CHBC- Video
Web posted on Wednesday, 30 April 2008
The destruction of a Vernon building is welcome news in the neighbourhood.
Wednesday, April 30, 2008
Estimate tops $25 million for arts facility
By Wolf Depner - Penticton Western News - April 30, 2008
This artist’s rendering shows the performing arts facility prop
osed for Nanaimo Avenue and Robinson Street in Penticton. Recent estimates have the cost of the facility reaching $25.3 million. A new performing arts facility could cost an estimated $25.3 million, according to an architectural report co-authored by local firm Meiklejohn Architects.And when all is said and done, it might cost even more. The Penticton and District Performing Arts Facilities Society plans to build the facility at the corner of the Nanaimo Avenue and Robinson Street on city-owned land as part of the newly identified cultural district in the downtown core and the report offers a “more detailed analysis” of the chosen site for what supporters said would be a “state-of-the-art” facility. While the report itself is a bid to secure preliminary design services for the facility, it offers a glimpse into its estimated costs.
“For the purpose of calculating an architectural fee, we used the budget of $19.25 million,” the report states. “We consulted ... and added escalation of another 15 per cent for each year, 2008 and 2009 to arrive at an estimated construction cost of ($25.3 million) for April 2009.” PDPAFS president Don Grant confirmed that number. “The number that (architect) Cal (Meiklejohn) has is an accurate number, but it could be slightly higher when it is all said and done,” he said. While the $25 million figure assumes a scaled-down version of the facility, the group does not want to repeat the mistakes made when the city constructed Cleland Theatre, he said.After price concerns, the city built a smaller, and some would say inferior, facility. The report — co-authored by Proscenium Architecture and Interiors, a Vancouver-based firm with considerable experience in theatre design — reiterates claims from an earlier feasibility study that the chosen site is very well situated and large enough for the proposed facility. Proposed features include a 750-seat main stage and a 150-seat black box studio theatre. The report also confirms discussions that the site could include a “housing component” to address the current shortage of affordable housing.
The report emerges during on-going but perhaps fading discussions about the future shape and scope of performing arts space in the city. “There are still a number of people in the community that don’t see the value of our project,” said Grant in a recent interview. “We feel very strongly that for the South Okanagan region to move ahead in performing arts, we need a new state-of-the-art facility and we’ve been working diligently and will continue to do so to make this a reality.” Another group, the Penticton League of Sensible Electors, is promoting preserving the aging auditorium at Penticton Secondary School as a lower-cost alternative, at least until the money is found for the new centre. PLEASE spokesman Michael Brydon suggested earlier this month that the cost of building a brand-new performing arts facility could spike property taxes 12-15 per cent — a figure which supporters of the new facility have challenged. Grant conceded that the public might not appreciate having higher taxes to cover the costs for construction and maintenance of the new centre. “It’s possible we’ll have to come to the city to ask for some assistance, but we think that if we do have to get funding at the municipal level that the tax increase would be negligible in comparison to what the community can gain,” he said. This debate though, appears to become more academic than concrete. School board officials citing cost concerns recently confirmed their earlier decision to tear down the auditorium as well as the nearby Pen High north gym, as construction of the new Pen High school building proceeds.
“I have fond memories (of the auditorium), as others do,” said trustee Connie Denesiuk. “But the time is now to start looking at the fond memories that will be built by the children of today and tomorrow.” But it is not clear yet how those future memories would be financed. The society has publicly stated that it would fund the construction and operation of the facility with the land coming from the city which recently bought a lot next to the city-owned Nanaimo Hall site. The city will own the facility since it will stand on public land. The society has said that it plans to “leverage” funds from higher levels of government through the lot. But the city also confirmed last year that it — unlike other Okanagan communities — would not make a direction financial contribution to the facility, at least not in the foreseeable future.Kimberley — who left open the possibility that the society could approach the city in the future — said a direct financial contribution from the city was not part of the plan.“They (the society) are fully confident that they can make it on their own,” said Kimberley.
The group plans to raise money from higher levels of government and develop a sustainable business plan. But Kimberley added that citizens will get a say if the city has to step in through a referendum.
City is rolling the dice on big plans
By Jeremy Deutsch - Kamloops This Week - April 27, 2008
To say it’s big would be an understatement. The city is working through a rezoning and development permit for a new casino in the heart of the city centre.Lake City Casino wants to put a 50,000-square-foot casino, including a restaurant and some office space, on the north side of Fifth and Sixth avenues that front Lansdowne Street. Right now, the area is a parking lot. The plan also calls for some 200 underground parking spaces. Randy Lambright, planning and development manager with the city, said staff is working with the casino on both the rezoning and the eventual design of the building. “We haven’t formed an opinion yet,” he said of the development. “Until such time as we prepare a report, I wouldn’t be able to provide what our opinion is.” There is currently a height restriction on the property, but Lambright said it appears from proposed plans the addition will appear to be one storey from the outside, but may be two stories internally. Lake City’s current Victoria Street casino, in the Executive Inn, is over 14,000 square feet — less than a third of the size being proposed. The casino will have to relocate its liquor licence as part of the permit process. Once the application review is completed, staff will report back to council and from there go to a public hearing. Lambright wouldn’t set a specific timeline, but noted the city tries to get projects in front of council within eight to 12 weeks of receiving them.
RCMP Make Improvements After Fish
Starlee Speers Astral Media Radio (Vernon) Apr. 28
RCMP say they've made improvements after a National Investigative Board made recommendations in a 2004 report concerning parolee Eric Fish in Vernon. Fish was at large from a halfway house for nearly seven weeks but he wasn't arrested until two days after he murdered 75 year-old Vernon resident Bill Abramenko. Vernon RCMP Inspector Steve McVarnock says, police have since improved communications with local probations workers. "I know there was one confirmed sighting when one of our plainclothes officers actually saw him out and about himself and gave chase. He called in additional police resources to help but they were unable to apprehend Mr. Fish at the time." The investigative report found Corrections Services could also do more to assist police in quickly locating offenders at large in the community.
Shaking things up
By Richard Rolke - Vernon Morning Star - April 30, 2008
If it actually happens, it could be a political resurrection that has deep implications across the region and beyond. Darrel Stinson is letting it be known loud and clear that he is bored of fighting cancer and that has him casting an eye to something he loves – serving the community and taking a stand. “I am not a happy camper with what’s going on provincially or federally,” said the former MP during an interview Tuesday. “I have heard from so many people who have fallen through the cracks and have no where to turn.” And if the fact that people are turning to Stinson for help surprises you, it shouldn’t. During his 12 years as Okanagan-Shuswap’s man in Ottawa, he gained a reputation for rolling up his sleeves and helping constituents having pension problems or difficulties getting their passport. There is also the reality that many residents identify with Stinson – the little guy from the Interior who pulled himself up by his own bootstraps and calls a spade a spade. Even when he challenged fellow MPs to fisticuffs, that style appealed to many who willingly cast an X for him during the four elections in which he not only topped the polls, but often left his competitors in the dust.
What is interesting is that any possible political aspiration isn’t just federal in nature. During the interview, Stinson kept referring to his concerns about the provincial Liberal government in Victoria. “I am getting stressed out listening to what’s going on with Vernon Jubilee Hospital. It’s a crime,” he said. And issues around health care are very personal for Stinson as he continues to keep doctor’s appointments and undergo tests. “I have talked to patients who are really suffering and I’ve seen the equipment doctors are using,” he said. When pressed further, Stinson admits there is a possibility that he could run as an independent in Okanagan-Vernon in the next provincial election, but he is also investigating the B.C. Conservative Party. You wouldn’t think that longtime MLA Tom Christensen would have to worry about about being re-elected. But Stinson is a household entity, and the very issue that is stimulating his interest is also the Liberals’ weak point. In fact, traditional support for the Liberals locally could erode if almost daily code purples and hallway beds at VJH continue.
But perhaps the one individual that should be worried the most about the possible reappearance of Stinson is our sitting MP, Colin Mayes. There is some history between the two as Mayes previously sought the federal Conservative nomination when Stinson held the job. And since being elected, Mayes has not clicked with some party diehards, particularly those who were extremely loyal to Stinson. Mayes, at this time, is the party’s official candidate, but depending on when the next federal election is, there may be the need to go through another nomination process. That could open the door for Stinson to seek the Conservative mantle again, or he could declare that he is running as an independent. If Mayes and Stinson were both on the ballot and splitting the right-of-centre vote, that could lead to another party coming up the middle and claiming victory in Okanagan-Shuswap. Of course, Stinson’s future will ultimately depend on his health and family commitments, but the sheer fact that he is talking about re-entering politics could shake things up.
