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August 12, 2010 Regional District of Central Okanagan Governance and Services Committee Meeting Agenda

Item 5.1 Quarterly Program Measures Report.pdf

*Please click link above for entire contents ( 8 pages)

August 12, 2010 Regional District of Central Okanagan Governance and Services Committee Meeting Minutes

5. Finance and Administrative Services

5.1 Quarterly Program Measures Report - Year-to-date, June 30, 2010 Executive Summary

Staff presented the Quarterly Program Measures report, year-to-date June 30, 2010 Executive Summary which highlighted key areas in the Regional District services.

Questions:
• Dog Control- is that being enforced? Yes, except for the one section in the City of Kelowna.
• What is the T-Card system? An accounting form provided to the Ministry of Forests for tracking equipment and services used by the Regional District.
• Joe Rich Volunteer Fire Department - Medical First Response. Are we being compensated for accidents where the boundaries are in question? We are negotiating a mutual aid agreement with Big White. No costs are being reimbursed at this time. RDCO subsidizes this service. Staff have unsuccessfully tried to recover costs from the trucking companies, ICBC and the province.
• What role does the Province play? They provide ambulance services.
• Is the RDCO covered by insurance for calls outside of our jurisdiction?
Believe that we are, but will confirm.
The Chair noted that this is a provincial problem.

#GS50/10 SHEPHERD/EDGSON
THAT the Quarterly Program Measures Report - year-to-date June 30, 2010 Executive Summary be received;

AND FURTHER THAT Staff bring back a report on the status of the Mutual Aid Agreements with the Kootney Boundary Regional District for Big White;

AND FURTHER THAT Staff confirm the insurance coverage for Medical First Response call outs outside of the RDCO jurisdiction.

CARRIED

July 8, 2010 Regional District of Central Okanagan Highlights of the Regional Board Meeting

2009 Financial Statements

The Regional Board has received the 2009 Financial Statements and Reports. The Regional District of Central Okanagan had total revenues of $52.4 million and expenditures of $51.6 million during the fiscal year for the year ending December 31st.

After debt repayments, new debt and fund transfers the Regional District ended the 2009 fiscal year with an operating surplus of $781,793.

Audio - Revised Note Regarding This Meeting.pdf

Entire Board Meeting Audio - Audio_Brd_July 8, 2010.mp3 -  (229 MB)

July 8, 2010 audio clip of Board meeting only about the 2009 financial statement .wma (6.56 MB)

July 8, 2010 audio clip of Board meeting only about the 2009 financial statement .mp3 (12.9 MB)

July 8, 2010 Regional District of Central Okanagan Regular Board Meeting Agenda

Item 3.1 2009 Financial Statements.pdf

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Audio - Revised Note Regarding This Meeting.pdf

Entire Board Meeting Audio - Audio_Brd_July 8, 2010.mp3 -  (229 MB)

July 8, 2010 audio clip of Board meeting only about the 2009 financial statement .wma (6.56 MB)

July 8, 2010 audio clip of Board meeting only about the 2009 financial statement .mp3 (12.9 MB)

July 8, 2010 Regional District of Central Okanagan Regular Board Meeting Minutes

3. FINANCE

3.1 Approval of the 2009 RDCO Financial Statements (Unweighted Vote All Directors)

Staff report dated July 8, 2010 outlined the change in format to the District's financial statements including:

- The Public Sector Accounting Board adopted revised standards which all local governments must comply with.

The standards require the recognition of all non-financial assets including tangible capital assets, prepaid expenses and inventories of supplies as assets.

Revenue from contributed assets, and amortization on tangible capital assets has been recorded in the statement of operations. 2008 comparative figures have been restated to comply with these requirements.

Staff provided a revised Page 35. Exhibit 7, Statement of Financial Position which had an error on the statements provided in the Board report. Staff responded to various questions raised including: reserves, funding asset depreciation, financial statements are consolidated numbers but not all service areas are funded that way (Regional Districts are different than
municipalities-funds must be in each individual service and cannot be pooled), savings in administrative overhead services, transfer to local government (West Kelowna), MFA debt financing, higher interest rates in 2008, drop in building inspection permit volume but increase costs related to permits issued, and transit deficit.

BAKER/EDGSON
THAT the Regional Board approve the Regional District of Central Okanagan Financial statements (consolidated) for the year ended December 31, 2009.

