Vernon to get new library

February 25, 2010 by Lynn Knell Shuswap News:

At a press conference on Monday, February 22, 2010, the Chair of the Okanagan Regional Library (ORL) Board, Ted Bacigalupo announced that a new library branch will be built at 2808 30th Ave. in Vernon. The land and financing needed to build the new facility has been made possible by a co-operation between the City of Vernon, the North Okanagan Regional District (NORD) and the ORL.

Download: architectural concept drawings document.

The city is generously selling the land, which has been a parking lot for many years, to the ORL for the grand sum of $10 and also waiving the costs for zoning and bylaw issues. Scheduled to be open by 2013, the new library will replace the present undersized one on 32nd Ave. Chairman Bacigalupo commented on the project, “The current branch is 13,000 square feet and according to ORL guidelines, it should be approximately 30,000 square feet for the population base it serves.” “The City is thankful it’s able to do this, and in some respects has to thank the vision and foresight of previous Councils,” said Vernon Mayor Wayne Lippert during the press conference. “This piece of land was purchased for an intersection that, at that time (the 1980s), they anticipated would be needed. Since then it has been surplus land, and I can tell you our Council is pleased it is now going to such an excellent use at no extra cost to the taxpayers of this community.”The NORD Board is also supporting this project by applying to the Municipal Finance Authority on the ORL’s behalf to borrow up to $11 million for construction costs. The new branch will have room to expand its collection and more room for programming, study spaces, and computer stations.

“Our customers are crowded in every corner of this building. For example, we squish 80-100 children and parents into our small children’s area for Monday’s storyime,” says Vernon Branch Head Maureen Curry. “We are absolutely thrilled we’ll be able to offer our customers more comfort and expanded services in the new building.”

Valley leaders collaborate

Monday, January 11th, 2010 | 9:40 am Contributed Kelowna.com

In December 2009, Mayors of the Okanagan’s four largest communities met with the three Okanagan regional district Chairs to exchange ideas, identify challenges and discover new ways to create solutions. “If we work together, we can streamline planning and policies and create a solid support system for our communities to flourish,” Kelowna Mayor Sharon Shepherd says. Mayors and Chief Administrative Officers from Kelowna, Vernon, Penticton and West Kelowna joined the South, North and Central Okanagan Regional District Chairs and Administrators to discuss various issues. This collaboration is intended to provide an opportunity to create greater community cohesion between Okanagan municipalities and Regional Districts. “Multi-jurisdictional cooperation is a real first step in the right direction to address strategic issues for all the citizens of the Okanagan and Similkameen valleys,” says Penticton Mayor Dan Ashton, reflecting on the meeting.

Topics included a proposal for a Valley Homicide Team, Bylaw Officer Authority and Identification, improved BC Transit service throughout the valley, fire dispatch and emergency planning and various waste/environmental issues.

Funds sought for police academy

Richard Rolke - Vernon Morning Star Published: December 19, 2009 12:00 PM

Efforts are underway to maintain a popular program that introduces youth to law enforcement. The RCMP are currently looking at ways to operate the Jean Minguy Memorial Youth Academy after Vernon School District funding dissolved. “We do have a plan in place for sustainable funding,” said Insp. Reg Burgess. Specifically, the goal is to fundraise through an adopt-a-cadet program. “We would put it out to businesses and community groups to sponsor a child,” said Burgess. “That kind of program has worked in other communities.” The cost of the academy is $500, with the student previously paying $250 and their school contributing $250. However, tight budgets forced the school district to withdraw any funding.

“There is administration time we’re putting into it but no actual dollars,” said Joe Rogers, the district’s director of student learning. The problem, according to Rogers, is there is no provincial funding available because the academy does not provide credits towards high school graduation. This year, each student will pay $300 and organizers hope the remaining $200 can be fundraised. “We think it’s an important program and we’re working with the RCMP on it,” said Rogers. Six or seven businesses have already agreed to sponsorship, but based on the 40 students that participated this year, about $8,000 is required. The local RCMP detachment is also looking within its budget to see if some money may be available for the academy. But Burgess is hopeful the community will rally behind the initiative. “The idea is to set it up so it’s totally sustainable,” he said. Most of the expenses go towards rent and food at the army camp, which is used to simulate RCMP depot training for a week.

