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These are the amounts found on N.O.W.E.S.I. (Sugar Loaf) users Rural Property Tax Notice for Waste/Environmt Mgt.

 2002 - $??
2003 - $??
2004 - $39.67
2005 - $39.11
2006 - $38.56
2007 - $41.43
2008 - $51.95

Email the figures that are missing if you have them.

Annual Payment
The Regional District agrees to pay the Association (North Westside Ratepayers Association) for the services provided pursuant to the agreement, the sum of $9,152.00 for each full year of the the term of this agreement payable in monthly instalments of $762.00 per month commencing January 1, 2002 for the first 11 months with the twelfth month being $770.00. (Such funds to be paid from the funds collected by the Regional District by a utility bill applied to all dwellings in the North Westside Fire Protection Area. This amount may be adjusted from year to year subject to negotiation and agreement).

Full Contract for the North Westside Ratepayers to operate the N.O.W.E.S.I. (Sugar Loaf) transfer station.

All contracts (BFI included) that we have copies of 2001 - 2008.

North Westsider

RDCO's reply
Subject: Re: Transfer Station Billing
From: Communication Coordinator
Sent: Feb 1, 2006 10:06 AM

Consolidated Westside Road OCP
http://www.regionaldistrict.com/docs/bylaws//Planning Bylaws/Consolidated OCP Westside Road.pdf

Thanks
North Westsider

Sorry Communication Coordinator:

I found Bylaw 785 on another page on the website under planning. It just looked like it was missing. Maybe a link should be put on the bylaw page (the page that lists all the bylaws) so that it doesn't look like it is missing.

Thanks
North Westsider

North Westsider

Communication Coordinator
Regional District of Central Okanagan
1450 KLO Road
Kelowna, BC V1W 3Z4
Phone: 250-469-6339
Fax: 250-763-0606
Email: Communications Coordinator [at] cord.bc.ca
Website www.regionaldistrict.com

2. What exactly are we paying for in detail and amounts for the Sugar Loaf Transfer Station?

3. If Sugar Loaf Mountain Transfer Station is leased, as Waste Reduction Manager stated in her email to me, how much does the lease cost each year?

4. How much did trucking for the Sugar Loaf Mountain Transfer Station Cost in 2005.

5. What is the 2005 rate for the bin rentals at Sugar Loaf?

6. How much was paid to the North Westside Ratepayers in total to run the Sugar Loaf Transfer Station in 2005?

7. What amount is paid the station attendant?

8. What amount is paid for the administration?

9. What research were the Ratepayers given the $750.00 grant-in-aid
for in 2002.

10. I got a N.O.W.E.S.I. card with a pen mark over top of the number 6, from the Sugar Loaf Transfer Station attendant. Can you explain what that 6 means and how the card works?

11. What does the name N.O.W.E.S.I. Recycling Depot mean on the card I got from the station attendant.

12. Does N.O.W.E.S.I. Recycling Depot just apply to the recycling part of the dump or the whole thing?

13. I am confused between North Westside Sugar Loaf Transfer Station and N.O.W.E.S.I. Recycling Depot. Can you explain what the difference is, if there is one?

14. Who pays for the BFI bin at the Sugar Loaf Transfer Station, Ratepayers or Regional District?

15. What are the costs involved for the use of the BFI bin?

16. Waste Reduction Manager told me that curbside garbage collection was offered to residents in the North Westside, but it was rejected by residents. I feel curbside should never have even been considered out here. Who thought that one up, there's bears here! I read on RDCO's North Westside Official Community Plan that "there was a public desire to see more transfer stations in the North Westside area" and that "the city's objectives were to increase the number of new transfer stations and improve the operation of existing transfer stations." Policies were "to review alternative locations in the North Westside area where transfer stations can be established, and facilitate improved operations for those stations experiencing difficulty. Was anything regarding the transfer stations, ever offered to residents? And if not, why not?

17. If a review was done, what were the costs involved of alternate locations for transfer stations, and where were they going to be located?

18. How many North Westside residents pay the $40.00 per year utility bill for the Sugar Loaf Transfer Station ... can you break residents down into subdivisions?

19. Do residents pay a transfer station utility bill at Sugar Loaf plus pay at Traders Cove, if they want to use the traders cove transfer site sometimes, and sugar loaf sometimes? How does this work?

By the way, I am finding by doing a petition in the area for more transfer stations plus 24/7 access to be able to dump, that most residents feel much the same as they did in 1999. Difficulty with access to the transfer stations, a desire to see more transfer stations, and difficulty in what a person is permitted to drop off at the dump. We need to let people dump anything they need to dump at their local dump, and not have to drive all the way into Kelowna. If ten fridges pile up, instead of 10 trips to Kelowna, it could be one truck trip and
save residents 20 hours of time x $10.00 = at least $200.00 if they could use their time working instead of driving. It would save wear and tear on residents vehicles, fuel, air pollution, etc. costs. These savings may cover the extra cost of trucking it. But the best thing
would be to call a business that recycles fridges, and the business take parts they need and then recycle the rest of the fridges metal. I think they would probably pick up fridges for free, just for the parts.

I will be turning the petition in when I am finished going to all the houses I am going to go to, which includes; Fintry, Muir, Shalal Road and Valley of the Sun. I may petition Estamont residents yet. Depends on how things go. I have a petition at all the gas stations on Westside

Road and bulletins on the bulletin boards for the rest of the residents at Westshore, Killiney Beach and Estamont. After doing most of the petitioning, I have found residents aren't looking at the bulletin boards to even know about the petition. Only one person at Fintry saw  the bulletin and had signed the petition after it was posted on the board for over a week. Only two people didn't sign in Fintry so far and

I have a couple houses left. Most everyone in all the subdivisions I am going around to, are signing my petition. I have 29 signatures from Valley of the Sun and only one more home to visit. There were only 3 homes that didn't sign the petition in Valley of the Sun.

I will be presenting my petition to RDCO, the North Westside Ratepayers Association, and the North Westside Communities Association.

Thanks for any questions you can answer Communications Co-ordinator.

Thank You
North Westsider

        097.pdf | 097Detail.pdf | NWTransferLicence-Lease.pdf | NWRA Agreement.pdf

5) I believe the bins are owned, not leased. The recycling bins are included in the BFI charges.

