Showing posts with label 2013 budget. Show all posts
Showing posts with label 2013 budget. Show all posts
Friday, May 16, 2014
Road input drives ahead
by Richard Rolke - Vernon Morning Star posted May 16, 2014 at 1:00 AM
No immediate decisions will be made on possibly changing traffic patterns on a Vernon road. Upwards of 50 people attended an open house Wednesday to discuss a proposal that could see through traffic and left-hand turns limited at key intersections on 25th Street, from Pleasant Valley Road to 46th Avenue. It’s expected the concept won’t go before city council for final approval in July as feedback from residents in the neighbourhood is sought. “We are looking forward to hearing the public’s input,” said Coun. Mary-Jo O’Keefe. The proposal calls for a centre median at the intersection of 32nd Avenue and 25th Street, two intersections at 25th Street and 39th Avenue and a centre median at 43rd Avenue and 25th Street. City staff say the plan was developed because residents on 25th Street are upset about speed and the volume of vehicles trying to avoid 27th Street. “They are short-cutting and not accessing properties there,” said Amanda Watson, a municipal transportation technician. Watson believes one indication of a problem is a high rate of pets being killed by vehicles. “Parents are concerned about children walking and biking along these streets,” she said of the area. However, Ruth Haskivich, who has lived on 25th Street for 48 years, insists there is not a safety issue. “Very few people are using it to avoid 27th Street. There are just more people living in the neighbourhood,” she said. “They think this will calm traffic down but it won’t. Speeding is not happening at the corners but in between.” Haskivich is recommending pedestrian-operated crosswalk lights and a sidewalk. “We only want a simple solution that benefits everyone,” she said. Sixty-six per cent of the residents within the specific area must approve of the removal of the through and left-turn movements at the three intersections. “There were more people in support (Wednesday) than opposed but one meeting is not everything,” said Watson. “We have given them multiple options for them to put input forward.”
Wednesday, May 14, 2014
Council challenges changes to 25th Street
by Richard Rolke - Vernon Morning Star posted May 14, 2014 at 1:00 AM
Plans to divert traffic in a Vernon neighbourhood are getting a rough ride even before they go to the public. Council members questioned a proposal Monday that would see through traffic and left-hand turns limited at key intersections on 25th Street, from Pleasant Valley Road to 46th Avenue. “I’m getting calls and a lot of concerns,” said Coun. Brian Quiring. “There are a lot of people who feel this is the wrong thing. It’s a good north/south connector so I’m not sure why we’re doing this.” The plan will be the focus of a public consultation session today from 6 to 8 p.m. at the Alliance Church’s Arbour room. Among the components of the proposal are a centre median at the intersection of 32nd Avenue and 25th Street, two intersections at 25th Street and 39th Avenue and a centre median at 43rd Avenue and 25th Street. Amanda Watson, a municipal transportation technician, says the plan was developed because residents on 25th Street are upset about speed and the volume of vehicles trying to avoid 27th Street. “It’s classified as a local road and the requests have been to remove the through traffic,” she said. “Residents have requested we return it to a local road.” However, Coun. Juliette Cunningham isn’t sure about the staff explanation. “We have numerous roads that could be challenged the same way (considered local) so where do we go?” she said. The proposal previously went before council, but Cunningham thought it just included sidewalks and slowing vehicles down and not preventing through traffic on 25th Street. “I didn’t realize we were looking at this,” she said. If the changes occur, Watson believes 25th Street will be desirable walking and cycling route for Harwood and Beairsto elementary students. Sixty-six per cent of the residents within the specific area must approve of the removal of the through and left-turn movements at the three intersections.
Plans to divert traffic in a Vernon neighbourhood are getting a rough ride even before they go to the public. Council members questioned a proposal Monday that would see through traffic and left-hand turns limited at key intersections on 25th Street, from Pleasant Valley Road to 46th Avenue. “I’m getting calls and a lot of concerns,” said Coun. Brian Quiring. “There are a lot of people who feel this is the wrong thing. It’s a good north/south connector so I’m not sure why we’re doing this.” The plan will be the focus of a public consultation session today from 6 to 8 p.m. at the Alliance Church’s Arbour room. Among the components of the proposal are a centre median at the intersection of 32nd Avenue and 25th Street, two intersections at 25th Street and 39th Avenue and a centre median at 43rd Avenue and 25th Street. Amanda Watson, a municipal transportation technician, says the plan was developed because residents on 25th Street are upset about speed and the volume of vehicles trying to avoid 27th Street. “It’s classified as a local road and the requests have been to remove the through traffic,” she said. “Residents have requested we return it to a local road.” However, Coun. Juliette Cunningham isn’t sure about the staff explanation. “We have numerous roads that could be challenged the same way (considered local) so where do we go?” she said. The proposal previously went before council, but Cunningham thought it just included sidewalks and slowing vehicles down and not preventing through traffic on 25th Street. “I didn’t realize we were looking at this,” she said. If the changes occur, Watson believes 25th Street will be desirable walking and cycling route for Harwood and Beairsto elementary students. Sixty-six per cent of the residents within the specific area must approve of the removal of the through and left-turn movements at the three intersections.
