Council Highlights from August 12, 2013

*******************************************************************************

Finance Committee Meetings, November15, 2010.

A reminder for those interested: sewer rates for 2011 will be discussed!

***************************************************

Councillor responds

The above article appeared in the December 23rd edition of the Morning Star. The article accuses two members of Coldstream Council of having their heads buried in the sand and not jumping on the opportunity of expending scarce tax dollars on a ski tournament obviously designed for well to do skiers. As one of those Councillors being dumped on by the above reporter I feel compelled to present my side of the story.

Mr Bjorn W. Meyer speaking on behalf of the Sparkling Hill Masters World Cup 2011 Organizing Committee made the following presentation to Council at the December 21 Council meeting:

Below is my answer:

Apparently, the only people who know how to spend taxpayers’ dollars are sitting in news media offices and writing editorials about it. They know that it is far more important to spend homeowners’ money on supporting well healed skiers’ tournaments then improving infrastructures of the community, providing services, such as water, sewer, protection services and other useless items.

These sages know that businesses benefit far more from these occasional visitors than from local residents who support businesses year around. After all, they reason, some of these business owners live in Coldstream where they pay their municipal taxes. Obviously, these taxes should be spent on subsidizing rich visitors so they would come back in the future expecting more subsidies. The fact that those businesses do pay business tax to the City at 2-3 times the rate of residential taxes is irrelevant.

Some of us backward politicians have a different view. We know that fully 87% of our tax revenues in Coldstream come from residential taxpayers not from businesses. These taxpayers do not benefit from the proposed events. My excuse for “missing the point” is that I do pay attention to the facts presented to me at Council meetings. This, unfortunately, tempers my urges of spending taxpayers’ dollars frivolously. Case in point is the attached presentation by Bjorn W. Meyer speaking on behalf of the Sparkling Hill Masters World Cup 2011 Organizing Committee.

He stressed that the participants of the tournaments “...are typically above average in financial circumstances...”. This to me indicated that they could well afford the $80,000 tournament organizers budgeted for government contribution. That would only be about $70 additional cost for each participant. It seems the Provincial and Federal Governments also realized this as they provide “...poor support...” for the tournament so the organizers want local governments to step up to more downloading.

As for the “...$4-6 million” injection to local economy: I always wonder how organizers calculate these substantial pay backs to taxpayers. How could I get a few morsels from these millions?

Mr Rolke believes that I am wrong in considering taxpayers’ contribution as a subsidy. The only other definition for donating taxpayers money is “charity”. Charity should be reserved for the less fortunate of our society and not the well healed segment of mostly out of area skiers. The present hype for the Olympics provide ample opportunity for the world to see our high quality snow and facilities. Compared to that exposure this event would be of negligible exposure.

The comment “...Kiss and Firman have had no problem accepting federal and provincial infrastructure dollars to stimulate the economy” is puzzling. What is the connection? I can only say: Mr Rolke is missing the point! That money comes from the taxpayers like you and I and is being spent for the benefit of taxpayers like you and I and not for the benefit of recreational skiers coming from various parts of the world.

Come to think Mr Rolke might not be as savvy as he appears to the casual observer. If he thinks he can do better there is always the next election: he can challenge a seat on Council, express to the taxpayers his preference of spending tax dollars and hope for the best.

*************************************************************************

The Grid Road -- Open house.

The District of Coldstream invites you to attend a PUBLIC OPEN HOUSE on The Grid Road.

To be held Wednesday, November 18, 2009 6:00 PM - 8:00 PM

Municipal Hall, Council Chambers, 9901 Kalamalka Road, Coldstream, BC

PURPOSE OF THE OPEN HOUSE

The Open House is an opportunity for the community to learn more about the Grid Road, a new two-lane collector road and multi-use pathway that is planned below the Ministry of Forests' tree farm from College Way to the intersection of Kalamalka and Husband Roads.

Information about the Grid Road will be on display and District of Coldstream staff and consultants will be available to answer any questions.

Please contact Craig Broderick, Director of Development Services, District of Coldstream, at 250-545-5304, or at planner@district.coldstream.bc.ca, if you have any questions about the Grid Road.