6) The amount as shown on the attached pdf's is $11,601.

7) The Regional District has a contract with the North Westside Ratepayers Association(current agreement runs from Jan 1, 2002 to December 31, 2006). pdf of the agreement is attached (NWRA Agreement.pdf) I'm not sure what they pay their staff. That information
would have to come from them. Contact Jeff Ellam email jeff_ellam [at] telus.net.

8) Same as above. The Regional District administration overhead costs were $2,237.

9) The $750 grant in aid to the Ratepayers Association was to offset insurance costs.

10) Please ask the attendant.

11) Please ask the attendant.

12) The whole operation, garbage collection and recycling collection at the depot is under contract to the Regional District.

13) The operators may have some reason to use two separate names. I believe the opportunity to bring recycled goods to this depot came after the depot was established as a waste transfer site. They may keep the two programs separate for the administration purposes. The garbage bins for instance were initially purchased by the society whereas I believe the recycling bins, including hauling costs were part of the recycling program costs and not the garbage hauling costs.

14) Bins are paid for by the taxpayer (Regional District) - from the utility charges collected from residents.

15) Costs for the BFI bins are included as part of the hauling contract.

16) The current site was at the request of area residents, and the community who preferred this method of collection over curb side. If community members are interested in reviewing alternative sites, or additional sites and the cost impacts on the community, the regional
district could be approached by the area residents and this request could be given further consideration. The current program has worked very well to date with both the Traders Cove and Sugar Loaf stations.

17) The cost to do a review in this area has not been determined. To do a proper analysis by an independent consultant with good public input would likely be in the order of $10,000.

18) All residents within the boundaries of the North Westside Fire Department function also participate in the waste transfer st.

19) No. Residents outside the North Westside Road Fire department boundary pay towards Traders Cove. Not both. If someone needed to use the Traders Cove station at times certain arrangements could be made. The intent of course is to ensure the waste is properly disposed of and that residents are aware of how much waste they are generating by imposing the 2 bag rule. As stated special arrangements could likely be made if there are a number of limited residents seeking the option to use both sites on different weeks.

A separate transfer station near the La Casa resort may be of value to residents in this area. Although the current program has worked extremely well the past many years, as the current program was a response to the request by area residents, including operating hours, there may be good reason to consider the possibility of additional service in this area as significant growth occurs in this area. Costs and sighting of a station are the greatest concern. Possibly a program in conjunction with the resort could be considered.

Thanks

Communication Coordinator
Regional District of Central Okanagan
1450 KLO Road
Kelowna, BC V1W 3Z4
Phone: 250-469-6339
Fax: 250-763-0606
Email: Communications Coordinator [at] cord.bc.ca
Website www.regionaldistrict.com

Attached were  097.pdf | 097Detail.pdf | NWTransferLicence-Lease.pdf | NWRA Agreement.pdf

http://www.okanaganlakebc.ca/community/personal/westside/transferstation/NWRA Agreement.pdf

http://www.okanaganlakebc.ca/community/personal/westside/transferstation/097.pdf

7. What are the costs for WCB and who pays, and does that amount come out of parcel taxes or utility bill?

8. When it is mentioned "parcel taxes", that means waste/environment management amount on our rural property tax notice, does it not? Or is that general revenue from property tax?

10. What funds (waste/environment management or utility bill) for the following:
Office Supplies $129
Site Maintenance $2,243
Liability Insurance $1,500
2005 Insurance $1,240 (What is this insurance for)
Administration Overhead $2,237
Recycling

11. Do Ratepayers pay for any insurance or WCB out of the $11,601 they are paid to run the transfer station?

Thanks again Communications Coordinator,
North Westsider

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

RDCO's reply

Subject: Re: More info needed
From: Communications Coordinator
Date: March 3, 2006 10:19 AM
To: North Westsider

__________________________________
Previous Email Response

12. Does N.O.W.E.S.I. Recycling Depot just apply to the recycling part of the dump or the whole thing?
The whole operation, garbage collection and recycling collection at the depot is under contract to the Regional District. As a result of your inquiries regarding utility billing charges, it appears there might be a discrepancy in utility bill rates charged for North Westside transfer station users...as it appears that users of that transfer station are getting both solid waste collection and recycling. However, they are only being charged the $40 annual fee for garbage collection, yet receiving recycling service as well at the North Westside transfer station. While ratepayers using the Traders Cove Transfer Station are also paying the utility bill fees of $40 annually for garbage collection and the additional $12 annual fee for recycling collection ($52 per year or $26 twice a year), this will now be reviewed by our staff regarding North Westside transfer station utility charges.

Thank you,
North Westsider

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

Subject: More info needed
From: North Westsider
Sent: February 20, 2006 1:32 AM
To: Communications Coordinator

North Westsider

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

reply was made on April 21, 2008 11:22 AM

Communications Coordinator
Regional District of Central Okanagan
1450 KLO Road
Kelowna, BC
V1W 3Z4

Phone: 250-469-6339
Fax: 250-763-0606
Email: Communications Coordinator [at] cord.bc.ca
Website: www.regionaldistrict.com

Regarding the Waste Reduction Program budget (Page 35 of the 2008-2012 Financial Plan) under the Revenue section, the $41,983 listed for parcel taxes is the amount provided by the two electoral areas for this (Central Okanagan East and West). In talking with Finance staff, the amount from Central Okanagan West will be $28,494.

Regarding the Solid Waste Collection Program budget (Page 36 of the Financial Plan) under the Revenue section, the $138,507 listed for parcel taxes is the amount provided by the two electoral areas for this (Central Okanagan East and West). In talking with Finance staff, the amount from Central Okanagan West will be $94,005.

Regarding the Recycling Program budget (Page 37 of the Financial Plan) under the Revenue section, the $46,862 listed for parcel taxes is the amount provided by the two electoral areas for this (Central Okanagan East and West). In talking with Finance staff, the amount from Central Okanagan West will be $31,805.

There are 3,126 parcels in the Central Okanagan West Electoral Area. The total parcel tax revenue for these three programs from the Central Okanagan West Electoral Area is $154,299 or 67.87% of the $227,352 total for these three programs from the two electoral areas. Central Okanagan East has 1,480 parcels contributing $73,053 or 32.13% of the total cost of the three programs parcel tax revenues.

