By Jennifer Smith - Vernon Morning Star Published: November 27
It was almost like the last day of school for some Coldstream councillors Monday – not much was said or done. The meeting was the last one for Mayor Gary Corner, Coun. Carol Williams, Coun. Glen Taylor (who was not in attendance) and Coun. Mary Malerby. As of Dec. 1, the new council will be Mayor Jim Garlick and councillors Bill Firman, Doug Dirk, Maria Besso, Richard Enns, Gyula Kiss and Pat Cochrane. Aside from a few private goodbyes after the meeting, there were no public well wishes or final thoughts as the old council wrapped up its last meeting in approximately half an hour. Council did manage to squeeze in one last order of business though – adopting the financial plan, which includes the 2009 budget and the 2.5 per cent tax increase.
The new council has not had a chance to review the budget but they can amend the adoption if they wish to make a change. The financial plan is not required to be adopted until mid May. A public open house for the budget was also recently held. The turnout was disappointing though since only 12 people came, several of which were incoming council members. “Every year I’m disappointed by the lack of people who come out,” said Catherine Lord, director of financial administration. Williams, who is retiring from council following nine years as a councillor, said there was little to be upset about over the budget. “We raised the taxes only 2.5 per cent and there were no comments at all.” There was one comment from a resident who said there should be no increase in taxes, another requesting a sidewalk on Uplands Drive from Buchanan Road to Uplands Place and a request for a bicycle path on the north side of Kalamalka Road between Aberdeen and Coldstream Creek roads. These suggestions have been forwarded for the new council to deal with.
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