Fatal Police Shooting

107.5 Kiss FM Saturday, 31 July 2010 11:50

No word when police may have anything more to say after a man was shot to death last night in Kamloops by RCMP officers. It was the tragic end to an incident that ended in the parking lot of the Robo Car Wash in the 200 block Tranquille Road. Although police aren't saying much, it's obvious that the Toyota 4-runner driven by the victim was being shadowed by police.The vehicle pulled into the Robo parking lot, followed by a green minivan containing police officers. The Toyota then rammed the minivan, at which point officers fired shots at the driver, killing him. The Toyota then rammed into the wall of the convenience store, doing substantial damage to the wall of the store. Police have only said that a man is dead and that the incident involved police officers. The scene today is taped off and the vehicle still part way inside the building. Major crimes from Kelowna is now involved, and we expect they will be the ones to make a formal release. No indications who the deceased is or how many shots were fired.

(Submitted by Kamloops affiliate CFJC)

Parks and recreation restructuring continues

By Richard Rolke - Vernon Morning Star Published: July 31, 2010 12:00 PM

Restructuring of Greater Vernon’s parks, recreation and culture function is moving ahead. Representatives from Coldstream, Vernon and the two electoral areas met with facilitator Allan Neilson-Welch Tuesday to discuss potential changes to how parks and recreational facilities are operated. “Today’s meeting brings us closer to wrapping up the service review and rebuilding the service,” said Neilson-Welch. “I believe we can rebuild this service and put something sustainable in place.” As part of the initiative, some facilities would remain regional in scope, including the Performing Arts Centre and Wesbild Centre. Some parks, such as Kal and Kin beaches, would also be part of a joint function, while others, such as Polson and Creekside parks, would become the responsibility of their local jurisdiction.

One issue of contention is the Vernon Recreation Complex and whether it will be part of a future regional model, or if it will come completely under the mandate of the city, which owns the building. “Our hope is it can be included in the regional function,” said Jim Garlick, Coldstream mayor. “It’s the original part that brought it all together.” Vernon has indicated it wants responsibility for the complex and it prefers a model where the other jurisdictions would provide operating funds based on 2009 levels (as well as the cost of living). If the city does take over the complex, Coldstream wants contributions cut in half because it will no longer have a role in governance there. “If we can’t reach agreement on this, we’re likely to leave it at the regional table,” said Leon Gous, the city’s chief administrative officer.

Another matter that must still be worked out is the governance of any restructured service. Discussions will also be held about arts and culture, and whether those services are provided regionally or by Vernon and Coldstream. Maria Besso, a Coldstream councillor, is concerned there has been little focus on arts and culture to date. “We don’t want that part left as an orphan. We want to make sure they’re funded,” she said. The goal is to have a restructured function ready by Dec. 31.

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The Last Agenda report titled Asset Distribution & Cost Sharing is not yet posted at NORD website but this 10 page report by Nilson-Welch that was the basis for the meeting described above will be linked here when it is. (The June 4 minutes have yet to be posted also)

Service Review: Greater Vernon Parks

Agendas June 4, 2010 - Agenda March 25, 2010 Meeting Notes Definition & Cost Sharing March 25, 2010 - Agenda Package December 10, 2009 - Agenda Package

Minutes March 25, 2010 February 10, 2010 December 10, 2009

Waste rate hike surprises district

Brent Mutis - Vernon Morning Star Published: July 31, 2010 12:00 PM

The District of Coldstream received an unpleasant surprise when the sewer invoice for the first quarter of 2010 was received. Coldstream sends a significant percentage of its liquid waste to Vernon for treatment but a communication breakdown seems to have made a rate hike to $1.54 per cubic metre come as a bit of a shock to Coldstream. Coun. Pat Cochrane says the district should be paying their share but notes it would have been nice to know about the price raise in advance. “I guess it’s not a surprise it went up but there was not proper notification,” said Cochrane. “I felt there was the ability for the city (of Vernon) to provide the appropriate communication.” The rate increase puts Coldstream in a shortfall of $275,000 as customers there are currently charged only $1.26 per cubic metre. Council opted to make up for the difference by dipping into surplus and reserve funds. But that course of action doesn’t sit well with everyone. Though the recommendation passed, Coun. Maria Besso voted against taking money from surplus. “I don’t feel comfortable taking it all out of reserves,” she said.

According to a report from Trevor Seibel, the district’s director of financial administration, the depletion of the reserves would likely lead to a considerable rate increase for customers in 2011. “It puts council in a really awkward position,” said Cochrane. “It does blindside residents when we, as representatives, can’t inform them ahead of time.” Other options to make up for the shortfall included increasing sewer rates for customers or funding it from a combination of increased user rates and reserve funds. The rate increase is to help pay for $500,000 in improvements to the City of Vernon’s liquid waste management plan and $1.6 million in capital costs for the city’s bio solids facility. Coldstream is looking into whether or not their customers should pay for collection in Vernon’s system as the district has their own independent collection system.

Rezoning bylaw takes off for lands near airport

Richard Rolke - Vernon Morning Star Published: July 31, 2010 12:00 PM

Mass rezoning is underway for an area near the Vernon Airport. City council has given two readings to a bylaw that would change the zoning on 12 properties on Okanagan Landing Road from airport industrial to rural residential. “This just reflects what they’ve always had there,” said Mayor Wayne Lippert of the proposed amendment. The properties had been previously zoned residential but were switched to industrial status in 2004 because of future expansion of the airport. However, the 2008 review of the official community plan determined that land on the south side of Vernon Creek was not required for further expansion of the airport because property north of Tronson Road has been obtained for growth at the airport. A staff report also indicates that proximity to the creek also makes the potential use of the 12 properties for airport activities unlikely. The rezoning process was launched after several property owners asked for the change to rural residential. “This would bring the properties into a legally conforming state with single-family residential uses and a greenhouse operation,” said Dean Strachan, a planning assistant with the city. The city owns three of the properties. A public hearing on the proposed rezoning bylaw will be held Sept. 13 at 5:30 p.m. at city hall.

Bailey Road intersection focus of review

By Richard Rolke - Vernon Morning Star Published: July 31, 2010 12:00 PM

Government officials are looking into possible changes to a dangerous stretch of Highway 97. Eric Foster, Vernon-Monashee MLA, says he has been working with the Ministry of Transportation to review conditions at the highway and Bailey Road. “They are quite a ways into the process now. They have done traffic counts,” he said. “I want a proper engineering and technical study done. Once the study is done, it will provide all of the options.” Foster says he asked the ministry, in conjunction with ICBC and the RCMP, to study the intersection after a Kelowna resident died at the Predator Ridge turnoff June 7. Foster wouldn’t speculate on what measures may be taken to enhance safety. “You want to minimize the number of traffic lights but if the study indicates that’s what is necessary, it will have to be looked at,” he said.

Some City of Vernon officials have suggested that the intersection needs to be changed so only right-in and right-out traffic is allowed. However, that concept isn’t going over well with a resident of that area. Don Matheson says eliminating left-turns off the highway would force people wanting to go to Predator Ridge or Sparkling Hill to go all the way into Vernon and then backtrack on Commonage Road. “There’s a major development at Predator Ridge and can you imagine a visitor coming from the airport and they can’t turn off to get to it?” he said. Matheson fears people could start making U-turns on the highway to access Bailey Road if left-turns aren’t allowed. “We could be creating a monster,” he said of accidents, adding that a designated left-turn lane should be installed on Highway 97 at Bailey Road.