Cheers

Communications Coordinator
Regional District of Central Okanagan
1450 KLO Road
Kelowna, BC
V1W 3Z4

Phone: 250-469-6339
Fax: 250-763-0606
Email: Communications Coordinator [at] cord.bc.ca
Website: www.regionaldistrict.com

---------

Communications Coordinators reply June 30, 2008 10:48 AM

See also email sent on June 30, 2008 11:16 AM, "How many La Casa's properties contribute to La Casa's current garbage disposal system?"

Nothing has changed since you asked this question on April 16th….below is the email response to you at that time.

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

Subject: Re: Paying Users of Transfer Stations
From: Communications Coordinator
April 21, 2008 11:22 AM
To: North Westsider

Good morning

Thank you for your patience in my ability to respond to your original inquiry on April 16th.

There are 763 homes contributing to the North Westside transfer station. The existing properties at La Casa are not currently contributing to the existing transfer station as they have their own commercial pick up in place. However, when the new La Casa transfer station is in place, these properties will begin contributing to the cost of the North Westside transfer stations (existing one at Sugar Loaf and La Casa). At total build out there will be 450 plus properties at La Casa contributing to the North Westside transfer stations.

There are 229 homes contributing to the Trader’s Cove transfer station.

Communications Coordinator
Regional District of Central Okanagan
1450 KLO Road
Kelowna, BC
V1W 3Z4

Phone: 250-469-6339
Fax: 250-763-0606
Email: Communications Coordinator [at] cord.bc.ca
Website: www.regionaldistrict.com

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

Communications Coordinator
Regional District of Central Okanagan
1450 KLO Road
Kelowna, BC
V1W 3Z4

Phone: 250-469-6339
Fax: 250-763-0606
Email: Communications Coordinator [at] cord.bc.ca
Website: www.regionaldistrict.com

See also email sent: June 27, 2008 11:00 PM

Communications Coordinator reply July 02, 2008 "Thank you for your email."

Reply from Communications Coordinator Sent: July 02, 2008 8:47 AM

Reply from Communications Coordinator Sent: July 4, 2008 11:19 AM

Thank you for your patience.

Regarding your email of July 1st at 6:18pm requesting information for bag tag sales. I would suggest that you ask the staff at the Sugar Loaf North Westside transfer station how many tags they sold in each of the calendar years requested. As they are a contractor providing the tag sale service for the Regional District electoral areas (just like Mac’s, Ellison store, Westside Chamber, Westside District Municipality, Sugar Loaf stn) we only keep a record of the purchase of tags and the number of tags sold in bulk to each of our Regional District contractors when they require them. For example, the North Westside transfer station purchased 100 tags from us to sell on April 10th, 2008. They purchased 100 tags on August 27th 2007 and 50 tags on April 4, 2006. Please remember that tags may be purchased at any of the Regional District electoral area retail outlets and are good in the Central Okanagan electoral areas (and the Westside District Municipality), so for example, while I presume most of the tags sold by the Sugar Loaf transfer station are used by customers there, someone from the North Westside area could purchase a tag at another regional district outlet and use the tag on additional bags disposed of at the Sugar Loaf station. They are not required to purchase at the Sugar Loaf transfer station and use the tag there.

No tags are available for purchase or sale at the Traders Cove Transfer station.

The revenue from all contractor tag sales goes into the general fund for Solid Waste Management. As such, our Finance Department does not have a record of tag sales revenue by location and calendar year. We only have the number of tags purchased in bulk by a retail contractor (Mac’s, Westside Landfill, Westside Chamber etc.). So the Sugar Loaf North Westside transfer station requested 100 tags on April 10th this year…we receive the funds after they are sold and those monies would go into the Solid Waste Management budget as revenue, just as we collect tipping fees at the Westside Landfill and that money is considered revenue for the Solid Waste Management program.

Unfortunately, the person that I previously received information from in October 2006 regarding overall revenue from tag sales in answer to your October 2006 email requesting that information, is not available and away on vacation until next month. I was not successful in finding anyone else who had access to the specific information regarding overall tag sale revenue for the years you requested.

However, this is the email that I sent to you in October 2006 with information requested at that time.

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

Subject: Tag-a-bag
From: Communications Coordinator
Sent: October 12, 2006 8:17 AM
To: North Westsider

Please note the above…as information provided you in the past has been copied and disseminated without authorization. Information is being provided in response to your inquiry.

Tag sales revenue

2005 - $3,545.75

2004 - $3,676.50

2003 - $4,121.00

2002 - $3,133.00

2001 - $2,557.50

In the interest of saving time, I’ve provided answers below in red highlighted text , beside your questions from the email dated July 1st at 9:55 am. Thank you for your patience.

Communications Coordinator
Regional District of Central Okanagan
1450 KLO Road
Kelowna, BC
V1W 3Z4

Phone: 250-469-6339
Fax: 250-763-0606
Email: Communications Coordinator [at] cord.bc.ca
Website: www.regionaldistrict.com

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

From: North Westsider
Sent: July 1, 2008 9:55 AM
To: Communications Coordinator; Waste Reduction Manager
Subject: Transfer Station Billing

To Communications Coordinator and Waste Reduction Manager:

Are there any North Westside Road properties with homes that do not pay the utility bill for the Sugar Loaf or Traders Cove transfer stations and if so how many, and for what reasons do they not pay?
None…all properties with homes are required by bylaw to contribute.

How many properties are there with homes on them in the North Westside Road area from Westshore Estates to Fintry? This email and any files transmitted, are confidential and may contain privileged information.
I am sorry, but there is no one place for me to easily go to get the answer to this question. However, in discussing this with our Finance Department, in January, there were 761 properties billed for the North Westside Transfer Station utility fee. In January, there were 230 billed for Traders Cove Transfer Station. In each case, the vast majority have homes on them, but there are some property owners that have asked to pay the fee, even though they don’t have a home on the property in order to utilize the services of the transfer station.

