Valley governance goes local

CASTANET
The discussion on area-wide governance in the Okanagan-Similkameen region is moving to the local level. Over the next three weeks, a consultant to the Regional Governance Working Committee will be meeting with local council’s and the elected representatives of the North Okanagan, Okanagan-Similkameen and Central Okanagan Regional Districts. These 90-minute sessions will be open for public viewing, although each local government will determine the scope of public input during the meeting. The consultant plans to brief each local government on the work of the Okanagan-Similkameen Regional Governance Working Committee and invite feedback and input from the elected officials. This information will be compiled and presented to the next meeting of the Working Committee February 27th in Vernon. Governance Chair, Robert Hobson, says a list of principles was drafted Thursday that reflect common goals and vision of the committee members. "Among them, we agree there are issues like, air, water and transportation that should be addressed on an area-wide regional basis and that cooperation and coordination are necessary," says Hobson.

"We also believe there shouldn’t be any new level of government created and that we recognize the diversity of all communities throughout the Okanagan-Similkameen and that all, including rural and electoral area communities should have the opportunity to have their views and concerns represented." Hobson there was a strong consensus that agricultural land should be protected to ensure food security and the viability of agricultural operations. “In addition to air, water and transportation, the committee also identified other key areas in which a region-wide focus could be directed. For example, we could see further cooperation and coordination when it comes to Solid Waste Management, Emergency Preparedness Planning, Area-wide Climate Change initiatives, 9-1-1 and Regional Growth Management.”

He says the committee want to assure residents that we are not addressing the issues of municipal amalgamations, boundary extensions or incorporation. "These topics are clearly guided by the provisions of the Community Charter with which we agree.” In order to keep valley residents informed about the upcoming local government meetings a schedule will be posted on the committee website as soon as it’s available. Residents are encouraged to visit www.valleygovern.ca to keep informed of upcoming committee meetings as well as links to agenda and reports from past and future sessions. A direct email contact form is also available online for residents to complete, so that their thoughts, ideas and suggestions can be considered by the Governance committee.

The next meeting of the Okanagan Similkameen Regional Governance Working Committee is scheduled for Wednesday, February 27th at 10:00 am at the North Okanagan Regional District office (9848 Aberdeen Road, Coldstream). The meeting will be open for residents to view the proceedings.

Regional District highlights RDCO KELOWNA

RDCO Basin Water Board Grant Applications -

The Regional Board has approved submitting nine funding applications to the Okanagan Basin Water Board for proposed water-related projects and initiatives during 2008. Four of the applications relate to projects that the Regional District would like to conduct including a request for $30,000 in funding for the Universal Water Metering Program within the Westside District Municipality and Central Okanagan West Electoral Area and a $30,000 grant for Sensitive Habitat Inventory Mapping in partnership with the City of Kelowna. The Regional Board also endorsed five applications for funding totalling $154,400 from other organizations and Irrigation Districts throughout the Central Okanagan. Based on the region’s population, the Water Board may provide approximately $176,000 for 2008 initiatives under its Water Conservation and Quality Improvement Grant Program.

Super Regional District Meeting Today and Finance Committee Meeting for Vernon TODAY !

The Okanagan Similkameen Regional Governance Working Committee is dedicated to conducting a transparent and public process in reviewing possible governance options for the entire area.

Meeting Dates, Locations and Times

January 31st - RDCO office, 1450 KLO Road, Kelowna - 10:00 am

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Finance Meeting 1-3 PM Thursday:

There will be a finance committee meeting for all interested Vernon Councillors. The NORD budget will be on the AGENDA. Public and media welcome. See Chart for breakdown of 6.9% NORD increase.

Loss of finance manager no reflection on RDOS, says chairman

By JOHN MOORHOUSE January 31, 2008 Penticton Herald
The third senior management official in three months is leaving the Regional District of Okanagan-Similkameen. However, Jim Zaffino said Wednesday his decision to become the chief financial officer with the new municipal government in Westside has nothing to do with ongoing talks over the future of regional government in the Okanagan. Zaffino will steps down as the RDOS general manager of finance on Feb. 22, the day after its 2008 budget is scheduled to be adopted. He starts his new position in Westside on Feb. 25. “It‘s always what I‘ve considered a dream job, where you start the financial part of a municipality from the ground up,” he said. “I enjoy a challenge.” He noted the computer programs and accounting procedures and controls can vary in any business or government organization. “It‘s easier to start a new system than to change a system,” he said, “because people are entrenched in doing it one way.” Zaffino refuted any suggestion that any possible change in the Valley‘s regional governance structure was a factor in his decision to accept the Westside position. “It had no impact,” he stated. “Even if I was in Penticton (city hall), I would have applied for the Westside job.” He also emphasized his desire not to leave the RDOS until its budget is in place. “I will not leave this organization in a bind. I have committed myself to have everything that needs to be done, done,” he said. Zaffino took over as head of finance with the RDOS in September 2006 after 32 years in the City of Penticton‘s financial department, including deputy treasurer.

While surprised by Zaffino‘s decision, RDOS chairman Dan Ashton acknowledged becoming involved in setting up the financial system for a new municipality represents a tremendous opportunity. But his departure leaves another senior management hole to be filled. Jason Johnson ended his tenure as the regional district‘s chief administrative officer last week to take over a similar position in Westside. Marty Wilfong stepped down as director of development services in November to accept a job with the City of Regina. Ashton said finding replacements for three senior managers won‘t be easy, but recruitment efforts are well underway. The RDOS is advertising for an interim CAO for an approximate one-year period. Ashton noted there‘s currently a big demand for government officials and acknowledged the uncertainly surrounding the future status of the RDOS is a factor being voiced by those applying for the jobs. “Yes, it is a concern. It has been raised by some of the candidates,” he said. “But we are very confident there will also be a (local government) service delivery in the South Okanagan-Similkameen.”

The three regional districts in the Okanagan are currently reviewing regional governance options and meet again today in Kelowna. One proposal calls for a single Valley-wide regional district but that idea has run into considerable opposition, especially among RDOS directors from the Similkameen who fear they could lose their voice on a Valley-wide board. The Regional District of Okanagan-Similkameen has an annual budget of $30 million, operates 124 services and includes some 60 employees. Ashton said the RDOS has evolved over the years to become among the most innovative local governments in the province. “We have incredible people working there. We‘re front and centre on the radar and we want to keep it that way,” he said. Meanwhile, Zaffino says he will continue to live in Penticton, preferring to commute to Westbank which on a good day is just a 35-minute drive away.

Undercover mission

Starlee Speers - Astral Media Radio News

Another RCMP Undercover Operation at the Upper Room Mission has seen a dozen individuals charged with drug related offences. Constable Cathy Scott says, despite efforts by staff at the mission to deter drug activity, police are still receiving numerous complaints about the area. Police say, during the 4 day operation which occurred over two weeks ago, over 27 grams of crack was seized along with 12 hundred dollars in cash and a number of cell phones.

Gathering Remembers Shooting Victim

Vernon vigil - Video CHBC
Web posted on Wednesday, 30 January 2008

Residents in Vernon are gathering tonight to remember a man killed during a confrontation with RCMP.