Vernon council has requested that Transportation Minister Shirley Bond observe conditions at Bailey Road first-hand in the hopes that she will approve upgrades. Foster isn’t aware of any immediate plans by Bond to visit Vernon. “If that’s what the city wants, I am sure the minister is willing to oblige,” he said.

Council prepares to interview for new CAO

Bruce Walkinshaw - Penticton Western News Published: July 31, 2010 7:00 AM

Penticton council is close to finding a new Chief Administrative Officer. Speaking with the Western News Monday, Mayor Dan Ashton said that after receiving 175 applications for the job, council is getting ready to start conducting in-person interviews with shortlisted candidates. "It is going good," said Ashton of the process. "We are hoping to start personal interviews very quickly and then we will take it to the next step. "This is an incredibly important hire for the city and the appropriate time will be dedicated to make sure every shortlisted applicant is given a good opportunity. We want to make sure that we hire the right person."Ashton said council is looking for an administrator with a broad base of ideas and experiences and an open mind. "We are looking for leadership. We are looking for integrity. We are looking for somebody who brings new ideas and new ways that are not status quo," said Ashton. "We want a good communicator and we want somebody that is community orientated because being involved in the community is really important."

Hired on an interim basis in May 2009 to fill-in for former administrator Leo den Boer who had fallen ill, current CAO Dennis Back was eventually contracted for one year when den Boer retired. Back's contract is up in September. "Mr. Back has done an incredible job not only helping council but helping the city get back on track and get a lot accomplished during his time," said Ashton. "He was able to step into the position at a full run while there were some substantial changes taking place at the city. He stepped up in a difficult time and has done an absolutely exemplary job. Ashton described Back as prompt, efficient and extremely courteous and said that he will be missed

Tokyo's 'oldest man' had been dead for 30 years

BBC NEWS 29 July 2010:

He was thought to be the oldest man in Tokyo - but when officials went to congratulate Sogen Kato on his 111th birthday, they uncovered mummified skeletal remains lying in his bed. Mr Kato may have been dead for 30 years according to Japanese authorities. They grew suspicious when they went to honour Mr Kato at his address in Adachi ward, but his granddaughter told them he "doesn't want to see anybody". Police are now investigating the family on possible fraud charges. His family must have known he has been dead all these years... it's so eerie”

Welfare officials had tried to meet Mr Kato since early this year. But when they went to visit, family members repeatedly chased them away, according to Tomoko Iwamatsu, an Adachi ward official. Authorities grew suspicious and sought an investigation by police, who forced their way into the house on Wednesday. They discovered a mummified body, believed to be Kato, lying in his bed, wearing underwear and pyjamas, covered with a blanket. Mr Kato's relatives told police that he had "confined himself in his room more than 30 years ago and became a living Buddha," according to a report by Jiji Press. But the family had received 9.5 million yen ($109,000: £70,000) in widower's pension payments via Mr Kato's bank account since his wife died six years ago, and some of the money had recently been withdrawn. The pension fund had long been unable to contact Mr Kato. "His family must have known he has been dead all these years and acted as if nothing happened. It's so eerie," said Yutaka Muroi, a Tokyo metropolitan welfare official.

Hughson council meeting protested. Crowd rails against three members, fearing a rogue hire

Modesto Bee Patty Guerra Saturday, Jul. 31, 2010

HUGHSON — Rumors ran rampant that three rogue City Council members planned to appoint a city manager during a special meeting Friday night. A crowd filled the council chamber, and several residents implored the councilmen not to do it. The mayor joined the fray, warning the three councilman, all facing an Aug. 24 recall election, against taking such action. But the council didn't hire a new executive or take any action. Why the meeting was called remains a mystery.

One thing is certain: They'll talk about it again in another special meeting Monday. Before the council went into closed session, residents questioned the three members' motives and took them to task for scheduling the meeting. The agenda item stated only that the council was meeting to "discuss City Manager appointment." "You three cannot be trusted to do what is right for this city," Dianne David told Councilmen Doug Humphreys, Ben Manley and Thom Crowder. "Let this consulting firm that we paid $16,000 do its job." At the council's regular meeting Monday night, Crowder said it wasn't fair that the recruiter the city hired to sort through applications dismissed one from a former city manager. None of the other finalists have experience as a city manager, he said. Crowder didn't give the applicant's name, but the prevailing belief in town is that he was talking about Dave Whiteside, who had served as city manager until 2001. The three tried to appoint him as interim city manager last year, but he declined the appointment. The council later rescinded the notice of termination for Joe Donabed and he returned to serve out his contract through May.

Mayor Ramon Bawanan sent a statement to be read at Friday's meeting. He and Councilman Matt Beekman did not attend. Bawanan apologized for missing the meeting, saying he was hosting a family birthday party. He went on to warn the three councilmen against taking any action or making any changes to the recruitment process, cautioning that it would only further delay the hiring and potentially open the city to lawsuits. Crowder, Humphreys and Manley have accused the mayor of delaying the hiring. The three face a recall election Aug. 24 after the Stanislaus County civil grand jury found they conspired to fire Donabed. Humphreys, who called the meeting, said he had no plans to hire anyone Friday. "We're by no means appointing a city manager," he said, adding that the meeting was to address a "benign, clerical" issue that had to be handled before the city manager interviews begin next week.

It wasn't clear at the conclusion of the meeting what that issue was. City Attorney Dan Schroeder gave this statement at the session's end: "The reason for closed session is because more than one complaint about the process had been received by the members of the council and the city's recruiting consultant. City Council is scheduling a further special meeting for at the conclusion of the ad hoc committee meeting Monday at 8 p.m. in council chambers."

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Original Posting: Council candidates start campaigning in Hughson

Vernon investigates municipal policing

by Wayne Moore - Jul 31, 2010 / 5:00 am

Escalating costs associated with the RCMP has prompted Vernon City Council to investigate a municipal police force. A report should be ready for council very shortly. Councillor Jack Gilroy says the city will do a study on costs paid by other cities in the province who have a municipal police force. However, Gilroy cautions residents that this does not mean the city is unhappy with the job the RCMP has been doing. "We're very happy with the RCMP, it's just that the city is getting tired of paying all the costs for everything," says Gilroy. "Not just the RCMP but the civic employees are paid for by the City of Vernon and no one seems to want to assist us in all the employees we have to hire to keep the RCMP going." The City of Vernon currently pays 90 per cent of policing costs while the province picks up the other 10%. Vernon also hires all the support staff for the RCMP. "No one seems to want to give us any money for that. We do that for the whole North Okanagan."

Gilroy says the new RCMP contract, due to come into affect in 2012 will put a real strain on the Vernon budget. "The last time I was at talks in Vancouver they showed us a scale and if we sign that contract in 2012 the way it is now our entire budgets in six or seven years will go strictly to the RCMP. We won't be able to do anything else." He says the province seems to be getting the message but adds the feds are the ones stuck on the 90/10 split, something he says the cities simply can't afford anymore. While the city is investigating costs, Gilroy reiterates that council is not unhappy with the performance of the local RCMP. "We don't want to lose them because they are our Canadian Police Force but we have to put a handle on the taxes."
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The motion passed by Council at the morning COW meeting was:

THAT Council directs staff to proceed with a cost analysis study on the Regional Vernon RCMP detachment with particular attention to the fees the integrated service is costing the City of Vernon Tax payers. CARRIED.

Don Quixote Note: This was a unanimous 6-0 vote of Council and the debate before the vote specifically excluded looking into the possibility of replacing the RCMP with any municipal Police.

The instructions to staff requested by an unanimous vote was to bring back a report on the costs of our present 'integrated policing force model' of the Vernon RCMP detachment and its civilian support staff. An examination would include the present costing formula for the allocation of the manning of the detachment and its support staff and to calculate how much of these costs should be charged to the Province and other outlying areas that the integrated detachment serves rather than to the taxpayers of Vernon .

