1. Fire Dispatch – like a merry go round – the debate continues on a new radio based fire dispatch system in the RDOS. In a 13-4 vote directors endorse a resolution to seek voter assent to the $1.6 million Okanagan Mtn based system. Voter assent will be granted if 10% of the electors/taxpayers don’t demand a referendum

Directors once again debated the merits of the system and the study that recommended it. The board, in addition to passing the assent motion, directed staff to hire a consultant to do a peer review for a nominal amount of the original engineering study.

West Bench Director Michael Brydon said the study was not communicated well – “we needed a better teacher”. Summerland Director Bruce Hallquist said his municipality is paying more and getting less. Oliver Director Allan Patton was convinced the board is on the right track. Osoyoos Mayor Stu Wells said the new plan was premature and Director Ron Hovanes said there did not appear to be a comfort level with previous decisions.

In the end Directors Wells, Manfred Bauer, Tom Siddon and Hallquist were opposed – the process will continue.

2. Challenge Penticton – this group has taken over the Ironman race and appears to the RDOS asking for a grant of $25,000. Barb Haynes of the Challenge Family of endurances races in the world stated that the Penticton race in August will grow into a very large event in the years ahead. 800 individuals have registered to date with another 162 relay teams coming.

2700 was the last number for the 2012 Ironman and Challenge hopes to beat that number within a short period of time. They hope to have 1700 plus this year. The parade is Wednesday August 21 with the big race on Sunday. This is the only Challenge Family race in North America. Their budget is $960 thousand. There is a combined total of $75 thousand in prizes for the top male and female contestant.

3. West Bench water contract – RDOS will spend $1.55 million to hire H & M Excavating who will installing water main near Okanagan River/Riverside Drive so that a supply of Penticton water will fuel the West Bench Regional District water system. Included is a pedestrian corridor pathway. The water system has been undergoing major upgrades in the past two years to ensure a safe reliable supply of potable water.

4. Kaleden to OK Falls trail – a resurfacing contract has been let to Grizzly Excavating to improve the hike and bike trail from OK Falls to Kaleden on the old CPR right of way. Scope of work includes bank stabilization, trail base preparation and trail resurfacing.Trail surface material will be an aggregate material which is consistent with other paths in the Penticton area. The cost $168,802. This is Phase 1 of 3 sections from Penticton to OK Falls.