107.5 Kiss Fm By Pete McIntyre

A public vigil will be held tonight to remember the victim of a police shooting last month. Organizer Alixe Miller says its to honour Chris Klim's life.' The 24 year old was shot a month ago at his apartment and several investigations are underway into the incident.RCMP Inspector Steve McVarnock says police won't be attending the event."I have had a personal discussion with the co-ordinator of the vigil and we mutually came to the agreement that it would not be appropriate for the police to be present given the nature of the vigil.The event will be held at 6:30 outside the Vernon library.

Vernon top citizen - Video CHBC

Vernon top citizen - Video CHBC
Web posted on Wednesday, 30 January 2008

A Vernon woman has been honoured for her volunteer work in the community.

NORD Tax Increase for VERNON at 6.9% (Water Increase not included.)

click on image to enlarge or print.

This table is a composite presentation of the direct functions that Vernon participates in. It compares the 2007 taxes to the 2008 taxes. (6.9% Increase. in taxes required). It shows the total NORD function taxes for 2008 and Vernon's percentage of each function and the overall function percentage of 64.08%.

The actual dollar increase in these functions was $590.725 in 2008 raising Vernon's taxpayers contribution to $9,144,241 overall.

The biggest part of the increase was in Okeefe Range which went up $89,713 and Recreational Areas which went up $351,991.

This Presentation of the NORD budget does not include the Water Utility rates. Last year they went up 5.5% and I will post expected rate increase as soon as I can.

NORD Cost of living Factor in question.

Bank of Canada

Last year the NORD Budget and the Water rates used a 2.5% Cost of Living factor. Please note the inflation rate of 2007 was much lower.

The City of Vernon used the adjusted factor of 1.7% in 2007.

The 2008 factor that the City of Vernon is unknown to me at this time.

The 2008 factor for NORD and GVSC water is unknown to me at this time.

I will post these rates when available.

Cost could kill cop shop project: Neis

By Jason Luciw - Kelowna Capital News - January 30, 2008

Mayor Rosalind Neis predicts the cost to build Westside’s new public safety building will come in over budget, placing the $8.2 million project in jeopardy. But, Coun. Duane Ophus doesn’t share the mayor’s pessimism about the project. The mayor’s comments came on the heals of council’s decision to approve another $162,000 to redesign the planned Westside RCMP building in an attempt to cut down on its construction cost. Approximately $500,000 has already been spent on the design, according to the Central Okanagan Regional District, which is managing the Pamela Road project. But, the fact the Royal LePage Place arena’s construction is already well over budget doesn’t bode well for the future of the public safety building, said Neis. The arena project was also handled by CORD. “In light of recent developments of other buildings and structures, I don’t think (the police station) tender is going to come in under the right amount to proceed with the project,” said the mayor.

However, speculation is not reality, countered Ophus. “We just have to move the process along as quickly as is reasonable to do and make a decision based on full information in front of us…that’s what (council is trying) to do,” he said. But, according to the mayor, the police building can’t be constantly redesigned. “Then it would have to be redesigned again and again until they can make it small enough to be completely useless, (just) so it would come in under budget.”If the RCMP building cannot be constructed for $8.2 million or less, the municipality should be ready to explore other options, said Neis.“It can’t just be take this, and like it or leave it. I would like to see other options presented,” she argued. As an example, she suggested Westside could sell the Pamela Road site and use the money to find a larger property for a joint-use, fire and police facility. Last week, she publicly suggested a joint police detachment and fire hall building be pursued.Ophus believes the current process should be allowed to run its full course because the public seems to be in general support of the project.“Part of the reason why there wasn’t much reaction to the alternate approval process is because it is a public safety building,” he said.

“It is a priority for a lot of people to have a properly functioning protective service.” According to Coun. David Knowles, the $8.2 million approved under the controversial alternative approval process— where residents had to register disapproval rather than approval and meet a preset standard—included contingencies and design costs leaving about $7 million for actual construction.The regional district’s point man on the project is Gary Leier. He did not return a call before press deadline to break down the building costs.

Second time lucky in Westside’sCFO search

By Jason Luciw - Kelowna Capital News - January 30, 2008

The second time has proven lucky for Westside in its search to find a chief financial officer. Jim Zaffino will follow chief administration officer Jason Johnson from the Regional District of Okanagan Similkameen. He will start Feb. 25. “Jim comes to us with over 33 years of experience in local government,” said Mayor Rosalind Neis Zaffino worked for the Penticton for 32 years. He left as deputy treasurer 17 months ago to become the general manager of finance at RDOS. His hiring was Westside’s second attempt to get CFO, after its first process failed in December. The municipality could not agree on a salary with its first choice, who was not identified. Meanwhile, Zaffino said he didn’t apply the first time around because he felt obligated to honour his commitments with RDOS.“I would have put my (current) position in jeopardy by not (preparing) a budget,” he told the Capital News Monday. “I couldn’t leave (RDOS) in a bind.”With that work nearly complete, Zaffino said he’s ecstatic about his new job. “It’s a dream job, I am ready for the challenge and I can’t wait to start,” he said. “I love the challenge of setting up a system from virtually nothing. That is one of my strong features.”He is looking forward to continuing to work with Johnson, who started his new job on Monday.

Vote leaves agencies in a tight squeeze

By Richard Rolke - Vernon Morning Star - January 30, 2008

Agencies are scrambling to handle tight quarters after voters shot down plans for a civic complex. During Saturday’s referendum in Vernon, 3,984 people, or 71.1 per cent, voted against borrowing up to $30 million for a civic complex. There were 1,619 yes votes, or 28.9 per cent of the ballots cast. Voter turnout was 20.4 per cent. The complex would have provided space for city hall and RCMP staff, and Mayor Wayne Lippert insists that situation must still be addressed. “We will have to lease, buy or build something,” he said. Insp. Steve McVarnock is urging the city to look after the needs of the RCMP detachment. “We need a long-term plan for about five to six years with about three to four officers coming on board a year,” he said. The civic complex would have also included space for a 30,000-square-foot library, and Saturday’s defeat means that option has been scuttled. “We are back to square one,” said Carol Williams, Okanagan Regional Library chairman. ORL officials have stated the current branch does not have sufficient space for books, Internet terminals or programs. “Greater Vernon is not getting the library service it’s paying for and it’s up to ORL to make a plan for that,” said Williams.

City policies force a library to be downtown, but Lippert believes it’s time to reconsider that concept. “If they can find a piece of land (elsewhere), we should look at it,” he said. The referendum results mean the art gallery will remain in the parkade and not move into larger facilities. “We will make the best gallery we can whereever we are,” said Marion Morrison, gallery president. The gallery receives operating funds from the Greater Vernon Services Committee and that largely dictates issues such as location. “We are at the mercy of the governing bodies,” said Morrison. With the RCMP and city hall needing space, the Vernon Taxpayers Association is recommending that rental offices be found. In terms of any future capital projects, spokesman Tony Stamboulieh says the city must involve the public in planning.“They need to connect with the community and develop a vision with real public hearings,” he said.

