A Vernon home-based business has been granted time to find new digs.
Doggy Daycare is a business run out of an East Hill home by Georgina Haldane, but her business contravenes the zoning regulations for the neighbourhood.
In a letter to council, Haldane said moving is providing to be a challenge, so she requested an extension to “investigate new accommodations in areas that meet zoning requirements for her business.” She also needed time to “negotiate for lodgings and with the customers she serves.”
Council agreed unanimously to give Haldane an extension until Dec. 31, 2011.
Cash requests
Council denied one request for funding and deferred another request to the city’s finance committee.
The North Okanagan Ploughing Match Association, via the Regional District of North Okanagan, requested $1,500 from the city to promote North Okanagan agriculture.
The request was turned down unanimously by council, though Coun. Buffy Baumbrough declared a conflict of interest prior to discussions on the matter and left the room.
The Vernon Winter Carnival asked the city for sponsorship cash in the form of $20,000.
That request was turned over to the finance committee for deliberation.
Tax exemptions
The city announced that the percentage of tax exemption per classification for 2012 remains the same as 2011.
Social service agencies receive 100 per cent tax exemptions; cultural and educational services receive 75 per cent; and recreational services get 50 per cent off their tax bill.
“The community charter allows cities to grant exemptions to charities and non-profit organizations where they could pass a maximum 10-year exemption or do it every year,” said Kevin Bertles, the city’s finance manager. “Vernon does it each year where people apply for the exemptions.”
Three organizations making new requests for exemptions were turned down by council.
The Community Dental Access Centre (North Okanagan) Society and Vernon and District Association for Community Living were turned down because they’re buildings have not yet been constructed.
The We Care Community Alliance Association was denied because they are a private enterprise.
Coun. Shawn Lee, a Vernon dentist, did not take part in the discussions, excusing himself from a potential conflict of interest.
