www.kelownacapnews.com
Sunday, February 13, 2011
capital news B3
WESTSIDE ▼ WHITWORTH ROAD
Counter offer on land exchange Mike Simmons STAFF REPORTER
A counteroffer has been made by the district of West Kelowna on the Whitworth land exchange proposal that remains unsettled after more than a year. West Kelowna council on Feb. 8 passed a motion to offer an exchange of the Whitworth Road and 4129 Gellatly Rd. properties, with an added cash contribution of $300,000 and a 12-foot-wide right of way down to the lake. Coun. Rosalind Neis said that after going through all the letters the district has received, she found 55 against and 64 in favour of the proposal. “The community is split on this.”
Doug Findlater She noted the common themes cited against the proposal included the potential restriction of fire access to the lake because of the lack of hydrants in the area, the fact that the decision could set a precedent for future decisions involving other beach access properties in the district, and requests that a decision on the exchange
be deferred. West Kelowna fire chief Wayne Schnitzler said the way the department responds to fires in the district, it does not matter whether the blaze is near the lakefront or not. He noted the fire department typically responds with an engine and a water tender if necessary. Director of administration Marnie Manders noted that the exchange is being considered as a oneoff offer. She pointed out there will be many offers that come in front of council, and whether the Whitworth exchange is precedent-setting is arguable. “You’re only doing one, based on the merits
of that exact offer,” she told council. Mayor Doug Findlater said West Kelowna has not explored the full potential of the 29 beach accesses delivered through incorporation. He noted the beach accesses developed in Kelowna vary greatly, and offer the public a diverse variety of experiences. He added that access to the waterfront is important for people who can’t afford waterfront property, and the land could turn out to be a strategic piece of property for the district over the long term. “I think this is, at the very least, premature.” Coun. Duane Ophus, Coun. Bryden Winsby and Findlater opposed the motion.
▼ REMUNERATION
Council nixes a pay raise for itself Mike Simmons STAFF REPORTER
West Kelowna council decided to forego a raise this year and remain at 2010 levels of remuneration. The district previously attempted to establish the best level of compensation based on other municipalities in B.C. Other municipalities examined included the district of North Cowichan and the cities of Penticton, Campbell River, Vernon, Port Moody and Langley. Median compensation was $63,432 for mayors and $22,606 for councillors in 2011. With no increase, West Kelowna council salaries remain at $60,853 for the mayor and $20,501 for councillors.
Mayor Doug Findlater noted Vernon introduced an additional element by making councillors eligible for a flat fee of $157 per meeting, in addition to their base salary. He pointed out such a fee encourages attendance, but throws off West Kelowna’s comparison. He said the system of determining compensation needs to be revisited. Last year, he suggested a citizen’s committee or independent review would be appropriate. “This again has produced some anomalies I’m very uncomfortable with.” Coun. Gord Milsom suggested a per meeting fee not be present in West Kelowna’s policy. He noted the difference between the 2010
and 2011 figures is small. Milsom proposed no increase this year, and that any decision on compen-
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IF YOU HAD A CITIZEN PANEL, WHAT WOULD THEY DO DIFFERENTLY FROM WHAT WE DO HERE? Carol Zanon
sation be revisited next year. Coun. Carol Zanon agreed, and asked whether the raise last year was really worth the heated discussions and extra
meetings. In January 2010, West Kelowna councillors received a 0.74 per cent salary hike. She would like to see a set council policy. “If you had a citizen panel, what would they do differently from what we do here?” said Zanon. Zanon noted that if Vernon is doing something different, then another comparable municipality should be chosen. Coun. Bryden Winsby said council needs to consider what the job is worth. He pointed out they are looking at comparisons that are reasonable. “If we’re just trying to look good and set an example, I think we’re just kidding ourselves,” said Winsby. msimmons@kelownacapnews.com
SEAN CONNOR/CAPITAL NEWS
THE DISTRICT OF WEST KELOWNA is offering a $1,000 reward for information leading to the arrest and conviction copper wire thieves.
▼ COPPER WIRE
Reward offered in theft Mike Simmons STAFF REPORTER
Westside copper thieves now have a price on their heads. West Kelowna council has voted to offer a $1,000 reward to anyone providing information leading to the arrest and conviction of the person or people responsible for ripping copper wire out of more than 30 streetlights across the district last week. The theft is concerning to the district from a public safety standpoint as well as a financial one. Mayor Doug Findlater noted the streetlights on Glenrosa Road were installed to protect people from hitting deer
while driving at night. Coun. Rosalind Neis noted the district is out at least $20,000 due to the thieves’ actions, the initial estimate of how much it will cost to repair the light standards affected. “Let’s offer up $1,000 and maybe one of these guys might rat out their buddies,” she told council. Some time during the nights of Jan. 31 and Feb. 1, thieves made off with copper wire from 18 streetlights on Asquith Road, five lights on Glenrosa Road and eight on Westlake Road. Missing wire was also discovered at several standards in the Diamond View strata development. RCMP estimated the damage at $20,000, but the district will not have a final figure until repairs are completed.
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