Rail Trail input opportunity!

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Financial details revealed for railway corridor purchase

    by  Richard Rolke - Vernon Morning Star
    posted Dec 9, 2014 at 12:00 PM

There are more details about what it will cost taxpayers to purchase a railway corridor.

Information released Tuesday shows that of the $22 million price tag for the CN line from Kelowna to Coldstream, the Regional District of North Okanagan would be responsible for $1.9 million.

“The expectation is there will be no impact on taxpayers,” said David Sewell, RDNO chief administrative officer.

The funds will come out of a reserve created in 2005 when Greater Vernon residents agreed to borrow $7.5 million for parkland acquisition. About $7 million remains in the account.

“We are already paying interest so there is no incremental impact on taxes,” said Sewell of the CN land deal.

RDNO’s $1.9 million is based on the property value of the corridor within the regional district.

The District of Lake Country’s share is $5.1 million. To minimize the current tax impact to residents, the municipality may seek public approval to borrow up to 50 per cent of the amount.

“That is a possibility but council has to discuss that further,” said Mayor James Baker, adding that the issue will be considered by council Tuesday and the district may seek to borrow the entire cost.

Lake Country has also entered into an agreement in which the City of Kelowna would acquire a 50 per cent interest in the land within Lake Country on a temporary basis. This would reduce the immediate cost to Lake Country it purchases the share back from Kelowna.

“It makes it a little easier for our tax burden initially,” said Baker.

Kelowna staff supports the deal with lake Country.

“The arrangement alleviates the debt load for the District of Lake Country’s residents, protects the opportunity of all the jurisdictions to finalize the deal with CN and preserves the corridor as a continuous route physically connecting the communities of the central and north Okanagan with no current tax impact for Kelowna residents,” said Doug Gilchrist, divisional director community planning and real estate for the City of Kelowna.

Beyond its assistance to Lake Country, Kelowna estimates its share of the purchase price at $7.6 million. It would be funded from reserves and interim financing with no additional tax increase needed.

All of the participating jurisdictions are also looking at ways to raise the remaining $7.3 million of the agreement purchase amount through grants and partnerships before the due diligence process for purchase ends.

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Parks MOU now on line

Parks Memo of Understanding

The Parks MOU that has yet to be ratified by Coldstream and Vernon Councils is now online at the links above. (Updated schedules are posted)
 
Coldstream to debate at Dec 3 meeting (Pages 67-107)

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Vernon willing to split up control of parks

By Richard Rolke - Vernon Morning Star

 Updated: May 28, 2012 10:59 AM

 

Vernon won't stand in the way of dividing up control of parks.

Council voted unanimously Monday to pursue a change in the service model for Greater Vernon parks.

"It seems to address all of the issues that have been raised," said Coun. Juliette Cunningham.

Under this model, while some parks would remain part of the collective, most would become the individual responsibility of Vernon, Coldstream and the regional district to operate and maintain.

The other proposed model has been keeping all parks within the collective with Coldstream and Vernon having contracts to provide maintenance.

Cunningham is convinced a change in the service model could benefit Vernon, especially since there are public concerns about the condition of beaches on Lakeshore Road.

"We as a council could best decide what resources to put towards it," she said.

Discussions between the Greater Vernon jurisdictions will resume next week.

"There's a real philosophy of wanting an agreement and wanting to get it done," said Mayor Rob Sawatzky.

Firm details for the two models must still be worked out.

"There aren't very large differences in costs," said Sawatzky.

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Readers write - Fallen tree in Creekside park!

It is not safe anymore to sit at our table in the doggie park, this tree came down and almost hit our table.

Cheers

Lilly

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Note -- change of deadline for name change suggestions.

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Readers write -- Sovereign Park.

Coldstream Council has asked for input regarding changing the name of Coldstream Centennial Park to Sovereign Park.

Please encourage them to make this change, just a simple statement such as: "Please change the name of Coldstream Centennial Park to Sovereign Park."

You can do this by: email - info@districtofcoldstream.ca or mail or drop off at 9901 Kalamalka Road, Coldstream, V1B 1L6

Thank you so much!

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Greater Vernon Parks tax requisition from 1997 to 2010.

Further proof that a review of the function is overdue. On a per capita basis Coldstream's contribution to the system is out of proportion percentage wise as compared to the other partners.

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Is public interest ignored by politicians?

Public interest ignored
By Richard Rolke - Vernon Morning Star
Published: December 07, 2010 7:00 PM

The dispute over Greater Vernon parks, recreation and culture is starting to tread into dangerous territory.

At today’s North Okanagan Regional District board meeting, BX-Silver Star director Mike Macnabb will present a notice of motion that could be discussed in early January.

