Pitch made for CP rail line

posted Jul 4, 2014 at 1:00 AM MARTHA WICKETT Black Press Morning Star
Local governments in the North Okanagan and Shuswap have launched an urgent drive to save the CP Rail line between Sicamous and Armstrong from potentially being chopped up and sold to private investors. A meeting was held recently to identify ways to preserve the line as a transportation corridor, initially for hiking and biking and, in the winter, perhaps cross-country skiing or snowshoeing. Members of the Columbia-Shuswap Regional District board and Splatsin First Nation, as well as the mayors of Vernon and Armstrong, attended the meeting, which resulted in Sicamous volunteering to draft a resolution to the Union of B.C. Municipalities. The resolution states that UBCM should become the owner of these deregulated rail corridors, and should ask the province to institute a province-wide parcel tax, similar to that levied by the Municipal Finance Authority on property tax notices, to help in their purchase and maintenance. “We’re not the only ones dealing with abandoned railway,” said Sicamous Mayor Darrel Trouton. “This is an opportunity for us to possibly have a rail trail from Sicamous right down to the border. Hopefully it goes through, hopefully we get some support from the province and communities in the province.” A bid to acquire the line between Sicamous and Armstrong became more tenuous when an opportunity was missed during the process that CP Rail had to follow in deregulating the line. When a federally regulated railway, such as CP or CN, announces its intention to discontinue operation of such a line, they must adhere to a formal abandonment process laid out by the Canada Transportation Act. If no commercial sale of the line to a rail company is completed within the allowed time, CP must offer to sell the line to local governments for a price not more than the net salvage value of the line. However, the deadline for local governments to purchase the Sicamous-Armstrong line passed without an agreement. The portion of line is now in CP Rail’s real estate group. “There is no formal process once the CTA discontinuance process is complete,” wrote CP spokesperson Salem Woodrow. “CP remains in contact with local municipalities and we are considering our next steps. Any discussions we have are in private.” Why the window of opportunity was missed remains something of a mystery. Although there had been a regional effort to acquire the line during the allowed time frame, once a local government enters into negotiations with CP, the process becomes confidential. However, now that the timeline has expired, comments are still not forthcoming.

Sturgis North returning to Shuswap

By Staff Writer - Vernon Morning Star Published: November 07, 2012 10:00 AM

Sturgis North & the Neskonlith Indian Band together will host the 2013 Sturgis North Annual All Make Motorcycle Jamboree and Music Festival outside of Salmon Arm. The announcement comes after the 2012 event was held in Spallumcheen at the MotoPlex Speedway and Event Centre. The inaugural 2011 event was presented in Salmon Arm. Neskonlith Chief Judy Wilson says that the inaugural event was well supported and attended, and for 2013 Sturgis North will be returning to the Shuswap area to support local businesses and provide locals with additional business opportunities. Newly appointed Sturgis North president Joan Hansen said this new partnership will bring many positive changes for the 2013 event which will see the event held in August next year and in a new Shuswap location to be announced in a few weeks at which time exact dates and ticket sales will be available online. See Friday's Morning Star for more details....

Plourde sets sights on council

Tracy Hughes - Salmon Arm Observer  Published: July 12, 2011 
That kid’s going places. It didn’t take much more than a few minutes of meeting recent Salmon Arm Secondary graduate Skylar Plourde for me to make this judgment. Some might remember a few weeks ago I drew up a list of people I would like to see run for council. And it looks like in at least one instance, I’m going to get my wish. I hoped for someone under age 35 to run for municipal office.  At 18, Plourde is the first such candidate to publicly declare his intentions. Indeed my request for an interview gave him the final push to confirm his candidacy. “I’m all in now,” said the former co-president of the 2011 grad class. And he’s wasting no time: setting up a website, getting on Facebook, even setting up to receive donations via PayPal. “Politics has always interested me and I think I’m able to take the heat that comes along with the job. Being co-president of the grad class, that’s a job that’s totally political, with a big dose of high-school drama thrown in. Anyone who remembers high school would probably know that city hall politics couldn’t be any worse,” he joked.

