Business can‘t stop in town because of the OCP.”

Casa Loma wants out of incorporation (Westbank)

By Special to The Daily Courier Monday, June 25, 2007 http://www.kelownadailycourier.ca/stories.php?id=50707

Casa Loma wants out of incorporation, and has informed Westside regional directors Len Novakowski and David Knowles of its intent. “My direction right now is to contact the minister and see if there‘s any mechanism or way to secede from this,” said Robert Hardy, president of the Casa Loma Community Association. The Casa Loma poll reported 200 in favour of amalgamation and 27 in favour of incorporation in the June 16 governance referendum in which incorporation was the overall victor. Casa Loma is across the bridge from Kelowna, and closer to the city than it is to much of the Westside. Although the governance study was not a regional district initiative, Knowles and Novakowski were targets at a recent meeting of the community association. Knowles said the issue at the meeting immediately became one of disincorporating, of hiving off and joining Kelowna. Hardy acknowledged a Casa Loma representative sat on the governance committee, but said the association was never asked whether it wished to be included in the referendum boundaries. “Basically, I believe we were told the boundaries had been set by the provincial government, and that we had no recourse,” he said.

City has backup Plan to avoid referendum !

Click on Cartoon to Enlarge:




Quotes in Public Domain:

• 'City has committed to constructing a library/civic building on the civic complex site.'


• ' Council may consider other ways in which to finance the Library Civic Complex project should the "Library and Civic Complex Loan Authorization Bylaw #5086, 2007" not proceed.'


• -the issue is no longer whether the proposal will go on, now it is about the method of payment.“Whether this is going to happen is not the question, it is just about the borrowing aspect.”
• ---------------------------

Don Quixote Rant: I would like to see a vote at open council on Monday on the following resolution(s) immediately after the Loan Authorization bylaw is passed:

We will not go to referendum and Council will consider other ways in which to finance the Library Civic Complex project should the "Library and Civic Complex Loan Authorization Bylaw #5086, 2007" not proceed

OR If a Councillor wishes to propose a positive resolution it could be:

We will go to referendum should the "Library and Civic Complex Loan Authorization Bylaw #5086, 2007" not proceed by virtue of an alternate approval process vote exceeding the 10% criteria.

Word of advice from Provincial Govt.

Alternative Approval Process Gov B.C.

What to Consider
If an issue is controversial or requires a significant contribution of taxpayers’ dollars, the number of elector response forms submitted to the local government will likely exceed the 10% threshold. Therefore, it may be timelier for local governments to proceed straight to a referendum rather than delay the matter by holding an alternative approval process first.
--------------------

Don Quixote Note: Negative option billing is a business practice in which goods or services are provided automatically, and the customer must either pay for the service or specifically decline it in advance of billing.

http://www.vernon.ca/news/docs/051123_election_results.pdf Total number of Ballots cast for the City of Vernon 2005 Municipal Elections was 9,641, which represents about 41% of the voter population. (23,514 x 41 = 9641) This would make the 10% requirement only 2351 as compared to the 2777 in bylaw on Monday??

Taxpayers Could be paying for Legalizing of suites !

DCC's (Development Cost Charges) http://www.vernon.ca/bylaws/3769_development_cost_charges.pdf

RATE ONE (per dwelling) City Overall

ROADS – $ 6,734

STORM DRAINS$ 866

SANITARY SEWER - Collection$ 941

SANITARY SEWER - Treatment$ 998

SANITARY SEWER – Disposal$ 412

TOTAL PAYABLE$9,951.00

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

Don Quixote Note: Under the present proposal the City intends to waive the DCC's ($10,000 roughly) for a period of 1 year for existing illegal suites in homes more than 5 years old while charging an additional 1/2 DCC's ($5,000) for new suites built in newer homes or future developments.

Until the City revises its DCC bylaw (which can take up to a year normally) the City would have to charge the DCC's but provide a grant back to the suite legalizer or new suite builder in the same amount. This grant has been done in the past ( Example: $130,000 Good Samaritan Society's project on 20th avenue which was paid from the affordable housing reserve fund.)