What does the characters N.O.W.E.S.I. mean? Is N.O.W.E.S.I. 2008 financial budget document include both the Traders Cove and Sugar Loaf transfer stations? This email and any files transmitted, are confidential and may contain privileged information.
It is the acronym for No rth We st si de or NOWESI….regarding the second question, the NOWESI 2008 financial budget only covers the Sugar Loaf (North Westside) transfer station.

N.O.W.E.S.I. Transfer Station (page 38)
Revenue $57,643
http://www.regionaldistrict.com/docs/finance/2008finplan.pdf
Where all does this Revenue $57,643 come from and can you send me some website links or files that shows me what exactly the 2007 revenues and expenses were for? I wish to see the details. Document 097 function attached.

Your email said:
properties contribute to Sugar Loaf = 763
properties contribute to Traders Cove = 229
Total = 992 properties

992 properties x $40 year utility billing = $39,680
$57,643 revenue 2008 budget minus $39,680 revenue from utility bill = $17,963
Where does this extra Revenue come from??
These users as you know, are charged a combination of parcel taxes (which pay for all Solid Waste Management functions including Regional Waste Reduction Office and Westside Sanitary Landfill etc) and user fees through utility billing. The costs of the North Westside Transfer station are covered through a combination of revenue from the above, both parcel tax and utility billing.

Approx. how many La Casa homes are now sold, do you know?
Our Inspections Section provided me with this information. There have been a total of 236 dwellings and additions given building permits so far…dating back to February 2005 up to and including today (July 2nd).

If La Casa joins in the North Westside transfer station billing with a new transfer station at La Casa, will each and every one of the 497 La Casa lots automatically have to start paying the garbage utility bill $40.00 per year with lot sold or not as soon as we amalgamate, or will La Casa properties have to start paying the utility bill only at the time the lot is sold, or when will La Casa properties have to start paying the transfer station billing?
Once a final building inspection or occupancy permit is issued, whichever occurs first, the property would be added to the utility billing list in our Finance Department. Property owners can also apply at the transfer stations. These are the only two ways that utility billing fees occur. As stated in previous emails, the La Casa strata currently is not involved with the utility billing as it has a private contractor providing services.

Currently how does RDCO start billing North Westsiders for the Sugar Loaf Transfer station, does RDCO wait until someone phones RDCO and inquires about where to take their garbage or goes down to use the transfer station before RDCO starts billing them, or is it automatic billing to each property with a home on it in the North Westside? Answered in previous question.

Thank You,
North Westside

Thanks,
Eve

Waste Reduction Manager, MBA PR
Regional Waste Reduction Office
Regional District of Central Okanagan
1450 K.L.O., Kelowna, BC, V1W 3Z4
250.469.6259
Waste Reduction Manager [at] cord.bc.ca
ü Please consider the environment before printing this email.

-----Original Message-----
From: North Westsider
Sent: July 4, 2008 10:57 PM
To: Communications Coordinator and Waste Reduction Manager
Subject: Future Plans for Transfer Stations

To Communications Coordinator and Waste Reduction Manager:

What are the Regional Districts plans after this second La Casa transfer  station is built and more development comes which will eventually make  the La Casa and Sugar Loaf Transfer Stations too busy with not enough  space and Westside Road even busier?

I have been told that the Sugar Loaf transfer station is sometimes very  busy and people have to wait as it is without any new development like Kubas, etc.

Thank You,
North Westsider

-----------------------------------
Communications Coordinator wrote:

Thank you for your email.

See comments highlighted in red below beside the questions.

Communications Coordinator
Regional District of Central Okanagan
1450 KLO Road
Kelowna, BC
V1W 3Z4

Phone: 250-469-6339
Fax: 250-763-0606
Email: Communications Coordinator [at] cord.bc.ca
Website: www.regionaldistrict.com

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

Subject: Re: Transfer Station Billing
From: North Westsider
Sent: July 7, 2008 9:32 AM
To: Communications Coordinator

To Communications Coordinator:

I think that the Regional District should keep finances separate in their prospective accounts. How can we tell what the revenue details are for the Sugar Loaf Transfer station with RDCO mixing accounts together? You can't tell where the revenue comes from if you mix accounts. I wish to know where the revenue comes from in detail! Can you please explain the revenue in detail for Sugar Loaf Mountain Transfer Station? If not can you please stop mixing the accounts so you can't tell what is going on with the finances? I answered this question in detail in the previous email. This information should be readily available for each transfer station seperate, and I should be able to ask RDCO and RDCO supply the answer if it isn't freely available. I shouldn't have to track down a contractor to find out how many tag-a-bags were used! And why doesn't Waste Reduction Manager have the tag-a-bag information when RDCO is trying to reduce waste and RDCO is tracking waste to report the amount of waste generated??? If waste is tracking waste, why is she not tracking tag-a-bags?

If you cannot give me details, can you please tell me how many tag-a-bag tags Sugar Loaf Mountain Transfer Station purchased from the Regional District of Central Okanagan in each of the last 5 years. 2007, 2006, 2005, 2004, 2003? Also how many tag-a-bags were sold to other locations where tag-a-bags can be purchased for each of the past 5 years. Sorry, but I’ve answered this question in the previous email. I outlined how many tags the RDCO authorized for the Sugar Loaf Transfer Station from the present time going back to April 2006. I also included the overall revenue generated from tag sales from an email sent to you in October 2006. If you wish to receive further information I respectfully request that you submit a Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy request using the appropriate form. http://www.regionaldistrict.com/departments/hr/hr_freedom.aspx
You only answered part of the question above. I guess you don't have the amount of tag-a-bags sold in 2003, 2004 and 2005?

I understand from what you are saying is that the Regional District did not sell any tag-a-bag tags to Traders Cove transfer station. If so, how does Traders Cove handle extra bags, do they accept extra bags without a tag, or do they not accept tag-a-bags at all? Where can I get the information on how many tag-a-bag bags the Traders Cove transfer station accepted if tag-a-bags were accepted? Please talk to the person who is on site at Traders Cove regarding how they handle bags with tags. They handle them just like the person at the Sugar Loaf transfer station. A total of two additional tagged bags may be dropped off at any one time, with the maximum two bags accepted without tags. http://www.regionaldistrict.com/departments/waste/waste_garb_tagabags.aspx

Thanks for the information that Traders Cove does not sell tag-a-bags but they accept additional bags other than the maximum 2 bags permitted. Can RDCO please get the information from the contractor instead of me?? RDCO is suppose to be able to supply that information and I should have to try digging it up. That's RDCO's job to keep track of things and mine.

