Fund the fire hall?

by Roy Wood CASTANET - Oct 5, 2014 / 12:31 pm

Artist rendition of the proposed fire hall.

Faced with a rebuff from citizens, Osoyoos town council must decide Monday whether to hold a referendum to approve funding for its controversial new fire hall or scrap the project and go back to the drawing board. Earlier this year, council decided to employ the so-called Alternate Approval Process rather than hold a referendum to approve the bylaw to borrow the approximately $6 million to build the new fire hall. Under the AAP, the only way for residents to stop the process was to sign a petition in sufficient numbers. The petition required 474 signatures to stop the town from proceeding. The deadline was Friday, Oct. 3 at 4:30. Jean Clarke, one of the organizers of the petition, said in an interview Saturday that her group gathered 1,037 signatures and presented it to the town at 4 p.m. Friday. The AAP tops the business section of Monday’s council meeting agenda. According to a report from staff, council has three choices:

Hold a referendum on the same day as the council elections, Nov. 15;
Hold a referendum after that time, but before Dec. 20; or
Let the bylaw fail and bring it back in the spring with sufficient changes to convince the provincial Inspector of Municipalities that it is a new project.
Senior staff has recommended that council either hold a referendum on Nov. 15 or scrap the project and bring it back later with changes.

Smart meters banned on Osoyoos reserve land

By Joe Fries - Penticton Western News Updated: June 14, 2013 10:42 AM

OIB Smart Meters Press Release

Citing “science-based evidence,” the Osoyoos Indian Band announced Thursday it would ban the installation of smart meters at 700 homes and businesses on reserve land.  “Having been presented with science-based evidence, the band council and I are convinced that Fortis’ proposed wireless smart meters in meshed-grid networks have the potential to harm our children and our environment,” Chief Clarence Louie said in a press release. “No scientist on the planet has been able to verify the safety of these extremely dangerous devices that emit microwave radiation 24/7 and which cannot be turned off.” The press release does not specify the science-based evidence upon which the council based its decision. Louie did not immediately respond to a request for comment Friday. (more)

Band members get $5K for prison land

by Contributed - Castanet Mar 22, 2013 / 4:32 pm
According to the Oliver Daily News, members of the Osoyoos Indian Band will be paid $5,000 each, for the use of land for the new correctional centre.  Later this month, cheques will be distributed to each adult member of the band. Each child will receive the same amount, but it will be held in trust until they reach the age of majority. Population figures vary depending on where you get your information. Statistics Canada says there were 600 persons living on the reserve in 2006, but only 320 listed as aboriginals. According to further information, provided by the OIB:. There are 511 band members receiving per capita distribution for a total payout of $2,555,000. The number of members 19 and under is 190. The number of members living off the reserve is 332.

By Joe Fries - Penticton Western News Published: August 14, 2012 4:00 PM

Three sites at either end of the Okanagan Valley were short-listed as potential homes for a new jail, but the deciding factors remain locked up in secrecy.  The B.C. government eventually settled on a plot in a new business park outside Oliver that’s owned by the Osoyoos Indian Band. Premier Christy Clark made the announcement there in February, and the 360-cell provincial remand centre is expected to open in 2016. Two of the seven sites offered by the Village of Lumby also made the top three, but pitches from the District of Summerland and the Penticton Indian Band did not, according to government documents, and it’s unclear what set those proposals apart from each other or the eventual winner.  (more)

Hoosegow cash cow

Saturday, 10 March 2012 02:00 ROY WOOD Kelowna Daily Courier:

