Convenient indeed for GVW bureaucrats and the majority of GVAC officials that today's Morning Star story omitted reference to a Motion on the floor during the June 11th meeting. Misplaced in the Agenda by GVAC chair Cunningham, it was quickly defeated when it eventually resurfaced.
Without debate!
First, the newspaper story:
"Master water plan making waves, Richard Rolke
Regional District of North Okanagan officials are trying to calm turbulent waters.
During Wednesday's board meeting (blog: which preceded by one day the regular GVAC meeting), chief administrative officer David Sewell clarified his views on the review of the Greater Vernon master water plan.
"I don't want the impression that directors are being led by staff," said Sewell.
On June 11, the Greater Vernon Advisory Committee members considered 21 assumptions (blog note: pages 3 of 6 here) that impact the master water plan.
During that discussion, GVAC director Gyula Kiss stated "Who is directing it? It looks like staff is directing it."
Sewell insisted that he is not singling out any specific politician but says that while staff provides advice, elected officials will determine the direction of the master water plan.
"We (staff) have a role and I want the public to be cognizant that those roles are in place," he said.
Director Catherine Lord expressed concern that Kiss' comments could undermine the ability to address Greater Vernon's long-term water system.
"We need to make sure everyone is on board because if the impression of this is it's run by staff, there will be a (public) backlash," she said.
Similar views also came from director Juliette Cunningham, who is GVAC chairperson.
"We can't undermine staff as we work through the process," she said, adding that the suggestion that a final plan outcome has been determined is wrong.
"We don't know what we will do, if we will ask for an independent review."
Kiss stands by his comments.
"Is staff not directing the process?" he said. "Staff provides advice and those who do not want to think for themselves accept that advice. I question the advice because that's what electors want me to do."
Kiss added that an overwhelming majority of voters opposed borrowing $70 million for the master water plan in November's referendum.
"The taxpayers pay for staff and they have a right to request information and I am a representative for taxpayers."
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| GVAC Directors obviously haven't read this... |
"Boss Sewell said 'want' in each of two sentences," offers Kia, adding "it's what the public 'wants' that'll prevail."
Citizens for Changes to the Master Water Plan
Press Release (submitted via email)
The Citizens for Changes to the Master Water Plan are requesting that our political representatives go back to the "drawing board" and to make needed changes in the Terms of Reference (page 7 to 12 here) of the Water Plan Review crafted on June 10th and 11th.
The Review is not the "fresh new look" requested by Citizens for Change and demanded by the referendum defeat last Fall. The review proposed by GVAC last week has serious flaws in the composition of the participants, and in the Terms of Reference for the Stakeholders Advisory Committee.
In short:
- the domestic water customer who is most affected by the current high water costs is under-represented;
- persons with relevant expertise and experience are prevented from participating,
- the process will be managed by RDNO staff who have clearly indicated their preference for the status quo, and,
- discussions are to be limited to the scope of the current Master Water Plan.
New ideas and approaches will not be allowed, even though regulatory requirements regarding water and water management have changed in recent years.
A vital component required to ensure objectivity, fairness, and protection of the public interest is missing from the structure and that is the inclusion of an "expert independent consultant" to ensure that real change occurs.
A Motion brought forward by Councillor Kiss, seconded by Councillor Spiers at the most recent GVAC meeting to place a moratorium on major spending arising from the current Master Water Plan was initially "misplaced" in the meeting agenda by Chairman Cunningham and then defeated without debate.
It is the view of the Citizens for Changes to the Master Water Plan that these actions indicate GVAC and staff's intent with regard to the review. The review will not offer an unbiased, balanced, fresh new look. As presently configured, it is heavily weighted to favour the status quo and maintains current practices which the public soundly rejected in the 2014 referendum.
Come on folks!
We can do better than this.
Let's get back to a place of trust, goodwill and well-considered leadership to set in place a MWP that ensures our children and grandchildren a safe, secure, affordable water supply for the next 50 years. A petition calling for the inclusion of an "independent consultant" is circulating throughout the Greater Vernon community. CCMWP is asking all residential, commercial, recreational and agricultural water users to sign it, and send the message to our elected officials that we need real change.
Citizens for Changes to the Master Water Plan
Terry Mooney, 250.542.2847
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| ...creating additional smoke 'n mirrors to fool people. |
The Petition:
Here's the link to the Petition, folks.
Print a copy and get your neighbours and friends and to sign it.
After all, like you they are also concerned about high water rates and the dubious water source known as Duteau Creek on the Aberdeen Plateau.
While the petition doesn't, in its current form, ask for an "independent consultant" to review the Master Water Plan, that has been CCMWP's primary request since the formation of the grassroots group.
"First they ignore you,
then they ridicule you,
then they fight you,
then you win."
Gandhi
The RDNO board meeting Wednesday was not held a day before the regular GVAC meeting as there was no regular GVAC meeting scheduled for Thursday June 18. GVAC regular meetings are the first Thursday of the month.
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