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Council Report

Decisions and discussions at the Oliver Town Meeting October 15th

1. Presentation by Jeet Dukhia and Pinder Dhaliwal from the BCFGA executive on the state  of the agriculture industry in the Okanagan. Both gentleman talked to the issue of the importance of agriculture and the need for better housing for farmworkers, cost of water, invasive plant control, and some method of having a level playing field when competing with Washington state. This same presentation given to municipalities up and down the valley and will be shared with regional districts.

2. 2014 municipal budget timelines were agreed upon so as to not conflict with travel plans of council and staff. Council will meet on sewer and water utility budgets November 18 and 19th.

3. Airport Advisory Committee – some changes. Councillor Doerr has agreed to step down and be replaced by Councillor Larry Schwartzenberger. Council will now seek a member of the public to bring the number of committee members back to 5. (2 council, 1 flying club president, 1 member of the public and 1 member representing airport users)

4. The present agreement between Oliver Town Council, RDOS and the Oliver Tourism Association expires December 31st. OTA is looking for a long term agreement. Staff instructed to  bring back a 3 year draft agreement as soon as possible for ratification. OTA operates the Oliver Visitors Centre and is funded to market the area through various means.

5. Water Twinning – the final phase of the project is about to be completed. Council urged the Mayor to request a visit in the spring  (upon completion) from both the Premier of the province and a representative of the Federal Government to celebrate the finish of this 8-9 year project – that has brought potable water to  many homes in the rural water systems north and south of town.

6. By-election report of Corporate Officer. Cost of election $8791. Cost savings because of no wages for councillor that stepped down = $4000. Mayor Ron Hovanes said this is the cost of democracy.

7. Airport Operations Manual reviewed and adopted.