coldstreamer@shaw.ca******* Issues related to the District of Coldstream, local government issues, political commentary, local area photos,oddities in the news etc....
A WOMAN was flying from Seattle to San Francisco . Unexpectedly, the plane was diverted to Sacramento along the way. The flight attendant explained that there would be a delay, and if the passengers wanted to get off the aircraft the plane would re-board in 50 minutes.
Everybody got off the plane except one lady who was blind. The man had noticed her as he walked by and could tell the lady was blind because her Seeing Eye dog lay quietly underneath the seats in front of her throughout the entire flight.
He could also tell she had flown this very flight before because the pilotapproached her, and calling her by name, said, 'Kathy, we are in Sacramento for almost an hour. Would you like to get off and stretch your legs?' The blind lady replied, 'No thanks, but maybe Buddy would like to stretch his legs.'
Picture this: All the people in the gate area came to a complete standstill when they looked up and saw the pilot walk off the plane with a Seeing Eye dog! The pilot was even wearing sunglasses. People scattered. They not only tried to change planes, but they were trying to change airlines!
True story... Have a great day and remember...
THINGS AREN'T ALWAYS AS THEY APPEAR. A DAY WITHOUT LAUGHTER IS A DAY WASTED!!!
**********************************************************
The firefighter’s former chief and comrade, Leo Lecavalier, has been invited back to the department as a volunteer member.
“I can re-join the fire department,” said Lecavalier, who was dismissed by the former Coldstream council Aug. 1.
The new council, under the leadership of Mayor Jim Garlick, has unanimously voted to invite Lecavalier back as a member.
That decision came on the same night the new council voted to dismiss Wendy Kay, chief administrative officer.
Garlick says there is no relation between the two, at least none that he can talk about.
“It was something we were moving towards on anyway,” said Garlick, who personally delivered a letter to Lecavalier with the news.
Lecavalier’s return may also evolve into a return to his former position after the fire hall’s annual general meeting, which includes the chief election, Jan. 9.
“This gives the members an opportunity to, if I run, re-elect me,” said Lecavalier. “Right now, I’m planning on putting my name back in.
“I think I owe that to the community and the members.”
Lecavalier says the news has been greeted warmly by the firefighters.
“The guys were just itching for me to come back.”
Deputy chief Lawrie Skolrood, who has been acting as chief during Lecavalier’s time away, says his return is unquestionably good news.
“There definitely was some jubilation, for sure,” said Skolrood, of the members’ reaction. “Everybody’s pleased that it is resolved.
“It’s a start, for sure.”
Both Garlick and Lecavalier agree that the next step is to work on council’s relationship with the fire department.
“There’s a lot of things that have to be resolved and worked out,” said Lecavalier. “You can’t do this to volunteers, treat them like this.”
He said a priority is looking at the future structure of the fire hall and maintaining a volunteer fire department as long as possible.
While he is optimistic about the future, Lecavalier is disappointed with the events of the situation.
“It’s sad that there’s been so many people hurt though this,” said Lecavalier, thanking the community, the firefighters, their families and his own family for all their support.
“If there’s a lesson for anybody here...treat people a little more respectfully.”
1. “THAT Leo Lecavalier be allowed to join the Coldstream Fire Department if he wishes.”
2. “THAT Mayor Garlick be directed to send a letter to Leo Lecavalier informing Leo Lecavalier of Council’s Resolution, with a copy of the letter to be sent to Coldstream and Lavington Fire Departments.”
By Jennifer Smith - Vernon Morning Star
A mere week before Christmas, Coldstream’s new council has axed a key component to the administrative workings of the community.
“Wendy Kay is no longer working for the District of Coldstream,” said Mayor Jim Garlick.
“It’s without cause,” he said of the reasoning.
The decision to dismiss Kay, the chief administrative officer, was made at an in-camera council meeting Wednesday.
That decision came after Kay was put on a paid leave, effective just a day before, on Tuesday.
“We wish her well on her new endeavours,” said Garlick.
Kay has worked at the District of Coldstream for 15 years. She has held the CAO position since 2005, before which she was director of corporate administration.
The timing of the decision is the most disappointing for Kay.
“What are we, seven days away from Christmas,” said the mother of four kids. “I am a sole bread winner, my husband is retired.”