(for example - a civilian crime analyst for the area is charged 100% to Vernon - what percentage of the work s/b charged to the Province for work done outside the City of Vernon's jurisdiction.) We specifically excluded any discussion of replacing the RCMP with a civilian force.

Mail Service Questioned

Peter McIntyre Friday, 30 July 2010 14:35107.5 KISSFM:

Turns out everyone got their mail as usual today in the Greater Vernon area, but not before some accusations were also delivered. The national Pacific Region director of the Canadian Union of Postal Workers, John Bail, was concerned Canada Post was holding back some mail until Tuesday, to save money. He tells KISS FM, "The public needs to know the mail they get is going to arrive in their mail boxes on the day it was prepared, and that's not happening in Vernon, Courtenay, Nanaimo, Trail, Quesnel, Vancouver and New Westminster. Bail says the crown corporation is obligated to deliver prepared mail on daily basis to all customers.

"They don't have enough temporary workers available. They called some overtime. It's a Friday before a long weekend, and they've decided they're going to save money on the public's service. It's not the right approach. It just makes Canada Post's delivery unreliable." Colleen Fricke from Canada Post admits they've been matching staffing hours, to lower mail volumes across the country. "Sometimes there isn't mail to be delivered everyday with volumes drastically declining like they are. We're monitoring mail volumes super closely to ensure staffing levels are meeting are mail volumes." Fricke says delivery standards are being met 96 percent of the time, and she says there was no service impact in Vernon today. "We think we're doing really well by our customers and it is all about them. We're not trying to do anything operationally that will compromise good customer service."

China swaying politicians with gifts, sex: MP

CBC News Friday, July 30, 2010 | 4:08 PM MT

A Calgary Conservative MP is accusing Chinese authorities of attempting to buy the influence of Canadian politicians and government officials with financial incentives and prostitutes, suggesting some officials may have been compromised. "I know politicians who have done things that I think are antithetical to their character and I know those politicians to have been offered things — whether they were lucrative business deals or sexual favours while they were over on foreign trips," Rob Anders told CBC's Power & Politics. "Now can I give you the smoking gun to say that I definitely know there's a link between the two? Probably not. But can I tell you that I think these things go on and I think it's fairly obvious, yes." Anders said MPs have told him how they had women follow them back up to their rooms in Shanghai and offer them massages. "I've had members of Parliament tell me about business deals they were offered that frankly were above market rates and that they should have known better, that were, you know, veiled attempts to create or curry favour and influence."

Anders said he wouldn't divulge names and that he didn't want to "engage in a witch hunt" against his colleagues. Anders said he himself has been offered sexual favours while in China but that he turned them down. He said he didn't address his concerns with the Prime Minister's Office, but that officials have been briefed by the department of Foreign Affairs about the issue.

In an exclusive interview with CBC News on June 22, Canadian Security Intelligence Service director Richard Fadden said foreign governments hold influence over at least two cabinet ministers in two provinces, and are also involved with municipal politicians in B.C. and federal public servants. Fadden did not provide any names, but implied that China was one of those foreign governments.

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China infiltrating Canada through gifts, women: MP

ALTHIA RAJ, Parliamentary Bureau Toronto Sun:

OTTAWA — A Conservative MP says some of his colleagues have fallen into traps laid by seductive Chinese spies, lavished with gifts of alcohol and too-good-to-be true business deals, and at least two MPs have been subsequently blackmailed. Calgary MP Rob Anders claims both cases occurred in Shanghai, where an MP was offered a rich but skeptical business deal. In the other case, he said, the MP accepted sexual favours. In return, Anders said, politicians can provide access to resources or rubber stamp business deals.

Anders said many current MPs have told him that on their trips to China they’ve been approached by stunning women half their age “offering them to go out dancing, go to dinner, get a massage.” “I know MPs who have taken up those offers,” he said, adding that that some ministerial staffers have also been compromised. “They have to understand that when they are being done, they are probably being taped (and) those tapes can, and will, be used,” he said. Anders has no physical proof and refuses to name names, saying he’s not out to create a witch-hunt. “My purpose in doing this is not to end colleagues’ political careers,” he said. “My purpose is to educated them so they are better aware of how they can be manipulated.”

SmartCentres gets green light

Lachlan Labere - Salmon Arm Observer Published: July 27, 2010 6:00 PM

Third reading: City council votes 5-2 in favour of amendments to allow shopping centre plan to go ahead.

City council has approved the necessary amendments for the SmartCentres proposal to proceed.

The final vote was five to two for the official community plan and rezoning amendments, with Mayor Marty Bootsma in favour along with Couns. Kevin Flynn, Chad Eliason, Debbie Cannon and Alan Harrison. Opposed were Couns. Ivan Idzan and Ken Jamieson. Only for an amendment to the rezoning, to limit the footprint of the anchor tenant to 116,000 square-feet, did council vote unanimously in favour. Jamieson was alone in opposing the phased development agreement (PDA), which would lock zoning in place for 10 years and would provide the city with some amenities.

Former CSIS boss to conduct "workplace assessment" of the RCMP

Douglas Quan, Postmedia News July 30, 2010 12:02 PM

Reid Morden, former director of the Canadian Security Intelligence Service and deputy minister of foreign affairs, has been appointed to oversee a "workplace assessment" of the RCMP after internal conflicts among the agency's top brass became public this week. In a statement, Public Safety Minister Vic Toews said Friday that Morden brings "decades of experience and demonstrated capacity to manage conflict within complex environments." "This government will continue its work to reform and strengthen our national police force, and remains committed to ensuring the RCMP becomes a stronger, more accountable organization," Toews said. Several senior Mounties, including deputy commissioners and assistant commissioners, reportedly filed complaints about Commissioner William Elliott recently. Elliott, a former senior bureaucrat, became the first civilian to lead the force three years ago. Ron Lewis, a retired Mountie who has spoken to some of the complainants, has said senior Mounties are upset Elliott has been slow to bring about reforms within the agency and that he doesn't treat them with respect or compassion. Elliott has turned down repeated interview requests. But in a memo sent to the entire force this week, Elliott and other senior managers said they looked forward to the assessment and planned to co-operate "fully and with candour."

Rail Line Meeting Constructive

Peter McIntyre Friday, 30 July 2010 11:21 107.5 KISS FM:

The MLA for Shuswap says the Armstrong to Sicamous rail line could be used for recreation and tourism, if it can't be re-opened for trains. George AbbottGeorge Abbott, who is also Aboriginal Relations Minister, says using it for a biking trail was one suggestion at a meeting attended by more than two dozen local and provincial reps Thursday in Salmon Arm. "That might be possible for a portion of it and there's certainly some interest from some local governments in that, and I think that from a provincial perspective that's exciting." However, Abbott says the main goal is to restore rail service for the businesses that rely on it. He says the meeting was constructive with lots of ideas, and they'll gather again in September.

Tate Bengtson, executive director of the Enderby Chamber of Commerce agrees with Abbott that the meeting was "constructive" and they developed a plan to move forward. He says Abbott and the province are taking a leadership role on the issue. Bengtson says one option would be for the province to buy the line from Canadian Pacific. "Right now, we're exploring the most suitable path forward and that is one of the options we're exploring. There might be an opportunity for either the province, through local government or through a public private partnership." The Armstrong-Sicamous short line which services several agricultural suppliers, was discontinued last August and since then, owner Canadian Pacific Railway has undergone a discontinuance process administered by the Canada Transportation Agency. The deadline for the province to buy the line is August 18.