CARRIED

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Audio - Revised Note Regarding This Meeting.pdf

Entire Board Meeting Audio - Audio_Brd_July 8, 2010.mp3 -  (229 MB)

July 8, 2010 audio clip of Board meeting only about the 2009 financial statement .wma (6.56 MB)

July 8, 2010 audio clip of Board meeting only about the 2009 financial statement .mp3 (12.9 MB)

The province has cut the number of areas it funds to fight West Nile virus.

And while the Central and South Okanagan areas remain on the list, the north Okanagan has been dropped.

According to Central Okanagan Regional District spokesman Bruce Smith, CORD has received $274,500 to fight the virus, an amount that includes an additional $45,000 so CORD can monitor and treat areas on the Westbank First Nation land.

In addition to the Central Okanagan and Okanagan-Similkameen Regional Districts, the Fraser Valley and Metro Vancouver were kept on the funding list for this year.

The change was made because the province says it wants to concentrate on the areas deemed to be at highest risk from West Nile virus, a disease that is carried by mosquitoes and can be transferred to humans.

Last year, the provinces first two cases of the virus found in humans were detected in the South Okanagan.

Smith said locally there are 10,000 catch basins used to check and treat for West Nile virus in mosquitoes, most of which are located in Kelowna. Others are in Peachland, Lake Country, West Kelowna and the two electoral areas of the regional district.

Now there will be one set up on WFN land as well, he added.

In the Central Okanagan, the regional district operates the mosquito control program on behalf of its member municipalities ad the WFN.

Concerns have been raised by representatives in the North Okanagan about leaving that area off the funding list as mosquitoes know no boundaries when it comes to their movement. They argue a valley-wide approach is needed and one-third of the valley should not be left out.

While the Central Okanagan and Okanagan-Similkameen Regional Districts deal with West Nile virus measures differently—regional district staff and summer students are used here and a contractor is used down south—Smith said the two regional districts do share in an advertising campaign to raise awareness among private property owners in both areas.

The provincial funding pays for mosquito control only on public land.

Last year, Smith said, funding extending that to Crown land in the area was cut.

Agenda - April 8, 2010.pdf

Item 4.1 SIR Parcel Tax Amendment Bylaw.pdf

April 8, 2010 Regional District of Central Okanagan Special Board Meeting Minutes

4. NEW BUSINESS
4.1 Regional District of Central Okanagan Sterile Insect Release Parcel Tax Amendment Bylaw No. 1273, 1st, 2nd and 3,d readings and Adoption (All Directors - Unweighted Vote)

JAMES/FIELDING
THAT Regional District of Central Okanagan Sterile Insect Release Parcel Tax Amendment Bylaw No. 1273, 2010 be given first, second and third readings, and adopted this at day of April 2010.

CARRIED

March 26, 2010 Regional District of Central Okanagan Regional Board Meeting Agenda

Item 1.3 2010-2014 Financial Plan Bylaw 1272

March 26, 2010 Regional District of Central Okanagan Special Board Meeting Minutes

1. FINANCE DEPARTMENT
1.1 Introduction of 2010 - 2014 Financial Plan - Review of 2010 Tax Rates

Marilyn Rilkoff introduced the budget noting changes have been made to the budget as directed at the March 11 th Governance and Services Committee meeting including:

The largest impacts to the 2010 budget were reviewed including:

- Regional Parks held the line on funding the Park Legacy reserves, keeping the rate at 3.5 cents (1/2 the previously agreed upon amount).

- Regional Rescue - increases mainly for fire dispatch, fire department admin fee, Provincial Emergency Plan responses, Emergency Social Services.

- 911 - RCMP contract staffing

- Dog Control - payroll, agent fees, legal, advertising and uniforms

- Septic Effluent Disposal Site - revenues back on track, smaller requisition

- Regional Planning - studies including the Regional Growth Management Strategy Update, foreshore structures bylaw and inventory mapping.

- Westside Transit Service - transferred to the District of West Kelowna. Increase in costs to other municipalities and WFN costing affected.

- Electoral areas impact includes: building inspection and bylaw enforcement, fire prevention, electoral area planning, and Okanagan Regional Library increases.

- Other large budget items include:
o Treatment plant expansion
o Various water system capital projects
o Capital purchase for fire departments including an ATV for the North
Westside Fire Department
o Roof and HVAC on RDCO building
o Aggregate study

Staff noted that no funding has been put in the budget for the public consultation phase of the aggregate study (six public consultation open houses are planned). Discussion ensued regarding adding $10,000 to the budget for communication.