City of Vernon officials are pushing to have the academy continue. “It’s a very worthwhile project,” said Coun. Bob Spiers. “It keeps our youth pointed in the right direction and it’s been very successful.”

Oly Torch Run Comes With A Cost

Peter McIntyre Wednesday, 16 December 2009 10:19107.5 KISSFM:

City of Vernon taxpayers will be contributing ten thousand dollars to make sure there's adequate washrooms when the Olympic Torch Run stops here. Councillor Jack Gilroy says the funding wouldn't have been needed had the upgrades to Polson Park gone ahead sooner."All of a sudden we didn't get our washroom built in Polson Park, and I don't want to be the guy to explain to the mom's with the kids that have to go to the bathroom, that they have to go behind a tree, because the washrooms are closed."

The Torch Run comes through Vernon January 26th when a community celebration will be held in the park. Gilroy says the stop will be viewed by "billions" of people around the world. The councillor who is on the organizing committee for the local event, says the rest of the $69,000 to stage the event will come from the Vancouver Olympic organizers and Sport BC.

Fee structure splits council

Richard Rolke - Vernon Morning Star Published: December 15, 2009 7:00 PM

Developers are facing a new formula to pay for infrastructure, and that has created a rift among Vernon politicians. Council voted 4-3 Monday to give three readings to a development cost charges bylaw. DCCs are money municipalities levy to offset the cost of infrastructure required because of a new development.

Vigorous opposition came from Coun. Bob Spiers during the 90-minute debate. “Development should pay for itself so the projects on the list should be accurate and complete,” he said of the infrastructure eligible for DCCs. As an example, Spiers said the biosolids fertilizer facility is not included and he believes figures are under-estimated for the sewer treatment plant. “Therefore, it is a transfer of costs from developers to sewer ratepayers.” Attempts by Spiers to have the bylaw deferred so staff could provide more detail were shot down. Also voting against the bylaw were Councillors Mary-Jo O’Keefe and Patrick Nicol. “I thought we could have done a bit more work on it,” said Nicol of the bylaw. “This was the first time we openly discussed it.”

But the rest of council backed the bylaw which was presented by staff and a consultant. “There’s been a lot of work done by staff,” said Coun. Jack Gilroy. One aspect of the bylaw is varying DCCs depending on where development occurs. In attempt to revitalize the city’s central core and increase density, fees would be lowered for development closer into downtown. As development occurs farther out, the DCCs would increase. “It reflects the policies and guidelines in our official community plan,” said Coun. Buffy Baumbrough. The concept of trying to limit growth at the far extremities of the communities was also supported by Coun. Shawn Lee. “We have to stand by our OCP and the OCP calls for density grading,” he said. Final adoption of the bylaw is expected to occur in early 2010.

Vernon pumps $10,000 into Olympic relay

Richard Rolke - Vernon Morning Star Published: December 15, 2009 7:00 PM

The Olympic spirit will put Vernon taxpayers financially on the hook. City council agreed Monday to provide up to $10,000 for the Olympic torch relay celebrations in Polson Park Jan. 26. “It doesn’t mean we have to spend the $10,000. It’s just there if we need it,” said Coun. Jack Gilroy, who is chairman of the local Spirit of B.C. committee. The primary reason for the funding is to ensure there are washrooms available for the thousands of people expected to turn out for Olympics festivities. “We didn’t get washrooms built in Polson Park so we had to find some money for (temporary) washrooms,” said Gilroy. Year-round bathrooms are planned for Polson Park but construction will not begin until next spring, while the existing facilities are only designed for summer use and are shut down during the winter. The temporary washrooms will also be used during Winter Carnival activities.