Under her employment contract, Kay will receive a severance package but numbers are not yet known.
In 2007, Kay earned $104,729 and had expenses of $9,083 (which included a vehicle allowance).
When the North Okanagan Regional District paid out severance to its former chief administrative officer Barry Gagnon, it was paid as a yearly salary of $167,547. He resigned in 2006 and payment continued to 2008.
Despite the situation, Kay plans to take some time to spend with her family.
“This is the first time in 12 years my kids have come home and I’ve been here,” she said.
She is also optimistic about the future, saying: “Every door opens a new opportunity.”
As for her old job, it is being worked on.
“We’re working to deal with the position of CAO,” said Garlick, adding that there is a system for the interim where other employees will work collectively to pick up the slack.
The decision to dismiss Kay was made by council, but Garlick cannot say which councillors voted for or against the dismissal.
“That’s all in-camera.”
The chief administrative officer directs planning, co-ordination and control of all municipal operations in accordance with the objectives, policies and plans approved by council. The CAO reports directly to council and acts as their primary policy advisor.
******************************************************************
Opportunities for grants from senior governments become available from time-to-time for various projects. These grants must be matched by local governments in varying proportions (50% in this case).
This letter to the editor penned my Mr Borden has the issues confused. The issue here is: who should have paid for the sewer extension? Coldstream Meadows needed to connect to sewer thus they should have constructed the entire sewer main from their property to McClounie Road. Council would have been within its legal rights to require that.
Some issues:(1) Funding Applications for Kalamalka Beach Promenade and Middleton Mountain Park
· Report from the Director of Engineering Services, dated December 9, 2008
· Letter from the Office of the Premier, dated December 5, 2008
Recommendation
THAT the report from the Director of Engineering Services, dated December 9, 2008, and the letter from the Office of the Premier, dated December 5, 2008, regarding Funding Applications for Kalamalka Beach Promenade and Middleton Mountain Park, be received;
AND THAT Council authorize the application for funding of $75,000 for the Kalamalka Beach Promenade under the LocalMotion Program, subject to Greater Vernon Parks’ commitment to provide 25% of the project cost, that is, $37,500, in addition to the District’s 25% commitment of $37,500 from the Community Enhancement Fund;
AND THAT Council authorize the application for funding of $375,000 for the Middleton Mountain Park under the Towns for Tomorrow Program on behalf of Greater Vernon Parks;
AND FURTHER THAT staff be directed to complete the predesign study and negotiate land acquisition with property owners affected by the Kidston Road multi-use pathway between Coldstream Creek Road and the Red Gate, to allow for future budgeting and funding application.
In his first week on job, Vancouver's new mayor has announced a major shakeup at city hall.
Mayor Gregor Robertson and his new city council announced Friday they have decided to replace the city's top bureaucrat, city manager Judy Rogers.
In her place, the council has already hired Penny Ballem, a former deputy minister of health for B.C.'s Liberal government
Ballem, who was one of Canada's most experienced deputy health ministers, resigned from that position in June 2006 over concerns about how the Campbell government was running the province's health care system.
Robertson said the decision was made this morning, and Judy Rogers has accepted a severance package in line with her 20 years of employment with the city.
Rogers, who has served as city manager since 1999, was the highest paid employee at city hall with a pay package worth $292,000 in 2007.
The departure of Rogers is the second change in the top management at city hall under the new mayor and council
The city's chief financial officer, Estelle Lo, resigned just after the Nov. 15 civic election.
*********************************************************************
The bio-solids facility south of Vernon is a step closer to dumping some of its product into the Greater Vernon landfill.
NORD directors have approved the disposal of 4 loads a week, each weighing about 14 tons, for a six month trial period.
Vernon director Jack Gilroy says it will allow the over-loaded facility to get back to its normal production, hopefully reducing the odour.
"We really don't have too many other options. We'll look into options but to get this loading done right so we can make the plant run properly, to show people it does work, we have to do this."
The Environment Ministry still needs to approve the plan before the dumping starts.
Coldstream director Doug Dirk was the lone opponent, saying allowing the landfill option will decrease the urgency to look for other alternatives, which could include spreading it on farm land.
