Hospital coping with code purple

Roger Knox - Vernon Morning Star Published: October 31, 2009 12:00 PM

It’s becoming the norm around Vernon Jubilee Hospital. Staff trying to find beds for those who are admitted, but unable to do so because there are no beds available. Termed “code purple,” a phrase designed to heighten awareness of the over-capacity status at VJH, staff have been dealing with code purples on a steady basis over the last two weeks, averaging between 10-to-15 patients more than the hospital can house. On Thursday, the hospital was 22 patients over-capacity. “We try not to use the term code purple anymore, but we’re over-capacity more often than not, I can safely say that,” stated John Cullen, manager of emergency and ambulatory care. “Code purple sounds like some drastic capacity measure we’re at. It just heightens the awareness. “It’s more of a reflection of changes in our community and the size of the hospital, and we’re trying to meet those needs.” Cullen’s emergency room is housing admitted patients, anywhere from “several” to “plenty.” These are people admitted to hospital but there’s no capacity for them on the wards, as the medical and surgical wards are full.

“I don’t want to minimize it but it’s become part of the everyday culture we’re living here,” said Cullen, who stated emphatically that the over-capacity has nothing to do with anything related to the H1N1 flu. “We have code purples all year round, all four seasons,” he said. “It isn’t because there’s been any major surge. We’re seeing an increase in our numbers, yes, but code purple is not reflective of the fact H1N1 is out there.” The number of patients being seen with flu-like symptoms is on the rise, but Cullen said the interventions they’re getting at the emergency room is minimal. No swabs are being done and patients may not even be started on medication. “Whatever we’re doing for them in the ER, a lot if it’s being done sitting in a chair, much like in a doctor’s office or a walk-in clinic,” said Cullen. “I’m not advising people not to come to the hospital, and I’m not saying do not seek medical attention, but more to the point we’re advising people to recognize what is their comfort with the symptoms their experiencing. “Containment from home and trying to look after themselves is the take-home message.”

Despite the increase in ER visits, and the steady stream of over-capacity, Cullen said code purples will not change the way patients are treated, saying “it’s not like we’re in a capacity of can’t function.” Still, it’s difficult for VJH administration to say if they see over-capacity easing in the coming days or week. “It’s more of a reflection that this community has outgrown the size of the hospital, which is why we’ve got a multi-million dollar project being built in our backyard, and we’re all going to be very excited to see that completion because we’ll see some alleviation at that point,” said Cullen, in reference to the new tower being constructed at VJH.“Until then, we’ll take it on the chin as it comes.” The new tower is scheduled to open in mid-2011.

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Code purple requires action Morning Star Editorial: Published: October 31, 2009 12:00 PM

We all get complacent about situations that face us day in and day out, but code purple at Vernon Jubilee Hospital should never be considered the norm. Never should anyone within the public or the Interior Health Authority believe that being over-capacity is “part of the everyday culture.” For two weeks, VJH has been handling more patients than it can accommodate, including 22 patients Thursday. And while the actions of the physicians, nurses and support staff are worthy of considerable praise, there is no question that code-purple is putting extreme pressure on the system. IHA will point to the massive patient care tower as a demonstration of how it and the provincial government are responding to growing health care needs in the North Okanagan. And there’s no question that the relocation of key departments, such as emergency and surgery, will enhance the services we depend on. But as good as the tower will be, there are limitations to the impact it will have.

What good are these new departments if there is nowhere to put the patients after they have been treated. Why aren’t IHA and the government making the two shelled-in floors a priority so they will actually have beds in them? Yes such a move costs money, but what price do we place on people’s health? The time for action is now, because if things don’t change, that $180 million patient care tower will open in mid-2011, and the voice of a clerk announcing code purple will be heard through the corridors

Committee’s future uncertain

Richard Rolke - Vernon Morning Star Published: October 31, 2009 12:00 PM

A City of Vernon committee may eventually lose its spirit. It hasn’t been determined yet if the Spirit of B.C. committee will continue after the Winter Olympics and that may depend on government funding. “The province is broke so it will probably fail,” said Coun. Jack Gilroy, a committee member. The Spirit committee was formed to create opportunities for the community before and after the 2010 Winter Games. “The potential components focus in the area of sport, recreation, arts and culture, tourism, convention, trade, investment, procurement, human resources, literacy and volunteerism,” states its terms of reference. One of the main activities has been organizing the torch relay’s stop in Vernon.

Membership on the committee has included a city councillor, a tourism and marketing person, an Olympic athlete, a Paralympic athlete, the Okanagan Indian Band, the visitor centre manager, a school district liaison, the Downtown Vernon Association and the Greater Vernon Chamber of Commerce. Council has suspended the committee because it’s not functioning under the terms of reference. Gilroy says operational changes were necessary so the group was more streamlined and able to address issues in a timely fashion. “When we deal with the Vancouver Olympic Committee, they want it done by the end of the week,” said Gilroy, adding that it was challenging to bring committee members together at a moment’s notice. “With the original committee, we couldn’t get it done.” The city’s tourism manager will provide council with a report recommending amendments to the terms of reference that will allow it to continue with activities.

Council targets science background

Richard Rolke - Vernon Morning Star Published: October 31, 2009 12:00 PM

More technical expertise will be added to Vernon’s environmental advisory committee, and that has fuelled considerable debate. When committee members are sought, council will now give increased consideration to people with relevant scientific and technical backgrounds. “It doesn’t prevent anyone from applying,” said Coun. Buffy Baumbrough, committee chairwoman. However, the makeup of the committee is a concern for Coun. Bob Spiers. “Are we going to get rid of people who don’t have a scientific background but have street common sense? That’s the kind of people I want,” he said. “I don’t want to suggest to people who have no scientific background but love nature and the environment that they would be disqualified.”

Baumbrough, though, says other city-appointed groups use individuals with specific skill sets. “Why wouldn’t we want to do the same with a committee that is dealing with more and more technical issues?” she said. “We haven’t questioned targeting certain individuals for economic development but with the environmental committee there’s a level of discomfort.” Baumbrough believes people with a scientific background will add strength to the committee’s activities and that the complexity of environmental issues can create a considerable learning curve for those members who don’t have any training in that area. The goal of the committee is to provide advice and assistance to council and residents in the protection, enhancement, restoration and management of the local environment and to ensure that the community is planned to provide for environmental sustainability.

B.C. fire services struggle to attract volunteers

By Gerry Bellett, Vancouver SunOctober 29, 2009

B.C’s fire services are having trouble recruiting and keeping volunteers who form the bulk of the province’s firefighting resources, said Stephen Gamble, the president of the Fire Chiefs Association of B.C. Of the province’s 15,000 firefighters, 73 per cent (11,000) are designated volunteers and many of the province’s fire departments who rely on volunteers were having a hard time keeping them, said Gamble, Port Coquitlam’s fire chief, in an interview with The Vancouver Sun. In Metro Vancouver many municipalities such as Surrey, Coquitlam, Langley and Delta rely on volunteers. Other communities such as Vancouver and those on the North Shore employ only salaried firefighters. The association along with the Union Of B.C. Municipalities is expected to release a report on the volunteer problem in early December, said Gamble.