CYCLING INFRASTRUCTURE BUILDS HEALTHIER COMMUNITIES

VICTORIA – The Province is supporting improvements to local cycling infrastructure by making $500,000 in funding available to B.C. communities through the BikeBC Cycling Infrastructure Partnerships Program, Transportation and Infrastructure Minister Shirley Bond and Health Services Minister Kevin Falcon announced today.

Funding of up to $100,000 is available to individual municipalities for a wide range of projects, such as bike lanes, separated bike paths and multi-use trails. As part of the selection criteria, applicants must describe how a project will contribute to increased physical activity as part of a municipality’s active community plan. The deadline for applications is Sept. 1, 2010. Applications and program details at: http://www.th.gov.bc.ca/BikeBC/CIPP.html

Recall sought for city councils

By Richard Rolke - Vernon Morning Star Published: July 29, 2010 6:00 PM

A Vernon councillor insists electors should be able to toss local politicians from office part way through a term. Coun. Bob Spiers has asked his colleagues to discuss the provincial government’s decision to extend municipal terms from three to four terms, and he says the concept of recall should also be considered. “They (voters) should have the right to recall their mayor, councillor or school board trustee,” he said. In early July, Victoria approved 31 recommendations from the Local Government Elections Task Force, including adding another year to terms. “We expect the legislation to be introduced next spring, in time for the local elections in November 2011,” said Community Development Minister Ben Stewart in a press release at the time. While some have suggested longer terms will allow politicians, and particularly new ones, to become familiar with their duties and tackle major issues, Spiers says some residents are questioning why there’s no way to get rid of a politician that raises concerns. “It’s a simple control mechanism,” he said of recall. Spiers also wonders why the process leading up to changes to the Local Government Act wasn’t more broad-based.“Very little input has come from individual people,” he said.

Vernon council will discuss the issue at a future date, but already Mayor Wayne Lippert has expressed opposition to a recall mechanism. “For a council, there’s six councillors and a mayor. They all make a decision,” he said, adding that it’s hard to hold just one official responsible for unpopular actions. “If it’s an electoral area director, an MLA or an MP, there is only one of them, but the idea of a council is for differing opinions.”

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Proposed Resolution: 'If 4 year terms as recommended by the Election Task Force are legislated by the Provincial Government, it is the recommendation of this Council that a Right of Recall provision for locally elected officials be included in the new legislation'

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Don Quixote Note: The Vote on this matter should occur as the last item on the Council's agenda on Monday Aug 9 th. (If there is a seconder). You are welcome to e-mail Council Members if you wish to express your support or opposition to this resolution. Use RECALL in the subject line.

Wayne Lippert, Mayor	mayor@vernon.ca
Buffy Baumbrough:	bbaumbrough@vernon.ca
Jack Gilroy:	jgilroy@vernon.ca
Shawn Lee :	slee@vernon.ca
Patrick Nicol:	pnicol@vernon.ca
Mary-Jo O'Keefe :	mokeefe@vernon.ca
Bob Spiers :	bspiers@vernon.ca

FOI shows 132 more VPD staff join $100,000 Club

CITYCAUCUS.COM Mike Klassen in City Focus

An FOI filed months ago with the Vancouver Police Department by CityCaucus.com has now arrived in our mailbox – coincidentally just before a long weekend. It reveals that 477 employees working for the Vancouver Police Department are now in the exclusive $100,000+ Club. This compares to the 2008 calendar year whereby 345 employees were earning more than $100K in 2008. If you recall, The Province newspaper also provided this story with front page coverage last year.

Our FOI requested the salaries (including overtime) and expense claims for all those employed by the Vancouver Police Department in 2009. The highest paid employee on the list was Chief Jim Chu who earned $303,602.44. Other top earners include several Deputy Chiefs and inspectors who also earned up to $207, 897 per year.

Retirement opens up deputy fire chief spot at VFD

Richard Rolke - Vernon Morning Star Published: July 29, 2010 6:00 PM

Vernon’s fire department is undergoing a change in management. Rick Owens has retired as deputy fire chief of operations, after being with the city for nine years. According to fire chief Jeff Carlisle, Owens’ contributions to enhancing the fire service were substantial. “He co-ordinated a number of projects,” said Carlisle. “He put together an emergency management plan and co-ordinated procurement of our new truck.” Owens also oversaw recent changes to emergency dispatch and renovations to the department. Carlisle points out that Owens played an active role with operations during the wildland fires of 2003. Owens, who began his career in Terrace, has more than 35 years in the fire service and took up duties in Vernon Feb. 15, 2001. He also served as a director with the B.C. Fire Chief’s Association and was on the Fire Service Liaison Group.

It’s anticipated that the City of Vernon will begin the search for a new deputy chief of operations in mid-August. Recruitment will occur both within and outside the community. “There may be someone in the city who wants to apply for the position,” said Carlisle. Once the vacancy is posted, hiring a new deputy could take up to two months. Until that occurs, Carlisle and Lawrie Skolrood, deputy fire chief of prevention, will handle the additional duties. Owens could not be reached for comment.

Complaints won’t stop new pavilion

Richard Rolke - Vernon Morning Star Published: July 29, 2010 6:00 PM

A new public facility in Polson Park will move ahead despite some opposition. Construction on a $1.26 million pavilion is expected to get underway at the end of August. “The pavilion is a multi-purpose building to address a number of needs of organizations that use the park,” said Kim Flick, planning and building services manager. Located on the site of the former grandstand, the new structure will include public performance space, seating, year-round washrooms, a concession, storage and a parks and recreation office. However, the pavilion will face the oval and track, and that’s a concern for resident David Hesketh. “It does not face where most event audiences will be. People want to sit where there is a mix of sun and shade. That would be behind this stage,” said Hesketh in a letter to the city. “If it faces the bandshell, then one stage or the other could be used as a grandstand or both stages could have entertainment and take turns.”

Hesketh also questions why the project is moving ahead now when a long-term plan is being developed for the entire park by the city and the regional district. “I feel this project should be put on hold for a few weeks or a few months, at least until the park plan is determined and the future of the oval is decided,” he said. Hesketh has support from Coun. Patrick Nicol, who wants the pavilion facing the bandshell. “If you want practical use of something, they would complement each other,” said Nicol, adding that the bandshell area provides shade. “The least park like setting of Polson Park is the oval.”

Flick says that while the pavilion will host performances, it was never intended for just that use. “It can be an outdoor classroom for the science centre or the arts centre,” she said, adding that the timeline is based on insurance money from the grandstand fire. Flick also believes the pavilion will be an asset even if the track and oval are eventually removed and replaced by a large, grassy area. “It would be appropriate for audiences that want to view the stage.” According to Flick, the pavilion should not compete with the bandshell. “We’re talking about two different opportunities for events,” she said. Coun. Mary-Jo O’Keefe wants the pavilion to look out on the oval. “It’s a big area. When you consider the Olympic torch, we needed a bigger space,” she said. Hesketh has also expressed concern that the pavilion concession will be right next to the stage. That part of the plan is currently under review by city staff and the architect involved.

DND computers used to change Wikipedia site

CBC News Thursday, July 29, 2010
A Defence Department spokesperson confirms computers at the department's research agency were used to alter a Wikipedia page entry about the Joint Strike Fighter jet and the Conservative government's decision to spend as much as $18 billion on the aircraft. Those edits included the removal of information critical of the government's plan to buy the jets and the addition of insulting comments aimed at Liberal Leader Michael Ignatieff. In one entry, all information outlining the criticism of the jets and the plan to buy them was removed. In another, someone added that Ignatieff thought the deal to buy the planes for Canada was an "awesome, amazing decision to proceed with this contract." In reality, Ignatieff has been critical of the sole-source contract, calling for a reconvening of the defence committee to examine the decision.