RCMP brace for biker rally influx

Daniel Hayduk - CASTANET Jul 12, 2011
RCMP in Salmon Arm are gearing up for a large crowd in advance of the Sturgis North motorcycle rally, trade show and music festival.  RCMP Staff Sgt. Kevin Keane says he anticipates approximately 10 to 20 thousand motorcycle enthusiasts will rumble into town for the five-day event, which runs from July 13-17 at several locations in Salmon Arm.  "My desk is about four inches high from end to end with Sturgis North paperwork," says Keane.  Keane, who is in charge of the RCMP operational plan for the event, says additional officers are being brought in to deal with the anticipated influx in calls and incidents. "It's our first time seeing the event, so we're going to have to be fairly dynamic, but we'll do the best we can. Our focus will be on making sure that everybody has a good time but that they do so within the limits of the law.  The main concern for police is the lack of a road map of the event, says Keane. While RCMP have plenty of experience at similar events - such as the Summer Stomp - Keane says police will need to rely on instinct for this one.  "We have the expectation to be proactive out there."

Bootsma won’t seek re-election

By Lachlan Labere - Salmon Arm Observer  Updated: June 15, 2011 9:30 AM

Marty Bootsma’s plans for November include cleaning out his desk.  The Salmon Arm mayor quietly announced to the press after Monday’s council meeting that he would not be seeking re-election in the November municipal election.  In his usual fashion, Bootsma kept his comments – made solely to the media – brief and to the point.  “I just wanted to announce it to give any other potential candidates an opportunity to get their ducks in a row,” said Bootsma. “I enjoyed my time but it’s time for me to move on.”  Bootsma has served four terms with Salmon Arm council, two of those as mayor.

Device gets young people to buzz off

By Martha Wickett - Salmon Arm Observer Published: May 18, 2011 9:00 AM

If you’ve heard an irritating mosquito-like noise when you’ve been downtown after midnight recently, you’re either under 25 or your ears are more youthful than you are.  In March, city staff installed what’s called a Mosquito device downtown, in order to combat vandalism. The device can emit high-frequency sounds that can typically be heard only by people under 25 years, and is set to go on at midnight. The ability to hear high frequencies usually deteriorates with age and, for young people, the high-pitched sound is annoying and can be headache-producing.  Although Dale McTaggart, the city’s director of public works and engineering, was reluctant to talk publicly about the device, he did tell the Observer that staff are considering purchasing two more.  He said they cost $1,100, with an additional $700 for a protective covering around them.  City council was not made aware of the use of the first device, he said, but the plan will likely be brought forward at the next council meeting.

McTaggart said the city spends about $10,000 annually repairing vandalism downtown.  The idea to purchase one came when Brad Ackerman, parks and recreation foreman, heard of them at conferences he attended.  The use of mosquito devices has sparked controversy in different locations around the world because it singles out young people, most of whom are not lawbreakers.  Robert Holmes of the BC Civil Liberties Association told the Observer in an email that his association opposed the device in 2009 when Vancouver’s city parkade company suggested it was going to install them – and the plan was dropped.  “Aside from being discriminatory based upon age, and annoying generally based upon inflicting pain simply for standing in proximity, the use of such devices (at least in Vancouver) appeared to be in violation of the city’s noise bylaw,” he wrote. (more)

City’s financial officer opts for job in Enderby

By Martha Wickett - Salmon Arm Observer Published: March 23, 2011 8:00 AM 
Monica Dalziel, the city’s director of corporate services, is leaving the city’s employ. Dalziel is leaving to go to Enderby, confirms Carl Bannister, the city’s chief administrative officer.  “She’s received an offer from the City of Enderby,” he said. “She has been a great employee for the city, dedicated and loyal and a hard worker. It’s certainly to Enderby’s credit that they’re getting her.”  Dalziel’s last day will be May 13. With a municipal election upcoming in November, the city will be in a bit of a bind trying to replace her. “Monica is the chief elections officer and fills a number of other roles in corporate services, which has to do with various functions in the city, and is also chief financial officer, so a combination of corporate and financial services. She’ll be difficult to replace and I’m looking at options for the city,” Bannister said. The city finalizes its 2011 budget in May, but Bannister said that will likely be complete before Dalziel leaves.

Council holds line on taxes

Martha Wickett - Salmon Arm Observer Published: November 23, 2010 6:00 PM 
Salmon Arm council whittled down the city’s 2011 budget Tuesday, leaving taxpayers with no increase. Taxpayers will, however, still pay an increase in water usage fees as well as a fee for the new garbage collection/recycling service.  Council members were such successful whittlers that the taxation figure dipped below zero, leaving the city with a potential 0.20 per cent decrease, or about a $20,000 surplus. Those funds will be placed in a ‘future expenditure reserve,’ which could be consumed by unexpected expenses before the final budget must be passed in the spring.

