The annual general meeting of the Oliver and District Heritage Society went off without a hitch – despite many concerns about the actions of the new board and its leader Michael Newman.

Newman took over as President last fall after the RDOS and Town gave him direction to take charge and come up with a plan of action.

Since then both employees were given notice and the curator left the area. The museum was closed. A new manager of heritage has been hired and a position offered to the former archivist Lynn Alaric as a collection person reporting to the manager.

Newman told the AGM that he hopes the Town – owner of the archives building and the BC Police building will grant a $1 a year lease for two decades so that needed changes can be made to both buildings to make the whole operation work better.

All those permissions were given by the majority of members – 50 of them in attendance for the meeting Wednesday at the Quail’s Nest Art Centre.

A budget for 2012 of $142, 575 was approved by members along with financial statements that will allow grant funding.

Members also authorized the use of restricted funds to make renovations to the Museum. There was some concern about society monies being spent on Town owned buildings but Councillor Dave Mattes told the meeting that a 20 year lease would save the society almost a quarter of a million dollars so any investment in the heritage building would be a wise decision.

Both Rural Director Allan Patton and Mayor Ron Hovanes said that ongoing annual funding would continue with a well run and organized society operating the heritage facilities.

A final vote of confidence in the action of the directors passed with a size-able majority.