The recently announced provincial jail near Oliver will have a 20-year financial impact approaching a billion dollars on the South Okanagan, says Penticton's economic development officer.  In a 2011 report to Penticton chief administrative officer Annette Antoniak, David Arsenault said: "We estimate that the overall direct and indirect economic impact of the facility in the South Okanagan will add an additional $824 million in new revenue to our local economy in the next 20 years."  The report was written with Penticton in mind as the site, but Arsenault said in a recent interview the overall numbers still pertain even though the site will be about 30 kilometres south of the city.  The provincial correctional centre, announced early last month, will be built just north of Oliver on the Osoyoos Indian band's Senkulmen Enterprise Park, adjacent to the Jackson-Triggs winery.  The project is a partnership between the B.C. government and the Osoyoos band. Negotiations will involve "hundreds of meetings" with the province, said band Chief Clarence Louie.  However, Louie is hopeful the details can be worked out in a matter of months.  The provincial Ministry of Justice estimates that once a "comprehensive business case" has been developed, "we hope to go from shovels in the ground to full operations in 30 months." That would mean a likely opening in late 2015 or early 2016.  Construction will cost an estimated $200 million. According to the B.C. Construction Association, a project of this type would provide five person-years of employment per million dollars of construction cost, which translates into 1,000 person-years of employment work for the South Okanagan construction industry.  As for ongoing  employment, a release from the ministry says the new jail "will directly employ about 240 correctional staff. In addition, a number of contracted staff will work on site, like nurses, doctors, dentists, food service workers, trades personnel and counsellors."  According to Arsenault's report, the 893 direct and indirect jobs associated with the correctional centre will result in an annual payroll of about $40 million, leading to $2.3 million in provincial tax revenue and $2.6 million in local taxes.  For Penticton, Arsenault said, there will be increased traffic at the airport along with increased need for health, counselling, legal, food preparation, educational, security and other services. (more) 

West Kelowna makes Kraft Hockeyville top 15

By Kelowna Capital News - Kelowna Capital News Published: March 03, 2012 9:00 AM
Let the votin begin.  West Kelowna is one 15 communities across Canada that will compete for the title of Kraft Hockeyville, named during the first period intermission of the Vancouver-Buffalo game on Hockey Night In Canada.  Voting has begun on the first phase of the contest, which will see a winner chosen from each of the five regions.  At stake for the Kraft Hockeyville final 5 will be $100,000 in improvements to the community's local arena, chance to host an NHL exhibition game and earning the moniker of "soul of the game" for the next year.  The Pacific Region will see West Kelowna grouped with Campbell River and Osoyoos.(more)

Votes can be submitted two ways, either online at www.krafthockeyville.ca or via toll-free telephone at 1-866-533-8066.

Politicians salaries in Osoyoos will stay put

ALJE KAMMINGA/Special to The Pentiction Herald
Tuesday, October 18, 2011Salaries for Osoyoos‘s mayor and councillors are fine the way they are, says a committee asked to review and recommend salary levels for the incoming council.  The committee, made up of three Osoyoos residents – two of the original five stepped down – said no to a salary increase for the mayor, no to a salary increase for the four councillors and no to any adjustment in the out-of-town per-diem rate of $100. However, they did vote to maintain annual cost-of-living salary adjustments and to add a half-day per-diem rate for out-of-town meetings.  On Monday, council thanked the committee and voted unanimously to accept its recommendations. It also accepted a separate suggestion that a similar committee be established every three years, preferably a few months before the municipal elections.  Other than the annual cost-of-living increases, the mayor and council members have not had a salary increase in more than five years. A bylaw amendment passed in May 2006 set the mayor‘s base salary at $20,811. Councillors receive $13,827. With the cost-of-living increases factored in, the mayor now receives about $22,772, while councillors earn approximately $15,130. One-third of those totals are tax free.  The mayor and councillors receive health-care benefits and accident insurance similar to that town staff. They also have an option to buy additional coverage for family members. And, they receive $100 a day when representing Osoyoos at meetings out of town. The remuneration committee did not address health-care benefits.  In his presentation to council, committee member Roy Wood said councillors in Osoyoos were the highest paid of those in the 16 communities surveyed. The average, he said, was just over $11,000. The mayor‘s salary was fourth highest.  Mayor Stu Wells applauded the committee for its efforts, adding that he felt it was the duty of the outgoing council to help set the pay scale for the new council “since they wouldn‘t have a clear understanding of what is going on with council.”  Based on their interviews, councillors were split on whether they were being adequately compensated.  “A soft no. It takes a lot of time to be a good councillor,” was one comment.  Another, while “not unhappy,” said “we are not paid enough.” A third said the salary was fine and “the health-care plan is great.” There was also some diversity in how much time councillors spend on town business. One estimated 128 hours a month, and the others estimated between 70 and 90 hours. Mayor Stu Wells told the committee his time commitment is between 160 and 240 hours per month.