The water frontage tax, which is included in the property tax bill in May, is increasing by two per cent or 23 cents per taxable foot, meaning an average size lot of 60 feet would see an annual increase of $13.80. Also included in the property tax bill will be the new garbage collection/recycling service fee of $135 per year for single family dwelling or mobile home. Utilities are billed separately, usually in December. The budget contains a two per cent increase in water user fees – or about an additional $4.44 per year for residential users. At council’s Nov. 15 budget meeting, the tax increase was left at an increase of 0.76 per cent, with hopes of reducing it to zero at yesterday’s meeting. Further cuts Tuesday included a reduction of $94,500 from the $989,000 asphaltic overlay program. Coun. Alan Harrison asked why additional funds are being taken from general revenue rather than using only the transportation parcel tax funding of $894,500 that is destined for road work. He also pointed to much extra work carried out this year due to a $2 million grant from the federal government. Dale McTaggart, the city’s director of engineering and public works, said the list of roads requiring work continues to grow, as does the cost of asphalt.  Coun. Ivan Idzan objected strongly to reducing funds allocated for asphaltic overlays, noting that two years ago staff recommended the parcel tax be tripled to adequately maintain road work, but instead council doubled it.  Harrison, meanwhile, said he thinks the city has done a great job in maintaining roads, compared to other municipalities he’s seen. The $94,500 was cut, with only Idzan opposed. Idzan, in turn, suggesting tripling the parcel tax as staff had recommended, but his motion received no support. Another cut generating discussion was $10,000 for a storage container at the SASCU Sports Fields at Little Mountain to store football gear. Staff told council the funds would be for the second of two big metal boxes that high school football players put their pads and helmets in. That way the change rooms aren’t filled with odours from the gear. Harrison said while he totally supports kids’ sports, he thinks athletes should be taking their gear home with them – noting that his basement smells like hockey gear. Coun. Kevin Flynn agreed, noting council has been told at previous budget meetings that it’s not charging enough for field usage – and so shouldn’t be paying $10,000 because athletes don’t want to carry their gear home.Council voted unanimously to delete the $10,000 for the storage box.

Harrison mentioned there are no funds in the budget should special event funding for policing be required for the Roots and Blues Festival or Sturgis North.While Idzan suggested the surplus budget funds be put into a police reserve, his motion was not supported. Flynn reiterated his position that he wants to see a breakdown of existing policing costs before considering additional funding. He also said if the city is charged, it should bill the event. Harrison agreed, but said he is afraid the policing costs might be more than anticipated. Council took no further action on the issue. City staff are currently investigating cost recovery for special event policing.

Council aims for no tax hike

Martha Wickett - Salmon Arm Observer Published: November 16, 2010 6:00 PM
City taxpayers will be facing a tax increase of less than one per cent, possibly no increase at all, if initial budget deliberations are finalized.  Salmon Arm mayor and council immersed themselves in numbers Monday, deciding who would get what in the city’s 2011 budget. As deliberations wrapped up after about five hours, council members decided to reconvene on Nov. 23 to give themselves time to further consider the document and to possibly come up with more reductions.The proposed tax increase at the close of Monday’s session was 0.76 per cent, but several councillors expressed the wish to get it down to zero.

For the taxpayer, whatever tax increase or non-increase becomes the final figure, it will be separate from the bill for the new garbage and recycling service to be instituted in January. That cost hasn’t yet been finalized, but was initially estimated to be about $11 per month for single family homes. As well, utilities are billed separately, usually in December. The draft budget contains a two per cent increase in water user fees – or about an additional $4.44 per year for residential users. The water frontage tax, which is included in the property tax bill in May, is also increasing by two per cent or 23 cents per taxable foot, meaning an average size lot of 60 feet would see an annual increase of $13.80. Both the water-related increases are to help pay for the construction of the Homely Reservoir off Auto Road near 5th Street SE.

Carl Bannister, the city’s chief administrative officer, listed a few features of the staff-compiled draft budget. They included the hiring of a new safety officer for the city, savings in excess of $150,000 from the contracting out of 911 dispatching, an increase in the volunteer firefighter payroll, a decrease of about $16,000 in the building department budget, an increase of almost $120,000 to the policing budget due mainly to getting a full complement of 19 officers, election expenses, an increase to the transportation budget of about $35,000 due mainly to an increase in transit costs and a decrease in revenue, an increase in the airport budget of $17,000 related to a new access road, an increase to the cemetery budget of about $12,000 to accommodate a new caretaker, and an increase of about $25,000 to development services, mainly to establish a $20,000 reserve for a sensitive ecosystems inventory.
Safety officer