Coun. Barry Beardsell, who also opposed the referendum, believes the space needs of the various agencies should be considered. “In the long-term, where should the RCMP be and what do you do with the library? We need input from the community?” he said. The referendum is just the latest installment in the civic complex saga. Last summer, 6,000 people signed a petition blocking the borrowing of funds. “Voters have spoken yet again. They are saying the project was not one they were convinced by,” said Stamboulieh. Lippert defends the referendum process and the proposed facility that was put before residents. “Overall, we did everything we could. We put out the information and we answered questions,” he said. “Council brought forward an idea generated from input gathered over the years from citizens and user groups.” Lippert disputes suggestions that council is out-of-step with residents.“I don’t think it was council that lost, it was the project,” he said, adding that he accepts the outcome of the referendum. “I thought it would be closer but I’m glad there was a clear decision. It gives us a definitive answer.”

Richard Rolke

By Richard Rolke - Vernon Morning Star - January 30, 2008

Saturday’s referendum result is just another indication that Vernon council is disconnected from many of the residents it was elected to serve. In fact, this the second body blow the public has served to Mayor Wayne Lippert and five of his councillors if you consider the 6,000-name counter-petition that blocked them from borrowing money for a civic complex last summer.But while council spends time licking its wounds, the reality is the agencies that would have benefited from the new civic complex can’t be ignored. The RCMP detachment is still bursting at the seams, as is city hall, while inadequate space is limiting the library and art gallery’s ability to serve the public.Saturday’s referendum doesn’t kill the need for expanded facilities, it just delays it. And perhaps it gives current council an opportunity to redeem itself. The reason I say that is because there’s a general election in November and the current council’s term is up. With the clock ticking, it’s highly unlikely this group of politicians will stick its neck out again over a long-term solution. Interest will gravitate towards other issues, and the prospect of some of them getting re-elected.

But in the upcoming months, Lippert and his colleagues could establish a process that provides the next administration with some direction over the library, art gallery and RCMP. And when I say a process, I mean a completely public one that involves rank-and-file residents from beginning to end. I envision a committee that would involve politicians and representatives from the user groups, as well as citizens. Putting out a call for resumes could generate those names, as happens with other city committees. Certainly some skill-set would be ideal, whether it is architecture, planning or accounting. And it would make sense to invite the Vernon Taxpayers Association to sit at the table. It may not represent the entire populace, but the group does have an active following and it raised some legitimate concerns about the civic complex issue. It would also force the association to try and be solution-based instead of just criticizing everything city hall does. Some at city hall may cringe at the idea of having Tony Stamboulieh or other association members participating, but remember the old saying: Keep your friends close and your enemies closer.

Any process could simply involve looking at the old plans for the Coldstream Hotel site or the more recent proposal and tweaking them a bit. These concepts could be refined further by holding public input sessions. But any new process is only going to be successful if everyone involved is open-minded. That means current councillors may have to accept that the Coldstream Hotel property is possibly the best site for cultural facilities. It may mean that Okanagan Regional Library has to abandon its policy of only allowing satellite branches if they are more than five kilometres away from the main branch. It may mean that the RCMP isn’t downtown, but in another part of Vernon where there is room for staff and vehicles. Council can also make an effort to right some wrongs, particularly not having the support of the Greater Vernon Services Committee for an expanded art gallery, or addressing the space crunch at the museum. Leaving those relationships unfulfilled left some residents thinking the civic complex plans had just been slapped together. But no matter what happens, the public has spoken loud and clear that it wants a more meaningful say in these matters. Simply casting a ballot is not enough. In the end, Lippert and five councillors face a significant challenge in trying to mend the strained relationship with the electorate. But those odds certainly can be overcome.

City eyes casino for cash

By Richard Rolke - Vernon Morning Star - January 30, 2008

The City of Vernon is attempting to squeeze more money out of Lake City Casinos. Council decided Monday to pursue increasing the business licence for gambling enterprises after Lake City Casino refused to voluntarily provide the city with money for social issues. “They are washing their hands of a social responsibility fund,” said Coun. Barry Beardsell, who led the charge. Currently, a $20 licence is paid for each slot machine, and while Beardsell isn’t sure what the amount should increase to, he believes the city needs about $90,000 a year. “We’ve really got to push these people for funding for social responsibility,” he said, adding that some of the money would go towards gambling addiction services.

Opposition came from Coun. Jack Gilroy, who fears Lake City Casinos will cut back on other spending if licence fees are hiked. “They put a tremendous amount of money into the community through sponsoring events,” he said. Gilroy also pointed out that the city currently receives $1.8 million annually in casino revenue and that’s expected to increase when Lake City Casinos moves to larger premises. “We are going to get more money from the casino any how so if we want to pay for things, take it out of that,” he said.

City staff approached Lake City Casinos last week about supporting a social responsibility fund, but the answer was no. “I have reviewed the request and confirm it is not possible for us to make this commitment,” said Steve Kumpf, vice-president of operations, in an e-mail to the city. “We are spending capital of $14 million on this (expansion) project and given our commission structure with the province, the economics just do not support any contribution over the near term.” Kumpf goes on to say that the city already receives a cut of the casino revenue and Lake City Casinos financially supports events such as Funtastic, Vernon Winter Carnival and the Okanagan Wine Festival. “Many of our employees also volunteer their personal time to assist with the events we support as well,” he said. No one from Lake City Casinos could be reached for comment.

City plan includescontroversial bypass

By Richard Rolke - Vernon Morning Star - January 30, 2008

A controversial bypass is still on the books in the City of Vernon and that reality is getting a rough ride. The Western Corridor Impact Assessment Committee is upset council endorsed the draft transportation plan Monday. It includes a long-term strategy to protect the corridor for the bypass which would go through Mission Hill, Okanagan Landing and Bella Vista. “It’s business as usual,” said Jane Weixl, a committee member, of the city’s previous attempts to promote the bypass. Weixl is upset that the corridor seems to encourage development. “I’d like to see it serve the general public and the environment and not development,” she said, adding that businesses will pop up along the route to service motorists. The committee is concerned the bypass would negatively disrupt existing neighbourhoods, hurt the environment and be costly to acquire the land, construct and maintain. Weixl also accuses the city of downplaying other options so traffic can move through the community.

“This report does not give the public any information about the alternatives to the bypass,” she said. City staff recommend that the protection of the bypass occur beyond a 25-year period, although they caution there is no guarantee that construction would proceed. The positive factors to the route, according to staff, is improving access to the airport and the lake and getting highway traffic out of the downtown core. “It would be a four-lane freeway with five interchanges,” said Lorne Holowachuk, senior transportation engineer. Other transportation options were considered, but rejected by staff. “The western route is the most suitable long-term option in that it minimizes community severance, satisfies mobility and safety concerns, is supported by the land use plan as it connects identified neighbourhood centres and provides opportunities to mitigate adverse impacts due to noise and environmental impacts better than the other alignments,” said a written report from staff.

The western bypass could cost $565 to $635 million to build, and that could pose a challenge. “I don’t see the province picking up the tab for that,” said Coun. Patrick Nicol. Mayor Wayne Lippert is hesitant to support the western bypass. “I believe the best option may be no bypass and to get people out of their vehicles,” he said of alternate transportation such as transit, biking and walking trails. The draft transportation plan also recommends that 27th Street be extended through Polson Park to Highway 97 over a 10 to 25-year period. “It will improve city centre traffic circulation,” said Holowachuk of getting some traffic off 32nd Street. The plan will now go before residents for feedback. A series of open houses will be held from Feb. 11 to 25 and the results of that process will be presented to council March 10.