Also can you give me contact information for whomever is and was contracted to run the Sugar Loaf and Traders Cove transfer stations in each of the last 5 years so I may ask for the tag-a-bag information? My only suggestion regarding this is that you visit the stations and talk with the attendants. As I don't visit the transfer stations, or seem to go by them when they are open, can you please supply the information I am requesting, as RDCO should have that information on file and if not they should get that information. I can't afford to drive out of my way with the ever increasing cost of fuel plus now the carbon tax to drive out of my way. Just as I am sure that RDCO doesn't drive out here very often either. I am getting very frustrated with the way the rules are about having to drive everywhere for information. I did say please.

And actually I shouldn't have to try and get that information myself ... RDCO should have that information and be able to supply it. Maybe RDCO could drive out here or call the contractor and find out for me?? Its not my job to supply the information as that is RDCO's job!

Thank You
North Westsider

http://www.regionaldistrict.com/docs/finance/2008finplan.pdf

Thank You,
North Westsider

North Westsider, you know how quickly I respond to your emails. I have other work besides this project and will spend more time focusing on those projects then responding to your emails. I can assure you that in time when we are ready to post the study it will be posted for all to view. The consultant considered all reasonable sources of supply.

I will be prioritizing responses to the emails I receive and will bundle yours together and responding when I have the time.

Thanks
Director, Engineering Services, P.Eng.
Regional District of Central Okanagan
Phone: (250) 469-6241
Website: http://www.regionaldistrict.com

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

RDCO's reply

Subject: Re; [Fwd: Transfer Station at La Casa]
From: Communications Coordinator
Date: August 20, 2008 11:46 AM
To: North Westsider

General Revenue Fund - 097 - N.O.W.E.S.I. Transfer Station

Revenues

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

Subject: Re: [Fwd: Re: Upper levels ground water supply]
From: Director, Engineering Services
Date: July 24, 2008 8:58 AM
To: North Westsider

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

Subject: [Fwd: Re: Upper levels ground water supply]
From: North Westsider
Sent: July 24, 2008 8:36 AM
To: Director, Engineering Services

-------- Original Message --------

Subject: Re: Upper levels ground water supply
From: North Westsider
Date: July 22, 2008 7:35 AM
To Director, Engineering Services:

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

Subject: Re: Upper levels ground water supply
From: Director, Engineering Services
Date: July 22, 2008 7:16 AM
To: North Westsider

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

Subject: Upper levels ground water supply
To: Director, Engineering Services
Sent: July 21, 2008 10:13 PM
From: North Westsider

Thank you
North Westsider

Will we need to drive on La Casa's roads through La Casa's cottages or next to the Cantina store and restaurant to get to the new transfer station? Or will we need to drive by that castle looking thing there that isn't open yet, or will we enter the transfer station site from Westside Road? Apparently the plans have been completed according to the North Westside Communities Newsletter.

I would say that if you can't tell us where this new transfer station location will be, then what is your job there at RDCO? What don't you know ... everything?

Is there a chance that this transfer station may not come into fruitation?
Over the last year you don't seem to be able to answer your own emails but instead have someone else answer for you Carol S.. What is stopping you from answering your own emails yourself Carol S.?

I don't appreciate the Communications Coordinator answering emails I send to you Waste Reduction Manager, so in the future could you please refrain from having someone else answer emails that I send to you and that are addressed to you and not others?

From what I have been reading in the North Westside Communities News I am wondering if what I have been reading is correct. Does the following look correct to you Carol S., and if not can you please explain what may not be correct.

FROM December 2006 North Westside Communities News on page 4 states the following:
Waste Reduction Manager, from the Regional District of Central Okanagan reports she is satisfied with the progress of the new community Transfer Site at La Casa.
The Strata Council at La Casa has given the go ahead for the Transfer Site. The design for the site is complete and once all of the final documentation is obtained, the new transfer site will be up and running soon after.
The contract for managing the two sites, La Casa and Sugar Loaf, has not been ratified yet. It is expected everything will be in place for the New Year.

From March 2007 North Westside Communities News on page 4 stated the following:
The La Casa waste transfer station is waiting for the Province. An application was made to purchase the land from the Province. The monies were accepted by the Province in late fall 2006, the La Casa Strata still has not received title. The survey and drawings are complete and once the La Casa Strata receives the title, the RD will proceed with the lease and build the transfer station.

Thank you,
North Westsider

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

Subject: La Casa Transfer Station Location
To: Communications Coordinator
Sent: August 6, 2008 7:21 AM
From: North Westsider

Subject: La Casa Transfer Station
To: Waste Reduction Office
Sent: Aug 6, 2008 7:23 AM
From: North Westsider

Subject: Re: La Casa Transfer Station Location
To: Communications Coordinator
Sent: August 6, 2008 2:19 PM
From: North Westsider

Subject: La Casa transfer station location
To: Waste Reduction Manager
Date: August 6, 2008 11:00 PM
From: North Westsider

Thank you for your email inquiry from last night at 6:20 pm and another to Waste Reduction Manager (pasted below) at 6:10 pm last evening.

Our plans have always been contingent on successful completion of the land title transfer between the Provincial Government and strata at La Casa. Again, as we are not party to those negotiations and discussions, our plans are merely those, our plans and first require a land title transfer from the Province to the strata at La Casa. We are not in control, nor do we have anything to do with those negotiations.

We remain optimistic that upon successful completion of that process, and a subsequent agreement between the strata and Regional District, that we will build and open a second transfer station facility for the convenience of North Westside residents and property owners, by next spring. But obviously, that is contingent on successful completion of land transfer between the Province and La Casa strata.

Regarding the budgeting for this, as prudent fiscal planners, the Regional District has a five year budget process, so that we can plan for projects that are not in the actual or next fiscal year, but could be in our plans for years 3, 4 or 5.

As for who answers emails, as you are aware I am the Communications Coordinator for the Regional District (including those sent to via the RDCO website) and am handling email inquires for many staff and departments.