Roughrider ready to tackle new role as city councillor

The Canadian Press Date:Friday Oct. 30, 2009 7:54 AM ET

REGINA — Chris Szarka is used to running footballs for the Saskatchewan Roughriders, but the fullback also has a new role to tackle -- city councillor. Szarka, who has been with the Riders for 13 years, won a seat on Regina city council during municipal elections held Wednesday in Saskatchewan. Szarka practised with the green and white Thursday but that didn't stop him from getting down to work. "My first order of business was told to me by (Mayor) Pat Fiacco ... and the rest of councillors, that is to go out and win on Saturday," Szarka said, laughing.

Chirac ordered to stand trial in France

Friday, October 30, 2009 CBC NEWS:

Former French president Jacques Chirac will stand trial for an alleged corruption scandal from his years as Paris mayor. Investigative magistrate Xaviere Simeoni has ordered Chirac, 76, to stand trial on charges of embezzlement and breach of trust, a judicial official said Friday. The allegations of corruption and nepotism date back to Chirac's tenure as mayor from 1977-95. Chirac has been investigated for allegations that 35 contracts paid for by Paris City Hall were awarded to friends and associates for jobs that did not exist. Simeoni concluded that 21 of the 35 were for non-existent jobs. Simeoni said Friday the breach of trust charges dated back to the period before 1994, while the embezzlement charges dated from March 1994 to May 1995 — when he was sworn in as chief of state. Chirac said he is "serene and determined to prove in court that none of the jobs still being debated were fake."

Racy book banned: Only in Whistler, not on BC Ferries

By John Colebourn, Vancouver Province October 30, 2009

BC Ferries has banned a cheeky new book — with an equally cheeky cover — written by Whistler author Stephen Vogler.

Vogler, 45, who grew up in Whistler, has written an entertaining recollection of the wild, weird and wacky things that have happened in the last 30 years in the famous ski town that in a few months will host the Winter Olympics. And while Vogler takes a lively look at the town's party-hard cast of characters in the just-released book, he thinks the cover is what caused the biggest stir with BC Ferries. On the cover of Vogler's Only in Whistler — Tales of a Mountain Town, there's a picture of four naked women on skis ready to load onto a blue chairlift. The photo was taken by Squamish-based photographer Gary McFarlane in the early 1990s.

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From Amazon.com: ($24.95) "It was no accident that the first Whistlerite to win an Olympic gold medal also tested positive for cannabis, and successfully defended himself by arguing that just breathing the air in his hometown was enough to put him over the limit. If anybody doubts that story, they won't after reading Only in Whistler: Tales of a Mountain Town."

Action sought on containers

Richard Rolke - Vernon Morning Star Published: October 29, 2009 6:00 PM

There are demands for the City of Vernon to clamp down on metal storage containers.The North Okanagan Mini Storage Association claims metal bin sales are operating from unauthorized sites and that is creating regulatory issues as well as the containers not being esthetically pleasing.“They are causing an eyesore,” said Wendy Kay, representing the association. She says that development permits are not required for the containers and zoning is not being followed although other businesses, including those who own mini storage facilities, must do so.“We are seeing them all over town.”

Kay also questions why building permits aren’t required.“This will become a larger issue if these containers are converted into dwelling units,” she said.Kay says city revenues are being negatively impacted, including through property taxes.“The city is forgoing development cost charges and businesses licences. They don’t reflect what is actually taking place.”Kay also points to possible safety concerns because the containers are stacked on top of each other and believes they break sign rules because each bin has the name of the company selling it.“They are not being regulated like any business, not just mini-storage.”

City staff say there haven’t been significant problems related to the storage containers.“We do periodically get some complaints, specifically where people are trying to place them on roadways,” said Clint Kanester, bylaw enforcement manager.

Party organizer defends plans

Roger Knox - Vernon Morning Star Published: October 29, 2009 6:00 PM

The organizer of a large private party said Vernon RCMP concerns about his Halloween event are unwarranted. RCMP issued a one-page release Thursday about Saturday’s Old Souls Night - Dancing With Spirits event, an all-night party featuring music and dance at a farm located high in the hills above Westside Road. The event starts at 8 p.m. and “runs until daylight,” according to a poster. Police are concerned that the party, advertised online and, which police state, has pre-sold 600 tickets, is “open to all ages and you can bring your own booze.”

Not so, said event organizer Ed Walter Thursday. “We always have a BYOB policy, we don’t sell alcohol here, but police advised us that contravenes the Liquor Act, so we are shutting it down,” said Walter. “We’ve given them our word there will be no alcohol at the party.” Police stated in its release that “minimal planning had been made for safe transportation home from this site for any of their guests.” “We have a bus in place at all of our events that picks people up from the Civic Arena and returns there on the half-hour, so anybody looking for a ride can get one,” said Walter. “The only caveat for this weekend is we just got three inches of snow, so I have to talk to the bus company and see how prepared they are and what the road conditions will be like Saturday...We try to make sure everybody has a safe ride home, that everyone’s looked after. We’ve had no incidents in the past.”

Saturday’s event aims to raise money for the food bank. One dollar from every ticket sold, $10 fines for those not in costume, and a donation box set up at the gate all go to the local food bank.

Spiers wants more open process

Richard Rolke - Vernon Morning Star Published: October 29, 2009 6:00 PM

One politician is demanding increased transparency over a controversial composting plant.Coun. Bob Spiers believes there is more the City of Vernon could be doing to satisfy public concerns about the Ogogrow biosolids facility in the Commonage, particularly when it comes to odours. “We need a data base that will take odour readings and provide it to the public,” he said. He would also like to see regular reports to council on the facility’s ability to handle sewer biosolids that originate from Vernon and Kelowna.

“No one on council wants to be in the position we were a year ago,” he said. “All of sudden there was a surprise that we were over-capacity.” As a result, both Vernon and Kelowna had to divert some biosolid waste to landfills instead of turning it into Ogogrow fertilizer.In August, both communities — which own the facility — agreed to launch an upgrade and expansion to deal with capacity issues. That was partly in response to residents complaining about foul odours.

Coun. Patrick Nicol is hopeful action is being taken to minimize concerns.“There’s been a lot of progress made,” he said. “There are things that have been done wrong but there have been things that have been done right.”

Council has directed staff to work with the City of Kelowna to establish a policy that addresses operational failures or non-compliance of the facility to ensure that these situations are effectively managed.Vernon will also ask Kelowna to develop an operational procedure for the phased reintroduction of any diverted biosolids once the expansion is completed.

Council to consider new bylaw to deal with grow-ops and drug labs

By Adrian Nieoczym Kelowna.com: Thursday, October 29th, 2009 | 5:38 pm

City council will take up a proposed “safe premises” bylaw next week to deal with dangerous conditions common in buildings used as marijuana grow-ops or methamphetamine labs. If it is passed, the bylaw would allow building inspectors to declare buildings unsafe and prevent people from occupying them if an electrical, water or natural gas meter has been disconnected or bypassed, venting systems exhaust into the building or where hazardous substances commonly used in grow-ops or drug labs are located. As well, buildings could be declared unsafe if high levels of mould are present. The bylaw would also give the city the power to turn off water service to buildings used as grow-ops. Violations of the bylaw could result in fines between $5,000 and $10,000. If passed, the new bylaw would be in addition to the grow-op bylaw passed by council in 2005.