The motion reads: “That the parties in the Greater Vernon parks, recreation and culture service (namely Vernon, Coldstream, Area B and Area C) be requested to provide their respective consent to an orderly wind down of the service by Dec. 31, 2011.”

The old Greater Vernon Parks and Recreation District was formed back in the 1970s so the four jurisdictions that make up Greater Vernon could provide programs and facilities for all residents in a cost-effective manner. The structure of the function has evolved over the years, but the basic principle has remained the same: a collaborative approach to meeting the needs of the public.

There is the prospect that Wesbild Centre, the Performing Arts Centre and Grey Canal trail could become the anchors of a smaller, more focused service. Virtually everything else would shift into the domain of the individual jurisdictions.

That may not be a huge issue for Vernon as its employees already provide the services under contract to the North Okanagan Regional District. But for Coldstream and NORD, a significant expense could arise if staff and equipment must be acquired for their parks and facilities.

Vernon taxpayers could also be digging deeper as they would be completely responsible for all facilities within the city (presently they cover about 70 per cent, with the remainder coming from the other three partners). The bill could be hefty for replacement of Civic Arena or major renos to the recreation complex.

Macnabb calls for an “orderly” process but that’s unlikely given that all jurisdictions have paid into the parks and facilities — no matter who owns them — for almost 40 years. In other cases, property in Vernon and Coldstream is actually owned by NORD. There is also money sitting in reserves.

For anyone that’s been divorced, they know that dividing assets can be ugly.

In a worst-case scenario, suggestions could also surface as to who can use the facilities. Will residents from Coldstream and the BX pay more at the pool than their Vernon counterparts? Will only Coldstream residents be allowed to use the fields there? There’s talk of a sports complex next to the college, but can those plans withstand any divisions that erupt?

In a letter to NORD, Macnabb states that Vernon is “very urbanized” compared to the other jurisdictions, and the “current service can no longer meet the unique needs of each participant.” I don’t accept that for a minute, as Macnabb’s own constituents swim at the pool, play minor hockey at the arenas or go for picnics at Polson Park. The so-called rural/urban split is an excuse put forward by politicians on all sides desperate to justify their actions.

Each side blames the other for the mess, but quite frankly, who may have first requested a service review, or who has said what, is increasingly irrelevant.

The bottom line is very little of this debate actually has anything to do with services to the public. It’s all about control over decision-making. A pissing match is putting decades of co-operation at risk.

Is the current parks and recreation structure perfect? No. But instead of grandstanding and inflexibility, it’s time for our elected officials to get back to work. If more local input is needed on parks maintenance, find a way for that to occur. If one partner wants to focus on tot lots, make it happen.

The politicians have been heard ad nauseam but taxpayers haven’t had a voice at the table.

It’s time for residents of Vernon, Coldstream and the electoral areas to tell their elected representatives that they are disappointed with how this issue has been handled, and they expect better.

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The above column was published in the Morning Star and it requires a critical review. Once again I must emphasize that the comments that follow are that of this writer's and may not represent the entire Coldstream Council. So, here it goes.

Mr Rolke has more questions than answers. Had he asked the right people he could actually inform his readers rather than asking them questions.

As Mr Rolke notes that “The old Greater Vernon Parks and Recreation District was formed back in the 1970s”. He should have also noted that the five (5) participants were Vernon, Coldstream and Electoral Areas A, B and C. There was a balance in the governance of the service; none of the individual participants could ride roughshod over the others. As it stands now there are three Directors at NORD from Vernon, one each from Electoral Area’s B and C and one from Coldstream. After the next census Vernon is expected to gain another Director, thus, Vernon could effectively dictate everything related to Greater Vernon Parks as well as to Greater Vernon Water. There will no longer be a need for consensus or amicable agreements. Vernon could vote in any change they desired. The balanced governance model would be out the window.

The initial GVPRD agreement was quite narrow in scope and included the newly built Recreation Centre and Swimming Pool, which were the principal reason for the partnership, the Civic Arena and a number of existing parks.

As years went by various other facilities and programs were patched on to the system without a thorough assessment of the consequences on the partnership. Eventually the function became large and complicated. A review to evaluate the cost effectiveness of the service became necessary. It is quite easy to visualize that what was agreed upon in the early 1970's and patched up over subsequent years might not be the ideal partnership in 2010.

At present all Coldstream parks (with the exception of small tot lots) are signed over to NORD by Coldstream. Vernon declined to sign over some of their properties (such as Kal Beach, Kal Beach Parking, Marshall Fields, etc.) yet they are being maintained as part of the community complex. Why should those parks not be part of NORD properties?

