May 05, 2015 - News Leader
CRIMSON TINE FARCE WAS GREAT
The Crimson Tine Players did an excellent job of producing and acting an Italian farce in their latest presentation The Servant of Two Masters. Kudoes go to set builder Martin Riel and set painter Grace Truesdell. They made Italy of 400 years ago come to life. Costume manager (and Director) Heather Anderson and seamstress Anne Williams added to the period piece. The costumes were well done. The evening began with a short sketch featuring the youngest players plus one adult, Pattyann Peal (who later had the role of head waiter at the Italian inn). This sketch was created for the many youngsters who auditioned for the main play. The short play was about a greedy pet shop owner. It was inspired by Monty Python sketches, and drew a lot of laughter. The young actors were Abbagael Fulton, Nathan Anderson, Delorian Osborne, Ryan Francis, Meagyn Tinney, and Marcus Fulton. The main play centered around the antics of a devious servant, Truffaldino Battochio, played by Bobby Gibb, who gave it his all, including an impromptu dance performance. The plot incorporates all of the twists of a typical farce, including mistaken identities, undying love, swordplay, and buffoonery. Truffaldino attempts to serve two masters, one of which is actually a mistress played by Taylor Gibb. Isabella Brodie was delightful as Truffaldino’s love interest. Shawn Cavanaugh was the father of Victoria Gibb in her role as Clarice Pantalone, who believed she would be forced into a marriage with a man she did not love, while the man she did love, played by Dayton Wales, promised to fight for her. His father, Doctor Lombardi, was out to protect his son’s rights, and Dick Bird seemed perfect for the role. Natasha Ferdinand was Brighella Gaviochio, a friend of the family. Jordyn McIvor was priceless as the first porter, and Delorian Gibb as the second overburdened porter. Rui Ferreira de Silva Jr. was believable as the man who killed the brother of his beloved in a sword duel. The roles were challenging, but the actors did a commendable performance, well supported by Sylvia Bailey (producer), Dawn Gardner (props, stage manager), Dianne Rainer (props designer) Lou Terryberry (prompter) and Guadalupe Gutierrez (make-up artist). Peter Rytkonen did sound and lighting. Paul Huycke was in charge of advertising sales and distribution. Esther Donovan and helpers ran the front of the house and concession. Other helpers were Dave Rainer, David Rowe, and Eli Lee of Princeton Castle Resort, who loaned costumes.
FAIR BOARD WORKS ON KIDS FUN
The Fair Board met Tuesday, April 28, to continue planning for the fair on September 12 and 13. One of the main items under discussion was entertainment for youngsters. One of the policies of the fair has been to provide kids’ entertainment free of charge, if possible. Local businesses and industries make this possible through sponsorships. At other fairs, these days, children are expected to pay for entertainment in addition to the gate admission. Finding affordable entertainment is always a big concern. No decision has been made yet for this year’s kids’ entertainment, as more than one company has been contacted. The Fall Fair campaign for sponsors is now underway. Previous sponsors have been contacted and are as generous as always. This year, there will be a scarecrow contest once again. There will be two categories: individual and business. Individuals building scarecrows should consider the 50th anniversary of the fair as their theme. Businesses putting in a scarecrow are required to build a scarecrow reflecting the nature of the business e.g. a hardware store should build a scarecrow out of hardware items, a grocery store out of grocery items, and a gas station out of items available at the station. Farms are a business, too, and farm scarecrows should reflect what is produced on the farm. Princeton Riding Club will provide equestrian events all weekend. A schedule will be published prior to the fair. Exhibitors interested in entering items in the fair will be asked to register their exhibits on September 10 and 11. The Exhibitors Prize List booklet will be available in mid-June. All of the customary categories will be in the adult portion of the booklet. There will be changes to the Junior Fair categories with the addition of rabbits and cavies for the juniors. Other changes to the Junior Fair will restrict the eligibility of certain ages to certain categories (e.g. under 10, or under 6 years of age). These changes are introduced in consideration of safety and/or suitability to the age group. Dale Johnston and Wally Aiken are running the horseshoe tournament this year. Dale has been involved for a number of years, but this is a first for Wally. Keith Olsen is in charge of vendors this year. Anyone wishing a booth or space at the fair should contact Keith at [email protected] to ask for a vendor form and book a space. Vendor fees remain unchanged. Keith Olsen and Vince Milligan are in charge of livestock exhibits. Anyone interested in entering livestock, including poultry, must register August 29th to ensure there is proper accommodation.