The great B.C. real estate bust

Jim Sutherland From Friday's Globe and Mail Published on Thursday, Oct. 29, 2009

Leona Snider can pinpoint the Great B.C. Land Bust to the day: September 9, 2008. Until that fateful date, it looked as if the 19 years of work that she’d put into her dream would finally come to fruition. The Rise, her 735-acre hillside development—“the most beautiful spot in the province,” she says—was the first anywhere on North America’s west coast to incorporate a winery component. Above the home sites, climbing toward a mountaintop plateau, was a designer golf course; below, on Lake Okanagan, a private beach club. Estimated build-out: $1 billion. On the day sales opened in 2005, 40 of 53 home sites on offer were snapped up in 90 minutes. After that big bang, however, there was a long trickle. By 2008, Snider realized she needed to rejig units to bring the price down—under $500,000 rather than nearly $1 million. That required hiring new contractors, not an easy thing in the booming Okanagan. “Still, on September 9 we had eight contracts written,” says Snider.

And on that day, her lender, Calgary-based Arres Capital, backed out of the project. Within weeks, Snider was in court seeking bankruptcy protection for some $50 million in liabilities.And so it went across B.C. By the summer of 2009, dozens of retirement and recreational projects involving tens of thousands of homes resided in some stage of panic, resignation or abandonment. The media poster child for the phenomenon was Len Barrie’s Bear Mountain Resort near Victoria. Yet that project, well on its way to a build-out value estimated at $2.5 to $3.2 billion, was in much better health than many of its imitators.(More)

Wal-Mart selling caskets online

By Nicole Maestri, ReutersOctober 29, 2009

SAN FRANCISCO — Wal-Mart Stores Inc is now catering to its shoppers' needs from cradle to grave. The world's largest retailer has introduced online sales of caskets, expanding a merchandise selection that spans engagement rings and baby gear to a new major milestone in its shoppers' lives. Shoppers can choose from the Lady de Guadalupe steel casket for $895 or a sienna bronze casket for $2,899.00.

The caskets do not qualify for Walmart.com's free site-to-store shipping program, where shoppers can buy an item online and have it shipped to a local store for free. Instead, the website says the caskets require freight delivery to the shopper's preferred address. The estimated shipping cost for the sienna bronze casket is $99.

Party raises concerns for police

by Castanet Staff - Story: 50450 Oct 29, 2009 / 2:00 pm

An all night party being advertised on line has caught the attention of the Vernon RCMP. Police say the party, which is supposed to take place on private property off of Irish Creek Road, has already pre sold tickets for 600 guests. RCMP spokesman Gord Molendyk says police are concerned because party organizers are advertising the party is open to all ages and people can bring their own booze. "RCMP are aware many teens are planning to attend this party and they want parents in our communities to be aware that your teenage children could be travelling out to this location and consuming alcohol or other intoxicants and then returning to Vernon at all times of the early morning," says Molendyk. "Police are aware that the owner has had parties there in the past, however, they are concerned of the possibility of people driving under the influence after a long night of partying." Molendyk says RCMP have been to the site and have spoken with the organizer. "We understand there has been minimal planning made for safe transportation home from this site for any of their guests."

B.C. town stunned by paper mill's pending closure

Wed Oct. 28 2009 23:03:31 Douglas Quan , ctvbc.ca

Residents in Kitimat, B.C., said Wednesday night that they were floored by news one of their town's biggest employers was shutting down. West Fraser Timber Co. Ltd. announced it will permanently close its Eurocan paper mill on Jan. 31. Despite years of reducing operating costs and attempts to improve results, the operation remained unprofitable, said Hank Ketcham, West Fraser's chairman, president and CEO, in a statement. "We deeply regret the impact the mill closure will have on our 535 employees, their families and the community and we will ensure those who are affected are treated with fairness and respect," he said. Bill Mcenhill, 57, a superintendent at the mill, told ctvbc.ca the news came as a shock. "It was a pretty big shot to the gut," he said by phone from The Ol' Keg pub, where he and other mill employees gathered.

Mcenhill said employees figured the plant might shut down for a month or two - at most. Bar manager Melissa Mitchell said her brother, who works at the mill, is a single father, has a mortgage and just bought a new truck and car. "I've never seen this town so depressed," Mitchell said. "There was no warning. Nothing." Kitimat is a 9,000-population coastal city in northwestern B.C. The other major employer in town is the Alcan aluminum smelter. The 40-year-old Eurocan paper mill, which produces linerboard and kraft paper, has struggled with high costs and negative returns, the company said. Since December 2008, Eurocan has seen a 40 percent drop in the net selling price of its products.

This decline was driven by the global economic slowdown, the rise of the Canadian dollar and severe competition from low-cost paper producers in other countries, according to the company. Permanent closure was "the only reasonable alternative," Ketcham said. Bartender Catherine Denman said the company had given people in the town and from all over the country an opportunity to work, buy homes, and raise a family in a nice area. Denman said her father is just days away from retiring from the mill after working there for almost 40 years. "He was definitely mad," Denman said. "A lot of people here are upset."

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Don Quixote Note also see earlier posting re tax base lawsuit by this company. http://vernonblog.blogspot.com/2009/09/industrial-tax-revolt-against-towns.html

Outrage as Abbotsford short $30-million for essential services after pouring $80-million into arena

By Kent Spencer, The ProvinceOctober 28, 2009

Just months after opening an $80-million hockey arena, Abbotsford is short $30 million for roads, police vehicles and a fire station. “This is not a situation which we can leave unattended,” says a message to residents from city manager Frank Pizzuto. “Costs to fix roads, water and sewer in the future will increase dramatically, perpetuating the problem for future generations.” Pizzuto called the shortfall a “dilemma” involving $49 million worth of “essential” projects. “Only a fraction of the projects can be addressed,” he said.

The capital projects include $18 million for road reconstruction, $7.5 million for police and fire vehicles and operations and $6 million for a fire hall. Vince Dimanno, president of the Abbotsford Ratepayers Association, said big spenders on council should not be bailed out. “Shockingly, it seems that road maintenance and water-resource issues have taken our council by surprise,” said Dimanno.

He said the best example of council’s “pie-in-the-sky” thinking is the $80-million Abbotsford Entertainment and Sports Centre. It includes a $2-million scoreboard for the new Abbotsford Heat team that’s part of the American Hockey League. “Council has to put the budget heat on itself instead of taxpayers,” he said. Mayor George Peary said 2010 will be one of the most challenging times the city has ever faced. “We’re not unlike a family. There’s lots of desires and limited resources. Fees from developments have slowed by 30 per cent. We spent over $100 million on things like the hockey arena. We borrowed some money and dipped into capital reserves to pay for it. “The hockey arena was a bit of a field of dreams. But that debate is over. We’ve had seven years of plenty and we’re looking at seven years of tightening our belts,” he said. Peary hopes a two-cent-per-litre gas tax will be approved by provincial authorities to generate $5 million for the city next year.

