Greater Vernon’s governance woes were on the agenda, but amalgamation wasn’t a priority.
Vernon Mayor Wayne Lippert met with Ministry of Community Development staff in person and minister Stephanie Cadieux by conference call while in Victoria Monday.
Lippert says he raised concerns that voting rules at the North Okanagan Regional District have not been applied consistently by staff.
“There’s some good people out there but I’m not sure the experience is there,” he said of how recent decisions have been handled on parks and recreation.
“I asked for them (ministry) to provide consistency on procedures.”
Discussions also revolved around service reviews on the fire training centre, the water utility and parks and recreation.
“The service reviews have been going on for more than three years and they haven’t ended yet,” said Lippert, adding the process can’t go on forever.
“We have asked them for some timelines. Decisions have been delayed because there is no consistency on where it will go.”
But while Lippert expressed concerns about the city’s relationship with NORD and Coldstream, he insists that he did not push for one level of government.
“The only discussion was you can amalgamate, let us out of services or develop proper procedures,” he said.
“They don’t like having to do that (forced amalgamation).”
Also participating in the meeting in Victoria Monday was Leon Gous, Vernon’s chief administrative officer.
