Procedures questioned over gallery vote

By Richard Rolke - Vernon Morning Star Published: August 25, 2013 8:00 AM

There are concerns bureaucracy’s wheels are spinning over Greater Vernon culture. The Regional District of North Okanagan board has directed staff to prepare a report for the Greater Vernon Advisory Committee on the timeline and cost of a possible referendum for a museum and art gallery. However, director Mary-Jo O’Keefe questions why the matter will go back to GVAC when it was GVAC that sent it to the regional board. “This is another case where we are sending people back and forth,” she said of the Greater Vernon Museum and Vernon Public Art Gallery. “This is just being obstructionist. Why are we not moving forward? Maybe we don’t want a referendum, so let’s just say that.” Director Catherine Lord also suggests that while both GVAC and the RDNO board are involved, no concrete action is being taken. “It really is back and forth,” she said. However, other officials point out that GVAC is an advisory body and the main regional district board must authorize any decisions, including staff preparing reports. “You don’t just get to plop it on the ballot. There is a process,” said chairperson Patrick Nicol, adding that a thorough investigation of costs and designs are necessary before taking an item to public referendum. It’s anticipated that the staff report will be before GVAC in September. “It could come to the board but then the GVAC representatives would have no say. Plus, you are only saving two weeks,” said director Doug Dirk.