Communications Coordinator
Regional District of Central Okanagan
1450 KLO Road
Kelowna, BC
V1W 3Z4

Phone: 250-469-6339
Fax: 250-763-0606
Email: Communications Coordinator [at] cord.bc.ca
Website: www.regionaldistrict.com

To Gary Leier:

I sent a freedom of information request to RDCO a month or so back regarding details of the accounts for N.O.W.E.S.I. transfer station. I asked for details but you sent me account totals and not the details contained within the accounts. I wish to know what the details contained in each of those accounts.

I also wish to add to this initial freedom of information request to receive account details for the "Solid Waste Management" function as well.

Do I need to file another freedom of information request to get the details of the "Solid Waste Management" accounts?

Thank you,
North Westsider

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

RDCO's reply

Subject: La Casa Transfer Station
From: Communications Coordinator
Date: August 18, 2008 8:01 AM
To: North Westsider

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

Complainant asked about this email sent last month

Subject: Transfer Station at La Casa
Date: July 28, 2008 2:29 PM
From: North Westsider
To: Director of Engineering and Waste Reduction Manager

To Communications Coordinator:

I received the freedom of information act information I requested, but I still don't understand why there was such a large increase in revenue for Garbage Collection Fees³ in 2007. Can you please explain?

Thank you,
North Westsider

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

RDCO's reply

Subject: RE: N.O.W.E.S.I. revenue jump, why?
From: Communications Coordinator
Date: August 20, 2008 11:47 AM
To: North Westsider

Subject: Transfer Station at La Casa
Date: July 28, 2008 2:29 PM
From: North Westsider
To: Director of Engineering and Waste Reduction Manager

Subject: [Fwd: Transfer Station at La Casa]
To Director of Engineering and Waste Reduction Manager
Sent: August 14, 2008 8:45 PM
From: North Westsider

Thank you for your email.

As this follow up is in response to a Freedom of Information request, I understand that staff is dealing with this inquiry.

Communications Coordinator
Regional District of Central Okanagan
1450 KLO Road
Kelowna, BC
V1W 3Z4

Phone: 250-469-6339
Fax: 250-763-0606
Email: Communications Coordinator [at] cord.bc.ca
Website: www.regionaldistrict.com

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

Complainants Question

Subject: Jump in 2007 Revenue
From: North Westsider
Date: August 19, 2008 10:20 AM
To: Communications Coordinator

**Note - Communications Coordinator says expenses increased which created the jump in revenue LOL?

During 2007, there were increased costs associated with the facility.  Site maintenance, hauling costs and contract service costs all increased and accordingly, these expense increases resulted in the increase you note in the revenues for the North Westside Transfer facility.

Communications Coordinator
Communications Coordinator
Regional District of Central Okanagan
1450 KLO Road
Kelowna, BC
V1W 3Z4

Phone: 250-469-6339
Fax: 250-763-0606
Email: Communications Coordinator [at] cord.bc.ca
Website: www.regionaldistrict.com

This email got a bit out of hand the complainant does admit, but RDCO was also being jerk and the complainant was furious!

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

Communications Coordinator, here is the email that was returned to me as Spamhaus

So 761 paying properties of Sugar Loaf transfer station x $41.43 charged each property on our rural property tax bill in 2007 = $31,528, so where did the $33,462 jump in revenue in 2007 come from??

RDCO didn't sell that many tag a bags at Sugar Loaf in 2007. What money is going to paying for the Landfill in Kelowna where our Sugar Loaf transfer station garbage eventually ends up, if all the money from our Rural Property Tax bill ($41.43) is going towards Sugar Loaf?? RDCO did say at one time that the charge on our rural property tax bill paid for the landfill in Kelowna. Who is paying for the landfill in Kelowna now then?

Total Revenue in 2007 should be close to =

$61,968 but RDCO says there is $75,266. HOW CAN THAT BE??? RDCO didn't sell that many tag-a-bags so where did this extra Revenue of $13,298 come from?? $13,298 divided by ($41.43 for Waste/Environment Mgt + $40.00 utility bill = $81.43) so $13,298 divided by $81.43 = 163 new properties contributing to Sugar Loaf to make the extra 2007 Revenue of $13,298? Is there 163 new properties contributing to Sugar Loaf??

This is how I figured out the total revenue being $61,968

for N.O.W.E.S.I. using RDCO's figure of 761 properties paying for Sugar Loaf transfer station:

Utility Bill 761 properties x $40.00 per year = $30,440

Rural Property tax bill 761 properties x $41.43 for Waste/Environment Mgt = $31,528

So $30,440 + $31,528 = Total $61,968 revenue in 2007 for Sugar Loaf

So Communications Coordinator when you tell me where the 2007 revenue comes from, and I don't get the information through the freedom of information act, its certainly very hard to believe what you say. Can you please explain?

Thank you,
North Westsider

I answered the question in an email sent to you on Friday, September 19th at 4:01 pm regarding revenues for 2007 and increase. I have pasted my response sent then followed by your email from earlier that morning:

Communications Coordinator
Communications Coordinator
Regional District of Central Okanagan
1450 KLO Road
Kelowna, BC
V1W 3Z4

Phone: 250-469-6339
Fax: 250-763-0606
Email: Communications Coordinator [at] cord.bc.ca
Website: www.regionaldistrict.com

-------- Original Message --------
Subject: Re: Extra $13,298 2007 revenue = 163 new properties
Date: Mon, 22 Sep 2008 7:15 PM

Your explanation does not make any sense to me, Communications Coordinator. Can you please explain in more detail?

Thank you for your email. I have answered this question to the best of my ability. It appears that you are trying to extrapolate data that doesn’t exist by multiplying properties with user fees and creating numbers that don’t have any basis in our budgetary reality.

I am sorry if I am not able to explain this to you so that you are satisfied with the answer. I have done my best and have been very upfront, honest and as prompt as possible in answering your questions and emails.

Once again, as I am not able to provide any additional or new information from that already presented and offered to you in answer to your questions, I respectfully request that any further requests for information on this subject be directed through the Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy provisions.