The Crimson Tine Players did an excellent job of producing and acting an Italian farce in their latest presentation The Servant of Two Masters. Kudoes go to set builder Martin Riel and set painter Grace Truesdell. They made Italy of 400 years ago come to life. Costume manager (and Director) Heather Anderson and seamstress Anne Williams added to the period piece. The costumes were well done. The evening began with a short sketch featuring the youngest players plus one adult, Pattyann Peal (who later had the role of head waiter at the Italian inn). This sketch was created for the many youngsters who auditioned for the main play. The short play was about a greedy pet shop owner. It was inspired by Monty Python sketches, and drew a lot of laughter. The young actors were Abbagael Fulton, Nathan Anderson, Delorian Osborne, Ryan Francis, Meagyn Tinney, and Marcus Fulton. The main play centered around the antics of a devious servant, Truffaldino Battochio, played by Bobby Gibb, who gave it his all, including an impromptu dance performance. The plot incorporates all of the twists of a typical farce, including mistaken identities, undying love, swordplay, and buffoonery. Truffaldino attempts to serve two masters, one of which is actually a mistress played by Taylor Gibb. Isabella Brodie was delightful as Truffaldino’s love interest. Shawn Cavanaugh was the father of Victoria Gibb in her role as Clarice Pantalone, who believed she would be forced into a marriage with a man she did not love, while the man she did love, played by Dayton Wales, promised to fight for her. His father, Doctor Lombardi, was out to protect his son’s rights, and Dick Bird seemed perfect for the role. Natasha Ferdinand was Brighella Gaviochio, a friend of the family. Jordyn McIvor was priceless as the first porter, and Delorian Gibb as the second overburdened porter. Rui Ferreira de Silva Jr. was believable as the man who killed the brother of his beloved in a sword duel. The roles were challenging, but the actors did a commendable performance, well supported by Sylvia Bailey (producer), Dawn Gardner (props, stage manager), Dianne Rainer (props designer) Lou Terryberry (prompter) and Guadalupe Gutierrez (make-up artist). Peter Rytkonen did sound and lighting. Paul Huycke was in charge of advertising sales and distribution. Esther Donovan and helpers ran the front of the house and concession. Other helpers were Dave Rainer, David Rowe, and Eli Lee of Princeton Castle Resort, who loaned costumes.
FAIR BOARD WORKS ON KIDS FUN
The Fair Board met Tuesday, April 28, to continue planning for the fair on September 12 and 13. One of the main items under discussion was entertainment for youngsters. One of the policies of the fair has been to provide kids’ entertainment free of charge, if possible. Local businesses and industries make this possible through sponsorships. At other fairs, these days, children are expected to pay for entertainment in addition to the gate admission. Finding affordable entertainment is always a big concern. No decision has been made yet for this year’s kids’ entertainment, as more than one company has been contacted. The Fall Fair campaign for sponsors is now underway. Previous sponsors have been contacted and are as generous as always. This year, there will be a scarecrow contest once again. There will be two categories: individual and business. Individuals building scarecrows should consider the 50th anniversary of the fair as their theme. Businesses putting in a scarecrow are required to build a scarecrow reflecting the nature of the business e.g. a hardware store should build a scarecrow out of hardware items, a grocery store out of grocery items, and a gas station out of items available at the station. Farms are a business, too, and farm scarecrows should reflect what is produced on the farm. Princeton Riding Club will provide equestrian events all weekend. A schedule will be published prior to the fair. Exhibitors interested in entering items in the fair will be asked to register their exhibits on September 10 and 11. The Exhibitors Prize List booklet will be available in mid-June. All of the customary categories will be in the adult portion of the booklet. There will be changes to the Junior Fair categories with the addition of rabbits and cavies for the juniors. Other changes to the Junior Fair will restrict the eligibility of certain ages to certain categories (e.g. under 10, or under 6 years of age). These changes are introduced in consideration of safety and/or suitability to the age group. Dale Johnston and Wally Aiken are running the horseshoe tournament this year. Dale has been involved for a number of years, but this is a first for Wally. Keith Olsen is in charge of vendors this year. Anyone wishing a booth or space at the fair should contact Keith at [email protected] to ask for a vendor form and book a space. Vendor fees remain unchanged. Keith Olsen and Vince Milligan are in charge of livestock exhibits. Anyone interested in entering livestock, including poultry, must register August 29th to ensure there is proper accommodation.