The total budget for the torch relay celebrations is $65,000, with much of that coming from federal and provincial sources. “We hope to make it a terrific event for the community,” said Michelle Jefferson, tourism manager, However, other associated costs could impact the city, including security. “The RCMP are looking after that and we will be using bylaw enforcement and community policing,” said Jefferson. City works crews may also be required for putting up barricades and other duties, but that could be partially covered as part of the $10,000. Gilroy believes celebration will boost local enthusiasm leading up to the Vancouver Winter Olympics and will have long-term benefits for the area. “It (torch relay) will be broadcast all over the world and that’s great for Vernon,” he said.

DCC Bylaw Draws Debate

Peter McIntyre Tuesday, 15 December 2009 107.5 KISSFM:

A debate on development cost charges dominated Monday's Vernon council meeting. Council members spent 90 minutes hearing from a consultant and then discussing a new bylaw outlining the fees charged to developers, before voting 4-3 to move ahead with it. The bylaw was given three readings, meaning final approval could come early in the new year. Councillor Bob Spiers was the most vocal opponent, feeling developers should pay more including for the new sewer plant. "So every time you sit on the throne, you can remember you're rates are a little bit higher than they should be."

It's the city's first major review of the DCC bylaw in 15 years. After the long debate, Councillor Jack Gilroy led a motion to endorse the new policy, with the new rates starting as soon as the bylaw is adopted. "I support the OCP (official community plan) wholeheartedly because it was created by the citizens, and this follows the OCP, and if we get the development downtown and create the community we want downtown, I'm very happy with changing the DCC's." Under the plan, DCC's will be cheaper in the downtown core where the city is encouraging new development. DCC's on larger homes in areas farther away from the core, are proposed to increase in the range of 20 percent.

Mayor Wayne Lippert feels developers will pay their fair share. "DCC's pay for the capital projects that are created from growth and development is growth so if it's paying for itself, it's there. You can't use it for maintenance or operations so I believe it is fair." Also opposed to the bylaw motion were Patrick Nicol and Mary Jo O'Keefe.

DCC Debate

Tue, 2009-12-15 09:39. Kate Bouey - Vernon 105.5 SUNFM

Vernon city council has given 1st, 2nd and 3rd reading to a complicated bylaw that sets the charges developers must pay towards capital costs, such as roads and sewers. Councillor Bob Spiers lost his bid to send the matter back to city staff for more detail. He believes taxpayers will be forking over millions for some big ticket items, such things as the sewer treatment plant, when developers should pay more. Councillor Jack Gilroy approved the motion saying it's time to implement parts of the Official Community Plan. Mayor Wayne Lippert says developers still have time to question the by-law before it gets final approval. Spiers says the city has spent about 200-thousand dollars on a consultant's report on development cost charges.

Vernon OCP website up and running

by Contributed - Story: 51480 Dec 14, 2009 / 4:15 pm CASTANET

An on-line tool to monitor the implementation of the Vernon 2008 Official Community Plan is up and running. The Vernon See-It webpage launched today and can be accessed through the City of Vernon web site. See-It is an online tool that provides community members with up-to-date information about the City’s goals, strategies and actions as the Official Community Plan is implemented. The webpage provides the whole community the opportunity to conveniently track the City’s success in meeting the goals of OCP 2008 and achieving the overall vision of the community. The Vernon See-It webpage also includes the 2009 Council Strategic Priorities. Members of the public are invited to have a look at how council is doing. Vernon City staff say the site is updated regularly and ask people to check back often and submit a comment or question on any topic.

