District wants action on water

By Jennifer Smith - Vernon Morning Star Published: July 27, 2012 1:00 AM

Coldstream is eager to light a fire under those responsible for getting Greater Vernon’s water plans on tap.  The district is requesting that Coun. Gyula Kiss, a local water expert, be allowed to sit in and answer questions, if asked, during master water plan meetings. “We have been presenting data to the consultants and it’s been over four months and we haven’t heard anything yet,” said Kiss, who has been studying, criticizing and advocating for a better plan for years. “This is an important issue for which we hold the bag.” The plan should have been further along by now, therefore there is an impression that nothing is happening, said Coun. Pat Cochrane. “I’m just wondering whose responsibility it is to light a fire under the consultants?” Coldstream’s chief administrative officer, Michael Stamhuis, is a member of the staff committee and says the sentiments are echoed. “We’ve been as frustrated with a lack of progress on the consultant’s end as councillor Kiss,” said Stamhuis. Kiss’ council colleagues all agreed that he should be a part of the ongoing  discussions about the water plan. “I think he would be constructive,” said Coun. Maria Besso.