One issue attracting a fair amount of discussion was the proposed new safety officer. While the effect of the position on the 2011 budget would be only $15,000, it would be $60,000 per year in subsequent budgets. Assistant fire chief Rod Macfarlane is currently budgeted to spend 30 per cent of his time on the city’s safety program, but fire chief Brad Shirley explained to council that while Macfarlane is doing an excellent job, the allotted time is not enough to carry out all the duties. Monica Dalziel, the city’s director of corporate services, reported that because of time constraints, the program has been largely reactive rather than proactive. Worksafe BC paid out $102,000 in injury claims on behalf of the city in 2009, $33,000 in 2008 and $50,000 in 2007. Based on the cost of injuries and the city’s health and safety record, the city’s Worksafe BC assessment rate will be increasing by about $30,000 annually. As well, the city must appoint a safety officer to carry out safety audits at the airport, as mandated by Transport Canada. While Coun. Ivan Idzan voiced strong support for a full-time safety officer, stating that trying to find someone half-time for such a serious position “is a joke,” Coun. Alan Harrison said while he doesn’t want to downplay the position’s importance, he thinks a creative solution can be found to keep the position at half-time, or $30,000 per year. In the end, a motion to create a half-time position passed, with Couns. Idzan, Ken Jamieson and Chad Eliason opposed.

Policing
Policing attracted attention, as usual, during budget discussions, particularly because the policing budget is increasing by about $120,000. Because 2011 will be the first time the local detachment will see its full complement at 19 officers, Coun. Kevin Flynn said he’d like a report at the end of the year to determine “if we really need 19.” He also asked about an expenditure of $70,000 for police vehicles, and wondered if there is a schedule or proof that two vehicles are needed. Dalziel said mileage of 160,000 km usually triggers the need for replacement, police have done well in not replacing vehicles prematurely, and noted replacement is required by the RCMP’s E division. Staff Sgt. Kevin Keane recently gave a report to council, stating that the RCMP may have to charge for policing special events such as the Roots and Blues festival, or the new Sturgis North. Flynn said with a complement of 19, he thinks the local detachment should be able to handle special events. “I still think we’re not where we should be regarding council having input into where resources are allocated.” Mayor Marty Bootsma remarked that the events are during the summer when the police are already at their busiest. “It’s not as simple as it seems.”Bannister is preparing a report to council regarding possible cost-recovery for policing special events.

Salmon Arm teen killed by train

Second teen killed in less than a week Rebecca Barton 9/27/2010

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Another Salmon Arm youth has been killed by a train. RCMP say a CP train was travelling west through the Raven area of Salmon Arm at approximately 1 am Sunday, when the conductor and engineer noticed a person kneeling on the tracks. Despite the efforts of the crew, 16-year-old Bradley Jackson was struck by the train. Alcohol and foul play are not suspected in the death and police are continuing to investigate and say the deceased was likely alone at the time of the incident. This is the second death of a young person within a week in Salmon Arm. On Sept. 22, another teenager died when he played chicken with an oncoming train. Police said 19-year-old Tyrel Colton Goerzen tried to leap across the tracks in front of the train but didn't clear the tracks and later died in hospital.

Biker rally proposed for city

Lachlan Labere - Salmon Arm Observer Published: September 14, 2010 6:00 PM

The sound of rolling thunder may fill the streets of Salmon Arm next July as an estimated 10,000 motorcycle enthusiasts arrive for the first Sturgis North motorcycle rally and music festival. This is the hope and vision of Sturgis North Promotions Inc. head Ray Sasserville, who has named his company after the popular Black Hills Motorcycle Classic rally that has taken place in Sturgis, South Dakota for the past 70 years. Sasserville, with partner and Summer Stomp Society treasurer Steve Hammer, presented this vision to Salmon Arm council Tuesday.Sasserville explained the South Dakota event, held Aug. 9 to 15, attracts more than one million people, himself included. Sasserville explained that he used the time to meet with Sturgis mayor and council, the chamber and local hotel owners and asked them to explain the demographics of participants. He said those who attend the rally tend to be 35 years and older, usually with an above average income, and a desire to buy things.(more)