What to do now? - Video

CHBC VIDEO Web posted on Tuesday, 29 January 2008

The referendum result raises questions and puts a squeeze on the Vernon RCMP.

Top cop lauds volunteers

by Wayne Moore -Jan 29, 2008 CASTANET

Kelowna's RCMP Detachment wouldn't run nearly as efficiently without the aid of volunteers. During his monthly address, RCMP Superintendent, Bill McKinnon, took a moment to recognize those volunteers in front of City Council. McKinnon says Auxiliary officers put in nearly 13,500 hours in 2007, members of the Police Victim Services Program volunteered more than 5,500 hours while volunteers at the Community Policing Offices put in nearly 17,000 hours. "If you add up all three programs together, last year at Kelowna detachment, 36,000 hours were volunteered and I think that's a number can match-up against any community in the country," says McKinnon. "The assistance they bring to the community is just overwhelming. It's a hundred hours a day is what it breaks down to basically and I think that's incredible." McKinnon says volunteers are a large part of what the detachment is able to do. He says there are over 400 volunteers at the detachment who assist with more than 32 crime prevention programs. "We couldn't do that if we didn't have the volunteers that we have."

McKinnon says a new Auxiliary Training Program will begin soon which will bring that force up to over 70. "Community based policing is getting the community involved in dealing with the issues at hand. Policing is very expensive so we had to find other ways of involving the community." He says Kelowna is fortunate to have a lot of people who are young and have retired to the Okanagan and are looking to get involved with the police to make the community a safer place to live. McKinnon says the volunteer hours mentioned are strictly community based hours and do not include the extra work put in by uniformed members.
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Don Quixote Note: The Vernon Community Policing stats are presented below:(for a 3 month period Oct. to Dec. 31): It does not include any stats for Auxiliary officers.

Police Need More Space

By Pete McIntyre 107.5 KISSFM

The Vernon RCMP say they need a short term solution to meet their growing space demands. Inspector Steve McVarnock says the long term plan is to expand their current building, but he says they need help before that. He says city officials have agreed to make it a priority in the wake of Saturday's failed referendum. "They know that we, as well as other divisions, are busting at the seams in terms of space. So if the 'No' vote was to win, which it had, the city will be making it their business to look at existing sites in the community right now to assist with the overflow." McVarnock says he's at a point where there won't be space for the next incoming staff member. Meantime, there was no discussion about the referendum---or what may happen next---at Monday's city council meeting.

Council Debates Over Program Costs

By Pete McIntyre 107.5 KISSFM

Some Vernon council members are upset that city residents are having to cover more of the costs of some regional programs. The city will pay 13-thousand dollars into the valley-wide starling control program, and 19-thousand for the Okanagan Film Commission, which is up four thousand over last year. Councillor Barry Beardsell says there's only so much that can be heaped on city residents. "Affordability to the tax payer that's what its all about. Its fine to add some programs you better start deleting some programs if you are going to add them. "Beardsell says the province should be funding programs like starling control.Mayor Wayne Lippert broke the deadlock by casting the deciding votes in favour of the programs, saying both are worthwhile.

Kelowna cops get new tool

by Wayne Moore - Jan 29, 2008 Castanet

Crooks may want to consider hoofing it in the near future. Kelowna RCMP will start testing a new crime fighting tool next month which will enable police to scan a vehicle license plate and determine instantly whether the vehicle is stolen or there are outstanding warrants against the registered owner. Kelowna RCMP Superintendent, Bill McKinnon says the License Plate Recognition System (LPRN) has the ability to scan up to 5,000 license plates in the course of an hour. "The system can probably do in an hour what our whole detachment could do in a day," says McKinnon. The system uses cameras mounted in marked and unmarked police vehicles. The camera scans a vehicle's licence plate, sends the information to an on-board computer, which instantly determines the status of the vehicle and the driver. The LPRN system has been in use in Lower Mainland communities since November, 2006. "It has been very effective," adds McKinnon. "What I've been told is if you're going to have LPRN out there, you better have a team of five to seven officers waiting up the road to pull over all the offenders with the number of warrants and outstanding issues associated to that particular plate." McKinnon says local detachment members will be trained over the next few weeks on the system. He hopes to have it up and running in Kelowna sometime in February.

Vernon still has 2nd highest Residential taxes in valley.

Click on Image to Enlarge:
After a long time of emailing and correspondence the Provincial Statistician has made the necessary changes to the NORD part of their statistics. Stats used in this comparison for 2007 can be found at Statistics. Taxes & Charges on a Representative House.

This comparison does not attempt to analyze the Utility Charges such as water, garbage etc. that exist in these cities.

Marihuana Growing Operation House Ordered Forfeited

2008-01-28 11:15:12 RCMP PRESS RELEASE

On January 16, 2008, Van Bon LE pled guilty to charges of Production of a Controlled Substance. He was sentenced to a nine month Conditional Sentence Order which includes six months of house arrest. In addition, LE’s house located in the 7700 block of Tronson Road was ordered forfeited by the courts (LE is no longer residing in the residence). The house is valued at approximately $300,000.00 and will now be sold. The proceeds of the sale will go to the federal government.

The Vernon/North Okanagan RCMP currently have six other houses that are the subject of Restraint Orders and police are seeking forfeiture on those houses pending the conclusion of the respective criminal trials. All of the houses were found to contain marihuana growing operations during searches conducted over the last two years. In cases where searches result in criminal charges, the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act allows for the police to apply to have the houses restrained which prevents the house from being sold until the trial is concluded. If the accused is found guilty, then an application is made to have the house forfeited.

However, in cases where a search does not result in criminal charges the police can use the Civil Forfeiture Act to seek to have the house forfeited. In such cases the police refer the matter to the Civil Forfeiture Office who make the applications.

The Vernon/North Okanagan RCMP used this tool in July of 2007, when a search of a house in the 6600 block of Scott Road located a marihuana growing operation that had been partially dismantled. Although this search did not result in criminal charges, the Vernon/North Okanagan RCMP did refer the matter to the Civil Forfeiture Office. As a result, civil forfeiture proceedings have been initiated against the property and the property has been restrained by a court order pending resolution of the proceedings.

The Civil Forfeiture Act is relatively new legislation which allows for applications to have instruments or proceeds of criminal activity seized. In addition to seeking the forfeiture of houses, the Vernon/North Okanagan RCMP also refers marihuana growing operation investigations to the Canada Revenue Agency. The Vernon/Okanagan RCMP are committed to using all tools available to combat marihuana growing operations in the city. One of the best ways to target such operations is to target the assets of the growers. This strategy will continue to be used in the future.

COW Meeting Musings Jan 28, 2008

The Jan 28th COW meeting was one of the best sessions that I have attended as it addressed several of the issues I have been blogging on for the past several years. Staff reports and recommendations stood out as they stepped to the plate with sound strategies and reports that will be vented through public input or at least the present Council. Decisions will have to be made by the Council but in my opinion the pathway for sound progressive decisions that will have long term financial implications have been provided for by the staff.

