By Richard Rolke - Vernon Morning Star Published: November 11, 2008
Divisions erupted over a proposed strategic plan for Vernon’s fire/rescue services Monday. Council released a report that looks into how fire services are provided in Vernon, including whether the Okanagan Landing hall should continue to operate as a separate entity run by volunteers. But Coun. Barry Beardsell insisted the entire matter be put on hold until a new council is in place in December. “This whole process has been bungled from the start,” he said. Beardsell also suggested Coun. Jack Gilroy is in a perceived conflict of interest because his son is a full-time Vernon firefighter.Gilroy denies the charge, but he has decided to withdraw from any debate on the strategic plan.
Beardsell also questioned why city staff are holding a meeting on the strategic plan for council, firefighters and the media today. And he got upset when Mayor Wayne Lippert suggested council candidates could also attend. “The goal posts are changing by the minute,” said Beardsell. Concerns also came from Coun. Juliette Cunningham. “To release it (report) three weeks before the election, I question that,” she said. However, the rest of council wouldn’t support calls from Beardsell and Cunningham to cancel today’s meeting.
“The Okanagan Landing volunteers deserve to be heard and to answer some questions,” said Coun. Patrick Nicol. Lippert believes the meeting is a chance to provide information. “We get accused of what’s held in-camera and this is an opportunity to provide clean information,” he said. Council met with members of the Okanagan Landing Fire Department Saturday to discuss the strategic plan. “They gave us a rundown on their thoughts and concerns and the meeting was beneficial,” said Lippert. Officials with the Okanagan Landing Fire Department confirm they will meet again with the city to discuss the draft strategic plan.“We are definitely not walking away from the table but we have our own ideas that we want to get across,” said chief Ed Forslund.“We only want what’s best for the citizens of Vernon and Okanagan Landing.”
