Enderby politicians' pay on 'shy side'

by Richard Rolke - Vernon Morning Star posted Jun 8, 2016 at 1:00 AM— updated Jun 8, 2016 at 5:55 AM

http://www.cityofenderby.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/05/2015-Annual-Report.pdf

Enderby politicians are defending their pay. The 2015 annual report has been released and it shows $89,750 was paid out in remuneration and expenses for the seven council members. “With the amount of work council does, it’s a little bit on the shy side,” said Mayor Greg McCune, who earned $15,912 and had expenses of $3,479. “When I tell people what we make, there is a stunned look on their face — ‘why would you do that?’ But our council is committed to the community 100 per cent.” Among councillors, leading the pack was Brian Schreiner, who had remuneration of $8,916 and expenses of $4,274. “I went to the Union of B.C. and Southern Interior Local Government Association conventions because I am retired and have the time to represent the community,” said Schreiner. “We need to be at these conventions to represent the interests of the community. You get to deal with cabinet ministers and share best practises with your peers.” Tundra Baird had remuneration of $9,276 as well as expenses of $3,182. “I serve on the Okanagan Regional Library board and that brings remuneration up,” said Baird. “I want to ensure Enderby is represented and the library is a huge asset to our community.” Brad Case had remuneration of $8,496 and expenses of $3,297 while it was $8,856 and $3,150 for Roxanne Daveyduke, $8,616 and $3,549 for Raquel Knust, and $7,896 and $849 for Shawn Shishido. McCune says he would like to see a review of council remuneration to ensure it’s reflective of the responsibilities and expectations. “Some people have to miss work (for council duties),” he said. Financial details have also been released for staff for 2015. Tate Bengtson, chief administrative officer, had a salary of $104,302 and expenses of $631 while Clayton Castle, public works lead hand, had a wage of $78,876 and expenses of $340. The other employee earning over $75,000 was Kevin Walters, systems operator, at a wage of $76,206 and expenses of $1,583.The total for all other employees under $75,000 was wages of $944,015 and expenses of $14,228.

Enderby auxiliary police program uncertain

by Richard Rolke - Vernon Morning Star posted May 3, 2016 at 1:00 PM

Potential changes to auxiliary police officers have communities determining the impact. The RCMP are reviewing the national auxiliary program and the provincial government is also seeking input from municipalities. “We’re waiting to hear where it will go,” said Greg McCune, Enderby mayor. “If there is no service, it will definitely impact the community, but I understand the other side, the world is changing (security/liability).” In January, the RCMP’s senior executive committee decided that auxiliaries would no longer ride along with regular officers. Enderby’s lone auxiliary constable has not participated in ride-alongs for years but there is a concern that the new policy could prevent others from being in a police car if they volunteer. The primary impact in Enderby has been a new policy that requires auxiliary constables in uniform to be under the supervision of a regular officer.
“This limits the kinds of activities and functions that an auxiliary officer may perform as it is dependent on the availability of regular members to accompany the auxiliary constable,” said Tate Bengtson, chief administrative officer, in a memo to council. “This is detrimental to community programs which promote public health and safety and deprives the RCMP of a valuable resource which can engage with residents and businesses at community and school functions. Two of the RCMP’s strategic priorities involve youth and road safety. Both of these priorities are advanced through the work and dedication of auxiliary constables in conjunction with regular members.” Enderby council has recognized Dale Fennell, who has been with the auxiliary constable program for 33 years. “It was a totally unpaid position. It was quite a commitment on his part,” said McCune, adding that Fennell was unanimously presented with a lifetime civic merit award by council. Among his duties were enforcement, patrols, Speed Watch and delivering safety and conflict resolution programs at local schools. “Dale is a dedicated and deserving member of our community who has volunteered so much of his time over the last 33 years to the auxiliary constable program. He truly is a local hero.”

Irresponsible dog owners face fines

by Richard Rolke - Vernon Morning Star posted Mar 9, 2016 at 1:00 AM

Master couldn't pay fine so Now I have poop patrol !

