City Meetings Draw Sparse Crowds

Written by Peter McIntyre Thursday, 04 March 2010 10:35107.4 KISSFM:

It appears most Vernon residents are satisfied with the city's new budget. The document calls for a 2 percent tax hike, or an extra 21 dollars for the average homeowner.Mayor Wayne Lippert says the turnouts at two input sessions this week were small, but still worthwhile. He says Landing residents at Paddlewheel Park Hall called for improvements to Okanagan Landing and Eastside roads. "A young girl (15 year old who is recovering in hospital) was recently hit there, and (the residents want) some kind of control on that road, to slow traffic down, and also for better shoulders or walkways for people to walk and cycle on." The mayor is pleased one of the meetings was held in the Landing which he says sometimes feels left out of the city planning."We didn't really have anyone coming out just to complain. What was encouraging was they came out and appreciated what we're trying to do. Any of their concerns came with suggestions so we had some things to be able to work with."

Former councillor Barry Beardsell raised one of the concerns at the Schubert Centre, questioning the growing size of local government in a tough economy. Resident Richard Hamilton asked council to address the business versus residential tax ratio. About 30 people came out for the two input meetings, 12 at Paddlewheel and 15 at the Schubert Centre.

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Don Quixote Note: The actual concerns and questions will be published online as Part of Monday's Cow meeting as minutes of these meetings. These minutes should be available here tomorrow Friday March 5