More Special Meetings upcoming ??

UBCM is coming up Sept 24-28 and registration for delegates to UBCM are being accepted now. UBCM RATES Convention Brochure

However there is a higher rate the longer you wait. Applications received:

• by Aug 10 will cost $375 for Registration as UBCM Member
• Aug 13-Aug 31 $485
• Sept 1-14 $560
• All other additional workshops have the same 30% and 15% additional charges the longer you wait.

The Vernon Council has yet to announce how many people will be going and who will be going unless this was done at a dark side meeting. As registrants must be named on application form will this require a special meeting to authorize the proper expenditure at the lowest rate saving $110+ per attendee?

Vernon City Council is not scheduled to meet until Aug 13 which will be too late to save the taxpayer money for UBCM and too early to announce the results of the counter petition opportunity which will close 2 days later. The decision if the counter petition opportunity garners more than the required signatures surely will not wait for the scheduled Aug 27 meeting or will it?

DRAFT THE BULLDOG:Since Coun. Beardsell championed two of the resolutions that Vernon forwarded to UBCM and he is the most capable of debating the merits of these important matters than it is imperative that Council name him as one of Vernon's UBCM delegates. The council passed these unanimously and is important that our delegation can properly lobby for passage. The editor of the local paper said it best in an Editorial on June 13: "Speaking of Beardsell, he’s on the hot list this week for proposing to push the issue of hospital funding to the next Union of B.C. Municipalities meeting. Often a critic of the group, Beardsell appears to have found a good avenue to raise the contentious issue. Beardsell should consider attending the gathering to really drive the issue home."

The Two resolutions are:

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.

Geologist Felderhof acquitted in Bre-X case

John Felderhof,

former Bre-X chief geologist

Peter Breiger, Financial : Tuesday, July 31, 2007
TORONTO -- Former Bre-X Minerals Ltd. geologist John Felderhof has been found not guilty of insider trading and issuing false press releases, a decade after the company was exposed as a massive fraud. Mr. Justice Peter Hryn cleared Mr. Felderhof of all eight charges laid by the Ontario Securities Commission in May, 1999
Regulators allege Mr. Felderhof sold $84-million worth of Bre-X stock based on information not disclosed to the public. He was also charged with four counts of issuing false press releases, which reported growing gold reserve estimates. "I find Felderhof has proven he took reasonable care," Judge Hryn told a Toronto courtroom. Bre-X, a one-time market darling, collapsed in the spring of 1997 after its Busang property was revealed as a fraud, erasing more than $6-billion in shareholder value. At its height, shares in the Calgary company climbed above $280 as investors latched on to reports the company's mine contained a startling 50 million ounces of gold. Mr. Felderhof, who lives in Indonesia and did not attended the trial regularly, faced jail time and millions of dollars in fines if convicted.

Vernon Armed Robbery

Ballcap worn by suspect (Photo: RCMP)

by Kelly Hayes - Story: 32279 July 30, 2007 Castanet

Vernon RCMP are investigating an armed robbery that left two young employees rattled. The incident happened late Sunday evening at the Okanagan Store on Okanagan Landing Road where a man threatened the two workers with a knife. "The suspect entered the premise shortly after 8:00 PM. He was wearing a ball cap, blue hoodie and green latex gloves," says Corporal Henry Proce. "He went directly to the victim without hesitation and demanded money. He held the knife to the victim’s neck. The suspect grabbed the cash from the till when it was opened by a second employee on scene. The suspect fled on foot but a witness reports him getting into an older, noisy, white sedan with an ‘N’ on the rear." Proce says the victim who had the knife pointed at his throat is only 15. The other employee is 18. Proce says the two workers were so rattled by the robbery, they locked up and left the store before police arrived - fearing the robber might come back. Police recovered the knife, hoodie, ball cap and tire iron all in and around the scene. The ball cap is distinctive as it is white with a brown brim and a New York Islanders patch sewn onto the front. The suspect is described as 6' - 6'2" tall, Caucasian, about 20 years old, short brown hair and with a possibly misformed jaw or mouth. The suspect did his best to hide his facial features with the hoodie during the course of the robbery.

Captain mural gets new look

By Vernon Daily Courier staffMonday, July 30, 2007 http://www.dailycourier.ca/stories.php?id=56925

Capt. Shorts got a face lift this week and is looking as good as the day he was painted. Capt. Shorts is the name of the mural near the downtown Safeway and renowned mural artist Michelle Loughery was in Vernon yesterday and today to spruce up the good captain. “We gave him a complete new face,” said Loughery Monday afternoon. Loughery painted the first Vernon mural in 1997. From that first brush stroke the Downtown Vernon Association mural project took off and for the next several summers Loughery and her crew of area youth were often seen clambering up scaffolding as they created more art. Loughery‘s work is now in high demand and she has been as far away as Perth, Australia to paint. She is currently working on a large project in Merritt – where she is painting a variety of music stars faces - and is being sought to work in Sweden, Montreal and New York State. The Vernon mural project also helped marginalized youth and has become a template for many other communities. Along with being part of creating the giant works of art, the youth learned a variety of life skills and Loughery has brought that program to Merritt where she works with First Nations youth. She took a couple days off to come to Vernon and touch up the Capt. Shorts painting. Loughery said she did it as a favour to DVA executive director Earl Hansen, who she said has the same love for Vernon she does.

The next mural she hopes to restore is the Spirit of Vernon mural, which is often called the plane mural. It is the first mural people see when they come in to town and the environment has caused a portion of it to fade. “Earl wants to help Vernon and that‘s how it all started,” said Loughery. Loughery said there is still funding available for the mural projects and hinted she would like to see the project start up again in Vernon. She said the youth are an integral part of the project and “everybody wants the kids to do it.” The Capt. Shorts mural is being used as a test of possible techniques to address the maintenance requirements of other downtown murals also in need of upgrading. Plans are to revitalize a number of murals each year with priority going to those in greatest need of attention. “These downtown murals are unique and impressive works of art in their own right, but they require tender, loving care,” said Hansen. “With the original mural artist as a partner with the DVA and the City of Vernon in these maintenance efforts, we are going to have the murals around for our own enjoyment and as a draw for visitors for a long time to come.”

Fire Truck Donated

by Rachael Kimola - July 31, 2007 Castanet

The Anarchist Mountain Fire Department will soon have a new truck. A 2007 Rosenbauer fire engine has been donated to the AMFD by Regal Ridge Developments. The engine is estimated to cost close to $400,000 and is the largest private donation in the history of the Regional District of the Okanagan Similkameen. RDOS chair, Dan Ashton, says the truck is custom designed for the unique terrain of the Anarchist Mountain fire district. “With this four-wheel drive unit the volunteer fire fighters will be safer and will get them to a fire faster, especially in snow and icy conditions. We are very grateful for this unsolicited donation to one of our fire departments. We hope that this will serve to encourage other major developers in the RDOS to make similar contributions” says Ashton. AMFD Chief, Joe Simoes, says they have been working on the department’s long-term needs for awhile and this new engine means they won’t require another primary unit for a long time. A presentation ceremony has been scheduled for Tuesday August 7 starting at 6 p.m. at the Anarchist Mountain Fire Department. Members of the public are invited to attend.

NORD bureaucrab moves to Coldstream

Click on Image To enlarge

http://www.districtofcoldstream.ca/news/070730.php
The District of Coldstream is pleased to announce, effective September 17, 2007, the appointment of Mr. Michael Stamhuis, Professional Engineer, to the position of Director of Engineering Services. Mr. Stamhuis brings to the District, over twenty years of engineering experience with a variety of local governments. Mr. Stamhuis currently holds the position of General Manager of Community and Infrastructure Services at the North Okanagan Regional District.