Businesses after cap on taxes

Lachlan Labere - Salmon Arm Observer Published: August 31, 2010 6:00 PM

City of Salmon Arm residential taxpayers could be facing higher taxes down the road as B.C. businesses lobby to cap mill rates. Commenting briefly at last week’s council meeting on the recently released 2009 Annual Report, Coun. Kevin Flynn pointed to a list of the city’s principal taxpayers – a mix of 28 companies – that paid 12.492 per cent or more than $3 million of the total taxes collected that year. Flynn explained that there is ongoing discussion at the Union of B.C. Municipalities about adjusting municipal multiplier rates to address this imbalance. “I think we might be in a position where our major industry multiplier – a cap may be forced on us by the province,” said Flynn.“We’re not sure, but that’s what’s being discussed. And so we may have an impact where we may not be able to charge our major industry the multiplier that we do.”Later, Mayor Marty Bootsma shared with the Observer his concerns over this possible move by the province. “I guess the municipality’s fear is that the province will mandate what the rate will be, and whether or not I agree with a particular rate, what I don’t like to see is that power taken away from the municipalities,” said Bootsma. “Because as soon as we lower one tax, it’s like a balloon, somebody else is going to have to make up the difference, and that’s going to be the residents of course. And of course the residents depend on the businesses – many of them work there.”

A recent study by the Canadian Federation of Independent Businesses jumped on B.C. municipalities for overtaxing small businesses. The report claims Salmon Arm is the 68th worst municipality out of 160 for this, and that Salmon Arm businesses, on average, pay three times the amount that residential taxpayers do. “I’m not sure they’re comparing apples to apples,” says Bootsma, noting Salmon Arm residents pay 65 per cent of tax dollars. “For example, we have a parcel tax for transportation, and this is not an ad valorem tax, so a business gets taxed on an equal footing as residents… and that makes a big difference.” Bootsma adds that in 2009 the city compared Salmon Arm’s tax rates with those of Kelowna, Vernon, Kamloops and Nelson and found Salmon Arm’s to be lower. “Obviously businesses would like to pay less and residents would like to pay less, we’d all like to pay less,” said Bootsma.

Staff earn close to $7M

Lachlan Labere - Salmon Arm Observer Published: August 31, 2010 6:00 PM

Close to $7 million in 2009 went to Salmon Arm municipal staff salaries and expenses. The city’s 2009 Annual Report is now available at city hall and online at www.salmonarm.ca. As with past reports, this comprehensive documentation of last year’s municipal operations includes a breakdown of remuneration (including bonuses and gratuities) of city employees earning $75,000 or more. This list includes 17 employees who, in total, pulled in $1,510,596. Salmon Arm’s chief administrative officer, Carl Bannister, is at the top of the list, earning $135,065, followed by corporate services director Monica Dalziel at $114,873 and engineering and public works director Dale McTaggart at $99,933. These amounts are before expenses, which were $2,284 for Bannister, $4,891 for Dalziel and $3,553 for McTaggart. Total wages paid out, including staff earning under $75,000 and volunteer fire department wages, was $6,790,729, while total expenses was $74,398.

Mayor and council remuneration plus expenses and life/health benefits totaled $180,519, with Mayor Marty Bootsma earning $53,870 ($6,657 in expenses). Remuneration for councillors was between $15,000 and $15,300, with a wider variation in expenses. Coun. Debbie Cannon had the highest expenses at $7,854, followed by Ivan Idzan at $6,777. Coun. Alan Harrison had the lowest expenses at $2,298. In addition, Harrison and Coun. Ken Jamieson did not receive health benefit payments.

Mayor Marty Bootsma says that while his salary is “probably fair relative to other communities,” council’s is on the low side. “This is something that will be reviewed and I would think should be reviewed before the next election,” says Bootsma. “And if, you know, they’re getting too much, well then, we’ll have to take the appropriate action. Usually what we do is a review of other communities, to try to get them relatively close in size and geography.” As for staff wages, Bootsma says they are often reviewed and are competitive. “They are below the market, below the average,” said Bootsma.

The City of Vernon’s CAO, in 2009, earned a total of $157,404, including $7,629 in expenses and $4,571 in allowances, while Kamloops’ CAO earned $197,016, with $6,860 in expenses.Vernon’s mayor pulled in $70,768, including $5,615 in expenses, while its highest paid councillor earned $27,069. In Kamloops, the mayor earned $83,822, with $692 in expenses. Remuneration for city councillors ranged between $23,472 and $24,372, with the highest expenses for a single councillor at $6,774.

Youth killed in collision identified

File # NOTS 2010-3973 2010-09-03 11:20 PDT Vernon\North OkanaganRCMP

As an update to yesterday’s news release regarding the 3-vehicle collision on Hwy 97A north of Enderby, the 17-year-old driver who died in the collision is now identified as Donovan PIPPUS of Salmon Arm. Investigation has determined that the southbound Dodge pickup truck crossed over the center line and collided with PIPPUS’ vehicle. The investigation into the cause of the collision is ongoing and further updates will be posted on the BC RCMP Media Website at www.bc.rcmp.ca.

