Readers write - and a response.

Anonymous has left a new comment on your post "

Do we need to increase the capacity of the Aberdeen Reservoir?
 

From the annual reports, why didn’t you use the outflow totals, which are shown on 3 of the 4 annual report snapshots you took? 22,440 ML, 18,811 ML, and 16,217 ML.

Your 18,000 ML capacity for aberdeen reservoir appears to be incorrect – on the RDNO website, the posted master water plan says it’s 10,330 ML and that raising the dam would bring it up to 22,000 ML.

“Writing a letter to the editor is easy. Writing a factual letter is a whole lot more difficult.” 

Indeed.

You are correct with the last paragraph! My comments follow below.

Check out the composition of the outflow totals based on your selection of the data:

2011 total: 22,440 ML (6,359 Domestic,7,810 Agriculture, 37% Unaccounted for),

2012 total: 18,811 ML (5,720 D, 5,986 Ag 38% UAF),

2013 total 16,217 ML (6,043 D, 6,815 Ag, 29% UAF).

2014 total not provided

What use is the total outflow record? It only reflects the efficiency of the distribution system. It does not reveal the annual water demand. The annual water demand is what customers use and pay for annually. The losses due to old pipes and poor management are unintended consequences.  We pay for the UAF water indirectly through our inflated water rates but have no benefit from it. Please refer to the appendices in the original report.

Note that the outflow values reflect the sum of both treatment plants not just Duteau’s.

The UAF % is reduced in 2013 and not even reported in 2014. Staff started to address the problem with apparently good results.

The capacity of the Aberdeen Reservoir is reported by GVWU staff and can be referenced here. From my interpretation the capacity is over 18,000,000 cubic meters (18,000 ML).

Feel free to correct me if you think I am wrong!

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Coldstream Residential Tax Calculator for 2011.

You can estimate your 2011 Coldstream property taxes at the Coldstream Residential Tax Calculator. This is not official, it is my attempt to predict anyone's residential taxes in Coldstream. Your comments are appreciated.

How to use calculator: Using your 2011 Property Assessment Notice substitute your assessed land and property values in the cells marked in blue and you will see your estimated taxes in red at the bottom of the page. You are able to see the various taxes as well. Your home owners grant will reduce the estimated taxes. As well, those 65 years of age and older are eligible for further tax reduction.

You may check out the Vernon Property Tax Estimator as well. Insert your assessed values and compare taxes in both communities.

Enjoy!

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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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Calculate your 2010 Coldstream property taxes!

You can calculate your 2010 Coldstream property taxes at the Coldstream Residential Tax Calculator. This is not official, it is my attempt to predict anyone's residential taxes in Coldstream. Your comments are appreciated.

How to use calculator: Using your 2010 property assessment substitute your assessed land and property values to in the cells marked blue and you will see your taxes in red at the bottom of the page. You are able to see the various taxes as well.

You may use the Vernon tax estimator as well and compare taxes in both communities.

Enjoy!

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Regional district approves water rate increase -- Richard Rolke

Greater Vernon residents can’t avoid higher water bills.

North Okanagan Regional District directors unanimously approved an across-the-board nine per cent water rate increase Wednesday.

“The reality is we have a $4 million bust,” said director Mike Macnabb of a shortfall facing the utility.

“There was an established plan to increase rates and it was artificially held back. Now we have to pay the piper.”

Macnabb added that the funds will go towards improved service for customers.

“If we compare our rates to other places, they are reasonable.”

Under the new rate formula, 20 cubic metres of consumption will be included in the quarterly base fee at a rate of 92 cents per cubic metre.

A new rate specifically for summer (July to September) is also being proposed. It would go from 92 cents per cubic metre to $1.10.

“We were told that the increase is needed for the Duteau Creek treatment plant debt and operation of the plant,” said director Doug Dirk.

“Also, future capital issues are coming up and the increase is needed because reserves have been exhausted.”

Dirk admits that higher rates will hit residents in the wallet.

“There may be more people not watering their lawn,” he said.

And if that occurs, there could be negative implications for the utility.

