Coldstream Committee Meetings -- Environmental Committee

THE CORPORATION OF THE DISTRICT OF COLDSTREAM
ENVIRONMENTAL ADVISORY COMMITTEE MEETING

TO BE HELD ON MONDAY, NOVEMBER 2, 2009
IN THE MUNICIPAL HALL COUNCIL CHAMBERS
9901 KALAMALKA ROAD, COLDSTREAM, BC
7:00 PM

AGENDA

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Selected articles -- Morning Star news -- October 28 , 2009

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Water devolution update.

Amazing, simply amazing! Two brand new proposals issued by Mayor Lippert in a relatively short time. One common thread prevails in both proposals: we can play ball if Vernon can set the rules. Sort of a benevolent dictatorship. However, when one views the Position Paper submitted to the Arbitrator by Vernon’s solicitor (attached as Exhibits 1-11) a less than benevolent dictatorship is revealed. Take a good read of the document and you may understand why I cannot agree to the City’s proposals.

Vernon claims that because they contribute more funds to the utility they have the right to set the rules. These rules would create a rate system where Vernon customers’ water rates would drop to $0.73 per m3 while Coldstream customers’ rate would increase to $2.18 per m3 and Electoral Area customers would pay $3.33 per m3. Not so benevolent dictatorship!

Vernon may contribute more dollars to the water utility but only because there are more users there. The unit cost of domestic water is the same (at least for now) in any jurisdiction within the utility. All participants agreed to this principle in 2001 (see attached Exhibits 12-13). Vernon should not be allowed to pick and choose which of the agreed upon principles to accept and which to reject. No single jurisdiction should have controlling power over the affairs of other sovereign jurisdictions.

The final touch: Vernon Council voted to abolish Greater Vernon Services Committee while negotiating supposedly in good faith.

Amazing, simply amazing!

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Killer flu strikes

A teenaged Etobicoke hockey player, who recently earned his assistant captain's letter, died yesterday from the H1N1 virus.

Evan Frustaglio, 13, was rushed to St. Joseph's Hospital after collapsing at home just before noon yesterday, his grieving dad said.

Paul Frustaglio said the coroner's office last night confirmed his son died of the virus.

The so-called swine flu has already claimed 29 lives in Ontario, including several people in the GTA, during the first wave of the pandemic this spring. read more

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APPOINTMENTS - ADVISORY PLANNING COMMISSION

Advisory Planning Commission

The Advisory Planning Commission acts in an advisory capacity to Council on matters related to land use, community planning, and proposed bylaws and permits.

APPOINTMENTS - ADVISORY PLANNING COMMISSION

The Council of the District of Coldstream invites applications from interested residents of Coldstream, to fill vacancies on the Advisory Planning Commission, effective January 1, 2010 for a two year term.

The Advisory Planning commission acts in an advisory capacity to Council on matters related to land use, community planning, and proposed bylaws and permits. The application form is available at the Coldstream Municipal Office, located at 9901 Kalamalka Road, and on the website.

Applications will be received up until Friday, November 20, 2009.

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Selected articles -- Morning Star news -- October 25 & 16 , 2009

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Coldstream Council Meeting -- October 26, 2009 -- Agenda

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H1N1 Clinics Kick Off in Interior Health: Seasonal Flu Clinics Expand Eligibility Criteria

With the announcement of the approval of the H1N1 vaccine, plans for adding H1N1 clinics throughout Interior Health kicked into high gear today.

The first clinics get underway next week in three locations with the rest starting the week of November 2 as local facilities are booked and staff and volunteers are organized to help run the clinics.

“We will be receiving our H1N1 vaccine in smaller batches, more frequently,” reports Dr. Andrew Larder, Senior Medical Health Officer for Interior Health. “That’s why we are offering the vaccine to those that will benefit the most from its use first – those people at greater risk of serious health complications from H1N1.”

The following is a list of the highest risk groups and we recommend that they receive their vaccinations first:

· Pregnant women in the second half of pregnancy in communities where H1N1 influenza is actively circulating. NOTE: once nonadjuvanted vaccine is available, it should be used preferentially in this group, and offered regardless of local circulation of H1N1 influenza
· Persons under age 65 with chronic conditions
· Persons residing in rural and remote communities, including First Nations

Starting the week of Nov. 2, the following groups will then be eligible to also get their shot:

· Children 6 months to less than 5 years (59 months)
· Healthcare workers, who are involved with the pandemic response of delivery of essential health services.
· Household contacts and care providers of infants < 6 months of age and of persons who are immunocompromised.