Tuesday, May 13, 2014
25th Street Proposed Neighbourhood Traffic Management Meeting Wednesday, May 14, 2014 from 6pm to 8 pm at the Arbour Room of the Alliance Church located at 2601 – 43rd Avenue
25th Street Proposed Neighbourhood Traffic Management
The 2008 Transportation Plan identified 25th Street as a future bike route with sidewalks to be installed on the west side (see attached plan) from Pleasant Valley Road to 46th Avenue. Concerns have been raised that vehicles are using 25th Street to avoid using 27th Street. 27th Street is a Major Arterial road designed for its main purpose of moving traffic across the City Centre. 25th Street is a Local road and its main purpose is to provide access to the residential properties on that street.
The request has been made to have 25th Street returned back to its intended residential nature. Similar requests have also been received from parents and students of Harwood and Ecole Beairsto Elementary Schools during their School Travel Plans (2009-2012), which identified 25th Street as a desirable walking and cycling route to school. During the public consultations for the Healthy Communities Workshops, the Pedestrian and Bike Master Plan and the East Hill Neighbourhood Plan, parents, residents and students also identified 25th Street as an opportunity to connect to other pedestrian and cycle routes.
Proposed changes to 25th Street have been designed to meet these requests while achieving the best balance between cost and results. By preventing the "through movements" at key intersections, this "through traffic" will be redirected to 27th Street. It should be noted that to prevent the "through movements" along 25th Street, the medians / islands will also prevent left turns into / out of 25th Street at three intersections listed below. Please click here to view the draft design.
Proposed - one centre median in 32nd Avenue at its intersection with 25th Street
Proposed - two islands in 25th Street at its intersection with 39th Avenue
Proposed - one centre median in 43rdAvenue at its intersection with 25th Street
In 25th Street, apart from making sure that parking doesn’t take place too close to intersections, crosswalks or driveways, parking will not be changed. To provide the room for the centre median in 43rd Avenue, parking would be removed as shown on the attached plan. For pedestrians, sidewalks are proposed to be built on the west side of 25th Street from Pleasant Valley Road to 46th Avenue with marked crosswalks at intersections. However, due to the large cost involved, this will be installed in sections over a number of years subject to budget approval. With the “through traffic” removed, 25th Street will be an attractive cycle route. Cyclists will be able to use 25th Street without the need for painted bike lanes and will be able to travel straight through all intersections, yielding as required.
The RCMP, Fire Service and Ambulance services have already been consulted and raised no objections to these proposals. Before proceeding further, we would like to consider your views and determine the level of residents support for moving this proposal forward this year. Details and a larger design plan will be presented on Wednesday, May 14, 2014 from 6pm to 8 pm at the Arbour Room of the Alliance Church located at 2601 – 43rd Avenue with representatives from Interior Health and Community Policing. Please use the 27th Street entrance to enter the Arbour Room. Parking is accessed from 27th Street or 43rd Avenue. We encourage you to attend this public consultation
Please note that as the proposed 25th Street Neighbourhood Traffic Management could possibly add one to two minutes to residents’ own trips made in a car, it is required that the majority of the residents support this proposal for it to proceed. In line with the City’s Neighbourhood Traffic Management Policy, 66% of the residents within the area shown on the attached plan must state their positive support for the removal of the through and left turn movements at the three intersections described.
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Don Quixote Note:
The request has been made to have 25th Street returned back to its intended residential nature. Similar requests have also been received from parents and students of Harwood and Ecole Beairsto Elementary Schools during their School Travel Plans (2009-2012), which identified 25th Street as a desirable walking and cycling route to school. During the public consultations for the Healthy Communities Workshops, the Pedestrian and Bike Master Plan and the East Hill Neighbourhood Plan, parents, residents and students also identified 25th Street as an opportunity to connect to other pedestrian and cycle routes.
Proposed changes to 25th Street have been designed to meet these requests while achieving the best balance between cost and results. By preventing the "through movements" at key intersections, this "through traffic" will be redirected to 27th Street. It should be noted that to prevent the "through movements" along 25th Street, the medians / islands will also prevent left turns into / out of 25th Street at three intersections listed below. Please click here to view the draft design.
Proposed - one centre median in 32nd Avenue at its intersection with 25th Street
Proposed - two islands in 25th Street at its intersection with 39th Avenue
Proposed - one centre median in 43rdAvenue at its intersection with 25th Street
In 25th Street, apart from making sure that parking doesn’t take place too close to intersections, crosswalks or driveways, parking will not be changed. To provide the room for the centre median in 43rd Avenue, parking would be removed as shown on the attached plan. For pedestrians, sidewalks are proposed to be built on the west side of 25th Street from Pleasant Valley Road to 46th Avenue with marked crosswalks at intersections. However, due to the large cost involved, this will be installed in sections over a number of years subject to budget approval. With the “through traffic” removed, 25th Street will be an attractive cycle route. Cyclists will be able to use 25th Street without the need for painted bike lanes and will be able to travel straight through all intersections, yielding as required.
The RCMP, Fire Service and Ambulance services have already been consulted and raised no objections to these proposals. Before proceeding further, we would like to consider your views and determine the level of residents support for moving this proposal forward this year. Details and a larger design plan will be presented on Wednesday, May 14, 2014 from 6pm to 8 pm at the Arbour Room of the Alliance Church located at 2601 – 43rd Avenue with representatives from Interior Health and Community Policing. Please use the 27th Street entrance to enter the Arbour Room. Parking is accessed from 27th Street or 43rd Avenue. We encourage you to attend this public consultation
Please note that as the proposed 25th Street Neighbourhood Traffic Management could possibly add one to two minutes to residents’ own trips made in a car, it is required that the majority of the residents support this proposal for it to proceed. In line with the City’s Neighbourhood Traffic Management Policy, 66% of the residents within the area shown on the attached plan must state their positive support for the removal of the through and left turn movements at the three intersections described.
