Richard Rolke - Vernon Morning Star Published: May 29, 2011 1:00 AM
Moral support for the Okanagan Science Centre exists but backing it up with dollars is a challenge. The City of Vernon will review a request from the science centre for $30,000 for renovations and signage. “I really support the science centre but we need the finance committee to look at it because that’s a lot of money,” said Coun. Shawn Lee. A similar concern is shared by Coun. Patrick Nicol. “It’s a great organization and it’s been able to grow its business plan. But I’m not sure if we have that kind of money,” he said. The city was originally approached in December to provide funds but the request was passed on to the Greater Vernon Advisory Committee because council felt the science centre is regional in scope. However, GVAC has indicated it does not have the ability to award financial grants and that the request is denied. The centre has now turned back to council for a decision. “Can you please advise next steps for the City of Vernon to consider our application,” said Sandy Dixon, executive director, in a letter to the city.
Showing posts with label Vernon City Council 2011. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Vernon City Council 2011. Show all posts
Sunday, May 29, 2011
Friday, May 06, 2011
Vernon a no-show at municipal conference
Richard Rolke - Vernon Morning Star Published: May 06, 2011 1:00 AM
Municipal officials have been discussing issues of concern this week without Vernon at the table. No one from the city went to the Southern Interior Local Government Association conference, which began Wednesday and ends today in Merritt. “We didn’t have any issues we needed to bring up,” said Mayor Wayne Lippert. “We didn’t see the value in going this year.” In the past, Vernon has sent one or two council members to the annual event, which includes information sessions and a chance for politicians to consider common topics. “We’ve done the networking before and we know people,” said Lippert. “It’s easy to get together with others if we need to.” Delegates also consider resolutions on a variety of topics that are used to lobby senior government. Lumby has sent two representatives to SILGA, while there are three from Spallumcheen, three from the North Okanagan Regional District, three from Coldstream, one from Armstrong and six from Enderby. Lippert doesn’t believe Vernon’s absence indicates a lack of interest in SILGA. “We aren’t the only ones who don’t have representation there,” he said. The city will also save some money by not participating in the conference. Early-bird registration was $320 per person, while it was $360 after March 11. On top of that, there are hotels and travel. “Everyone is doing budgets and mindful of budgets so you have to decide where you want to spend your money,” said Lippert. “Going to Victoria to meet with provincial cabinet ministers or meeting with the valley mayors one-on-one is more effective.” SILGA includes municipalities and regional districts from the Okanagan, Similkameen, Shuswap, Thompson, Nicola and Columbia regions.
Municipal officials have been discussing issues of concern this week without Vernon at the table. No one from the city went to the Southern Interior Local Government Association conference, which began Wednesday and ends today in Merritt. “We didn’t have any issues we needed to bring up,” said Mayor Wayne Lippert. “We didn’t see the value in going this year.” In the past, Vernon has sent one or two council members to the annual event, which includes information sessions and a chance for politicians to consider common topics. “We’ve done the networking before and we know people,” said Lippert. “It’s easy to get together with others if we need to.” Delegates also consider resolutions on a variety of topics that are used to lobby senior government. Lumby has sent two representatives to SILGA, while there are three from Spallumcheen, three from the North Okanagan Regional District, three from Coldstream, one from Armstrong and six from Enderby. Lippert doesn’t believe Vernon’s absence indicates a lack of interest in SILGA. “We aren’t the only ones who don’t have representation there,” he said. The city will also save some money by not participating in the conference. Early-bird registration was $320 per person, while it was $360 after March 11. On top of that, there are hotels and travel. “Everyone is doing budgets and mindful of budgets so you have to decide where you want to spend your money,” said Lippert. “Going to Victoria to meet with provincial cabinet ministers or meeting with the valley mayors one-on-one is more effective.” SILGA includes municipalities and regional districts from the Okanagan, Similkameen, Shuswap, Thompson, Nicola and Columbia regions.