May 12, 2015 - News Leader
TAX RATE BYLAW RECEIVES THREE READINGS
The Town of Princeton must annually prior to May 15th and after adoption of the Five-Year Financial Plan, adopt a tax rates bylaw. In her report to Town Council at their May 4th regular meeting, Town of Princeton Director of Finance Shirley McMahon explains, “The Tax Rates Bylaw contains the tax rates for the Town of Princeton, the Okanagan Regional Library, the Regional Hospital District and the Regional District of Okanagan-Similkameen.” She added, “It should be noted that the annual tax bill that residents and businesses receive includes these tax rates plus: tax rates from the provincial government for school and policing taxes; tax rates for the BC Assessment Authority; and tax rates for the Municipal Finance Authority.” Although the municipality delivers each property owner a tax bill with all of these itemized taxes, the Town receives only the tax amounts for general municipal purposes which amounts to about 40-percent of the total tax bill. The remaining tax amounts are remitted to the appropriate agency. Based upon an average single family residential property assessed at $178,952 in 2014 and $179,852 in 2015, the Municipal portion of the average property tax bill, including all agencies except school, police, MFA and BCAA would be (2015) $560.20 Municipal Taxes, $56.89 Regional Hospital Taxes, $26.53 Regional District Taxes, $34.20 Recreation Taxes, $33.29 Regional Library Taxes for a total of $711.11. That would be a slight increase over the 2014 figures of $527.13 Municipal Taxes, $54.50 Regional Hospital Taxes, $65.27 Regional District Taxes, $34.60 Regional Library Taxes for a total of $681.50. McMahon adds, “Beginning in 2015 the Town has assumed the responsibility for provision of Recreation services in both the Town and Area H with the cost of providing the service shared by the Town and Area H.” The average overall tax increase for the municipal share of taxes for 2015 was $29.61.
TOWN TOSSES OUT FREE DUMP DAYS
Citing cost factors the Town of Princeton has eliminated Free Dump Days. The decision was made at the May 4th regular meeting of Princeton Town Council in a motion made by Councillor Doug Pateman and seconded by Councillor Kim Maynard. In her report to Council, Director of Finance Shirley McMahon explains, “The expenses associated with ‘free’ landfill days include costs we normally recover when a fridge or air-conditioner is brought to the landfill for disposal we collect ten dollars which covers the cost of removal of the Freon.” McMahon adds, “Similarly with a mattress we charge five dollars to cover the cost of stripping the mattress to recycle the metal in the springs.” In addition to costs incurred by both the Town and the landfill contractor the problem with ‘free’ landfill days is that they tend to generate long line-ups. The best solution, according to Town Hall, was to eliminate the event entirely and replace the exercise with stickers for use instead.
