Selected highlights from the regular meeting of the Board of Directors of the Regional District of Okanagan-Similkameen held Thursday, May 22. Complete minutes of the meeting will be made available to the public following adoption at the next scheduled Board meeting June 5, 2014.

The Naramata Fire Department has an opportunity to purchase a First Response utility vehicle.  The estimated cost will be approximately $36,000, which will be funded from reserves.  The Regional Board approved an amendment to the Five Year Financial Plan in order to purchase the vehicle. 

The Regional Board approved the RDOS Statement of Financial Information (SOFI) for the year ending December 31, 2013.  Local governments are required to file the SOFI annually.  It consists of four core financial statements and schedules for employee remuneration and for payments to supplies for goods and services provided to the Regional District.   

An alternative approval process will take place for the Electoral Area “D” Transit Service Establishment Bylaw.  The 2011 Regional Transit Review identified the need for transit service within Electoral Area “D”, with a sufficient demand along the east side of Skaha Lake.  Before the Regional Board can adopt a service such as this, it must receive the approval of the Province and the service area voters.  An alternative approval process will be obtained from the electorate in 2014.

The Regional District of Okanagan-Similkameen Mosquito Control program currently services the City of Penticton, District of Summerland, the Town of Osoyoos, Town of Oliver, Village of Keremeos and Electoral Areas “A”, “C”, “D”, “F”, “G” and a portion of Electoral Area “B”.  Electoral Area “B” Director Bush wishes to bring the service into the remaining portion of Area “B”.  Before the Regional Board can adopt a service such as this, it must receive the approval of the Province and the service area voters.  An alternative approval process will be obtained from the electorate in 2014.  

The Regional District of Central Okanagan and the District of Coldstream have requested entry into the Southern Interior Bylaw Notice Dispute Adjudication Registry and Bylaw Notice Enforcement Bylaw.  In September 2009 the Regional District partnered with neighboring local governments including the Cities of Kelowna, Penticton, Vernon, the Town of Oliver and the District of Lake Country, West Kelowna, Summerland, and Peachland in establishing and implementing a Bylaw Dispute Adjudication Registry.  The system provides local governments more authority to deal with local issues and avoids the time-consuming court process associated with disputing minor bylaw tickets in Provincial Court.  The Regional Board approved the changes to the Bylaw in order to include the Regional District of Central Okanagan and the District of Coldstream.

News from © iNFOnews, 2014