Another version of the entry inserted that Ignatieff has six toes on each foot.

Report on Deadly Site Due Soon

Written by Peter McIntyre Thursday, 29 July 2010 09:23 107.5 KISSFM

Vernon's MLA says a number of options will be considered for the dangerous intersection of Highway 97 and Bailey Road, south of Vernon. Eric Foster (pictured) says a BC Transportation Ministry study has been underway since last month when Kelowna resident Kim Todd was killed at the site, the 16th person to die there over 42 years. He tells KISS FM, "They're working on a full traffic study and some history, and I assume some recommendations to the minister." The Vernon Monashee rep says the study should be completed by late August. Foster says adding a left turn safety lane is not necessarily the best option. "In that situation, that extra lane wouldn't have made a difference as it was a southbound vehicle that struck the person coming through the intersection but having said that, a lot of the other incidents might have been prevented by one of those pullout lanes." Foster says the study is looking into the 73 crashes RCMP have attended at the site the last five years. "They're looking into each incident to find out what the causes were because that would determine what action needed to be taken." Foster says a number of the crashes have involved just one vehicle, while some were caused by animals.

Vernon council called for action this week, asking for Foster and Kelowna Lake Country MLA Norm Letnick and Transportation Minister Shirley Bond to attend the site. Foster says he'd be more than happy to go visit the intersection, but adds the technical work is underway. Foster says he can't speak for the minister and council's request to have her visit.

Rail Line Meeting

Thu, 2010-07-29 09:02. Kate Bouey - Vernon 105.7 SUNFM:

North Okanagan mayors and economic reps are holding an in-camera meeting with Aboriginal Relations Minister George Abbott Thursday on possible ways to save the Armstrong to Sicamous rail line. Enderby Chamber of Commerce executive-director Tate Bengston says the group wants to hear the province's position and then present a number of models. He admits it could be an expensive proposition. Bengston says there has been no recent communication with CP Rail to suggest it will take less than top dollar for the line. He says the group may have it reassessed to verify the value is accurate. Bengston, says there is plenty of interest -- from the premier on down -- in saving the line.

Bond on Predator Turn

Thu, 2010-07-29 09:03. Kate Bouey - Vernon 105.7 SUNFM

Transportation Minister Shirley Bond says she is aware of the ``tragic circumstances'' surrounding the death of a Kelowna woman driver last month at the Predator Ridge turnoff on Highway 97. Thirty-six-year-old Kim Amber Todd of Kelowna was killed last month while turning onto the highway from Predator Ridge. Bond, says she knows of Todd's tragic death and sends her ``sincere condolences'' to the victim's family and friends. Bond tells Astral Radio that she has asked her staff to conduct an engineering safety study of the intersection and will review the outcome of that work. Vernon city councillors said this week that Bond would be asked to visit the area and take a look at the site where there have been dozens of accidents. The minister says she would consider the invitation.

Wikipedia edits traced to Defence computers

By David Pugliese, Postmedia News July 28, 2010
Defence Department computers in Ottawa have been used to vandalize information on a Wikipedia site critical of the Conservative government's decision to spend billions on a new stealth fighter. Nine attempts have been made to alter the online encyclopedia's entry on the Joint Strike Fighter, including the removal of any information critical of the Harper government's plan to spend at least $16 billion on the new fighter aircraft. Defence Department computers were also used to insert insults, aimed at Liberal Leader Michael Ignatieff, into the Wikipedia Joint Strike Fighter page. Ignatieff has questioned the proposed purchase.

A spokesman for Defence Research and Development Canada (DRDC) said the attempts to alter the Wikipedia page were not part of a concerted effort to stifle debate on the proposed JSF purchase but inappropriate use of government computers by, as yet, an unidentified individual or individuals. "It sounds to me like someone was freelancing," said Martin Champoux, DRDC's manager of public affairs. "This is not behaviour we commonly condone." He noted the government authorizes some personal use by employees on work computers but that it has to be limited and reasonable. In addition, federal employees are required by the public service code of ethics to be non-partisan.

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From: http://impolitical.blogspot.com/2010/07/jsf-hijinks-at-dnd.html

Here's one page on the F-35s with a Canada entry and the version of the page that may have been so altered as described above.

Coldsteam Issues

Written by Glen Morrison Thursday, 29 July 2010 02:25107.5 KISSFM

Coldstream's zoning the surface of Kalamalka lake within it's boundaries. Mayor Jim Garlick says it's in response to things like pile driver barges left anchored off the foreshore and the possibility of houseboats. There'll be a public hearing for input at the August meeting of council.

And the mayor's asking Vernon for some advance notice when making changes to what the city bills the municipality for sewer. He says they can understand the need when things like increased costs for the biosolids facility come up unexpectedly, but fair warning's needed. To cover the latest hike Coldstream will dip into reserves but some of the cost will go to the users.

Replacing Mounties

CHBC Evening News REPLACING MOUNTIES 2:02 VIDEO

The motion passed by Council at the morning COW meeting was:

THAT Council directs staff to proceed with a cost analysis study on the Regional Vernon RCMP detachment with particular attention to the fees the integrated service is costing the City of Vernon Tax payers.
CARRIED.

Don Quixote Note: This was a unanimous 6-0 vote of Council and the debate before the vote specifically excluded looking into the possibility of replacing the RCMP with any municipal Police Force.

Protest Over Circus

Written by 107.5 Kiss FM Monday, 26 July 2010 10:29 107.5 KISSFM

Penticton residents opposed to an upcoming circus say the city should follow the example of other communities with bylaws restricting exotic and wild animal shows. Jill Beaven says she and her daughter have removed all the ads they could find for the Jordan World Circus, set to perform Saturday in Vernon and Sunday in Penticton. Prior to the Penticton show, the circus will be in Salmon Arm, but it won't feature any animal acts because of a bylaw against such performances.
A spokesperson for the Las Vegas-based company will only say that anyone opposed to the circus should see it before judging how the animals are treated.

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Traveling circus with history of animal rights abuses meets with ire in Okanagan

Owens Leaves Fire Rescue

Written by Peter McIntyre Wednesday, 28 July 2010 17:03107.5 KISSFM

Vernon Fire Rescue has lost one of its deputy fire chiefs. Rick Owens has called it a career after nine years in Vernon and 35 in fire fighting which started in Terrace BC. He is being congratulated for his long career and contributions by Mayor Wayne Lippert and fire chief Jeff Carlisle. His departure was announced a day after 39 year firefighter Paul Pshyk retired. Fire chief Carlisle (pictured) says he hopes to have a new deputy in place within two months, meaning some fill-in duties until then. "Between Deputy chief Skolrood and myself, we will try to balance the work from that position until we have the new deputy chief. It will be a busy time but I know we can get through it." Carlisle says the captain's position formerly held by Pshyk will be filled by promotion in September when his retirement is official. "There will be a promotion from within the ranks of the career firefighters. It's whoever senior on the list right now -- which I believe is Wayne Little--will be promoted to captain."

Brewery Gets Deal From City

Written by Peter McIntyre Wednesday, 28 July 2010 09:43 107.5 KISSFM:

The city of Vernon is giving one of its biggest businesses a break. Okanagan Spring Brewery will have its sewer (biological oxygen demand) surcharge cut by 50 percent until the end of 2012. Mayor Wayne Lippert says the company --which is looking to expand--will be encouraged to use the savings to investigate new pre-treatment methods for its waste-water to mitigate the impact on the city's water reclamation centre. "There will be a bond put in place so that if they don't do that, we will regain those funds, so we're not giving anything up, it's just setting it aside and giving them encouragement to pre-treat the BOD's." Lippert says it's a way to work with the growing brewery, and to keep them in the city.