The Town of Princeton must annually prior to May 15th and after adoption of the Five-Year Financial Plan, adopt a tax rates bylaw. In her report to Town Council at their May 4th regular meeting, Town of Princeton Director of Finance Shirley McMahon explains, “The Tax Rates Bylaw contains the tax rates for the Town of Princeton, the Okanagan Regional Library, the Regional Hospital District and the Regional District of Okanagan-Similkameen.” She added, “It should be noted that the annual tax bill that residents and businesses receive includes these tax rates plus: tax rates from the provincial government for school and policing taxes; tax rates for the BC Assessment Authority; and tax rates for the Municipal Finance Authority.” Although the municipality delivers each property owner a tax bill with all of these itemized taxes, the Town receives only the tax amounts for general municipal purposes which amounts to about 40-percent of the total tax bill. The remaining tax amounts are remitted to the appropriate agency. Based upon an average single family residential property assessed at $178,952 in 2014 and $179,852 in 2015, the Municipal portion of the average property tax bill, including all agencies except school, police, MFA and BCAA would be (2015) $560.20 Municipal Taxes, $56.89 Regional Hospital Taxes, $26.53 Regional District Taxes, $34.20 Recreation Taxes, $33.29 Regional Library Taxes for a total of $711.11. That would be a slight increase over the 2014 figures of $527.13 Municipal Taxes, $54.50 Regional Hospital Taxes, $65.27 Regional District Taxes, $34.60 Regional Library Taxes for a total of $681.50. McMahon adds, “Beginning in 2015 the Town has assumed the responsibility for provision of Recreation services in both the Town and Area H with the cost of providing the service shared by the Town and Area H.” The average overall tax increase for the municipal share of taxes for 2015 was $29.61.
TOWN TOSSES OUT FREE DUMP DAYS
Citing cost factors the Town of Princeton has eliminated Free Dump Days. The decision was made at the May 4th regular meeting of Princeton Town Council in a motion made by Councillor Doug Pateman and seconded by Councillor Kim Maynard. In her report to Council, Director of Finance Shirley McMahon explains, “The expenses associated with ‘free’ landfill days include costs we normally recover when a fridge or air-conditioner is brought to the landfill for disposal we collect ten dollars which covers the cost of removal of the Freon.” McMahon adds, “Similarly with a mattress we charge five dollars to cover the cost of stripping the mattress to recycle the metal in the springs.” In addition to costs incurred by both the Town and the landfill contractor the problem with ‘free’ landfill days is that they tend to generate long line-ups. The best solution, according to Town Hall, was to eliminate the event entirely and replace the exercise with stickers for use instead.
May 19, 2015 - News Leader
GROUP KEEPS GOLD RUSH HISTORY ALIVE
The Granite Creek Preservation Society was formed in September 2013 and has quietly gone about the business of preserving the integrity of the ghost town and nearby cemetery. The significance of Granite Creek, or Granite City as it has mistakenly been called, is huge in relation to the history of the Similkameen Valley. Mining and museum documents note that although placer gold had been reported as far back as 1877 it wasn’t until the first major discovery in July 1885 that the creek attracted gold miners from as far away as California. Suddenly a town sprung up on a flat just above the creek that ballooned to a reported population of 2,000 a year after the Gold Rush began. At that time there were forty houses, six saloons and hotels as well as seven stores. But as quickly as the rush started, it came to pass and by 1889 people began moving on to more productive ground. A fire in 1907 destroyed part of the community but it bounced back and although the post office closed in 1918, a few people remained in the town for many decades afterwards. Because of the historic significance a handful of Coalmont residents pulled together and initiated the formation of the GCPS. The Society, which has registered charitable status, meets monthly to discuss matters of interest to the group ranging from donations of documents for their website to decisions related to clean-up of the ghost town site and cemetery. In addition to an extensive online catalogue of historic photos and documents, the group has been taking care of the cemetery. Chores there include the removal of trees that have fallen, repairs to damaged fencing around some of the grave markers as well as an ongoing cleaning project that has resulted in the restoration of many of the very old headstones. The Granite Creek Preservation Society will see an active year ahead with summer camping season arriving. The group is in the process of educating users of the camping area in and around the ghost town to respect the historic significance of the site. This means not leaving garbage behind and not using wood from any of the building remains for campfires. More than one building on the site disappeared from being used as firewood. The GCPS also reminds campers to respect the fact that there are active mining claims in the area. If you would like to learn more about the GCPS visit their website located at www.granitecreekbc.ca. Membership information is also available there or if you would like to make a donation to support the work of the small volunteer group there is a Paypal button also on the website.
