New treasurer hired for Regional District of North Okanagan

by Richard Rolke - Vernon Morning Star posted Oct 16, 2014 at 5:00 AM

A treasurer with local government experience will be keeping an eye on the books at the Regional District of North Okanagan. Stephen Banmen will take up new duties as general manager of finance Nov. 3. “The board is excited to have Mr. Banmen as a key member of staff as we commence our budget planning for 2015," said Rick Fairbairn, RDNO vice-chairperson. Banmen was most recently the chief financial officer and deputy chief administrative officer in Lake Country. He also served as a financial analyst in Langley. He will hit the ground running as RDNO develops its budget for the coming year. "I'm sure Stephen will have some ideas and want to his stamp on things," said David Sewell, who was general manager of finance before being promoted to chief administrative officer in June. RDNO directors held their first budget meeting Wednesday. "We plan on having input from a variety of stakeholders," said Sewell, adding that the process will include public input. The first draft of the budget will be before the board Jan. 21 and the document is expected to be adopted March 4. A number of forces could impact the district's bottom line, including economic conditions, regulations and demographics. The election of new board members Nov. 15 could possibly slow down the process. "Is there some way to bring the newly elected officials up to speed so they're not sitting there thinking, 'I don't know what's going on?'" said director Mike Macnabb. Among the issues that will be considered during budget deliberations will be solid waste, a new Greater Vernon cultural plan and a review of the building inspection service. RDNO could also proceed with $70 million in upgrades to the Greater Vernon water utility. "That's a question mark until we get past the (Nov. 15 borrowing) referendum," said Sewell.

Some Items of Interest at RDNO Meeting on Wednesday at 4 PM

REGIONAL DISTRICT OF NORTH OKANAGAN BOARD of DIRECTORS MEETING Wednesday, March 19, 2014 4:00 p.m. REGULAR AGENDA

2. Bylaw 2622 – Greater Vernon Water Utility Rates Imposition
− Bylaw 2622, 2014
RECOMMENDATION 7 Page 23
(Customized Stakeholder Vote – Includes Vernon, Coldstream, Electoral Areas “B”
and “C”)
That as recommended by the Greater Vernon Advisory Committee, Greater Vernon
Water Utility Rates Imposition Bylaw No. 2622, 2014, as amended at the Greater
Vernon Advisory Committee Meeting of March 6, 2014, be given First, Second and
Third Readings.
RECOMMENDATION 8
(Customized Stakeholder Vote – Includes Vernon, Coldstream, Electoral Areas “B”
and “C” – 2/3 Majority)
That Greater Vernon Water Utility Rates Imposition Bylaw No. 2622, 2014 be
Adopted.

5. Bylaw 2625 – Regional District of North Okanagan 2014-2018 Financial Plan
– Staff report dated March 5, 2014
– Bylaw 2625, 2014
RECOMMENDATION 14 Page 52
(Weighted Corporate Vote – Simple Majority)
That Regional District of North Okanagan 2014-2018 Financial Plan Bylaw No. 2625,
2014 be given First, Second and Third Readings.
RECOMMENDATION 15
(Weighted Corporate Vote – 2/3 Majority)
That Regional District of North Okanagan 2014-2018 Financial Plan Bylaw No. 2625,
2014 be Adopted.

13. Referendum Process for Greater Vernon Water Master Water Plan Borrowing
Referendum
RECOMMENDATION 24
(Customized Stakeholder Vote – Includes Vernon, Coldstream, Electoral Areas “B”
and “C”)
That as recommended by the Greater Vernon Advisory Committee, the Referendum
Process for Greater Vernon Water Master Water Plan Borrowing Referendum be
endorsed.
RECOMMENDATION 25
(Customized Stakeholder Vote – Includes Vernon, Coldstream, Electoral Areas “B”
and “C”)
That as recommended by the Greater Vernon Advisory Committee, Director
Macnabb be appointed to act as Chair for all public meetings for the Greater Vernon
Water Master Water Plan Referendum Process.

24. Civic Arena Engineering Assessment
RECOMMENDATION 37
(Customized Stakeholder Vote – Includes Vernon, Coldstream, Electoral Areas “B”
and “C”)
That as recommended by the Greater Vernon Advisory Committee, as per the
Greater Vernon Recreation Facilities and Programming Memorandum of
Understanding dated September 12, 2013 that the Regional District of North
Okanagan hold a referendum in conjunction with the local government elections in
November 2014 seeking borrowing approval to fund a replacement sheet of ice and
to decommission the Civic Arena as an ice facility and that all other agreed to terms
stated in the Greater Vernon Recreation Facilities and Programming Memorandum
of Understanding dated September 12, 2013 under sections “New Recreation
Facilities” and “Civic Arena” will apply.

