Highlights from the Regional District of Central Okanagan Nov. 12 board meeting.
Curbside collection contract extended
The RDCO board approved a three-year extension to the curbside garbage, recycling and yard waste collection contract for approximately 1,600 households receiving the service in the Central Okanagan East and Central Okanagan West Electoral Areas.
The contract with OK Environmental Waste Services maintains the current pricing, terms and conditions through the end of April 2019 with a projected cost of $605,000. Each of the four municipalities has agreed to extend their curbside collection contract for another three years.
The board adopted individual bylaws for each of its six water systems which outline increases and restructuring of basic fees and consumption rates.
The new rates take effect Jan. 1 and are designed to encourage conservation and be more equitable for low and medium water users. They will also generate sufficient revenues to cover the full operating costs of providing service and will help keep each system financially sustainable.
Water customers provided feedback on the new rates during open houses last spring.
Sunset Ranch sewer rate adjusted
The board adopted an amendment to the Central Okanagan East Sewer Systems Bylaw which provides sanitary sewer service to properties in the Sunset Ranch strata community.
The annual rate of service for each household will increase starting January 2016 by approximately 12 per cent ($38.52) in order to offset additional operating expenses and costs from the City of Kelowna. The amended bylaw also includes a four per cent late payment penalty to encourage customers to pay their quarterly invoices on time.
Solid Waste Bylaw Late Fee Amendment
The board has adopted an amendment to the Solid Waste Management Regulation Bylaw. It adds a four per cent late payment penalty to encourage customers to keep their accounts up to date.
Environmental Advisory Commission
The board has appointed one new person and re-appointed three members of the Environmental Advisory Commission. Serving her first three-year term is Mary Ann Olson-Russello while Melony Catana, Rose Gunoff and Pete Spencer have been appointed to their second, three-year terms.
The independent commission volunteers represent a diverse background of environmental professions, practise and experience which provides expert advice to the RDCO board on environmental issues relating to land use and development applications.
Residents are welcome to attend board meetings held in the Woodhaven Board Room at the Regional District office, 1450 KLO Rd., Kelowna.
• Thursday, Nov. 19 – Special board meeting, 10 a.m. for consideration of censure/sanctions –regional board director)
• Monday, Nov. 23, 7 pm
• Monday, Dec. 7, 7 pm – inaugural meeting