Communications Coordinator
Communications Coordinator
Regional District of Central Okanagan
1450 KLO Road
Kelowna, BC
V1W 3Z4

Phone: 250-469-6339
Fax: 250-763-0606
Email: Communications Coordinator [at] cord.bc.ca
Website: www.regionaldistrict.com

Subject: Re: Need email address
From: Communications Coordinator
Date: November 20, 2008 11:19 AM
To: North Westsider

Thank you for your email.

Should you wish a response from the Regional District staff regarding the North Westside Water Study, I would encourage you to direct your inquiries and questions to me.

I will be pleased to respond on behalf of the Regional District as quickly as I am able.

Communications Coordinator
Regional District of Central Okanagan
1450 KLO Road
Kelowna, BC
V1W 3Z4

Phone: 250-469-6339
Fax: 250-763-0606
Email: Communications Coordinator [at] cord.bc.ca
Website: www.regionaldistrict.com

Thank you for your email. I am the contact person for information regarding the North Westside Water Study and would be pleased to address any future queries you may have.

The length of time that potable water lines last depends on the type of material used, the environment in which they are placed and the composition of the water flowing inside them. For example, ductile iron and cast iron water pipes can be susceptible to harsh frost and corrosive soil, severely restricting their lifespan. PVC pipe tends to be the standard now and has a lower break rate, corrosion rate and improved chemical resistance. You may wish to visit Ipex Inc. a supplier of municipal piping systems for information on their products: www.ipexinc.com

To answer your second question, the Regional District has not conducted any formal studies in your specific subdivision for reliable and large enough sources of potable water, which is why we are doing studies on this project. However, we do know of a number of private wells that have been drilled and no water found. As needed, the Regional District contracts experts to conduct this type of work and to make recommendations on possible options and costs in order to accomplish any specific project.

Communications Coordinator
Regional District of Central Okanagan
1450 KLO Road
Kelowna, BC
V1W 3Z4

Phone: 250-469-6339
Fax: 250-763-0606
Email: Communications Coordinator [at] cord.bc.ca
Website: www.regionaldistrict.com

Subject: Re: Water system information needed
From: North Westsider
Date: November 27, 2008 4:59 PM
To: Communications Coordinator

To Communications Coordinator:

Like I said, Flake Off Communications Coordinator ..
This email and any files transmitted, are confidential and may contain privileged information. Any unauthorized dissemination or copying is strictly prohibited. If you have received this email in error, please delete it and notify the sender.

Thank you,
North Westsider

The instructions from RDCO that I recieved in the notice of meeting letter state the following:
Concerns, questions, or general inquiries may be sent to our office via e-mail at engineer [at] cord.bc.ca
http://www.okanaganlakebc.ca/community/personal/westside_road/images/water/water_meet_nov_08.jpg

If residents were told to contact Communications Coordinator by way of this notice of meeting letter, then maybe I would believe you that I should contact Communications Coordinator, but I don't believe you as the letter states to contact engineer [at] cord.bc.ca.

I believe its time Communications Coordinator as well as yourself stopped these childish little games of yours and allow the engineer to answer my questions.

By the way my old email address will no longer work, so please use my new email address from now on, which is (removed).

Thank you,
North Westsider

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

Subject: Re: Jim Edgson conduct at Dec 4 meeting
From: Chief Administrative  Officer H. R.
Date: Dec 12, 2008 7:59 AM
To: North Westsider

Ms. North Westsider

In accordance with our procedures, I will forward this email to Communications Coordinator for response.

Chief Administrative  Officer H. R.
CAO
Regional District of Central Okanagan

Communications Coordinator wrote:

Thank you for your email and your thoughts regarding information you feel should be available on our website.

I’m sorry but we are not in a position to provide every document we have on our website. We do not include any of our policy documents on the website.

We do however, provide links to hundreds and hundreds of the most popular documents such as bylaws, fees and schedules, studies, reports, approved minutes, agenda and reports of public meetings of the Regional Board and the Governance and Services Committee, agenda and approved minutes of the most recent advisory committees etc.

I have been asked to provide you with a copy of the Communications Plan. It is attached.

Communications Coordinator
Regional District of Central Okanagan
1450 KLO Road
Kelowna, BC
V1W 3Z4

Phone: 250-469-6339
Fax: 250-763-0606
Email: Communications Coordinator [at] cord.bc.ca
Website: www.regionaldistrict.com

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

Communications Coordinator wrote:

Thank you for your email.

In response to the question from Director Findlater during the Governance and Services Committee meeting, the funds being provided by the Regional District are coming from the RDCO feasibility fund which all areas and municipal members contribute to in order for the Regional District as required with Board approval, to do feasibility studies on projects. If the water project receives sufficient petition support to proceed from property owners, then the Regional Board will be asked to approve formation of a local service area and property owners within that local service area will be responsible for covering the costs of the construction and operation and maintenance of the water system.

As well, water user fees would be paid for by property owners within the local service area.

At this time the Regional District is not considering installation of a sound system in the Woodhaven Board Room or any of its other meeting rooms.

Communications Coordinator
Regional District of Central Okanagan
1450 KLO Road
Kelowna, BC
V1W 3Z4

Phone: 250-469-6339
Fax: 250-763-0606
Email: Communications Coordinator [at] cord.bc.ca
Website: www.regionaldistrict.com

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

From: North Westsider
Sent: January 15, 2009 6:58 PM
To: Communications Coordinator
Subject: $100,000

To Communications Coordinator:

What is the $100,000 mentioned in the Fintry water system grant application that RDCO is contributing. I was at the Regional Board meeting this morning Jan 15, 2009, but I couldn't hear what was said. Is there any way that the Regional District can install a sound system so that when I do drive all the way to Kelowna to attend a 5 minute meeting, that I can at least hear it! Also if you install a sound system Castanet.net said they would tape and post the meetings on the net so wouldn't have to drive all the way in there (a dangerous 45 minute drive down a windy, poorly maintained, animal ridden road)

I heard service area and I heard feasibility funds and I heard laughter and thats about all I could hear. I drove all the way into Kelowna so I couldn't hear but could only really watch the hands go up.

I want to know what this $100,000 is all comprised of in detail.

