Press release --Vernon and District Taxpayers Association.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

December 20, 2007

CAO Leon Gous' answers to the Vernon and Districts Taxpayers' Association's questions concerning the Civic Complex confirm the following:

1. There is "NO PURCHASE AGREEMENT" between the City of Vernon and the Okanagan Regional Library Board (ORL).

2. There is NO DECISION on whether the ORL will lease or buy the new library.

3. There is NO VALUE DETERMINED on the land and building proposed for the library--such value will be determined "AFTER completion" of the complex.

4. There is SILENCE concerning the overrun costs--in the case of the library, we are told any overruns will be paid by Citizens of Vernon!

5. There is NO CONTRACT between the City and ORL concerning the future sale of the library by ORL--only a 'position' by the City.

6. The Citizens of Vernon will be shelling out the FULL CAPITAL COSTS OF $4.8 million for the Art Gallery.

7. There is NO LEASE AGREEMENT with GVSC for the increase in rent from $11 sq.ft. to $25 sq.ft.

8. The only documentation concerning the Art Gallery is a letter supporting a 'concept plan of 11,000 - 12,000 sq.ft.'

9. There was NO RESPONSE to our question--why has there been no public input opportunities for the Citizens of Vernon? Mr. Gous' response was a blank.

The consultants' fees to date starting with the Cultural Centre white elephant to the present Civic Complex proposal?? Over $450,000! What have the citizens of Vernon received for it!?

Finally, this Mayor, Council and City Administration are asking us to sign a blank cheque without any solid contract in place.

Contact: Antony Stamboulieh 260-1082

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