LOCAL GROUPS RECEIVE GAMING GRANTS
Two organizations in Princeton have received $14,000 in community gaming grants from the B.C. government. The Kokanee Summer Swim Club Society: $8,500 for its summer swim club programs; The Princeton Traditional Music Society: $5,500 for the sixth annual Princeton Traditional Music Festival. “Sports and music programs play an important role in keeping smaller communities vibrant and energized,” Fraser-Nicola MLA Jackie Tegart said shortly after the grants were announced May 13th. “These organizations encourage people to live active and creative lifestyles and we’re very apprecia- tive of all the work they do in Princeton.” Both local groups depend on these grants. About $7 million in grants is being distributed this month to approximately 200 sport and arts and culture groups around the province. The community gaming grant program allows non-profit organizations to apply for provincial gaming revenues to support direct delivery of a program that benefits the broader community.
The Granite Creek Preservation Society was formed in September 2013 and has quietly gone about the business of preserving the integrity of the ghost town and nearby cemetery. The significance of Granite Creek, or Granite City as it has mistakenly been called, is huge in relation to the history of the Similkameen Valley. Mining and museum documents note that although placer gold had been reported as far back as 1877 it wasn’t until the first major discovery in July 1885 that the creek attracted gold miners from as far away as California. Suddenly a town sprung up on a flat just above the creek that ballooned to a reported population of 2,000 a year after the Gold Rush began. At that time there were forty houses, six saloons and hotels as well as seven stores. But as quickly as the rush started, it came to pass and by 1889 people began moving on to more productive ground. A fire in 1907 destroyed part of the community but it bounced back and although the post office closed in 1918, a few people remained in the town for many decades afterwards. Because of the historic significance a handful of Coalmont residents pulled together and initiated the formation of the GCPS. The Society, which has registered charitable status, meets monthly to discuss matters of interest to the group ranging from donations of documents for their website to decisions related to clean-up of the ghost town site and cemetery. In addition to an extensive online catalogue of historic photos and documents, the group has been taking care of the cemetery. Chores there include the removal of trees that have fallen, repairs to damaged fencing around some of the grave markers as well as an ongoing cleaning project that has resulted in the restoration of many of the very old headstones. The Granite Creek Preservation Society will see an active year ahead with summer camping season arriving. The group is in the process of educating users of the camping area in and around the ghost town to respect the historic significance of the site. This means not leaving garbage behind and not using wood from any of the building remains for campfires. More than one building on the site disappeared from being used as firewood. The GCPS also reminds campers to respect the fact that there are active mining claims in the area. If you would like to learn more about the GCPS visit their website located at www.granitecreekbc.ca. Membership information is also available there or if you would like to make a donation to support the work of the small volunteer group there is a Paypal button also on the website.
LOCAL GROUPS RECEIVE GAMING GRANTS
Two organizations in Princeton have received $14,000 in community gaming grants from the B.C. government. The Kokanee Summer Swim Club Society: $8,500 for its summer swim club programs; The Princeton Traditional Music Society: $5,500 for the sixth annual Princeton Traditional Music Festival. “Sports and music programs play an important role in keeping smaller communities vibrant and energized,” Fraser-Nicola MLA Jackie Tegart said shortly after the grants were announced May 13th. “These organizations encourage people to live active and creative lifestyles and we’re very apprecia- tive of all the work they do in Princeton.” Both local groups depend on these grants. About $7 million in grants is being distributed this month to approximately 200 sport and arts and culture groups around the province. The community gaming grant program allows non-profit organizations to apply for provincial gaming revenues to support direct delivery of a program that benefits the broader community.