You could be left with a hefty fine if you don’t pick up after your dog in Enderby. Council amended the dog control bylaw Monday to include a $100 fine if an individual fails to remove fecal material created by their dog. “Common sense is not enough so we need to put a bylaw in place,” said Coun. Raquel Knust, who has three dogs. “We see dog feces along the River Walk and along the roadways. Why aren’t people picking it up? Young children use these spaces to walk.” There has been an issue in past with people telling city staff that the waste is not from their dog. However, there is now an expectation that people will have the ability to clean up or face a fine. “Everyone should have at least one bag on them,” said Knust. The bylaw states, “an owner of a dog shall, when on public or private property without the express consent of a property owner, be in possession of at least one dog fecal matter disposal bag for the purpose of removing any fecal matter that their dog may deposit.” The bylaw also states that dog waste must be immediately removed from the property and disposed of in a suitable refuse container. Knust says the city is reviewing the location of garbage cans and plastic bag receptacles to ensure they are in the right place. The bylaw calls for a $100 fine for not removing fecal material or not being in possession of a disposal bag, but it will be reduced to $50 if there is early payment within 30 days. The late payment penalty is $110.

Falkland, rural Enderby residents left without property tax notices

by Richard Rolke - Vernon Morning Star posted Jun 25, 2015 at 1:00 PM— updated Jun 25, 2015 at 2:00 PM
The tax man almost forgot about some North Okanagan residents. A system error within the provincial government means that many residents in Falkland and rural Enderby did not get their 2015 property tax notices when they were first mailed out in late May. “People have been wondering what happened to them,” said Rene Talbot, Falkland director for the Columbia-Shuswap Regional District. “I have had a lot of calls and our office has had a lot of calls.” Herman Halvorson, rural Enderby director, for the Regional District of North Okanagan, has also experienced a similar scenario. “Lots of people have been calling about it. I haven’t received mine yet either,” he said. The provincial government is responsible for issuing tax notices and collection of taxes in electoral areas. The deadline to pay taxes is Thursday, but new tax notices with an extended payment deadline of 38 days from the date of issue are now being sent out to impacted taxpayers. Affected taxpayers will not be subject to a late payment penalty if they pay their property taxes by the extended deadline. Beyond Falkland and rural Enderby, tax notices were also not mailed to areas C, E and F in the CSRD, and parts of the Kitimat-Stikine region and the University Endowment Lands in Vancouver.

ENDERBY SOFI 2014

http://www.cityofenderby.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/06/2014-Annual-Report.pdf   P.36

Links to 2013 Report for comparison at: http://www.cityofenderby.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/06/2013-Annual-Report.pdf  (p.38)

Enderby SOFI for Employee Remuneration & Political Salaries 2014.

Enderby gives firefighters a raise

by Richard Rolke - Vernon Morning Star posted Apr 12, 2015 at 1:00 AM
There are efforts to ensure modern technology isn’t a financial hardship for Enderby’s fire chief.City council has asked administration to investigate the possibility of creating a technology allowance for the volunteer fire chief. “The expenses of a cellular phone and data usage adds up,” said Mayor Greg McCune, adding that the fire chief’s activities are done on behalf of the city. Council has also decided to increase the volunteer firefighters’ compensation so it’s consistent with the city’s collective agreement with unionized workers. For 2014, compensation for all fire department positions climbed two per cent. For a firefighter, that translates into $14.55 an hour, while a captain and training officer will receive $511 per year. Remuneration for the chief is $6,064 a year, while the deputy fire chief will receive $4,548 annually. Compensation will increase two per cent in 2015, 1.75 per cent in 2016, 1.75 per cent in 2017 and two per cent in 2018.