Reporting to the Chief Administrative Officer, the Director of Engineering Services will be responsible for coordinating the work of engineering consultants and well as the overall direction and performance of the Operations Division. Mr. Stamhuis will also provide long-range infrastructure planning, financing and major contract management. “Mr. Stamhuis is a welcome addition to our management team”, says Wendy Kay, Chief Administrative Officer.

MPs to go from fine dining to 'heat-and-serve' meals

CLICK ON IMAGE TO ENLARGE:

Canada.com Tim Naumetz, The Ottawa CitizenPublished: Monday, July 30, 2007

The old political joke about rubber-chicken dinners may be coming home to roost on Parliament Hill.The House of Commons is planning to substitute fine cuisine and meals prepared for MPs and senators on site with warmed-over pre-cooked meals trucked in from a 21,500-square-foot food plant in Ottawa's east-side industrial sector.The change will end a Hill tradition that goes back to Confederation -- hot meals, including the finest French cuisine, cooked and prepared only a few steps away for politicians every day.

Fatal Accident In Armstrong

by Wayne Moore - Story: 32266July 30, 2007 http://www.castanet.net/edition/news-story-32266-2-.htm#32266

One man is dead and two others injured following a single vehicle accident in Armstrong Sunday afternoon. The accident occurred on Highway 97a, just north of the Pleasant Valley Road junction. North Okanagan RCMP say a 2002 Mazda Protege was travelling south when it suddenly crossed the centre line, left the road and flipped. The driver was ejected from the vehicle. The driver was declared dead at Vernon Jubilee Hospital. Two passengers, a male and female were also taken to hospital in Vernon with serious injuries. Their conditions are unknown. The identity of the deceased is being withheld pending notification of next of kin. All three were from Alberta.

BC Lottery Corporation chooses Castlegar

By Lynsey franks News Editor Jul 25 2007 Catlegar News

Castlegar is the chosen one. The BC Lottery Corporation (BCLC) announced on Tuesday afternoon that the new gaming centre will in fact be a reality for Castlegar. Greg Walker, the Manager of Public Affairs for BCLC, says that the Castlegar Airport is the designated site selection for the new 16,000 square foot facility, and following the Corporation’s comprehensive review of the West Kootenay gaming market, it is expected to be in place in roughly 18 months. “We’re really excited about this,” said Mayor Lawrence Chernoff. “It’s a nice chunk of money and will surely help the City.” According to Walker, the Gaming Control Act requires that municipalities prove an opportunity for public input when it considers hosting a gaming facility before approving the proposal to BCLC. “The ball will now move over into the municipality’s (Castlegar’s) court,” said Walker. “It’s really a milestone in the process for the BCLC.”

Once a site selection has been chosen, Walker says it’s a four-step process towards completing and finalizing the plan. First, the BCLC must make a site selection (Castlegar); second, the municipality must receive community input; third, the municipality must provide the BCLC with a resolution in writing; and last, ensure that there are no appeals or objections. According to Walker, there is an opportunity for an adjacent municipality within a five kilometre radius from the facility to object, and local government must consider a number of areas including: domestic population, tourism benefits, and access to location in order to make their final decision. As for the BCLC, their decision in choosing the location came down to “location, location, location.” “If you consider a regional marketplace, we’re looking for something most convenient to get to,” explained Walker. “The location is just a location, it’s something for all of the West Kootenay and is a source of entertainment prime to serve all of the region,” added Chernoff. “From the community aspect, I am really proud that we have the site. If the ball is in our court, we plan to hit a home run.”

Trail Mayor Dieter Bogs expressed disappointment after hearing the news and explained that due to the business activity near the Castlegar Airport, he feels that activity made the difference in the eyes of BCLC when choosing a site location. “We’ve done a lot of work, but what I really would like to say is that I was disappointed that we could not bring a proposal to the Trail residents for their participation. We did a lot of work on this in the past few years, and I am disappointed that we have not had the opportunity to give the proposal for their consideration,” said Bogs. Revenue from the gaming centre is based on net profit, and according to Walker, the City will receive 10 per cent of the net revenue from the slot machines. “The money won’t go to a specific thing,” said Chernoff. “I really think that if we can show the community positive outcomes, then the public will accept it.”

According to BCLC, the community gaming centre model was developed to help revitalize the bingo industry by building on the unique appeal of the bingo gaming experience while including a broader array of entertainment options, and ultimately to “provide high-quality gaming entertainment in a socially responsible manner, generating income for public good.” “It’s important to understand a community gaming centre,” said Walker. “It’s a blend of bingo, slot machines, lottery games and food and beverages.” When the issue of addiction arose, Chernoff said “We plan to help with social services (addiction) even long before it becomes an issue, we plan to deal with it up front.” “We will look after the public all the way through, and really that has been our goal all along,” he explained. Chernoff stated that in bringing in the gaming centre, his goal of bringing new business into the community is being met, and ultimately, it benefits the tax payers. “If you make your money in the community, you should spend your money in the community,” he explained. “Now we have the development proposal from the provider, now it’s just a matter of accomplishing the goal. We’ve worked really hard for this.”

Multiplex and Performing Arts Theatre - Where we stand !

CLICK ON IMAGE TO ENLARGE
The taxes paid in each applicable area are based on improvements only. (Land doesn't count) for these two buildings that were passed by a referendum of the GVSC partners.

Average house in Vernon $289,509. (Land $138,937, Improvements $150,572) would have paid $62.72 towards the $14,750,000 multiplex and $34.06 towards the $9,020,000 Theatre in 2007. This would make the Debt costs for the Multipex $42.21 and the Theatre would be $25.72. Operating subsidy would be $20.51 for Multiplex and $8.34 for Theatre.)

Be Informed on the $38 cost to average taxpayer for new Library/Civic Building. Or should it be $73.65 ??

On the ads the City has been running for the last two weeks to promote the New Library/Civic Building they state "please make sure you inform yourself on the purpose of the borrowing bylaw." They then go on to state "Based on borrowing over 25 years, financing the construction of the new building, less lease revenue, will cost the average home owner $38 per year.

Analysis of $38 statement:
City's Assumptions in Ad:
The city's calculation of a $37.95 annual cost is based on a 25 year loan, with a 5% interest rate and annual lease revenue of $618,775 and the average property assessment of $289,509. (Land $138,937, Improvements $150,572). Their total actual annual nut to crack is $1,480,239 of which $1,000,000 is interest and $480,239 is principal pay down yearly.

Don Quixote's observations about City's calculations:
The multiplex and the theatre are financed over 20 years on an improvements only basis and this average house would have paid $62.72 towards the $14,750,000 multiplex with $14,25 million set to expire in 2020 AND $34.06 towards the $9,020,000 Theatre with $7.050 million set to expire in 2020 with balance by 2022. (The majority of these monies were financed at 6.36%. (and remember that there is a wider tax based as Areas B and C and Coldstream contribute to these functions through GVSC.)

(These annual charges also include the cost for the ongoing operations.) (67.3% of multipex costs are for debt servicing while 75.5% of Theatre costs are for servicing debt- balance appears to be for operating costs and reserves) This would make the Debt costs for the Multipex $42.21 and the Theatre would be $25.72. Operating subsidy would be $20.51 for Multiplex and $8.34 for Theatre.)
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• If the city's annual lease revenue figures of $618,775 are excluded because either they are optimistic, NOT new revenues, or will not it fact be directed exclusively against the sinking fund of this $20,000,000 loan the average house would have an annual charge of $65.22
• If the City actually financed over normally used 20 year period the annual nut to crack would rise to $1,671,635 and the average house would have an annual charge of $8.43 more raising the cost to $73.65.