December 14, 2009 COUNCIL AGENDAS

Committee of the Whole

Start Time: 8:40am - December 14, 2009
Location: Council Chambers
Agenda Index Agenda Package

Regular Open Council Meeting

Start Time: 1:30pm - December 14, 2009
Location: Council Chambers
Agenda Index Agenda Package

Hesperia moves ahead

Richard Rolke - Vernon Morning Star Published: December 03, 2009 6:00 PM

Officials are confident public concerns about a city-driven housing project have been addressed. About 70 people attended an open house Wednesday that outlined the Hesperia Development Corporation’s revised plans for 1,000 units of market and attainable housing near Okanagan Avenue. “The turnout was steady for the entire three hours,” said Ken Stewart, president of the corporation, which is completely owned by the City of Vernon. “People came in concerned and I think the story boards gave them some answers. I don’t think anyone left angry.” The thrust behind Hesperia is to not only provide affordable housing, but units for people who have well-paying jobs but can’t afford to purchase a home. “The city doesn’t want skyrocketing prices to scare young families out of Vernon,” said Stewart. Immediate residents had worried the new subdivision, on 69 acres, would be accessed by Longacre and Apollo roads. However, the plan now calls for a new route to the east. “They wanted a new road to improve safety and we’ve done that,” said Stewart. Residents on the top side of Apollo Road had also expressed concern about privacy if the present grazing lands become housing. But Stewart says the design now has trails and parks along the property line. “It will give them a buffer and there will be quite a distance before there are homes. They will still have privacy.”

Questions have revolved around sewer, and Stewart says existing residents can enter into discussions with the city to possibly connect to the service. The next step for the corporation is to apply to the city for zoning over the next six months and present its development plan. Installation of water, sewer and roads could begin in late 2010. “After that, it will take us awhile to sell off the property to developers. We’re probably talking a 20-year timeline (for build-out),” said Stewart. Because development is long-term, Stewart believes that has also alleviated opposition from some of the public. “When they realize it could be 15 or 20 years before something happens behind their house, they calm down and say they may not be there in 10 years,” he said.

Hesperia Open House

Wed, 2009-12-02 09:21. Kate Bouey - Vernon 105.7 SUNFM:

City of Vernon staff present the public with a final draft of the plan for the Hesperia Lands off Okanagan Avenue.An open house is being held at Paddlewheel Park Hall beginning at five p-m Wednesday. Counsellor Mary-Jo O'Keefe says it's a last chance for the public to have their say. The city wants ``attainable'' housing in the mix on the 28-hectare site. O'Keefe says she is pleased the plan shows plenty of pathways and green space.

http://www.hesperialands.ca/

Transparency required

Richard Rolke - Vernon Morning Star Published: December 01, 2009 7:00 PM

There’s been a lot of fuss about Okanagan Regional Library hiking executive director Lesley Dieno’s salary nine per cent, but at least taxpayers know about it. On July 1, Vernon council increased chief administrative officer Leon Gous’s gross earnings to $150,000. And not a single peep was made publicly. “I can’t give a good reason as to why, after in-camera, a press release wasn’t issued,” said Coun. Mary-Jo O’Keefe when contacted. In 2008, Gous’ gross earnings (not including expenses and allowances) were $127,427. It’s projected to be $145,156 in 2009 (because the increase didn’t take effect until half-way through the year), and the $150,000 will be in place for all of 2010. Now council’s decision to increase Gous’ wages was made after reviewing remuneration for other similar-sized jurisdictions. “To be competitive, we need to get him up to that salary,” said O’Keefe. “We don’t want to be at the top of the spectrum but we don’t want so be so far down that we’re not competitive.”

Just like any business, retention of staff is crucial for local government and a key aspect to ensuring skilled, dedicated workers stick around is to compensate them properly. As an engineer, Gous could find numerous opportunities in the private sector while other municipalities may want to lure him over. So the real issue isn’t to do with increasing wages for Gous. The problem is a council, which claims to be transparent, didn’t take realistic measures to let residents know that their most senior employee is earning more, and the reasons behind that move. As part of the process, administration expenses were approved in the 2009 budget and then council determined raises based on performance. Gous’ details will be officially made public in the 2009 annual report when it is published in about June 2010, almost a year after the higher salary actually came into place.