Sunday, May 01, 2011
Nicol wants road follow-up
A Vernon politician doesn’t believe it’s enough for crews to simply finish road work and then move on. Coun. Patrick Nicol is demanding the city consult with residents after traffic patterns were changed on 20th Street, from 45th to 48th avenues. “When we do projects, we should get the response of the neighbourhood after the fact,” he said of whether concerns exist once the project is done. “I’d like to find out what they think.” That portion of 20th Street was recently narrowed as a way of slowing motorists down and improving safety. On-street parking has been removed. In a letter to council, resident Don Cowan points out that many of the multi-unit complexes on 20th Street don’t provide sufficient on-site parking. “My kids have grown up and now have cars but still live with me, and there is no on-site parking available for them so they park on the street,” he said. “The traffic generated by the BMX track during one of their weekly races in the summer is strong evidence that parking is necessary. Cars and trucks are lined up for two to three blocks during this time.” Cowan adds that other Vernon neighbourhoods haven’t lost on-street parking because of through traffic on a collector road.
“Elimination of all parking is too great a disruption, particularly given that the neighbourhood density that is made allowable by city hall.” Some city officials are defending the work on 20th Street. Coun. Jack Gilroy says the changes were implemented after meetings with Harwood Elementary School. “People with kids wanted safety improvements on 20th Street because it was a speedway,” he said. “I’ve had calls and people are happy with 20th Street. People who aren’t happy are the ones who can’t park on the street any more.”
“Elimination of all parking is too great a disruption, particularly given that the neighbourhood density that is made allowable by city hall.” Some city officials are defending the work on 20th Street. Coun. Jack Gilroy says the changes were implemented after meetings with Harwood Elementary School. “People with kids wanted safety improvements on 20th Street because it was a speedway,” he said. “I’ve had calls and people are happy with 20th Street. People who aren’t happy are the ones who can’t park on the street any more.”
Tuesday, April 26, 2011
Downtown Bus Terminus Gets OK Despite Council Split - Councillor Nicol shakes head over unimaginative plan
A split on Vernon city council has not stopped plans, for a 7-bay bus terminus on 31st Avenue, going ahead. Council approved the project in a 4-2 vote Monday that will take a chunk out of Cenotaph Park and end public traffic in that block. Currently, the buses stop near the old Safeway. ``There's no need to relocate it at this time,'' said Councillor Bob Spiers, who opposed the plan. ``I say wait a couple of years and find out where it should be located and do it at that time.'' Councillor Patrick Nicol also maintained his opposition. ``I just think in the long term, with the millions we've spent acquiring land there, that we could have been more imaginative than putting a bunch of buses back in there,'' Nicol told reporters as he stood in Spirit Square at city hall. Even Mayor Wayne Lippert admitted it had been a tough decision to approve the project. ``I ultimately support it because I understand the concept but I think that alot of activities that happen, family activities that happen, in Cenotaph Park will end up moving,'' said Lippert. The mayor says the work will be sent out to tender shortly. He expects the work to be done around the end of summer.
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The new home for a transit bus terminus in Vernon will be on 31st Avenue by Cenotaph Park. City council made that decision, although it was not unanimous. 
Councillor Bob Spiers feels the decision was premature. "There was no need to relocate it at this time. I say wait a couple of years and find out where it should be located." Councillor Patrick Nicol (pictured) was also opposed, saying it's the wrong place for that type of facility.
"I just think in the long term with the millions we've spent to acquire land there, we could have been more imaginative than putting a bunch of buses back in there." Mayor Wayne Lippert says he struggled with the decision to support that site in a 4-2 council vote. "It was a split decision by council, but ultimately hearing from different user groups, from seniors and people in the downtown area (was what made up his mind). The Downtown Vernon Association was on side with it going there." The current transit terminus is by the downtown Safeway, but the new one--which BC Transit is paying 47 percent of the cost of--- should open later this year.
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Transit Bus Site Sealed Written by Peter McIntyre 107.5 KISSFM Tuesday, 26 April 2011 19:53
Councillor Bob Spiers feels the decision was premature. "There was no need to relocate it at this time. I say wait a couple of years and find out where it should be located." Councillor Patrick Nicol (pictured) was also opposed, saying it's the wrong place for that type of facility."I just think in the long term with the millions we've spent to acquire land there, we could have been more imaginative than putting a bunch of buses back in there." Mayor Wayne Lippert says he struggled with the decision to support that site in a 4-2 council vote. "It was a split decision by council, but ultimately hearing from different user groups, from seniors and people in the downtown area (was what made up his mind). The Downtown Vernon Association was on side with it going there." The current transit terminus is by the downtown Safeway, but the new one--which BC Transit is paying 47 percent of the cost of--- should open later this year.