Other Data:Breakdown of Anticipated lease revenue $618,775

• 3rd floor rental $108,908,
• RCMP add. space $40,499,
• Parking revenue, $95,040,
• Old library Building Rental $150,771,
• Art Gallery $223,820.

(Old Library Rental 13071 sq ft @ $11/sq ft = 150,711,Art Gallery 18635 Sq.Ft @ $12/Sq ft = $223,620, RCMP 6000 sq ft @ $6.65/sq.ft =$40,499, 3rd floor rental 18635 sq.ft @ $5.84 sq.ft. = $108,908 and Parkade 144 spots (96 L1 + 48 L2) @$660/year or $55/month =$95,040

• Contingency built in $900,835
• City to Library Subsidy: $1,031,085

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Most of these numbers come directly From a June 18 report from the Manager of Finance. There is also an alternative proposal for a 4 year financing that would cost the average house $159.56 ($160 in ad) and also uses the same revenue recovery each year of $618,775. Naturally the average house tax would go up an additional $27.27 (65.22-37.95 ) making a total of $186.83 each year for 4 years if revenue is excluded. (In point of fact the rate in their June 18 calculation is .7452/1000 and the average house assessed at $289,509 would pay $215.74.) (This revised figure of $215.74 would be increased to $243.01 if the revenue was excluded.)

City continues to "inform" us using the taxpayers own money. (excerpts below)July 20 Posting:

Actually the City's taxation for the 4 year plan using their own residential levy rate of .7452 per thousand on the average house valued at $259,509 is $215.74 not $159.56.($160)This correction would help the City to persuade you that is better to pay $38 per year for 25 years rather than $215 per year for 4 years. Naturally this ignores the fact that the $618,775 of rental income( if amount is correct) would continue to flow in and would amount to a reduction in taxes for the average house over the next 21 years.

-------------------------Look at your 2007 Tax Information sheet. This same $289,509 property paid General Municipal taxes of $672.78.

• A $38 per year increase over 25 years is 5.64% increase
• A $65.22 per year increase over 25 years is 9.69% INCREASE. (new)
• A $73.65 per year increase over 20 years is 10.94% INCREASE. (new)

Debate erupts over fate of fields

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

A Greater Vernon politician has suggested public access to Marshall Fields could disappear but that’s being denied by the City of Vernon and the parks board. In an attempt to find alternatives to building a sports complex on Aberdeen Road, Coldstream Coun. Jim Garlick questions why use of Marshall Fields in Vernon hasn’t been maximized and the site expanded. “If it’s park land, when are the next fields going in? Pressure needs to be put on the Greater Vernon Services Committee,” he said. But Garlick fears the city-owned Marshall Fields will ultimately not be available for recreation and he wonders why the site has not been added to GVSC’s parks inventory. But the city’s official community plan designated the area on Okanagan Landing Road as parks and open space. The waterfront plan is also being amended to eliminate plans for housing on part of the site.

“If anything, the city is looking at more green space,” said Dale Rintoul, city planner. “There’s been a pretty strong voice from Okanagan Landing residents that they want green space there.” The city owns Marshall Fields but it is leased for $1 a year to GVSC, which provides maintenance. A GVSC staff report suggests use of Marshall Fields is uncertain if tenure is not secured. But Leon Gous, city administrator, says there should be no concern about the current ownership. “Why would they think we’d withdraw parks from our own service?” he said of the city which funds about 70 per cent of GVSC’s budget. He added that the city also owns Polson Park, Kal Beach and other parks and they have remained available through regional co-operation for the last 30 years. Coun. Barry Beardsell, who also sits on the GVSC board, is firm that the city should retain ownership of the land which was originally bought for water and sewer facilities. “If the GVSC wants it, they can pay the city what it’s worth,” he said. Gary Corner, GVSC chairman and Coldstream mayor, isn’t worried public access to Marshall will be lost. “The lease we have would take three years to get out of if that even happened,” he said.

Instead of building a sports complex in Coldstream, Garlick wants Marshall Fields used more intensively, even if it means purchasing adjacent lands to expand its scope. “It will fit some baseball fields and other things,” he said. “If you put them (complexes) where there’s population, that’s smart.” But Beardsell dismisses Garlick’s suggestions. “There’s no land out there of any significance,” he said. The proposed sports complex site on Aberdeen Road is 118 acres while Marshall Fields, including the former Lakers golf course, is almost 64 acres. With real estate prices near Okanagan Lake skyrocketing, Gous suggests it’s not feasible to purchase more land there and Garlick’s plans could threaten other public assets. “He’s talking about abandoning the airport,” said Gous, of the amount of land needed. Corner contends that the Aberdeen Road property will still be needed even if facilities at Marshall Fields are expanded. “If we buy the Aberdeen block and expand Marshall, we’re still not there,” he said of public need for sports field and open space.

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Marshall Fields concerns fall short Jul 29 2007 EDITORIAL

It’s hard to understand why anyone would think public use of Marshall Fields is going to disappear. If anything, there have been a number of recent actions that should solidify its future for parks and recreation. Specifically is the construction of the indoor soccer centre. After so much time and community donations went into the facility, it’s unlikely that it is now going to be bulldozed. And consider that the centre is popular, with many of the programs over-subscribed.
And there is also the fact that the City of Vernon has backed off plans to turn over the former Lakers Golf property to the private sector and it will remain open space. Adjacent to Marshall Fields, this site will be a significant addition to parkland there. And finally, city officials confirm that the waterfront plan is being amended to remove any prospect of housing on Marshall Fields.

We should also keep in mind that Marshall Fields is primarily used by Vernon residents so why would the city realistically want to limit access for its own residents? So why all the fuss? It’s hard to tell with the exception of trying to cloud legitimate debate about a proposed sports complex on Aberdeen Road in Coldstream. But some good may also come out of this debate over Marshall Fields. Calls for the site to be maximized and even expanded — if adjacent lands can be purchased — make sense. The Okanagan Landing area is growing and the demand for parks and recreation will remain strong. Marshall Fields is a wise choice for intense activity. But let’s look at that issue separately, and tone down the rhetoric. It’s not serving anyone’s interests.

Composting location sought

By Jennifer DyckMorning Star Staff Jul 29 2007 http://www.vernonmorningstar.com/

With 11,000 tonnes of yard waste piling up at Greater Vernon’s landfill each year, and growing, the search is on for a composting facility. The North Okanagan Regional District is looking into options to either dedicate existing land at the Birnie Road landfill, purchase a piece of industrial land or lease another space. A request for proposals for such a space was actually made three years ago, but only one proposal was brought forward. Coldstream Ranch offered space at King Edward Road and Highway 6 for $5,000 a hectare per month. But concerns about the cost and impact on Coldstream Creek have put decisions on hold while more options are considered.

“They (regional services committee) thought with the O’Keefe Ranch that type of income might be useful for them,” said Nicole Kohnert, NORD’s manager of environmental services. One chunk of space being considered at O’Keefe is where the ranch is considering putting in an RV park. “We could probably just squeeze in there,” said Kohnert. At the same time, industrial sites are also being considered, such as the old Coldstream Lumber Yard on Ricardo Road. The three-acre site would cost approximately $1.3 million to purchase. “The other option is to re-organize the landfill up on Birnie Road,” said Kohnert. All options will go back to the committee for its next meeting in September. The project is still in its preliminary stage and still needs public consultation. There is a possibility that funding will be available. Kohnert expects the facility might be included in an upcoming announcement for funding through the Union of B.C. Municipalities and the gas tax of $1.3 million. “This is considered by the board to be a regionally significant project.”