In mid-November, after the priority groups have had the opportunity to get immunized, the clinics will be open to anyone who needs or wants an H1N1 vaccine, free of charge.

The H1N1 clinics will be held jointly with the seasonal flu clinics currently underway. When it’s recommended for people to get their H1N1 shot, they will now be able to get a seasonal flu shot at the same time, if they are eligible.

“We are also recommending that those eligible to receive both their H1N1 vaccine and their seasonal flu shot get them at the same time,” adds Dr. Larder.

Seasonal Flu Clinics Expand to Include Those at Risk
In addition, to the new H1N1 clinics, the seasonal flu clinics are also expanding to offer the free vaccine to anyone who has been eligible in past years, not just those over 65 years. This list includes:

· People 65 years and older and their caregivers/household contacts
· Children and adults with chronic health conditions and their household contacts
· Children and adolescents (6 months to 18 years) with conditions treated for long periods of time with Acetylsalicylic acid and their household contacts
· Healthy children age 6-23 months
· Household contacts and caregivers of infants age 0-23 months
· Pregnant women who will be in their third trimester during influenza season and their household contacts
· Residents of nursing homes and other chronic care facilities
· Health care and other care providers in facilities and community settings who are capable of transmitting influenza to those at high risk of influenza complications
· People who work with live poultry and/or swine.

“H1N1 is by far the most predominant flu circulating this fall,” says Dr. Larder. “Getting your flu shot will help protect you and those around you. In addition, we also continue to encourage everyone to practice safe hygiene: cover your nose and mouth when you cough or sneeze, wash your hands frequently and stay home if you are sick.”

The first clinics start in three communities that have the supplies and the staff ready to go. These start October 29th in Vernon, Creston and 100 Mile House on October 29th and 30th. The majority of clinics in the rest of IH will get underway the week of November 2nd.

Details about times, dates and locations of the clinic nearest you, when available, will be posted on the website and at:

· www.interiorhealth.ca
· www.immunizebc.ca
· HealthLink BC, dial 8-1-1, open 24/7
· Your local Public Health Centre

For more information on H1N1 and seasonal flu:
· Log on to the Interior Health website for updates and information www.interiorhealth.ca

Call HealthLink BC by dialing 8-1-1 or visiting www.healthlinkbc.ca.

View British Columbia updates on the H1N1 Flu Virus (human swine flu) are available at http://www.gov.bc.ca/h1n1/index.html.

Read HealthLink BC Files:
· #12b Facts About the Flu http://www.healthlinkbc.ca/healthfiles/hfile12b.stm
· #12a Why Seniors Should Get Flu Vaccinations
· #12c Flu Immunization: Myths and Facts
· #12d Influenza (Flu) Vaccine

Learn how to protect yourself against flu at http://fightflu.ca/index-eng.html.

For more info, contact:

Lannea Parfitt (Public Health Communications)
250-870-5898

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2009 Flu Clinic Schedule for People 65 Years and Older

Seasonal flu clinics for seniors 65 and over.

Schubert Centre 3505 30th Avenue October 23, 2009 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM no appt necessary
Schubert Centre 3505 30th Avenue October 29, 2009 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM no appt necessary
Halina Sr. Centre 3310 37th Avenue November 2, 2009 2:00 PM to 5:00 PM no appt necessary
Halina Sr. Centre 3310 37th Avenue November 9, 2009 9:00 AM to 12:00 PM no appt necessary

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Coldstream’s proposed Firearms Regulation Bylaw .

Coldstream Council is in the process of redrafting Coldstream’s Firearms Regulation Bylaw. Anyone interested in reviewing and/or commenting on the proposed bylaw should check out the proposal as it is now and provide input if desired. I will post the date Council will tackle the issue in a future Council meeting.

Reference to the proposed Bylaw can be found at Firearms Regulation Bylaw, pages 7-13 (click "committees" then "Technical Committee", then "October 19").

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NORD Meeting -- October 21, 2009

REGIONAL DISTRICT OF NORTH OKANAGAN

COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE MEETING
Wednesday, October 21, 2009
3:00 p.m.
AGENDA

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REGIONAL DISTRICT OF NORTH OKANAGAN

REGIONAL BOARD MEETING
Wednesday, October 21, 2009
4:00 pm
REGULAR AGENDA

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Photo gallery --Halloween owl - Happy Halloween! Courtesy: Debbie Gibson.

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Around the world.

A Real Elephant Walk in your Hotel!

Mfuwe Lodge: The hotel is set in an idyllic national parkland.