In essence this is a taxpayers funded reserve that gets moved to the the DCC reserve which is a developer paid reserve. Until the City changes its DCC's policy and is approved by Victoria it will continue to collect these DCC's from the taxpayer, probably from this Affordable Housing fund.

The Affordable Housing fund stands at $550,000. This will pay for 55 illegal suite conversions or 110 new suites and then the taxpayer will have to ante up some more tax money.

This quick summary of the monetary problem does not address the monies to be lost by NORD taxpayers for water DCC's foregone either. (Park DCC's will be charged)

Perhaps it would be prudent to get on the phone and ask our good friend Gordon Campbell if a 1 year moratorium on DCC's in exiting older houses and the new proposed 1/2 DCC's for new construction could be approved in a speedy fashion.

I like the looks of this policy and think it has considerable merit. It does not address the existing 5 year home owner that may want to built a suite but will be charged at new construction rates nor does it address a potential source of new affordable suites in the downtown core where the building of suites above existing businesses are not covered by this policy as they would not be owner occupied. That aside the staff has constructed a good policy that has been tightened up and vetted by the council's wisdom and should proceed as quickly as possible.

Just make that damm phonecall, please !

City could waive $12,000 fee

Jordan Nicurity Mon, June 25, 2007 http://vernon.ok.bc.ca/stories.php?id=50544

In all of Vernon there is only one suite that can be legally rented out. Hundreds of other suites are currently being rented illegally. The $15,000 in development cost charges, which must be paid before a secondary suite can be rented out seems to keep most landlords operating on the other side of the bylaw. Coun. Juliette Cunningham is seeking to remedy the problem by granting a one-year grace period during which landlords can legalize their suites and avoid paying the city‘s development cost charge. Currently, the city levies $12,000 for secondary suites. Landlords wishing to make their secondary suites legal would still have to pay a $2,844 development cost to the North Okanagan Regional District. “We know we have a lot of illegal suites in Vernon,” said Cunningham, “There is a lot of pressure in Vernon because of the tight housing situation.” Cunningham said she hopes that by offering this incentive to legalize secondary suites in the next year, landlords would bring sub-par suites up to standard.

According to Cunningham this would ensure that the amount of safe affordable accommodations would rise. “Right now it is exactly the same (development costs) for a secondary suite as it is to build a new house,” said Cunningham, “We‘re trying to make it reasonable and affordable so people can do things the legal way.” Cunningham said the city has acknowledged that the development costs are expensive by not cracking down on the hundreds of suites which are rented illegally at present. “The city isn‘t going to be draconian about enforcement. We‘ll deal with it on a complaint basis.” Before the measure is passed, it needs to go to public hearing. In an earlier interview with Barbara Levesque, executive director of Howard House, she said there is a huge need for more affordable housing in Vernon. “I have people at Howard House who are sober, are in healthy relationships, have good jobs and so on, but they can‘t find any independent housing that is affordable. It‘s nearly impossible in this city.” “To us that is just about as big a concern as having no emergency shelter.”

City wage disclosures questioned

Jordan Nicurity Mon, June 25, 2007 http://vernon.ok.bc.ca/stories.php?id=50545

The City of Vernon may bring forward a resolution to the upcoming Union of B.C. Municipalities (UBCM) meeting requesting that the threshold for wage disclosure for municipal employees be raised from $75,000 to $150,000. Then again, it may not. “I‘m not sure what the rationale is behind the whole thing,” said Coun. Juiliette Cunningham, “I would have to question the jump from $75,000 to $150,000.” The draft resolution, which notes that “this threshold has not changed in recent years and the amount no longer holds the significance once envisioned in the legislation” would be brought forward at the meeting by delegates from the city for further discussion by the UBCM. However, first it must be considered by Vernon city councillors who will decide if they wish to present it to the UBCM meeting. Judging by the reaction of some councillors, this stage may be as far as the proposal gets.