South Okanagan Secondary inferno

by Daniel Hayduk - CASTANET Sep 12, 2011 / 6:00 am

Photo: Contributed - Jack Bennest

An early morning fire at the South Okanagan Secondary School has reportedly engulfed much of the structure.  Oliver Fire Department Retired Fire Chief Richard Simmons says the blaze at 10332-350 Avenue reportedly started at approximately 2 a.m. on September 12.  "There's about 30 guys on scene," says Simmons, noting that additional manpower has been called in from Osoyoos and Okanagan Falls.  The school is currently undergoing renovations, and initial reports suggest the new area and the Frank Venables Auditorium have been destroyed.SOSS serves students from Oliver, Osoyoos and surrounding communities. More details to come.

Osoyoos undertakes service review

Penticton Western News December 02, 2010
 Osoyoos will undergo a three-month review of the town’s structure and operations.  Council awarded the contract to Helios Group, the same management consulting firm that provided the core services review for the City of Penticton that has resulted in a number changes including reduced staffing levels. “It’s time for us to check and see that we are able to deliver the services that our residents need in a sustainable and effective way,” said Osoyoos Mayor Stu Wells. He notes that a number of other governments have conducted operational reviews in recent years, saying it is prudent for local councils to have such studies done every few years to ensure that they are operating local services effectively and efficiently. “Independent reviews carried out by reputable management consulting firms like Helios provide unbiased professional assessments and recommendations — and we look forward to the results of this process,” added Wells.

Osoyoos chief administrative officer Barry Romanko said the review will look at a number of issues including which town business activities should be considered compulsory and which are discretionary, the best organizational structure and staffing level for the town administration, a staff succession plan to deal with retirements, and financial planning strategies to achieve needed capital and operational improvements.  The review will begins this month and will include interviews with councillors and town staff as well as a review of local services and comparisons with the structure and operations of a number of similar municipalities.  The project is scheduled to be completed by Feb. 15, 2011 which will allow council to consider its recommendations during preparation of the town’s 2011-12 budget. It will be the first time in 18 years that a third-party study of the municipality’s structure and operations has been conducted.

Osoyoos Council orders review

CASTANET Sep 22, 2010 / 12:00 pm
Osoyoos Council has ordered an independent review of the Town’s structure and operations to ensure that its organization, staffing and financial arrangements are as efficient and effective as they can be. Council has voted to issue a Request for Proposals seeking submissions from consultants or companies which could conduct the operational review. The intent is to select a reviewer shortly and have the third-party review completed within three months so its recommendations can be considered by Council during preparation of the Town’s 2011 budget.

Mayor Stu Wells notes that the last evaluation of the Town’s administrative structure and functions was conducted 18 years ago. “There has been nothing done on this since 1992. It’s time for us to check and see that we are able to deliver the services that our residents need in a sustainable and effective way,” says Wells. “We want to make sure that we are doing what we’re supposed to be doing in a responsible and efficient manner.” He says that a number of other governments have conducted operational reviews in recent years and it is the prudent thing to do. “We should be formally checking every five years to ensure that we are operating in the best way we can.”

Council recognizes that the study may cost approximately $30,000 however, it views this as a prudent expenditure of funds to ensure that the right services are being provided in the most effective and efficient manner. Third-party review of municipal operations provides the most unbiased and professional assessments and recommendations to Council and the Chief Administrative Officer. In discussing the need for a review, the mayor and councillors noted the need to consider Town operations in today’s environment – with slow economic growth, increasing demands for services for residents, the downloading of service responsibilities from other levels of government, the need to replace some Osoyoos facilities, and the requirements of being an official B.C. resort municipality. Council also noted that some key Town staff will retire within the next five years therefore a succession plan is needed to ensure that the community attracts competent staff.

The reviewer will be asked to look at a number of issues, including:

Town business activities which should be considered compulsory and which are discretionary.

The best organizational structure and staffing level for the Town administration.

A staff succession plan to deal with retirements.

Financial planning strategies to achieve needed capital and operational improvements.