• After short debate on the Report of a meeting with the Administrator Leon Gous and Lakeview Casino about possibility of an upfront matching annual contribution to a Social Responsibility which was turned down by the Casino rep., staff was instructed by resolution to prepare a report on the use of business licensing fees to accomplish this objective of a majority of Council. (Only Coun. Gilroy of the 5 council members, {Baumbrough and Cochrane absent} voted against this.) Stay tuned for results in 2 weeks.
• The Transportation Demand Study was well presented by Transportation Specialist Lorne Holowchuk and wrapped up by the always impressive Long Range Planner Kim Flick in her summery and request to go to public input. The Controversial Western Bypass was part of this presentation and was well explained. The price of $560 to $630 Million was eye popping. Public input will start in Februrary with adoption of the policy expected in Early March.
• The DCC rate change was given approval in principle and will go to 3 readings at the next council meeting. Public input will commence immediately and hopefully the bylaw will be going to the Province shortly after 3rd reading. The proposed increases are long overdue and the waiving of DCC's for "Low Income Housing" specifically placed in the bylaw is finally going to happen. I have been calling for a $1 DCC charge for this type of housing for over 4 years and this staff and Council have done better. The report by Jeremy Kinch, Mgr. Plan, Dev., & Eng Services was well detailed in its written form and his verbal explanation to Council was extremely proficient and professional.
• The last Note of interest came with an add on item to the Agenda. The Nord budget was the subject of much discussion and reference was made to a possible 7% increase at NORD. Council decided to discuss this in more detail at the Finance Committee meeting hastily scheduled for this Thursday.
• At the same time it was revealed that the $716,638 that was part of a disputed overhead charge with NORD had been negotiated by the 3 interested CFO's (Harris-NORD, Lord Coldstream and Birtles- Vernon) and the result that will be presented to Council for approval was a compromise figure of $374,700 for 2008 plus fees for service for specific charges that were formerly part of the overhead calculation. The estimate of what was left on the table was not revealed but it will be when the Treasurer puts up an estimate for this years budget. $374,400 will reduce our Vernon residential tax levels by 2.41% in 2008 with each $155,000 further recovered equal to 1%. There is some concern that NORD's offsetting budget charge will be coming out of reserves which would be simply a return of our own money. This would be true unless the reserves charged are water reserves which form the majority of these disputed overhead charges. If this is so then since these are user pay based reserves they would be valid.
  

Legislative Calendar for municipal and regional Governments

Legislative Calendar

Items of Interest:
Jan 15, 2008 For municipal officials and employees, written disclosures must be filed annually by January 15th, or the 15th day of the month following the commencement or termination of employment, pursuant to the Financial Disclosure Act. Disclosure includes ownership of shares of a business, land ownership and debts.
Jan 31, 2008 Assessment appeal deadline. BC Assessment provides net taxable value totals.
Jan 31, 2008 Arrange date to deliver books to auditor for start of annual audit.
Feb 29, 2008 Annual deadline for completing UBCM / CivicInfo BC / LGMA local government surveys.

What should be the Casino Contribution to a Social Responsibility Fund ?

Changing police priorities?

by Wayne Moore - CASTANET Jan 28, 2008
RCMP in Kelowna are shifting priorities heading into the 2008/2009 reporting year. RCMP are in the midst of their final three month reporting period as part of the detachment's Annual Performance Plan. During his monthly report to Kelowna City Council, Superintendent Bill McKinnon says it is the RCMP's intention to re-assess priorities identified by community representatives. "We have conducted an internal risking process to assess where we feel our priorities should be focused for the 2008/2009 reporting year," says McKinnon. "Based on our increase to human resources and balancing national, divisional, district and community priorities, we see the following to be our focus of attention:"

• 1. Reduce violent crime against persons, youth, domestic violence and assaults
  
• 2. Reduce community crime levels
  
• 3. Target organized crime
  
• 4. Target prolific offenders
  
• 5. Reduce illegal drug crimes
  
• 6. Contribute to safer youth
  
• 7. Traffic enforcement

Back in October, McKinnon identified the detachment's top eight priorities. Reducing drug crime, increasing awareness of organized crime and reducing violent crime against persons topped the list. In December, McKinnon received eight new RCMP members as part of the City's 2008 budget. Part of that increase is specifically earmarked for a prolific offender target team, which is now listed a priority number four. It was not part of the first set of eight priorities.

COW MEETING 8:30 AM Agenda Highlights Jan. 28

Agenda - 220Kb
Agenda Package - 5.97MB

• Inspector Steve McVarnock, re: Quarterly report to Council.
  
• Fire Chief Johnny Lysholm, re: Quarterly Report to Council.
  
• “DRAFT” TERMS OF REFERENCE – O’KEEFE RANCH TASK FORCE (p.77)
  
• Verbal Report – Mr. Leon Gous, Chief Administrative Officer, re: Meeting with Lake City Casinos
  
• Email dated Jan 17, 2008, from Mr. Steve Kumpf, Vice President Operations – Okanagan, Lake City Casinos Administration Office, re: Social Responsibility Fund. (P. 81)
  
• AUTHORIZATION (P. 85) For Council ratification, Staff Training Authorization Form – Mr. Leon Gous, Chief Administrative Officer, re: Local Government Management Association 2008 CAO Forum, Delta Sun Peaks Resort, February 14 & 15, 2008.
  
• PROPOSED OFFICIAL TRANSPORTATION PLAN FOR PUBLIC CONSULTATION (P. 123)
  
• DEVELOPMENT COST CHARGES BYLAW UPDATE (P. 153) (ii) THAT Council support the revision of the Development Cost Charge to the following: AND FURTHER, that the definition of Low Income Housing be changed to: “Low Income Housing shall mean a property owned and developed by a non-profit society or public body as rental units.”;
  AND FURTHER, that Development Cost Charges for “Low Income Housing” be waived;
  
  PROPOSED: $17,172 for Rate 1
  
  
  
  
  

PRESENT: $9,951 for Rate one

Casinos that want to upgrade to capture more of gamblers' money usually pay the costs. In B.C., taxpayers take the hit.

Click on image to enlarge:
Contrast the Casino claim of being out of pocket $14 million with the actual fact that the Casino will be reimbursed for all eligible capital expenditures at the accelerated rate of 5% of gross win. (Agenda Package (P. 81)

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But last month Australia's biggest gambling operator and a bank based there combined to buy Gateway Casinos, which has seven casinos in B.C. An Australian paper reported the bank liked the opportunity because B.C. was one of the only places in the world that offered casino operators a "free ride."

"A very nice kicker to this whole transaction is a dynamic that has been set up at the government level, whereby any capital expenditure you spend on your casinos is refunded by the government," a bank spokesman said.

"So there is, specific to this region of the world, a very attractive environment for a casino operator." Casinos that want to upgrade to capture more of gamblers' money usually pay the costs. In B.C., taxpayers take the hit.