Released for:

Sergeant Keith Ferguson
NCO i/c North Okanagan Traffic Service
Vernon RCMP
250-545-7171

Council to buy themselves computers

Published: April 27, 2010 Salmon Arm Observer:

The decision to spend money on laptop computers for themselves did not compute for all on Salmon Arm council. Council was reviewing a motion to provide each councillor a credit of $2,000 to be spent on a laptop for themselves, along with USB jump drives, in order to move away from paper council agendas. But for Mayor Marty Bootsma and all councillors except Ivan Idzan and Chad Eliason, this amount was too rich and a motion was made to amend the amount to $1,000. Even then, Jamieson said he wouldn’t touch the money, stating he’d work with what he had when he was voted in. Harrison argued that computers tend to create more paper. Bootsma argued anything more than $500 was overkill. “All it needs to do is read a flash drive, you could almost do that with a Commodore 64.”Council agreed to the $7,000 expense.

City cuts clerk

Lachlan Labere - Salmon Arm Observer Published: March 30, 2010 6:00 PM

An order from council to lower municipal taxes has resulted in the elimination of one city clerk position and a major restructuring of the public works department. City of Salmon Arm administrator Carl Bannister says the clerk position was cut from the city’s engineering department. “Due to, I guess, bumping rights within the collective agreement, it ended up being one of our more recent employees,” said Bannister. “It was an operations clerk in our engineering department.” Meanwhile, the public works department has been reduced from seven supervisors to five, though no jobs were lost in this restructuring. Bannister said this would not impact safety in the public works department.

Cuts were requested by council after an early draft of the city budget indicated residents would be facing a 4.7 per cent tax increase. The $150,000 from the elimination of the clerk position and the public works restructuring helped to reduce the tax increase to 2.7 per cent. “Council is always mindful of service levels and how they are delivered, but doesn’t involve itself directly in personnel matters, with the exception of Administration,” commented Mayor Marty Bootsma on the cuts and how they might impact municipal service levels. “Council determines policy and direction, and it is up to administration to determine the best course to meet those objectives.”

Council sends tax hike back

Lachlan Labere - Salmon Arm Observer Published: December 01, 2009 6:00 PM

A 4.7 per cent tax increase in the new year for Salmon Arm residents is too much, says city council. After spending around 10 hours dissecting, discussing and debating draft one of the municipal budget for 2010, and finding little to cut from the proposed five per cent tax increase within, council decided to send the weighty bundle of documents back to staff with the request to return with something leaner. “Council has asked staff to come back with something reflecting two to three per cent,” said Mayor Marty Bootsma. “Council is reluctant to micro-manage the city and cut programs that maybe staff feels has priority. So, we’d like staff to present us with some options where they’d like to make some cuts.”

As presented to council, the 2010 budget reflects a two-per cent tax increase, according to corporate services director Monica Dalziel. However, the budget also shows a shortfall of $396,858, requiring an additional three-per cent tax increase. On top of this, city residents will be looking at paying for mandatory garbage collection and recycling starting in September and pro-rated at $60 per single-family residence ($170 annually). The recommended tax increase takes into account increased costs related largely to policing, snow removal, wage increases ($210,000) and to paying off debenture borrowing for large projects, including the city’s $210,000 share of the 20/21st Street underpass. Council heard budget presentations from staff relating to specific municipal functions. Fire chief Brad Shirley reported a budget tighter than 2009’s, with points of interest being wage increases, a transition in the dispatch function and the health and safety co-ordinator position, currently overseen by the fire department’s administration and safety officer Rod Macfarlane. Shirley explained that, at most, Macfarlane is able to commit 30 per cent of his time to municipal safety issues.

This related to another budget issue, the creation of a full-time city safety co-ordinator. The budget shows $30,000 for the position, starting July 1. City human resources manager Donna Shultz, arguing for the position, explained a safety audit of the city showed numerous inefficiencies. “WorkSafe BC has written a number of orders to us this year indicating we were not in compliance with occupational health and safety regulations,” said Shultz. “We have complied now, but I think we’re on WorkSafe BC’s radar.” Council agreed to leave the $30,000 in the budget, but for a part-time safety co-ordinator, despite comment from Coun. Ivan Idzan that the amount might not be enough to attract someone qualified for the position.