- Aggregate supply demand update funding has been budgeted. The Regional District and member municipalities are contributing. This is separate from the pilot project which has not been budgeted.

- When will staff know what the actual costs are for the supply demand update? Staff noted that an Aggregate Task Force meeting is being held later today and that it is hoped to go to RFP sometime in the next eight weeks. If the project proceeds after the aggregate supply demand update, will need to look for funding sources--no secured funding to date.

- The Province has put in $5000 for a statistically valid survey. The Province's position to date is that they are not prepared to fund the pilot project.

- It was agreed that the public meetings must be properly organized. RDCO does not have the staff resources to do this. This will be addressed at the Task Force meeting. If additional funds are left after the supply and demand study, staff may have to go back to the partners to ask if these funds can be used in other areas.

- Concern was expressed that it's not fair for the Province to be a partner and not come forward to the table with funds?
Chair Hobson will address the Board's concerns with the Aggregate Task Force.

Staff noted that the final requisition adjustments will need to be made once revised assessment numbers are available from BC Assessment. An overview of the 2010 tax rates (based on a home assessed at $440,000) for each of the municipalities and electoral areas were highlighted including:

- City of Kelowna: Increase of 3.01% ($5.41)
- Peachland: Increase of 6.87% ($0.27)
- Lake Country: Increase of %% (-$5.21)
- West Kelowna: Decrease of 42.10% (-$118.02)
- Central Okanagan West Electoral Area: Increase of 20.25% ($52.48)
- Central Okanagan East Electoral Area: Increase of 26.67% ($58.85 )

1.2 Public Comment on 2010 - 2014 Financial Plan

Staff noted that a submission has been received from Diane Baldwin, President and Allastair Fergusson, Director - North Westside Ratepayers Association regarding the purchase of a fireboat for the North Westside Fire Department.

The correspondence was circulated to the Board for their information.

It was noted that the funding for a potential fireboat is in capital reserves and that the matter is under staff advisement.

Ian Kilpatrick - North Westside Communities Association - addressed the Board reviewing the Killiney Beach safe harbor and recreational pier which is budgeted. The Association is pleased and anxious to get this in place in 2010.

As well, he noted that the ATV for the North Westside Fire Department, which has been added to the 2010 budget, is needed for fast attack fire response particularly in trail areas throughout the fire department area. It will be similar to Lake Country Fire Department's 'mule'.

There was no further public comment.
1.3 Regional District of Central Okanagan 2010 - 2014 Financial Plan Bylaw No. 1272, 1st, 2nd and 3rd readings and Adoption (All Directors - Unweighted Vote)

Once again, staff noted that to date the final assessment roll has not been received from BC Assessment Authority. The budget must be approved by March 31st therefore the budget needs to be approved subject to those adjustments required when the final roll is received.

The Chair asked if there were any other items to be discussed regarding the budget.

Staff noted that as requested an update on the allocation of admin overhead, including the projected 2010 amount, has been circulated to the Board for their information. In 2010, the allocations increased by area, but this total is back to the regular reduced level of $2.3 M as it was in 2008. The largest difference between the allocation in 2008 and 2010 is that RDCO had more functions and budget dollars to allocate the administrative overhead over. It was noted that in the report there were no admin allocations for transit. Staff confirmed that the report would be amended to include an allocation of admin overhead for
transit for Peachland and WFN. Staff confirmed they will meet with municipal administrators and their financial officers to provide clarification of the Board's admin overhead allocation policy.

The question was raised what the next steps are for the strategic planning process. Staff noted the work the Board did in 2009 has been compiled and the draft document will now be put into a formal document and brought forward for adoption.

EDGSON/FIELDING
THAT the Regional District of Central Okanagan 2010 - 2014 Financial Plan Bylaw be adopted subject to the inclusion of requisition adjustments resulting from the revised assessment roll when it is received from the BC Assessment Authority;

AND FURTHER THAT Regional District of Central Okanagan 2010 - 2014 Financial Plan Bylaw No. 1272, 2010 be given first, second and third readings, and adopted this 26th day of March 2010.