City waiting on federal cash
By Jeremy Deutsch - Kamloops This Week - April 30, 2008
When it’s complete, the pedestrian/bike crossing at the Valleyview interchange (where highways 1 and 5 meet) will give residents a safe route to downtown or the North Shore. But the city is waiting on some cash from Ottawa before it begins construction on the $3.3-million project. The city has $1.4 million put aside for the project, but is counting on federal funding through the municipal gas-tax agreement to get the pedestrian improvements finished. Kamloops is hoping a grant announcement is made sometime during the summer or early fall, which would peg construction to begin at the end of the year or in early 2009.The plan is for an at-grade crossing with a separated bike and pedestrian walkway three metres wide through the Valleyview interchange, similar to walkways on the Overlanders Bridge. The plan also calls for the eventual construction of a bike overpass across the Canadian Pacific railroad tracks where Battle and Columbia streets separate.
However, warned David Trawin, the city’s director of development and engineering services, if Kamloops doesn’t get federal funding, it may have to scrap the bike overpass. “If we don’t get the grant money, we’ll have to scale back the project,” he said. The city had looked at 15 diverse options for a pedestrian route through the interchange. “We’re trying to build something more people will use, taking in account the cost,” Trawin said.The city also met with CP Rail and Ministry of Transportation officials to show them the design and get input.Kamloops officials expect to hear back from them in May.
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Don Quixote Note:
Kamloops is waiting to hear from the Feds and Province whether they will get their grant Money before proceeding. This is the same pot of money that Vernon applied for a grant in the amount of $$631,568 in Jan 24/07 under the MRIF program. The status of Vernon's grant on the 2008 Grants Report is listed in the Status column as Grant unlikely- project complete. Although it appears that Council might have foregone the Grant by completing the project before an announcement, the public was assured by council questions and the staff response that in point of fact the application had been denied prior to the May 14 decision to proceed with the over budgeted Middleton Way. I trust that at the Dark Side meetings that discussed Middleton (as there was a land acquisition, some discussions would be in-camera) that Council were informed about this application denial so they made their decision for this costly project with all the facts.
I'm sure that all these differences and corrections will be reflected in an updated quarterly Grants Report.
Ranch rounds up RV support
By Jennifer Smith - Vernon Morning Star - April 30, 2008
O’Keefe Ranch is hoping local support will sway the Agricultural Land Commission onto its RV park bandwagon. The ranch is re-submitting its application to the ALC for its RV park proposal. The proposal was recently denied, with the ALC stating that the land is suitable for growing crops and non-farm use is not acceptable. So with the new, scaled down plans, the ranch is seeking letters of support from local municipalities. So far, the ranch has roped in Coldstream’s endorsement of the plans. “I think this is a win-win for everybody if they can make it work,” said Mayor Gary Corner, who recently visited the site with MLA Tom Christensen and Stan Hagen, Minister of Tourism, Sport and the Arts. “He (Hagen) was quite intrigued with what they’re trying to do.” The new RV park plans are scaled back to include 100 spaces on a smaller footprint than what was originally proposed. It’ll be on a fixed piece of property and there will be no expansion,” said Rod Drennan, president of the O’Keefe Ranch Interior Heritage Society.
To ease concerns of some Coldstream councillors, Drennan added: “There’ll be no concrete on the property.” The ranch is also seeking the support of Vernon and Spallumcheen in its efforts to create the park, which will aid the ranch with its financial woes. “The whole plan is to over time remove ourselves from the public subsidy,” said Drennan. “We’ve got to do something to simply pick up more revenue and there’s lots of support for an RV park.”
Vernon hosts annual meeting
By Richard Rolke - Vernon Morning Star - April 30, 2008
Vernon will play host to municipal politicians from across the Interior this week. The Southern Interior Local Government Association’s annual convention starts today and runs until Friday at the Prestige Inn. It will attract about 160 delegates, and Mayor Wayne Lippert believes the economic benefit to the community will be noticeable. “We will have a few hotel rooms taken up for a couple of nights and the delegates can explore Vernon,” he said. SILGA is made up of elected officials from cities, towns, villages and regional districts throughout the Southern Interior. The members range from Clinton and Ashcroft to Princeton and Osoyoos, as well as all of the communities in the North Okanagan. It was announced in spring 2007 that Vernon would host the SILGA convention, and considerable planning has occurred since then. “A lot of work has gone into this,” said Marg Bailey, the city’s deputy chief administrative officer.
Assistance has come from surrounding communities such as Coldstream and Spallumcheen. Delegates begin arriving in town today, with the agenda including a golf tournament and a reception. Delegates get down to business Thursday with the opening ceremonies at 8:30 a.m., followed by a number of presentations and sessions. Among those speaking Thursday will be Terry Pakenham and Annette Sharkey on Vernon’s Partners for a Safe and Healthy Community program. On Thursday afternoon, delegates will consider a number of resolutions. But Lippert is most excited about the guest speakers Friday and the range of topics they will cover. “There will be discussions on carbon neutral legislation and affordable housing,” he said. Friday’s speakers include City of Vernon planner Kim Flick, MLA Tom Christensen, NDP leader Carole James and Ida Chong, community services minister.
Tuesday, April 29, 2008
Internal parole report on murder of Vernon man suggests ways to stop similar act
VERNON, B.C. — A convicted killer who had escaped from a Vernon, B.C., halfway house had been spotted in the community several times in the weeks he was free, but was only arrested two days after he killed again, says an internal government report. The joint National Parole Board and Corrections Service of Canada report, obtained by radio station CICF through a federal access to information request, says no one was to blame for the circumstances leading to the death of 75-year-old Bill Abramenko. But the report notes several spots where things could have been done differently. It makes recommendations to prevent something similar from happening again. Eric Fish used a hammer to smash the skull of the elderly man, then tied up his wife, had a beer and calmly searched the house for valuables before escaping. He pleaded guilty last November to second-degree murder and was given an automatic life sentence because he had been convicted of murder before.
The death of the elderly man in Vernon set off a public outcry. The report stated Fish had been sighted in the community during the seven weeks he was at large, but wasn't arrested until days after Abramenko was killed. "A number of persons in the Pacific Region who were interviewed ... felt that CSC (Corrections Service Canada) could potentially do more to assist police agencies to locate offenders who have been suspended but remain an large in the community," stated the heavily edited report. There had been some confusion between National Parole Board members and parole officers about the specific conditions Fish was under and it was made worse because Fish's case was moved from one community to another, the report said. The Board of Inquiry report recommended that both corrections and parole officials develop a common understanding of what "limited" day parole is and make sure that understanding is clearly communicated to supervisors. The board also said corrections staff need more information in the case of offenders serving life sentences for murder. "Given the seriousness of these cases and the increasing number of lifers in the system, it is recommended that efforts be made to make additional information/knowledge (e.g. research, training) available to assist in assessing and managing the risk in these cases." The report stated there was nothing in the Fish case that would have led those involved in his management to believe that he would have killed again. "The development of release plans and support systems in the community were thorough and professional."
Fish had been living in the Vernon halfway home after his release from prison for a 1985 stabbing death in Ontario. He also faced a second murder charge for the 2004 death of 60-year-old Jeffery Drake, but the prosecution entered a stay of proceedings this past January saying the nature of the evidence didn't support a viable prosecution. When Justice Bill Smart sentenced Fish for Abramenko's murder he told him he must spend the rest of his life in jail. "You asked for no sympathy and you deserve none," Smart said.
Petition added to City Hall
Vernon City Hall will be one of the sites people can sign the funding equity petition for Jubilee Hospital. City council voted unanimously on Monday to allow organizers to set up in the lobby to gather signatures. The elected reps are also encouraging other nearby communities to do the same. Mayor Wayne Lippert supports the motion even though he has has concerns about the precedent it sets. "Once you allow one group or organization to move forward (hold it at City Hall) then you're opening it up to the ------"
Lippert says the petition, which is likely to include thousands of signatures, will give him more clout when dealing with health officials. "It gives support to myself when I go to speak to the hospital board, to the IHA, and with (Health) minister (George) Abbott." Volunteers with the Vernon Taxpayers Association will be collecting names, until the end of May.