A reduction in consumption could lead to a drop in revenue which means rates may have to rise even further.

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Let's visit our largest neighbour and see what their water rates are:

Kelowna Water Rates

Effective August 16 2009

Water Regulation Bylaw 2173

Residential

Monthly flat rate $6.22

Variable monthly consumption charge

First 30 cubic metres $0.246 ------>$ 7.38 maximum (360 cubic meters $160.70/yr)
Next 50 cubic metres $0.324------->$16.20 maximum
Next 45 cubic metres $0.491------->$22.10 maximum
Total (if 125 cubic meters are consumed)-->$45.68 maximum

Average (of 125 cubic meters) $0.36544/m3

Consumption in excess of 125 cubic metres $0.983
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Black Mountain Irrigation District 2009 Domestic Toll Rates:

Residential -------------->$31.00 per month
Residential with Suite -------------->$49.50 per month

Multi-Family – Medium Density (Each duplex, triplex, four-plex)$29.25 per unit per month
Multi-Family – High Density (Incl. Apartments, Townhouses) $26.00 per unit per month

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Glenmmore-Ellison Improvement District 2010 Water Rates
Residential Customers

2010 Water billings are issued quarterly with an option to prepay the year. Customers are billed on a per unit basis at a flat rate charge of $96.00 per quarter per unit plus an additional water tax levy, depending on the size of the property, based on the District's assessment of the property as follows:

Quarterly billing for properties up to 1/3 of an acre - $96.00 per unit plus $8.85 irrigation tax for a total of $104.85.
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Rutland Waterworks

The Trustees of the Rutland Waterworks District Enact the Following:

1. For purposes of this bylaw, “QUARTERLY” means a three (3) month period, consisting of ninety (90) days.

2. That effective the 1st day of January, 2009 the following domestic water toll rates shall apply:
(a) Single Dwellings $40.08 per QUARTER for the first 15,000 gallons ($.594/m3);
$1.28 per thousand for the next 24,000 gallons; ($.284/m3);
$1.43 per thousand for the next 30,000 gallons; ($.318/m3);
$1.91 per thousand gallons thereafter ($.424/m3).
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Southeast Kelowna Irrigation District Taxes and Tolls (Bylaws 627 and 630)

1. For the year 2009 there is hereby levied the following taxes:

(a) A tax at the rate of $63.00 per acre or minimum of $63.00 per parcel on all Grade “A” Lands.

(b) A tax at the rate of $63.00 per acre or minimum of $63.00 per parcel on all Grade “B” Lands.

17. Metered Rates

Any service charged a metered rate will be billed monthly for water service.

Monthly metered rate:

$2.18 per 1,000 US gallons ($.574/m3)

Minimum monthly rate: $33.25 ($399)

Due 21 calendar days after date of billing

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Understanding the Agenda and related agenda packages (refresher).

A few tips for the use and understanding of the Agenda and the related Packages (package 1 and package 2).

Upon reading an agenda item you may wish to have further information on a particular item. Your course of action is as follows:

Check the page number printed on the right hand side of the item for reference,

Click on package 1 or package 2 to upload the appropriate package (up to page 106 you need package 1 above page 106 you need package 2),

Scroll down on the PDF file till you come to the appropriate page and read on.

For example if you are interested in

(1) Development Variance Permit Application No. 09-004-DVP Lot 1, Section 30, Township 6, ODYD, Plan 33418 758 Cypress Drive (Brown/Parkins)

· Report from the Director of Development Services, dated February 3, 2009

The corresponding page number is Page 17.

You click on package 1. You get a PDF file. You scroll down to page 17 (bottom of each page has the page number) and begin reading the relevant information.

If you need further information do not hesitate to email or call me.

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Have you seen a moose?

This morning on my walk I came upon an interesting sight: either a very large deer or a moose ran across Coldstream Creek Road between Tassie and Priest Valley Drives heading up the hill towards the park. In 32 years I have never seen a moose around here. I would appreciate a note if anyone else has seen the beast or was I dreaming?