***************************************************************

Coldstream Council Meeting -- November 9, 2009 -- Agenda

REGULAR MEETING OF THE COUNCIL

OF THE DISTRICT OF COLDSTREAM

TO BE HELD ON MONDAY, NOVEMBER 9, 2009
IN THE MUNICIPAL HALL CHAMBERS
9901 KALAMALKA ROAD, COLDSTREAM, BC
6:00 PM

A G E N D A
----------------------------------------------------------------------------

An issue of interest: more "bleeding" for Coldstream sewer customers!

Further proof that the last minute action by the departing Council in 2005 created a major headache for future Councils. Obviously, when you spend $665,000 of taxpayers' money there will be winners (the developers) and loosers (the sewer users).

******************************************************

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

********************************************************

Coldstream Committee Meetings -- Technical Planning Committee, September 21, 2009

******************************************************

WATER DEVOLUTION ARBITRATION

The District of Coldstream defines its position on the water devolution issue.

WATER DEVOLUTION ARBITRATION

Distribution of water provided through Greater Vernon Water Service is currently subject to arbitration to resolve the terms and conditions of a withdrawal from this water service filed by the City of Vernon. The three partners in Greater Vernon Water - Regional District of North Okanagan, City of Vernon, and District of Coldstream - have submitted their position papers to the arbitrator for a decision.

As noted in the attached Statement of Position (550Kb PDF) of the District of Coldstream, Coldstream's key objections to Vernon's proposal for water devolution are Vernon's claim of subsidization of its more rural partners and the potential for significant increases in water rates for Coldstream customers, particularly impacting agricultural users. Additional issues and objections are identified on pages 68 in the Statement of Position.

Any questions regarding water devolution can be forwarded to Michael Stamhuis, Chief Administrative Officer, at 250-545-5304, email mstamhuis@district.coldstream.bc.ca.

September 3, 2009

********************************************************************

Coldstream Committee Meetings

THE CORPORATION OF THE DISTRICT OF COLDSTREAM KALAVISTA NEIGHBOURHOOD COMMITTEE MEETING

TO BE HELD ON MONDAY, JULY 6, 2009
IN THE MUNICIPAL HALL COUNCIL CHAMBERS
9901 KALAMALKA ROAD, COLDSTREAM, BC
4:30 PM

A G E N D A

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------


THE CORPORATION OF THE DISTRICT OF COLDSTREAM
ENVIRONMENTAL ADVISORY COMMITTEE MEETING

TO BE HELD ON MONDAY, JULY 6, 2009
IN THE MUNICIPAL HALL COUNCIL CHAMBERS
9901 KALAMALKA ROAD, COLDSTREAM, BC
7:00 PM

A G E N D A

*********************************************************

Letter to the Editor, Morning Star.

The following letter is an explanation regarding Coldstream Council's position on Greater Vernon Parks.

************************************************

Coldstream Environmental Committee Meeting.

Just a quick note:

Coldstream Environmental Committee meeting is today at 4:30 PM at the Municipal Hall followed by the Kalavista Neighbourhood Committee meeting at 7:00 PM.


*********************************************************

Visit Coldstream's new, user friendly website!

Coldstream now has a new, user friendly website!

http://www.districtofcoldstream.ca/

Information for all

This is for information only at this time. We have been advised that there is an unconfirmed case of swine flu at Kidston School.

At this time we have no further info regarding confirmation or whether the School District would be following the lead of Beairsto School.

We'll keep you informed of further developments.

***********************************************************************************

Coldstream appoints new Director of Financial Administration.

********************************************************

Finance Committee Meeting -- Coldstream

-----------------------------------------------------------

Agenda Package

**************************************************

PUBLIC HEARING --THE CORPORATION OF THE DISTRICT OF COLDSTREAM

PUBLIC HEARING
THE CORPORATION OF THE DISTRICT OF COLDSTREAM

TO BE HELD ON MONDAY, FEBRUARY 23, 2009
IN THE MUNICIPAL HALL CHAMBERS
9901 KALAMALKA ROAD, COLDSTREAM, BC
AT 7:00 PM

A G E N D A

1. CALL TO ORDER

Mayor Garlick will call the meeting to order and review the Public Hearing Procedures.

