By Richard Rolke - Vernon Morning Star Published: December 02, 2008
The celebrations are over and Vernon’s new council is getting down to work. Mayor Wayne Lippert and six councillors were officially sworn into office Monday, and with the new term underway, the primary task is to hammer out a 2009 budget for the city. “There are global economic times that are tough and we need to recognize that,” said Lippert, adding that there will be a need for the city to be fiscally responsible. Lippert also wants council to work with local businesses in an attempt to keep them here, to implement the new official community plan and to be accountable to the public. “Open and honest communications are not options. They are a requirement,” he said. But because three of the council members are completely new to local government, Lippert has a warning for both city staff and Vernonites. “Be patient with us as we start this three-year journey. It will take time (to move ahead) but not a long time,” he said. “Business carries on and we have to continue on with what was started by the previous council.”
On Monday, Lippert appointed himself and other members of council to various committees and boards. “It’s always a struggle because you try to use everyone’s interests and skills,” said Lippert. Patrick Nicol will serve on the biosolids advisory committee, the North Okanagan Regional District and the finance committee. Buffy Baumbrough will be at the Greater Vernon Advisory Committee and the environmental and affordable housing advisory committees. Jack Gilroy has been appointed to NORD, the Spirit of B.C. committee and the athletic commission. Lippert will be a city representative to NORD, as well as sitting at the Greater Vernon Advisory Committee, the finance committee, the economic development committee and the O’Keefe Ranch task force.
There will also be plenty to do for the three new faces on council.Shawn Lee will serve on the affordable housing advisory committee, Okanagan Regional Library and the Vernon land advisory committee. “In some areas I will have to learn some things, and in some areas, it will be a natural fit,” said Lee.“Being new to city government will be a challenge but I’m a quick study.” Mary-Jo O’Keefe will sit at the Greater Vernon Advisory Committee and be the city’s representative to the Downtown Vernon Association and the Greater Vernon Chamber of Commerce. O’Keefe has previous involvement with both the DVA and the chamber, but she admits that other aspects of serving on council will be a challenge. “I have lots to learn. I want to make sure I’m well informed,” she said of the learning curve of being newly elected. Spiers has been named to the finance committee, the tax exemption working group and the biosolids advisory committee. “It’s everything I expected,” he said of his appointments, adding that a major task will be trying to address odour concerns at the biosolids plant which produces Ogogrow fertilizer.
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