16. What is the Facility Development Fund?

Under the terms of the COSAs with the BCLC, the BCLC deposits a facility development fee (”FDF”), equal to 3% of the total revenue generated from the table games and slot machines at each BC casino, into a trust account managed by the casino operator, for payout of additional compensation based on eligible capital expenditures. When Gateway incurs an eligible expenditure, it submits this to the BCLC for approval and, once approved, can draw the amount of the expenditure from the Facility Development Fund. Any funds not reimbursed accumulate in the facility development fund for future eligible expenditures.

The Accelerated Facility Development Commission (“AFDC”) provides for an additional amount equal to 2% of the gross win (in addition to the 3% FDC) to recover the capital costs of the redeveloped casino property, and is applicable to projects approved by the BCLC after July 1, 2006.

Accordingly, beginning with the opening of the new casino in late spring 2008, the Fund will receive total FDC for Burnaby equal to 5% of the gross win from the new casino. Once all approved eligible costs have been recovered, FDC will accumulate at a rate of 3% of gross revenue, to be applied against future eligible approved expenditures. Management anticipates that the implementation of AFDC will reduce the recovery period on the Burnaby redevelopment by approximately five years.

Referendum Results (unofficial)

1,619 (28.90%)



3,984 (71.10%)



CASTANET Rachael Kimola - Jan 26, 2008 / 9:24 pm
The preliminary results of Vernon’s referendum are in and it looks like the nays have it. More than 5,600 people cast their votes Saturday in Vernon’s Civic Complex referendum. Chief Election Officer, Patti Bridal, says 5,603 votes were cast at two polling stations on the question “Do you approve the Vernon City Council adopting Bylaw 5110, 2007, which authorizes borrowing up to $30,000,000 for expansion of the Library Facility and capital improvements which may provide additional space for an Art Gallery, the RCMP and City Hall, at the Civic Complex Site, 3400 30th Street?”

“The number of people who voted ‘no,’ to the question was 3,984 and the number of people who voted ‘yes’ was 1,619,” says Bridal. She says the numbers include the votes cast during two advanced polls held on January 16 and 21. “These are the preliminary results, the vote will be made official sometime in the next week.” Bridal says the voting went very well at the two stations. “The polling stations were set up at the Recreation Complex and Ellison Elementary. We had out biggest rush of people between 10 a.m. and 1:30 p.m. when we had lines five or six people deep at every poll.” She says although the referendum results is not listed on the next agenda for the next City Council meeting, it is possible it will be discussed on Monday.

Will Vernon City Council set up a Social Responsibility Reserve on Monday?

Negotiating a Side deal with Lake City Casino should have been a no-brainer ! That it was NOT even put up for a vote as a condition of relocation was a product of ignorance and fear from some councilors on the no side and the frustration and resignation of those councilors who pushed for a better deal and more money.

'Lippert is confident an agreement for additional funds can be worked out with Lake City Casinos. “We will continue to work to get more. When they were at the public hearing, they said they wanted to be good corporate citizens,”'

Well the Mayor And Administrator tried and the answer from the Casino is NO. (Agenda Package (P. 81) Email dated Jan 17, 2008, from Mr. Steve Kumpf, Vice President Operations – Okanagan, Lake City Casinos Administration Office, re: Social Responsibility Fund. )

The Casino failed to see the Public Relations Value of presenting a Cheque for $50,000 to the Mayor as a matching contribution to the City's $50,000 annually for a Social Responsibility fund. (see below for details of Vancouver's $200,000 Annual Fund). The Casino could have approached the Province to take $50,000 from the more than $123,000 that they have been directed to pay for a joint marketing fee that increased from 0.75% to 1.5% of net win and that they will now be forced to pay for the first time at the Vernon Casino. (see details below)

The City will have to debate raising the Business licence Fee charge of $20 per slot machine to a more reasonable franchise fee type charge of $145 per slot machine. This will raise $58,000 per year and the City can dedicate $50,000 of this revenue annually to the Social Responsibility Fund.

Each Slot machine in Vernon had an average win of more than $125,000. Increasing our licensing fee to offset the costs of addiction. policing etc. is a way of providing a Reserve that can be used for all social addictions.

Will our Council step up to the plate and set up such a Funding reserve ? If it is good enough for Vancouver it is fair that Vernon do so too.

At the same time the City should also debate a maximum limit of 400 slot machines in total slots being allowed in Vernon. By including this in the zoning bylaws it retains the Council's option to approve any further expansion of gaming. Without it, any future expansion at this site could be at the discretion of the BCLC and their men in black.
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Vancouver's $200,000 Annual Fund
http://www.city.vancouver.bc.ca/ctyclerk/cclerk/20070612/documents/a7.pdf
http://www.city.vancouver.bc.ca/ctyclerk/cclerk/20061003/documents/a6.pdf
http://www.city.vancouver.bc.ca/ctyclerk/cclerk/20050913/documents/a7.pdf

Above are the 3 reports from the City of Vancouver for 2005 - 2006- 2007 concerning the Social Responsibility Fund - Edgewater Casino side agreement in which the City Of Vancouver receives $200,000 EACH YEAR towards a Social Responsibility fund.

Joint marketing fee
On April 1, 2006, the joint marketing fee increased from 0.75% to 1.5% of net win, which amounted to an increase in marketing and promotion expenses at the Burnaby Casino of $325,000 in the six months ended June 2007 from the same period in 2006. These funds, as well as those paid by other operators, are placed in a joint marketing fund held by the BCLC to promote BC’s casino industry, both within and outside the province. Of the Fund’s casinos, the Burnaby Casino and Cascades Casino are the only two casinos that currently contribute to this fund. )

Vernon's Lake City Casino will probably have to contribute the 1.5% of net win if expansion and relocation is approved. I had calculated the Casino operators share at $8,205,832 million or 28.75% of the gross win of $28,540,144. A 1.5% promotional contribution will be $123,087. Perhaps the BCLC will give up the increase and allow the Casino to pay 1/2 of this money to the City of Vernon Annually for a Social Responsibility Fund ? This would go a long way towards a satisfactory annual contribution by the Casino operator towards the public benefit that is asked from all developers.

City of Vernon BUSINESS LICENCE BYLAW #3272

08 Casino................................................................................................. 110.00 +
+ $20.00/table/slot machine

Politicians criticize potential loss of park

By Richard Rolke - Vernon Morning Star - January 27, 2008

A proposed social housing project is generating some criticism for the City of Vernon. Some Greater Vernon Services Committee members question the city’s decision to allow the Vernon Native Housing Society to build a 40-unit affordable housing facility on land currently used for playground on 19th Avenue. “I like the project but I don’t like the location. I don’t like taking any of the park out of there,” said director Glen Taylor during a meeting Thursday. Taylor wonders why park space is being used for housing when much of the former sewer treatment plant site is sitting vacant next door. Director Wayne Lippert, though, says the old sewer plant property is earmarked for commercial uses and he defends plans for affordable housing where the playground is. “It seems like a site that’s suitable for a project like this,” said Lippert, who is also Vernon’s mayor.