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Don Quixote Note:
This is a TR-7 TDM Dcc Project. As you can see what was to proceeed in 2013 (Carried over to 2014) was the public consultation of the Cycling Corridor and first stage. (Cost $100,000). Total project $945,051 ($444,174 DCC's)
P463-464
P.438 indicates $47,000 to come from DCC's against the first $100,000 in this first stage.
Monday, August 05, 2013
Vernon's 2012 Annual Report & Budget to be adjudicated by GFOA
Vernon first won the Annual Report Award in 2010 for their 2009 Annual Report ( Judging Process ) and has annually submitted and been successful every year since. (2011 & 2012). Vernon will be submitting in 2013 their Annual Report for 2012 as well for the first time the 2013 budget. (Distinguished budget award Judging Process ).
The following is an excerpt from the first Award Certificate as taken from our 2010 Annual Report: (2010 - 4.40 MB)
Vernon Total Bill Annually to participate in these Awards:
Membership: $250
Budget: $425
Annual Report $315
TOTAL: $990
GFOA Membership Fee Schedule
The following is an excerpt from the first Award Certificate as taken from our 2010 Annual Report: (2010 - 4.40 MB)
The Government Officers Association of the United
States and Canada (GFOA) awarded a Canadian
Award for Financial Reporting to the City of Vernon
for its Annual Financial Report for the fiscal year
ended December 31, 2009. The Canadian Award for
Financial Reporting program was established to
encourage municipal governments throughout
Canada to publish high quality financial reports and
to provide peer recognition and technical guidance
for officials preparing these reports.
In order to be awarded a Canadian Award for Financial Reporting, a government unit must publish an easily readable and efficiently organized annual financial report, whose contents conform to program standards. Such reports should go beyond the minimum requirements of generally accepted accounting principles and demonstrate an effort to clearly communicate the municipal government’s financial picture, enhance an understanding of financial reporting by municipal governments, and address user needs.
A Canadian Award for Financial Reporting is valid for a period of one year only. We believe our current report continues to conform to the Canadian Award for Financial Reporting program requirements, and we are submitting it to GFOA.
Coldstream won an Annual Report Award in 2012 for the 2011 Annual Report. It is unclear whether Coldstream resubmits each year or for which Award(s).
In order to be awarded a Canadian Award for Financial Reporting, a government unit must publish an easily readable and efficiently organized annual financial report, whose contents conform to program standards. Such reports should go beyond the minimum requirements of generally accepted accounting principles and demonstrate an effort to clearly communicate the municipal government’s financial picture, enhance an understanding of financial reporting by municipal governments, and address user needs.
A Canadian Award for Financial Reporting is valid for a period of one year only. We believe our current report continues to conform to the Canadian Award for Financial Reporting program requirements, and we are submitting it to GFOA.
Coldstream won an Annual Report Award in 2012 for the 2011 Annual Report. It is unclear whether Coldstream resubmits each year or for which Award(s).
Vernon Total Bill Annually to participate in these Awards:
Membership: $250
Budget: $425
Annual Report $315
TOTAL: $990
GFOA Membership Fee Schedule
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| Distinguished Budget Presentation Award Program |
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| http://www.gfoa.org/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=36&Itemid=59 |
Thursday, July 11, 2013
Province assists local governments with funding for safety and services
VICTORIA — B.C. communities are sharing $56.2 million to invest in policing and community safety, services and municipal- level projects that are deemed priorities, Coralee Oakes, Minister of Community, Sport and Cultural Development announced today.
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The Strategic Community Investment Fund (SCIF) includes the Traffic Fine Revenue Sharing Program, Small Community Grants and Regional District Grants.
For a complete list of SCIF recipients, go to:
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| Vernon's Anticipated Fine Revenue. |
Friday, June 21, 2013
Rain Delays Downtown Revite
Written by Peter McIntyre Thursday, 20 June 2013 17:19 
The upgrade to two blocks of downtown Vernon is going to take longer than expected due to the weather. City of Vernon infrastructure engineer Mark Dowhaniuk says the rain this week has delayed the expected completion of June 28. "From day one we've said if we had a poor June like we did last year then the scheduled we had proposed and had in our contract wouldn't be achievable," says Dowhaniuk. Dowhaniuk says the crew can still do certain things in the rain but they can't pour concrete.
"It can be very challenging, and we don't want to ruin the finish on that concrete." He says the extent of the delay will depend on the weather, but at this point, he's shooting for completion in early July. The 2.4 million dollar project has been adding wider sidewalks, landscaping and other amenities in the 3300 to 3500 blocks of 30th Avenue from since late March. Pedestrians still have access to the businesses in the improvement area, but road traffic is blocked off.
The upgrade to two blocks of downtown Vernon is going to take longer than expected due to the weather. City of Vernon infrastructure engineer Mark Dowhaniuk says the rain this week has delayed the expected completion of June 28. "From day one we've said if we had a poor June like we did last year then the scheduled we had proposed and had in our contract wouldn't be achievable," says Dowhaniuk. Dowhaniuk says the crew can still do certain things in the rain but they can't pour concrete.
"It can be very challenging, and we don't want to ruin the finish on that concrete." He says the extent of the delay will depend on the weather, but at this point, he's shooting for completion in early July. The 2.4 million dollar project has been adding wider sidewalks, landscaping and other amenities in the 3300 to 3500 blocks of 30th Avenue from since late March. Pedestrians still have access to the businesses in the improvement area, but road traffic is blocked off.