May 26, 2015 - News Leader
FINANCIAL REPORT DETAILS TOWN WAGES
The 2014 Statement of Financial Information Report was presented at the May 19th regular meeting of Town Council. The document is required to be prepared and approved by Council and then submitted to the Inspector of Municipalities. “The SOFI includes the 2014 Financial Statements as well as Schedules in respect of Debt, Payments to Suppliers, Employee and Council Remuneration and Expenses, Severance Pay Agreements and Guarantee and Indemnity Agreements,” explains Director of Finance Shirley McMahon in her report to Council. The Schedule showing Remuneration and Expenses paid to or on behalf of each employee for 2014 has three different lists. The first one is for Elected Officials, Employees appointed by Cabinet and Members of the Board of Directors. On it Mayor Frank Armitage received $20,958.10 in remuneration and $5,509.44 for expenses. Councillors Jason Earle, Rosemary Doughty and Jerome Tjerstra each received $873.25 in remuneration. Councillors Kim Maynard and Doug Pateman had $10,478.99 each in remuneration with expenses totalling $7,370.53 for Maynard and $4,421.13 for Pateman. Councilor Marilyn Harkness received remuneration in the amount of 9,605.74 with $3,568.74 in expenses. The second list is for all other employees with remuneration and expenses above $75,000. CEO Rick Zerr tops the list with $127,113.58 in remuneration and$8,983.08 in expenses. Head of the Public Works Department Kevin Huey had $87,397.78 in remuneration and $1,180.22 in expenses. Finance Department Head Shirley McMahon had a remuneration of $86,376.09 and $2,246.86 in expenses. Ken Gibson and Britt Fraser from the Town Crew are also listed with Gibson showing remuneration at $82,270.21 and expenses listed as $175.00. Fraser’s figures were $79,578.44 and $2,436.11. The consolidated total of all other employees with earnings and expenses less than $75,00.00 is $706,677.14 and expenses totalled $4,231.00. The final chart is totals of all remuneration, which for 2014 was $1,260,236.75 with $71,570.24 of that to elected officials. The complete 2014 Statement of Financial Information Report is also expected to be on the Town of Princeton website.
RDOS UNPLUGS SMART METER PROGRAM
The Regional District of Okanagan Similkameen (RDOS) voted 12-5 to have the provincial government stop further installation of smart meters in the region. The motion, made by Electoral Area D (Kaleden/OK Falls) Director Tom Siddon, also calls on FortisBC to remove at its own cost those meters already installed on houses in Area D. “It’s easy to be silent, but some- times it’s important to take a stand and get a message out, and it does- n’t have to be based on perfect information,” Siddon stated at the May 21st RDOS meeting. His concerns include the safety certification process for the meters used by FortisBC and debate among scientists about whether current health guidelines for devices that emit electromagnetic radiation do enough to protect the public. Citing a lack of clear understand- ing of the science involved, most of the RDOS board members who spoke out on the issue decided to support Siddon’s motion to err on the side of caution. Summerland Mayor Peter Waterman pointed out that the growing number of scientists who have strongly suggested caution be used around the devices means that walking away from the issue would be similar to a ‘cop-out.’ “To get this many scientists saying one thing, they can’t all be quacks.” Area F (Okanagan Lake West/West Bench) Director Michael Brydon led the opposition to the moratorium and indicated that Health Canada’s website has a fact sheet dealing with many of the concerns Siddon raised and has labeled them as ‘myths’ about smart meters and electromagnetic emissions. Brydon concluded with, “The only conclusion I can make if I accept this (motion) is that Health Canada is corrupt or incompetent. And if we’re going to go there, we need to go there.” The other four votes opposed to the moratorium came from Penticton Mayor Andrew Jakubeit, Penticton Councillor Helena Konanz, Osoyoos Councillor C.J. Rhodes and Keremeos Mayor Manfred Bauer. David Wylie of FortisBC says, “While the RDOS is not the first B.C. (local government) to request a moratorium on wireless electricity meters, FortisBC is continuing with advanced meter installations since the project has met all of the regulatory and legal requirements.” He also confirmed Siddon’s claim that FortisBC’s smart meters are not certified by the Canadian Standards Association, but noted that group’s stamp of approval isn’t required since the devices are not considered a consumer product. The meters are owned and operated by FortisBC, certified by industry groups and approved for use by Measurement Canada, and so far, the company has installed about 7,000 smart meters through- out the South Okanagan.