With a new facility, Kohnert said the same yard waste materials from the Lumby and Spallumcheen landfills would be able to be chipped up and hauled to a central location. The chips could be used for various purposes, but primarily compost. There may also be an option of marketing the compost. Yard waste consists of limbs and trimmings and does not include compostable food waste, such as egg shells and apple cores. But Kohnert says another compost for food waste also should be considered. “In the future we need to look at that because that’s 30 per cent of our food waste.”

Public process considered

By RICHARD ROLKE Morning Star Staff Jul 29 2007

Vernon looks at question and answer period with public. A never-used policy that allows the public to speak at council meetings could be scrapped by Vernon city hall. Staff asked council Monday to repeal a policy that created a question and answer period in which citizens could have access to city officials at regular council meetings. “We haven’t done this for a number of years,” said Patti Bridal, clerk. The policy was initiated by former mayor Wayne McGrath in 1999, but it disappeared during Sean Harvey’s administration. “The previous mayor and administrator did not want this policy and it got buried,” said Coun. Pat Cochrane.

Cochrane spoke in favour of resurrecting the question and answer period, saying it would provide easier access for residents than requesting to be a formal delegation. “The policy should be promoted. I have no problem with people making comments or asking questions at the end of the meeting,” he said. Cochrane was supported by Coun. Juliette Cunningham, who referred urgent issues such as homelessness and how being added to the formal agenda takes time. “Sometimes you need an opportunity as the public to bring something forward,” she said. But Coun. Barry Beardsell expressed reservations about the question and answer period, partly because it could lengthen council meetings. “The delegation situation is sufficient and I haven’t seen people turned away,” he said. A decision was deferred until all council members are present to discuss the matter.

Manteca mulls new City Hall

Inside Bay area By Paul Burgarino, STAFF WRITER o7/22/07

MANTECA — It may have caught his colleagues by surprise, but one elected official in this city feels the site of a proposed mixed-use project is ideal for a grandiose City Hall. Vice Mayor Vince Hernandez suggested during a July 16 City Council meeting that he would like to consider a five-story building set for Manteca's southeastern entrance as a potential site. "I would want to put my own neck out on the plank a little bit and consider potentially a City Hall," Hernandez said of the 217-acre Yosemite Square Business Park project site. His statement caught other members of the council off guard. "It definitely perked my ears a little bit," Councilman John Harris said. "I have to commend him for thinking and trying to come up with new ideas," Mayor Willie Weatherford said, though he disagrees with the idea.
Drawing comparisons to the 53,000 square foot Civic Center in Dublin, Hernandez envisions a multifaceted, visible area with different city offices on each level. The building could include a branch of the Manteca library, a floor for paying city bills and other departments such as community development, planning, and public works, he said. Dublin's Civic Center was built in 1989, said Administrative Services Director Paul Rankin, a project manager for the $18.6 million complex. At the time, the city funded the project through General Fund money and borrowed to cover construction costs. "We left room within the original design for expansion areas as well," he said, adding a library was added as a separate project. "It would cost a lot more now, though."
Hernanadez suggested that growth fees collected via development agreements for sewer capacity — or bonus bucks — could be used to help cover the costs of a new Manteca municipal building. Fees per home usually range from $5,000 to $12,000 in Manteca. He estimated that fees from new homes planned for the Yosemite Square project would total nearly $11 million toward a City Hall. He added that some negotiations with AKF Development — the developers of the project — over fees and costs would most likely be necessary. Nearby Lathrop and Tracy have recently opened brand-new city halls — Tracy's opening in April and costing nearly $23 million, $18 million of those coming from developer fees. The current city hall complex is undergoing a transition, as the city police station moves to a new site in Manteca Industrial Park and city departments are moved to help the public.
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It is almost like a parallel dimension in Lala land.

Petition campaign gains momentum

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

The Vernon Taxpayers Association is increasingly confident that it will force the city to go to referendum. The association has been collecting voters’ names on an alternate approval petition since July 16 in the hopes of preventing the city from long-term borrowing of $20 million to construct a new ibrary/administration building. “We’re going to win. I’m not going to give numbers out yet but the response is overwhelming,” said spokesman Tony Stamboulieh. The association’s goal is to collect the names of at least 10 per cent of Vernon’s voters or 2,777 names. If that occurs, the city will have to consider other funding options for the complex, including going to referendum, using short-term borrowing or selling property.

Stamboulieh insists the alternate approval process is undemocratic because it’s not understood by most voters and a referendum is more transparent. “People are put out by the arrogance of council,” he said. The association has petitions available at a number locations including Butcher Boys, Okanagan Sausage, Buy-Low Foods and the Vernon Farmers Market. Stamboulieh is also upset that the city is promoting the proposed building through advertising. “It’s propaganda. They are using tax dollars to counter the counter-petition,” he said. But Coun. Patrick Nicol disagrees that council and city staff are trying to influence the alternate approval process. “Well intentioned people are just trying to put forward the process,” he said. Nicol is not hearing from many residents about the issue of borrowing money for a complex, and he says there hasn’t been a stampede of people signing the petition at city hall. “They’ve only received a few names but that’s not a true indication of things,” he said, referring to the association’s campaign. The city has stated that the alternate approval process was necessary to ensure tight timelines for government grants can be met. “It (complex) helps the RCMP, the library and the city,” said Nicol. The city has alternate approval petitions available at city hall, the art gallery and the library. The alternate approval process continues until Aug. 15.

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Jul 27 2007 EDITORIAL City botches petition process

It may be a stretch to call the City of Vernon’s current advertising campaign propaganda, but it certainly isn’t doing much to make the public informed about the alternate approval process. At a time when the city is using the process as a way to garner public approval to borrow $20 million for a new library/office complex, there are few details about how the process actually works. Of course the city wants the petition campaign to fail so borrowing can go ahead. But it is still incumbent on council and administration to be up front about a public approval process that it has claimed is legitimate and fair. Where are the petition forms available? What are the legal requirements for someone to sign the petition in opposition to borrowing? None of that is in the current ad.

And one has to wonder why that’s not happening, especially when all of this information is publicized before an election or traditional referendum. If people don’t understand the alternate approval process or are suspicious of the city’s motives, it may partly be because of the information vacuum. There is nothing wrong with the city using advertising to state its case for long-term borrowing of $20 million. But using tax dollars for those promotional materials comes with some responsibility and that has been woefully lacking. It is interesting to read the city advertisement, especially the part that urges residents to be informed about the purpose of the borrowing bylaw. Apparently information is only provided when it suits the city's needs. If in the end the city gets its way and the alternate approval process fails, it will largely be because residents were kept in the dark.

Private meeting upsets Beardsell

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

A Vernon politician is furious a meeting with the B.C. Lottery Corporation occurred behind closed doors. Four corporation officials were scheduled to attend a public committee of the whole session Monday. But they refused to take part in that meeting, and would only agree to speak to city council in private. “They had virtually nothing to say that was confidential except maybe on lease costs and survey results,” said Coun. Barry Beardsell. “I don’t see anything in the handout that refers to an in-camera item.” Beardsell had been demanding a meeting with the corporation since February and he believes Monday’s delegation is related to Lake City Casino’s proposed expansion. “Now that they want something, they send a public relations person,” he said.

Beardsell is concerned about the operating agreement for Lake City Casino. Prior to providing 10 per cent of revenue to the city, a casino is allowed to set aside expenditures for facility upgrades. Beardsell insists the money should only be related to the local casino but the B.C. Lottery Corporation has extended the policy to all casinos owned by Lake City’s parent company and that means less money going towards the city. “They (lottery corporation) are robbing the city and they don’t want to talk about it,” he said. Until he has answers to his questions, Beardsell hopes the city will refuse to approve a new casino location. “If I have my way, council will say that it will discuss the matter once prior agreements are worked out,” he said. About $63.2 million was spent on all forms of gambling in Vernon last year, including casino, bingo and lottery tickets. “What is it doing to the economy? So little of it comes back to the local economy,” said Beardsell, who is also concerned about the impact on families and individuals. “There are more incidents of gambling than they (corporation) want to let on.” Officials with the B.C., Lottery Corporation would not comment about the meeting with council and Lake City Casino officials could not be reached for comment.