The bio solids facility on Commonage Road in Area B converts sewage waste from Vernon and Kelowna, into Ogogrow fertilizer.
---------------------------------------------------------------
My personal opinion: This is not a good idea. The "product" to be dumped into the landfill is basically "crap" removed from the sewage treatment plant.
The reason: the composting plant is not large enough to handle the entire sewage waste from Vernon and Kelowna.
There are two potential problems: this practice will shorten the life of the landfill and it may eventually leach into Kal Lake through fractured rock forming the base of the landfill.
Again, this is my personal opinion.
*********************************************************************
People and groups in our communities have been trying for years to get government to prevent our waterways from being used as toilets. While governments point fingers, the situation is worsening. We must act now, before it becomes impossible to turn back.
Maude Barlow said it, Water Protection in Canada IS A MYTH (Blue Covenant)
Care about Clean Water? JOIN us Dec 12th!
22,000,000 gallons of sewage per year are discharged in Silver Star Park, at the top of our watersheds, affecting an aquifer in fractured rock and 4 nearby creeks, including Coldstream creek which provides water to tens of thousands of people, and feeds
Print the attached letters and get signatures ahead of time - bring them to our rally! try the links WaterLetterMLA and WaterLetterMP
WHEN: Friday December 12 - Join us anytime between 11:30 and 1 PM
WHERE: 11:30 -12:15 In front of
12:15 Parade! along
WHY: To bring media attention and demand government accountability.
There will be information and various speakers. Bring a placard for the parade and dress colourfully to attract attention.
QUESTIONS or TroubleShooting?: 250-309-5973 or 250-547-6292 and sensociety.org/SLAMSS.htm
PRINT A POSTER AND POST AROUND TOWN - LET'S GET AS MANY PEOPLE AS WE CAN:
Huguette Allen, for SLAMSS
**********************************************************************
Two missionaries with the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints received a scare on the night of Dec. 2 when they saw what they think was a set of sasquatch footprints outside of their Burns Lake home.
Tyler Beck and Brad Blazzard are in B.C. for two years, rotating in different communities throughout the Smithers and Burns Lake area for the past seven months.
"The first thing we thought was that someone was playing a trick on us," Beck said."But we don't know anyone our age who would do that and our house in on the southside, so pretty much in the middle of nowhere."
The footprints, which Beck said was about 20 inches long is right in front of Beck's porch, leading to the path where the pair keep their wood shed.
Beck said prior to finding the footprint at 9:30 p.m. on the night of Dec. 2, he didn't really believe in the possibility of bigfoot.
"I still don't know what to think," he said. "I have heard some pretty ridiculous things about bigfoot but now I am leaning toward the edge of thinking it may be possible."
The house sits in front of a lake and Beck said in the four-and-a-half months he has been there, he has seen all manner of coyotes and wolves. This is the first time he has seen any sign of the fabled creature.
In addition to a rash of sightings in the Bulkley Valley in the summer and fall, Larry Sommerfield, a self-proclaimed sasquatch hunter from Terrace had a cast that he claimed was a sasquatch print.
Sommerfield was reluctant to tell The Terrace Standard how he came into possession of the 16-inch long cast, except to say that it was made in mid-August from a footprint found in a gravel pit just east of the Kitselas First Nation's subdivision east of Terrace on Highway 16.
Brian Vike, Director of HBCC UFO research is still trying to verify three sasquatch sightings in Moricetown.
“Since I got the initial call, I’ve had no other information,” Vike told the Houston Today. “ As near as I can tell, the sightings all happened after the end of September but I have called and called but no one is calling me back.”
The lady who called on the morning of Halloween, told Vike that there had been a rash of sightings on the native reserve. Unfortunately without talking to someone who could give a first-person account, Vike said the information is hearsay at best.
Vike got the details from the first account from the woman’s mother.
“Allegedly, she was walking out to the mailbox and this thing walked in front of her,” Vike said. “But I called and called and got nowhere so I am thinking this is a little fishy.”
Another women apparently told friends that she had seen a sasquatch peeking in someone’s window.
The last report allegedly involved a school bus driver who saw the creature standing in a field.
A sighting in Houston in late July by Delores Harrie captured international media attention.
Harrie saw the creature out at her home on Buck Flats Road on July 28.