O'Keefe Ranch Gets City Funds For Water Hook Up
Vernon council has dug into the City's pocket and found some funds for the historic O'Keefe Ranch, to allow for a water main hookup. Councillor Bob Spiers says the North Okanagan Regional District could not waive the $15,000 fee. ``We found a way just to give them the extra $12,000 to allow the water to be connected so we can at least prevent a fire,'' explains Spiers. Electoral Areas B, C and Coldstream have chipped in $3,100. Spiers, who believes the ranch should be self-sustaining by now, says he hopes the ranch won't return to council next year for any additional funds. The money will be taken out of a reserve set up for councillors who want to be paid to attend extra meetings. Many do not take the extra cash.
Wednesday, April 13, 2011
Latest Updated (2009) Vernon Organizational Chart on Website
http://www.vernon.ca/info/org_charts/Nov_2009_City_Website_Org_Chart.pdf
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This is the 2009 Organizational Chart and does not reflect any changes in 2010 or the major changes and realignment in 2011 caused by the retirement of Marg Bailey, manager of administrative services and deputy chief administrative officer.
These changes are detailed in an article from the Morning Star dated March 18 2011.
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This is the 2009 Organizational Chart and does not reflect any changes in 2010 or the major changes and realignment in 2011 caused by the retirement of Marg Bailey, manager of administrative services and deputy chief administrative officer.
These changes are detailed in an article from the Morning Star dated March 18 2011.
Martial arts process tossed
Administering professional fights in other towns has been body-slammed by Vernon politicians. On Monday, council denied a request from Vernon’s athletic commission to sanction a mixed martial arts event in Cranbrook. It has also stated it will not support any future sanctioning outside of Vernon. “The risk isn’t worth it,” said Coun. Patrick Nicol. “It seems like an added risk we don’t need and we should focus on the ability to host them here.” Professional fights can only occur if they are sanctioned by a governing body that oversees issues like security and insurance. The City of Vernon is one of a handful of communities in B.C. allowed to sanction such events under provincial legislation. “We are the only jurisdiction that has ever done this and has the experience to do this,” said Kevin Bertles, finance manager, of overseeing events in other jurisdictions. Vernon’s athletic commission sanctioned an event in Trail in 2007, while promoters in Cranbrook were planning for a MMA event during Sam Steele Days June 17. Another application for sanctioning was pending from Salmon Arm. Coun. Jack Gilroy, who is a member of the athletic commission, believes the city should sanction MMA events in other communities. “The commission is helping out another community,” said Gilroy, who was absent from council Monday. “The other city takes care of all of the costs and the liability.” The 2007 competition in Trail was not a money-maker for Vernon. “The promoter fees and fighter fees were paid to the city as if the fight had occurred here. There was no extra in terms of the city receiving fees,” said Bertles. In 2007, Vernon council at that time adopted a motion not supporting the athletic commission sanctioning any further events in jurisdictions within B.C. or Canada.
Saturday, February 19, 2011
Hesperia set for development
Richard Rolke - Vernon Morning Star Published: February 19, 2011 12:00 PM
A proposed residential development will be able to proceed once market conditions improve. Vernon council has adopted a bylaw that changes zoning for the Hesperia property from agricultural to comprehensive development. “The plan incorporates our vision for the area,” said Coun. Mary-Jo O’Keefe. The city-owned Hesperia Development Corporation proposes 1,000 units of market and attainable housing being constructed on the 69 acres near Okanagan Avenue. Last summer, the corporation announced plans were on hold because of a decline in construction and an availability of housing in the community. However, Coun. Shawn Lee believes it is important for the city to continue with plans for Hesperia and having the approval process completed is important. “If market demand is there and a developer is interested, the corporation can sell the land. The zoning is already done,” he said. Ed Stranks, manager of engineering development services, says rezoning will be one less hurdle for developers. “The more things we have in place, the easier for it to move ahead in the future,” he said. Besides rezoning, the city has entered into a master development agreement with the Hesperia Development Corporation. The agreement outlines the scope of on and off-site works to enable construction or sale of the lands. It’s expected the site will be built-out over the next 15 to 20 years as demand dictates.
