Not one reporter from the Similkameen, Penticton or anyone else at the RDOS today – why is that?
Here is the news:
- Economic Development bylaw – motion to rescind this establishment bylaw passed on a slit vote. Still contentious. Funding for the Okanagan Film Commission in doubt for 2016.
- Funding for work on a water dam in the Similkameen not discussed because of a conflict of interest. Directors voted to maintain current policy of not funding outside agencies that deal in essential services.
- An old Land Use Contract for the Heritage Hills area is making its way through a process of getting rid of itself. Public Hearing at the board today – one person there for it who asked “Can you explain it a bit better?” Another public info meeting is slated for this subject later in September at OK Falls.
- Funding for improvements to the Faulder Water system ($414 thousand) approved with no questions asked.
- Tulameen Community Club seeks to get tenure on an old school site to make park improvements – RDOS board will write a letter of support.
Similkameen Dam request made by Roger Mayer, an alternate for Rural Keremeos (Area G Ollala/Hedley) at the table which raised some “conflict of interest” questions and changes to the agenda.
Mayer’s letter to the board sought $50 thousand from Gas Tax Revenue for the Nickle Plate Dam (Similkameen Improvement District). Board members advised to steer clear of the letter BUT….
West Bench Director Michael Brydon stated “amateur night is over” after the Walkerton water disaster and no funding should support Local Improvement Districts. CAO Bill Newell says all essential services like water and sewer service should be under the control of local government.
Mayer said “maybe water districts in the Keremeos area should be integrated” but Regional District should not use a “big stick” to get there. Mayer said he preferred that the RDOS would work with local water systems and fund some of the needed improvements.
Kereemos Mayor Manfred Bauer pointed out that Mayer is also Chairman of the Keremeos Irrigation District and stressed that some movement towards getting these districts under the umbrella of local government would be a good idea.