Businesses face "extreme" tax increase
107.5 KISSFM Pete McIntyre
The city of Vernon's new budget has been approved--- but not without some opposition. Councillor Pat Cochrane voted against it over concerns about the impact to the commercial taxpayers. Cochrane tells KISS FM, "It's in the range of 12 percent and I consider that an extreme increase and I think that's wrong. "I think we should have taken steps to find a way to get the commercial increase down to a closer percentage increase to the residential increase." Councillor Barry Beardsell also voted against the new budget. For residential taxpayers, the increase is 2.04 percent which works out to an extra $16.39 dollars for the average homeowner (assesed value of $418,000). Mayor Wayne Lippert says the increase is needed to improve infrastructure like roads and sewer.
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Don Quixote Note: The 2.04% increase does not include the fire tax which will bring the City's portion of municipal taxes up to 3.64%.
Contrary to the Mayor's assertion that the increase is for 'sewer', this increase has nothing to do with the increases that will be coming to your sewer rates. The sewer portion of your quarterly payments to the City are a utility charge and are billed separately from taxes.
NEW PARKS AND CONSERVANCIES FOR B.C.
Okanagan-Shuswap
April 29, 2008 Ministry of Environment
Protected Areas of British Columbia (Conservancies and Parks) Amendment Act, 2008
Seventy new conservancies and 11 new “Class A” parks are being established as a result of the North Coast, Central Coast, Morice, Sea to Sky, Haida Gwaii and Okanagan-Shuswap land use decisions and a private land acquisition. There are also additions to five existing parks and two conservancies.
The following four “Class A” parks are being established in the Okanagan-Shuswap Land and Resource Management Plan planning area:
Denison Bonneau Park Mara Meadows Park Eagle River Park Wap Creek Park
The following “Class A” park in the Okanagan-Shuswap LRMP planning area is being
expanded: Kalamalka Lake Park
Map of Protected Areas
April 29, 2008 Ministry of Environment
Protected Areas of British Columbia (Conservancies and Parks) Amendment Act, 2008
Seventy new conservancies and 11 new “Class A” parks are being established as a result of the North Coast, Central Coast, Morice, Sea to Sky, Haida Gwaii and Okanagan-Shuswap land use decisions and a private land acquisition. There are also additions to five existing parks and two conservancies.
The following four “Class A” parks are being established in the Okanagan-Shuswap Land and Resource Management Plan planning area:
Denison Bonneau Park Mara Meadows Park Eagle River Park Wap Creek Park
The following “Class A” park in the Okanagan-Shuswap LRMP planning area is being
expanded: Kalamalka Lake Park
Map of Protected Areas
Eric Fish FOI Report
Starlee Speers, Astral Media Radio - Vernon
Convicted murderer, Eric Fish, gave no indication he would murder again, according to the committee tasked with looking into the violent death of an elderly Vernon man in 2004. Under the Freedom of Information Act, Sun FM has obtained a copy of the National Parole Board and Correctional Services of Canada investigation into Fish. Eric Fish was at large from the Vernon halfway house for nearly 7 weeks when he murdered 75 year-old Bill Abramenko, robbed the couples house and stole their car. At the time of the 2004 murder Fish was serving a life sentence for a murder also involving a home invasion and an older victim in Ontario. While the report from the three member board doesn't place blame, it makes recommendations to prevent a similar tragedy from occurring.
The report recommends a better communication between decision makers and parole supervisors- the board determined there was confusion about Fish's restrictive parole conditions. Secondly , the board recommends Corrections Canada do more to assist police when an offender is at large in the community. Fish was spotted many times during the seven weeks he was at large. The board also recommends more information and training is given to corrections staff in cases of people serving life sentences for murder.Despite the fact Fish was on parole for a murder involving similar circumstances in Ontario, and he'd escaped from a minimum security facility, the board says, there were no any indicators Fish would murder again.
Fish is serving a life sentence for the murder of Bill Abramenko.Despite the long awaited release of the investigation findings into the Eric Fish case, the family of the victim still has questions. Bill Abramenko's daughter, Rosanne Maitland says she hasn't gotten closure because improvements to the system haven't been made. Maitland says, she wouldn't want a halfway house in Vernon again because the community seems ill equipped to deal with offenders. Her husband, Ross Maitland questions why Eric Fish was at large in Vernon for so long when he was spotted numerous times. Maitland says had there been communication between the various Federal bodies, Bill Abramenko would still be here today.Bill Abramenko's family is in the process of filing a civil suit against the Federal government for mishandling the Eric Fish case.
Tax Increase for City is 3.64%
The 2008 budget was approved by a 5-2 vote yesterday. Voting against the budget were Councillors Cochrane and Beardsell.
The claimed tax increase is 2.04% for the average house which is assessed at $418,676. This does NOT include the Fire Taxes for an average house as Vernon remains the only city that has a specified area tax for fire and calculates it separately. (Actually 2 fire specified areas - Landing and old city which have different rates.)
I have used the data provided and the table illustrates the effect of the fire tax on an average house assessed at $418,676 using the same improvements %age as was used last year.
Tax increase plus fire comes in at 3.64%
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Some 11 Tory 'in-and-out' MPs received full rebates in last election
Bea Vongdouangchanh HILL TIMES Apr 28 (Full Article)
Eleven Conservative MPs who participated in the "in and out" regional media buy during the last election received full rebates from Elections Canada before the watchdog agency red-flagged the process, put a halt to the rebates, and decided it should inquire further into candidates' advertising expenses. One opposition MP now says those rebates should be returned. In an affidavit filed with the Federal Court as part of the Conservative Party's civil suit against Elections Canada, Janice Vézina, associate deputy chief electoral officer of political financing and chief financial officer at Elections Canada, stated that rebates were given to 17 candidates because no red flags were raised after audits and reviews were done.Conservative MPs Daniel Petit (Charlesbourg-Haute-Saint-Charles, Que.), Steven Blaney (Lévis-Bellechasse, Que.), Jacques Gourde (Lotbinière-Chutes de la Chaudière, Que.), Luc Harvey (Louis-Hébert, Que.), Pat Davidson (Sarnia-Lambton, Ont.), David Anderson (Cypress Hills-Grasslands, Sask.), Colin Mayes (Okanagan-Shuswap, B.C.), Foreign Affairs Minister Maxime Bernier (Beauce, Que.), Canadian Heritage Minister Josée Verner (Louis-Saint Laurent, Que.), Transport Minister Lawrence Cannon (Pontiac, Que.), and Chief Government Whip Jay Hill (Prince George-Peace River, B.C.) were the MPs who received rebates, while six other candidates who did not win seats also received full rebates for their election expenses from Elections Canada. The MPs were reimbursed a total of $421,731.88 for their election expenses.
In these cases, Ms. Vézina noted in her affidavit, "their electoral campaign returns had been reviewed and the final installment of this section 465 reimbursement [was] processed before Elections Canada was alerted to the fact that the regional media buy program might warrant closer examination."
Section 465 of the Canada Elections Act allows candidates who are elected or receive 10 per cent or more of the vote to be reimbursed for 60 per cent of their election expenses, to a maximum of 60 per cent of their spending limit. After these reimbursements were made, "information came to light in the course of the review and audit of the return filed by a candidate of the party, which raised questions as to whether the expense claimed was in fact an expense of the candidate," Ms. Vézina wrote.
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Don Quixote Note: In an earlier posting I noted that In the case of our local M.P. the taxpayer only gets hit for 60% of 10,029.98 or $6,017.99 (Yes Virginia you even get to pay your percentage of the $40 wire transfer charge paid to the TD Canada Trust.) Luckily the watchdog Elections Canada disallowed these expenses and saved the taxpayers $600,000 across Canada. (My Thanks to these bureaucrabs with balls)
It looks like some of the MP's managed to get reimbursement before the scheme was shut down including the campaign of local M.P. Colin Mayes. No doubt if the case is decided in the favour of Elections Canada in court the money will be returned to the Canadian Taxpayer with interest.
Victoria sewage treatment plan creates sticker shock
MURRAY LANGDON Globe and Mail Apr. 29
VICTORIA -- When the B.C. government mandated that Victoria treat its sewage in 2006, the idea was to eliminate a major problem - the 129 million litres of raw effluent being dumped into the ocean every day. Now a new problem has cropped up, which some say stinks even more: how to pay for it. The project has been estimated to cost up to $1.2-billion, and both the provincial and federal governments have pledged to cover a third of the cost.Funding the local government's share will come through an additional levy on homeowners, based on how much work needs to be done in the various municipalities. It will cost some taxpayers in the capital region an additional $713 a year by the year 2017, when the system is online, while others will pay as little as an additional $157.