Oliver, Osoyoos - Subject of Public Notification Arrested

File # 2009-0000 2009-11-30 11:46 PST RCMP

On the evening of November 29, 2009, members of the Oliver/Osoyoos detachment attended the residence of Ronald Teneycke to investigate a report of threats in which Teneycke was alleged to be the suspect. Members found Teneycke at the residence under the influence of drugs and alcohol contrary to his release conditions. Members went to arrest Teneycke who failed to comply with the arrest and ended up fleeing in his vehicle. On the morning of November 30, 2009, Ronald Teneycke contacted the Oliver/Osoyoos RCMP and was arrested without incident. Teneycke is currently in custody to appear in court later today or tomorrow.

Background:
On November 20th, 2009, Ronald Arthur Teneycke was the subject of a public notification by the Ministry of Public Safety and Solicitor General, Correction Branch. The notification advised the public that Teneycke, 47 years of age, 185 cm tall, 97 kgs, brown hair and brown eyes was currently residing in Gallagher lake. Teneycke has a criminal history including violent and sexual offences. He has also been known to use weapons. Past victims include teenage and adult females. Teneycke is subject to court-ordered conditions including: Not to possess any weapons, Not to be outside of his residence between 11:00pm and 7:00am, and to abstain completely from the consumption of any alcoholic beverage or illegal drugs.

Osoyoos awards tourism contract

Castanet Oct 3, 2009 / 4:30 pm:

The Town of Osoyoos announced recently it will award a three-year contract to the Destination Osoyoos Development Society for the provision of tourism marketing and visitor services from 2010 through 2012. The contract, for $120,000 per year, is the result of four months of negotiations between Town Council and Destination Osoyoos, as well as input from a major community forum held in April to determine the public’s wishes on the future of economic development services in Osoyoos. Since the late-1990s DO has provided tourism and economic development services for the town. The most recent five-year agreement – for $226,000 per year – ends December 31, 2009. The new contract, which eliminates economic development from DO’s services for the Town, will begin January 1, 2010.

Osoyoos Mayor Stu Wells says the Town’s review of DO’s services, along with submissions from citizens and groups at the community forum in April, has led the town to consider operating economic development services directly from Town Hall. “As a result of that public input session, Council has made the decision to move in a different direction for economic development on behalf of the community,” says Wells. “At the same time, we look forward to a continuation of the strong results Destination Osoyoos provides in the areas of tourism marketing and visitor services. We recognize the excellent work that DO has done over the years to position Osoyoos as a destination of choice, with greatly improved visitor experiences.” Wells says the new agreement with Destination Osoyoos confirms Council’s commitment to ensure that Osoyoos’ $70-million tourism industry will continue to receive tax-based support. At the same time, he says, Council feels that the development and marketing of the local tourism industry is best carried out by an organization which is driven by the business community and which has flexibility in delivering services.

Destination Osoyoos Board of Directors Chair, Derek Noske, says their organization has enjoyed the opportunity to oversee economic development on behalf of the town. “Over those years, our town has seen numerous changes and we sincerely thank the town for the trust they placed with Destination Osoyoos. We wish Council every success as they embark on a different path for this vital community service.” Barry Romanko, the Town’s Chief Administrative Officer, says contract negotiations between the town and Destination Osoyoos included a review of the services provided, the benefits of different service models, the reporting processes between the two organizations, strategic plans for each service area, and the provincial Resort Municipality funding of approximately $200,000 per year for local tourism-related improvements, which has been administered by DO. He says as of January 1, the town will take over administration of those monies. “DO will continue to work with the local tourism industry to co-ordinate spending of the approximately $200,000 raised each year in Osoyoos by the two-per-cent Additional Hotel Room Tax (AHRT) for tourism promotion. DO also retains its long-term contract with Tourism BC to operate the BC Visitor Centre in Osoyoos.”

Romanko says details of the town’s new contract with DO for tourism marketing and visitor services have not been finalized. “We will work out the definitions of services to be provided to the town, reconfirm communication systems between our two organizations, and we will both commit to work together in a spirit of collegiality for the betterment of our community.” He says public accountability for the public funding to Destination Osoyoos will be achieved by Town Council having two non-voting members on DO’s Board of Directors, with one of them on the Board’s executive.