He said property taxes will rise less than last year’s 5.5 per cent increase, but staff have also recommended a two-per-cent capital funds levy that would be counted separately. Dimanno said council has been misleading the public about budgets for the last two terms. “We’re about $50 million short of being flush next year,” he said. Citizens are invited to comment on Nov. 12 at 6:30 p.m. at the Matsqui Centennial Auditorium. Council will finalize its draft budget by the end of the year. Other cities are also facing shortfalls. Vancouver has a $61-million loss in revenues this year.

Scientists say curry compound kills cancer cells

Reuters October 28, 2009 8:02 AM

LONDON -- A molecule found in a curry ingredient can kill esophageal cancer cells in the laboratory, suggesting it might be developed as an anti-cancer treatment, scientists said on Wednesday. Researchers at the Cork Cancer Research Center in Ireland treated esophageal cancer cells with curcumin -- a chemical found in the spice turmeric, which gives curries a distinctive yellow color -- and found it started to kill cancer cells within 24 hours.

George Dobie passed away on Oct 24

Sunday, October 25, 2009 Counter Point by George Dobie

There will be a "Celebrate of Life" at the Schubert Centre in Vernon at 1 pm on Sunday Nov 1. If you can not attend and want a message read instead, please email dougdobie@shaw.ca.
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George Dobie - The "Sage" of Vernon
That is the link that I have on this blog for a great gentleman and one of the most accomplished reporters and columnists that I have known. I only met Mr. Dobie about 4 or 5 years ago when he was free lancing and showing the youngsters Scott Neufeld and David Wylie the ropes with the Vernon Daily Courier. We continue to exchange ideas on the politics of the day and kept in touch through our mutual blogs. I enjoyed our occasional coffee meetings over the last year as we bantered and criticized each other about our respective views about local politics and personalities. He particularly liked my phrase "prolific if not proficient" that I had coined about one of our local media writers many years ago. Well George's lifework in the journalism field could only be described as "Prolific and Proficient". He will be missed.
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This is a modest recap from George's blog about his career:

George Dobie has worked in newspaper journalism all his life, starting out as a reporter with a weekly publication in Vernon, B.C. After three years he vaulted to a position with the Canadian division of the world-wide United Press news agency, covering stories across Western Canada. Ten years later Dobie became UPI bureau manager in Vancouver for three years before joining the editorial staff of the Vancouver Sun. He worked with The Sun for 28 years, including a decade as its labour reporter. He finished his small-c career as an information officer for the provincial government in Victoria before retiring back in Vernon where has kept up to current events as a free lance writer and now an Internet blogger.

Lighter Side of the Olympics

More Monitoring of Bio-Solids Facility

Peter McIntyre Wednesday, 28 October 2009 10:01 107.5 KISSFM:

The city of Vernon will more closely monitor the operation of the regional bio-solids facility that it shares with Kelowna. Councillor Bob Spiers is calling for regular reports that detail how the facility is operating, and a system to ensure capacity problems never happen again."I don't think any member of this council ever wants to get back in the position we were in 12 months ago, being notified we were over capacity by 40 to 50 percent. "Residents near the facility on Commonage Road are concerned an expansion of the plant will create more odour problems.

Council passed a motion Monday to direct staff to work with the City of Kelowna to establish operational procedures for the facility to address operational failures or non-compliance, to ensure that protocols are in place to effectively manage those situations.The operation converts human waste into a marketable compost product.

Government in truffle again?

Public Eye Oct. 28:

The provincial government has splashed out almost half-a-million dollars to host business leaders and foreign dignitaries at a tony private club in Vancouver during the length of the 2010 Winter Olympic and Paralympic Games. A contract exclusively obtained by Public Eye via a freedom of information request states that price tag for 29 days of hosting could increase to a maximum of $650,000. But the government has already pre-paid $135,000 for meeting room rentals and $315,000 for food and beverages. That includes the cost of renting five suites for 18 days to make lodging available to those VIPs at the Terminal City Club's boutique hotel.

The province, which is being allowed to supply its own wine, hasn't yet decided how to spend its food and beverage budget.

But among the selections it will be considering is a $57.00 four-course "refined" dinner that features options like:

* game consomme, truffle gnocchi;
* vanilla cured pork belly, crispy 150 mile house bacon, peach thyme compote;
* maple miso marinated sable fish, steamed new potatoes, pickled vegetables;
* chocolate covered mousse bombe, gold adorned.

And, for an extra $15, the government could add Chardonnay steamed Caribbean lobster tail, chunked crab and truffle hollandaise or coriander-crusted Alaskan scallops to that dinner. More modest selections are also available.

Asked about that contract, a government spokesperson explained it will allow the province to "maximize the economic and investment opportunities that come from hosting business leaders and dignitaries from around the world who are visiting Vancouver during the Games."

Vernon calls for abolishment of advisory committee

Richard Rolke - Vernon Morning Star Published: October 27, 2009 7:00 PM

Vernon wants the plug pulled on the committee that oversees water and parks and recreation.Council will notify the North Okanagan Regional District that the Greater Vernon Advisory Committee should be disbanded, and all sub-regional matters should be dealt with at the NORD board. “They have no power. They go back to the board any way,” said Coun. Jack Gilroy. “It’s just streamlining the process.” As an advisory committee, GVAC has no ability to make decisions. It can only make recommendations to NORD for consideration.

Coun. Mary-Jo O’Keefe attempted to have GVAC scrapped in August after the NORD board overturned a committee decision on a sedimentation pond at BX Ranch Park. “That’s not an indication of good governance,” she said.If the committee remains, O’Keefe is convinced bureaucratic hurdles will continue.“It will just mean that we, as a region, will spend an inordinate amount of money on poor government,” she said.

Herman Halvorson, NORD chairman, is willing to consider the city’s request and discuss it with the other partners — Coldstream and Areas B and C.“We’d have the same people at the table for discussions, so it could make things a lot simpler,” he said.Doug Dirk, Coldstream director, is also open to the concept of scrapping GVAC, but says there could be challenges if the regional board deals with all matters. “Both of those functions (water and parks and recreation) are bigger than NORD itself,” he said. “The workload to deal with everything at board meetings would be pretty cumbersome.” It’s also not known how shifting the entire process to the NORD board would impact representation from outside interests that sit at the GVAC table.“How do you deal with the school district representative and the agricultural representative?” said Halvorson.

Richard Rolke - Vernon Morning Star Published: October 27, 2009 7:00 PM Shooting blanks

Once again demands have surfaced for the scrapping of the Greater Vernon Advisory Committee. And there’s nothing wrong with the City of Vernon throwing the notion before the North Okanagan Regional District. Perhaps there are other options for administering water and parks and recreation.However, some of the city’s reasons appear to be based on an unfamiliarity with process.

As an example, Coun. Jack Gilroy says GVAC “has no power.”And that is absolutely true. As an advisory committee, GVAC is only there to investigate issues pertaining to its mandate and to provide some direction. But, at the end of the day, the authority to proceed is in the hands of the regional district board. Now you would think Gilroy would know this as he is a longtime NORD director and was part of the process that neutered GVAC of any ability to make stand-alone decisions.Gilroy’s views are particularly surprising when you consider that committees within the city operate the same way. They do all the leg work and then make a recommendation to council for consideration. City committees do not act unilaterally.