Gary Corner, GVSC chairman, also questions the city’s actions. “At one time, this was envisioned to be a complete park,” he said. Eventually, the board was reminded it is being asked to consider a request to reduce development cost charges for construction, and not to comment on the project itself. “It’s not the role of the committee to critique this project. It’s a city approved project,” said director Pat Cochrane, who is also a Vernon councillor. Lippert also took a shot at GVSC for getting involved. “If this committee wanted a park, it would have done something about it,” he said.

Representatives for the Vernon Native Housing Society say they will try to preserve as much of the playground as possible, while enhancing green areas not currently used. “We could enhance what’s a problem with the crime situation,” said architect Phil MacDonald of plans for an enhanced trail along Vernon Creek. “It’s dark there and there aren’t people there. Get some people in there and they will look after it.” The society has met with nearby residents. “They were happy about the improvements we are talking about,” said Kane Bentsen, development consultant.

DCC RATE INCREASE CHEATSHEET

CLICK ON IMAGE TO ENLARGE: (Use smaller image if wish to Print)











I published the post below early in the year. Thanks to the engineering staff of the City of Vernon who have brought forth a DCC proposal for Council Approval on Monday. Their recommendation exceeds my comment about our DCC rates being at least 30-40% behind. The sector DCC adjustment and further refinements of actual DCC projects will follow hopefully after the adoption of the Official Community Plan. (OCP)

DCC'S Must be PRIORITY of COUNCIL: Jan 7
Maybe the Council will finally make a concerted effort to look at DCC's. We hear that construction costs are rising at the rate of at least 1% per month for the last couple years and will continue in the future. This is the warning sounded if we don't built the new civic complex now. Well as I have been beating the drum for the last couple of years these same construction escalations have put our DCC rates at least 30-40% behind. Based on our 2006 DCC's charged of $3,474,279 (2005 $ 3,188,039) we have left almost $1,000,000 on the table each of the last two years and a whole bunch more in the future until this leakage is stopped. It is imperative that the top priority of this Council in the last year of their Mandate is a rate change to existing DCC's followed by a revision to the method of charging DCC's . (Sector DCC's, Secondary Suite DCC's, etc.) Most cities have reviewed their DCC's on a regular basis, (Kelowna has just finished their annual review) while Vernon has done little to address their out of date costing of existing projects that are DCC elgible, adjusted their method of charging to reflect present day reality and long term planning or protected the taxpayers from having to pay more than their share of infrastructure growth.

Halt to district tax hike sought

By Jennifer Smith - Vernon Morning Star - January 27, 2008

A plea is being made for the District of Coldstream to slow down the race to increase resident’s taxes. Final adoption of the 2008 budget is scheduled for Monday’s council meeting. But before residents are stuck with a 9.17 per cent tax hike, the Coldstream Ratepayers’ Association is requesting a delay of adoption. “This is going to result in people being taxed out of their homes,” said CRA president Andy Danyliu. “There’s absolutely no reason for Coldstream to gallop unless they’re trying to hide something that they know is not acceptable.” Adoption of the budget is not necessary until the May 15 deadline. Therefore with no urgency to adopt the budget, the CRA is requesting a time extension until after its town hall meeting March 3.

The District of Coldstream did hold a public meeting Jan. 7, but Danyliu fears too many people just accepted the budget without fighting for a lower tax increase. “What worries me is probably many people think there’s nothing they can do,” said Danyliu. “But we’re going to present some suggestions.” His suggestions include a forensic audit of financial management practices at the municipal hall by an outsider, as well as a management effectiveness audit. He says these are needed to look at how the district is using and allocating taxpayers funds and to determine the qualifications of staff. He feels that neither councillors or staff should be accepting such a tax increase, even if four per cent of the increase is for the new fire halls. He says other items should be scaled back to budget for the increase and to reduce the burden on the taxpayers. “When I served on council in Vancouver our rule was never raise taxes above the cost of living.”The CRA meeting will take place at the Women’s Institute Hall at 7 p.m. March 3.

Taxpayers hit with budget jump

By Richard Rolke - Vernon Morning Star - January 27, 2008

The amount of money needed to keep the North Okanagan Regional District running is climbing. Directors gave three readings to the provisional 2008 budget Thursday. It includes a seven per cent overall tax requisition for the entire region. “It was necessary because of some new services being provided and the cost of doing business is increasing,” said Jerry Oglow, chairman. However, an exact impact on individual taxpayers is difficult to calculate. “Each jurisdiction is a little bit different,” said Oglow. Each community is requisitioned based on the services it receives from NORD, and that varies. In fact, the budget impact can change from neighbourhood to neighbourhood depending on what services are in place such as street lights and recycling.“The budget is subject to change yet because of several issues that still need to be resolved such as transit.”

Among the new programs are starling control in all communities and a safe communities co-ordinator for the five electoral areas. The $78,000 for the co-ordinator will come directly from taxpayers in the electoral areas. But while some parts of the budget are going up, others are going down. “The board is very conscious of reining in costs,” said Oglow. There will be a $70,000 savings within the Greater Vernon Services Committee by not having a manager on staff. Existing NORD administration will oversee the function. While there was some discussion about having a region-wide economic development function in 2008, it is not part of the budget. “It won’t be created this year because the current function is still subject to an outstanding service review.” Instead, other communities will be able to access the existing Greater Vernon economic development function through a fee-for-service. It’s anticipated the 2008 budget will be finalized in February or March.

Silver Star makes pitch for municipal status

By Richard Rolke - Vernon Morning Star - January 27, 2008

There are demands for Silver Star to be governed differently and that could include forming a municipality. The Silver Star Property Owners Association executive met Tuesday and it has decided to ask the provincial government to investigate municipal status for the community. “There’s been a frustration over water issues and how the North Okanagan Regional District has handled things,” said Ted Pleavin, association president. “People here want a closer watch over things. People in Enderby and Lumby are making decisions over Silver Star.” Currently, Silver Star is part of Area C, which has one elected representative at the NORD table, along with politicians from throughout the North Okanagan. Pleavin says NORD is not always able to keep up with the pace of development in the community, especially when it comes to Silver Star Mountain Resort. Governance was investigated a few years ago and, at the time, it was determined that Silver Star was too small to incorporate. But Pleavin says there’s been a lot of growth since then, and there are about 200 permanent residents.

“If you look at the tax base, there is $329 million of assessed value in residential land,” he said. Previously, it’s been suggested Silver Star join the City of Vernon but Pleavin doesn’t see that as an option. “Looking at Vernon and the problems it has, we need to go a different way,” he said. Recently, NORD downgraded Silver Star’s governance committee to an advisory role. It has had delegated authority on some matters removed.“We are aware of discontent in the village over changes to the governance committee,” said Ian Grant, with Silver Star Mountain Resort. “The feeling on the mountain is that some members of NORD are not supportive of development on the mountain.” Pleavin is upset with the changes to the governance committee, which he chaired.“We’ve been relegated to garbage and street lights. The people of Silver Star have little voice at NORD,” he said.

Stan Field, Area C director, defends the changes to the Silver Star committee, saying that a similar process has occurred with other NORD functions. “Everything went before the regional board any way,” he said. Jerry Oglow, NORD chairman, cautions that issues over water access have been held up because the provincial government hasn’t approved a new reservoir yet, “A lot of people point a finger at NORD but we’re not the approving agency for structures like this,” he said.But Oglow believes a review of governance is positive.“I think it’s timely that they are making a request of the minister,” he said.