VICTORIA -- When the B.C. government mandated that Victoria treat its sewage in 2006, the idea was to eliminate a major problem - the 129 million litres of raw effluent being dumped into the ocean every day. Now a new problem has cropped up, which some say stinks even more: how to pay for it. The project has been estimated to cost up to $1.2-billion, and both the provincial and federal governments have pledged to cover a third of the cost.Funding the local government's share will come through an additional levy on homeowners, based on how much work needs to be done in the various municipalities. It will cost some taxpayers in the capital region an additional $713 a year by the year 2017, when the system is online, while others will pay as little as an additional $157.
Annual projected costs for sewage treatment alone in the Greater Victoria area by the year 2017 (figures are per household)
Oak Bay $712.98 Saanich $471.12 Victoria $464.85 View Royal $430.88 Esquimalt $408.45 Colwood $197.81 Langford $157.49
Monday, April 28, 2008
Former MP misses politics; considers return
There may be a very familiar name on an upcoming election ballot around the North Okanagan. Former long time M-P Darrel Stinson says his health is doing better and he's missing politics. The 62 year old Stinson is not ruling out at a return at some level. "If I got the green light (from doctors and his wife) and everything was a go, I would run because I think there's so much you can really do in this country, to help the people." He says if not at the federal level, he'd also consider running for provincial or municipal politics. Stinson left the MP's office in 2006 after 13 years due to a battle with cancer. He served under the Reform, Alliance and Conservative parties.He says his health is better.It's pretty good. I'm not going to complain about it."Meantime, Stinson says current MP Colin Mayes is doing a "fair job", and despite differences while in office, he calls Stephen Harper one of the best prime ministers Canada's ever had.
Hospital Petition to be available at City Hall !
The City of Vernon in a rare unanimous 7-0 vote agreed to make the Hospital Petition available at City Hall.
Moreover, The City will urge all outlying municipalities and NORD to make the petition available at their outlets.
Moreover, The City will urge all outlying municipalities and NORD to make the petition available at their outlets.
Big Decisions at Council Today at 1:30 (Time unless indicated otherwise)
- RCMP Quarterly Report at 8:40
Mandate of bylaw officers and Requested meeting with DVA to be discussed at 8:40.
- Community Policing Quarterly Report
- Slot Machines to be limited to 400 with no increase to license fee recommended.
- Tax increase and public input to be discussed today.
Council debates petition
Dehydrating facility turned down by ALC
By Jennifer Smith - Vernon Morning Star - April 27, 2008
A local humanitarian project striving to feed the hungry is facing a major setback. An application made to the Agricultural Land Commission to build a dehydrating facility on a Lavington acreage has been rejected, despite support from the District of Coldstream. The intention of the project was to dehydrate and package surplus and reject fruits and vegetables into relief supplies for people in developing countries.Applicants Denis and Eileen Nogue annually travel to developing countries to help less fortunate communities. Along with other humanitarian efforts, they often bring bags of dehydrated food from the Okanagan Gleaners in Oliver.They recently returned from Nicaragua, where they brought 50 bags to a community that is living in the dump. Knowing how much food is wasted back at home, Eileen says it’s a heart-wrenching situation to see families living on so little. “You can’t really imagine. It doesn’t really seem fair.” But thanks to dehydrated food products like what they are trying to produce, they are able to offer relief to such communities.They recently established the North Okanagan Valley Gleaners Society to do just that.
They were proposing a 4,000 square-foot facility on one acre of their 9.77 acre property. The Nogue’s say the facility would be no larger than many local area barns, and would utilize excess produce in the valley that would normally go to waste. But several neighbours weren’t as eager to see the project unfold, for fear of increased traffic, lights, odour and noise. In the end, the ALC denied the application as it felt that “it would have a negative impact on agriculture,” as stated in its decision. The ALC felt that it would be an industrial intrusion into the area, despite the fact that the O-I Glass Plant and Tolko mill are both audible and visible from the property While the Nogue’s cannot appeal the decision, they are still determined to find a way to make this happen. They have applied for a reconsideration based on new information they recently discovered with regard to irrigation. However, other options are being considered.
“If they definitely close on this we’ll be looking at different avenues,” said Eileen, as there may be someone out there who would be willing to sell or lease a portion of or donate the use of their land or buildings for such a facility. The Nogues say there has been much support and encouragement for this project from people in the Okanagan and even as far away as Edmonton and Nicaragua.Anyone who would like to support the efforts can now do so with donations. The North Okanagan Valley Gleaners Society is a registered society in B.C. and federally, so tax receipts can be issued. For further information, call 545-1672 or denogue@shaw.ca or visit www.novgleaners.org.
Hospital future improving (Salmon Arm)
CT scanner: Second radiologist to be hired. Standing in the small, tired yellow waiting room attached to the emergency department at Shuswap Lake General Hospital, it’s hard to imagine that within some 18 months, the space will be home to state-of-the-art emergency and imaging departments. Health Minister George Abbott, Interior Health Authority chair Norm Embree and North Okanagan Columbia Shuswap Regional Hospital District rep Rhona Martin were taken on a tour of the hospital’s newly renovated and soon-to-be-built areas on Friday. ER, which serves some 20,000 patients in a year, will not only be a more modern department, it will be a more private facility with 10 beds as well as a separate triage room, a special pediatrics area and a psychiatric secure room. And people being brought in on stretchers will no longer be on view to those in the waiting room, as a separate ambulance entrance will provide privacy. As well, thanks to an updated facility and new diagnostic equipment, ER staff will be able to do more than just stabilize and ship some trauma patients to facilities that offer a higher level of care.A tour of the windowless lab revealed closer quarters that staff previously had in their old spot between ER and imaging. There were complaints about noise levels and air temperature, but Shuswap-Revelstoke administrator Kirstine Hill assured the start-up “bugs” were being worked out.
Down the hall and into the former laundry space, pharmacy workers are delighted with their new home, which sports skylights and safe areas for chemo and sterile preparations, among other things. Not only does this new pharmacy serve the hospital but long-term care facilities, the eye-care centre in Armstrong and hospitals in Merritt, Ashcroft, Clearwater and Revelstoke. The need for space becomes evident as the tour group moves into the imaging department, an area much in need of renewal that still manages to serve some 38,000 people per year. A place where acting manager Kim Mead explains half the people on a waiting list for a CT scan in Vernon are actually from Salmon Arm and bookings for general radiology in Salmon Arm are about one week instead of a day or two. Looking ahead, a very excited radiologist, John Wickert, has a catalogue open to a new, state-of-the-art, 64-slice CT scanner. “As it stands today, we’re approved, the probability is very high,” the radiologist said Monday. “This scanner we’re looking at is top of the line, one of the best, if not the best, and the same one Vernon has.”
Wickert says having the sophisticated equipment will mean decreased travel for diagnostic studies and better, more immediate treatment for local residents. For example, he notes, in the past, anyone suffering a stroke had to go to Vernon for a CT scan, thereby losing the window of opportunity to get medication that can reduce the damage caused by a stroke. As well, the detail provided by the 64-slice, will reveal things like leg fractures and stomach trauma in sufficient detail for doctors to decide whether a patient can be treated here or needs to be sent for a higher level of care. Wickert, has headed up radiology for 12 years on his own and is delighted a second radiologist has agreed to join the department when the new CT scanner is in operation. “The other thing that is happening with the new building is we are being provided for a third X-ray and ultrasound, so we can do more procedures which we haven’t been able to do in the past,” he says, noting the third X-ray room has always been his priority over the CT scan. “We have been approved but only as a class C approval, which means we won’t get them.” Wickert’s cynical judgment on this is born of experience. “The third X-ray room has been approved to be installed three times, but every time it has been ripped from under our feet,” he says with a trace of anger. “ The excuse is usually lack of space.” Now that there will be space to accommodate the third room, Wickert says it looks like funding is going to become the issue. “This has gone through the Diagnostic Imaging committee and gone to the top. We’ve actually had architects in to look at the space and then we turn around and it’s gone,” he says. “The second general ultrasound room has also been approved, but again it’s so far down the list it won’t ever happen.” Wickert notes the federal government has once again failed to send funding for capital equipment so rather than buying new items, health authorities are replacing those that break down. It annoys him that while other communities get new equipment, Salmon Arm has acquired the money to buy the C-arm and the new CT scanner through community fundraising.“We did get two X-ray rooms over the past 12 months, but only because they broke down,” he says. “They were emergency replacements.”Wickert says Salmon Arm did 25,774 X-rays with two rooms last year, 7,000 more than Williams Lake, and 9,000 more than Cranbrook and Trail, all of which have three rooms. “We’re doing 50 per cent more than they do on two thirds of the equipment. There’s no question I’ve got the best staff. I get locums coming here and half of them want to stay because the staff is so good.”