Province pumps $400,000 into sewer plant

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

A major infusion of cash will allow Enderby to proceed with a $1 million upgrade to its sewer plant. The provincial government announced Thursday that the city will receive $400,000 for the wastewater treatment system. “It’s huge news for us,” said Coun. Brad Case. “For a small community like ours, we can’t handle the whole shot so this helps.” The project will include a new 12-meter diameter sewage clarifier, a new pumping system and flow controls and meters as well as sampling equipment. “We are at capacity and this allows us to move ahead with some subdivisions,” said Case. And while there haven’t been concerns about the quality of effluent being discharged into the Shuswap River, Case believes the project will allow the city to continue high standards. “We just want to be proactive,” he said.

Thursday’s announcement was made by George Abbott, Shuswap MLA. “It’s a very substantial investment in an important environmental project,” said Abbott. Effluent discharged into the Shuswap River ultimately makes its way into Shuswap Lake, the Thompson and Fraser rivers and the Pacific Ocean. “It’s a nice win-win for Enderby but also for the full Fraser-Thompson system,” said Abbott. It’s anticipated construction could begin later this year.

Abbott also announced $178,000 for a public square in Armstrong. “It’s terrific news from the province,” said Mayor Jerry Oglow. The total project cost is $354,000 and it will include a platform for train passengers to use, cobblestone street bricks and decorative lighting.
“It serves to revitalize historic downtown Armstrong,” said Oglow. Funding also comes from the City of Armstrong and Tolko Industries. “It will be a place to not only connect with history but to celebrate events,” said Abbott of the train platform. Work on the platform should get under way in early spring next year.

Opposition foils Tories on Indian Act

Juliet O'Neill, CanWest News ServicePublished: Canada.com

OTTAWA - Opposition MPs accused the minority Conservative government of anti-democratic practices Thursday as they foiled a sudden government bid for Commons committee passage of a bill subjecting the Indian Act to the federal human rights code. During a heated two-hour session of the aboriginal affairs committee, some spectators quietly hissed when Tory MPs attempted to launch clause-by-clause approval of the bill despite a motion approved last month requiring up to 10 months of advance consultation between government and First Nations groups. Many in the hearing room, including lawyers and other representatives of First Nations organizations, burst into applause when Liberal, New Democratic Party and Bloc Quebecois MPs staved off the government effort, passed the consultation motion for the second time and adjourned for the rest of the summer recess.

NDP critic Jean Crowder condemned the government for defying the committee's earlier decision and rejecting consultations with First Nations. "It does call into question a commitment to the democratic process," she said."I would like to remind you that the government is a minority and should act as a minority," said Bloc Quebecois critic Marc Lemay.Committee chair Colin Mayes, a B.C. Conservative MP, said the next step is to wait for a government response to the second consultation motion. Mayes also said he considered the 16 hearings on the bill held already comprised enough dialogue with stakeholders. "If every bill that came to a committee the committee decided 'oh no, the government has to talk with the public for another year or two years before we deal with this,' we'd never get any business done at all in Parliament," he said.

Finance Committee CANCELLED

http://www.vernon.ca/council/meeting_schedule.pdf

July 26 , Thursday: Finance Committee CANCELLED 1:00 pm Kalamalka Lake Room

Don Quixote Note:

I was hoping to see if the 2006 Financial Statements for both the City of Vernon and the AIRPORT would be available to the public. As these statements are required for the Annual Report meeting it seems that meeting may be several months off? I was also hoping to see some discussion on last years surplus, this years anticipated surplus and the state and direction of the reserves, both statutory and regular.

The state of the reserves is the second most important financial priority facing this City. The first is DCC's and a review. At last Council Cow meeting Council passed a resolution to have a workshop on DCC's . Hopefully this will occur immediately and a consultant hired to recommend new DCC levels in conjunction with the ongoing OCP review. After all if GVSC could have a study done and recommend Parks DCC increases of up to 32% then the City is more than capable of ascertaining that our DCC's must be out of date and probably underfunded.As an illustration the cost assigned in 2005 for the Treatment Plant (which is a 50% DCC project) was $27,500,000. Now the last I heard the sewer plant came in thanks to a GST break at around $29,000,000. This $1 1/2 million difference should be reflected in the DCC calculation. There are also DCC costs for major projects that have been up fronted and now form part of a latecomer calculation that should be readjusted. This would cause a lowering of DCC's.

I will be posting a Case for DCC review shortly with reasons why this important study can not be put off. I hate paying 'Consultants' but this is an urgent manner that is best handled by an outside expert !

Help for renters - Video

CHBC VIDEO

City council is moving to protect Vernon's apartment rental pool.

Hurdles in housing crunch

By John MoorhouseThursday, July 26, 2007 http://www.pentictonherald.ca/stories.php?id=56174

Service clubs and other organizations could hold the key towards easing the affordable housing crunch in Penticton, says Mayor Jake Kimberley. However, local housing society officials say there are still a lot of hurdles to overcome. Ernst Schneider, finance officer for the Penticton Kiwanis Housing Society, said Wednesday the society has run into difficulties in the past since the government now provides less funding for housing aimed solely at seniors. "The problem is that we, as Kiwanis, don’’t want to go into anything else but seniors housing," he said. "That is a bit of stumbling block." The Kiwanis had earlier proposed a 57-unit, four-storey seniors development on Van Horne Street, but could not acquire provincial funding. Schneider suggested the province would likely be more sympathetic towards projects that call for more general housing -- including accommodation for "homeless at risk" people. "We don’’t want to get into that, because it’’s not an area where we have expertise," he said. "For straight seniors housing there doesn’’t seem to be much funding to be had." B.C. Housing does offer a matching grant program, which could be available. Schneider said the Kiwanis are working with the city on a possible project, but could not provide details at this time.

Tony Laing, executive-director of the Penticton and District Community Living Society (PDSCL), said the city could help by reducing development cost charges. "The city has always been good with (reduced) property taxes on an ongoing basis," he said. "One of the things we have had trouble with things like development cost charges to reduce the building costs upfront." PDSCL operates a number of low-cost housing projects throughout the city, such as Chesnut Place next to the Penticton Retirement Centre, Reid’’s Corner at Fairview Road and Winnipeg Street, and Creekside Terrace on Pickering Street. Laing said PDSCL is at least a year away from making a decision on future projects. Earlier this month, city council rejected a recommendation from its social development advisory committee that it consider establishing affordable housing facility on a portion of city-owned land at 2460 Baskin St. Instead, council will look into establishing a wide-ranging policy regarding affordable housing. Kimberley said he has met with a couple of developers on the issue, but nothing came out of those talks. "There is very limited interest in developing those kinds of projects because there’’s not as much money as other projects would accommodate in the present construction situation," he said. Kimberley said council is limited in what it can do the address the housing crunch since the city does not have the authority to apply for provincial government funding for affordable housing. "That’’s the dilemma we’’re in and it’’s shared by every municipality." The mayor pointed to $240 million for affordable housing projects the provincial government received from the federal government in 2005. He said city staff would be available to work with local service organizations in trying to gain a portion of those funds for a project in Penticton. Kimberley said he personally would support an effort by council to purchase land for affordable housing, but wouldn’’t like to see the city become further involved in the construction or management of such a project. "I don’’t think any council should be looking at becoming landlords of housing. It’’s not appropriate," he said. Meanwhile, council is looking at legalizing secondary suites in single family neighbourhoods. However, Kimberley said it’’s uncertain how many additional housing that will create since many homeowners already operate basement suites against existing city bylaws. "I don’’t think we’’re going to see a huge rush to city hall if we legislate the approvals of them," he said. "All it means is city hall is going to be more in demand to go out and make inspections."