25. Fire Dispatch (913)
− Staff report dated March 5, 2014
RECOMMENDATION 38 Page 217
(Weighted Corporate Vote – Simple Majority)
That the Regional District of North Okanagan be authorized to enter into a renewal of
the fire dispatch service agreement covering the 5 year term, January 1, 2015 to
December 31, 2019 with Fraser Valley Regional District (FVRD).

Annual Costs for a $70 million Borrowing !!

If we borrowed $70,000,000 for the Master Water Plan Capital Requirements this is the repayment schedule we would have for a 20 year borrowing at the Fall 2014 lending rates of 3.50%.  http://mfa.bc.ca/long-term-lending-rates (This chart is for comparative purposes only as rate are only guaranteed for the first 10 years.)

The Annual Financing Costs would be $4,800,722.

For 2014 the revenue required from rates was $18,600,000.

Consequently the revenue required after this borrowing (if approved) would increase to  $23,400,722or a  further 25.81% rates increase. (assuming rate increase spread equally over Agricultural, Residential , Commercial and fees)
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You can find the Prelim Water Rates Calculator that will show you the effect of the more than 20% increase for residential water rates in 2014 at https://docs.google.com/spreadsheet/ccc?key=0AqjuHhD4a7O5dHR2UzU5WkhaTF9HLW5FOW1wNmpDQ0E&usp=drive_web#gid=0 

You can plug in your average Quarterly usage and the calculator will show you the proposed new water rates charge effective April 1, 2014.  (Your first bill will show up in early July.)

Water rates going higher

by Richard Rolke - Vernon Morning Star posted Feb 21, 2014 at 1:00 AM
Water rates are going up across the board. The Greater Vernon Advisory Committee decided, in principle, Thursday to hike water fees for domestic, industrial, commercial and agricultural users. “As unpalatable as they are, they reflect the costs being forced on to us,” said director Bob Fleming, referring to utility projects being dictated by the Interior Health Authority. The annual base fee for agricultural customers is proposed to jump seven per cent to $65.54. The annual base fee for domestic users is proposed to go up 24 per cent to $99.82 while the various consumption rates (ranging from zero to 80-plus cubic metres) could increase 20 per cent. For non-domestic/mixed use (commercial, industrial, institutional), the anticipated base fee increase is 24 per cent and 30 per cent for the consumption levy. There was considerable debate about how high rates should go, including about how businesses may leave town if they have to pay too much for water. “Other jurisdictions could be far more attractive,” said director Maria Besso. “The decisions we make impact long-term viability.” There had been a push to increase agricultural rates substantially, but that met with resistance. “We have to look at agricultural rates but we have to protect agriculture because it’s economic development,” said director Mike Macnabb. Agriculture water rates climbed three per cent in 2013. Chairperson Juliette Cunningham believes the proposed water rates need to be put in perspective. “When you compare the cost of (tap) water to bottled water, it is a lot less,” she said.
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Coldstreamer has posted initial rates at http://coldstreamernews.blogspot.ca/2014/02/new-water-rates-approved-by-gvac.html 

These rates will have to be approved in a full rates bylaw by the RDNO board. There could be some changes yet to come.

Art gallery referendum pushed to 2015

January 18, 2014 - 10:29 AM By Charlotte Helston Info-Tel Multimedia
"WE'RE GOING IN CIRCLES" VERNON - The people won't have their say on a new arts facility until at least 2015, a big step back for those at the Vernon Public Art Gallery. The Greater Vernon Advisory Committee voted Thursday to delay the referendum until a $100,000 arts and culture master plan is created and the proposed site and costs are once more reviewed. “Overall, feelings are that we’re going in circles,” executive director for the gallery Dauna Kennedy Grant says. “We strongly feel the information is already there and it’s been brought forward on various occasions over the past 10-15 years.” In September, the committee voted to move forward with a spring 2014 referendum. A few months later, they changed their minds after learning the estimated price tag for a new gallery and renovated museum had grown from $17 million to $35 million. At that time, it wasn’t clear how long the referendum would be delayed. “We’re very surprised,” Kennedy Grant said of the delay to 2015. “Every time we make some progress it feels like we take all these steps backwards.” The same day the gallery learned of the delay, it hosted an opening reception following a month-long flood-related closure. “We were looking for some positive momentum going into 2014, this was not what we were hoping to hear,” Kennedy Grant says. New committee chair Juliette Cunningham believes it doesn’t hurt to take some time to gather all the facts. She’d like to provide the opportunity for other community groups to get involved in the plan. There have been a lot of questions around the need for a new gallery, the suitability of the proposed site, and the financial cost. “We feel it’s time to bite the bullet and have a clear vision,” Cunningham says. “(If) you take a more global approach to addressing these issues we believe there’s a better chance of a successful referendum in 2015 with the arts and culture master plan.”