Friday, June 14, 2013
City issues grants
By Richard Rolke - Vernon Morning Star Published: June 14, 2013 1:00 AM
Taxpayers’ dollars have been handed out to a number of community activities. Vernon council has approved a total of $24,795 in grants to five separate organizations. “People are more aware of the grants here because of reductions elsewhere (senior government),” said Coun. Juliette Cunningham. “Some organizations have come more than one time and we’re trying to spread it around.” Council has approved a one-time grant of $1,500 for the
Rotary Club of Vernon/Silver Star to operate the Wings and Wheels
event. There will also be $1,745 for bleachers, garbage cans and
securing event insurance. The Literacy and Youth Initiatives Society will receive
a one-time grant of $4,000 for seniors computer support while there
will also be one-time funding of $1,050 for the Kalamalka Highlanders
Band for kilt replacement. Other one-time grants include $1,500 for the Vernon
Concert Band (insurance and facility rental) and $15,000 for the Upper
Room Mission (fire suppression system). The city denied a $2,500 request from the Community Foundation of the North Okanagan to produce a Vital Signs report. Council is also considering a financial request from
the Royal Canadian Legion to assist with restructuring of the branch,
storage costs and insurance.
Friday, May 10, 2013
City saves $2M from 2012 tax year
by Wayne Moore - Story: 91838 May 10, 2013 / 11:36 am
A lower than anticipated RCMP bill and higher investment revenues helped the City of Kelowna save more than $2M on its anticipated 2012 expenditures. According to audited financial statements for the year ending December 31, 2012, the city realized a surplus of $2,048,000. Council will be asked to place $1,985,000 into specific reserve funds with the balance, $63,700, into an unappropriated fund. "Police Services was quite a bit under budget in 2012 to the tune of $1.1M. They had a number of members that were off and not able to perhaps get the additional members in that were scheduled to come in," says Grayston. "The second highest area, close to $770,000 was in additional investment revenues. We have a large capital program and if that program is completely expended then our return in investment is going to be quite a bit less." Grayston says the city budgets conservatively for return on investment and, if there are more funds to invest the return will be higher as was the case in 2012. It is being recommended the $1.985M appropriated funds be dispersed among eight different reserve accounts, including:
A lower than anticipated RCMP bill and higher investment revenues helped the City of Kelowna save more than $2M on its anticipated 2012 expenditures. According to audited financial statements for the year ending December 31, 2012, the city realized a surplus of $2,048,000. Council will be asked to place $1,985,000 into specific reserve funds with the balance, $63,700, into an unappropriated fund. "Police Services was quite a bit under budget in 2012 to the tune of $1.1M. They had a number of members that were off and not able to perhaps get the additional members in that were scheduled to come in," says Grayston. "The second highest area, close to $770,000 was in additional investment revenues. We have a large capital program and if that program is completely expended then our return in investment is going to be quite a bit less." Grayston says the city budgets conservatively for return on investment and, if there are more funds to invest the return will be higher as was the case in 2012. It is being recommended the $1.985M appropriated funds be dispersed among eight different reserve accounts, including:
- $450,000 - Parks Purchase and Development
- $300,000 - Major Facilities
- $300,000 - RCMP Building
- $250,000 - Arterial Roads
- $250,000 - Snow Removal
- $200,000 - Major System Software
- $150,000 - Civic Facilities
- $85,000 - Fire Dispatch
Tuesday, May 07, 2013
2013 Property Tax Estimator City of Vernon now online.
Property Tax Estimator
http://www.vernon.ca/services/finance/index.html Put your same property Data (residential ) in Coldstream Calculator and see how much your taxes would be ??
Residential Class 1 Calculator (Coldstream)
https://docs.google.com/spreadsheet /ccc?key=0AqjuHhD4a7O5dGhYYzdPZU9MUy1YN0dQbF9NVmJXZWc&usp=sharing
Monday, April 15, 2013
Grant targets long-term Vernon infrastructure
By Staff Writer - Vernon Morning Star Updated: April 15, 2013 1:30 PM
The City of Vernon looking at infrastructure over the long-term. The city has received a $336,000 federal gas tax grant for the sustainable infrastructure investment plan. It will identify means to increase revenues for asset replacement and identify opportunities to reduce costs. “Our city is a resilient, environmentally and financially sustainable community that attracts and retains families, business and industry,” said Mayor Rob Sawatzky. “Funding infrastructure renewal is essential to ensure a safe and functioning network of roads, sewers, and city-owned buildings. It is a key part of the future viability of the city and the services it provides.”
The City of Vernon looking at infrastructure over the long-term. The city has received a $336,000 federal gas tax grant for the sustainable infrastructure investment plan. It will identify means to increase revenues for asset replacement and identify opportunities to reduce costs. “Our city is a resilient, environmentally and financially sustainable community that attracts and retains families, business and industry,” said Mayor Rob Sawatzky. “Funding infrastructure renewal is essential to ensure a safe and functioning network of roads, sewers, and city-owned buildings. It is a key part of the future viability of the city and the services it provides.”
Snow Budget Goes Over The Top
Written by Peter McIntyre 107.5 KISSFM Monday, 15 April 2013 06:03
It may not have been that cold, but the Vernon area had its share of snow this past winter. The city's public works manager, James Rice, says crews were fairly busy in the first three months of this year. "In 2013 for the first half, we spent about $310,000 which is fairly typical at this time," he says. Last year, Rice says they had 35 snow and ice events, costing about $610,000, $30,000 over budget.