Coun. Mary-Jo O’Keefe has been fuming ever since the NORD board over-ruled a GVAC recommendation on a sedimentation pond in BX Ranch Park in April. “That’s not a good indication of good governance,” she said Monday, adding that GVAC had investigated the proposed pond thoroughly and the regional board simply bowed to pressure from a handful of residents.But, once again, GVAC was only responsible for compiling the necessary information and suggesting a course of action to NORD. Board members should never get into the habit of simply rubber-stamping things just because a committee wants it. After all, it is the board that is ultimately responsible — politically, financially and legally — for actions taken under its auspices. And in this case, the board received other information specifically from the taxpaying public who should be considered just as relevant as GVAC.It should also be pointed out that O’Keefe has done exactly the same thing she is slamming NORD directors for.In July, she vocally opposed a recommendation from the city’s environmental advisory committee over heritage trees, while she was part of the battle against a staff recommendation to put paid firefighters in the Okanagan Landing fire hall. How do those cases fit into her vision of good governance?

As mentioned before, there is nothing wrong with investigating other decision-making models for parks and water, but city officials have either forgotten how the legislative system works or they believe they don’t have to follow the same rules expected of NORD.And finally, when will the city realize that NORD is not some foreign entity? Vernon is the district’s largest member when population and tax base are considered, and it has three members each at GVAC and the regional board, including Mayor Wayne Lippert who is Greater Vernon chairman. How can it be a them and us struggle, when you’re imbedded deep within the ranks?

Summerland council address controversy

SUSAN McIVER, Special to The Penticton Herald Wednesday, October 28, 2009

Questionable procedure resulted in a split vote on expansion of urban growth areas and confusion following the mayor‘s gloomy assessment of current conditions in Summerland. Monday council considered a two part bylaw which had been amended after receiving first reading on Sept. 29 and being presented at a public hearing on Oct. 15. Council unanimously passed the first part which had been amended to delete all references to the original bylaw with regard to changing the portions of the official community plan that limit the authority of councils to amend the document. The amendment also required that the issue be referred back to the Advisory Planning Commission for additional public consultation.

Coun. Sam Elia then moved that second reading be given to the second portion of the bylaw to include Rattlesnake Mountain in the urban growth area of the OCP “This will give time to get feedback from the APC regarding text amendments,” Elia said. The motion was defeated by a vote of 1-5. Subsequently, in a 5-1 vote, council approved a motion to read the second portion of the bylaw for second and third times and to adopt it.

Coun. Jim Kyluik was absent due to a conflict of interest. Coun. Ken Roberge opposed the motion made by Coun. Bruce Hallquist. “It really confused the issue by having two distinct OCP changes within the same bylaw. I think we made a significant error in bringing the two items forward together. The two parts should have been totally divorced,” Roberge said in a subsequent telephone interview. In explaining why he did not state his reasons for casting a negative vote at council, Roberge said, “I had repeated discussions with my colleagues on this point. I was tired of it.”

Many of the approximate 200 people who attended the council meeting were shaking their heads and wondering exactly what had happened. “I found the whole procedure tonight very confusing. I was under the impression that they (council) wanted to give the appearance of considering things more thoroughly but in the end decided why bother because we‘re not going to change our minds anyway,” said resident Khati Hendry. “The council is saying that the OCP has absolutely no bearing on whether or not Rattlesnake Mountain comes into the urban growth area,” resident Peter Waterman said.

Before any motion had been placed on the table, the director of planning services, council members and the mayor presented information and opinions in support of the amended bylaw. Mayor Janice Perrino responded to questions about why the issue was being considered so quickly by saying that “every land owner has the right to apply to the local government to amend the OCP and it must be considered in a timely manner”. In two months the bylaw which marks a significant change in direction for the community went from initial presentation to council to adoption. “Such a development will not help lower taxes, but it will help to share the load to get the project done,” Mayor Janice Perrino said. She did not provide information on what the tax burden would be if such a project was never undertaken compared to ’helping to share the load‘.
Perrino emphasized Summerland‘s low rate of growth of 1 per cent from 2001 to 2006 as compared to 4 per cent for Penticton and 10.6 per cent for Osoyoos. Spinoffs include declining school enrolment and struggling businesses.

“There are 14 businesses for sale in downtown core right now,” she said. Adding to the gloom, Perrino announced that the developer of the Wharton Street redevelopment project had requested an extension of one year on their option to purchase municipal land. This is the second year in a row such an extension has been requested. The Wharton Street project like two current large downtown developments is a mixture of multifamily and commercial units.
Providing young families with a wide selection of single family dwellings can help improve Summerland‘s economic situation, according to Perrino.

Strong points for including Rattlesnake Mountain in the urban growth area include that it is not within the ALR, is located within the municipal boundaries and is close to the town core and highway. “There is a long time between initial consideration of a development by council and start of construction,” Perrino said. Many reports and steps must be completed before the first spade full of soil is turned. These include environmental, geotechnical and engineering reports, an extensive neighbourhood plan and finally completion of servicing agreements. In support of the Rattlesnake Mountain application, Ian McIntosh, manager of planning services, presented information from the master servicing plans. “This information addresses projected community needs while ignoring the most important part of the plans--the list of capital projects. To change these now would entail significant costs,” Gregory said. McIntosh gave assurance that “if projections are correct” Summerland had enough water for many years based on an annual compounded growth rate of two per cent. Trout Creek resident Marilyn Hansen questioned the validity of projections based on past years in view of global warming. “We may need to supply water to the high growth areas of the valley. We should be looking at the valley as one watershed, not just at Summerland,” said local orchardist Denise MacDonald.

Nanaimo council promotes deputy manager to top city job

Toby Gorman - Nanaimo News Bulletin Published: October 27, 2009 12:00 PM

Nanaimo city council officially installed Al Kenning as city manager on Monday. Kenning, formerly the deputy city manager, served as acting city manager since council voted 8-1 to dismiss former city manager Jerry Berry last month. Berry, 52, held the city manager position for 22 years and will receive full severance for two years – worth almost $500,000 – until eligible for a full pension in 2011.

Kenning will be paid an annual salary of $200,109. He received $198,262 as deputy manager, a role that is now eliminated from the city’s management structure.Nanaimo Mayor John Ruttan said Kenning’s experience will serve the city well.“I know that Mr. Kenning is anxious to get to work on the serious challenges facing the community and council,” said Ruttan, adding that reviewing the city’s management structure will be a priority. Making recommendations on the upcoming 2010 budget and seeking budget solutions that meets council’s criteria will be one of Kenning’s first tasks, Ruttan said. Kenning has been employed with the city since 1987 and was previously director of finance and general manager of corporate services. After graduating from the University of British Columbia with a commerce degree, Kenning held senior positions with the B.C. Lottery Corporation and the Thompson-Nicola Regional District.

G-VAC History ?

Written by Peter McIntyre Tuesday, 27 October 2009 08:56107.5 KISSFM

Vernon council wants NORD to put a nail in the coffin of the Greater Vernon Advisory Committee.The city wants the advisory panel to be disbanded, with all parks and rec issues to be dealt with by the regional board. Councillor Mary Jo O' Keefe says the committee gets information, debates it and makes a decision, only to be over-ruled by NORD. O'Keefe says NORD will base a decision on a single delegation , without any of the background that the committee had received , and that's not good governance. O'Keefe says G-VAC is redundant, and serves no purpose.