It would be easy for council members to say the public doesn’t care about what civil servants are paid, but that would be wrong. Residents have no choice when it comes to paying taxes but they want assurances that it is being well spent and their best interest is being considered. And by making the information public, mayor and council can get some feedback from their bosses. Particularly at a time when many local residents have lost their jobs, had their wages frozen or retirement savings eaten away, they could tell council if such a spike in administration costs was a good move or out of touch during a recession. Releasing details about a raise 12 months after the fact is woefully inadequate as it doesn’t allow the public to provide input in a timely fashion. What kind of influence can they have over their elected officials? Perhaps council’s own actions on remuneration were the reason city officials didn’t wade into the fight over ORL paying Dieno more. “It’s their own budget and they have their own taxing authority,” Mayor Wayne Lippert told fellow North Okanagan Regional District directors as they were calling for heads at the library board last month. That is extremely true for the City of Vernon as well, and council is completely within its authority to increase remuneration for staff and itself for that matter. But for a council that preaches openness and disclosure, this was a break down in communications.

Company seeks tax relief

Richard Rolke - Vernon Morning Star Published: November 28, 2009 12:00 PM

A major player in B.C.’s forest sector wants to take a chainsaw to taxes. Tolko Industries is demanding that local and provincial governments take action to reduce what it believes is a significant burden on its operations. “Property taxes have become a matter of urgency for our company,” said Jim Baskerville, regional manager. Tolko pays about $2 million in taxes annually on seven properties it owns in the Okanagan, including in Lumby, Spallumcheen, Coldstream, Lake Country and the head office in downtown Vernon. At the same time, the company has been forced to lay off staff and close operations. “The forest industry has been in a desperate situation for a number of years,” said Baskerville.In approaching all of the jurisdictions it’s involved with, Tolko is asking for a fair distribution between the various taxation classes, reduced spending by government and tax reform. “We’re determined to see some changes that will bring equality to the system,” said Baskerville. As an example of reform, Baskerville says Alberta allows for tax holidays or reduced payments when operations are curtailed.

Baskerville has also warned that Tolko will be watching Vernon’s 2010 budget process and it is looking for diligence in spending and fiscal responsibility over “political agendas.” Mayor Wayne Lippert believes the city will consider Tolko’s concerns. “We’re aware of the taxes and how it affects all taxpayers,” he said. “Tolko is not the only ones with those concerns. We hear it constantly from the Downtown Vernon Association and the chamber of commerce.” Lippert is pleased with Tolko’s willingness to lobby the provincial government for changes in taxation policy, but he points out that taxes are required for services residents either require or want. “A small reduction for industry could lead to a large increase for residential taxpayers.” Lippert also invites Tolko to monitor budget deliberations just as any citizen or group can. “We do run an open process and they will have an opportunity to weigh in on those discussions and give input,” he said.

City protests relocation of office

Richard Rolke - Vernon Morning Star Published: November 26, 2009 6:00 PM

The City of Vernon isn’t convinced a provincial agency needs to leave town. Council wants to know if B.C. Assessment has a business case study to justify its decision to close the local office by Dec. 31, 2010. It also wants Community Development Minister Bill Bennett to review the closure. “I don’t see any reason why they should be consolidated (into Kelowna),” said Coun. Bob Spiers. “We’re losing 13 good-paying jobs and there’s no reason for it.”

Council’s decision came after a presentation from CUPE 1767, the union representing assessment employees. “The same level of service will not be maintained,” said president Kevin McPhail. While the agency claims clients prefer to use the telephone when making inquiries, McPhail says 260 people showed up at the front counter last year. “Difficult inquiries require face-to-face contact.” By consolidating the Vernon and Penticton operations in Kelowna, B.C. Assessment expects to save $441,000 annually. “We’re not sure where that will come from. Lease rates are higher in Kelowna than Vernon,” said McPhail. “We have put in Freedom of Information requests and have heard nothing back. It should be a transparent process. We should see where the savings are coming from.”