The proposal was brought forward for consideration by Kevin Bertles, the city‘s finance manager. “The purpose of the reporting is to provide meaningful info to the public,” said Bertles. “You have to ask if that ($75,000) is the number that people want you to draw attention to? Or a more meaningful number?” Bertles said. “There is no big motive behind it. Is ($75,000) a meaningful number? I don‘t think it is.” Bertles noted that when the City of Vancouver makes public the names and salaries of employees making more than $75,000, the document is several pages long. However, he does acknowledge that no employee of the city of Vernon earns in excess of $150,000. Therefore, no local non-union city employee would have their wage made public. “($150,000) is an incredibly high salary no matter what community or corporation you work for,” said Coun. Pat Cochrane, “I say leave it as it is.” Coun. Patrick Nicol also questions the need for the threshold increase. “The public can know what the unionized employees make so they should have the right to know what management makes,” said Nicol, “I‘d be surprised if it passes. If we‘re trying to be open we should just keep it the way it is.”

Agenda highlights COW MONDAY, JUNE 25, 2007 8:40 AM

Agenda Agenda Pkg 1

• LIBRARY AND CIVIC COMPLEX DESIGN (P. 7) $300,000 or 10% of 3,000,000 required for professional fees is to be authorized by council in 2007 financed by short term borrowing.
• “DRAFT” RESOLUTIONS – 2007 UNION OF BC MUNICIPALITIES :
• HOSPITAL CAPITAL COST FINANCING : THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the Provincial Government assume 100% responsibility of capital hospital expenditures for all municipalities in British Columbia and eliminate the hospital property tax imposed on taxpayers outside the Greater Vancouver Regional District area.
• BUSINESS TAX EXEMPTION : THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the Provincial Government review the Business Class exemption for Class 6 assessments and consider a significant increase in the statutory property exemption, in order to provide small businesses, in the Province of British Columbia, a fair exemption for their increased assessed property value.
• CANADIAN POLICE AND PEACE OFFICERS MEMORIAL :THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the Province of British Columbia lobby, on behalf of all Auxiliary Police Officers in the Province of BC, who are appointed under the BC Police Act, status to qualify for recognition under the Canadian Police and Peace Officers Memorial in Ottawa.
• ANNUAL WAGES IN EXCESS OF $75,000 : WHEREAS all local governments must report annually on all wages paid in excess of $ 75,000.00; AND WHEREAS, this threshold has not changed in recent years and the amount no longer holds the significance once envisioned in the legislation; THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that Section 4 (1) (a) of the Financial Information Regulation be amended to read $ 150,000.00.
• HOMELESSNESS : Councillor Cunningham to bring forward at the meeting.

Odds not good for Potter

News.co,.au

The seventh and last work, Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows, goes on sale in Britain on July 21. Author J. K. Rowling has said she will kill off two characters, but has kept quiet on which ones they are. William Hill said that all the betting had been on the eponymous hero dying. The bookmaker stands to lose £17,000 ($A40,000) if Potter dies. "We created a market saying yes or no: will he be one of the people killed, and if every single person says yes he will, then the market suddenly becomes unviable. We had to close that betting," William Hill spokesman Rupert Adams said.

Now the betting is on who will kill Potter in his final year at the Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. In the "which rotter will pot Potter?" stakes, Lord Voldemort is the favourite at 2-1, Severus Snape is 5-2, Draco Malfoy, Ron Weasley and Potter himself are 6-1 with Neville Longbottom at 12-1. "The big theory we're seeing a lot of in terms of letters coming in is that Harry himself is a Horcrux," explained Adams. "A lot of people seem to think that the scar on his head marks him as one of the Horcruxes." "If he is, to ensure that Voldemort dies, he will need to be sacrificed.

"Will he ask his mate – which is why Ron's so short at 6/1 – will he do himself in, and then thirdly is Neville Longbottom," who has been the biggest mover in the betting, up from 100-1. The Harry Potter books have sold 325 million copies worldwide and have been translated into 64 languages, as well as being converted into a successful film franchise. Potter's adventures at Hogwarts have made Rowling an estimated one billion dollars. The fifth movie in the series is due for release about one week before the final book is released.