COUNCIL DECIDES NOT TO PURSUE ALLEGATIONS AGAINST WELLS

OSOYOOS TIMES-March 25, 2009- By Karen Knelsen Osoyoos Times

Osoyoos town council voted unanimously on March 20 not to pursue any action against Mayor Stu Wells based on conflict of interest allegations raised last month. A special public meeting publicized legal advice the Town received on the matter. In mid-February, a group calling themselves the Concerned Citizens of Osoyoos (CCOO), led by Ray Vandenberg, Jean Clarke and Robert Schuster, brought forth allegations of conflict of interest against Wells, all referring to 13 different matters he voted on as councillor between 2006 and 2008. Barry Romanko, the Town’s chief administrative officer, said that, based on legal advice sought by the Town, there is no evidence that the mayor, or any other parties, benefitted financially in voting matters regarding Vista Norte Development Ltd. The development group is owned by Michael and Donna Mortimer who own shares in a separate company called Palmilla Properties with Wells. CCOO alleged that Wells was in conflict when he voted on any developments being applied for by Vista Norte. Wells has said even though he owns shares in Palmilla Properties with the Mortimers, he has never benefitted from Vista Norte’s dealings and he was not yet sworn into office when council voted on a Vista Norte application for a marina in 2005.

They also claimed he was in conflict when he voted on development applications for other projects including the Watermark Beach Resort and the Indigo condominium project. Clarke said the reason her group believes Wells was in conflict when voting on projects not related to Vista Norte is because Wells is a developer. “He has an overall interest in development in Osoyoos,” Clarke said. “That’s why those issues were mentioned. This is how we saw it, it showed a pattern.” It was also alleged that Wells was in conflict whenever he voted on the proposed Northwest Sewer Project because he is a one-third owner of a house located in the area the project would affect. This was the only allegation the Town’s lawyers identified as having any possible grounds for conflict of interest. Romanko said the lawyers reported that since the property Wells shares title on could gain value from the connection of the Town’s sewage system to the northwest shore of Osoyoos Lake, he may have been in conflict by voting on it. But the lawyers noted that Wells sought legal advice on the matter of conflict before attending the vote on the project and the lawyers felt that seeking the advice proves a show of good faith, and is enough to excuse him from any possible conflict claims. Romanko also said the lawyers’ report noted that since Wells was serving as councillor during the time the votes in question were made, and that since he now serves as mayor and there has been an election in the interceding time, the allegations are now irrelevant.

It was Coun. Margaret Chadsey who made the motion not to proceed with forwarding the allegations to the B.C. Supreme Court and Coun. C.J. Rhodes seconded the motion. “I was elected as a councillor to do something very simple for this town, and that’s to do the right thing,” Rhodes said. He added that he was happy with the results of the legal opinions, but expressed displeasure at the amount of money and time spent on a matter apparently having no legal grounds. Chadsey also spoke, expressing hope the matter is behind them. “The role of council is multifaceted and we have so much work to do. This takes up too much of our time,” she said. “I hope that this is the end of it.” Although Coun. Ted Cronmiller was absent from the special meeting, the three councillors present plus Wells were enough to make up the necessary two-third majority for the vote.

In Romanko’s opening statements he explained the Community Charter included sections which allowed Wells to sit in on the meeting’s deliberations and cast his own vote. However, Wells voluntarily excused himself from the mayor’s chair and Coun. Michael Ryan, as acting mayor for the month of March, chaired the meeting. Romanko also explained that a group of at least 10 Osoyoos residents could continue to pursue the conflict allegations on their own. Clarke, who was present at the special meeting with Schuster and Vandenberg to hear council’s decision, said that despite the legal advice heard on Wells’ good faith actions in the matter of the sewage project, he did not follow due process. She said she was disappointed with council’s decision and added that Wells, instead of seeking legal advice beforehand, should have recused himself from matters in which he was concerned about potential conflict of interest, not the other way around. According to the minutes of council meetings, Wells at no time recused himself from any matters before him. Schuster took exception to Rhodes’ concern over money spent by the Town to investigate the matter, saying it cost his group only a little over $1,000 in legal fees. He also said their legal opinions directly contradicted those received by the Town. Clarke said the group did their homework and wouldn’t have gone to the Town if they weren’t sure of their grounds. But Vandenberg said the group won’t be pursuing the matter further. “I’m satisfied with the outcome for the simple reason he knows now he has to watch his step,” Vandenberg said. “I’m not prepared to spend a whole bunch of money to take it to supreme court. “I still believe we would win but it’s not good for the town.” Vandenberg said Wells slandered the group by calling them liars and asked for a public apology.