Film Commission Request for additional $10,000 Funding - RDNO

Enderby looks at film funding
by Richard Rolke - Vernon Morning Star posted Mar 4, 2015 at 1:00 AM
No dollar figures are attached but Enderby will be doing its part for the film industry.As part of 2015 budget discussions, the city is considering providing financial support to the Okanagan Film Commission.“We will partake somehow,” said Mayor Greg McCune. Funding would not occur through the Regional District of North Okanagan’s film function. “We will look at our rate and submit directly to the commission,” said McCune. The city has previously not funded the OFC because it was felt that it didn’t impact the community, but that perspective has changed in the last couple of years because films like Tomorrowland and Go With Me have been shot in Enderby. “We’ve been a huge beneficiary of that,” said McCune. Enderby’s contribution to OFC could be $3,000 to $4,000. The Okanagan Film Commission is currently seeking increased support from all partners. It received $24,000 from RDNO (Coldstream, Veron and Armstrong) last year and it’s seeking $35,000 for 2015. The total economic impact from 20 productions in the Okanagan Valley in 2014 was $17.5 million, while the film commission’s budget was $180,000. Enderby is just beginning its 2015 budget process and each council member presented a priority list Monday to be considered. “We know what we want to do but the question is, at what level can we do anything?” said McCune.
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Movie function raises village concerns
by Richard Rolke - Vernon Morning Star posted Mar 4, 2015 at 1:00 AM
Lumby officials insist they aren’t opposed to assisting the Okanagan Film Commission, but it will be on their terms. There is no funding in the village’s 2015 budget for the OFC even though the community has been the site of some movie productions. Mayor Kevin Acton says his council will consider any requests from the commission. “They need to bring us their financials so we can look at them,” he said. However, Acton admits there is a concern about the OFC’s activities when it comes to showing location scouts and producers around the region. “We’re accountable to our taxpayers. We aren’t going to pay for someone to wine and dine people,” he said. “We’re not in the business of buying business.” Currently, the only local communities funding the OFC are Armstrong, Coldstream and Vernon through a Regional District of North Okanagan function. The OFC received $24,000 from RDNO last year and it’s seeking $35,000 for 2015. “It costs money to bring people in to scout the area,” said Jon Summerland, film commissioner, in a recent presentation to RDNO. “I have to wine and dine these people. I high-roll them and spend the money, but it’s working.” The total economic impact from 20 productions in the Okanagan in 2014 was $17.5 million, while the film commission’s budget is $180,000. Lumby council adopted its 2015 budget Monday, including a one per cent tax increase, which translates into an additional $8 for the average home. “Village staff did an excellent job of keeping expenses in check and still providing services,” said Acton.
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EDITORIAL: Lumby's movie stance surprising
by Editorial - Vernon Morning Star posted Mar 4, 2015 at 1:00 AM
Lumby officials aren’t budging from their long-standing policy of not pumping even a nickel into the Okanagan Film Commission. The village’s 2015 budget was adopted Monday without any funds being directed towards the OFC, partly because no one from the agency appeared before them. “They need to bring us their financials so we can look at them,” said Mayor Kevin Acton. Fair enough, but Acton knows that the OFC reports annually to the Regional District of North Okanagan. Lumby is not part of RDNO’s grant function but Acton, as board vice-chairperson, is there to hear the entire discussion and he could provide the details to his council or ask the OFC personally to appear before his council. Council is also well aware of the fact that movies have been filmed in the community, so the connection between grants and economic development benefits should be blatantly obvious. Acton’s biggest concern appears to come from the OFC lobbying producers and location scouts when they are deciding if the region meets their needs. “We’re accountable to our taxpayers. We aren’t going to pay for someone to wine and dine people,” said Acton. “We’re not in the business of buying business.” But the reality is there is extreme competition among B.C. and North American communities to host film crews so enticing them here with nice hotels and meals is part of the game. And the investment pays off because the total economic impact from 20 productions in the Okanagan in 2014 was $17.5 million. Some of that got dropped in Lumby area businesses. At a time when Lumby is scrambling for job creation opportunities, it’s firm stance against the Okanagan Film Commission is surprising.
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Don Quixote Note:
From a posting back in 2009.
Through the North Okanagan Regional District, the film commission received $24,000 this year.Of that, $19,689 came from Vernon, $5,032 from Coldstream, $1,603 from Armstrong and $664 from Lumby.

In 2010 the $25,000 was split the same 4 ways with Lumby's share at $595. This was when Lumby exited the Film Commission service, the Symphony Grant and the St. John's Ambulance functions.