Polson to go ahead

Written by Peter McIntyre Tuesday, 27 October 2009 09:00107.5 KISSFM:

The improvement project in Polson Park will be undertaken by the city of Vernon instead of the regional district. Councillor Jack Gilroy says NORD has agreed to let the city take the reins. He says " The city has the resources the region doesn't and the city people can build the things in Polson Park, so it's good for all the North Okanagan that they'll take it over and get it done after a three year wait." Mayor Wayne Lippert says the first phase of improvements will start next year, with washrooms added, and improvements to the bandstand. Funding will come from the grandstand insurance settlement.

BCAA Travel Closes

Tue, 2009-10-27 07:21. Matt Folkard - Kelowna Castanet:

Job cuts to the Vernon BCAA office. 157 full and part-time jobs will be cut from their storefront travel agencies, including 7 in Vernon. VP for Insurance and Travel for BCAA, Daniel Mirkovic says more and more customers are booking their vacations online.Mirkovic says all 27 BCAA locations will remain open and will continue to serve customers in other areas.BCAA will offer travel services online.

Kraft Hockeyville 2009 Prizing 2009

Get your communities ready Canada. Kraft Hockeyville 2010 will be opening up to accept your entries beginning November 2

Prizing 2009

Besides the exclusive bragging rights that come with being crowned Kraft Hockeyville 2009, the ultimate hockey community is awarded prizes to help them make their mark in Canada’s hockey history:

• $100,000 from Kraft to upgrade the home arena endorsed by the winning community.
• An NHL® pre-season game hosted in the community arena.*
• A CBC Hockey Night in Canada broadcast from their community.

* Subject to certain restrictions. See Rules and Regs for more information.

The top four remaining communities are awarded:

• $25,000 from Kraft to upgrade the home arena endorsed by the community.
• A CBC Hockey Night in Canada broadcast from their community.

Fond du Lac Band says city should repay $75 million in casino funds

By: Brandon Stahl, Peter Passi, Duluth News Tribune October 26 2009

In a move that could conceivably bankrupt the city of Duluth, the Fond du Lac Band of Lake Superior Chippewa is asking a federal court to return the $75.5 million it has given the city since 1994 as part of its agreement to open the Fond-du-Luth Casino.As a comparison, the city’s general operating fund next year – money that goes to pay for services including police and fire protection, road repairs and snow plowing – is projected to be $75 million. The city has only $1 million in its reserve fund.The request is part of a counter-claim to a late-September lawsuit that the city filed in U.S. District Court after the band stopped sharing its casino revenues.

Even before the band made its request, the possibility of the city losing its suit over revenue sharing from the casino carried high stakes: Duluth depends on the casino money for road repairs and to keep its credit rating high.“The band's demand that we pay them $75 million would have a devastating impact on our community and public services,” Mayor Don Ness said. “Obviously, it is an extreme position for the band to present to the federal court.”Band chairwoman Karen Diver declined to comment.“The legal paperwork speaks for itself,” she said. (more)

Dean Skoreyko: Civil rights should not be traded away for 2010 Olympics

By Dean Skoreyko Straight.com Oct 26, 2009

As the municipalities of Vancouver, Richmond, and Whistler prepare for the upcoming excitement of hosting the 2010 Olympic Winter Games, there are many volunteers and workers who are putting the finishing touches on the global event. We know that there are many people who are proud that this province and this country will be hosting these Games, and many of us count down the days with eager anticipation.

There are, however, some people in this country who are not looking forward to the Olympic Games, many of whom have announced their intention to protest and demonstrate against them when the time arrives. Because we have invested so much time, money, and effort into making these Olympics a shining example of the best of what we have to offer in our country, there are those who would stifle the opinions of these demonstrators and protesters.

But in Canada we live in a constitutional monarchy governed by a parliamentary democracy elected by the people, and, as such, freedom of speech and expression is considered a fundamental right.(full article)

Dean Skoreyko is a director of the B.C. Conservative Party

Cross-country ski trails to open early

by Castanet Staff - Story: 50372 Oct 26, 2009 / 4:38 pm

An early winter storm has prompted Silver Star Mountain Resort to open its Nordic trails a week earlier than expected. Glenn Bond, Nordic manager at the resort, called the snow storm great news for the Canadian National Ski Team, who are waiting for the resort to open. "This will give them a headstart on their pre-Olympic training at Silver Star," says Bond. "This is one of our earliest openings to date." The resort received 30 cm of snow Monday morning and the long range forecast calls for more snowy conditions. Bond said the Nordic grooming crew is preparing the bulk of the lower trails, meaning more than 25 km of groomed tracks will be open.

Bond says tickets for opening weekend would be discounted to $15. The trails will open Saturday at 8:30 a.m. and run until 3:30 p.m.

News Jumbo Ski Resort Carves New Legal Tracks

By Bill Metcalfe, Today, TheTyee.ca

British Columbia's East Kootenay region is close to having a major, $450 million ski resort in its midst. The project is on its way to pioneering a new legal definition of a city as well -- a "mountain resort municipality" capable of existing for years without elected officials or even any residents. This latest twist in the 18-year effort to build the Jumbo Glacier resort in the Purcell Mountains west of Invermere has added fuel to local anger towards the development, while raising new questions about democracy and accountability in local government.

On August 4 the Regional District of East Kootenay (RDEK) decided it doesn't want the final say in whether the Jumbo real estate development proposal will go ahead, asking the provincial government to take over instead. The RDEK also wants the province to turn Jumbo into a mountain resort municipality.That decision followed a meeting about Jumbo earlier in the summer between the RDEK board and Bill Bennett, the minister of community services and rural development. Bennett is the MLA for Kootenay East and an avid Jumbo supporter. Several RDEK board members have declined to tell The Tyee what happened at that meeting with Bennett, saying the meeting was in-camera. And Bennett did not respond to a request for information about it.(more)

Site & Times For Vernon Flu Shot Clinics

Written by 107.5 Kiss FM Monday, 26 October 2009 14:41

Combined H1N1 and Seasonal Flu Clinic Info for Vernon

Interior Health flu clinics for H1N1 are getting underway, providing free H1N1 vaccinations to those at highest risk, as well as the seasonal flu shots to those 65 years and older and those at risk of health complications from the flu.

Vernon's first combined clinics for those at highest risk will be held on Thursday, October 29^th:

Clinic #1

• Schubert Centre, 3505 30^th Avenue
• No appointment necessary
• 9:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.

Clinic #2

• Wesbild Centre, 3445 43^rd Avenue
• No appointment necessary
• 9:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.

In keeping with Provincial recommendations, the following priority groups will receive their H1N1 vaccinations first:

• Pregnant women in the second half of pregnancy
• Persons under age 65 with chronic conditions
• Children 6 months - 59 months of age (less than 5 years old)
• Household contacts and care providers of infants less than 6 months of age
• Household contacts and care providers of persons who are immunocompromised
• Persons residing in rural and remote communities
• Health care workers.