2. COUNCIL IS CONSIDERING THE FOLLOWING ZONING AMENDMENT BYLAW (Page 1):

District of Coldstream Zoning Bylaw No. 1382, 2002, Amendment Bylaw No. 1545, 2009, Amendment No. 23 Application No. 09-003-ZON 7961 Buchanan Road (Highlands Golf Course)

· Bylaw No. 1545, 2009

· A bylaw to amend subsection 503.10.b under Recreation Commercial Zone (C.5) by deleting the words “2 hours after sunset. For the purpose of this regulation, the time of sunset is determined by Canada Weather metrological charts” and adding “eleven (11) PM”.

· Public Hearing Notice

Correspondence Received:

· Email from Edward and Marjorie Lane, dated February 17, 2009

· Email from Guy and Carrie Bayes, dated February 16, 2009

· Email from Todd and Sheila Schwartz, dated February 16, 2009

· Email from James Cotter, representing Todd and Sheila Schwartz, dated February 16, 2009

Public Input

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

3. COUNCIL IS CONSIDERING THE FOLLOWING LAND USE CONTRACT AMENDMENT BYLAW (Page 11):

District of Coldstream Land Use Contract Bylaw No. 681, 1976, Amendment Bylaw No. 1547, 2009, Amendment No. 1 Application No. 08-023-ZON, 758 Cypress Drive (Brown/Parkins)

· Bylaw No. 1547, 2009
· A bylaw to discharge Land Use Contract No. 681, 1976, entirely, from Lot 1, Section 30, Township 6, ODYD, Plan 33418

· Public Hearing Notice

Public Input

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

4. COUNCIL IS CONSIDERING THE FOLLOWING ZONING AMENDMENT BYLAW (Page 17):

District of Coldstream Zoning Bylaw No. 1382, 2002, Amendment Bylaw No. 1548, 2009, Amendment No. 24 Application No. 08-023-ZON, 758 Cypress Drive (Brown/Parkins)

· Bylaw No. 1548, 2009

· A bylaw to amend the Zoning of Lot 1, Section 30, Township 6, ODYD, Plan 33418 from Residential Estate (R.E.) Zone to Residential Bed and Breakfast (R.B.B) Zone.

· Public Hearing Notice

Public Input

5. ADJOURNMENT

NO SUBMISSIONS ON THE ABOVE BYLAWS, WILL BE RECEIVED BY COUNCIL FOLLOWING THE CONCLUSION OF THE PUBLIC HEARING

***********************************************************************

District of Coldstream Announces New Chief Administrative Officer

District of Coldstream Announces New Chief Administrative Officer

The District of Coldstream Council is pleased to announce the appointment of Mr. Michael Stamhuis to the position of Chief Administrative Officer (CAO), effective February 12, 2009.

The Chief Administrative Officer is the administrative head of the municipality. This position is responsible to Council for the overall administration, financial management and human resource management of the municipality.

Mr. Stamhuis has been a resident of Coldstream, British Columbia, since 1998.

He has been employed by the District as its Director of Engineering Services since September, 2007.

He has been a Professional Engineer since 1978 with 22 years of local government management experience, 11 years of consulting experience and holds an Intermediate Certificate in Local Government Administration.

He has agreed to assume a dual role as Chief Administrative Officer and the Director of Engineering Services until a suitable replacement for the Director of Engineering Services’ duties and responsibilities is hired sometime in the coming year.

For Further Information Contact:

Jim Garlick
Ph. 250-545-5304
Fx. 250-545-4733

***************************************************

Council meeting - February 2, 2009

SPECIAL REGULAR MEETING OF THE COUNCIL
OF THE DISTRICT OF COLDSTREAM

TO BE HELD ON MONDAY, FEBRUARY 2, 2009
IN THE MUNICIPAL HALL CHAMBERS
9901 KALAMALKA ROAD, COLDSTREAM, BC
AT 7:30 PM

A G E N D A

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Agenda Package

*******************************************************************

Employment opportunity -- District of Coldstream

DISTRICT OF COLDSTREAM

DIRECTOR OF FINANCIAL ADMINISTRATION

The District of Coldstream, a progressive community of 10,000 population situated in the beautiful Okanagan Valley, is seeking applicants to fill the position of Director of Financial Administration.