BEYOND THE HEADLINES: Lights, camera, free ride

by Richard Rolke - Vernon Morning Star posted Feb 25, 2015 at 1:00 AM
Filmmakers are beating a path to Enderby and Lumby. In the last couple of years, the North Okanagan’s star has sparkled as more and more movie productions make their way here. And much of the focus has been on the small communities surrounding Vernon. It first started off with George Clooney and Tomorrowland in Enderby and Grindrod in 2014 and the activity was bumped up a couple of notches when Sir Anthony Hopkins, Ray Liotta and Julia Stiles brought Go With Me to Enderby, Lumby and Vernon in 2014. Now, Numb is currently shooting largely in the Lumby/Cherryville area. However, these productions didn’t just get here by fluke. It’s taken a lot of hard work on the part of Jon Summerland, with the Okanagan Film Commission, who is constantly reading scripts to see if the region has what’s needed for the shoot. If it does, he ramps up lobbying of location managers and producers. “It costs money to bring people in to scout the area. I have to wine and dine these people,” he said. And if the production decides to come to the North Okanagan, the work doesn’t stop. Summerland ensures they remain happy while here, in the hopes that they will come back with another film. And the payback can be lucrative. For Go With Me, the economic impact in the region was $5.7 million, and that’s not including all of the selfies residents got with Hopkins which bolstered Enderby’s social media profile. Movie productions are increasingly hiring Okanagan residents to fill key crew positions and they live in places like Enderby because of the small town lifestyle and the work is coming to them. With their fairly decent salaries, they pay property taxes, purchase vehicles, go on holidays, shop and support local charities. “We definitely saw the effect,” said Enderby Mayor Greg McCune when asked about the benefits from Go With Me. However, the $24,000 grant the Okanagan Film Commission received from the Regional District of North Okanagan in 2014 only came from Vernon, Coldstream and Armstrong. That means not one nickel originated from the movie hot spots of Enderby, Lumby, Cherryville and rural Enderby, or even Spallumcheen and the other three electoral areas. Essentially, those communities have been getting a free ride on the backs of Vernon, Coldstream and Armstrong taxpayers, as well as other valley communities to the south. “Over time, we didn’t see any effects from it (commission) but it’s difficult not to support it now,” said McCune when questioned about Enderby’s lack of financial participation. “We’ll definitely have a look at it. We have to pay our share.” But while attitudes are evolving in Enderby, they aren’t budging much in Lumby. “If they (film commission) come to our council, we will definitely discuss it,” said Kevin Acton, the village’s mayor. For a mayor and council that proclaims strong interest in economic development, waiting for someone to come cap-in-hand isn’t very proactive. Lumby officials were quick to have their photo taken with Hopkins when he was in town, but they allow other communities to financially bank roll the process that brought him here. There’s something wrong with that picture. To keep up with the increased demand from location scouts and production companies, the Okanagan Film Commission wants its RDNO contribution to climb from $24,000 to $35,000 this year. Given the star-studded success of the last few years, the request is reasonable and provides a good return on tax dollars. But if the pot of cash is to grow, all communities must participate on a fair and equitable basis.
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Past Postings of Interest: Through the North Okanagan Regional District, the film commission received $24,000 this year.Of that, $19,689 came from Vernon, $5,032 from Coldstream, $1,603 from Armstrong and $664 from Lumby. http://vernonblog.blogspot.ca/2009/08/vernon-remains-within-film-commission.html

http://vernonblog.blogspot.ca/2010/10/village-set-to-leave-functions.html

Enderby dog wins Best in Show at Westminster Kennel Club

by Staff Writer - Vernon Morning Star posted Feb 17, 2015 at 8:00 PM

— Image Credit: Westminster Kennel Club Photo

An Enderby beagle has won the Super Bowl of dog shows. Miss P, owned by Lori Crandlemire, a member of the Vernon Kennel Club, won Best in Show at the 139th annual Westminster Kennel Club show in New York Tuesday. Miss P, which won the hound group on Monday, beat out six other dogs for the title, including a black standard poodle, Old English Sheepdog, English Springer Spaniel, Portuguese water dog, Shih Tzu and Skye terrier. Terriers have won Best in Show at Westminster 46 times. Miss P is expected to appear on the Today show Wednesday morning.
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Also see http://infotel.ca/newsitem/tail-wagging-beagle-miss-p-from-enderby-wins-best-in-show-at-westminster/it16975

