Oliver residents appear to have resolved any concerns they might have had with water meters installed in 2012.
Mayor Ron Hovanes noted at the Oliver Council’s regular meeting Monday evening that water usage in the community is back above the five-year average.
Council was reviewing a water quality summary report delivered by Engineering Technologist Jeff Marion. The report, which details staff activity on the Town’s water system, includes groundwater consumption data.
That data shows a marked decrease in water usage in 2012 — when water meters came into service — and a gradual return to normal water usage over the ensuing three years.
“We were told that when water meters go into a municipality immediately there is about a 30-percent reduction in water use,” explained Mayor Hovanes.
“At the end of the day, people found out they can afford to keep the yard somewhat green or to have that extra shower during the week.”
The water consumption data shows water use returned to the five-year average in 2013, dipped again in 2014 and gradually increased through 2015.
The water meters, Mayor Hovanes explained, weren’t installed “to make a whole lot of money.” Rather the meters are in place to “break even to pay for the service.”
Despite the return to normal water usage, Mayor Hovanes does believe the meters are having an impact on conservation.
“We’re probably conserving a lot more water than we did when it was 24-7 open-ended,” he said.
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Four Council members will attend April’s Southern Interior Local Government Association (SILGA) meetings in Kelowna.
Mayor Ron Hovanes and Councillors Petra Veintimilla, Maureen Doerr and Larry Schwartzenberger will attend the four-day session that brings local government representatives from 37 municipalities and regional districts together for consultation and instruction.
The Oliver representatives will be taking concerns about rural crime and policing costs to the session.
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Council will reconvene for a special meeting to be held this Wednesday (January 27) to discuss the general capital and operating budget. The 2 p.m. meeting is open to the public.
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Council awarded a $74,990 Official Community Plan Review and Update to a Vancouver-base consortium involving EcoPlan International and the Arlington Group.
Although there was some discussion about delaying the contract until it could be reviewed as part of a special budget session Wednesday, Council determined the review was critical with the existing OCP now almost 10 years old.
“There are so many things on the (budget) wish list that are going to be much more exciting that this,” mused Counc. Petra Veintimilla. “We could talk ourselves out of this if we give ourselves reason to do so.”
Six proposals to conduct the review were received by the Town. They were evaluated based on a number of qualifications, including experience, past performance, resources, local knowledge, scheduling, clarity and price.
Although its bid was the highest, EcoPlan International/Arlington was recommended by staff because of its “overall knowledge and expertise of the South Okanagan” and a “wide range of planning experience with a proven record of developing official community plans for smaller communities.”