Councillor Bob Spiers was opposed, saying it sets a precedent, that could cause sewer rates to rise. "We have a fees and schedule bylaw, and not paying the whole fee takes it out of the hands of the ratepayers, and causes the sewer rates to go up." Spiers says the 50 percent reduction will have an estimated impact to the city's general revenue of $125,000 a year, noting the fees vary considerably from quarter to quarter.

The brewery, which is owned by Sapporo Breweries of Japan, has undergone several expansions since opening in 1985. It produces a variety of Okanagan Spring, Sleeman's and value brands such as Pabst Blue Ribbon and Old Milwaukee. According to a city staff report, it's annual payroll is over $6.5 million a year, and OSB spends an additional $2.2 million on capital expenditures, and $2 million on replacement parts, repairs and maintenance primarily spent local. OSB informed the city in 2008, the brewery was reaching maximum production capacity, and since then, it has been outsourcing a portion of their production. OSB is reviewing options for a major expansion or facility relocation, which could be in the Lower Mainland to reduce transport costs.

Police Costs Reviewed

Peter McIntyre Wednesday, 28 July 2010 10:11 107.5 KISSFM

Policing costs will go under the microscope in a feasibility study given the go ahead from Vernon council. Mayor Wayne Lippert says the RCMP are doing a good job but they want to see the costs for the city to have its own force, or a separate contract with the RCMP. The city is currently under a regional detachment model. Lippert says any change would have an impact on the outlying communities. "If we had our own contract with the RCMP or a municipal force, then the province, regional district or District of Coldstream or somebody else would have to be concerned about putting up another building, RCMP station." Lippert says there's concerns the city has to carry the bulk of the costs to staff and maintain the Vernon detachment, despite other communities benefiting.

Councillor Bob Spiers says council's motion is not to look into its own police force at this point, adding the study will examine the costs of the current RCMP integrated force and how they are allocated to other local jurisdictions. "It's nothing to do with looking at an alternative to the RCMP."

The city says it pays up to 160,000 a year per RCMP officer, while the outlying areas pay up to $120,000

Referendum sought for new police building in Summerland

SUSAN McIVER/Special to the Penticton Herald Wednesday, July 28, 2010
SUMMERLAND – A referendum to seek approval to borrow funds for the construction of a new RCMP facility in Summerland will be held on Oct. 2. Council gave first three readings Monday night to the RCMP building referendum bylaw and appointed election officials. Corporate officer Gillian Matthews is the chief election officer and her assistant, Maureen Fugeta, is the deputy chief election officer for the referendum. In late June, council voted to proceed to referendum for elector consent to borrow $3.125 million for the proposed RMCP building and to approve a referendum budget of $30,000. Approval from the provincial government to proceed to referendum was subsequently obtained. The referendum date must be within 80 days of provincial approval.

The Local Government Act requires jurisdictions to advertise for volunteer scrutineers who are both for and against the referendum question. “The legislation allows council to make provision for more than one scrutineer per voting place and staff are recommending two for and two against the question,” Matthews told council. Voting on Oct. 2 will take place at Summerland Secondary School with advance voting on Sept. 15 and 22 at Municipal Hall. “There will be lots of information to come. A website will be opened this week,” said Mayor Janice Perrino. In late spring, council sought elector consent through the alternative approval process which was blocked by a counter-petition. Once an alternative approval process fails, the only way to obtain the required approval for a loan authorization bylaw is through a full referendum

Junction supported

Brent Mutis - Vernon Morning Star and Richard Rolke - July 27, 2010 7:00 PM
An agency that helps teens through challenging situations is moving towards financial stability. On Monday, both Vernon and Coldstream councils agreed to fund Teen Junction through Greater Vernon’s parks, recreation and culture function. “We support the really important role Teen Junction plays with youth at risk,” said Buffy Baumbrough, a Vernon councillor. The North Okanagan Regional District has asked member jurisdictions if Teen Junction can be added to the function. The non-profit agency, which has been impacted by cuts to provincial grants, would like Greater Vernon to provide $75,000 annually so it can extend its services to 25 hours a week. Just to maintain current operations at 20 hours a week would take $66,000 a year. Teen Junction offers a variety of sports activities, as well as life skills, meals, clothing and an advocate to help youth return to school. “It helps families and in some cases, there is no other help for young people. They have turned around lives for people,” said Patrick Nicol, a Vernon councillor.

Coldstream Mayor Jim Garlick was pleased his council gave the go-ahead to funding the Junction and knows it will mean a lot to teens and employees there. “Good, they’ll be happy to hear that,” he said. The BX-Swan Lake electoral area has also agreed to adding Teen Junction to the function. “If the parents aren’t looking after them, we have to get involved. Teaching kids life skills is important,” said Mike Gavinchuk, BX-Swan Lake director. Mike Macnabb, BX-Silver Star director, is leaning towards a discretionary grant for Teen Junction instead of guaranteed annual funding because of financial pressures. “With the prospect of Area C having to do its own water delivery, it could be a big hit on the community,” he said. “With a grant, I can give less or give more. It provides some flexibility.” Macnabb believes there should be a mechanism for jurisdictions to determine where money goes, whether it is Teen Junction or the Boys and Girls Club.

City wants changes to intersection

Richard Rolke - Vernon Morning Star Published: July 27, 2010 7:00 PM

Action is being sought over a deadly North Okanagan intersection. Vernon council is demanding Transportation Minister Shirley Bond visit the area so she can observe conditions at Highway 97 and Bailey Road. “Every year we have a death there and they (ministry) just put it off,” said Coun. Jack Gilroy. RCMP report that since 2005, there have been 73 accidents at that intersection, including two fatalities. On June 7, Kelowna resident Kim Todd died when her vehicle was struck at Bailey Road by a southbound minivan as she tried to pull out on to the highway. At that time, ministry officials stated that the turnoff to Predator Ridge would be reviewed because of the accident, but a traffic signal was not warranted. Gilroy wants the intersection changed so only right-in and right-out traffic is allowed. “It’s a simple fix,” he said.

City staff have had some discussions with the ministry in the past about the intersection. “They recognize the issues but politically there has to be a push,” said Rob Dickinson, the city’s engineering general manager. Coun. Patrick Nicol points out that many residents have expressed concern about conditions there, and they should be allowed to meet with Bond. “They (residents) want a careful examination and restructure of that intersection,” he said. Because the intersection is outside of city limits and the highway is a major corridor for the entire valley, other jurisdictions will also be asked to join the lobbying effort. “We need to ask the regional district to become part of the push and Lake Country because it’s a neighbour right there,” said Mayor Wayne Lippert. Besides the Bailey Road intersection, the city also wants the Ministry of Transportation to investigate safety improvements to Highway 97 and Bernie Road, which leads to the landfill.