Enderby water meters make waves

by Richard Rolke - Vernon Morning Star posted Jan 25, 2015 at 1:00 AM
Installation of water meters in a small rural Enderby neighbourhood has one official boiling. Janice Brown, Spallumcheen director, panned a decision by the Regional District of North Okanagan board to spend $4,500 to install water meters in the 11 properties in the Gunter Ellison area, which receives its water from the City of Enderby. “The City of Enderby rates are causing a lot of discomfort. It’s a very hot topic everywhere I go,” she said. However, RDNO officials defended installing the meters in Gunter Ellison homes because the City of Enderby mandates meters for its residents. “The intent is to run the system as if it’s part of the city,” said David Sewell, RDNO chief administrative officer. “The decision in terms of meters is consistent with Enderby.” Juliette Cunningham, a Vernon director, insists the meters are an issue of equity. “There are some times when you pay your fair share and it’s more than you’d like to pay but it’s still your fair share,” she said. Greg McCune, Enderby director, says Gunter Ellison is not being treated any different than other areas connected to the city’s water utility. “There are places across the bridge on the reserve that are metered. We are trying to be consistent,” he said. For a single family home, there is a $78 flat fee charged each period. For the January to April and the September to December period, if a home uses more than 45 cubic metres, a consumption rate of $1.30 would apply to any usage above 45 cubic metres. For the May to August period, the $1.30 consumption rate applies to usage above 90 cubic metres. McCune says metered rates are generally only high in cases where there is high water use and that is often a result of a faulty meter or a leak in the home. “We will look at those situations. We are making an effort to sort it out,” he said.

Council rejects program funds

by Richard Rolke - Vernon Morning Star posted Nov 7, 2014 at 1:00 AM
Enderby politicians see value to restorative justice but they won’t contribute tax dollars. Council decided Monday not to provide $2,528 to the Restorative Justice Society. “This is a provincial matter,” said Mayor Howie Cyr of the justice system. “The provincial government should be funding this and not the community. It’s downloading.” Through restorative justice, people who have committed an offence meet with the victim to talk about what happened and what can be done to correct the situation. If possible, it is a way for the offender to remain out of jail and turn their life around. The grant request was based on about three per cent of the society’s cases coming from Enderby. “This funding request supports continued restorative justice services within the North Okanagan and specifically as indicated within your communities,” said Carole Lyons, society president, in a letter. Cyr, a retired RCMP officer, says he appreciates the efforts of the restorative justice society but insists there is only so much the community can do. “We have so many other financial pressures and we want the government to step up to the plate,” he said.
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Lumby council supports restorative justice
by Richard Rolke - Vernon Morning Star posted Nov 7, 2014 at 1:00 AM
Lumby is pumping money into an alternative justice program but not as much as anticipated. Council agreed Monday to provide $500 for the Restorative Justice Society, far short of the $2,528 the non-profit organization was seeking. “That’s what we’ve been giving them,” said Coun. Lori Mindnich of the $500. There is also a concern the village has not received sufficient information on the initiative. “We’ve been asking for a per capita funding model but they keep sending us the same (request) letter,” said Mindnich. All communities are being asked to provide funding based on case loads arising from those jurisdictions. Through restorative justice, people who have committed an offence meet with the victim to talk about what happened and what can be done to correct the situation. If possible, it is a way for the offender to remain out of jail and turn their life around. “It’s a great program,” said Mayor Kevin Acton, adding that the village recently used the service after an offense. “The people who did the harm met with us.” Acton says restorative justice is important because it makes individuals responsible for their actions but keeps them out of the cycle of jail and crime. “People make mistakes and if you make one, why should it ruin your life?” he said. “Right the wrong and take your lumps. If you end up in prison, it’s a different experience.”

