The Review, Thursday, September 6, 2012 — Page 7
letters
Dispatch transition not as simple as portrayed To the Editor: “Not So seamless” Apparently the ‘seamless transition’ announced in the paper in January of this year between Penticton dispatch and Kelowna dispatch has not been quite so seamless as some people would have the public believe. Given the letters to the editors and the articles in local newspapers it seems that the current system is inadequate. One of the articles also states that the “RDOS is moving towards a major upgrade.” Last summer when the proposals were put forth by the various interested parties wouldn’t it have been prudent of the RDOS members to have thoroughly researched what each of these proposals included? Did any of the regional directors (who are elected officials representing their communities) educate themselves about the dispatch systems available before voting? It was recognized at that time that the aging radio equipment would need to be replaced .It doesn’t appear to have been in the Kelowna bid or why would the RDOS need to spend $49,000 on a study to ‘ensure the current system is up to snuff?” As stated by the deputy chief in Kelowna
the current system has experienced numerous glitches including downed computer systems due to overload, confusing directions, incorrect press dispatch reports and erroneous GPS locations to name but a few. The public is being reassured that Kelowna dispatch is continuing to correct and improve these ‘glitches’ as they arise. Now the RDOS is talking about a major radio upgrade which could cost around a million dollars. I believe the public was duped into believing that by transferring dispatch to Kelowna they would be getting a superior system. It certainly is saving money on salaries in Penticton and perhaps that was the goal all along. I think the focus has been on the wrong issues and in the long term the RDOS and Penticton will suffer because of their short sighted decision. Compared the whole situation to shopping for clothes. I doubt there are many people who would not try on an outfit before they purchase to ensure they get a proper fit so why didn’t the RDOS examine the proposals a little closer to ensure that they(and us the public) were getting the ‘right fit?’ Regards, Mary-Anne MacDonald, Summerland
Questions abound over Olalla’s continuing water issues To the Editor: Is it just me, or does anyone else agree? I’m beginning to feel like we’re living in a third world country! Here in Olalla, we have now entered the fourth week of a water contamination alert. We still need to boil our municipal water to keep from getting sick. Doesn’t that seem like a long time? Wouldn’t you think that the problem could have been solved by now? I’ve placed phone calls to the RDOS staff, and have appreciated their very prompt response to my calls, and the information they’ve provided to me. That is commendable. But even so, four weeks?
In the 21st century, in Canada, how long should it take to identify the critters in the water, and their source, and an antidote to bump them off and clear the system? This is not rocket science, is it? Interior Health is also apparently involved. Shouldn’t they know how to get on top of this? And for goodness sake, how big can Olalla’s water system be? Or could it be that we 300 rural residents are just not considered important enough to get a timely response? RDOS posters thank us for our patience. But I have a hunch that if the problem was in Penticton, or even in Keremeos, their water would be running safe and clear by now. Dwayne Woloshyn, Olalla
Resident takes dim view of community after bad morning in the village To the Editor: It’s time for the weekly larceny update here in Keremeos. On Saturday morning (August 25) I was the first customer welcomed in the Bargain Centre. I put down my shopping bag in an inconspicuous place and once I’d found a towel to buy, placed it on top of the bag and resumed browsing the shop. Minutes later, when I went to fetch my bag and towel - the towel was gone and my bag had been noticeably rifled through. Quickly I searched for my money holder in the bag and was relieved to find it, so I made my purchase (minus the
stolen towel) and proceeded to Valu Plus to purchase a bag of groceries, Next, I was the first patron welcomed in the Okanagan Regional Library. I instantly reached for my spectacles case in my shopping bag- only to find that my reading specs were sitting at the bottom of the bag and the case, still containing my distance specs had been removed at the Bargain Centre. So, I rushed back to the scene of the crime to report this to staff, then proceeded homeward feeling naseuous, knowing I can’t afford the approximately $175 to replace my specs. At home, I reminded myself to put the groceries in
the fridge - when I suddenly realized I’d left the bag at the library downtown in my haste and shock to rush back to the crime scene. I walked the two kilometres back to the library, only to discover my bag of groceries had itself also diappeared from there, with staff not having had my grocery bag handed in. I have always seen Keremeos as a hellhole, only now, I recognize it as a larcenous hellhole! All that remains for me is to walk to the village’s edge, shake the Keremeos dust and dirt from my soles and sail into the sunset - hopefully never to return. Réal Saint Laurent, Keremeos
CTF petition is available for signatures in Keremeos To the Editor: Do you think Members of Parliament pensions are too rich? Did you know that for every dollar MPs contribute to their pensions, the taxpayers contribute $24? Shouldn’t it be 50/50? If you agree, then make your voice heard. Sign the Canadian Taxpayers Federation peti-
tion for MP Pension Reform at the K Café in Keremeos. With a sufficient taxpayer push, Prime Minister Stephen Harper will have to address pension reform for Members of Parliament this fall. Sincerely, Paul McCavour and Julie Turner, Osoyoos
Have something to sell?