As in past years there was much debate over the policing budget, which shows an increase of about $200,000. Half of this, however, relates to a one-time transfer payment that up until last year had been paid from a reserve that has since been depleted. Council was able to cut $17,000 intended for parking lot upgrades from the policing budget. There was substantial debate among council (sans Bootsma for reason of conflict of interest) over a new reserve, budgeted at $70,000, for the eventual reclamation and rehabilitation of city lease lots along Canoe Beach. Coun. Chad Eliason argued for the reserve, stating the city must have sufficient funds set aside for the time when the city no longer supports the three-year leases. “If we don’t take that money from these lease lots and put it into a reserve for the rehabilitation of that end of Canoe Beach, when those leases are eventually done, I think we’d be leaving the taxpayers of the future with a huge bill,” said Eliason. But Coun. Kevin Flynn argued the amount was too much for a project that might not occur for years to come. “It is, I agree, our only public beach, but I think it’s an under-utilized public beach, even as it stands, and I think the combination of public beach and lease properties that are there now is a good combination and I don’t see that changing probably for 20 years,” said Flynn. After going back and forth, council opted to put $40,000 into the reserve.

By the second day of budget deliberations council had managed to bring the tax increase down to about 3.9 per cent. But additional budget items, including $30,000 for equipment (that received mixed opinion from staff) to essentially deal with weeds in pavement, brought the total back up to 4.7 per cent. Flynn noted that, according to staff, the budget was created to have minimal impact on service levels. He suggested this, in today’s economic climate, was not the right approach. “I still feel through this whole budget, we’re status quo instead of adjusting to the economic environment on behalf of our taxpayers… Quite a lot of them are laid off, businesses that have made a bunch of cutbacks, and we’re just carrying on business as usual,” said Flynn. Recognizing there’s little wiggle room in the budget, Bootsma says he’s reluctant to see services cut, adding he tends to receive a lot more negative feedback from residents when they are. “I think (taxpayers) would probably like to see increased service levels and a reduced tax,” said Bootsma. “But, realistically, I hope to see a minimal tax increase. I don’t really think we’ll have to reduce service levels to any appreciable degree.”

Exploring alternatives to RCMP

By Lachlan Labere - Salmon Arm Observer

Accountability and control. Coun. Alan Harrison says the city currently lacks both in its contract with the RCMP. In response he has asked that council and city staff explore the possibility of establishing a municipal police force instead. “I’m not sure of a cost saving but what I do know is the closer the budgeting process is to the source, the more control you have over it,” Harrison told the Observer. “I’m not saying we should make that jump, but I think we should explore it. “Because, for example, cities with a municipal police force, like the city of Nelson, they have direct control over their moneys that are spent on policing. Whereas here, as we just found out, we have no choice but to agree with the RCMP contract that’s nationwide. And if we don’t agree, we don’t get the policing that we want.” Harrison referred to a resolution put forward to council by city corporate services director Monica Dalziel. The resolution asks that a letter be sent to the federal Treasury Board, stating council supports in principal an incremental increase of $54.43 for the 19 RCMP members of the Salmon Arm detachment for the 2010/2011 budget.

“The Treasury Board will not allocate any increased funding for policing for the city through their budget for the process without a letter from us,” explained Dalziel. “If you do not adopt this resolution… the Treasury Board will send the same amount as last year and, if costs are higher, the city will be shorted.” The increase, said Dalziel, does not represent a raise, but the cost of providing policing services divided by the number of members. Dalziel noted that council once refused approval and, as a result, members of RCMP Division E paid city hall a visit “to educate” staff and council of the need. Coun. Kevin Flynn, of similar mind as Harrison, described this as a perfect example of the lack of accountability. “We don’t have any control over any of these budget numbers, we just get told here is what it is. In a lot of cases we don’t even understand where the numbers come from…,” said Flynn, agreeing the city needs to have a look at its options.

“A municipal force may cost more, but I think in this day and age when this is costing us close to 20-25 cents on every dollar that our taxpayers pay, we should be looking at whether we feel we’re getting the right accountability and control over that budget.” A municipal force is one option for policing services in a survey provided to the city from the Union of BC Municipalities regarding the RCMP’s contract renewal in 2012. Contract renewal and establishing a provincial police force are two others. Asked why he preferred a municipal force, Harrison said he has found that B.C. has a greater RCMP presence than any other province. “I think the RCMP do an excellent job here in Salmon Arm and in many other communities,” said Harrison. “But it’s expensive, and we don’t have any leverage in this contract in 2012 as far as finances go. One of the reasons I’d like to look at a municipal police force is we would have much more control over cost.” Council approved the request from Dalziel, and will look into holding a workshop to discuss the survey options.