Conflict controversy not over yet for mayor

Joe Fries 2009-03-21 Kelowna Daily Courier:

Forgiveness from town council came easy for Osoyoos Mayor Stu Wells, but a citizens group seeking to have him removed from office doesn‘t plan to give up without a fight. At a special meeting Friday morning, council heard that Wells was in a conflict of interest when he voted on a bylaw regarding the Willow Beach sewer extension on Oct. 20, 2008, while still a councillor. However, according to a legal opinion obtained recently by the town, Wells had been told incorrectly by his own lawyer prior to the vote that there was no conflict, and so he had acted in good faith. The town‘s legal opinion dealt with three complaints brought forward earlier this month by the Concerned Citizens of Osoyoos. It shot down two of the allegations, leaving only the Willow Beach bylaw at issue. Acting on the legal opinion, council unanimously agreed Friday not to proceed with further action against the mayor. Interestingly, the Community Charter allowed Wells a vote on the matter.

The Community Charter also leaves one further avenue of recourse for the Concerned Citizens of Osoyoos: a B.C. Supreme Court application to have Wells removed from office. Speaking on behalf of the group, Rob Schuster said such an application was to be filed Friday afternoon. However, a court clerk in Penticton said while someone did inquire about making an application, no document was filed. After learning of the group‘s intention to continue the fight in court, Wells said he was “not really” concerned: “That‘s part of a democratic process, I guess.” That the Willow Beach conflict dates back to the previous council only further muddies the water. “If I was in conflict there, that would have affected that term of office only,” Wells said.

At issue is a private development that would see 1,000-plus new housing units built at Willow Beach on the north end of Osoyoos Lake. Although the area is under the jurisdiction of the Regional District of Okanagan-Similkameen, the developer wants to have the sewage collected and treated by the town. Wells is a partner in a property that‘s outside town boundaries near Willow Beach and which could tie in to the new sewage service, thereby increasing the property‘s value. Thus, by supporting the sewer extension, Wells was in a conflict of interest, according to the town‘s legal opinion. However, Wells says he sought a legal opinion before the vote because he was concerned about a possible conflict. Politicians are excused from many conflicts of interest because they vote in favour of the common good, whereby they receive no more benefit from something than anyone else. But, because Wells‘ property lies outside town boundaries, the common-good provision of the Community Charter doesn‘t apply, contrary to what Wells says his lawyer told him. According to the town‘s legal opinion, though, because Wells sought legal advice, regardless of its reliability, he was acting in good faith when he voted on the bylaw.
Wells was not asked by town council to submit proof he received the verbal legal opinion, and his claim to have received the advice was only made public Friday. Schuster dismissed the news of Wells‘ verbal legal consultation. “We don‘t believe it,” he said. The Willow Beach bylaw stalled after second reading in October 2008 pending further negotiations between the town and the RDOS.

Osoyoos council considers conflict of interest charge

Published: March 17, 2009 6:00 PM Penticton Western News:

On Friday, residents of Osoyoos will learn more about whether Stu Wells will continue as their mayor. The Concerned Citizens of Osoyoos group charged Mayor Wells with conflict of interest in his voting as councillor and mayor over the past several years. The issues arose because Wells is in partnership with a local development company. “There’s no news now, but council will be dealing with this matter in a special meeting on Friday,” said Osoyoos CAO, Barry Romanko. “We still need to clarify something within that legal opinion (we currently have) and then council will discuss the additional clarification information and then make a decision as to which way they’re going to proceed. That’s what they will let the public know.” Council will meet in camera at 8:30 a.m. Friday to resolve the issue. At 9 a.m. it will host a public meeting on the issue at council chambers.