McPhail says the 13 local staff will likely move to Kelowna, creating a negative impact for Vernon. “These employees are actively involved in the community,” he said. City staff use the local office to access assessment information, and B.C. Assessment representatives must be familiar with building activity in Vernon. “The travel time (from Kelowna) to inspect places for building permits will eat into the savings,” said Spiers.

SIR Program Showing Benefits

Written by Peter McIntyre Thursday, 26 November 2009 10:52 107.5 KISSFM:

The money Okanagan communities are investing in the Sterile Insect Release program is paying off. That was the message from the program's vice chair Allan Patton who made a presentation to Vernon council. He says the initiative has made apples more valuable on the world market, and reduced chemical use in orchards by 97-thousand pounds since 1992. "Years ago when we had to deal with the codling moth problem, we basically filled up the valley with organo-phosphate sprays all summer long, and if you notice that just isn't happening anymore. It's been a huge benefit that way." Patton says the program has reduced codling moth damage to under one percent (0.2 %), in 90 percent of Okanagan orchards. Patton says SIR's budget last year was three million dollars, adding the amount funded through property tax fell from $2.3 million to $1.6 million. He says the goal is to eventually have farmers paying as much as residents, adding their budget has been declining for a "long time." Vernon homeowners pay anywhere from $6 to $20 a year for the program, which Patton says amount to "a couple of lattes a year.' The initiative applies nature-friendly technology to the control of codling moth, the BC tree fruit industry's most damaging and costly pest.

Baumbrough contests mayor’s appointments

Richard Rolke - Vernon Morning Star Published: November 24, 2009 7:00 PM

A Vernon politician isn’t hiding her displeasure about her duties for the coming year. Coun. Buffy Baumbrough has voted against the 2010 committee appointments because Mayor Wayne Lippert didn’t name her to the North Okanagan Regional District board, although that’s where she wanted to be. “There weren’t changes made to appointments based on that discussion so I won’t be supporting the motion,” she said. Baumbrough will continue to serve as an alternate to NORD, but she says promotion to full director would have made sense because of her involvement with the regional growth strategy, meat processing, air quality, Okanagan Basin Water Board and the Greater Vernon Advisory Committee. “I have a real interest in being part of the regional district,” she said. Baumbrough believes she would be an asset at the board table because it makes the final decision on any issues brought forward by GVAC. “It would be great to speak to the issues at NORD,” she said, adding that would provide clarity on recommendations.

Lippert defends his appointment process. “I interviewed all councillors and asked what their preferences would be. She indicated she’d like to be at the full NORD board,” he said. However, he opted to stay with himself and Councillors Patrick Nicol and Jack Gilroy as representatives to maintain some consistency. “Things have been working well there. The city has a good relationship with the board,” he said, adding that Baumbrough is a valuable part of the team and fills in when one of the main directors is absent. “Alternate directors can always report to the board.” In making appointments, Lippert says he was also attempting to reduce workload for some councillors, including Baumbrough. “Some councillors are on more committees than others so I’m trying to balance workload and involve people,” he said. For 2010, Baumbrough has been appointed to GVAC and the Okanagan Basin Water Board, and is an alternate to the regional growth management committee.

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Morning Star Editorial: Protest vote doesn’t help

Coun. Buffy Baumbrough has a point. She would be a good city of Vernon representative on the North Okanagan Regional District board. And it does match up nicely with her other responsibilities with the regional growth strategy, meat processing, air quality, Okanagan Water Basin Board and the Greater Vernon Advisory Committee. She even makes a strong case that her presence on the board would add clarity and ease of communication between the various boards and committees that she is already involved with. So it’s understandable that Baumbrough lobbied Mayor Wayne Lippert for a spot on the NORD board, only to be disappointed that he went against her wishes. The mayor, as is his right, decided to keep the status quo at NORD – Coun. Patrick Nicol, Coun. Jack Gilroy and himself. His reasoning is that the trio is functioning well and “has a good relationship with the board.” He also pointed out that Baumbrough is an alternate director to NORD and can contribute to the team in that manner. Lippert was also attempting to address workload, an issue Baumbrough herself brought up when it came to compensating councillors for meetings recently, so it’s difficult not to argue that the mayor was at least attempting to do the right thing for all concerned. Baumbrough, of course, has the right to disagree. She can even publicly vote against the 2010 committee appointments, which she did. However, it comes across as more like personal sour grapes than anything constructive for the future direction of council as a whole.