Vernon lineups felt here
Code Purple: Surgeries delayed in Salmon Arm. They may be calling Code Purple in Vernon Jubilee Hospital, but Shuswap Lake General Hospital had beds available this weekend. Code Purple describes a situation in which there are more patients than beds, apparently a common occurrence in Vernon these days. “At the VJH, Code Purple is a more than a frequent state with the average patients in acute care beds per day being 132,” says Kay Stamboulieh of the Vernon and District Taxpayers’ Association in a press release that also advised a patient was recently sent to Salmon Arm for an appendectomy. “The Vernon and District Taxpayers’ Association urges people to sign and circulate the petition to Gordon Campbell’s government to increase funding for acute care beds, operating rooms and permanent nursing staff,” says the release. “Individuals, groups and businesses in the North Okanagan-Shuswap are urged to put out petitions in their locations.” At present, these are several Vernon-and-area signing locations with some promised in the near future for the Shuswap.
But Dr. Warren Bell, president of the medical staff at Shuswap Lake General Hospital, says when he admitted a patient Sunday night, he was told there were beds available. Bell says it is common for patients in need of hip or knee replacements to be held up in Salmon Arm because there is no room in Vernon. He offers high praise for Dr. Chris Parfitt, who came to Salmon Arm from Vernon and, despite his qualifications and expertise can only do limited surgical procedures because of a lack of equipment. Bell says there was a time when doctors and staff at Shuswap Lake Hospital thought the facility would be shut down or turned into a “way station” for other larger hospitals. And although that has not happened, he says, this community seems to continue to lag behind others in terms of services and equipment. “There is still a sense that other communities are pushing the envelope, maybe some empire building, and we haven’t caught up,” he says. “There are old folks that line ER for days waiting for hips and knees (surgeries) and we keep shipping them out. “The answer is not Vernon. Just equip us with the devices we need.” Bell says Parfitt is a good and experienced surgeon, who would save the system time and money if he had the necessary equipment with which to perform the more complex hip and knee surgeries here.
Sunday, April 27, 2008
If Fee's are charged only to cover costs for Casino Business Licence Fee, How does City Council Explain the Terasen Gas Franchise fee ?
“In order for the city to collect additional business license fees, the fees would need to be directly connected with the cost of providing a service related to the regulation of said business,” states a staff report. This is a lawyer's opinion based on a probate fee ruling by the supreme court in regards to a Provincial Government to impose such a fee through regulation rather than legislation. (This case seems to have limited application and relevance to the fees imposed by a municipal government.)
However if this is the reason that Council uses not to adjust the business license fee to at least the Provincial Annual Level of $15,000 for the Class B Casino (less than 500 slots) and perhaps a per person fee for employees, then it would bring into question the validity of the amount charged under the Terasen Gas franchise fee.
Section 194 (4) of the Community Charter requires a municipality to make available to the public, on request, the basis for calculation of a fee. (Hopefully my request for a justification of the franchise fee charged to natural gas users imposed by the city and collected by Terasen Gas on their behalf will now be forthcoming?)
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Some of the History of BC Gas (Terasen) Franchise Fee Follows:
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REGULAR OPEN MEETING OF COUNCIL HELD TUESDAY, OCTOBER 10, 2006
TERASEN GAS Councillor Beardsell noted his concerns regarding the fact that local Terasen Gas customers have been asked to sign up for a fixed rate commodity fee via a mailout brochure. The information provided in the brochure shows a sample billing form which doesn’t indicate a franchise fee on bill. Councillor Beardsell suggested that it is time to ask why is Terasen Gas is not levying a ‘franchise fee’ to customers the lower mainland when the Okanagan is being charged this fee.
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HISTORY OF THIS FEE (reposting of a 2005 article with franchise fee revenue amounts updated.)
In 1957, BC Gas (known at the time as Inland Natural Gas) was afforded the exclusive right through a Franchise Agreement to establish a natural gas distribution system within the City of Vernon. Access to road rights-of-way was extended through the Agreement to allow for the construction of system infrastructure. In exchange for these privileges, BC Gas was required to pay an annual franchise fee to the City at an amount equal to 3% of natural gas sales within the municipality.The Agreement signed in 1957 has been renewed once and extended several times under its original terms and conditions. This represents a tax to you that is given to your local municipality and in my case the CITY of VERNON. You will not see any such fee on your telephone, hydro or even your cable bills. Only people who use BC Gas are taxed by the City of Vernon for their heating bill. Last year the city collected $570,000 and this year expects to collect $579,000.The City maintains that this is the cost of road repairs etc caused by BC Gas. They admit that they have never done a cost analysis of the actual cost but they have said that the revenue definitely exceeds the costs of repairs.
3.09% BC GAS FRANCHISE FEE (Plus GST NOT Calculated)
2000 $290,331
2001 $398,823
2002 $501,972
2003 $472,388
2004 $487,013
2005 $492,625
2006 $550,000
2007 $570,000
2008 $570,000 Est (Actual will be $579,000)
However if this is the reason that Council uses not to adjust the business license fee to at least the Provincial Annual Level of $15,000 for the Class B Casino (less than 500 slots) and perhaps a per person fee for employees, then it would bring into question the validity of the amount charged under the Terasen Gas franchise fee.
Section 194 (4) of the Community Charter requires a municipality to make available to the public, on request, the basis for calculation of a fee. (Hopefully my request for a justification of the franchise fee charged to natural gas users imposed by the city and collected by Terasen Gas on their behalf will now be forthcoming?)
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Some of the History of BC Gas (Terasen) Franchise Fee Follows:
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REGULAR MEETING OF COUNCIL, MONDAY, JULY 8TH, 2002
Mayor Harvey stated the delegation’s concern with a “tax on a tax”. Manager, Finance Fehrmann advised that he would explore the G.S.T. portion of the fee, and pointed out that he was working with the U.B.C.M. to restructure this charge.
Councillor Cochrane suggested collecting this charge through general taxation. Mr. Fehrmann agreed that this would eliminate the G.S.T. problem. He added that a number of possibilities are being explored through the U.B.C.M. and by next year, something should be finalized with BC Gas and U.B.C.M.
REGULAR OPEN MEETING OF COUNCIL HELD TUESDAY, OCTOBER 10, 2006
TERASEN GAS Councillor Beardsell noted his concerns regarding the fact that local Terasen Gas customers have been asked to sign up for a fixed rate commodity fee via a mailout brochure. The information provided in the brochure shows a sample billing form which doesn’t indicate a franchise fee on bill. Councillor Beardsell suggested that it is time to ask why is Terasen Gas is not levying a ‘franchise fee’ to customers the lower mainland when the Okanagan is being charged this fee.
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HISTORY OF THIS FEE (reposting of a 2005 article with franchise fee revenue amounts updated.)
In 1957, BC Gas (known at the time as Inland Natural Gas) was afforded the exclusive right through a Franchise Agreement to establish a natural gas distribution system within the City of Vernon. Access to road rights-of-way was extended through the Agreement to allow for the construction of system infrastructure. In exchange for these privileges, BC Gas was required to pay an annual franchise fee to the City at an amount equal to 3% of natural gas sales within the municipality.The Agreement signed in 1957 has been renewed once and extended several times under its original terms and conditions. This represents a tax to you that is given to your local municipality and in my case the CITY of VERNON. You will not see any such fee on your telephone, hydro or even your cable bills. Only people who use BC Gas are taxed by the City of Vernon for their heating bill. Last year the city collected $570,000 and this year expects to collect $579,000.The City maintains that this is the cost of road repairs etc caused by BC Gas. They admit that they have never done a cost analysis of the actual cost but they have said that the revenue definitely exceeds the costs of repairs.
3.09% BC GAS FRANCHISE FEE (Plus GST NOT Calculated)
2000 $290,331
2001 $398,823
2002 $501,972
2003 $472,388
2004 $487,013
2005 $492,625
2006 $550,000
2007 $570,000
2008 $570,000 Est (Actual will be $579,000)
Council debates petition
By Richard Rolke - Vernon Morning Star - April 27, 2008
Residents could soon be signing a petition on health care at Vernon city hall. 