It may not have been that cold, but the Vernon area had its share of snow this past winter. The city's public works manager, James Rice, says crews were fairly busy in the first three months of this year. "In 2013 for the first half, we spent about $310,000 which is fairly typical at this time," he says. Last year, Rice says they had 35 snow and ice events, costing about $610,000, $30,000 over budget.
Saturday, April 13, 2013
2013 VERNON Residential Tax Calculator for Municipal Tax Portion of Property Tax Bill ONLY.
https://docs.google.com/spreadsheet/ccc?key=0AqjuHhD4a7O5dDNsNzRydUpNV2hKVWJPNWtjeHV1UVE&usp=sharing
The calculator at the link above will allow you to put in your 2012 assessment and 2013 assessment and will show you your $increase (decrease) and your %age increase (decrease) for the MUNICIPAL (City of Vernon) portion of your property tax bill.
Note that the average residential property was valued at $333,676 in 2012 and decreased to $322,100 on the 2013 assessment. (A 3.47% decrease.) The average 2013 house will see a tax increase of $41.44 which is a 4.41% increase.
(And I'm paying $112.98 more in actual $.)
Enjoy calculating your municipal tax increase (decrease.) When the rates are set for the RDNO, School, Library,Hospital I'll be posting an updated calculator.
The calculator at the link above will allow you to put in your 2012 assessment and 2013 assessment and will show you your $increase (decrease) and your %age increase (decrease) for the MUNICIPAL (City of Vernon) portion of your property tax bill.
Note that the average residential property was valued at $333,676 in 2012 and decreased to $322,100 on the 2013 assessment. (A 3.47% decrease.) The average 2013 house will see a tax increase of $41.44 which is a 4.41% increase.
- If your assessment changed by the same percentage as the average house then you will see the same 4.41% increase. ($increase will be different)
- If your house decreased in assessment by a lesser percentage then the average property (-3.47%) then your %age tax increase will be higher.
- If your house decreased in assessment by a greater percentage then the average property (-3.47%) then your %age tax increase will be lower.
(And I'm paying $112.98 more in actual $.)
Enjoy calculating your municipal tax increase (decrease.) When the rates are set for the RDNO, School, Library,Hospital I'll be posting an updated calculator.
Tuesday, April 09, 2013
Parking Fees Get Closer Scrutiny
Written by Peter McIntyre 107.5 KISSFM Tuesday, 09 April 2013 06:03
A Vernon councillor is keeping an eye on the impact of higher parking fees at city meters. Mary Jo O'Keefe has asked city staff for monthly reports on revenue generated by the meters which doubled from 50 cents to $1 an hour, in March. O'Keefe says council hiked the fees to reduce the tax impact of the budget, but there's concerns it's led to less people parking. "If the increase in fees is not achieving budget targets, then we have to watch that trend and see if we really want to maintain higher rates." O'Keefe says if the meter hikes don't have the intended result, then council should reconsider them. One downtown merchant tells Kiss FM, business at his coffee shop dropped 17 percent in March, compared to the same month a year ago, which Jeff Wuolle feels is due to the parking rates.
A Vernon councillor is keeping an eye on the impact of higher parking fees at city meters. Mary Jo O'Keefe has asked city staff for monthly reports on revenue generated by the meters which doubled from 50 cents to $1 an hour, in March. O'Keefe says council hiked the fees to reduce the tax impact of the budget, but there's concerns it's led to less people parking. "If the increase in fees is not achieving budget targets, then we have to watch that trend and see if we really want to maintain higher rates." O'Keefe says if the meter hikes don't have the intended result, then council should reconsider them. One downtown merchant tells Kiss FM, business at his coffee shop dropped 17 percent in March, compared to the same month a year ago, which Jeff Wuolle feels is due to the parking rates.
Sunday, March 24, 2013
30th Avenue Revitalization - Contract Award
| ENG-13-01 | 30th Avenue Revitalization | Feb-26-2013 | C.G.L. Contracting Ltd. | $2,379,012.70 |
Original Project Budget:
From the 2013 Proposed Financial Plan: 2013-2017 Proposed Financial Plan -P.420
Property owners $241,000 (LSA property owners)
Gas Tax reserve: $568,292 (Taxpayers)
Casino Reserve $864,708 (Taxpayers)
Ratepayers (Sewer) $403,000
Total $2.077,000
Thursday, March 21, 2013
Downtown Vernon revitalization begins Monday
Motorists travelling through downtown Vernon have been put on notice. Revitalization construction wil begin Monday on 30th Avenue. “The road will be closed to vehicle traffic from 33rd to 35th streets,” said Mark Dowhaniuk, infrastructure engineer. “Initially, pedestrians will be able to get to the businesses via the sidewalks which will be intact while the road construction is happening. Businesses will be open during the construction and they appreciate the public’s support.” Vehicle and pedestrian traffic will be redirected around the construction as necessary. The transit stop that is located on the south side of the downtown Safeway will be relocated to 35th Street by Simply Delicious. “Construction is weather dependant and is slated to be complete in early July,” said Dowhaniuk. Revitalization will cost $2.4 million and the funds are coming from the City of Vernon and property owners within the two blocks. All project information is posted at www.vernon.ca/30ave.