Ice demand draws scrutiny

by Richard Rolke - Vernon Morning Star posted Dec 22, 2013 at 1:00 AM
Fewer kids playing hockey means the need for ice is under review. The Greater Vernon Advisory Committee and the City of Vernon are trying to rationalize ice time, including whether ongoing hours are needed at the private Okanagan Training Rink. “There’s a downward trend in ice time needed for minor hockey,” said director Rob Sawatzky. About 280 to 300 hours per year are rented for minor hockey at OTR, and if that continues in 2014, there will be a $12,000 subsidy (after hockey players pay GVAC $24,000 in fees). “If we don’t subsidize OTR, we will have more people using our facilities,” said director Catherine Lord of Civic Arena, Kal Tire Place and Priest Valley Arena. GVAC began renting ice time at OTR in the mid-1990s when the community’s two arenas — Civic and Priest Valley — were at capacity. OTR has been used by ringette and minor hockey for its youngest members, who only need one half-size ice surface. However, when Kal Tire Place opened in 2001, ice time at OTR was reduced, but some usage by young children has continued so older kids and adults had earlier ice times at the public facilities. But it’s believed by some officials that sufficient time for everyone could now be available at Civic, Priest Valley and Kal Tire Place. “Over time, city staff will try to maximize the use of the city ice facilities,” said David Sewell, Regional District of North Okanagan finance general manager. A decision on OTR could come during GVAC’s 2014 budget process, but information on demographics and hockey registrations is needed. “The politicians need to give more thought to the implications,” said Sawatzky. “We need the latest trends and data and what the facts are.” Other factors to consider are Civic Arena possibly being abandoned if a new arena is constructed next to Kal Tire Place. “A lot of pressure has been taken off our facilities because people are going to Armstrong for hockey,” said Mike Macnabb, GVAC chairperson.
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EDITORIAL: Ice time requires in-depth study
posted Dec 22, 2013 at 1:00 AM Vernon Morning Star
Demands used to abound about the need for expanded ice time for hockey, ringette and figure skating in Greater Vernon. However, it appears the situation is changing. Officials currently suggest that fewer people, particularly in minor hockey, are lacing up their skates, which means pressure for ice time has been eased. As a result, the Greater Vernon Advisory Committee and the City of Vernon are reviewing ice facilities to see if hours can be rationalized so everyone can be accommodated in public arenas. That could ultimately mean an end to renting hours at the privately owned Okanagan Training Rink, which has been used for very young children. Off the top, this process makes sense. After all, tax dollars are in limited supply and if there is a way of reducing the financial burden on residents while maximizing the investment in public structures, then all options should be considered. However, the politicians shouldn’t act rashly. Before any decisions are made, GVAC and the city should have a true sense of the ice time currently being used, current hockey registrations and the projected number of players in the future. What will the ramifications be if only public facilities are used in terms of available hours? But the only way for the politicians to become informed is to sit down with minor hockey representatives, ringette, figure skating, speed skating and the owners of Okanagan Training Rink. With hockey being such a vital role in residents’ lives, it’s incumbent that the required due diligence be done.