Not Your Average Drug Bust

Washington Post

Suspect Wanted in Mexico Found in Wheaton Restaurant

Police raided Zhenli Ye Gon's home in March, carting off what they said was $207 million

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The money above would pay for 10 proposed Civic Complexes !

No takers to beautify McMechan Tank Bay

TENDER CANCELLED
WAT-07-49 Xeriscape McMechan Tank June 21, 2007 Cancelled

See Previous Post at REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS (RFP) (Zeroscape McMechan Tank Bay)

To provide a design and provide labour, materials and equipment required to Zeroscape the McMechan Tank Bay. The main goal of the project is to create an esthetically appealing landscape for the surrounding neighbourhood. Currently the site is over run with a mixture of weeds and a variety of vegetation. The intent is to prepare the site appropriately, provide low maintenance landscape (zeroscape) with rocks and boulders. Any and all existing trees, shrubs and plants are to be left as is and utilized within the design plan.

Summer of labour strife looming

Managing editor Scott Neufeld EDITORIAL July 26 http://www.dailycourier.ca/

Elsewhere it may be the summer of sports scandals, but in B.C. it’s becoming a summer of labour strikes. Forestry workers set up picket lines this past weekend but they were simply another 7,000 workers to add to the growing list of bargaining employees. Highway workers across the province and here in the North Okanagan, were among the first to walk off the job but since then more than 15,000 municipal workers in the Lower Mainland have also joined in.
Even with a booming economy spring bloomed into a summer of discontent. The forest workers claim that employers are sacrificing safety standards to bulk up their bottom lines. However, forest companies counter that the decline of the U.S. housing market and a climbing loonie mean that they cannot give in to many of the workers’ demands. Similarly, highways workers and contractors seem to be entrenched in their dispute. Despite meeting with mediator Vince Ready last week, the two sides were unable to agree on a settlement. Although the contractors appear willing to discuss wage issues, few other issues are up for discussion.

For municipal workers in Vancouver, one of the key issues, in addition to wages and other standard issues, is the length of contracts. The cities want a longer contract to ensure peace through the 2010 Olympics. However, workers fear their bargaining position will be diminished if there is a move to tighten budgets after the Olympic spending spree. While municipal workers strike in the Lower Mainland, it’s unclear whether municipal workers in Vernon are planning to walk off the job The contract between the city and its unionized employees expired on Dec. 31, 2006. Negotiations were expected to start soon after but there has been little word on how the talks are progressing. City managers have so far refused comment, while CUPE has not returned several phone calls. But with no official announcement of an agreement and the length of time since the last one expired, it’s clear that discussions are not going as well as the two sides had hoped. Should city workers choose to strike, Vernon residents may soon experience what residents in Vancouver have been dealing with. Maintenance of city parks would stop, garbage pickup would cease and many city recreation programs and day camps would likely be cancelled. But as of yet, none of these things have taken place. Hopefully, the two sides will be able to come to an agreement so that Vernon residents can avoid this summer of labour strife.

Drug use surges near rec centre

By jordan NicurityWednesday, July 25, 2007 http://www.dailycourier.ca/stories.php?id=56090

Residents living near the Recreation Centre on 37th Avenue say they are fed up with the problems they associate with a small apartment building on the corner of 37th Avenue and 34th Street. One resident said the building was clearly being used by some tenants as a base from which to deal drugs and that having the criminal enterprise located nearby was scaring law-abiding people in the neighbourhood into moving out. “There must be at least 30 cars that go there everyday,” said the resident, who did not wish to be named, “This is a place to meet, to sell, to use, to get. And it‘s just gotten worse.” Several residents reported that they routinely find needles, crack pipes and used condoms around the neighbourhood and claim they feel intimidated by the people coming and going. They also said the Vernon Recreation Centre, right across from the apartment building, is being used by the crowd attracted to the alleged crack shack as a place to use drugs, complete drug deals and engage in prostitution, often in broad daylight. “There are people doing drugs in the stairwells, there is prostitution happening right on the grass.” “Can you imagine a kid walking by and seeing that?,” said another resident, who also asked not to be named. “You get people come by who are right out to lunch, they don‘t know who or where they are. If I walk around this area I make sure I have someone with me. There is fear here.”

Rose O‘Neal, manager of the Halina Centre in the recreation complex, said that people have had their purses stolen by derelict types who asked to use the centre‘s washroom. Seniors also frequently get asked for money in the parking lot of the centre. “My main concern is when they are on (drugs),” said O‘Neal. “They can get very belligerent when they are asked to move on, but we don‘t let them stay here.” Doug Ross, manager of recreation services, emphasized that the recreation complex was a safe place to come and enjoy the facilities, but added that the centre is taking measures to ensure the area won‘t be used for improper purposes. “When we‘ve done renovations it has created nooks and crannies around. We‘re going to eliminate those and restrict access to stairwells,” said Ross. Ross said the addition of powerful lights and a plan to remove shrubbery at the nearby creek should go a long way to make the area less attractive to undesirable elements. Both residents and recreation centre staff praised the police for their increased presence in the area but also said that more needed to be done to shut down operations at the apartment building. RCMP spokesman Henry Proce said RCMP are aware of the situation surrounding the apartment building but were somewhat limited in what they could do under the drug house bylaw because the building housed “legitimate law abiding people” as well as a suspected criminal element. “There is no doubt that there is a problem there. I can‘t get into specifics but I can assure the public that we are keeping an eye on the place and hope to have some results very soon,” said Proce.

Corrections Not Giving Up on Halfway House

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

Corrections Canada won't put its plans for a new halfway house on hold--- at least until its had a chance to talk more with the city of Vernon. City council passed a motion Monday demanding the agency put the plans on ice until all court proceedings and inquiries into the Bill Abramenko murder in 2004, are completed which could take up to two years. Lisa Bayne from Corrections tells KISS FM, they want to see if they can change council's decision. 'We've asked City Hall for a formal meeting to discuss their concerns and we hope that when City Hall accepts that meeting, we can come to an agreement on our collective next step.'

When asked what they will do if council won't change it's decision, Bayne said. 'Corrections thinks about every possibility but we certainly have to sit down and discuss our options but we want to do it after we've had a chance to talk with City Hall.' The agency wants to open a 14 bed facility for paroled offenders which would be run by the Okanagan Halfway House Society. Vernon's former halfway facility closed down in 2004 after two murders, alledgedly committed by paroled offender Eric Fish.

INFRASTRUCTURE FUNDING IMPROVES WATER QUALITY

http://www2.news.gov.bc.ca/news_releases_2005-2009/2007CS0047-000956.htm

VALEMOUNT – The communities of Valemount and Loon Lake are the latest recipients of federal and provincial funding aimed at improving drinking water quality, Betty Hinton, MP for Kamloops-Thompson-Cariboo and Shirley Bond, Deputy Premier and MLA for Prince George-Mount Robson, said today in announcing nearly $2 million in combined funding from the Canada-B.C. Municipal Rural Infrastructure Fund (CBCMRIF).
The Village of Valemount will receive more than $1.93 million to construct a drinking water treatment system that includes a new filtration plant and building, associated piping and electrical works and the installation of a low lift pump.

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Don Quixote Note: This is the same pot of senior Government Money (MRIF) that a grant was applied for in January 2007 for the Library/Civic Complex. Maybe our application will be announced shortly.