Reporting to the Administrator, the Director of Financial Administration is responsible for performing the statutory duties of Chief Financial Officer in accordance with the Community Charter. The Director of Financial Administration is required to attend Council meetings as well as other internal and external committee and public meetings on an ‘as required’ basis.

Key Responsibilities:

• Provide recommendations through the Administrator to Council, as well as other standing, steering or ad hoc committees as designed by the Administrator

• Provide professional leadership to subordinate staff as needed, with matters such as project development and management, problem-solving, establishment of systems to address routine and recurring tasks, development of terms of reference and specifications for special projects, development of long-term plans, and preparation of committee agenda reports and submissions

• Participate as a member of the senior management team in development and maintenance of strategic and corporate goals and objectives

• Responsible for the statutory powers, duties and functions of Chief Financial Officer in accordance with the Community Charter

• Provide staff leadership in preparation of budgets and financial statements and setting of tax rates and fees, and all financial matters related to District operations

• Provide varied assistance to the Administrator, such as: research to produce reports, summaries, or schedules; field enquiries of a financial nature; facilitation in the development of policy and procedure dealing with financial matters

• Maintain harmonious working relationships with staff, elected officials, members of the business community, and the general public

• Perform other duties as may be assigned from time to time Typical Activities:

• Attend Council meetings and provide input as requested and as appropriate. Prepare reports and background documentation as required. Ensure that the Administrator and/or Council members are adequately briefed on all relevant matters at all times.

• Under the general direction of the Administrator, initiate actions required by Council and coordinate and monitor assigned tasks emerging from the meetings.

• Manage projects by liaising with staff, consultants and contractors, monitoring project budgets and schedules and communicating with various regulatory agencies as necessary.

• As designated by the Administrator, may represent the District at the inter-governmental level.

Decision Making Authority:

• Approval of expenditures within annual budget limitations and pursuant to expenditure authorization limits

• Appropriate delegation of responsibilities and tasks to staff

Responsibility:

• Optimum use of resources

• Management of workload to meet deadlines and managing expectation of Council

• Public interface

• Dealing with politically sensitive issues

• Provide leadership, advice, and information regarding all District financial matters

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities Required:

• CA, CGA or CMA designation, together with a minimum five (5) years of related
experience, or an equivalent combination of education and experience

• Five (5) years of increasingly responsible relevant experience, preferably including experience in local or regional government

• Understanding of Public Service Accounting Board Principles and Practices

• Experience in management of staff

• Exceptional communication and presentation skills (written and verbal)

• Excellent team leadership and development skills

• Demonstrated ability to organize and prioritize

• Ability to work independently on own initiative

• Excellent computer skills (particularly spreadsheets)

Salary / Benefits:

This position offers a competitive salary as well as an extensive benefits package and compressed work schedule.

Please forward your application by 4:00 p.m. on Friday, February 27, 2009, to:

Administrator
District of Coldstream
9901 Kalamalka Road
Coldstream, BC V1B 1L6
Fax: 250-545-4733
Email: info@districtofcoldstream.ca

********************************************************************

Council meeting - Reminder

PUBLIC HEARING THE CORPORATION OF THE DISTRICT OF COLDSTREAM

TO BE HELD ON MONDAY, JANUARY 26, 2009
IN THE MUNICIPAL HALL CHAMBERS 9901 KALAMALKA ROAD, COLDSTREAM, BC
AT 7:00 PM

AGENDA

--------------------------------------------------------------------

REGULAR MEETING OF THE COUNCIL
OF THE DISTRICT OF COLDSTREAM

TO BE HELD ON MONDAY, JANUARY 26, 2009
IN THE MUNICIPAL HALL CHAMBERS
9901 KALAMALKA ROAD, COLDSTREAM, BC
FOLLOWING THE PUBLIC HEARING SCHEDULED FOR 7:00 PM

A G E N D A

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Agenda package 1

------------------------------------------------------

Agenda package 2

***********************************************************************