To Find the Clinic Nearest You

Additional clinics are being scheduled in communities throughout the Interior. Details about times, dates and locations of the clinic nearest you - where you can get both the H1N1 vaccine and a seasonal flu shot - will be posted, when available at:

• Flu Clinic Locator at www.interiorhealth.ca or www.immunizebc.ca
• HealthLink BC, dial 8-1-1, available 24 hours a day
• Your local Public Health Centre.

Both H1N1 and seasonal influenza vaccines are also available from many physicians and walk-in clinics, and in the coming weeks from some pharmacies.

Summerland council on the hot-seat

SUSAN McIver, Special to The Penticton Herald Monday, October 26, 2009

Summerland council will meet this evening in the spacious confines of Centre Stage Theatre because of the high-level of public interest in proposed changes to the official community plan. The question before council is whether to adopt the proposed changes or to seek additional public consultation. The most controversial issue yet faced by this council, the changes would allow lands on the eastern side of Garnet Valley, known as Rattlesnake Mountain, to be designated as an urban growth area.

An overflow crowd and inadequate sound system at the last council meeting necessitated holding the required public hearing at Centre Stage Theatre. A full house of close to 300 attended the rescheduled hearing on October 15. At that time council listened while members of the public spoke. “This is the public‘s opportunity to tell us what they think. We are here to listen,” Mayor Janice Perrino said at the hearing. This evening council will respond to the issues raised and consider the recommendations from municipal staff on how to proceed with the proposed bylaw. “I‘ll be giving a power point presentation,” Perrino said in a telephone interview Saturday.

The two-part bylaw would alter the requirements to amend the urban growth area in the OCP and would change the designation of roughly 69 hectares on Rattlesnake Mountain from future growth area to urban growth area. Key to council‘s deliberations this evening is whether or not it considers appropriate public consultation has occurred and whether further consultation with other organizations and authorities is required. “Slow down, seek input and make the process as transparent and open as possible", Khati Hendry advised council at the public hearing.

Underlying the proposed bylaw is whether a council has the legal authority to change the OCP before the mandated time for changes to be considered. The OCP was adopted in April 2008 by the previous council, only 16 months before the current council initiated steps to change it. “The lawyers gave you the opinion you wanted but there is a cautionary note at the end of their letter. I see this closing paragraph as urging council to a higher standard than simply moving forward with what may be legally possible,” John Kingsmill, an experienced corporate lawyer, said at the public hearing. Subsequently, other community members said that it was the council‘s moral responsibility to uphold the OCP even though they may have the legal right to change it. “I do not share his (Kingsmill‘s) opinion,” Perrino said Saturday.

Perrino also questions Kingsmill‘s motives for raising this and other serious concerns at the hearing. “It is deeply discouraging when the purpose is to ’get them‘ (meaning the council) rather than looking at the issues,” she said. Kingsmill could not be reached for comment. On a more positive note Perrino said, “There were so many helpful intelligent comments made at the hearing.” The opinion of the municipal lawyers was first circulated to council members in September as a summary provided by staff. “I kicked up a fuss because I wanted a copy of the original letter rather than staff‘s interpretation,” said Coun. Gordon Clark. Subsequently, copies were distributed to all members of council.

The issues of urban growth, capacity of municipal services, sustainability and environmental impact were also raised at the hearing. These issues have been addressed by letters to the editor in local newspapers and by municipal staff in a memorandum to council. The latter is available on the municipal website. In his recent letter, Summerland resident Brian Adams wrote,” Unfortunately, the handling of this matter, leads people to speculation. One perception is that payback is involved.” Adams readily admits his comments are speculation only. However, the question of electoral irregularities in civic elections in the province, including Summerland, was raised in an article in the Vancouver Sun last March. “There was a quarter-page ad endorsing the Perrino slate that included the names of 90 supporters, including a number of realtors and developers. Some of those supporters‘ names were also among a longer list of names on a pamphlet endorsing the Perrino slate. The entire slate was elected,” Daphne Bramham wrote in the article. Bramham questions the ads in support of Perrino and the successful slate which gave no indication of who the concerned residents or business owners were or who paid for the ad.
She also questions the amount of money spent on ads in local newspapers in support of Perrino by a group calling itself Citizens for Smart Governance. Any person or group spending $500 or more is legally required to register with the chief electoral officer as either a campaign organizer or an elector organization and file financial statements within four months of the election. Neither such an organizer nor organization was registered in Summerland although the cost of the ads totalled above the $500 threshold. Tonight’s meeting begins at 7 p.m.

Tourism to talk taxes today

Kelowna Daily Courier Staff 2009-10-26

Kelowna city council will be reminded today of the importance of tourism to the region‘s economy. The hospitality trade is the second-largest employer, after health care, providing about 5,100 full-time jobs. The 1.2 million people who visit Kelowna annually spend $346 million. Tourism Kelowna, which works to draw even more visitors to the city, has yearly revenues of about $2.2 million, 60 per cent of which come from the two per cent hotel-room tax.

There is some concern among Tourism Kelowna executives that the introduction of the harmonized sales tax next year could pave the way for the elimination of the room tax. Provincial officials have said such room taxes can be charged in Kelowna and 39 other B.C. cities, including Penticton, until 2011, but it‘s not known what will happen after that. During a presentation to a provincial finance committee last week, Tourism Kelowna chief executive officer Nancy Cameron appealed for retention of the hotel-room tax.

PGA Tour next stop for Vernon's Chris Baryla

By Brad Ziemer, Vancouver SunOctober 25, 2009 4:02 PM

Vernon's Chris Baryla has locked up his 2010 PGA Tour card with a tie for seventh at the season-ending Nationwide Tour Championship in Charleston, S.C. Baryla earned $29,100 Sunday to push his season's total to $217,680 US. That left the two-time B.C. Junior champion 19th on the money list, the exact spot where he had begun the week.The top 25 players after Sunday's final round were handed their PGA Tour playing cards for next year.Baryla shot a four-under 68 Sunday to finish at 11-under par, 10 shots behind winner Matt Every of the United States. The $180,000 winner's cheque moved Every all the way to 10th place from 49th on the money list.Baryla earned his card despite being limited to just 14 events this year. He returned to action in May after nearly a year-long layoff with a back injury.He put himself inside the top 25 earlier this month when he won his first Nationwide Tour event in Chattanooga, Tenn.

Y-T-D statistics through: Nationwide Tour Championship at Daniel Island Oct 25, 2009

This Week	Rank Last Week	Player	Events	Money
1	1	Michael Sim	14	$644,142
2	2	Chad Collins	25	$415,114
3	3	Blake Adams	21	$399,749
4	4	Derek Lamely	17	$374,998
5	6	Tom Gillis	15	$364,529
6	5	Chris Tidland	21	$354,510
7	10	Josh Teater	26	$326,438
8	8	Cameron Percy	22	$320,715
9	7	Roger Tambellini	22	$307,482
10	49	Matt Every	26	$300,936
11	11	Justin Bolli	23	$284,537
12	9	Garrett Willis	17	$269,856
13	12	Kevin Johnson	26	$266,915
14	13	Garth Mulroy	23	$263,126
15	15	Jerod Turner	10	$237,993
16	14	Alex Prugh	24	$233,325
17	16	Jeff Gove	25	$221,231
18	17	Henrik Bjornstad	27	$218,652
19	19	Chris Baryla	14	$217,680
20	31	Steve Wheatcroft	26	$213,165
21	18	Rich Barcelo	22	$199,975
22	24	Craig Bowden	25	$198,208
23	21	Vance Veazey	27	$193,243
24	22	Mathias Gronberg	9	$191,743
25	20	Fran Quinn	28	$191,467

Council Committees Schedule and Agenda Packages:

http://www.vernon.ca/index.php/council/committees

The City of Vernon has put not only the schedule but the agenda packages for the committees online. You can see the upcoming agendas and the backup information that will be used for that meeting.