Costs force investigation of police service

Richard Rolke - Vernon Morning Star Published: July 27, 2010 7:00 PM

Skyrocketing policing costs could force Vernon to go it alone. Council has endorsed a study looking into the cost of the current regional detachment model compared to having a municipal force only. “The RCMP do an excellent job but the problem we have is with integrated detachments,” said Mayor Wayne Lippert. While the city provides the building for the detachment, it houses resources for the entire North Okanagan, and Lippert says the contract between the RCMP and the provincial government places onerous expenses on larger communities like Vernon. “Coldstream only has seven officers and if there’s an issue out there, they could take some from Vernon,” he said. “We’re being pushed by the RCMP for a new building but we’d be building it for the North Okanagan and part of the Columbia-Shuswap. We carry the full weight of the detachment.” City figures indicate that it pays between $142,000 and $160,000 a year per officer while it’s between $98,000 and $120,000 in Coldstream and less in the electoral areas. Lippert insists the study could lead to the city entering into a separate relationship with the RCMP instead of being part of the provincial contract. “The idea isn’t to get rid of the RCMP. This is an issue with the province,” he said.

Leon Gous, chief administrative officer, points out that other municipalities have their own police forces. “Some of them are smaller than Vernon like Oak Bay or similar size like Port Moody,” he said. Coun. Bob Spiers has some apprehension about the study. “To suggest we’d replace the RCMP with a municipal force goes against the grain with me. Why do we have to reinvent the wheel?” he said. Vernon is also joining Kelowna, West Kelowna and Penticton in calling on Victoria to consult with local government prior to adjusting policing costs. The mayors of the four cities have agreed policing expenses should not come as a surprise to municipal governments and a more cooperative approach would eliminate sudden charges in future and fit in better with municipalities’ budget planning processes.

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Don Quixote Note: The instructions to staff requested by an unanimous vote was to bring back a report on the costs of our present 'integrated policing force model' of the Vernon RCMP detachment and its civilian support staff. An examination would include the present costing formula for the allocation of the manning of the detachment and its support staff and to calculate much of these costs should be charged to the Province rather than the taxpayers of Vernon. (for example - a civilian crime analyst for the area is charged 100% to Vernon - what percentage of the work s/b charged to the Province for work done outside the City of Vernon's jurisdiction.

We specifically excluded any discussion of replacing the RCMP with a civilian force.

The apprehension attributed to me by Mr. Rolke in the above article was during the early stages of the debate when I was arguing against any thought of a RCMP change to a municipal force and a possible staff study using this premise as the basis for that study. The final resolution passed clearly shows that we are not going down that road.

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The motion passed by Council at the morning COW meeting was:

THAT Council directs staff to proceed with a cost analysis study on the Regional Vernon RCMP detachment with particular attention to the fees the integrated service is costing the City of Vernon Tax payers.
CARRIED.

Voters Reject Plan

Written by Glen Morrison Tuesday, 27 July 2010 12:13 1o7.5 KISSFM

Armstrong council has been told they can't borrow money for a water meter program. More than 400 residents signed an alternative approval process, which was higher than the required 300, or 10 percent of voters. Mayor Chris Pieper says it means council has to go back to the drawing board to decide its next step. "We either have to go to referendum or something else, I don't know, but right now, we will not be borrowing the money, that's for sure." The program to install water meters on properties will cost $750,000, and the city was planning to borrow $437,000 of that.

Bell City Leaders Agree to 90% Pay Cut

KTLA News 6:01 AM PDT, July 27, 2010

BELL, Calif. -- City Council members in the City of Bell on Monday agreed cut their controversial $96,000-a-year salaries by 90% and instead draw only $673 a month. Residents have been up-in-arms after learning of the salaries of the city leaders. Bell Mayor Oscar Hernandez also said he will finish his term without pay and will not seek another term as the city's mayor. Bell's city manager, police chief and assistant city manager all resigned at last week's City Council meeting, days after it was revealed they were making salaries totaling $1.6 million a year. Earlier in the day, California's attorney general said he had subpoenaed hundreds of records from the city.Attorney General Jerry Brown demanded to see employment contracts from the city within two days to determine whether to file charges. "The real question is what were they thinking?" Brown said at a news conference. "What was the atmosphere in Bell that would allow this and make it plausible at least to the members of the City Council."

The Los Angeles County district attorney's office has launched its own investigation into the salaries. The Bell Association to Stop the Abuse had threatened to recall the council members if they didn't resign or lower their own salaries. The salaries exploded into public view after a Los Angeles Times investigation, based on California Public Records Act requests, showed the city payroll was bloated with six-figure salaries: - Chief Administrative Officer Robert Rizzo made $787,637 a year, getting a series of raises since being hired in 1993 at $72,000. President Barack Obama makes $400,000. - Assistant City Manager Angela Spaccia made $376,288 a year. - Police Chief Randy Adams earned $457,000 - $150,000 more than Los Angeles Police Chief Charlie Beck.
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Bell council seeks resignations of 3 city officials July 21; Excerpt
The council has increased its own compensation by paying members for serving on the boards of city agencies. City records show that council members received $7,873.25 a month for sitting on those boards. One council member, Lorenzo Velez, said he was "in shock" when he learned of his colleagues' pay. He said he has been getting a salary of $8,076 a year — $90,000 less than his colleagues.

Associated Press Excerpt:
Last week, Mayor Oscar Hernandez defended the salaries of the city manager and other staff as being in line with similar positions in other jurisdictions. He also noted the city had achieved 15 years of balanced budgets.
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Wikipedia Data:
Bell is a city in Los Angeles County, California. The population was 36,664 in the 2000 census. Bell is located on the west bank of the Los Angeles River and is a suburb of the city of Los Angeles. At 2.5 square miles, it is number thirteen in the twenty-five smallest cities in area in the United States with population of at least 25,000. City residents voted to become a charter city in a special municipal election on November 29, 2005. Fewer than 400 voters turned out for that special election.

Minister Asked To Review Deadly Site

Written by Peter McIntyre Tuesday, 27 July 2010 09:39

BC's Transportation Minister will be asked to get a first hand look at the danger for drivers using an intersection south of Vernon.Councillor Patrick Nicol (pictured) says the death of a Kelowna woman in June has prompted her friends and relatives to call for action. "We have received letter from Esme Bailey and Bruce Roberts (dealing) with the tragic loss of Kim Todd. On her way home from work, Kim was killed trying to turn left onto Highway 97 at Bailey Road (Predator Ridge turn-off). Nicol says according to the letter writers, the intersection has seen a number of tragic incidents over the years. "It's been the site of at least 16 deaths since 1968, and the RCMP have been called to attend 73 accidents in the last five years alone." The city will invite Transportation Minister Shirley Bond and local MLA's Eric Foster and Norm Letnick to visit the site, and encourage the province to take steps to make it safer.

Plans For New Howard House

Written by Peter McIntyre Tuesday, 27 July 2010 09:23 107.5 KISSFM

The John Howard Society is seeking city approval for a new building to replace Howard House in south Vernon. Executive director Barb Levesque says the new facility would be located where their garden is, fronting on 24th Avenue.

She told the media, "It's probably about a 19 million dollar project and we're looking at a mortgage for that amount, and hopefully we can mitigate some of that cost from grants and corporate donations but realistically we're looking at between 15 and 19 million dollars." Levesque says the current building on 43rd Street, parts of which date back to 1938, needs extensive repairs and is space limited. "It's really not that safe. It's difficult to keep clean, We have a leaky roof and plumbingthat often backs up, so it will mean we'll have a building that serves a basic function. We're not looking to build something that is elegant or a hotel. It's a basic building providing basic services with a focus on our administration offices so that we can do the best for our clients." Levesque says the new facility will have the same number of addictions, transitional housing and men's shelter beds as current, about 47.

She estimates the construction would require six months of pre-loading followed by a year of building. The current building would be torn down after the new one is complete. She is not sure what the new facility will be called, saying Howard House is a historical name that is used all over Canada and England. The society is seeking a 'zoning text change' from the city as the land currently doesn't allow for shelter or transitional housing use. Levesque says they've been "grandfathered" with the current facility but would need the change for a new structure. City council will likely discuss the application at its next meeting.