Elephants march through hotel lobby after it was built on their migration trail. The Mfuwe Lodge in Zambia happens to have been built next to a mango tree that one family of pachyderms have always visited when the fruit ripens. When they returned one year and found the luxury accommodation in the way, they simply walked through reception. Read more

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Coldstream Committee Meetings -- Technical Advisory Committee and Finance Committee

THE CORPORATION OF THE DISTRICT OF COLDSTREAM
TECHNICAL ADVISORY COMMITTEE MEETING

TO BE HELD ON MONDAY, OCTOBER 19,2009
IN THE MUNICIPAL HALL COUNCIL CHAMBERS
9901 KALAMALKA ROAD, COLDSTREAM, BC
4:30 PM

AGENDA

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FINANCE COMMITTEE MEETING
THE DISTRICT OF COLDSTREAM

TO BE HELD ON MONDAY, OCTOBER 19, 2009
IN THE MUNICIPAL HALL COUNCIL CHAMBERS
9901 KALAMALKA ROAD, COLDSTREAM, BC
5:30 PM
Following the Technical Advisory Committee Meeting

AGENDA

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Anyone interested in the debate about budget planning and finance policy issues should attend this committee meeting as this is the beginning of next year's budget discussions.

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Selected articles -- Morning Star news -- October 14 & 16 , 2009

As an added bonus here is Richard!



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Readers write -- SEWAGE COMPOSTING IN THE COMMONAGE

SEWAGE COMPOSTING IN THE COMMONAGE

Over the past three years, many Vernon residents have experienced foul odours in the air and most are unaware of their source. In many cases the odours have been emitted by a sewage compost facility on Commonage Road known as “Ogogrow.” The Ogogrow plant, which is operated by the City of Kelowna, sits on 70 acres (28.35ha) next to Roses Pond - an extremely environmentally sensitive area in the Kalamalka Lake watershed. Nearby residents who were never previously consulted, have repeatedly asked the City of Kelowna to find a more suitable location for its facility. This August, residents received their answer when Kelowna’s new heavy equipment was moved in, Kelowna CUPE members replaced Vernon contract workers, and an additional 6.9 million dollars for expansion was approved. The money is to allow for further expansion to 2017 and accommodate additional sewage from many areas of the Okanagan, meaning this could become the dumping ground for all Central Interior sewage. This despite the fact the City of Kelowna has continually:

(i) Ignored area resident’s concerns for their health and quality of life.
(ii) Ignored their own engineer’s recommendations to protect ground water
(iii) Ignored approved sewage limits by exceeding capacity for over two years
(iv) Continued to store compost directly on the ground in violation of Organic Matter Recycling Guidelines

The turtles that once occupied Roses Pond and numbered in the thousands have now disappeared. Varieties of birds that were perched above the pond are now seldom seen. Area residents are concerned that Kalamalka Lake will be sacrificed next as no consideration has been given to protecting Boltres Creek. A creek that originates next to the compost piles and flows a short distance into Kalamalka Lake.

Despite residents concerns, unresolved problems and little public consultation, Ministry of Environment officials are poised to approve this expansion. If you can please take the time to attend the open house as shown below.

Event date: Thursday, October 15, 2009, from 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM
Title: Open House - Regional Compost Facility
Date: 2009-10-15 Time: 5 pm. to 7pm
Location: Vernon City Hall, Okanagan Lake Room

The public is invited to an open house to review upgrade plans to the Regional Compost Facility. The City of Kelowna and the City of Vernon intend to increase capacity of the site at 551 Commonage Road to 36,400 tonnes per year and conduct necessary upgrades to address odours.

For more information please visit no-ogo-grow!

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PUBLIC SERVICE ANNOUNCEMENT -- Seasonal Flu Clinics for Seniors Start this Week

Free Seasonal flu vaccine clinics for seniors 65 and older and those living in long-term care facilities ONLY will run from October 13 to November 9.

“We are offering the vaccine to the elderly as they are more susceptible to serious complications and hospitalization from influenza” says Dr. Paul Hasselback, Medical Health Officer with Interior Health. “Seasonal Flu clinics for other at-risk groups will begin in early 2010, following H1N1 vaccine clinics for the general population.

The vaccine offered to seniors in October contains three strains of seasonal flu based on worldwide trends tracked by the World Health Organization. It will not protect you against the H1N1 flu virus. “Getting the seasonal flu vaccine is a safe, effective way for seniors to stay healthy and avoid serious illness” adds Hasselback. “Hand washing and staying home when sick will also help stop spreading disease to others.”

Seniors Flu Clinic Information

To find a seasonal flu clinic, visit the Flu Locator at www.immunizebc.ca, or call your local Public Health Centre, located under Health Authority in the blue pages of the phonebook.