NEW OFF-RESERVE ABORIGINAL HOUSING UNITS ANNOUNCED

292 NEW OFF-RESERVE ABORIGINAL HOUSING UNITS ANNOUNCED http://www2.news.gov.bc.ca/news_releases_2005-2009/2007FOR0103-000958.htm


VANCOUVER – More than $50 million will create 292 housing units in 10 communities across the province under the Aboriginal Housing Initiative, Minister responsible for Housing Rich Coleman announced today. “One of the goals of our provincial housing strategy is to assist the 30 per cent of Aboriginal families living off-reserve in inadequate or unaffordable housing,” said Coleman. “With these new units, we will improve living conditions and help families create new opportunities.” In March, a proposal call invited Aboriginal non-profit societies to help build new, affordable housing off-reserve, with the intention of allocating approximately 200 new housing units. As a result of the strong partnership proposals received by the provincial government, nearly 50 per cent more units will be built. These 13 new housing developments will address a range of Aboriginal housing needs and priorities including youth, women, elders, and people with alcohol and drug addictions.

http://www2.news.gov.bc.ca/news_releases_2005-2009/2007FOR0103-000958-Attachment1.htm
The following 13 Aboriginal non-profit housing societies are receiving support from the Province to develop 292 units of off-reserve housing as a result of the Expressions of Interest proposal call issued on March 1, 2007:

City Aboriginal Non-Profit Society Number of Units
Abbotsford Spirit Bear Centre Society 10
Chilliwack Mission Native Housing/To’o Native Housing Society 20
Dawson Creek Dawson Creek Native Housing 25
Kamloops Kamloops Native Housing Society 20
Port Alberni Kakawis Family Development Centre Association 14
Prince Rupert Friendship House Prince Rupert 25
Vancouver Aboriginal Mother Centre/Lu’ma Native BCH Housing Society 10
Vancouver Circle of Eagles Lodge Society 17
Vancouver Lu’ma Native BCH Housing Society 20
Vancouver Vancouver Native Housing Society/Vancouver Native Society 30
Vernon Vernon Native Housing Society 40
Victoria M’akola Housing Society 25
Williams Lake Cariboo Friendship Society 36

I guess we should be happy they don't advertise in BOTH local NEWSPAPERS

Today on Page A6 of the Morningstar the City of Vernon, Regional Library Board and the RCMP published an ad re the New Library/Civic Building and the Alternative Approval Process.This is the 4th ad so far during the Counter Petition Period. (Wed. Friday and Sunday Last Week) Wonder who is paying for these ads and the cost so far ?

The City had 3 public meetings and at least two weeks before the Counter Petition period to explain what the petition was all about and why it should NOT be signed. They also have posted the two legal ads required under the community charter and each form that is signed fully explains the procedure. They also have all this information on their website. The City has had their kick at the can, now the people who oppose this bylaw for whatever reason should have their opportunity to express their opinion without having their own tax dollars spent on unnecessary advertising.

On Monday at the COW meeting Inspector McVarnock in answer to a question from Coun. Beardsell acknowledged that he had authorized the use of the RCMP logo to a staff member for use in the Ad. He had done so because of the need for more office space either in this proposed building or expanding into the present City Hall Basement if that became available. Left unanswered was the question of whether all 3 ad proponents were sharing the costs of these self-interest advertisements or whether as I suspect that it's the property tax payers of Vernon.

City refuses to discuss new facility

By RICHARD ROLKE Morning Star Staff Jul 25 2007 http://www.vernonmorningstar.com/

The future of a halfway house remains uncertain now that the city is unwilling to consider the matter further. Vernon council decided Monday that it will not entertain any further discussions on a proposed facility for parolees until the trial into Bill Abramenko’s murder is completed and reports into the death are released. “Enough is enough until the trial is over and the information is at hand,” 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 Correction 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 council states that it can’t consider the opening of a new halfway house until it fully knows what happened in the Abramenko case and that safety concerns have been addressed. “It’s important for the community to get closure and some answers,” said Coun. Pat Cochrane. Beardsell expects council’s actions could delay a decision on a halfway house for two years as legal proceedings unfold. And he is urging Correction Services Canada not to proceed during that period. “They’d be foolish not to have the support of the city,” said Beardsell.

Correction Services Canada was not aware of council’s actions until it was contacted by The Morning Star. “As of this moment, CSC has not been notified of any decisions made by city hall with respect to a community residential facility in Vernon,” said Lisa Bayne, manager of correctional programs. “We are confident that the city will notify us this week of any developments that occurred during their regular meeting Monday.” CSC has asked city hall for a meeting to discuss the matter further. “We hope that when city hall accepts that meeting, we can come to an agreement about our collective next steps,” said Bayne.

Turning pastures into playing fields

By JORDAN NiCURITY Wed, July 25, 2007 http://vernon.ok.bc.ca/stories.php?id=55860

Coldstream council has voted to defer any the acquisition of 100 acres of land on Aberdeen Road until after residents have had a chance to speak at a public input session. The Greater Vernon Services Committee wants to change the Agricultural Land Reserve status of the land and turn it into sports fields – a move that has inspired much debate in the community. “There were probably 40 or 50 people at the meeting last night,” said Gary Corner, Coldstream mayor. “It was a pretty even split, I think, as far as support goes. Most people have strong opinions on issues like this.” Corner said the public can voice their opinions at a meeting on Sept. 11 at 7 p.m. at a location to be determined. Corner said that before Coldstream purchases the site, an application must be made to the Agricultural Land Commission to allow for non-farm status. Acquiring the property would enable the development of soccer, baseball, rugby and football fields as well as a track oval. However, according to Coun. Jim Garlick, the idea of taking the productive farm land, currently owned by Coldstream Ranch, and turning it into sports fields is not an idea that council should pursue. “We couldn‘t go out and find a better piece of agricultural land. We are talking about one of the best in B.C.,” said Garlick.

However, Corner said the need for parks and sports fields needed to be addressed. “It‘s virtually impossible to find 100 acres of nice flat land that is not in the ALR. If you could, we wouldn‘t be able to afford it,” said Corner. Garlick said that what was needed was to expand existing grounds and acquire smaller pieces of land for neighbourhood parks instead of placing many sports fields at one mega site. “I‘m not against parks. I feel we should be following the master plan for parks. What we‘re supposed to be doing now is trying to get a long-term lease with the Department of Defence grounds,” said Garlick, “I have a really hard time with us paying thousands of dollars for these master plans and then ignoring them.” Garlick also said that any possible Marshall Fields improvements would be pushed to the side if the new park goes ahead. The proposal to send a change of designation application to the Agricultural Land Commission will be back before council after the public input meeting, said Corner. Corner also said specific details such as possible costs and financing options will not be examined until after the commission makes a decision on the land‘s status.

Council clamps down on stratas

By RICHARD ROLKE Morning Star Staff Jul 25 2007 http://www.vernonmorningstar.com/

The rental housing crunch has forced the City of Vernon to restrict the activities of land owners. On Monday, council placed a moratorium on all residential strata conversions as a way of preserving existing rental units. “We are in an extremely difficult situation and some action needs to be taken,” said Coun. Barry Beardsell, who led the charge to have the moratorium initiated. The current rental rate in Vernon is 0.9 per cent, and Beardsell believes the situation could get worse if multi-family complexes are converted into strata units for individual owners. “The rental situation is so aggravated in the community.” Beardsell added that the lack of rental space is not only having a negative impact on families, but it’s making it difficult for local businesses to attract employees.

“The rental person is left totally out in the cold.” It’s not known when strata conversions will be allowed again, but a city staff report suggests it could be when the rental vacancy rate is greater than two per cent. Beardsell received support from Councillors Buffy Baumbrough and Juliette Cunningham. “We are having a difficult time getting a handle on rental accommodations. There is such a shortage of rental,” said Cunningham. Cunningham admits some property owners may not be pleased with the new policy, but the needs of the broader community must be considered. “There has to be some responsibility when you are dealing with rentals,” she said.