Mayor’s ethics in question

Laurena Weninger, Special to The Herald Tuesday, March 3, 2009 OSOYOOS

Allegations of conflict of interest against Osoyoos Mayor Stu Wells are going to be investigated further, after Osoyoos town council decided Monday to seek a comprehensive legal opinion on the matter. “In all honesty, I don‘t know where to go. I don‘t know what to say and do,” said Coun. CJ Rhodes at a committee of the whole meeting on Monday. “I don‘t even want to express an opinion at this time.” Council is trying to decide how to proceed regarding conflict of interest claims against Wells, which were received by a letter dated Feb. 18. Council is now looking for an opinion on the legitimacy of the claims, as well as information about who will pay for legal fees if this matter is forwarded to the B.C. Supreme Court. Rhodes and Coun. Michael Ryan were the only councillors at the meeting, in addition to Wells – the one at the centre of the accusations by a group calling themselves the Concerned Citizens of Osoyoos (CCOO). “It‘s a track record that is not a one-off,” said Jean Clarke, from CCOO.

It was during last fall‘s election that she started looking into the history of council motions, and she insists Wells should have excused himself from more than 20 of those decisions. Wells won the mayor‘s seat last November, after one term as councillor. He is retired from his previous occupation doing installation and repair for Telus, after 36 years. The CCOO is arming themselves with prior council minutes, copies of company ownership (Wells is listed as a director of Palmilla Properties Inc., along with Osoyoos‘ Michael Mortimer and Oliver‘s John Dimma), and a “flow chart of events” outlining their concerns. They are naming decisions made by council affecting Vista Norte Development Ltd. (also owned by Mortimer), Gateway Marine Limited (owned by Michael and Donna Mortimer) – and claiming that Wells has a direct business connection with the parties. They say Wells has “pecuniary” interest, and stood to gain from council‘s decisions – but they are also claiming that ultimately, because Wells is part owner of a development company, he shouldn‘t be allowed to vote regarding any development in the town. They also cite council‘s decision to extend sewer to the northwest part of Osoyoos, including the Willow Beach development as an issue, claiming a conflict because Wells‘ personal residence will also be serviced by the new system.

Wells is denying any conflict. “I am highly disputing the basic premise of the group,” said Wells at Monday‘s meeting. “This is very, very serious business. Some very serious allegations that I consider untruths.” He said the council will work through the issues surrounding the claims, but that people should just “cool it and take it as serious as it is,” and that there are laws against spreading such untruths. “I am taking these unfounded allegations and threats very seriously,” Wells stated in a written statement on Monday. “I am discussing with the police whether the attempt to use false accusations to pressure me to resign constitutes the criminal offences of uttering threats or blackmail. And I am discussing with legal counsel whether to proceed with a lawsuit in the Supreme Court of British Columbia against these people for defamatory libel.”
In a letter to the other councillors, he states, “It is difficult to respond to information that is inaccurate, fabricated, and completely false. These accusations come with absolutely no proof and make charges that make no sense.” He continues, “I find this a vile process, and wonder why council would even entertain meeting with this group.” He states there is no pecuniary contract, and calls the statement about a mortgage link to Palmilla and Mortimer “hogwash.”

The CCOO doesn‘t think it is hogwash. “It‘s got to do with justice to the people,” said Ray Vandenberg, from CCOO. He is working with Clarke and Rob Schuster to bring the alleged conflict to light. “You have Stu Wells and Mike Mortimer as shareholders of a company called Palmilla Properties,” Schuster said, adding that Mortimer owns Vista Norte as well. “We feel that Mr. Wells should not have voted on any issues involving Mr. Mortimer.” The Community Charter, which regulates municipal activities, states councillors must declare a direct or indirect interest that would prove to be in conflict with discussions or decisions. It also makes exception for certain things, including if the interest of the council member is an interest in common with electors of the municipality generally. Schuster himself is not without connection to Mortimer. According to an article in the Osoyoos Times of June 25, 2008, Schuster‘s participation on the town‘s finance committee was thrown into question, because of his own financial background. The committee‘s function is to review and make recommendations on the grant-in-aid applications the town receives each year. The article states Schuster declared bankruptcy in August of 2007, owing liabilities in the amount of $80,957 – and a number of Osoyoos residents lent Schuster money and never received repayment. Mortimer told the reporter he lent Schuster more than $30,000 for financial support the now-defunct Okanagan Sun newspaper.
But Schuster won‘t confirm if bad blood is behind the conflict of interest allegations, saying that this isn‘t about Mortimer, it is about Wells. “It‘s irrelevant to the issue,” he said. “I‘m going to make no comment on that issue. It‘s irrelevant.” Council will seek legal opinion, and attempt to deal with the matter as soon as possible, at a special council meeting.