Please note these clinics are for free seasonal flu shots for those 65 years and older and residents of long-term care facilities. Free seasonal flu clinics for those under 65 with chronic health conditions will be held later in the year or early in 2010, once the planned clinics for H1N1 are complete.

A reminder to seniors 65 years and older that they should also consider getting a pneumococcal immunization if they have not received one previously, which is available free of charge. Contact your local health unit to book an appointment.

This vaccine helps protect against pneumonia and offers additional protection from flu complications.

For information on the flu, visit HealthLink BC online at www.healthlinkbc.ca or call HealthLink BC toll-free at 8-1-1, 24-hours a day to speak with a registered nurse or consult with a pharmacist.

Media Information:

Lannea Parfitt
Public Health Communications Officer (250) 870-5898

Dr. Paul Hasselback
Medical Health Officer (250) 868-7818

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Man at centre of health scandal was under house arrest when hired

A key player accused of fraud in the health-contracts scandal was under house arrest and prohibited from handling other people's money when he was given a job overseeing a $9-million budget at Fraser Health.

Jim Taylor was hired as director of communications systems at the Fraser Valley health region in April 2000 -- a month after he was sentenced to two years less a day for defrauding the White Rock Sea Festival Society, which went bankrupt.

As part of his conditional sentence, Taylor was not to have signing authority except for his own personal bank account.

His conviction was heavily reported by the media at the time and the details would have been available in a simple Google search or criminal record check.

Fraser Health Authority officials say they weren't involved in hiring Taylor as he was appointed before the individual health regions merged to become Fraser Health. read more

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Stupidity knows no borders!

Train drags German mooner half naked along tracks

Reuters, October 12, 2009

BERLIN - A German man mooning at railway staff in a departing train got his trousers caught in a carriage door and ended up being dragged half naked along the platform, out of the station and onto the tracks.

The 22-year-old journalism student shoved his backside against the window of a low-slung double-decker train when staff forced him off in Lauenbrueck for travelling without a ticket, a spokesman for police in the northern city of Bremen said.

"It’s a miracle he wasn’t badly hurt," the spokesman said on Monday. "This sort of thing can end up killing you."

Instead, dangling by his trousers, the man got pulled along for about 200 metres, all the while managing to keep his legs away from the wheels of the train.

The ordeal ended when a passenger pulled the emergency brake. Rescues services were called in, causing rail services between Bremen and Hamburg to be suspended for over an hour, delaying 23 trains.

The man — unharmed except for cuts and bruises — now faces charges of dangerous interference in rail transport, insulting the train staff, and may face sizeable a compensation claim for the delays he caused, police said.

"He was full of remorse when I talked to him," the spokesman said. "And he advised others not to try the same thing."

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Coldstream Council Meeting -- October 13, 2009 -- Agenda

REGULAR MEETING OF THE COUNCIL
OF THE DISTRICT OF COLDSTREAM

TO BE HELD ON TUESDAY, OCTOBER 13, 2009
IN THE MUNICIPAL HALL CHAMBERS
9901 KALAMALKA ROAD, COLDSTREAM, BC
6:00 PM

A G E N D A

1. APPROVAL OF AGENDA (4:30 PM)

2. RESOLUTION TO ADJOURN TO IN-CAMERA (4:30 PM)

Recommendation

THAT Council adjourn to an In-Camera meeting to discuss issues related to the following paragraphs under Section 90(1) of the Community Charter:

(e) the acquisition, disposition or expropriation of land or improvements, if the council considers that disclosure could reasonably be expected to harm the interests of the municipality.

REGULAR OPEN MEETING OF THE COUNCIL RESUMES at 6:00 PM

3. LONG SERVICE AWARD PRESENTATION (6:00 PM)

Mayor Garlick will present the “British Columbia 25 Year Long Service Award” to Fire Chief Leo Lecavalier on behalf of the Ministry of Public Safety and Solicitor General, Emergency Management BC and the District of Coldstream.

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Bedtime (hospital?) reading for the strong at heart.

Do you want to know where our health care dollars go? Take a few minutes to find out. Here are some links you may find educational.

Court documents reveal allegations of fraud among public officials

Fraser Health Authority hired man prohibited from handling other people's money

Lessons unlearned

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Selected articles -- Morning Star news -- October 9 & 11 , 2009

Selected articles from Sunday's Morning Star.

If you missed Fridays paper, here are some selected articles.

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Photo gallery -- Things to be thankful for this weekend, Courtesy: Debbie Gibson.

Happy Thanksgiving!!!!

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