Assessment Closure Questioned By City, Union

Peter McIntyre Tuesday, 24 November 2009 107.5 KISSFM:

The city of Vernon is joining members of CUPE in questioning why BC Assessment is amalgamating its Vernon and Penticton offices with Kelowna next year. CUPE rep Kevin McPhail told council Monday they want to see a business case showing where the suggested 440-thousand dollars in cost savings will come from. He also wonders why no effort has been made to find a smaller site in Vernon, adding the change will have an economic impact on Vernon. Mayor Wayne Lippert has concerns about the 13 Vernon workers who will relocated to Kelowna. "We need to look at the effect of people travelling back and forth to Kelowna, or whether they would move, and what their spouses are going to do, and moving family, as well as any inconvenience that could cause for the citizens of Vernon." Lippert says some residents would have to drive to Kelowna in the middle of winter should they need to visit the Assessment office.

Councillor Bob Spiers led a motion to support the union. He says there doesn't seem to be a strong business reason for the change. "Until we can see why they've done it, it's probably another form of downloading because our costs in the city are going to go up because we're going to have go to Kelowna to get some of our answers." The union is also asking Community Minister Bill Bennett to reconsider the closures. BC Assessment claims most of its customers use the phone or Internet to make inquiries.

Polson Park upgrades

Tue, 2009-11-24 06:52. Kate Bouey - Vernon 105.7 SUNFM

Vernon city council is moving ahead on improvements to Polson Park. At a meeting Monday, council chose a plan that would see a stage built on the old grandstand site. The preliminary plan also calls for a senior's fitness walk, complete with work-out stations, and a modernized band shell. Mayor Wayne Lippert says this is just phase one for the city's premier park. The city has directed the architect to come back to council on December 14th with designs for some of the structures.

CUPE president visiting Penticton today

JOHN MOORHOUSE Penticton Herald Tuesday, November 24, 2009

The B.C. Assessment Authority should find a smaller Penticton office rather than move its staff to Kelowna, says a union spokesman. The government agency announced last month it will be closing its Penticton and Vernon offices by Dec. 31, 2010. All nine staff members in Penticton and another 13 in Vernon have been offered a position in Kelowna. The move is expected to save taxpayers about $441,000 a year. Kevin McPhail, president of CUPE local 1767, is scheduled to visit Penticton today to meet with affected workers and their families. Staff members have until March to decide whether they want to commute or move to Kelowna.

McPhail also plans to contact city council in a bid to build opposition to the planned closure. He visited with Vernon council on Monday. The union leader said B.C. Assessment should consider other options. B.C. Assessment has operated an office in Penticton for 35 years, most recently in rented office space on Skaha Lake Road. “We recognize, certainly, that the local space that they‘re in right now is too big. They‘ve already lost staff over the years, that have already been pulled away to the Kelowna office through specialization and regionalization,” he said. “But with the remaining staff, perhaps what they didn‘t do was explore the options of finding alternative space that‘s a better size – a better fit for the staff that‘s left.”

McPhail said CUPE was never consulted prior to the announcement and has filed a Freedom of Information request about the existing leases. No response has yet been received. He said the union doesn‘t know what numbers B.C. Assessment based its decision on, describing that as “the most frustrating aspect” of the announcement. McPhail said he remains hopeful the office closure is not yet a done deal and B.C. Assessment may reassess its decision. CUPE says Penticton and Vernon residents have a right to have their assessment needs and questions dealt with locally and if needed, in person. However, management officials say most people who have questions about their property assessment opt to contact the office by phone. During the January 2009 inquiry period, when property owners received their new assessment notice, only 325 people made inquiries in person at the Vernon and Penticton offices.