Coldstream contributes about $1.3 million to the parks service in addition to the financing costs of the Theatre and the Wesbild Centre. It would be irresponsible for Coldstream Council not to ensure that these funds contributed by their taxpayers are providing the expected values.

While the function is administered under the auspices of NORD the operation of the service is contracted to the City of Vernon. City administration prepares the budget without any input from Coldstream Council or staff. The budget is then approved by the NORD Board. Overhead expenses are charged by both the City and NORD so administrative cost to Coldstream are quite significant.

Mr Rolke may not accept that “...current service can no longer meet the unique needs of each participants...” but he seems to have no need to have evidence for his conclusions. As a reporter he can hold that position but we, elected representatives of taxpayers, must require that evidence. Residents of Coldstream can be assured that their Council is working to ensure that they get the best bang for their buck. In fact, this service review has everything to do with providing the best and most cost effective service to the taxpayers.

Gyula Kiss
Councillor
Coldstream

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Parks and Recreation negotiations clarified.

The electoral Area's Directors and Coldstream Council released their position papers on the Parks negotiation prior to the November 9th joint meeting. The documents are attached below.

There are two major concerns for Coldstream:

1. Taking over operation and maintenance of sub regional parks within the boundaries of Coldstream, and

2. Ensuring that one jurisdiction cannot dictate to the rest of the jurisdictions (the governance issue).

Coldstream Council's major concern with the governance issue is that following the next census Vernon might get an extra vote and with their majority they can make financial decisions that would drag Coldstream into expansion of facilities, and consequently into greater financial expenditures, without their consent.

In the past Vernon demonstrated dictatorial tendencies in negotiations. The original sewer agreement in the mid 70's were quite amicable since Vernon was desperate for Coldstream's support in securing the necessary funds for the new sewer plant and spray irrigation system.

Years later the contract was up for negotiations and Vernon refused to negotiate the contract renewal under the same terms. They eventually went to court requesting an injunction to prevent further connections to the sewer system by developers in Coldstream.

Vernon insisted that Coldstream did not pay enough for policing, although Coldstream satisfied legislated requirements. They demanded an escalating extra policing cost to0 be included in the contract starting from $40,000 and increasing to $200,000 plus cost of living increases. The majority of Council eventually voted to accept the contract not wanting to go to court. Sometimes it is better to settle contentious issues in court once and for all.

Another example of muscle flexing was in the late 90's when a developer's offer to build a multiplex in Coldstream was rejected by Vernon (the Electoral Areas were not supportive either). The developer would have built and operated the twin ice sheet facility, one of which with 2,000 seats, at his own expense and only requested GVPRD to purchase $500,000 worth of ice time a year . That ice time could have been sold at reduced rates to minor hockey.

Lastly I point out the change of heart by Vernon with regards to Greater Vernon Water, specifically their demand to withdraw from the distribution system. That would increase water rates in Coldstream and the Electoral Areas and significantly reduce the rates in the City.

These are my reasons to insist on a fair resolution of the parks review. I believe we must ensure that Coldstream taxpayers get a fair deal and in the future.

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Mayor Garlick replies to Morning Star article.

Mr. Mitchell

I am writing in the hopes of clarifying some reporting by the Morning Star. The new publisher to the Morning Star, Mr. Weatherington, was quoted in a recent article as saying that he looked forward to providing the community with information. I hope this is possible in the future. This has not been the case with some of the opinionated and manipulative reporting on the issue of the parks review and the draft proposal put forward by the facilitator, Mr. Nielson-Welch, to this review.

It should be pointed out that the reporter, Mr. Rolke, who seems to have taken up a campaign to abandon the parks review, did not attend the last meeting in which the draft proposal was put forward by the facilitator. If he had attended he would have heard the concerns around changes to the governance and operations of the Rec Centre and Civic Arena along with other points contained in the draft proposal. He woulds also heard discussion in support of some changes. Mr. Rolke’s articles give the impression that the various parties have accepted the direction provided in the draft proposal with no thought or investigation into the consequences. I want to make it clear that this is not the approach being taken.

The District of Coldstream financial officer is working with Regional District staff to provide the appropriate information on costs and liability to Coldstream council in order to make decisions on providing service for our parks in Coldstream.

Any changes to taking responsibility for land will be accompanied by a covenant ensuring the continued use as parkland for the area.

Coldstream council would like to see Kal Beach and parking lot be a sub-regional park and explore the possibilities of including it in the parks inventory or zoning as park.

The City of Vernon voted to include the Rec Centre and Civic Arena in the service as it is now. Coldstream is agreeable. Electoral Areas B and C raised no concerns to this point at our last Greater Vernon Committee meeting. This will most likely make the suggestion in the draft proposal to change these facilities a moot point.

A separate Arts and Culture and Youth Service is being considered to provide the groups involved a higher profile.