30th Avenue Construction Begins Monday, March 25
Wednesday, March 13, 2013
Downtown Project Gets Go Ahead
Written by Peter McIntyre 107.5 KISS FM Wednesday, 13 March 2013 09:37
The final phase of Vernon's downtown revitalization has got the green light to proceed this spring. At a special meeting today, city council voted 5-1 to approve an extra $286,000 for the 2.4 million dollar project to upgrade 30th Avenue from 33rd to 35th streets. Councillors Juliette Cunningham and Catherine Lord changed their votes after a 3-3 tie Monday. Councillor Mary Jo O'Keefe wasn't present for the meeting as she has a conflict on the issue. The extra funds will come from two trail projects which will be put off until next year. Lord says she was more comfortable with that, than taking the money from a needed road upgrade. "My whole concern originally was where they wanted to take the funding from, restructuring existing infrastructure. I wanted to foregoe some of the new infrastructure projects because I wanted to make sure we keep up with our current infrastructure," said Lord. Cunningham explains why she changed her opinion. "I love our downtown. I think it's a great place and maybe this will spur further interest and investment in our downtown." However Cunningham is still concerned merchants had to pay a much larger share of the revite cost during earlier phases. "I still don't think it was an equitable split for those business owners." She says many of those are owners are still paying "good dollars" for that on their taxes. The lone opponent was Bob Spiers who has been against the project from the start, calling it cosmetic, and something that could be put off until later. "I've voted against it five times and I would be a hypocrite to vote for it going forward and adding another $250,000 potentially of taxpayers money and another $80,000 out of the water rates, but it's gone through and hopefully it wil end up being a nice project and it will bring commerce to the downtown area," Spiers told Kiss FM. The trails put off are near Gentle Waters off 39th Ave and a cycle route on 25th Street.
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The final phase of Vernon's downtown revitalization has got the green light to proceed this spring. At a special meeting today, city council voted 5-1 to approve an extra $286,000 for the 2.4 million dollar project to upgrade 30th Avenue from 33rd to 35th streets. Councillors Juliette Cunningham and Catherine Lord changed their votes after a 3-3 tie Monday. Councillor Mary Jo O'Keefe wasn't present for the meeting as she has a conflict on the issue. The extra funds will come from two trail projects which will be put off until next year. Lord says she was more comfortable with that, than taking the money from a needed road upgrade. "My whole concern originally was where they wanted to take the funding from, restructuring existing infrastructure. I wanted to foregoe some of the new infrastructure projects because I wanted to make sure we keep up with our current infrastructure," said Lord. Cunningham explains why she changed her opinion. "I love our downtown. I think it's a great place and maybe this will spur further interest and investment in our downtown." However Cunningham is still concerned merchants had to pay a much larger share of the revite cost during earlier phases. "I still don't think it was an equitable split for those business owners." She says many of those are owners are still paying "good dollars" for that on their taxes. The lone opponent was Bob Spiers who has been against the project from the start, calling it cosmetic, and something that could be put off until later. "I've voted against it five times and I would be a hypocrite to vote for it going forward and adding another $250,000 potentially of taxpayers money and another $80,000 out of the water rates, but it's gone through and hopefully it wil end up being a nice project and it will bring commerce to the downtown area," Spiers told Kiss FM. The trails put off are near Gentle Waters off 39th Ave and a cycle route on 25th Street.--------
Revitalization full throttle ahead
The final phase of the 30th Avenue Revitalization project will get in
gear this month after engineering staff managed to steer around a
financial obstacle. After
the budget rose by $267,000, several city councillors refused to give
the project a green light until staff came up with a new way to find the
extra cash. At a special meeting of council Wednesday morning, the city's
infrastructure engineer Mark Dowhaniuk presented a financial plan which
involved using the budgets of two other city projects as cushioning. "These projects aren't deleted, we're just holding off on the
construction until we know the status of our expenditures," Dowhaniuk
told InfoTel News. One of the projects would improve an existing trail and the other would add a bicycle corridor on 25th Street. "Those are still a priority, but right now, this (revitalization) is a
bigger priority," Dowhaniuk says. "It has economic drivers because it
improves downtown, and the main reason it's a priority, is the project
was initiated by the public." Mayor Rob Sawatzky is pleased the project was accepted by council,
despite earlier reservations about the fairness of how it's being paid
for. Merchants further up 30th Avenue paid more for revitalization of
their shopfronts. "I had second thoughts when I realized there were different costs than
were paid by the merchants in earlier phases," Sawatzky says. "But city
standards have changed, that's just the way it is, and businesses could
either benefit or suffer from it." Coun. Juliette Cunningham was hesitant to approve the motion because
she didn't think it was fair for 30th Avenue's west end shops to pay
less than those up the street. "I've not made it a secret I take issue with how this evolved in terms
of previous merchants paying total costs," Cunningham, who owns a
downtown business, said. "We're still paying." Cunningham made it clear she wanted staff to "tighten up" exactly what
the city's new standards for expenditures are. In the end, Cunningham
voted in favour of revitalization, with Coun. Bob Spiers the lone
opposer. Dowhaniuk says the construction will begin in a week or two and
hopefully conclude before tourist traffic sets in to mitigate the impact
on businesses. A public input session on the project will be held Thursday from 5 p.m. to 6 p.m. at city hall.