Election 2014: Rural Enderby candidates make their pitch

by Graeme Corbett - Vernon Morning Star posted Nov 7, 2014 at 1:00 AM
Either way the public votes, Area F is getting an experienced director come Nov. 15. Both Herman Halvorson, who held the post from 2005-11, and incumbent rural Enderby director Jackie Pearase, flexed their knowledge of the area – which includes Grindrod, Grandview Bench, Ashton Creek, Kingfisher and the recreational area at the south end of Mara Lake – at an all-candidates forum Tuesday night at the seniors centre in Enderby. “I’m fully committed to do another four years representing all communities,” said Halvorson, 67. Said Pearase: “My record over the past three years shows initiative and a willingness to listen to residents. “I have learned what questions to ask, who to ask, and how.” Topics covered were varied, including the digital sign along the highway, parking issues at Eby’s hand launch along Enderby-Mabel Lake Rd. and the director’s discretionary fund. Both candidates were in favour of the digital sign, with Halvorson saying: “A lot of communities I talk to would like to advertise on that. I would definitely support that and put dollars towards it.” While originally opposed to the sign, Pearase has grudgingly come to see value in it. However, she would like to see an agreement worked out that would make it more inclusive for Area F communities. “I have found it to be less obnoxious than I thought it was going to be,” said Pearase. “And I’ve heard from community groups that they do want to use it. We’re working towards something that could be more workable for groups in outside areas...that don’t have much money to throw around.” Regarding the parking issues at Eby’s, Halvorson said it is a difficult challenge because there really isn’t room to expand it. “I don’t know how you’re going to solve that besides having a chunk of property you could rent or lease to accommodate vehicles,” he said. “I’m afraid if we don’t get something looked after there that somebody’s going to get hurt.” The issue of watershed protection also came up Tuesday, alluding to the washout by Cooke Creek that stranded residents of Mabel Lake in early May. “I’ve been trying very hard for the province to take responsibility for what has happened up at Cooke Creek, with very little success,” said Pearase. “It won’t stop us from continuing.” Pearase would like to have an open dialogue with the Ministry of Forests whenever it plans to do work in the watershed to allow for public input and minimize the impact on the community. Tuesday’s forum was hosted by the Enderby and District Chamber of Commerce.

Enderby race heating up

by Richard Rolke - Vernon Morning Star posted Sep 7, 2014 at 1:00 AM
Howie Cyr’s challenger for Enderby city hall has come from within city hall itself. Greg McCune, a longtime city councillor, has decided to run against Cyr for mayor Nov. 15. “I’m a little more accessible and more of a cheerleader and that’s what the community needs,” said McCune, 52, who has served five terms. “It’s a job where you need to be involved with everyone, whether it’s Interior Health with the doctors, or with the regional district on various issues. You need to be on top of things at all times.” Cyr, who is a former councillor and completing his first term as mayor, welcomes McCune’s entry into the race. “That’s democracy in action. It gives the community a choice,” he said. “I believe I have done a good job as mayor and I like the opportunity to help effect change in the community. That’s what has happened with our team.” The 63-year-old Cyr, who is a retired RCMP officer, says he is proud of the open relationship that he has established with council and city staff. “I had a goal to instill a team approach at city hall. Everyone owns what’s going on in the community,” he said. Among the issues of concern for Cyr are upgrading infrastructure and pressuring the Ministry of Transportation to improve highway access. “We continue to need to work on economic development,” he said. “We need to find ways to attract business to town.” The owner of Sutherland’s Bakery, McCune insists the city must focus on making tourists and prospective businesses more aware of the opportunities that exist for them. “We need to let people know Enderby is an amazing place,” he said. When asked about priorities, McCune says there is a need for city councillors to be utilized more and keeping in contact with residents. “People ask why our taxes are so high,” he said. “It comes down to communications but it also comes down to watching our tax dollars and stretching them as far as we can. People need to understand where their money is going.”