GVAC Plays Grinch With Groups

Written by Peter McIntyre 107.5 KISSFM Friday, 20 December 2013 06:01
Greater Vernon Advisory Committee directors were not in a very giving mood as they held a special meeting to discuss the budget. Various community groups were seeking 40-thousand dollars in funding, but for the most part, were unsuccessful. GVAC chair Mike MacNabb says other than a bit more for the museum, Boys and Girls Club, and arts council, no increases were provided. "Yes we think there's still merit here, but we can't afford to just keep giving large increases, and some of them in the last couple years, have been 15 or 20 percent," says MacNabb. The art gallery, Teen Junction, Okanagan Science Centre, and Gallery Vertigo were among the groups denied increases. Macnabb says a planned review of arts and culture next year will set priorities. "One of the things we're going to do with this review is look at it and say, 'What will we fund, how will we do it, and what's it going to look like going forward?'" adds MacNabb.
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EDITORIAL: Public dollars in limited supply
by Editorial - Vernon Morning Star posted Dec 20, 2013 at 1:00 AM
There will be sad faces at some cultural and youth organizations. On Thursday, the Greater Vernon Advisory Committee shelved some big-budget asks from community groups and largely decided to hold the line on financial assistance. “We have to be responsible in funding all phases of services to taxpayers,” said director Rob Sawatzky, pointing out that local governments face significant challenges and are trying to ease the burden facing taxpayers. As an example, the City of Vernon is moving towards a 2014 tax hike of 1.8 per cent for operations (and a further 1.9 per cent for infrastructure). Now no one around the GVAC table dismisses the importance of the cultural and youth groups. They provide services that add to our quality of life and without their involvement, local government would have to provide these programs at a higher cost. However, everyone who accesses tax dollars must understand that the economy remains challenging and some residents have lost their jobs or have had wages frozen. Essentials, such as food and electricity, continue to cost more. Organizations have to be concerned about the perception of asking for too much. As an example, the Vernon Public Art Gallery was seeking a 3.6 per cent hike to its 2014 operating grant at the same time that it’s lobbying the public to spend millions of dollars on a new facility. Ultimately, there has to be an acknowledgement by residents and politicians of the vital work cultural agencies do, especially as these groups’ costs also rise. However, the reality is that taxpayers can’t be everything to everyone.
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Don Quixote Note: The Requests, recommendations  and past history of grants to the Community Groups (8) can be found at:
http://www.rdno.ca/agendas/131219_gvac_agn_spec.pdf   (P.12-19)

GVAC Budget Meeting Thursday

Greater Vernon Advisory Committee
Thursday, December 19, 2013 - 9:00 am
Agenda  http://www.rdno.ca/agendas/131219_gvac_agn_spec.pdf

This is the presentation by staff of the proposed GVAC Budget. On Page 29 is the proposed Req. Variances (reductions or Increases for the 4 functions that make up the Parks & Rec. Function.)
This has not been approved yet.

Water board holds the line on taxes

By Judie Steeves - Kelowna Capital News Updated: November 05, 2013 3:46 PM
Unlike some taxing authorities, the Okanagan Basin Water Board has not increased its budget over last year, so taxpayers will not see any increase on their annual tax bills next year—for that function. There was discussion of eventually including grants to municipalities for storm water treatment, in addition to the sewage facility grants currently provided, with director Tom Siddon from the south Okanagan asking if the board had the will to expand the benefits of that program, perhaps to include grants for tertiary treatment of sewage or other alternatives as well. West Kelowna Mayor Doug Findlater said he would have a problem with the OBWB going for more taxpayer dollars. On the other hand, he favoured letting the public know what a responsible organization the OBWB is, in not budgeting for increased expenditures in the coming year. The $3.4 million budget would cost property-owners about 5.8 cents per $1,000 of assessment in total, with 2.9 cents of that going to the sewage facilities grant program. The water milfoil control program costs about one cent per $1,000 in assessment, the same as last year, including a $40,000 addition to the equipment reserve, in case one of the milfoil rototilling or harvesting machines needs to be replaced in future. For the OBWB’s water management function, the requisition is 1.7 cents per $1,000, down from the previous year, and well under the two cents permitted for the program. Matching grants from other government agencies help keep costs down, noted executive-director Anna Warwick Sears in reporting to the board at its regular monthly meeting. Projects for the coming year include expansion of public education for water conservation and about invasive zebra mussels; building on water monitoring programs and other projects. The OBWB also contributes a portion of the cost for a Water Research Chair at UBC Okanagan.