CARRIED (Ophus, Findlater opposed)

March 11, 2010 Regional District of Central Okanagan Governance & Services Committee Agenda (page 80)

Item 9.1 Financial Plan Review.pdf

click for larger print

March 11, 2010 Regional District of Central Okanagan Governance & Services Committee Meeting Minutes (Pg. 11)

9. Budget Review

9.1 Review of 5-Year Financial Plan

Staff reviewed the changes requested following the February preliminary budget meeting including:

• Regional Planning - added $60,000 for contract costs for the aggregate study.

• Regional Parks - Parks land Acquisition Funding was reduced from $0.07 to $0.035 for 2010.

• Westside Urban Transit and HandiDART Transit - West Kelowna has included these services in their budget. Funding for Peachland and Westbank First Nation will continue to be collected through the Regional District.

• Solid Waste Management - combined all collection costs and transfer stations into one cost. Board report.

o all residents in electoral areas to be charged the same user fee for collection service whether they are on curbside collection or transfer station. Historically residents paid various user fees. Given that rates for transfer stations, which at one time were lower but now are significantly higher, it is deemed that it would be more appropriate to make it equal--everyone would pay the same rate. Bylaw amendment is being brought forward later today

• Tax rates 018, 069, 124, 125 parts of the Electoral Area West that participate in services provided by West Kelowna. Funds are transferred to West Kelowna.

018 - Westside Fire Protection (Trnsfr)
069 - Westside Streetlight Consolidation (Trnsfr)
124 - Westside Municipal Recreation (Trnsfr)
125 - Johnson Bentley Aquatic Centre (Trnsfr)

• Westside sewer collection - West Kelowna recently released a News Release noting it is their intention to take over their collector system by mid May. Currently RDCO has $369,859 in the budget--a portion of that will come out but there are wages that will be reallocated. It was noted that the Board-of-the-day chose to allocate funds to the Treatment Plant rather than
go into debt putting funds into reserves for lift stations. It was noted that a user rate reserve and DCC funding study is currently being done, so user fees will more accurately reflect ongoing capital costs.

o West Kelowna raised concerns on the collector systems rates and what has been done in the past with funds to the reserves.
o It was suggested that a political and staff level meeting with all stakeholders be convened.

Staff noted that the Federation of Canadian Municipalities has recently announced grant funding for regional growth strategies. Staff will review the criteria and determine if the Regional District is eligible to apply.

Administrative Overhead: Staff to circulate the 3-year administrative overhead rates to the Directors.

Correspondence Received: Staff noted that a request had been received this morning by Diane Baldwin, North Westside Ratepayers Association, to circulate letters to the Committee regarding; North Westside Fire Rescue - acquisition of fireboat and rate increase for North Westside Transfer Station. The letters were earlier circulated to the Committee.

10. Adjourn to a Special Board Meeting and Regional Hospital District Meeting

•Community Development (Engineering, Planning, Economic Dev) $1.2 million

•Administration (Finance, Administration, IT, legal, HR) $2.6 million

“This budget is the result of extensive planning and consultation by all stakeholders over the past six months,” says Chief Robert Louie. “It reflects the cooperation and goodwill that are key to WFN’s financial progress.”

The property rates and expenditures by laws are still subject to review and authorization by the First Nations Tax Commission and final sign off by the Minister of Indian Affairs.
Capital budget items are still being planned and will be approved individually but are scheduled to include sidewalks, drainage, deep utilities lines, and building and facility upgrades amongst other projects

Overall, taxes charged by the Central Okanagan Regional District are going down slightly this year, after the board passed its 2010 budget last Friday.

However, the Central Okanagan Regional Hospital District is increasing taxes by 17 per cent to pay for expansion at Kelowna General Hospital.

Starting with the regional district budget, chairman Robert Hobson said the board was conservative this year, reflecting their concerns about the ongoing economic recovery in the region. “The major change has been…the Parks Legacy Program, with the allocation being kept at last year’s level,” Hobson said.

Parkland acquisition is being funded through a 3.5-cent levy on each $1,000 of a home’s assessed value. The board had considered doubling that rate earlier in its budget deliberations, until West Kelowna raised concerns that the program was too expensive in these economic times and given other infrastructure priorities, particularly within its own boundaries.

Overall, Hobson said the regional district board approved a slight tax rate increase to cover program and service costs, however it was offset by growth.

“The real impact is what’s on an average household and an increase in assessment values allows those rather small increases to be absorbed.”

The regional district’s allocation on property taxes will decrease this year compared to last in Kelowna, Lake Country and West Kelowna.