Officials defend expenses

by Richard Rolke - Vernon Morning Star posted Jun 18, 2014 at 1:00 AM
Maintaining relationships appears to be influencing spending at Enderby city hall. The 2013 annual report has been released and it shows $77,519 went towards council remuneration and expenses. “A lot of it is to do with our relationship with the Splatsin First Nation,” said Coun. Tundra Baird, who had $3,544 in expenses, partly because she was the city representative at First Nations conferences in Osoyoos and Chase. “We’re leading the way as a community on how relationships (with First Nations) can work.” Baird also went to the Union of B.C. Municipalities conference in Vancouver to meet with provincial officials about infrastructure. “If you have that face-to-face time, you can find out things (grants) that are available and you can press issues,” she said. “You need to have that relationship if you want projects done.” Much of Baird’s expenses are related to mileage as she will drive other councillors to meetings. She had a salary of $9,141. Mayor Howie Cyr had remuneration of $15,642 and expenses of $1,501 in 2013, while Coun. Brad Case had wages of $8,541 and expenses of $2,884. Coun. Raquel Knust’s remuneration was $8,301 with $3,198 in expenses, followed by salaries of $8,181 for Coun. Beryl Ludwig ($1,297 expenses), $7,641 for Coun. Greg McCune ($126 expenses) and $7,521 for Coun. Earl Shipmaker (no expenses). “There’s good value for the dollars provided. Council is working hard for the community,” said Cyr, adding that attending meetings and advance preparations take up considerable time. “There’s e-mails, phone calls and being out in the community.” Total remuneration and expenses for city staff in 2013 was $999,769. There was only one city employee who earned more than $70,000 — then-chief administrative officer Barry Gagnon at $100,450, with $3,504 in expenses. “For what our staff accomplish for the community day-to-day and through finding efficiencies, they are doing a heck of a job,” said Cyr. “It’s the cost of doing business and the community is getting excellent value from our staff.”
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http://www.cityofenderby.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/06/2013-Annual-Report.pdf

Enderby SOFI for Employee Remuneration & Political Salaries 2013.

Police Bust Suspected Drug Lab

Written by Peter McIntyre 107.5 KISSFM Tuesday, 20 May 2014 11:18
Five suspects have been arrested after a report of shots fired led to police busting a suspected North Okanagan drug lab. RCMP spokesperson Gord Molendyk says police had been investigating a property on Trinity Valley Road east of Enderby in the Ashton Creek area for several months over a lab thought to be producing synthetic drugs. "The investigation was suddenly moved forward this weekend with reports of shots fired in the area Monday. Our officers responded, and five suspects were taken into custody, three men and two women," says Molendyk. The suspects are expected to face charges of producing a synthetic drug, possession of stolen property, and firearms offenses. It's not known why the shots were fired, but no injuries have been reported. Police expect to be at the site several days for the investigation and clean-up. "Synthetic labs can have quite an environmental effect on properties because these individuals do not dispose of the chemicals in the most favourable fashion. That's why we have called in the environmental agencies," says Molendyk. It's not clear at this point what type of drug was being made. "We're not 100 percent sure what they were producing. We won't probably know until they are in there. It will be a form of some drug that they have concocted," adds Molendyk.
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Also see http://www.vernonmorningstar.com/news/259981501.html

Cooke Creek bursts banks in Kingfisher area

by Richard Rolke - Vernon Morning Star posted May 2, 2014 at 6:00 AM— updated May 2, 2014 at 11:17 AM UPDATE 10:15 A.M.

Officials are concerned that flooding from Cooke Creek could cause problems downstream on the Shuswap River."There is a very large debris flow coming down," said Pete Wise, with Vernon Search and Rescue. Officials are currently at the bridge at Trinity Valley Road. "We're monitoring the flow and making sure it doesn't pile up, create a dam and impact the bridge." Farmer Michael Haak became aware of the situation just after 7 a.m. Friday. "I looked out at the river and it was completely full of logs. I could have walked across it," said Haak. Down river, the City of Enderby is concerned about water intakes if the debris reaches the community.
"We're monitoring to ensure there is no damage to critical infrastructure," said Tate Bengston, chief administrative officer.
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There's been significant flooding in the Kingfisher area. Cooke Creek has burst its banks near the Kingfisher Interpretive Centre, which is 25 kilometres east of Enderby on Mabel Lake Road. "It took out four hydro poles and there's lots of stuff coming down," said Jackie Pearase, the electoral area director who also lives in the immediate neighbourhood. Pearase says a home was in the path of the debris but it appears the occupants are uninjured. "It's pretty major," she said of the flooding. Mabel Lake Road in the area is closed to traffic. "There's lots of resources out there,"said Sgt. Neil Hogg, with the Enderby RCMP. Among those on site are Vernon Search and Rescue, B.C. Hydro and the B.C. Ambulance Service. Enderby RCMP are on the west side of the flood area while Lumby RCMP have accessed the east side via Trinity Valley Road. "There's a helicopter our there and they're doing an assessment of the area to see what can be done," said Hogg, adding that there are no reports of anyone being injured or trapped. North Okanagan Emergency Management has mobilized its efforts. "We are aware of an issue and emergency social services is on stand-by if residents need assistance," said Helen Sinclair, deputy emergency management co-ordinator. "The emergency operations centre is up and running."