Park operations deal proceeds

By Richard Rolke - Vernon Morning Star Published: October 25, 2013 1:00 AM
Final details are being hammered out on Greater Vernon’s new parks structure. Representatives from Coldstream, Vernon and the electoral areas have general consensus on operating sub-regional parks, or those which have broad use and all jurisdictions contribute towards. “The partners are trying to make the process work from a financial standpoint,” said Richard Enns, a Coldstream councillor. “People want to see a continued level of service.” Under the draft agreement, the City of Vernon will maintain the sub-regional parks in Vernon and Coldstream. “There would be a contract with Vernon that provides stability of costing and they have the (labour/equipment) resources,” said Enns. Areas B and C would determine how their sub-regional parks are maintained. “This allows us to go to the open market or to tap into volunteers,” said Mike Macnabb, BX-Silver Star director. “We will save $300,000 a year for our residents in Areas B and C.” All jurisdictions will be responsible for maintenance of what are classified as local parks. The number of sub-regional assets has grown with the inclusion of Creekside Park in Coldstream and the swimming pools at Lakeview and Lavington parks. Rob Sawatzky, Vernon mayor, says the city is looking forward to continuing with maintenance of sub-regional parks in the city and Coldstream. “We will deliver the service at the 2013 cost with a cost of living change,” he said, adding that the operations agreement benefits all jurisdictions. “There is more control of parks, a certainty that there will be no increase in costs and it (maintenance) will be more responsive.”

Parks and rec review clarified

By Jennifer Smith - Vernon Morning Star Published: October 20, 2013 1:00 AM
Coldstream’s role in the service reviews for parks and recreation is being clarified. The review, which was a lengthy process, resulted in the restructuring of the Regional District of North Okanagan parks and recreation function. While Coldstream had concerns about the previous structure of parks and recreation, Mayor Jim Garlick points out that Coldstream did not initiate the reviews. “We have taken part but not had a chance to start any of them,” said Garlick, noting that the first set of 19 reviews on value for money were initiated by the City of Vernon. The parks and rec review was dropped by Vernon only to be restarted by Areas B and C, Garlick explains. When the three-year time limit ran out on that review, Area C renewed the review process. “This entire review has taken far longer and more effort than first thought,” said Garlick of frustrations that include financial information being provided in bits and pieces over the past year. But as more information becomes available, it is clarifying the function for the member areas. “We are getting a better picture of the costs and levels of service written and actual,” said Garlick. “If nothing else it is getting information better organized for the service to be better managed in the future, no matter the structure.”

BEYOND THE HEADLINES: A cultural conundrum

By Richard Rolke - Vernon Morning Star Published: October 16, 2013 1:00 AM
Fiscal prudence, especially when tax dollars are involved, is admirable. It’s something we should expect of our elected officials. But sometimes such apparent loyalty to the bottom line can actually be a hindrance. Politicians can halt initiatives that are actually best for their community in the long-term. And that appears to be the case as the directors for BX-Swan Lake and BX-Silver Star continue to debate whether their areas will participate in a proposed service that would see a new art gallery and museum constructed in Greater Vernon. “The art gallery is looking to expand by three fold, going from 6,000 square feet to almost 18,000. The museum is looking to almost double their space from 12,000 to 30,000 square feet, and in both cases, those are proposals that haven’t been reviewed by anybody here at this table,” Bob Fleming, BX-Swan Lake director, told Kiss FM. Yes, the museum and the art gallery want larger facilities (to the tune of about $17.9 million). That fact has been making headlines for years as the current buildings are inadequate and the community’s cultural assets are at risk. In terms of the proposals not being reviewed by anyone at the (Greater Vernon Advisory Committee) table, perhaps Fleming was absent during the numerous presentations where museum and gallery officials stated their case. GVAC staff have also had discussions with the cultural groups and there have been numerous presentations to the City of Vernon. Also speaking to Kiss FM, Mike Macnabb, the BX-Silver Star director, said, ““Right now we’re looking at an increase in operating budget for $250,000 on top of what we currently pay, and it’s starting to get a little rich. We would want to make sure before going ahead with this, that we’re not getting tied to a white elephant.” And most taxpayers, including those involved with the gallery and museum, will agree with Macnabb. Nobody wants to see a spiralling operating deficit but public amenities rarely break even, let alone make money. Pools, arenas, seniors programs and libraries exist because they add to the livability of the community. There isn’t a bottomless pit of cash, but taxpayer subsidies are a fact of life. This was an argument both Macnabb and Fleming made when asking constituents to borrow funds for the sports track next to Okanagan College. Now to listen to Macnabb and Fleming, you’d think the Greater Vernon Museum and Vernon Pubic Art Gallery have been operating in isolation. But as mentioned before, there has been considerable back and forth with GVAC and the groups’ figures will be reviewed by a consultant. Once that is done, GVAC politicians will have the final say. If the scope of the projects are deemed to be too rich, they can be scaled back just like the officials did with the sports complex. Only once the politicians are satisfied with the cost will the referendum process proceed. So Macnabb and Fleming will have a chance to pull a plug on participating in the function. But before they make that decision, hopefully they will consider the interests of their constituents. And for many of them, their lives are nourished by the arts. They visit the museum and art gallery or volunteer countless hours at the institutions. Students from the BX benefit from the agencies’ outreach programs. All of that could be at risk if Macnabb and Fleming opt out and leave Vernon and Coldstream holding the financial bag. Would BX residents be barred from accessing services or would there be a special fee for them? In the end, Macnabb and Fleming must continue to scrutinize all costs, just as their Coldstream and Vernon counterparts have been doing. But sitting on the sidelines could ultimately leave their residents paying the price.