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KISSFM poll re: Coldstream Mayor

KISS FM is conducting a poll for Coldstream Mayor!

http://www.1075kiss.com/

Your opportunity to express your preference!


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Coldstream Candidates' Forum

A new webpage is available listing the platform of each candidate who provided the information. Those who have not yet provided the info are invited to do so and their info will be included. Anyone wishing to provide additional information (within limit) please do so.

Readers are encouraged to provide this information to their neighbours and friends through emails or by word of mouth so everyone could make an informed decision when casting their votes!

Comments and suggestions are welcome.

Gyula.

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Special offer for Coldstream Council Candidates.

I wish to provide an opportunity for ALL candidates to display their campaign pamphlets so taxpayers can have ready access to them.

All residents can cooperate by sending the web address to all their friends and neighbours.

Restrictions: the material should be scanned and provided in a JPEG format or hard copy no larger than 8.5x11 (I could scan them for those requiring it). A small photo in a JPEG format or hard copy could also be included.

Candidates who have their own website can provide their web address and I could post it as well.

Interested candidates should show their interest by emailing me at the above email address.

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Information relating to Greater Vernon Parks.

Editor's note:

Following last night's Council meeting a number of emails were exchanged trying to clarify the role of GVAC and Coldstream mainly with regards to Kalavista and Kal beach parking lot. The information is collated and presented here to those interested in the issue. Since the whole former Greater Vernon Services Committee is undergoing a service review this might be of interest to all of Coldstream.
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Hi All,

Just as a follow up note to this evening's Council meeting. Flo called and advised me that the Traffic Safety Committee is going to meet on November 3rd in the afternoon and the meeting is open to public.

Wendy or Mary, if you can be so kind to confirm the time of the meeting it would be appreciated.

Given that this subject is near and dear to many of us it may be worth while for as many of us as possible to attend.

On a separate note I would like to say a huge thanks to Norm for the wonderful work that he has done! Well done Norm!

Kind Regards,
Jim Cookson
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Yes, Mike (the chair) tells me the Traffic Safety Committee is open to the public and the next meeting is Nov 3 @ 2PM at Municipal Hall.

Mary
Councillor Mary Malerby
District of Coldstream
250-542-9579
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Jim:

As this is an Advisory Committee Meeting, the public is welcome to attend to hear the discussions of the Committee, but will not be invited to participate.

Wendy
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Wendy,

If the committee is really looking for solutions do you not think that it would be in their interest to listen for 10 to 15 minutes about the views of the residents? Your email stating that participants "will not be invited to participate" is simply a continuation of a dysfunctional style of governance. Nothing more. Nothing less.

Fortunately, many of us have reason to be optimistic as, with the upcoming elections, perhaps some of the dysfunctional governance practices can be addressed in the near future.

Jim
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Jim:

You are welcome to provide something in writing for the Committee to consider. The purpose of the public meeting was to receive input from the residents and then to provide Council a report on the input that was received by the public. Michael Stamhuis, Director of Engineering Services, has provided that report to Council based on the findings from that meeting.
As an Advisory Committee has no authority to make decisions and only provides recommendations to Council, it would be in your best interest, if you have further input than that which was submitted at tonight's Council meeting, to provide this in writing. The Traffic Safety Committee is a non-statutory committee and therefore only advisory in nature. Recommendations coming from this Committee should be addressed at a Regular Council meeting.
Your suggestion for further public input could be addressed through the establishment of a Committee specifically dealing with the Kalavista area, with resident representation, Council appointment, and a staff appointment. This suggestion could be made.

Wendy
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Thanks Wendy,

I hope you feel better. Also one question, why as a parking lot (boat parking lot) passed over to GVS? It's not a park. If we had to why was Vernon not forced to hand over the Kal beach parking? From what I understand we have no way of making GVS do anything with the parking lot. Can we remove it from there authority, legally?

Rob MacKay
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Rob:

I would have to confirm, but it is my understanding that prior to Greater Vernon Services, parks came under the jurisdiction of Greater Vernon Parks and Recreation (a function of NORD but maintained and operated by City of Vernon employees). Although the authority having jurisdiction changed Coldstream did not operate and maintain a lot of the parks in Coldstream. With the creation of Greater Vernon Services and the Master Parks Plan, all parks (with the exception of some tot lots and neighbourhood parks) were maintained and operated by Greater Vernon Services. A lot of the maintenance is contracted out.