Thank you,
North Westsider

To Communications Coordinator:

How many emails does it take to get a direct answer out of Communications Coordinator? Sounds like a joke doesn't it? And then you wonder why you get so many emails ... how many emails and how months does it take to get the appropriate response I wonder?

This is your previous answer to the question I had, and its 8 months later and your answer still does not explain and show me exactly where in the account this jump in revenue5 is. Would it be possible to get a direct and appropriate answer instead of the vague answer you gave me?

Here is the vague answer you gave me.

Where does this extra Revenue come from??
These users as you know, are charged a combination of parcel taxes (which pay for all Solid Waste Management functions including Regional Waste Reduction Office and Westside Sanitary Landfill etc) and user fees through utility billing. The costs of the North Westside Transfer station are covered through a combination of revenue from the above, both parcel tax and utility billing.

If you can't explain it, maybe you could send me details of the "Garbage Collection Fees" account, details of Solid Waste Management account and details of the Westside Sanitary landfill where it shows the exact amounts going in and out of the account for the Sugar Loaf transfer station as well as the Westside Sanitary Landfill and any other details of accounts for the Sugar Loaf transfer station which I asked for previously and only got the totals of these accounts.

I don't know how many times I am going to have to ask you, but I need the details of the accounts and the figures going in and out and not the totals of the accounts. Maybe you didn't understand, but hopefully you will now with me explaining in more detail so that you will understand.

Thank you
North Westsider

To Communications Coordinator:

I have waited for two days now for a reply ... do you not work there anymore? Now I guess I have to wait the weekend too. I think you need some help down there if you can't answer the same day in a timely manner.

North Westsider

To Communications Coordinator:

I have yet to receive an answer to my question about the jump in revenue6 2007 for N.O.W.E.S.I transfer station. I feel the Regional District is doing this on purpose and I really don't trust RDCO. I applied for information through the freedom of information act and sent many an email but my question has yet to be answered. Here is the question again that I have asked umpteen times. This will be the last time I ask as you will see when you read the attachments to this email regarding the details of accounts and the jump in revenue. Its no wonder you get so many emails asking the same question 50 thousand times. If I could only have the answer maybe your email box won't be so full of emails by me and maybe you would have more time to answer your emails instead of me having to wait 2 days plus the weekend and then who knows when I will get the answer. It is time the Regional District of Central Okanagan were a little more open and worked in a more timely manner.

Below is only one of the emails I sent you from way back in 2008, and as a matter of fact it was this date here.
19/08/2008 10:20 AM

Thank you
North Westsider

To Communications Coordinator:

I received the freedom of information act information I requested, but I still don't understand why there was such a large increase in revenue for Garbage Collection Fees5 in 2007. Can you please explain?

General Revenue Fund - 097 - N.O.W.E.S.I. Transfer Station

 

The complainant had visited the OIPC website Feb 20, 2009 where the complainant came across this form that needed to be sent to the Regional District of Central Okanagan to be official, so filled it out and sent it along with this email to make the complaint official.

Again jump in revenue is mentioned on this form sent to RDCO

Thank you,
North Westsider

This email (below) that the complainant sent Communications Coordinator about other emails he was not answering, was attached with the letter above.

Subject: Communications Coordinator needs help
From: North Westsider
Date: Feb 19, 2009 7:50 PM
To: Communications Coordinator

To Communications Coordinator:

I sent you some emails yesterday (it was actually over the last few days) which one question was not hard to answer. I take it that you didn't have time to look at your email today Communications Coordinator or maybe you would have answered. It seems that lately you can't seem to answer your email the following day after receiving it. It looks to me like RDCO needs to hire someone to answer emails as the currently employee can't seem to keep up in a timely manner. The question I asked in my email yesterday was such a simple question asking for the date Communications Coordinator posted the water system study for Lower Fintry Feasibility and if Communications Coordinator had time to answer his emails then maybe I would have replied to the questions I asked by now.

Thank you
North Westsider

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

These are two of the emails that the complainant was referring to that Communications Coordinator had not answered.

Subject: Re: $17,500 water system report
From: North Westsider
Sent: Feb 18, 2009 4:15 AM
To: Communications Coordinator

To Communications Coordinator:

I just noticed a new report on the water studies webpage - April 2008 report from the consultant on Preliminary Groundwater Feasibility Assessment. When did that report get posted to RDCO's website?

Thank you
North Westsider

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

Subject: Water Meter Bills
From: North Westsider
Sent: Feb 19, 2009 3:37 AM
To: Communications Coordinator

To Communications Coordinator:

In the Regional District for the water supply systems for residential customers. What was the figure for the most expensive residential water meter bill in each month over the last year and what was the figure for the least expensive water meter bill?

Thank you
North Westsider

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

Communications Coordinator had stopped replying to emails the complainant sent after Feb 17, 2009 so the email sent to Communications Coordinator on Feb 18, 2009 was not answered nor the email on Feb 19, 2009 and emails were still not answered on Feb 20, 2009

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Please verify the recipient's e-mail address and resend.

Recipient: lyla.lindsay [at] cord.bc.ca
Reason: Blocked

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

Subject: [Fwd: RE: Statement for dumping fees]
From: North Westsider
Date: Feb 24, 2009 2:52 PM
To: lyla.l [at] cord.bc.ca

To Lyla:

I requested through the freedom of information act two requests:

1. Oct 13, 2008 the La Casa transfer station info and correspondence.
2. Dec 24, 2008 correspondence of the North Westside Communities Association - because I recieved no correspondence in the first request Oct 13, 2008.

I have yet to receive either of these requests. I believe that RDCO should have some correspondence with the North Westside Communities Association regarding the La Casa transfer station. Isn't there some correspondence I am missing from my Oct 13, 2008 request, or am I wrong? I have yet to work out the second request, as I did send an email saying that I couldn't afford the $4,290 for the second request, and that I wished to come down to the office at KLO Road to view it instead.

Daniela Pharis is waiting for me to pay the bill invoice #57976 $38.58 but I was waiting to get the rest of the information before I pay the bill as I would like to pay it all at once instead of in pieces. If you have any new information regarding La Casa since my request of Oct 13, 2008 I wish to have any new information as well.

Can you please get back to me about the correspondence I may be missing.

Thank you
North Westsider

BLOCKED AGAIN

Nope ... still blocked!

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