Predator Ridge Turnoff

Tue, 2010-07-27 09:11. Kate Boeuy - Vernon

Locals know you don't turn left there in the summertime - that's the cautionary word from Councillor Nicol on the Predator Ridge turnoff. Two letters, one from a relative of the Kelowna woman who was killed last month turning onto Highway 97 from Predator Ridge, have prompted Vernon city council to call on BC's transportation minister to visit the area. Councillor Nicol says the ``volume of accidents'' in that area show that it is a matter of immediate concern.Nicol says there have been 16 deaths there since 1963 and 73 accidents over the last five years alone.

Okanagan Indian Band urges Ottawa to connect it with 911 emergency system after 4 homes burn down

Sam Cooper, The Province July 26, 2010

The Okanagan Indian Band has vowed to press Ottawa harder for the $21,000 it needs to join the region’s 911 emergency system — after residents had trouble calling the fire department Friday and four homes burned down on band land. Confusion about who to call during an emergency is nothing new for the band, says Chief Fabian Alexis. Three homes were destroyed and a fourth was severely damaged in a blaze in a mobile-home park on band land in Vernon. Some residents of the park say they didn’t know the band doesn’t have 911 service, and were troubled that it took the band’s volunteer firefighters about 30 minutes to get word of the blaze and respond. When the delay became obvious, residents eventually called the Vernon fire department, which tried to alert the band’s volunteer department itself but found the line jammed, says Gordon Molendyk, the city’s spokesman.

Alexis confirmed that a number of residents called the band’s fire department directly, but they found the line jammed too. The problem isn’t new to the band. Alexis said that in fall of 2009, a fire broke out on land owned — “ironically” — by band fire chief David Lawrence. In that case, residents ran into a busy signal at the band fire hall too, and eventually called Vernon’s department. Neighbours turned out to fight the blaze until then, saving several cabins from being burned down, Alexis said. The band has just one multi-use phone line to dispatch for its volunteer fire department, and even “truckers and taxis are given priority,” on that phone line, Alexis said. He said the lack of 911 service has caused delays for police and ambulance calls too — but Molendyk disagreed. Alexis said the band “is working on” an application for 911 service, but has run into delays. The band was due to review a report on Friday’s fire at a special council meeting Monday night. Alexis said that council is likely to ask the federal department of Indian and Northern Affairs for $21,000 — the initial cost of connecting to 911. Spokesmen for the department said the 911 issue is being discussed, but that they were not yet ready to comment.

Port Coquitlam votes to give mayor, council big raises

Vancouver Sun: July 26, 2010 8:14 PM
METRO VANCOUVER - Port Coquitlam has voted in favour of giving themselves a hefty raise, with a 27 per cent increase for councillors and a 42 per cent boost for Mayor Greg Moore.

Meanwhile, the minister in charge of B.C. municipalities is reviewing whether the proposed increase is justified. Community and Rural Development Minister Ben Stewart said he was surprised to hear that Port Coquitlam was considering the pay raises. The proposed increase follows a recent 17-per-cent pay hike for Burnaby's mayor and 1.6-per-cent hike for councillors, The new raised is aimed at bringing Port Coquitlam salaries closer to those of neighbouring councils. Under the proposal that passed the vote tonight, Moore's salary would jump to $85,418 from $67,277, while the councillors' pay would increase to $31,654 from $22,257. Port Coquitlam council has not had a pay increase for 15 years. Stewart said while it's up to councils to set their own pay rates and remain accountable to their taxpayers, he wants to ensure there is a consistent, published set of guidelines so taxpayers aren't taken by surprise by hefty hikes. He has asked staff to look into what guidelines are already in place regarding municipal remuneration and will review what is being paid to councils in municipalities similar in size to Port Coquitlam, which has a population of 56,446.

Other Lower Mainland mayors' salaries:

• Vancouver: $140,000.
• Coquitlam: $118,945.
• Surrey: $115,178.
• Burnaby: $114,031.
• Richmond: $106,967.
• Delta: $100,525.
• City of North Vancouver: $100,004.
• Port Coquitlam: $85,418.
• Port Moody: $69,114.
• West Vancouver: $65,000

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See Also Posting at: PoCo council pondering whether to award themselves raises July 24

City Of Vernon Employment Opportunity

LUBE TECHNICIAN (Full-time – Permanent) Job Posting - PDF
Closing Date: Internal Applicants – July 21, 2010
External Applicants – July 28, 2010
Rate of Pay: $26.11 per hour (as per CUPE, Local 626, Vernon Civic Employees Collective

Reporting to the Manager, Fleet & Facilities, this is a combination of semi-skilled general shop maintenance and skilled mechanical work in the servicing, maintenance and repair of a variety of automotive, heavy duty vehicles and small equipment. This position performs regular maintenance, servicing and repair work on the City Fleet of equipment and vehicles and performs custodial duties in maintaining a clean, safe and efficient shop.

Top RCMP staff complain about boss

Monday, July 26, 2010 | 10:10 PM ET CBC NEWS:

Senior RCMP members have complained about Commissioner William Elliott to some of the highest levels of the federal government in the past seven days, the CBC has learned. The complainants include some of the force's top officers, including deputy commissioners Tim Killam and Raf Souccar. They have accused Elliott of being verbally abusive, close-minded, arrogant and insulting. One complaint described Elliott, who became the first civilian to head the Mounties in July 2007, in a rage, throwing papers at another officer. The Prime Minister's Office didn't deny the complaints were made but declined to comment Monday. Neither Elliott nor the deputies would comment. "The RCMP is a very hierarchical organization, where people respect the rank," said Linda Duxbury, a professor at Carleton University who wrote a study on the Mounties and their command. "To go and make a public complaint against the head of the RCMP means that many people have been pushed beyond a point where they're willing to tolerate it." The apparent protest against the commissioner comes a month after the Canada's top spy, CSIS director Richard Fadden, made comments to CBC that the agency had two provincial cabinet ministers and a number of municipal politicians under surveillance for their relationships with foreign governments. Both Elliott and Fadden were appointed by Prime Minister Stephen Harper and their fate rests with him. The CBC's Brian Stewart, who has followed the Mounties for decades, said the RCMP protest is unprecedented. Harper will have to sort out whether this is a valid protest by top RCMP staff or whether Elliott has made a lot of enemies trying to reform the organization, he said. "That's what the prime minister is probably going to have to sort out very quickly and then decide, I think, which force is going to have to go: either the commissioner or the group protesting against him," Stewart said.

Mayor Defends Fire Dept Response

Peter McIntyre Monday, 26 July 2010 18:00 107.5 KISSFM:

If three major fires in a little over two weeks is not enough, now some people are suggesting the Armstrong- Spallumcheen fire department didn't respond quick enough to a recent blaze. Three homes were destroyed and a fourth had substantial damage after a fire Friday at the Coyote Crossing Villas Mobile Home Park off Westside Road. Media reports have said firefighters didn't arrive until 25 minutes after the flames broke out. In a news release, Mayor Will Hansma says because the mobile park is located on Okanagan Indian Band land, their fire department was not dispatched. However, he says he immediately authorized his crews to respond outside their normal boundaries once they learned of the blaze. Hansma says they will always respond to help their neighbors despite liability concerns on land where there is no fire protection or mutual aid deals in place. Police say the cause of the fire doesn't appear suspicious but is still under investigation by the Okanagan Indian Band's volunteer fire department. The Armstrong Spall fire department also responded to a wildfire last Sunday in the Grandview Flats area and to the Tolko mill fire on July 4.