In West Kelowna, the allocation drops a whopping 42 per cent, however, that is largely because of a tax shift, with transit costs now being shown on the municipal side of the tax bill. West Kelowna assumes its own transit contract soon.

However, the news isn’t as good in the regional district’s east and west rural areas of Ellison, Joe Rich, Lakeshore South and North Westside, all which will see an increase in library costs, and greater costs in planning and fire protection.

Hobson said the spike in library costs was due to an error last year in the taxes charged in rural areas, resulting in a revenue shortfall that had to be recovered this year.

In total, the regional district’s 2010 budget is an estimated $52 million, with regional parks the largest single program at $5.8 million in operational costs and $13.5 million for acquisitions and upgrades. Recycling is a distant second at $2.2 million in operating costs.

As for the Central Okanagan Regional Hospital District, residents across the region will see an average increase of $20 on that portion of their tax bills to pay for the ongoing expansion of Kelowna General Hospital.

Originally, the hospital district had considered a $6 increase in taxes this year, but decided to increase taxes now to rely less on borrowing later.

2010 regional taxes on a $440,000 home:

Kelowna: Decrease $5.41

District of West Kelowna: Decrease $118.02

District of Lake Country: Decrease $5.21

District of Peachland: Increase $0.27

Central Okanagan West: Increase $52.48

Central Okanagan East: Increase $58.85

Hospital district (all areas): Increase $20.24.

At a special public meeting today, the Regional Board adopted the Five-Year Financial Plan for 2010 – 2014.

It’s projected in 2010 that revenue and spending will total more than $52-million. In 2009, the figures were $50.3-million.

Chair Robert Hobson says, “The Regional District Financial Plan is sensitive to the continued concern about the economic recovery. In that regard, ‘we’ve agreed to hold the line on requisitions for funding Park Legacy reserves, keeping them at last year’s level which is half the previously agreed upon rate. The plan also recognizes the financial changes associated with completion of the transfer of services to the District of West Kelowna and in particular this year, that the municipality will take over responsibility and funding for transit and handyDART services within its boundary. And there’s an increase in the funds being requisitioned on behalf of the Okanagan Regional Library system. As well we continue to provide 40% funding through the Central Okanagan Regional Hospital District for much needed health service facilities and equipment.”

The following figures generally reflect the impact of the 2010 – 2014 Financial Plan on a home in each of the following areas assessed at $440,000 ($456,000 in 2009):

City of Kelowna Down $5.41
District of West Kelowna Down $118.02
District of Lake Country Down $5.21
District of Peachland Up $0.27
Central Okanagan West Up $52.48
Central Okanagan East Up $58.85

The actual tax rate varies from neighbourhood to neighbourhood and municipality, depending on the local services provided by the Regional District.

The general decrease in the requisition from member municipalities reflects the current level of funding for the Regional Park Legacy Program and reduced funding required for the Regional Septic Tank Effluent Disposal program.

The general increase for Central Okanagan East and Central Okanagan West Electoral Area property owners reflects increased contributions toward Electoral Area Planning, Building Inspection, Electoral Area Fire Prevention and the Okanagan Regional Library.

The Financial Plan also outlines proposed revenues and spending for the following four years: In 2011 - $51.8-million, in 2012 - $52.1-million, in 2013 - $52.5-million and in 2014 - $53- million.

The Regional Board also adopted the Five-Year Financial Plan for the Central Okanagan Regional Hospital District (CORHD). Ratepayers within the Hospital District contribute 40% of the funds for approved health service and equipment services. Hobson says, “The Financial Plan outlines revenue and spending of more than $11.1-million during 2010 including $7.7-million towards debt payments and financing for the construction of the new Ambulatory Care Building (the CORHD share totals $99.9-million for the entire project) and the Interior Heart and Surgical Centre (the Hospital District share of the entire project totals $91.4-million.” The owner of a home assessed at $440,000 in 2010 ($456,000 in 2009) will contribute $136.43 towards health equipment and capital improvements, an increase of $20.24 from last year.

Some property owners may qualify for assistance through the BC Property Tax Deferment Program. Information about this program and who qualifies is available on the BC Government website: http://www.sbr.gov.bc.ca/individuals/Property_Taxes/Property_Tax_Deferment/ptd.htm

(March 26, 2010)

Source Regional District of Central Okanagan "Whats New"

February 11, 2010 Regional District of Central Okanagan Governance and Services Committee Meeting Minutes

044 - Building Inspection and Bylaw Enforcement

- Building inspection permits have decreased which has resulted in a reduction of staff and reallocation of time for one staff person to other services. A tax requisition is now required to cover cost of the service.