At 5:45 a.m. that morning, Harrie heard her dogs barking at the door. When she went down to investigate she saw that someone or something was rattling the door handle.
She eventually opened the door and the dogs were out like a shot, sniffing out something on he east side of her property.
When she looked out at the side of her house, she saw a creature that was walking on two legs.
“It was huge and it had long hair, not fur — kind of like the kind you see on an ox and a reddish brown, the colour of the trees that are killed by the pine beetle,” said the woman. “And it moved so fast, by the time I opened my door it had run from the porch to the other side of the house.”
Once outside, the dogs pursued the creature it continued along a dried-up ravine and disappeared into a forested area. Her oldest dog didn’t return for three hours.
“I was worried but what do you do, tell people your dog is chasing bigfoot?” she asked. “I drove up and down the road, looking for him and eventually he came back.”
After Harrie’s report, there was a report on Telkwa High Road and sightings in Campbell River.
"I have been here for almost five months trying to do good work and I end up with bigfoot prints in front of my house," Beck said.
Ignorance of parliamentary rules is distorting debate over legitimacy The Toronto Star
The following excerpt is from a mass mailing by Michael Moore advising the US Congress. Click on the link to see the full text.
So what to do? Members of Congress, here's what I propose:
1. Transporting Americans is and should be one of the most important functions our government must address. And because we are facing a massive economic, energy and environmental crisis, the new president and Congress must do what Franklin Roosevelt did when he was faced with a crisis (and ordered the auto industry to stop building cars and instead build tanks and planes): The Big 3 are, from this point forward, to build only cars that are not primarily dependent on oil and, more importantly to build trains, buses, subways and light rail (a corresponding public works project across the country will build the rail lines and tracks). This will not only save jobs, but create millions of new ones.
2. You could buy ALL the common shares of stock in General Motors for less than $3 billion. Why should we give GM $18 billion or $25 billion or anything? Take the money and buy the company! (You're going to demand collateral anyway if you give them the "loan," and because we know they will default on that loan, you're going to own the company in the end as it is. So why wait? Just buy them out now.)
3. None of us want government officials running a car company, but there are some very smart transportation geniuses who could be hired to do this. We need a Marshall Plan to switch us off oil-dependent vehicles and get us into the 21st century.
This proposal is not radical or rocket science. It just takes one of the smartest people ever to run for the presidency to pull it off. What I'm proposing has worked before. The national rail system was in shambles in the '70s. The government took it over. A decade later it was turning a profit, so the government returned it to private/public hands, and got a couple billion dollars put back in the treasury.
This proposal will save our industrial infrastructure -- and millions of jobs. More importantly, it will create millions more. It literally could pull us out of this recession.
In contrast, yesterday General Motors presented its restructuring proposal to Congress. They promised, if Congress gave them $18 billion now, they would, in turn, eliminate around 20,000 jobs. You read that right. We give them billions so they can throw more Americans out of work. That's been their Big Idea for the last 30 years -- layoff thousands in order to protect profits. But no one ever stopped to ask this question: If you throw everyone out of work, who's going to have the money to go out and buy a car?
These idiots don't deserve a dime. Fire all of them, and take over the industry for the good of the workers, the country and the planet.
What's good for General Motors IS good for the country. Once the country is calling the shots.
Yours,
Michael Moore
MMFlint@aol.com
MichaelMoore.com
Additional committee appointments will be decided at the next Council meeting.CHBC news is staying put in Kelowna.
Global Can-West had planned to move anchor Rick Webber and the news broadcasts to Victoria, but backed down after a public outcry.
News director Derek Hinchliffe tells KISS FM, they got a lot of negative response to the plan.
"And unfortunately a lot people were mis-informed. They thought the station was closing and the news was going away and that wasn't true and was never contemplated, but they were also very unhappy with our news reader being in a different city."
Hinchliffe says their Okanagan stories will be fed to Global's BC news production centre in Vancouver which then will be sent back to Kelowna for broadcast.
He says popular weatherman Mike Roberts will continue with his nightly forecasts, but long time sportscaster Pat Kennedy has decided to pursue other opportunities.
The station's Vernon bureau will continue to be led by reporter Cort Smith.
The company is sticking with its decision to axe its noon news in January, which they say was their least watched package.
************************************************************