Parks plan clarified

By Richard Rolke - Vernon Morning Star Published: October 02, 2013 1:00 AM
The City of Vernon insists it has no interest in looking after its neighbours’ parks. In response to a Morning Star article, city officials state a proposal is based on lowering administration costs for operating parks and not maintaining parks in Coldstream and the electoral areas to generate revenue. “The City of Vernon wishes to focus on parks in Vernon,” said Will Pearce, chief administrative officer. “There is no interest in bidding on the operation of local and sub-regional parks in the electoral areas and Coldstream.” Sub-regional parks are part of the overall Greater Vernon collective because of broad-based use. Pearce says each jurisdiction will be able to determine how best to maintain and operate sub-regional parks within their boundaries. The city’s proposal calls for each jurisdiction to handle administration costs (also known as overhead charges) within their own existing governance structure. Another option is for the Regional District of North Okanagan to handle administration for all sub-regional parks, with each jurisdiction paying RDNO to do so. If the city looked after its own administration of sub-regional parks in Vernon, that could save it $313,849, reducing a potential 2014 tax increase from 3.7 to 2.8 per cent. Jim Garlick, Coldstream mayor, is reviewing both administrative options. “If we (Coldstream) look after our own overhead, there could be cost savings,” he said. Going it alone on administration could possibly save Coldstream $70,000, according to city figures. Mike Macnabb, BX-Silver Star director, is seeking more information on both options and is more interested in who actually does maintenance in his area. “I’d like to go to the market so we can maybe get some efficiencies. I also want the ability to possibly hire Venture Training or use volunteers,” he said. If the electoral areas administered parks on their own, as suggested by the city, they could possibly save $60,000. While Vernon says it doesn’t want to look after sub-regional parks in the other jurisdictions, one exception may be Kal Beach in Coldstream. “If the District of Coldstream invites us to show an interest in Kal Beach, we will sit down and discuss it with them,” said Pearce. Garlick says there may be merit to that proposal as Vernon has the necessary equipment to clean beaches. The options for administering parks maintenance will be discussed further Oct. 9.

Public input sought on Greater Vernon recreation deal

By Richard Rolke - Vernon Morning Star Updated: September 23, 2013 5:39 PM
Vernon politicians want to hear from their constituents on a new recreation model. Instead of endorsing a memorandum of understanding on Greater Vernon recreation facilities and programming, city council decided instead Monday to pursue public input before making a decision. "I believe all of this should have public input before we approve it," said Coun. Bob Spiers. With the MOU, the city would officially take over care and control of all regional facilities, while Coldstream and Areas B and C would contribute funds to the function. Currently, all facilities are under the jurisdiction of the Regional District of North Okanagan. Spiers says residents should know how the agreement will impact their investment. "They may have directed us to make a better deal," he said. The MOU details will be posted on the city website (www.vernon.ca) and comments can be provided there. Council will then review any public input and make a decision on the MOU Oct. 15. While he wants feedback from residents, Spiers favours the agreement. "It serves the taxpayers of Vernon well," he said. Spiers had also pushed for public input a few months ago on a similar agreement involving Greater Vernon parks but his colleagues did not support that move.
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Don Quixote Note:  Some of the costs and allocation of those costs for the participants can be found at http://vernonblog.blogspot.ca/2013/09/mou-greater-vernon-recreation.html.

A link to the the proposed MOU from Mondays Agenda can be found at above link.  The City will put the official version on their website shortly with a means to e-mail comments etc.