A proposed residential development will be able to proceed once market conditions improve. Vernon council has adopted a bylaw that changes zoning for the Hesperia property from agricultural to comprehensive development. “The plan incorporates our vision for the area,” said Coun. Mary-Jo O’Keefe. The city-owned Hesperia Development Corporation proposes 1,000 units of market and attainable housing being constructed on the 69 acres near Okanagan Avenue. Last summer, the corporation announced plans were on hold because of a decline in construction and an availability of housing in the community. However, Coun. Shawn Lee believes it is important for the city to continue with plans for Hesperia and having the approval process completed is important. “If market demand is there and a developer is interested, the corporation can sell the land. The zoning is already done,” he said. Ed Stranks, manager of engineering development services, says rezoning will be one less hurdle for developers. “The more things we have in place, the easier for it to move ahead in the future,” he said. Besides rezoning, the city has entered into a master development agreement with the Hesperia Development Corporation. The agreement outlines the scope of on and off-site works to enable construction or sale of the lands. It’s expected the site will be built-out over the next 15 to 20 years as demand dictates.
Thursday, January 27, 2011
Concerns crop up over city’s land sale and lease
Richard Rolke - Vernon Morning Star Published: January 27, 2011 6:00 PM
A public lake access site is being sold off. Vernon council has adopted a bylaw that will allow the city to sell a 0.109-hectare lake access to an adjacent property owner on Tronson Road. “It’s not prime lakeside frontage,” said Leon Gous, chief administrative officer. “There’s a cliff at the end of it. There’s not much we can do with it.” The applicant has had permission from the Ministry of Transportation to use the area for driveway since 1989. Councillors Bob Spiers and Patrick Nicol opposed selling the land for $136,500. “There are concerns that we’re selling city property off at a lower rate than we should be,” said Spiers. “We should have found out if we could have gone back and got a better price.”
In a letter to council, former councillor Barry Beardsell stated that staff wanted to sell the site for $210,000 in 2007. “This case merits investigation,” he said. City staff say they had the site appraised at $163,000 while the purchaser had it valued at $110,000. Gous says that under law, the city must offer lake accesses to adjacent property owners and they can’t just be sold on the open market. Proceeds from the sale will go towards the purchase of other public lake accesses.
Davison Road Property Leased. A portion of City of Vernon-owned land will be used for agriculture.
City council has approved Davison Orchards leasing a 3.6-hectare portion of property on Davison Road for 40 years. Opposition came from Councillors Patrick Nicol and Bob Spiers. “This process should have been more public,” said Nicol. However, Leon Gous, chief administrative officer, says the standard lease rules were followed and the contract terms have been disclosed. “The process doesn’t require public input but it requires public transparency,” he said. The lease rate is $2,400 a year for the first five years, with reviews every five years. Davison Orchards will be responsible for property taxes, utilities and insurance. Council has also agreed to a restrictive covenant on the remaining 5.7 hectares of the property, commonly known as the Rock. The goal is to protect the sensitive ecosystem at the site.
A public lake access site is being sold off. Vernon council has adopted a bylaw that will allow the city to sell a 0.109-hectare lake access to an adjacent property owner on Tronson Road. “It’s not prime lakeside frontage,” said Leon Gous, chief administrative officer. “There’s a cliff at the end of it. There’s not much we can do with it.” The applicant has had permission from the Ministry of Transportation to use the area for driveway since 1989. Councillors Bob Spiers and Patrick Nicol opposed selling the land for $136,500. “There are concerns that we’re selling city property off at a lower rate than we should be,” said Spiers. “We should have found out if we could have gone back and got a better price.”
In a letter to council, former councillor Barry Beardsell stated that staff wanted to sell the site for $210,000 in 2007. “This case merits investigation,” he said. City staff say they had the site appraised at $163,000 while the purchaser had it valued at $110,000. Gous says that under law, the city must offer lake accesses to adjacent property owners and they can’t just be sold on the open market. Proceeds from the sale will go towards the purchase of other public lake accesses.
Davison Road Property Leased. A portion of City of Vernon-owned land will be used for agriculture.
City council has approved Davison Orchards leasing a 3.6-hectare portion of property on Davison Road for 40 years. Opposition came from Councillors Patrick Nicol and Bob Spiers. “This process should have been more public,” said Nicol. However, Leon Gous, chief administrative officer, says the standard lease rules were followed and the contract terms have been disclosed. “The process doesn’t require public input but it requires public transparency,” he said. The lease rate is $2,400 a year for the first five years, with reviews every five years. Davison Orchards will be responsible for property taxes, utilities and insurance. Council has also agreed to a restrictive covenant on the remaining 5.7 hectares of the property, commonly known as the Rock. The goal is to protect the sensitive ecosystem at the site.
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