It’s anticipated council will decide Monday whether to 
use city hall as a venue for a petition demanding more resources for Vernon Jubilee Hospital. “The city should really get involved because the community is in terrible straits in regards to the hospital,” said Coun. Barry Beardsell. The petition, which was started by the Vernon Taxpayers Association, asks the provincial government to increase funding for acute care beds, operating rooms and permanent nursing staff at VJH. “I fully support residents signing the petition because it puts weight behind us when we talk to the government and the health board about these matters,” said Mayor Wayne Lippert.However, Lippert admits there is some reluctance about city hall playing host to petition campaigns.“Are we setting a precedent where we open up the door for petitions that aren’t appropriate?” he said. The petition is currently available at the Coldstream municipal office, and Mayor Gary Corner says there was little debate about it there.“People agree that it would be nice to have better facilities and we are a growing community,” he said.
The petition is also available at doctors’ offices, Butcher Boys, the Halina Centre, Towne Cinema, the Falkland General Store, the Lumby Pharmacy, Askew’s in Armstrong, the Enderby Credit Union, the North Valley Echo, the Enderby IDA Pharmacy and the Ashton Creek Store. It is also available outside of Buy-Low Foods and the Schubert Centre weather-permitting, and it can be downloaded from www.vernonblog.blogspot.com.
“The petition seems to have taken on a life of its own,” said Kay Stamboulieh, with the Vernon Taxpayers Association.
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Morning Star Editorial May 27 Petition requires council support
It’s hard to understand why there has to be much debate at Vernon city hall over a petition about conditions at Vernon Jubilee Hospital, Making it available to the public is a no brainer. Especially when you consider that city officials have shown significant leadership in lobbying the provincial government for increased resources at VJH. Getting behind a grassroots petition is just the next step in the evolution process. There appears to be some concern that permitting this petition to sit on the counter at city hall will set a precedent for future petitions, and particularly those issues that council doesn’t endorse. There is always a chance of that, but if those issues are as significant as conditions at VJH, then they should find a place at city hall. While Vernon is debating whether to assist the petition organizers, there was little talk in Coldstream. It was deemed to be important to the community there and counter space was found in the municipal office. But not all of the pressure should be on Vernon because VJH serves the entire North Okanagan. City halls in Lumby, Armstrong, Enderby and Spallumcheen, as well as the regional district, should be getting directly involved and ensuring their residents not only know of the petition, but take action. Without proper health care facilities, North Okanagan communities will find it challenging to attract new residents or businesses, and tourism marketing might as well be shelved. So much rides on our hospital being the best it can be.In the end, now is the time for all municipal councils to do the right thing and not be left sitting on the sidelines.
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Don Quixote Note: Council is coming up to UBCM resolution time and maybe they should consider their backing and promotion of last year's UBCM resolution:
B154 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.
Slots limit put on table
By Richard Rolke - Vernon Morning Star - April 27, 2008
Restrictions could be placed on how many slot machines are allowed within Vernon city limits. Council will consider a staff recommendation Monday that would limit the number of slot machines in the community to 400. “Setting a limit at the current number of slots in the casino would put future councils in a better negotiating position in the event of another expansion and would effectively prevent creation of additional casinos,” states the staff report. However, Coun. Barry Beardsell insists the number should be set at 200. “That’s what the original restrictions were by the province,” he said, adding that 200 machines is about what Lake City Casino currently has at its Vernon operation. Lake City is constructing a new casino on Anderson Way and it would include 400 slot machines. Beardsell believes there is a need to reduce the number of slots. “It draws that much more money out of our economy,” he said of expanding gambling. “There is a loss of funds to the economic well-being of our community and an impact on lives and families.”
Officials with Lake City Casinos would not comment on the proposal going before council Monday. “I want to take a look at it and see what they are calling for,” said Steve Kumpf, vice-president of operations. The city presently receives a share of casino revenue under provincial legislation, but Beardsell argued that additional money should be sought for a social responsibility fund. The majority of council opted not to pursue funds prior to approving relocation of the casino, and Lake City has since indicated it will not provide extra money. Council instructed staff Jan. 28 to look at increasing business licenses for casinos, but it appears like doing so is legally questionable. “In order for the city to collect additional business license fees, the fees would need to be directly connected with the cost of providing a service related to the regulation of said business,” states a staff report. “The city’s position is weakened by the fact that it already receives substantial funds through the casino, the allocation of which is not restricted. Should council wish to start a social responsibility fund, it should be funded by existing revenue sources.” The provincial government, which owns the slot machines, is exempt from business license fees.
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Don Quixote Note: My comments on this can be found at: Slot Machine
Saturday, April 26, 2008
A layman's description of the cost of the IN and OUT Scheme.
Below is the best description of the In and Out controversy. In this case the taxpayer is on the hook for $29,400. In the case of our local M.P. the taxpayer only gets hit for 60% of 10,029.98 or $6,017.99 (Yes Virginia you even get to pay your percentage of the $40 wire transfer charge paid to the TD Canada Trust.) Looks like our local candidate got his money 1 day later than his Quebec Colleague but both managed to return the money promptly on Monday.
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On January 12, 2006, just two weeks before the looming election, the Hull-Aylmer Conservative association received a cheque for $48,558.55 from the Conservative Party of Canada. One day after it cleared the association bank account, the locals sent two cheques back across the river to CPC headquarters, one for $44,573.55, the other in the amount of $3,986. The total: $48,558.55. In other words, that money wasn’t used to expense anything regarding the campaign. No signs, no printing, no newspaper ads. It was merely a transfer – in and out.
But by virtue of that transfer, the Hull-Aylmer association was able to plump up its election expense return by $48,558.55 (according to documents filed with the regulator), and therefore claim a refund worth 60% of that amount, or $29,400.
This thirty grand was financed by you. And me. All taxpayers, since that is how the bulk of electoral finances are now handled.IN Hull-Aylmer
Candidates' Details - Statement of Transfers Received (Part 2h)
| 4 | Jan. 12, 2006 | Conservative Party of Canada | 48,558.55 |
Candidates' Details - Statement of Electoral Campaign Expenses (Part 3a)
| 16 | Jan. 16, 2006 | Conservative Party of Canada, | transfer | 16 | 44,573.55 Amount Paid | 0.00 | 0.00 | 36,359.39 Radio/TV | 8,214.16 Other Advertising | |||||||
| 17 | Jan. 16, 2006 | Conservative Party of Canada, | transfer | 17 | 3,985.00 Amount Paid | 0.00 | 0.00 | 3,985.00 Other Advertising |
IN: Details of Transfers received: Okanagan/Shuswap
| 2 | Jan. 13, 2006 | Conservative Party of Canada | 9,989.98 |
| 41 | Jan. 16, 2006 | TD Canada Trust | wire transfe | 10,029.98 | 0.00 | 0.00 | 10,029.98 |
Don Quixote still wants a 0% tax increase !!
Agenda Package - 9.93MB
Summary and responses to the public input session:
Tax Increase P.203
Mr. Spiers has requested a zero percent increase in taxes. In support of this position he has cited a number of individual items contained within the Financial Plan where he feels there is room for a reduction in expenses or an increase in revenues.
ANSWER: Planned moderate increases in taxation to fund service expansion and cost inflation reflect the real cost pressures and initiatives undertaken by the City.
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Don Quixote Reply to this Point:
In P.36-39 of above agenda package is my input.
Part of my reply was in regards to the point always brought up by some councillors that they have to at least have a raise each year to cover the cost of living increases etc:
Council may say that a 2.04% tax increase is necessary to ensure that we continue to look forward and not go back to the days of McGrath and the low tax hikes that caused us to fall so far behind in infrastructure maintenance and replacement. Get over it. That was 8 years ago and those small tax increases were funded by growth and a Provincial Government annual subsidy that was removed in the late 90's. It was replaced in the early 2000's by larger than anticipated Casino monies and lately by unexpected (at least to the CFO's if you believe how they budgeted for it) returns on short term investments, unbudgeted building fee revenue and a residential growth spurt that brought in massive sums of new tax money. Despite this growth that in the words of Coun. Cunningham should benefit the existing taxpayer , she don't see no change to her taxes. (Not mentioned was the 2003 tax revenue realized when the landing's 10 year tax holiday ended)
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What I pointed out was that the budget that they were attempting to pass with a 2.04% increase contained all the projects that were required for 2008, all service level adjustments and the COST of LIVING factor was built in to all the necessary line cost items. I then went on to show that there were costs that were overestimated (proved out by budget vs. actual tender) and revenues that were underestimated (Fine revenue, Hydro Grants in lieu) that could easily reduce this TAX REQUISITION to 0%.
We have had large increases in revenue put into this years budget including over $300,000 in building permit fees from a single new development, over $1,200,000 to account for return on short term investments, and large increases in excess of $600,000 in new growth tax revenues.