The 2014 Statement of Financial Information Report was presented at the May 19th regular meeting of Town Council. The document is required to be prepared and approved by Council and then submitted to the Inspector of Municipalities. “The SOFI includes the 2014 Financial Statements as well as Schedules in respect of Debt, Payments to Suppliers, Employee and Council Remuneration and Expenses, Severance Pay Agreements and Guarantee and Indemnity Agreements,” explains Director of Finance Shirley McMahon in her report to Council. The Schedule showing Remuneration and Expenses paid to or on behalf of each employee for 2014 has three different lists. The first one is for Elected Officials, Employees appointed by Cabinet and Members of the Board of Directors. On it Mayor Frank Armitage received $20,958.10 in remuneration and $5,509.44 for expenses. Councillors Jason Earle, Rosemary Doughty and Jerome Tjerstra each received $873.25 in remuneration. Councillors Kim Maynard and Doug Pateman had $10,478.99 each in remuneration with expenses totalling $7,370.53 for Maynard and $4,421.13 for Pateman. Councilor Marilyn Harkness received remuneration in the amount of 9,605.74 with $3,568.74 in expenses. The second list is for all other employees with remuneration and expenses above $75,000. CEO Rick Zerr tops the list with $127,113.58 in remuneration and$8,983.08 in expenses. Head of the Public Works Department Kevin Huey had $87,397.78 in remuneration and $1,180.22 in expenses. Finance Department Head Shirley McMahon had a remuneration of $86,376.09 and $2,246.86 in expenses. Ken Gibson and Britt Fraser from the Town Crew are also listed with Gibson showing remuneration at $82,270.21 and expenses listed as $175.00. Fraser’s figures were $79,578.44 and $2,436.11. The consolidated total of all other employees with earnings and expenses less than $75,00.00 is $706,677.14 and expenses totalled $4,231.00. The final chart is totals of all remuneration, which for 2014 was $1,260,236.75 with $71,570.24 of that to elected officials. The complete 2014 Statement of Financial Information Report is also expected to be on the Town of Princeton website.
RDOS UNPLUGS SMART METER PROGRAM
The Regional District of Okanagan Similkameen (RDOS) voted 12-5 to have the provincial government stop further installation of smart meters in the region. The motion, made by Electoral Area D (Kaleden/OK Falls) Director Tom Siddon, also calls on FortisBC to remove at its own cost those meters already installed on houses in Area D. “It’s easy to be silent, but some- times it’s important to take a stand and get a message out, and it does- n’t have to be based on perfect information,” Siddon stated at the May 21st RDOS meeting. His concerns include the safety certification process for the meters used by FortisBC and debate among scientists about whether current health guidelines for devices that emit electromagnetic radiation do enough to protect the public. Citing a lack of clear understand- ing of the science involved, most of the RDOS board members who spoke out on the issue decided to support Siddon’s motion to err on the side of caution. Summerland Mayor Peter Waterman pointed out that the growing number of scientists who have strongly suggested caution be used around the devices means that walking away from the issue would be similar to a ‘cop-out.’ “To get this many scientists saying one thing, they can’t all be quacks.” Area F (Okanagan Lake West/West Bench) Director Michael Brydon led the opposition to the moratorium and indicated that Health Canada’s website has a fact sheet dealing with many of the concerns Siddon raised and has labeled them as ‘myths’ about smart meters and electromagnetic emissions. Brydon concluded with, “The only conclusion I can make if I accept this (motion) is that Health Canada is corrupt or incompetent. And if we’re going to go there, we need to go there.” The other four votes opposed to the moratorium came from Penticton Mayor Andrew Jakubeit, Penticton Councillor Helena Konanz, Osoyoos Councillor C.J. Rhodes and Keremeos Mayor Manfred Bauer. David Wylie of FortisBC says, “While the RDOS is not the first B.C. (local government) to request a moratorium on wireless electricity meters, FortisBC is continuing with advanced meter installations since the project has met all of the regulatory and legal requirements.” He also confirmed Siddon’s claim that FortisBC’s smart meters are not certified by the Canadian Standards Association, but noted that group’s stamp of approval isn’t required since the devices are not considered a consumer product. The meters are owned and operated by FortisBC, certified by industry groups and approved for use by Measurement Canada, and so far, the company has installed about 7,000 smart meters through- out the South Okanagan.