Highlights of the Regional Board Meeting – June 24, 2013 | iNFOnews | Thompson-Okanagan's News Source
Subscribe

Would you like to subscribe to our newsletter?

Current Conditions Partly Cloudy  10.8°C

Kelowna News

Highlights of the Regional Board Meeting – June 24, 2013

Water Consumption Fee Threshold Reduced

The Regional Board has adopted an amendment to the Water Systems Fees and Regulations bylaw.  The change means that starting July 1st, the consumption fee threshold will drop to 90-cubic meters.  Customers of the six RDCO water systems that use more than 90-cubic meters of water in a billing quarter will pay an additional 35-cents per cubic meter.  Previously the threshold was 235-cubic meters.  Based on existing water use data, 86 per cent of customers should not be affected by the change.  The Board heard from four North Westside area residents and received a petition from 200 people that opposed the change.

Provincial Expanded Recycling Collection

The Regional Board has accepted the financial incentives offered through a new provincial collection program for curbside recycling and depot services in the electoral areas as well as recycling public education and administration across the region.  Once the program is introduced during 2014 the only change that residents should notice is that many more paper and packaging materials will be accepted for recycling such as styrofoam, waxed containers and beverage cups.  The new program provides financial incentives for the regional district and other local governments that agree to participate.  Staff will present a future report to the Board regarding possible expansion of curbside collection in rural electoral areas that rely on transfer stations for waste and recycling collection in order to benefit from the program financial incentives.  Information on the new recycling collection incentive program will be forwarded to each municipality for consideration as they have their own collection contracts.

2012 Audited Financial Statements Adopted

The Regional Board has approved the 2012 Audited Financial Statements for the Regional District of Central Okanagan.  A copy is available for viewing online at regionaldistrict.com and at the Finance and Administration Services in the Regional District office, 1450 KLO Road, Kelowna.

Fiscal 2012 Financial Disclosure Schedules

The Regional Board has approved the 2012 report outlining remuneration and expenses for elected officials and their alternates along with 27 staff whose remuneration was greater than $75,000.  In 2012, the remuneration and benefits of all Regional District employees totalled more than $9.9-million up $822,530 (9%) from 2011.  The difference reflects 2.5 additional Full Time Equivalent staff, retroactive pay for unionized staff on ratifying a new collective agreement and increased benefit costs. The report also outlines payments totalling over $19.4-million to 101 suppliers during 2011 for goods and services exceeding $25,000.

A copy is available for viewing online at regionaldistrict.com and at the Finance and Administration Services in the Regional District office, 1450 KLO Road, Kelowna.

Dog Service Review Implementation Update

The Regional Board has received an update from the consultant assisting the Regional District with the on-going efforts to implement recommendations from the Dog Control Service Review and to encourage and support responsible dog ownership within the Central Okanagan. Allan Welch has told the Board many of the recommendations around licensing, revamping the regulatory bylaw and increased fines for dogs without a licence or at large are well underway.  All dogs within the Central Okanagan must be licenced and the Dog Control Service is now focussing attention in this area.  Dog owners are reminded that starting January 1st, there will be zero tolerance for dogs found without a licence and off leash.  It’s anticipated this summer a reward card program will be introduced along with a supporting website to provide benefits from participating local businesses for responsible dog owners who licence their pet.  Neilson also says many additional programs will take time to implement and roll out over the next few years based on existing staff resources and budgets that are available.

May Building Statistics Report

During May, the Regional District approved 14 building permits for construction projects valued at $507,600 in the Central Okanagan East and Central Okanagan West Electoral Areas.  That compares with 17 permits issued during May 2012 for projects worth a total of $1,461,818. So far this year 45 building permits have been approved for projects worth an estimated $3-million.

Regional Board Meetings

Regional District office – 1450 KLO Road, Kelowna (Woodhaven Board Room).  Residents are welcome to attend.

-  Thursday, July 18th – following 8:30 a.m. Governance and Services Committee meeting
-  Monday, July 29th – 7 p.m.

News from © iNFOnews, 2013
iNFOnews

  • Popular penticton News
View Site in: Desktop | Mobile