Growing the tax base should provide a larger revenue pool that should allow some tax relief. It was recently recognized in Spallumcheen when they lowered their residential taxes.
A Quote from Spall's Mayor : "It was “because of the growth that we had. We were able to pass some of that new growth savings back to the homeowners,” he said Tax rates decreased across the board but increased assessments will see the township increase revenue substantially from major industry (nearly $67,000), light industry (almost $22,000), and residential properties (about $30,000). “As long as we achieve a balance and we still offer the same level of services, then we can pass those savings onto the ratepayers and bring those taxes down,” said Hansma.
Summary and responses to the public input session:
Tax Increase P.203
Mr. Spiers has requested a zero percent increase in taxes. In support of this position he has cited a number of individual items contained within the Financial Plan where he feels there is room for a reduction in expenses or an increase in revenues.
ANSWER: Planned moderate increases in taxation to fund service expansion and cost inflation reflect the real cost pressures and initiatives undertaken by the City.
----------------------------------
Don Quixote Reply to this Point:
In P.36-39 of above agenda package is my input.
Part of my reply was in regards to the point always brought up by some councillors that they have to at least have a raise each year to cover the cost of living increases etc:
Council may say that a 2.04% tax increase is necessary to ensure that we continue to look forward and not go back to the days of McGrath and the low tax hikes that caused us to fall so far behind in infrastructure maintenance and replacement. Get over it. That was 8 years ago and those small tax increases were funded by growth and a Provincial Government annual subsidy that was removed in the late 90's. It was replaced in the early 2000's by larger than anticipated Casino monies and lately by unexpected (at least to the CFO's if you believe how they budgeted for it) returns on short term investments, unbudgeted building fee revenue and a residential growth spurt that brought in massive sums of new tax money. Despite this growth that in the words of Coun. Cunningham should benefit the existing taxpayer , she don't see no change to her taxes. (Not mentioned was the 2003 tax revenue realized when the landing's 10 year tax holiday ended)
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What I pointed out was that the budget that they were attempting to pass with a 2.04% increase contained all the projects that were required for 2008, all service level adjustments and the COST of LIVING factor was built in to all the necessary line cost items. I then went on to show that there were costs that were overestimated (proved out by budget vs. actual tender) and revenues that were underestimated (Fine revenue, Hydro Grants in lieu) that could easily reduce this TAX REQUISITION to 0%.
We have had large increases in revenue put into this years budget including over $300,000 in building permit fees from a single new development, over $1,200,000 to account for return on short term investments, and large increases in excess of $600,000 in new growth tax revenues.
Growing the tax base should provide a larger revenue pool that should allow some tax relief. It was recently recognized in Spallumcheen when they lowered their residential taxes.
A Quote from Spall's Mayor : "It was “because of the growth that we had. We were able to pass some of that new growth savings back to the homeowners,” he said Tax rates decreased across the board but increased assessments will see the township increase revenue substantially from major industry (nearly $67,000), light industry (almost $22,000), and residential properties (about $30,000). “As long as we achieve a balance and we still offer the same level of services, then we can pass those savings onto the ratepayers and bring those taxes down,” said Hansma.
Friday, April 25, 2008
MP's comments questioned
107.5 KISSFM Pete McIntyre:
The gloves have come off in the North Okanagan over the Conservative campaign spending controversy
. NDP candidate Alice Brown is accusing Okanagan Shuswap MP Colin Mayes of misrepresenting the facts
after Mayes said he didn't receive any money from his party during the 2006 election, but his campaign gave the party $10,000 to help out other campaigns that weren't as well financed. The Conservatives are accused by Elections Canada of exceeding their campaign spending limit by more than $ 1 million in a plan that involved 67 candidates incluidng Mayes. Brown says election documents show about ten thousand dollars was transferred in and out of the Mayes campaign, and was used for advertising. "So if he used it as advertising to claim a rebate, then it's not money that was used for other people's campaigns. You can't do both." Brown wants Mayes to come clean over the issue. "All of that kind of playing around the edges is all wrong and a campaign of high standard doesn't do that kind of thing. Doesn't transfer money in and out. And the higher road is to say, if we're not sure, we don't do it." Brown also feels it's wrong for Mayes to say other parties have done the same thing in the past, without giving specific examples.
NEW CHILD CARE-SPACES FOR VERNON
VERNON – Almost $60,000 in provincial funding will help create 28 new licensed child-care spaces in Vernon, Minister of Children and Family Development and Okanagan-Vernon MLA Tom Christensen announced today.“We are committed to creating new child-care spaces to help meet the needs of Vernon families,” said Christensen. “These projects – and others getting underway across the province – will help us reach our goal of creating 2,000 additional, licensed child-care spaces in British Columbia.” The North Okanagan Child Care Society is receiving close to $50,000 to open 12 new infant and toddler spaces and retain 132 spaces at the West Vernon Children’s Centre. “We are pleased to receive this capital grant that will enable us to address the high need for toddler child care,” said Lynne Reside, executive director of the North Okanagan Child Care Society. “We will be able to open new spaces and increase access to safe, healthy and nurturing learning environments for children as well as supporting families and communities.”P.W. Diamond Drilling is also receiving more than $9,400 to support the creation of 16 new licensed child-care spaces at the House of Dwarves Daycare. The new child-care spaces for children 30 months and older will bring the total number of spaces at the centre to 86.
No Fun In Vernon?
Starlee Speers Astral Media Radio (Vernon)
Vernon residents looking forward to a Father's Day Airshow or a fireworks display on Canada day, will likely be disappointed this year. Mayor Wayne Lippert says, neither has been organized so far and time is running out. The city is creating a committee to look after the airshow but it won't have its first meeting until the second week of May. Lippert says, no volunteers have really come forward yet to organize the fireworks either.
RCMP Reserve Fund and Middleton Way Grant to be debated Monday at 8:40 AM
Agenda Package - 795Kb (COW MEETING) P.25 -26
2007 YEAR END CARRYOVERS (P. 25) B. Memo dated April 8, 2008, from Mr. Kevin Bertles, Manager, Finance, re: 2007 Year End Carryovers.
In this April 8 memo the Manager of Finance details what he believes to be the present policy with regards to the RCMP Reserve. He suggests that the Council add an ongoing treatment of this particular Reserve to the draft "Interim Reserve Policy" which Council is already in the process of crafting. He states in his last paragraph: "There was no transfer made to the RCMP reserve in 2007 for either the fine revenue or the policing surplus. He goes on to state that if Council wishes to reinstate the $787,483 to the Police Reserve then they must make a corresponding reduction in the Casino reserve to offset the additional expenditures for Middleton Way.
Nothing about a transfer back from the Affordable Housing Reserve is mentioned in this memo or the afternoon's memo "April 17 Summary and responses to the public input session" which can be found at Agenda Package - 9.93MB P.203-204" This summary is in response to the public input that can be found in the same agenda package at pages 34-39.
In that input I argued that the $310,000 that was taken from the RCMP reserve and transferred to the Affordable Housing fund when it was set up should be returned as part of rationalizing the Reserve Policy as was part of the original debate when money was transferred.
Hopefully this will be addressed at the COW debate on Monday morning.
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In the COW memo on page 26 'Middleton Way funding source' is the sentence
" in proceeding with the project prior to an announcement concerning grant funding, the City eliminated the possibility of obtaining grant funds for a project already under construction."
In the response to public input memo on Page 204 is the sentence: "As such the City abandoned grant funding possibilities by commencing the project prior to a funding announcement"
The Grants Status Report confirms that there was a $631,568 grant application put in Jan 24/07 under the MRIF program.
The Middleton project was declassified May 14 from a Dark Side (in-camera) meeting and passed by a 6 to 1 Vote.
No doubt at the Dark Side debate the Council was informed of the status of the Grant and the possible ramifications if it proceeded before the Grant was approved. There is no indication that any such discussion took place at the declassification meeting.
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These are the debates that will occur at the COW meeting at 8:40. Hopefully the RCMP reserve will be restated to its correct levels and a binding resolution on its future treatment reinstated.
I will have a separate posting on the 2.04% tax increase that will occur at the afternoon session of council.
2007 YEAR END CARRYOVERS (P. 25) B. Memo dated April 8, 2008, from Mr. Kevin Bertles, Manager, Finance, re: 2007 Year End Carryovers.
In this April 8 memo the Manager of Finance details what he believes to be the present policy with regards to the RCMP Reserve. He suggests that the Council add an ongoing treatment of this particular Reserve to the draft "Interim Reserve Policy" which Council is already in the process of crafting. He states in his last paragraph: "There was no transfer made to the RCMP reserve in 2007 for either the fine revenue or the policing surplus. He goes on to state that if Council wishes to reinstate the $787,483 to the Police Reserve then they must make a corresponding reduction in the Casino reserve to offset the additional expenditures for Middleton Way.