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Rec Facilities Deal Put To Public
Written by Peter McIntyre 107.5 KISSFM Tuesday, 24 September 2013 06:00
The public wil get a chance to comment on the proposed Greater Vernon Recreation Facilities agreement, before it's finalized. Councillor Bob Spiers convinced council to approve putting the memorandum of understanding on the city's website, and to delay endorsing it for a few weeks. Spiers says he's been pushing for public input from the start of the process. "I think the public should have had some input because its got some great financial implications towards them, and they might have directed us to make a better deal," says Spiers. Mayor Rob Sawatzky says public input, in this case, wasn't mandatory, but it's a good idea. "I suspect when you spend as many hours in open public meetings discussing things as we do, we lose sight of the fact that perhaps the public isn't aware of that end," says Sawatzky. The memorandum of understanding shifts ownership and management of Kal Tire Place and other rec facilities from RDNO to Vernon, starting in January. In return, Coldstream and Areas B and C will pay the city a service fee to allow its residents to use them.

Work On Sports Site Could Start Soon

Written by Glen Morrison 107.5 KISSFM Monday, 23 September 2013 06:00

Things are tight as RDNO staff try to move ahead on the new sports facility by Okanagan College. Parks planner Keith Pinkoski says they're hoping to go to tender on the drainage work in time for a start in the first part of October. "It looks like our site work is probably going to take four weeks and then we should be shutting it down just before we have some issues with the frost or the weather starts to settle in." Pinkoski says that start is dependant on the archeological study required, the team is still waiting on provincial permits, but could be done in time for the drain work to start. The agricultural land commission has mandated the facility be completed by November next year as a condition of the use of farm land. Voters approved spending up to 7.5 million dollars on the facility in an April referendum.

Spring vote in the works

By Richard Rolke - Vernon Morning Star Published: September 22, 2013 1:00 AM
Officials are furiously trying to hammer out plans for a possible cultural referendum. Greater Vernon Advisory Committee staff have been meeting with the Greater Vernon Museum and Vernon Public Art Galley on potentially holding a spring vote to borrow funds for new facilities. “We are in a tight timeline,” said Tannis Nelson, community development co-ordinator. In August, GVAC directors voted to proceed to a spring 2014 referendum to borrow funds for a new art gallery and museum. However, there are some outstanding issues to resolve, including which jurisdictions would participate financially in the service. “Out of that will come the costs of what needs to be done leading up to a referendum,” said Nelson. Political approval will also be required to hire a consultant to establish firm construction costs — possibly $17 million — as well as operating expenses. The other matter to determine is when a referendum may be held and ensuring all legislative requirements for a referendum are met. Nelson believes that even with all of the work that must still be done, a spring vote could occur. “It will keep us busy through the fall. We want to make sure we are thorough,” she said.

MOU - GREATER VERNON RECREATION FACILITIES on Agenda for Monday

MOU - GREATER VERNON 
RECREATION FACILITIES &    PROGRAMMING (P. 346)

• Item 11.B (x) REPORTS - Replacement Pages Parks MOU 

• Agenda Package 

 THAT Council endorse the Memorandum of
Understanding - Greater Vernon Recreation Facilities &
Programming as attached to this report and dated
September 12, 2013.
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Don Quixote's Note: This Facilities MOU will have to be approved by both the Vernon and Coldstream Councils and  Areas B & C. It will be ratified at the RDNO table and amendments to the relevant bylaws will be made if ratified unanimously.  The table to the left is a summary of some of the financial implications of that MOU.

Parks and rec deal complete

By Jennifer Smith - Vernon Morning Star Published: September 15, 2013 1:00 AM
The key players in Greater Vernon have scored with a team approach to parks and recreation.  The Recreational Facilities and Programming Service memorandum of understanding (MOU) was officially signed Thursday by Vernon, Coldstream and Area B and C. “These are huge advances,” said Mike Macnabb, Silver Star (Area C) director. “That finalizes the whole agreement,” said Bob Fleming, BX (Area B) director. With the MOU, the City of Vernon officially takes over care and control of all regional facilities, while Coldstream and Areas B and C contribute funds to the function. “It’s a fair deal,” said Macnabb. The new agreement, said Macnabb, will allow Vernon to take control (such as programming and rates), without the other regions possibly frustrating the process. “It can be a source of frustration,” said Macnabb. Fleming adds: “It brings clarity to the situation where clarity lacked.” The next step is the detail work. For example, Fleming says: “There’s still a lot of discussion on how you implement the services.”