I believe the parking lot is designated as park which basically means it is in the hands of a public body, and not necessarily green space. Coldstream owns many pieces of land designated as park, but has relinquished maintenance and operation to Grater Vernon Services through the creation of Greater Vernon Services.

The Kal Beach parking lot is owned by the City of Vernon. The only control Coldstream has on that property is the zoning.

With the ongoing Service Reviews of functions that fall under Greater Vernon Services, the disestablishment of the Greater Vernon Services Commission, and now a Committee of the Board of the Regional District, it is hard to predict where parks will end up. There is a possibility that all parks will go back to their respective jurisdictions, there may be local parks and regional parks, or some other arrangement agreed upon.

Coldstream Council can request Greater Vernon Services' consideration of a matter with respect to parks. Unless our ideas are way out there, we have been successful in the past of getting enough votes at the table to have issues addressed in Coldstream.

I had previously requested an answer to your question regarding the legal requirement to tie down your boat before leaving the launch area, but never got a response. I will be following up on this matter.

Hope this helps to answer your questions.

Wendy

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Fifty two years ago today the Hungarian revolution started.

Fifty two years ago the people of Hungary decided that enough is enough. They rose up against their communist leaders and occupying Soviet forces. For ten days they had hopes of victory. It did not pan out that way. Nevertheless, it was the beginning of the end of the Soviet Empire. As a participant, I quietly celebrate and hope that democracy will always prevail! For some photos of the revolution please visit http://www.hungary1956.com/photos.htm.

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Candidates cannot get information from Coldstream's Administration.

Funny thing happened to me today. Let me share. Two days ago I made an appointment with the Director of Financial Administration of Coldstream to discuss issues relating to the water devolution (the issues arising from the City of Vernon's decision to pull out of water distribution). Today my appointment was canceled. Reason? No candidate should have more information than the rest of them.

Of course, there are five incumbents in the race for Council. How are we taking the information they already have away from them? Don't they have a tremendous advantage over the rest of us by having all sorts of in-camera information not shared with the rest of us?

Obviously, the consequences of the devolution are significant for Coldstream and the Electoral Areas with respect to cost sharing of infrastructure construction and possible differential water rates.

Had we followed the time tested route of financing infrastructure through taxation, there would be no problem. All jurisdictions would continue contributing their share of financing through taxation and each jurisdiction would decide how much they should charge for water based on the treatment and delivery to the customers. The problems arising from combining infrastructure costs into water rates just hit home with this problem.

When we examine how we constructed the fire halls, the Multiplex, the Theatre, and even the sewer extension from McClounie to Aberdeen Road using taxation one wonders why this method was not used for the water infrastructure.

The main beneficiaries of the water infrastructure to date are the new developments on the Rise, Turtle Mountain and others. Yet, they are contributing almost nothing to this new infrastructure as the empty (but expensive) lots do not use water. Had we used taxation based financing they would also contribute to the burden. Incidentally, since we only borrowed $13 million to date our taxes would be relatively insignificant and only would have started in 2005 (see taxation).

Even though my appointment was canceled the Director agreed that had we used taxation financing our problems would be greatly reduced (with regards to the resolution of the devolution).

Now, since I have this extra knowledge through due diligence I am sharing the information with the rest of the candidates (if they care to read it) so I would have no undue advantage in the race. Thank you for your interest.

Gyula

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The slow turning wheels of bureaucracy.

I have just received this letter from Coldstream today in response to my request of July 23. Nice to know that Council agreed not to bother the busy Auditor! He might have charged another $6,500 for his appearance to explain why the taxpayer funded sewer extension was more palatable to Council and Administration than the option of having the developer pay for it. After all, the two options were both perfectly legal!

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The origin of the 7% principle.

In the late 1970's Vernon embarked on a visionary new way of treating and disposing sewage referred to as the spray irrigation system.