Opposition to the policy came from Councillors Pat Cochrane and Patrick Nicol. But their opposition primarily revolved around the fact that the policy would prevent an application that had been approved by staff and was before council Monday. “The current application has done everything in good faith,” said Cochrane. The applicant sought approval to strata title a duplex on 39th Street. Nicol believes council should have dealt with that application independently instead of covering it under the new policy. “We stopped it at the 11th hour,” said Nicol.

Turf wars flare up again

By Richard Rolke Jul 25 2007 http://www.vernonmorningstar.com/portals-code/list.cgi?paper=35&cat=48&id=1032490&more=0

I keep having this reoccurring nightmare that I’m caught back in the mid-1990s enduring the endless squabbling of Wayne McGrath and Ernie Palfrey, and McGrath and Gyula Kiss. But then I wake up and discover that while the faces have changed, the turf wars of Greater Vernon are alive and well. I’m not sure if it’s the water (and with the constant boil water advisories, anything is possible) but the current crop of politicians aren’t that neighbourly at times. “The less I have to deal with Vernon council, the better I’d feel about it,” said Area C director Stan Field as he lashed out at the city’s perceived actions against the electoral areas.
Field and Area B director Cliff Kanester were upset that they weren’t invited to a joint meeting between Coldstream and Vernon councils. But it should be pointed out that the agenda dealt strictly with a proposal forwarded to them by Field and Kanester to rip apart the parks and recreation function.

Both councils were within their right to independently discuss the matter and, if necessary, they could approach Field and Kanester at a later date for more discussions. We should also remember that Kanester and Field crafted their plan behind closed doors and they didn’t give Vernon and Coldstream the courtesy of being part of it. Field and Kanester have also gone to the extreme by suggesting that Vernon taking over water distribution means it has no interest in any regional co-operation. “It appears that Vernon wants to be in control of everything in their boundary,” said Field. It’s a huge stretch to say that water pipes in the ground equates to a lack of interest in parks and recreation. But Field and Kanester aren’t the only ones with fiefdom fever. The disease has also spread into Coldstream.

“Funtastic is a Vernon issue, not a Coldstream issue. All of the benefits go to Vernon,” said Coun. Bill Firman while debating the proposal for a new sports complex. Yes there are few businesses in Coldstream that directly benefit from the slowpitch tournament. But how many Coldstream residents own or work at businesses in Vernon that do? And with those hard-earned dollars, they pay property taxes in Coldstream, including Firman’s salary. And of those people who would pursue recreational activities at a new sports complex, many of them would be from Coldstream. They aren’t foreigners, but Firman’s neighbours.

But while Vernon is the target of a lot of this bashing, it’s certainly not lily-white. We all remember back to May when city council decided to extend Middleton Way. Because it will be used by Coldstream motorists, Coun. Barry Beardsell suggested they should help pay for the work. “We could put up a toll,” he said. While it was said in jest, even the suggestion was unnecessary. Vernon, and not other municipalities, are responsible for the roads within its jurisdiction. If the shoe was on the other foot, would Vernon residents be willing to to help Coldstream pay for road upgrades that help them access Kal Beach or Kalamalka Lake Provincial Park? Not likely.

In the end, the so-called problems with the Greater Vernon Services Committee aren’t technical in nature. It operates fine. The issue is political personalities clashing with each other. If this keeps up, the regional co-operation that has existed for 30 years (through parks and recreation) will be destroyed and we will all be the loser. Frustrated with the fighting, some residents may covet amalgamation to end hostilities and that’s no panacea either. Perhaps the next time the politicians get together they should take the advice of aging rock stars when they are in a room together — Check your egos at the door.

Council stalls complex concept

By Jennifer Dyck Morning Star Staff Jul 25 2007 http://www.vernonmorningstar.com/

A war of words exploded over the proposed sports fields on Coldstream Ranch lands Monday. Approximately 60 people crammed into Coldstream council chambers, where a clash of opinions sent tempers flaring and put a hold on decision-making for the project. “I don’t want to see a bunch of foreigners coming in here with a bunch of money trying to play ball,” said long-time Coldstream resident John Hegler. Although the proposed fields, on 118 acres of the Aberdeen Road ranch lands (known as the Spicer Block), would benefit Funtastic and the sport of football, it was also pointed out that the space would serve countless other sports and user groups. “You can’t close the door and say nobody else gets to come here because I’m here,” Ron Kirschner, a Coldstream resident, reminded fellow residents claiming ‘not in my backyard.’

With a clear divide in those for and against the project, council agreed to put a hold on a decision to send the proposal to the Agricultural Land Commission to allow for non-farm use. An opportunity for more time and debate has been scheduled during a special public meeting Sept. 11. “I’m not able to give you an honest opinion as to what this community wants,” said Coun. Mary Malerby. More options need to be explored, added Coun. Jim Garlick. He believes one such option is Marshall Fields, which he also says has the potential to be lost as the City of Vernon only leases the land to Greater Vernon Services. “I really think we’re giving them an out here,” said Garlick, demanding answers from Vernon. While Garlick believes Marshall Fields could potentially be developed, the city continues to say that the plans for the space are to keep it as parkland.

But the space at Marshall Fields is not even an option, according to Funtastic Society president Rick Dubois. The footprint of the land is not large enough to accommodate a sports complex with ball fields, a football field and track, as well as green space. Dubois is concerned that this opportunity for such a large piece of land may be lost if it is not acquired soon. Part of the deal with the Coldstream Ranch also includes land along the old Grey Canal for trail use. Jason Gilbert, representing the outdoor sports users group, adds that there has been a long-time need for not just ball fields with the uncertainty of retaining DND land, but additional recreational space. “What’s going to happen to our children and grandchildren who have no place to play, they’ll have some nice farm to look at,” said Gilbert, also the Funtastic executive director.

“As much as it might break your heart please make outdoor recreation a priority.” Before anything is made a priority, Coun. Bill Firman has requested more figures on the project and what it will cost residents. A large portion of the cost is coming from Funtastic, which has committed $300,000 plus a servicing debt of $75,000 per year. Other sports organizations are also coming up with funding and grants. But there is more at stake, says Coldstream Ratepayers’ president Andy Danyliu. “You would bring in all those cars, traffic, lights, stadiums. Have you seriously thought this through? “Don’t be the council that took the rural out of rural living.”

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Slower process allows for input Jul 25 2007 EDITORIAL

With opinions divided and emotions running high, Coldstream council was right to delay a decision on a proposed sports complex on Aberdeen Road. Based on the input provided by residents Monday, it would have been difficult for the politicians to make a decision that was reflective of the broad-based community. As a result, it makes sense for council to reflect on the matter further, including hosting a public meeting Sept. 11. Through that session, hopefully council will get a better feel as to whether a complex should be built there or if it should be preserved as agricultural land. Pressure should also be placed on the Greater Vernon Services Committee to be upfront and indicate why other locations are not suitable. As well, the various sports organizations could use this as an opportunity to inform residents about the need for more facilities.

Another reason for not making a decision now is that it appears like the process was being rushed. The district’s advisory planning committee had not had a chance to review the issue yet, and as part of long-term planning, that should occur. As with any development, there could be implications — both pro and con — on the surrounding area and they should be known ahead of time. But while postponing the matter makes sense, let’s hope council did it for the appropriate reasons and not to avoid any potential conflict. Because in the end, council was elected to make tough decisions no matter who is pleased or upset with the outcome. Once the public input is over and the information has been considered, mayor and council will have to take a stand.