Our classifieds are also available online at www.bcclassifieds.com
The Village Of Keremeos Phone: 250-499-2711, Fax: 250-499-5477
Box 160 702 - 4th Street, Keremeos www.keremeos.ca email: town@keremeos.ca
GRANT IN AID APPLICATIONS Submissions for Grants-In-Aid from non-profit organizations, within the Village of Keremeos, must be submitted by September 15, 2012. A copy of Council’s Grant-In-Aid Policy 22-03 and an Application for a Grant-In-Aid may be picked up at the Village Office located at 702-4th Street.
SEWER SERVICE - ANNUAL FEE Invoices for those households that are on the Village Sewer System have been mailed out. If you have not yet received your invoice please contact the Village Office at 250-499-2711. The 2012 rate is $235 and the due date for payment is September 30th, 2012. Please note that a 10% penalty will be charged on any unpaid balance. Any questions can be directed to Rob Hager, CFO at 250-499-2711 or treasurer@keremeos.ca Payment methods: Cheque, interac or cash. We cannot accept credit cards.
LOWER LEVEL OF VICTORY HALL AVAILABLE FOR RENT The Village of Keremeos is requesting proposals for rental of the lower level of Victory Hall located at 427 7th Avenue. The space available is a total of approximately 3000 sq. ft. and is handicap accessible. For further details or to make arrangements for viewing of the premises please contact Wendy Curr, Village Clerk at 250-499-2711.
NOTICE OF TAX SALE Pursuant to the provisions of Section 405 of the Local Government Act, notice is hereby given that the following properties will be offered for sale by public auction, unless outstanding taxes are paid prior to the Tax Sale (payments made after the date of this advertisement must be made in guaranteed funds): 1.
825 - 6th Avenue PID 007-842-554 Parcel Z, Blk 73, Plan 300, DL 174, SDYD
2.
719 - 9th Avenue PID 026-546-922 Lot 1, Plan KAS2952, DL 174, SDYD Portion of Phase 1, Together with an interest in the common property in proportion to the unit entitlement of the strata lot as shown on Form V.
3.
217 - 12th Avenue PID 012-391-204 Blk 127, Plan 300, DL 174, SDYD
4.
826 - 3rd Avenue PID 005-515-513 Lot 11, Plan 25412, DL 749, SDYD
The Tax Sale will be held in the Council Chambers, Municipal Office, 702 - 4th Street, Keremeos, B.C., at 10:00 A.M., Monday, September 24th, 2012. A purchaser at the Tax Sale must pay in cash or by certified cheque. The property may be redeemed by the owner within one year and, if so, the purchase price will be refunded. Please note that, after expiry of the one year redemption period, the purchaser will be required to pay the 1% Property Purchase Tax on fair market value of any property purchased. Rob Hager Chief Financial Officer