February 11, 2010 Regional District of Central Okanagan Governance and Services Committee Meeting Minutes

8.2 Review of Preliminary 2010 Budget
Chair Hobson noted this is the first high-level review of the 2010 and 5-year financial plan. Further review will be held in March.

Marilyn Rilkoff provided a review of the budget - a working document to provide feedback for the next budget review. Final adoption of the budget will be done on March 26.

• Department plans were highlighted - list of initiatives for each of the departments.
• Program plans provide a list of programs.
• Tax requisition and rates for 2010 were presented. It was assumed there has been an average of a 3.5% decrease in assessed values. Tax rate is based on a $440,000 home.
• Budget sheets included the 2009 budget, 2009 actuals and the 2010 preliminary budget by regional services. The 5-year plan for each service for operating and capital was provided.
• It was noted a new initiative of increased focus over the next few years will include asset management.
• Full-time equivalent staff by department was noted.
• Residential tax rates were highlighted (based on a home assessed at $440,000).
  o City of Kelowna - $6.71
  o District of Peachland - $7.91
  o District of Lake Country - $9.49
  o District of West Kelowna - $9.81
  o Central Okanagan West - $66.52
  o Central Okanagan East - $72.99

• General increases were reviewed including 3.5% as per the collective agreement and 3-5% increase in utility costs.
Staff presented a review of the largest tax rate impacts. Areas which required further information for the March budget review included:

110- Regional Planning
- Funds for the aggregate study are not included. The Aggregate Task Force is reviewing various ways to fund the study. Further information will be brought back in March.
- Fringe area planning report is to be brought forward in March. The final budget impact will be dependent upon what each municipality wants to participate in and pay for.

011 - Electoral Area Planning
- Increases are due to contract costs for official community plans and an increase in staffing (ie: lead hand technician to be hired in 2010 - .86 of a person)

- If a municipality decided not to participate in fringe area planning, their costs would reduce.

044 - Building Inspection and Bylaw Enforcement
- Building inspection permits have decreased which has resulted in a reduction of staff and reallocation of time for one staff person to other services. A tax requisition is now required to cover cost of the service.

046 - Dog Control
- The increase in funding for the service was reviewed.

ACTION: Staff to report back in March on the revenue increase with a detailed analysis on what partners receive for the level of service. It was noted that a review of the Dog Control Service was completed in 2009 and the Board decided to maintain the current level of service.

142 - Regional Parks
-Increase of .035 cents for the Parks Legacy Program for a total of .07 cents for 2010 was highlighted.
-Staff noted that feedback has been received from the Friends of Mission Creek requesting a delay in construction of the Mission Creek Greenway - Pinch Point tunnel until the local economy improves. As a result of this request, there will be a
reduction in the budget of $109,000. It was noted as there are parks facility concerns with regards to maintenance and repairs, as there is no increase in reserves projected, that the $109,000 reduction be placed in reserves.
- Staff suggested that the Community Recreation Initiatives Society be contracted to provide recreation services to disabled citizens at the EECO. If this is approved the Society will withdraw their regional grant in aid application.
- The District of West Kelowna reiterated their desire to withdraw from the parks legacy acquisition program.

ACTION: That the financial implications regarding West Kelowna's desire to withdraw from the parks legacy acquisition program be brought forward to the Regional Board meeting later today.

-Staff expressed concern regarding the lack of capital reserves for assets such as the EECO, safe harbour, and bridges over Mission Creek. There is deterioration of these assets and there is a need to begin setting reserves aside to repair facilities.

ACTION: Staff to identify capital assets and provide a list of what the concerns are.

#GS11/10 HODGE/RULE
THAT $109,000 be moved into capital regional parks facility reserves.

CARRIED (opposed Findlater)

#GS12/10 SHEPHERD/BAKER
THAT the Community Recreation Initiatives Society be contracted within the Regional
Parks budget to provide recreation services to disabled residents.
CARRIED

171 - Okanagan Regional Library
- Staff noted that population numbers from the Province last year were incorrect and that adjustment has been made this year. This will result in a large increase in the electoral area budgets.