Okanagan Lake was seriously polluted with residential sewage and the Government of BC decided to act.

Accordingly, they agreed to provide 75% funding for the upgrade of Vernon’s antiquated sewage treatment plant subject to a successful referendum. They also approved the proposed spray irrigation system.

At the same time the Government realized an opportunity to involve Coldstream as well so the west end of Kalamalka Lake would be protected from septic tank pollution. Thus, Coldstream’s west end was included in the referendum to approve the borrowing of the necessary funds for the project. In Coldstream only the specified area residents were involved in the referendum but the original specified area was enlarged during the ensuing four years.

The Okanagan Basin Water Board (OBWB) has a mandate of collecting a small mill rate annually from every resident within the Okanagan Basin and use these funds for the protection of the lake. One of the approved mandate of the Board is to provide 18% grant for every approved sewage treatment and improvement project within the Basin. Thus, the Vernon project including Coldstream’s project were eligible for these funds.

Due to these two grants residents of Vernon and the specified area of Coldstream (Specified Area 1 or SA1) were only responsible to pay 7% of the financing. This is where the 7% principle originated.

The previous Council argued that since SA1 residents only paid 7% of the financing costs residents along the now infamous McClounie-Mackie Drive trunk line should also contribute only 7% of the total cost of financing that line.

There was no precedence to this assertion. Neither Vernon nor previous Coldstream Councils ever applied this principle in the previous 30 years. How this notion was developed is a mystery. It is also wrong.

Government grants are generally provided for projects the government of the day deems vitally important. There is no question that protection of the lakes was vitally important. There is no evidence that there were serious environmental or health concerns along the McClounie-Mackie Drive line. Thus, there was no Provincial grant available.

Lacking Provincial grants Council raided the existing utility’s reserves and removed $665,000 from the reserve which equaled roughly $370 per household. Since these funds had to be replaced our sewer rates increased. That is why our sewer rates are so high.

Unreasonable burdens such as the one described here should never be placed on taxpayers who are struggling to make ends meet. Fairness is an important criterion for any government.

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Federal elections.

Federal elections are around the corner and some of you might want to refresh your minds about the results of the last one a little more than 2.5 years ago. For your edification here are the results of the last two federal elections (with thanks to Nick Hodge).

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Fire on Middleton Mountain.

Coldstream's beleaguered firemen are presently at the scene of a fire on Middleton Mountain just above Kal beach. From my vantage point it appears to be a structural fire.

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Fowl uprising.

Re: Boat parking options launched -- By Jennifer Smith

Apparently the residents of the lagoon are aware of the proposal by the Coldstream Traffic Safety Committee and they are unanimously opposed to it. In fact, rumours have it that they are ready to have a major demonstration against at least some of the recommendations. My friendly cartoonist, Don Quixote, was commissioned by the residents of the lagoon to prepare their banner of opposition. A preview of the banners is presented here. Remember, you heard it here! (thanks to Don Quixote for the preview!)

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Council meeting - September 22, 2008 -- Press release.

The following Press Release was issued by Coldstream Council at tonight's Council meeting:

It is not clear how much input came from the Fire Department for this Press Release. perhaps some of them may comment on it anonymously.

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Further info on last night's Council meeting.

Further to last night's Council meeting in Lavington:

There was a problem, as usual, with the acoustics of the gym. It was difficult to speak to Council as well as letting the audience hear what was said. We need to have a speaker system used there when we expect a huge crowd.

Mayor Corner assured me that there will be answers to my questions regarding the status of water improvements.

An interesting comment came from Councillor Dirk who emphasized that the Master Water Plan is "dead". He indicated that what's happening is inconsistent with the promised MWP and they are more or less "improvising".

Councillor Malerby, on the other hand, expressed her total faith in the plan and she actually believes that we will get improved water within our lifetime. She might be right when we consider the younger generation. However she ignored the fact that we have already been paying for improved water for six years. Even if the Duteau Creek plant gets completed the quality of water it will provide will be inferior to that produced by the Kalamalka Treatment Plant.

I will post the response from Council when it is received.

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