Tuesday, March 12, 2013
30th Ave revitalization hits roadblock
A downtown revitalization project may have hit a dead end after a 3-3
vote crushed a motion to give it the green light. A special meeting of
council will be held Wednesday at 8:30 a.m. to seal its fate. An unsavoury rise in the budget cost—$267,000—soured the project for
several councillors. The revitalization of 30th Ave.'s west end now
sports a price tag of $2.4 million, an amount the city might not be able
to pay for without taking cash from other projects. "This is a fairly serious situation because it's a large scale
project," the city's chief administrative officer Will Pearce said at
Monday's council meeting. Coun. Catherine Lord wouldn't support the motion unless it was amended
to take funds from the 29th Street Utilities Upgrade (formerly the
Polson Greenway). "It's one or the other, not both," Lord said. Opposition also came from Coun. Bob Spiers who refused to take money
from priority projects to give to "Pleasantville infrastructure." Coun. Nicol recognized the financial challenges, but insisted the project must go forward. "It was difficult to get the merchants on our side," Nicol said. "The
value is still there to complete what has been a really good plan." Council dwindled to six when Coun. Mary-Jo O'Keefe excused herself due
to a conflict of interest, as she has inherited land in the downtown
area. The vote to complete the project revealed an even split, with
Coun. Brian Quiring, Mayor Sawatzky and Coun. Nicol in support of the
motion. "There is a concern it might collapse," Quiring said. "Too much time and energy has gone into this project." Rob Dickinson, manager of city engineering services, says the delays aren't helping the project. "The goal was to be done before the summer tourist traffic," Dickinson
said. "A two week deferral would delay the project two more weeks." Historically, it's been an issue getting merchants between 33rd and
35th streets on board. Coun. Nicol hates to think of the message the
city would be sending if the project was scrapped now. Diane Rowland, owner of Betty Lou Boutique, supports revitalization, even though the construction period will be difficult. "In the long run, it will be good for businesses," Rowland said.
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Don Quixote Note: The price of the the water portion of this project appears to have come in at $231,566 but the approved capital works budget at GVW for this project is $150,000. (Shortfall of about $81,566.) The Water portion of this is not included in the final estimate for this revite project of $2,444,130.19.
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Don Quixote Note: The price of the the water portion of this project appears to have come in at $231,566 but the approved capital works budget at GVW for this project is $150,000. (Shortfall of about $81,566.) The Water portion of this is not included in the final estimate for this revite project of $2,444,130.19.
Monday, March 11, 2013
Uncertain future for downtown Vernon revitalization project
By Richard Rolke - Vernon Morning Star Updated: March 11, 2013 5:54 PM
Procedural wrangling has a high-profile project hanging in the balance. Vernon council will hold a special session Wednesday at 8:30 a.m. after a motion to increase the budget for 30th Avenue revitalization died in a tie vote at Monday’s regular meeting. “This is a fairly serious situation because it’s a large scale project,” said Will Pearce, chief administrative officer. “It will give the engineers and ourselves time to go through the project and bring back a new resolution.” Staff had recommended Monday that the original budget for revitalizing 30th Avenue, from 33rd to 35th streets, climb from $2.1 million to $2.4 million because of higher than expected tender prices. The scope of the project had been reduced somewhat so staff was seeking an extra $267,130. Coun. Mary-Jo O’Keefe declared a conflict of interest as her family owns land within the area, and when the matter went to a vote, it was 3-3. Legislation stipulates that a motion dies in a tie vote. A few minutes later, Coun. Brian Quiring attempted to have the motion reconsidered. But that did not proceed because there wasn’t unanimous support from council to bring it back. It was then decided to hold a special meeting Wednesday as a way of possibly keeping the project on track. “There is a concern it may collapse,” said Quiring, who supports revitalization. “Too much time and energy has gone into the project. We’re a little bit over budget and we need to find the money.” Timing is critical because city staff want the work completed before the summer tourist season. If it can’t be done by then, revitalization may wait until next year. Coun. Catherine Lord wants the project to proceed but she opposed the staff recommendation. “It’s strictly an issue of financing,” she said. Instead of relying on potential surplus budgets from low capital tenders in 2013 or eliminating some priority capital works, Lord suggested deferring the next phase of the 29th Street Polson Greenway because she doesn’t believe it’s critical at this time. Coun. Bob Spiers insists he will not endorse revitalization in any form. “We’re going to take from priority, necessary infrastructure to give to Pleasantville infrastructure,” said Spiers, who has previously referred to revitalization as cosmetic. Previous revitalization attempts have been shot down by property owners in the two blocks, but they recently asked the city to move ahead with the work.
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Downtown Project In Limbo
Written by Peter McIntyre 107.5 KISSFM Monday, 11 March 2013 18:23
Vernon council will need a special meeting Wednesday morning to decide if the final phase of downtown revitalization goes ahead this year. As it stands now, the 2.3 million dollar project to upgrade 30th Avenue from 33rd to 35th streets, is in limbo after a staff request to add $267,000 to the budget due to higher tender prices, was defeated with a 3-3 vote. Councillor Catherine Lord was opposed, concerned about taking money from another project, but adds she could change her mind, if staff come up with a better plan. "Yes, then I would support it. I think we've come too far in that. We've got the support of the business people downtown and that was difficult to get over a period of time, so I want to see that whole street completed," Lord tells Kiss FM. Councillor Brian Quiring supports the project and hopes council will reconsider. "There is a concern that it might collapse and that's why we're getting together again on Wednesday, to continue looking at options to make sure that we can see it become a success." Mayor Rob Sawatzky, who supports the project, feels council is a bit conflicted. "They understand the merits of supporting downtown revitalization but they want to get the details right on how it should be funded." Councillors Juliette Cunningham and Bob Spiers were also opposed to the current plan, while councillor Mary-Jo O'Keefe didn't vote due to a conflict. Spiers says he won't be changing his mind, as he's been against what he calls a "cosmetic project" from the start. City Engineering Services Manager Rob Dickenson says the window for proceeding with the project is tight if they want to get it done before the end of June, and the start of the tourism season. "As well, we had a commitment to the contractor to award it by now, so we may be looking at penalties because of that as well."