083 - Westside Transit
The Province is currently reviewing transit bylaws in order for transit services to be moved to the District of West Kelowna. If this is approved the tax requisition will reduce. The Regional District will continue to work with the District of Peachland and Westbank First Nation for transit services.

031- 911 Service
- Staff noted that contract staffing costs in 2009 were higher than anticipated. The reasons for this were reviewed including when positions cannot be filled the service is contracted from the RCMP. This has occurred throughout the year due to medical leaves, long term disability, and sick leave. Going forward staff will look at contracting the service directly to the RCMP. The RCMP have oversight and dictate how the service operates therefore the Regional District cannot control costs in the current situation. The Board expressed their displeasure with the resulting increase in costs from last year.

ACTION: Staff to report back on options and a resolution of the 911 service.

ACTION: Staff to review the agreement with WFN, and whether it is based on assessment as the numbers presented don't seem correct.

The review of the Regional Rescue program was presented at this time.

401 - Wastewater Treatment Plan
- West Kelowna Directors noted they want to take over management of their own collector system (sewer lines). The question was raised what the financial implications are? Staff noted that costs have been tracked and have been identified to date and that costs vary depending upon the service. Staff will continue to meet with the service participants regarding the need to agree to the Memorandum of Understanding in order to identify where responsibilities start and stop.

- It was noted that the collector systems are different than the Treatment Plant which remains as a regional service.
- Collector systems maintenance is being done by the Regional District for WFN, Peachland and West Kelowna. Each municipality has the opportunity to manage this service themselves.

093-098 Solid Waste Management
Landfill - It was noted that the landfill will be moved to a transfer station this year but the current issue is that it still is an active landfill and will be until a transfer station is developed. The cost to run the facility as a landfill is more than the revenue being received and that the costs need to be assessed to all residents on the Westside.

ACTION: Staff to review figures for the landfill and communicate the actuals to the District of West Kelowna staff.

022 - Joe Rich Fire Department
Tax impact on the average household is actually going down due to increased growth in the area.

002 - Roof and HVAC project
- Staff noted that there are not enough funds in reserves to complete the required work to replace the KLO building roof, redesign of the roof venting, mould remediation and HVAC system replacement. The projected costs exceed $1 million and as this cannot be financed over five years without a large tax impact, an alternative approval process will be required.

Discussion ensued regarding possible grant opportunities, 'green' alternatives, increased revenue by leasing and the possibility of adding a third floor to the building to lease.

ACTION: Staff to bring back a report on options for replacing the roof on the KLO building including costs, timelines, and third floor options.

The question was raised when the Regional District's Union contract is to be negotiated. Staff noted that the Union's contract ends in 2010. The previous contract was a four-year contract (2007-2010). It was suggested the municipalities and the Regional District work towards similar timelines for their Union contracts.

ACTION: Staff to confirm the Union contract dates for member municipalities.

February 11, 2010 Regional District of Central Okanagan Governance and Services Committee Meeting Minutes

8. Budget Review

8.1 Delegation: Rene Blanleil, City of Kelowna Fire Chief, Jason Brolund, Emergency Operations Coordinator and Tom Doherty, Regional Rescue Coordinator

Staff provided a review of the regional rescue program which includes vehicle rescue, technical high angle rope rescue, hazardous materials response, confined space rescue, ice rescue, swift water rescue and marine rescue. The 2009
accomplishments were reviewed including number of members trained and number of incidents which occurred. The 2010 budget increases and capital replacement were reviewed.

A review of the regional fire dispatch and regional emergency program including accomplishments, 2010 objectives and budget initiatives were highlighted. It was noted that a report has been completed regarding the lessons learned from the 2009 fire season.

Staff will arrange an elected official's workshop during the 2010 Emergency Preparedness Week (May 8-13) to review what the duties of an elected official are during an emergency and a review of 'lessons learned' in 2009 will be provided at that time.

Chief Blanleil will coordinate the workshop and notify Board members.

It was noted that at 3:00 p.m. on March 30th the Justice Institute will be here to recognize "Hero's Award Program".

It was noted that regional rescue is a regional program funded by all partners.

Staff noted that the Province has eliminated funding for ESS and EOC training for this year.

ACTION: Staff to provide the background information on the reduction in ESS and EOC training funding in order for the Board to review and consider writing the Province to request return of the funding.

ACTION: Staff to provide a review on lessons learned during the Emergency Preparedness week and circulate the lessons learned report to the Regional Board.

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