MOU signed - Councillor Besso

It was quite a historic meeting yesterday- The Greater Vernon Recreation Facilities & Programming MOU was signed after many months of hard work by staff and politicians.  This brings us one step closer to the stated goal of streamlining, responsibility, authority, capacity, and accountability in an effort to deliver the best possible service at the least cost to Greater Vernon ratepayers.

Now we have two MOU's, one signed (Nov. 21st, 2012) for the establishment of a Sub-Regional Parks Service, and as of yesterday, this new MOU (Sept.12, 2013) for a Recreational Facilities & Programming Service.

This leaves Arts, Culture, and Youth, for now, under the umbrella of  the same Bylaw that governs Sub-Regional Parks (this will be the amended present 1648 Bylaw).   This, as you know, has been a long time coming, and now opens the way to the discussions necessary to iron out the final details of of Service Delivery of Sub Regional Parks, Arts, Culture and Youth at RDNO.

Next steps will include, senior staff from the Regional District, Vernon, and Coldstream,  getting together to bring back options for service delivery models and budgets for the Sub-Regional Parks, Arts, Culture, and Youth Service that will remain at RDNO.  This is very crucial and necessary piece of the puzzle that needs to be completed quickly in order to inform, and allow the individual jurisdictions to make critical decisions, about budgets and service delivery, for the parks that now fall under their 'local' responsibility.
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Don Quixote Note: The MOU was 'signed' by Areas B & C  and Mayors of Vernon and Coldstream in a symbolic signing. This agreement will have to be be approved at the RDNO Board and then sent on to the respective municipal Councils for their approval and ratification to authorize their Mayor(s) to sign the agreement on behalf of all the citizens of Vernon and Coldstream. The vote of authorization is by a majority vote of Council.  As the Next RDNO board meeting is in October it will be at least mid October before the respective Councils will meet and approve. All 4 participants (B, C, Coldstream, Vernon) must agree before the MOU can be implemented by changing the existing bylaw.)

There will be no public input sessions to comment on this important agreement (similar to the Parks MOU).  unless Council(s) so authorize. A motion will be made at the Vernon Council for public comment opportunity but is unlikely to gain support.

When the MOU as 'signed' is made available online, a Link will be posted.

Spring referendum called despite concerns

By Richard Rolke - Vernon Morning Star Published: September 06, 2013 1:00 AM
There are significant uncertainties as the future of cultural amenities moves ahead. The Greater Vernon Advisory Committee voted 5-2 Thursday to proceed to a spring 2014  referendum to borrow funds for a new art gallery and museum. “Until I get more information, I’m not participating,” said Mike Macnabb, BX-Swan Lake director, of his opposition. Bob Fleming, BX-Swan Lake director, also won’t guarantee his area will take part in the referendum. “Before I can answer that, I need to know what I’m voting on,” he said. GVAC staff will now focus on a number of outstanding issues including construction cost, if there is one ballot or two, when the vote may be held and operating costs if the facilities proceed. It’s estimated both projects could cost $17 million to build but Vernon director Rob Sawatzky says that is yet to be finalized. “It could possibly be that the dollar figure approved by the politicians is not the figure the advocacy groups prefer,” he said. Staff had recommended Thursday that a referendum be delayed until an arts and culture master plan, outlining needs, be developed for the region. It’s a recommendation Fleming supported. “There’s a lot of work that needs to be done and hasn’t been done. This (gallery/museum) is more than double the cost of the (sports) track,” he said. Catherine Lord, Vernon director, pushed to have a referendum. “If we delay this, we’re doing a disservice to arts and culture. They have been pushing for this for a long time,” she said. Sawatzky disagrees with Fleming and Macnabb that the initiative is being unreasonably expedited. “There’s been 10 years of various options. Ten years or more is not rushing,” he said. While he agreed to moving ahead, Coldstream director Jim Garlick says an unresolved matter is whether RDNO or the City of Vernon will own the facilities. “Land acquisition will be a big issue for my council,” he said. VPAG and museum officials welcomed GVAC’s decision Thursday. “We are delighted that the process is moving ahead,” said Andrew Powell, Vernon Public Art Gallery president. One challenge, though, is the groups will have to pay $50,000, the difference between holding an independent referendum in the spring and vote combined with falls’ civic elections. “That cuts into our referendum marketing campaign,” said Dauna  Kennedy Grant, VPAG executive director.