Nothing about a transfer back from the Affordable Housing Reserve is mentioned in this memo or the afternoon's memo "April 17 Summary and responses to the public input session" which can be found at Agenda Package - 9.93MB P.203-204" This summary is in response to the public input that can be found in the same agenda package at pages 34-39.
In that input I argued that the $310,000 that was taken from the RCMP reserve and transferred to the Affordable Housing fund when it was set up should be returned as part of rationalizing the Reserve Policy as was part of the original debate when money was transferred.
Hopefully this will be addressed at the COW debate on Monday morning.
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In the COW memo on page 26 'Middleton Way funding source' is the sentence
" in proceeding with the project prior to an announcement concerning grant funding, the City eliminated the possibility of obtaining grant funds for a project already under construction."
In the response to public input memo on Page 204 is the sentence: "As such the City abandoned grant funding possibilities by commencing the project prior to a funding announcement"
The Grants Status Report confirms that there was a $631,568 grant application put in Jan 24/07 under the MRIF program.
The Middleton project was declassified May 14 from a Dark Side (in-camera) meeting and passed by a 6 to 1 Vote.
No doubt at the Dark Side debate the Council was informed of the status of the Grant and the possible ramifications if it proceeded before the Grant was approved. There is no indication that any such discussion took place at the declassification meeting.
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These are the debates that will occur at the COW meeting at 8:40. Hopefully the RCMP reserve will be restated to its correct levels and a binding resolution on its future treatment reinstated.
I will have a separate posting on the 2.04% tax increase that will occur at the afternoon session of council.
MP denies wrongdoing over expenses
By Richard Rolke - Vernon Morning Star - April 25, 2008
Okanagan-Shuswap MP Colin Mayes defends campaign spending during the last federal election. It’s alleged that the Conservative Party spent $1 million more than the $18 million national campaign limit in the 2006 election. Party headquarters in Ottawa were recently raided by the RCMP and Elections Canada officials. “We have nothing to hide,” said Mayes. Under legislation, national parties can provide funds to individual candidates, but the money must be used for local campaigns and not the national one. Prior to the end of the 2006 election, the party transferred money to 67 candidates who had not reached their individual limits. That money was then transferred back to the party for national advertising. The ads ran in local markets mentioning the local candidates. It’s alleged by Elections Canada that this was an attempt to circumvent the national spending limit.
However, Mayes disagrees with that interpretation. “It would be good if we left it to a judge to decide the interpretation of the act,” he said, adding that other parties have also taken similar action during previous elections. “I really do believe the (Conservative) party has followed common practice.” Financial reports filed with Elections Canada show that the Conservative Party transferred $9,989 into Mayes’ campaign Jan. 13, 2006. On Jan. 16, there was a $10,029 transfer out of Mayes’ campaign account. Mayes says financial decisions were handled by his campaign team and he was not aware of the $9,989 transfer into his account. “My official agent or campaign manager didn’t make me aware of this,” he said. In terms of the $10,029, Mayes insists that money originated from donations and there was a request from the national party for funds.
“We forwarded funds to help other constituencies that were under-funded.” Wayne McGrath, Mayes’ campaign manager, confirms that he was contacted by the national party. “They explained that it was possible to have another $10,000 for the campaign. They said we’d have to send another $10,000 back and it would go to pay for advertising. It would go towards our maximum spending limit,” he said. McGrath admits that he and others within the campaign team had some reservations. “I simply didn’t know if it was possible to receive money from the national party and use it for local campaigns. But it was determined that the money could transfer back and forth,” he said. McGrath says Mayes was part of those discussions. “We were part of a committee and he was part of the committee. He certainly agreed with it,” said McGrath.McGrath believes Election Canada’s allegations are unfounded. “The party is on sound legal grounds. As the prime minister said, it’s a matter of interpretation of where the advertising had to go,” he said.
Other parties are taking issue with Mayes’ comments.“The local NDP campaign did not transfer money to the national party, and then claim it as a local advertising expense,” said Jeff Mellows, the NDP’s financial agent during the 2006 election. “Funds received by the Alice Brown campaign were all spent here on the local campaign.”Elections Canada is being sued by the Conservative Party for denying the advertising expenses of local candidates.
Don Quixote Note: Details about the filing of this money with elections Canada can be found at Local M.P. In and Out transfer details. (In on Friday, Out on Monday)
An Sept 26/07 article about that meeting can be found at Mayes campaign questioned ad money
Township taxes trimmed
By Tyler Olsen - Vernon Morning Star - April 25, 2008
A case of beer, trip to the movie theatre or half-tank of gas – thanks to a tax cut, the average Spallumcheen resident will have some decisions to make with an extra $32. The township has cut municipal taxes to the tune of four per cent on an average assessed home, meaning residents of the average Spallumcheen home or farm valued at nearly $257,000, up 13 per cent from last year, will pay $32 less municipal tax. Property owners who saw the assessed value of their home remain the same will pay 15 per cent less. “We were able to lower the mill rate substantially all the way across,” said Mayor Will Hansma. Despite the rate cut, the township will collect nearly four per cent more in taxes in 2008 and nearly two per cent more from residents. Hansma attributed the decrease to recent development.
It was “because of the growth that we had. We were able to pass some of that new growth savings back to the homeowners,” he said Tax rates decreased across the board but increased assessments will see the township increase revenue substantially from major industry (nearly $67,000), light industry (almost $22,000), and residential properties (about $30,000). “As long as we achieve a balance and we still offer the same level of services, then we can pass those savings onto the ratepayers and bring those taxes down,” said Hansma. “We haven’t changed the way we do things. We’re still doing everything the same way.” In total, the Township of Spallumcheen will bring in $3,299,297 in tax revenue in 2008, up from $3,197,785 last year. Total property assessments in the township rose more than 20 per cent, to $794,308,976. Farm assessments, however, dropped by $30,000.
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Don Quixote Note: If Spall can do it why Can't Vernon ?
Association protests lack of city debate
By Richard Rolke - Vernon Morning Star - April 25, 2008
The City of Vernon is being accused of not acknowledging expenses related to the failed civic complex process. The Vernon Taxpayers Association questions why council has not publicly discussed the $373,538 that was spent on last summer’s counter-petition and January’s referendum. “It’s very disrespectful of the citizens,” said Tony Stamboulieh, association spokesman. The group claims transparency and accountability has been lacking. “On the civic complex costs there has been silence: no discussion, no debate, no accountability to taxpayers, financial report buried on page 285 of the agenda package, and the grant status report slipped under the wire, unnoticed,” states a press release. “Why did the mayor treat the financial costs for the civic complex so flippantly as ‘the cost of doing business?’” Mayor Wayne Lippert says there was no reason to discuss the expense report when it was presented to council April 14. “Council was aware of the approximate costs and they (final expenditures) were in line with what we expected. Why keep flogging a dead horse?” he said.
Lippert suggests that Stamboulieh is being selective when it comes to financial matters. “If he’s so interested in the taxpayers’ finances, why didn’t he show up for the budget input meeting and why isn’t he concerned about the regional district budget and transparency there?” said Lippert. The association is also questioning city suggestions that it didn’t know in mid-December that two government grants for the civic complex had been denied. City staff have stated they didn’t become aware of the status of the applications until early April. “If the applications were turned down, they (government) wouldn’t wait until April to advise them of that. That’s hard to believe,” said Stamboulieh. Lippert stands behind staff and denies anyone knew about the failed applications Dec. 18. “We have no reason to hide anything,” he said, adding that those grants turned down were for 2007, not 2008. “The process is the process and we apply for grants every year.”
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Don Quixote Note: Details of the various reports in dispute can be found at Grants Report vs Advertisments. You be the judge and then Let's Move On !
I will continue to post the going ons of this never ending saga for the historical record. However it is time for both sides to cooperate in a better use of their talents. The Taxpayer's Association is acting as the clearing agent doing most of the legwork for the Hospital Petition. Perhaps the City of Vernon can make the petition available at City Hall and set aside a small budget (perhaps from the Mayor's discretionary Fund) to help defray the expenses of this group? An ad in the local papers that I'm sure could be obtained at a cut rate expressing the full support of the City Council would be a good PR gesture also.
As the Mayor said in regards to the costs "Why keep flogging a dead horse?" I'm sure there is plenty of that that will occur during the next election !
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