Procedural wrangling has a high-profile project hanging in the balance. Vernon council will hold a special session Wednesday at 8:30 a.m. after a motion to increase the budget for 30th Avenue revitalization died in a tie vote at Monday’s regular meeting. “This is a fairly serious situation because it’s a large scale project,” said Will Pearce, chief administrative officer. “It will give the engineers and ourselves time to go through the project and bring back a new resolution.” Staff had recommended Monday that the original budget for revitalizing 30th Avenue, from 33rd to 35th streets, climb from $2.1 million to $2.4 million because of higher than expected tender prices. The scope of the project had been reduced somewhat so staff was seeking an extra $267,130. Coun. Mary-Jo O’Keefe declared a conflict of interest as her family owns land within the area, and when the matter went to a vote, it was 3-3. Legislation stipulates that a motion dies in a tie vote. A few minutes later, Coun. Brian Quiring attempted to have the motion reconsidered. But that did not proceed because there wasn’t unanimous support from council to bring it back. It was then decided to hold a special meeting Wednesday as a way of possibly keeping the project on track. “There is a concern it may collapse,” said Quiring, who supports revitalization. “Too much time and energy has gone into the project. We’re a little bit over budget and we need to find the money.” Timing is critical because city staff want the work completed before the summer tourist season. If it can’t be done by then, revitalization may wait until next year. Coun. Catherine Lord wants the project to proceed but she opposed the staff recommendation. “It’s strictly an issue of financing,” she said. Instead of relying on potential surplus budgets from low capital tenders in 2013 or eliminating some priority capital works, Lord suggested deferring the next phase of the 29th Street Polson Greenway because she doesn’t believe it’s critical at this time. Coun. Bob Spiers insists he will not endorse revitalization in any form. “We’re going to take from priority, necessary infrastructure to give to Pleasantville infrastructure,” said Spiers, who has previously referred to revitalization as cosmetic. Previous revitalization attempts have been shot down by property owners in the two blocks, but they recently asked the city to move ahead with the work.
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Downtown Project In Limbo
Written by Peter McIntyre 107.5 KISSFM Monday, 11 March 2013 18:23
Vernon council will need a special meeting Wednesday morning to decide if the final phase of downtown revitalization goes ahead this year. As it stands now, the 2.3 million dollar project to upgrade 30th Avenue from 33rd to 35th streets, is in limbo after a staff request to add $267,000 to the budget due to higher tender prices, was defeated with a 3-3 vote. Councillor Catherine Lord was opposed, concerned about taking money from another project, but adds she could change her mind, if staff come up with a better plan. "Yes, then I would support it. I think we've come too far in that. We've got the support of the business people downtown and that was difficult to get over a period of time, so I want to see that whole street completed," Lord tells Kiss FM. Councillor Brian Quiring supports the project and hopes council will reconsider. "There is a concern that it might collapse and that's why we're getting together again on Wednesday, to continue looking at options to make sure that we can see it become a success." Mayor Rob Sawatzky, who supports the project, feels council is a bit conflicted. "They understand the merits of supporting downtown revitalization but they want to get the details right on how it should be funded." Councillors Juliette Cunningham and Bob Spiers were also opposed to the current plan, while councillor Mary-Jo O'Keefe didn't vote due to a conflict. Spiers says he won't be changing his mind, as he's been against what he calls a "cosmetic project" from the start. City Engineering Services Manager Rob Dickenson says the window for proceeding with the project is tight if they want to get it done before the end of June, and the start of the tourism season. "As well, we had a commitment to the contractor to award it by now, so we may be looking at penalties because of that as well."
Vernon faces a $78 million infrastructure deficit
By Richard Rolke - Vernon Morning Star Updated: March 11, 2013 12:08 PM
The City of Vernon has a huge hole to fill. Council was informed Monday that the city's infrastructure deficit is $78 million. "The plan is trying to come up with solutions that make it more affordable," said consultant Michael Trickey as he presented an asset management investment plan. Of that $78 million road upgrades account for $40 million. Council has been told that the ideal budget to deal with the infrastructure deficit is $17 million a year. "Right now, you are at the 40 per cent range of that," said Trickey of the $6.8 million the city spends annually. Work on the process will continue and council will consider a 15-year capital plan and three-year capital implementation plan in October. Look for more in Wednesday's Morning Star.
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The City of Vernon has a huge hole to fill. Council was informed Monday that the city's infrastructure deficit is $78 million. "The plan is trying to come up with solutions that make it more affordable," said consultant Michael Trickey as he presented an asset management investment plan. Of that $78 million road upgrades account for $40 million. Council has been told that the ideal budget to deal with the infrastructure deficit is $17 million a year. "Right now, you are at the 40 per cent range of that," said Trickey of the $6.8 million the city spends annually. Work on the process will continue and council will consider a 15-year capital plan and three-year capital implementation plan in October. Look for more in Wednesday's Morning Star.
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