Final revised Cheatsheet for City's share of a $23.4 million borrowing.

Click on image to enlarge and print.
This is the final cheat sheet based on a $23,435,700 borrowing. This is the City of Vernon's share of the funding from their ad and brochure.

The previous cheatsheet was based on a $21,756,000 borrowing which is how the city calculated their $55.86 annual cost for the $400,000 property owner. (real potential cost is $67.61)

This cheatsheet allows you to judge what the ultimate cost could be for you. It provides a capital cost per property for both a 20 and 25 year financing and also the effect on your property if all the estimated revenues (not including operational costs that have not been included) are realized each year from the various renters.

This gives you a full range of possible tax that you may face if this project is approved. A business owner would pay 2.75 x these numbers if last years business/tax ratio is not changed.

Court sides with CSRD over access

January 25, 2008 Salmon Arm Observer

Lakeshore property around the Shuswap is expensive and one small lot has cost the Columbia Shuswap Regional District an estimated $100,000, but it wasn’t the price of buying it. The CSRD recently won their legal battle with Reinhard Burke and William Hlina over Bowering Road in the North Shuswap.The BC Supreme Court ruled in favour of the CSRD in their dispute with the North Shuswap property owners who were trying to block the district’s plan to make Bowering Road a designated public lake access. The neighbours, who live on either side of the road, applied to the Registrar of Land Titles to cancel the road allowance in order to add it to their properties.Although the road is owned by the Ministry of Highways, the CSRD went through a series of legal challenges to ensure the public’s right to lake access.

Deputy Manager of Development Services Kathy Gilbert told the board the provincial Supreme Court took the literal interpretation of the law and rejected the arguments of Burke and Hlina. Gilbert said the judge also took a broader view that although the regional district didn’t have physical responsibility for roads, it has the right to be able to plan. Gilbert said the judge also added that he thought public access to water is important. Although the victory came at a high price, the CSRD directors are calling the B.C. Supreme Court win a worthwhile expense. Salmon Arm director Kevin Flynn said it was great news because it’s a huge reaffirmation to Shuswap residents of their right to access the lake. Golden/Columbia director Ron Oszust called the price not an expense but an investment. Revelstoke director Mark McKee agreed, saying if they had lost this battle they would see more and more challenges and more people taking away public accesses to the lake.

In light of the legal victory, the CSRD has filed a new certificate of opposition to the Registrar of Land Titles. This time the registrar must deny the application put in by Burke and Hlina. Burke and Hlina will have to pay the CSRD’s court costs but these will be “a drop in the bucket” compared to legal fees which are tens of thousands of dollars. Gilbert told CSRD directors it is possible the legal battle could continue as Burke and Hlina may go to the BC Supreme Court of Appeal. But, for now, it’s a victory.

Utility rate increase flows out of City Hall

By Tracy Clark - Penticton Western News - January 23, 2008

The increase in utility fees approved by city council Monday has effectively doubled the proposed tax increase for the average homeowner, according to Coun. John Vassilaki. “It’s just getting out of hand,” said Vassilaki, of what he deduced would essentially be a 10 per cent increase for the average home in Penticton. His calculations are based on the utility rate increases that amount to about $75 per homeowner. The rate increases, passed Monday morning with Vassilaki and Coun. Dan Ashton opposed, are in addition to the proposed 4.95 per cent tax hike the average homeowner would pay this year — which on the average assessed value of a home in Penticton would be about $74 per year.But director of corporate services Jack Kler said the difference is that the utility fees are user-pay fees and are not part of the general tax requisition.

The changes include a 10 per cent increase, or about $16 a year for the average user, in the sewer fixture rates and a 15 per cent increase each in the basic water fees and the consumption rate, about $48 more per year for the average user. The water and sewer rate increases are related to the costs of infrastructure improvements and upgrades at the respective plants. In addition, solid waste collection fees will increase by $8 per year and the recycling fees will increase by $3 as the result of a new recycling contract. The online tax and utility account charges are also increasing to $10 — a combination of the previously separate $5 fees that were charged for tax and utility searches. The searches had been provided by the city but are now provided through B.C. Online, which will collect the $10 on behalf of the city along with its own $5 administration fee. The manual tax search fees are also increasing to $30, from $20, as the city hopes to encourage more people to use the online option.

Because most of these charges are based on services provided, residents have some control over how much they are affected, said Kler. For example, he said, as the city promotes water conservation residents who use more will pay more. Reducing consumption will also reduce the water bill, he said. But Vassilaki, who calculated his own water bill based on his consumption, said very few homeowners simply use the minimum water consumption level. Most people use more than the basic amount and therefore are being impacted by increases “year, after year, after year.”Since 2005, water rates have gone up 40 per cent, pointed out Coun. Dan Ashton. “And that’s a substantial increase,” he said. But Coun. Rory McIvor said the increases are for essential services he described as the “heart and soul” of the community.

“Not to go with these increases would be pure folly indeed,” he said, adding “I will certainly not worship at the shrine of tax cuts so it will make me look good.” But Ashton said his concerns have nothing to do with gaining favour.“I am not here to look good,” he said. “I was elected to be fiscally responsible. I am not asking for a tax cut, I am asking for a reasonable tax increase.”
Coun. Randy Manuel said while he is not in favour of tax increases generally, the aging infrastructure needs attention now and waiting will only increase costs to taxpayers in the future. Let’s bite the bullet, let’s get on with it,” he said.

Fugitive caught in Kelowna (UPDATE)

Castanet Wayne Moore - Jan 25, 2008
Allan Edward Javorsky is back behind bars. The Edmonton man who was the subject of a Canada Wide Warrant, was arrested without incident Thursday about 8:30 p.m. "A person saw the male at Freddy's Pub off McCurdy Road in Kelowna and alerted police of his location," says RCMP Corporal, D.B. Osborne. "Members of the RCMP responded and arrested Javorsky without incident." Police say Javorsky will be returned to prison on his outstanding parole violations. RCMP attempted to apprehend Javorsky Wednesday evening, however, he was able to flee on foot. Javorsky has been at large since 2006 when he had his parole revoked in Edmonton.
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Man wanted on Canada Wide Warrant runs from Police
2008-01-24 09:45:01 RCMP Media Release
Kelowna, BC: An Edmonton man, wanted on an outstanding Canada Wide Warrant, ran from Police last night when they attempted to apprehend him. Allen JAVORSKY, who has also been known to use the name Chad JABORSKI, has had his parole revoked and has been unlawfully at large out of Edmonton Alberta since 2006.

The investigation has revealed that JAVORSKY has been residing in the Kelowna area recently. Police located him last night near Harvey Avenue and Kirshner Road, however when they attempted to apprehend him he fled on foot. Police Dog Services attended the area to conduct a search, however JAVORSKY was not located. This man is considered violent.

Anyone with any information relating to Allen JAVORSKY’S whereabouts is asked to contact the Kelowna RCMP at (250) 762-3300 or CrimeStoppers at 1-800-222-8477. If you observe this man, please do not approach but call Police immediately.