Service reviews such as this one we have undertaken are legitimate review processes under provincial legislation. This review was brought forward first by the City of Vernon as one of 19 in January 2007 and subsequently dropped. It was then reinitiated in June 2007 by Electoral Areas B and C. It then sat dormant for 2 years. Coldstream asked that the partners complete the outstanding review to address parks service levels, the budgeting process, arts and culture issues, and servicing contracts, as well as provide closure to the process. This review has been open to the public. The documents from the review are also public.

The partners have been working cooperatively to get through this service review and make informed decisions. We do not always agree. There are shortcomings to the existing service but there is no appetite to tear the service apart or "throw any babies out with the bath water". We may decide to make some changes. This service has seen changes since its inception almost 40 years ago. To say otherwise would be misleading and uninformed.

Jim Garlick
Mayor
District of Coldstream
Email jimgarlick@msn.com

The article in question



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Readers Write -- Parks Service Review History.

In January 2007 the City of Vernon initiated 19 Service Reviews one of which was the Parks and Recreation Service Function.

Later in April of 2007 Vernon withdrew their request for a Service Review of Parks.

Following that in June of 2007 Electoral Areas B&C re-initiated a service review of the Parks Function. The Parks Service Review sat dormant for 2 years.

In the spring/summer of 2009 Coldstream brought forth issues with the maintenance level in their local parks, the parks maintenance contract as well as issues with annual budgeting. The maintenance issue revolved around the ability to respond to issues more promptly and provide a better level of service than what was being provided. What was asked for was that Coldstream deliver the parks maintenance contract for Coldstream Parks just as Vernon delivers the parks maintenance for Vernon Parks. Vernon presently delivers the park maintenance for all parks. The budget issue was better input on a staff, political and local community level into the budget process. The existing procedure is that City of Vernon staff prepare the annual budget and then forward it onto Al McNiven, GVAC Parks Manger for oversight and presentation to GVAC and finally the NORD Board.

In the fall of 2009 NORD Administration decided to activate the dormant Parks Service Review and a facilitator was hired and started the process in December. The process has proceeded with many iterations, however the addressing of Coldstream’s original concerns remains the primary concern of Coldstream Council. As well, Coldstream requested that Arts and Culture be a separate function from Parks and Rec. What has surfaced from the City of Vernon is the desire to solely control all the facilities within their boundaries apart from the Wesbuild and Performing Arts Centres. The initial move by Vernon to take sole control of the recreation centre and civic arena resulted in Coldstream's counter offer of the reduced payment due to no representation and Electoral Area C's stand to provide only grants in the future.

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Draft Parks Deal for Greater Vernon -- Kate Bouey, Sun FM

Vernon mayor says everyone should pay fair share.

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It doesn't appear as if the talking is over despite a draft agreement on Greater Vernon parks and recreation. Vernon Mayor Wayne Lippert says a proposal brought forward by Coldstream and Electoral Area C would see the City take over responsibility for the Rec Centre. He's not particularly happy with what could be a costly proposition. ``Personally, I believe that they should stay in, paying the same share that they have been all along,'' says the mayor. He adds that there are pros as well as cons. Lippert says on the `pro' side, the City could go ahead with work around the Rec Centre or on the Civic Arena without input from other communities. Revisions are being done to the draft which Lippert says he will then take to city council for discussion.

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Water and Parks facilitation report. -- Astral media.

Local News – Astral News

A discussion on Greater Vernon water devolution almost hit boiling point Friday as Electoral Areas B and C supported Coldstream's motion to postpone talks with an facilitator pending the outcome of a judicial review. Vernon Mayor Wayne Lippert, the lone vote against postponement, said it was ``typical'' of the other three players to stall. He said none had come up with any solutions to the water management issues. Lippert said he was frustrated and disappointed. But Electoral Area C Director Mike MacNabb said the City of Vernon's legal maneuvering had left a gun pointed at the heads of the other players. Vernon is seeking a judicial review after being denied permission for a partial pullout from the water system.

The facilitator does, however, remain involved in a review of the Parks and Recreation Service. Coldstream is urging Vernon to hand over ownership of Kal Beach to the regional district. A cost breakdown of that and of Kin Beach will be discussed at the next meeting.

Kate Bouey - Vernon
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Coldstream Council believes that the outcome of the court case will determine the next course of action. Should the courts side with Vernon's position that the Arbitrator indeed has jurisdiction in arbitrating, then the arbitration should continue.

Alternately, if the court agrees with the Arbitrator that he has no jurisdiction for arbitrating partial withdrawal from the service then we can continue with the facilitation between the parties.

Those interested in reading the facilitators report on the water issues can access his report here.

The Parks report is available here.

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