Cheaper 911 service wanted

By Barb Brouwer - Salmon Arm Observer Published: May 05, 2009

Columbia Shuswap Regional District officials are shopping around for a better deal in fire dispatch services. Directors agreed to transfer $125,000 from reserve funding to purchase and install a fire emergency alerting back-up system at the April board meeting. Part of the CSRD’s 911 program includes fire emergency alerting, which is dispatched out of Firehall 3 in Salmon Arm. The current dispatch agreement between CSRD and the Salmon Arm Fire Department has been extended for one year to the end of 2009. In that time, the regional district is looking at other dispatch locations and options.

“The existing radio system is becoming obsolete and has no emergency backup system,” says Doug Dymond, CSRD works manager. “We’re improving the system, modernizing some of the radio components and computerization for back-up.” The equipment used by Salmon Arm dispatchers is owned by the regional district and it is up to the CSRD to maintain it – just as it is up to each fire department within the regional district to maintain their own radio equipment. “We hope to present options to the board shortly,” says Dymond, noting the regional district’s motive for looking for dispatch service elsewhere is a recent increase in costs. “It is important to note the work we will be doing will be portable in the event the CSRD does change its dispatch source.”

Councillor opposes formula

Lachlan Labere - Salmon Arm Observer Published: March 24, 2009 6:00 PM

The Columbia Shuswap Regional District will have to look at long-term borrowing to fund its new government offices after receiving heated criticism from a municipal member unhappy with previously proposed reserves. In his introduction to the 2009 five- year financial plan presented to the board last week, CSRD financial and corporate services manager Ted Holmes said it was the most difficult budget of his career. Holmes’ budget troubles weren’t over yet, particularly when he described his concerns regarding a sharp increase in general government expenses, owed largely to the regional government’s need for a new central office building. Holmes explained he received direction from the board last year to provide money in the budget to finance the new facility.

“We got very creative in that meeting and came up with a plan to do it over five years, $500,000 a year into reserve, and at the end of that time we short-term borrow the balance,” said Holmes, who then apologized to the board, stating he’d shelved that plan because he didn’t want to hit taxpayers with the $500,000. “And I believe we got a resolution from the City of Salmon Arm, saying ‘take the City of Salmon Arm right out of the budget,’” said Holmes. “I turned the paper over and I didn’t see any solutions to our staffing problems. I didn’t see any solutions at all. All I saw was take the money out, and I don’t agree with it and that’s personal, I do whatever the board tells me.”

There’s currently $543,426 in a reserve for the new building. In summary of a new building financial plan, Holmes has lowered the 2009 contribution to $350,000, with the contribution gradually increasing over the coming years to $675,000 in 2013. Salmon Arm director Kevin Flynn said he recognizes the regional district needs a new building. But he adamantly opposed the allocation formula, which he argued has member municipalities like Salmon Arm providing about 50 per cent of the reserve budget. “The fact is, you’re increasing general government significantly and not making any change to the administrative chargebacks, and that’s fundamentally unfair and wrong. And until that’s corrected, I don’t think we should be putting anything more into this reserve ...,” said Flynn.

Furthermore, Flynn said he was philosophically opposed to the five years of significant reserve contributions and the short-term borrowing plan. “You said that Salmon Arm didn’t have a solution – It’s not Salmon Arm’s job to come up with a solution,” said Flynn. “But Salmon Arm does not feel the building should be funded over 10 years… it should be long-term borrowing, just like we funded our building and just like the hospitals are funding their buildings.”

Flynn recommended an amendment to remove this year’s $350,000 reserve contribution from the budget, but Revelstoke-Columbia director Lonnie Parker said she was uncomfortable with the board revisiting the matter in the 11th hour. “I think what’s happening here is that, due to the economy and the state of our communities, there’s a political shift here to do whatever we can to reduce the taxes, regardless of however that will hurt us in the future,” she said. In response to comments that the amendment would derail plans for the building, board chair Marty Bootsma said this wouldn’t be the case, and that the CSRD would have to look at long-term borrowing. Flynn then recommended the board look to long-term borrowing, stating it’s a matter of being responsible with taxpayers’ money. “I think the issue is there’s a political reluctance to leave this decision up to the taxpayers and use either counter-petition or referendum,” said Flynn.

“Instead of doing that, we’re going to ram this through and do it on short-term borrowing and set up reserves with an unfair and very old and not recently reviewed allocation formula…” The board approved the amendment, with Parker, Sicamous-Malakwa director Rhona Martin and Falkland-Salmon Valley director Rene Talbot opposed.