Snowmobiler lost in Hunter’s Range found fast

Howard Alexander Info-Tel Multimedia November 23, 2013 - 10:14 AM

VERNON – It was a scary 4 hours for a woman separated from her family and friends while snowmobiling in the bush east of Enderby Saturday night. Volunteers from Vernon Search and Rescue got the call at 5:30 p.m. and the hunt began. “She had become separated from her group” in the Hunter’s Range area according to search manager Pete Wise. It’s a popular snowmobiling area with trail heads off Mabel Lake Road. Along with the 15 members of Search and Rescue, other snowmobilers in the area at the time helped with the search. The woman was found at about 9:30 p.m. safe and sound. Officials were ready to pull out all the stops in the hunt for the missing woman. Shuswap Search and Rescue had been called, but the team stood down when the missing woman was found. A plane from the Civil Air Search and Rescue Association was on standby to launch Sunday morning if the snowmobiler was still missing.

Spallumcheen rejects parkland program

By Richard Rolke - Vernon Morning Star Published: November 22, 2013 1:00 AM
Another potential partner has dropped out of plans for a regional parks program. Following Enderby’s lead, Spallumcheen council decided Monday not to participate in the Regional District of North Okanagan’s parkland legacy fund. “Why do we need another level of bureaucracy?” said Coun. Joe Van Tienhoven, pointing out that the township already has a process in place to buy parkland. RDNO has investigated the system used by the Regional District of Central Okanagan in which member communities provide funds to purchase and maintain lands of regional significance. Presently, the six municipalities within RDNO are being asked if they are interested in the concept. Coun. Christine Fraser believes the initiative may benefit residents of more urban communities but parkland isn’t as critical an issue for those in rural areas. “We have a lot of backcountry and Crown land people can use for recreation,” she said.

Enderby salaries revealed

By Richard Rolke - Vernon Morning Star Published: June 19, 2013 1:00 AM
Enderby residents can see what they paid towards political activities.  The city has released the schedule of remuneration and expenses for 2012. “The remuneration we receive is fair and appropriate,” said Mayor Howie Cyr. Cyr led the pack with a wage of $15,420 and expenses of $1,003, for a total of $16,423. Total wages and expenses for the councillors were $11,362 for Tundra Baird, $10,489 for Brad Case, $10,356 for Beryl Ludwig, $10,079 for Raquel Knust, $8,891 for Greg McCune and $7,439 for Earl Shipmaker.  Cyr insists there is so much more to the job than just attending council meetings twice a month. “Council puts a lot of time and energy in behind the scenes doing research,  answering calls and responding to e-mails.” In terms of expenses, Cyr says there is a need for council members to travel out of town to represent Enderby’s interests. However, attendance at the Union of B.C. Municipalities convention was modified to reduce costs. “Everyone went but at strategic times,” said Cyr. “We cut back on expenses (instead of having everyone there for the entire event), if there wasn’t a need to be there, we weren’t there.” The city has also released financial information related to staff. Barry Gagnon, chief administrative officer, was the only employee to earn more than $75,000 in 2012. He received a salary of $122,190 and expenses of $6,575.  For all employees earning less than $75,000, the collective total was $954,423 for wages and $20,022 for expenses.

In pictures: Movie magic in the Okanagan at Enderby’s Starlight Drive-In

  John Lehmann  The Globe and Mail  Published Friday, May. 31 2013, 5:31 PM EDT
Scenes from a revived summer tradition nestled in a valley near Enderby, B.C., where movie-goers can experience cinema under the stars in one of the province’s last remaining drive-in theatres. (more)