The following upcoming agenda packages are at this link:

• Agenda Package - Tuesday, October 27, 2009 - 4:00pm Advisory Planning Board Committee
• Agenda Package - Thursday, October 29, 2009 - 3:30pm Heritage Advisory Committee
• Agenda Package - Thursday, October 29, 2009 - 8:00am Transportation Demand Management Committee

Within the agenda package are copies of the minutes of the previous committee meeting containing the duration of and resolutions of that meeting.

Sites identified for new library

Richard Rolke - Vernon Morning Star Published: October 24, 2009 12:00 PM

Possible sites for a new Vernon library have been identified but no details are being revealed.The City of Vernon and Okanagan Regional Library have been holding closed-door meetings to discuss an expanded facility for the community.“We are working with Vernon to identify locations,” said Don Nettleton, ORL’s financial manager.“Because it involves property, I can’t say more than that.”

Mayor Wayne Lippert is also saying little about the process or where a new branch may be constructed.“We want to keep it downtown,” he said of council’s preference.“Ultimately it’s ORL’s decision but they have been working well with us.”

The future of the branch has been uncertain since plans for a civic complex — including a 30,000-square-foot library — was shot down by a majority of city voters during a 2008 referendum.ORL policies have determined that the current branch, at 13,000-square-feet, is only half the size it should be for the population base it serves.Vernon’s library board representative is pleased with the tone of negotiations.“The relationship between the city and ORL has improved and things are moving along,” said Coun. Shawn Lee.

Beyond the city itself, the branch also serves Coldstream and the electoral areas.But since a stakeholders committee ceased, those jurisdictions have had little involvement in the process.“We will have our two cents worth at that point,” said Mike Macnabb, BX-Silver Star director, of any proposal that goes to the ORL board for consideration.While ORL’s goal is for a single branch, Macnabb admits other options have been discussed.“There are instances in Kelowna where they have been putting in satellite branches like Rutland,” he said.

City puts forward plan

Richard Rolke - Vernon Morning Star Published: October 24, 2009 12:00 PM

Another potential solution to Greater Vernon’s ongoing water dispute is setting sail. Wayne Lippert, Vernon mayor, is proposing that administration of the water utility be removed from the North Okanagan Regional District and that a separate utility commission be established.“It would run its own budget,” he said, adding that there would be representation from all participants.Because the commission would need to be affiliated to one jurisdiction to apply for government grants, Lippert is suggesting the city fill that role.“Having it with the city will take the politics out and we have the contract to do all of the work,” he said.

The city has given notice that it will withdraw from Greater Vernon water distribution, and claims that move will lower rates for Vernon residents, increase customer accountability, improve customer service and better co-ordinate infrastructure.However, Coldstream and the electoral areas say water rates for their residents could soar if Vernon is not involved.

Doug Dirk, a Coldstream councillor, only became aware of Lippert’s proposal when he was contacted by The Morning Star.“Anything is worth looking at because the status quo is not acceptable,” he said, adding that more details are required.“Would the representatives be elected from the community as a whole or appointed by the jurisdictions as they are now? If there is no change there, there will be the same political issues.”

This isn’t the first concept the city has put forward as a way of avoiding the dismantling of the regional distribution function.The other proposal calls for all voting on water and parks and recreation shift to the North Okanagan Regional District board instead of at the Greater Vernon Advisory Committee.Votes would be weighted, meaning each director would be delegated a certain number of votes based on the size of the jurisdiction they represent. With three representatives, Vernon would have the most votes.

On Wednesday, numerous documents related to the dispute were made public by NORD.“It’s all part of being open,” said Mike Macnabb, BX-Silver Star director.“Some of it is pertinent and some of it is just everything there is on water devolution.”Macnabb has been asked by residents in his area for information on the current process and the possible implications if Vernon does leave distribution.“The best thing for people to do is get educated,” he said.

Cash starts to flow heavily in Modesto council races

Saturday, Oct. 24, 2009 By Leslie Albrecht lalbrecht@modbee.com

Conservative and business interests are throwing money at south and west Modesto's City Council District 2, the first serious injection of cash into the two-way race.Campaign finance statements filed Thursday show that District 2 candidate Dave Geer raked in $7,043 in three weeks. His larger donations included $2,000 from the Modesto Chamber of Commerce and $1,000 from land-use attorney George Petrulakis, a prominent Republican.Geer has raised $9,486 this year. He loaned himself $5,000, too. Geer's opponent Al Nava has collected $189 in donations and loaned himself $600. Nava's campaign finance statement doesn't list who his donors are.

Geer, a 67-year-old federal security officer at Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory, has emerged as the choice for Modesto's business community. His contributor list includes the Building Industry Association of Central California, former Stanislaus County Supervisor Paul Caruso, and landowners and Measure E supporters Frank Bavaro and Alex Liakos.Geer and other candidates are reaping the fruits of Modesto police backing. The Modesto Police Officers Association paid for campaign mailings and a barbecue for Geer. The union helped District 5 candidate Councilwoman Kristin Olsen pay for a fund-raiser and mailing costs. It funded District 4 candidate Jeff Perine's television ad, which aired 110 times over five days on Fox, CNN, the History Channel and Animal Planet.

Esquimalt says 'No thanks' to sewage plant at McLoughlin Point

Keith Vass - Saanich News Published: October 24, 2009 4:00 AM

Esquimalt council has sent a message to the Capital Regional District urging it to drop plans to build a sewage treatment plant at McLoughlin Point. The CRD's current plans contemplate building a plant to treat liquid waste at the site of the Imperial Oil tank farm on McLoughlin, but the site is too small to accommodate facilities to treat biosolids as well. As a result, it's begun looking at potential sites around Victoria's Rock Bay area for a biosolid digester that would also incorporate heat recovery units that could provide energy to sell to downtown offices.

Esquimalt Mayor Barb Desjardins said there are potential sites there can fit both liquid and solid waste treatment, obviating the need to build anything in Esquimalt."In the last month, we have identified some new and very exciting possibilities for the core region," she said."We know that the combination of the two on the same property, or very close to one another, is going to result in very significant dollar savings as well, if it's situated in the right place, the resource recovery is much more significant."

CRD environmental services manager Dwayne Kalynchuk said investigations of possible Victoria harbour sites are not far enough advanced to say if that's a possibility. All of the areas under study are privately owned and would need to be acquired.The CRD has already negotiated an agreement with Imperial Oil that gives it the first rights to purchase the McLoughlin Point site.But Desjardins said that she doesn't want a looming Dec. 31 to submit the CRD's plans to the province to force a decision before the Victoria harbour options have been fully considered."Let's not make a premature decision until we have all the information," she said.