There was a moment of tension over contribution to support the Shuswap Watershed Council at last Thursday’s Columbia Shuswap Regional District board meeting.
Pleased that Salmon Arm has decided to support the council’s work to maintain water quality in the Shuswap, Area C South Shuswap director and chair of the watershed council Paul Demenok said he was “a little disappointed” the city had approved a contribution of $40,000 rather than $50,000.
Mayor Nancy Cooper pointed out the city had responded to Demenok’s request when he appeared before council in March.
“It was based on a $5 parcel tax, that’s my understanding,” said Cooper.
But Demenok said that following his council appearance, he sent an email upping the request to $50,000.
“There was a table that laid out an electoral areas lump sum and parcel tax request,” he said. “It showed the actual request for funding rather than what I said verbally at council.”
CSRD chairperson Rhona Martin stepped in.
“They are supporting us more than they were and I am delighted with that,” she said.
Area F North Shuswap director Larry Morgan noted his approval of the city’s support, but asked why council had agreed to a three-year water-quality monitoring program rather than the proposed five- year term.
“It looked like there would be a review in three years anyway, so council decided that would be a good time (to have the program run),”said Cooper.
The City of Salmon Arm’s contribution will be effective Jan. 1, 2016 and will be funded 50 per cent from general revenue and 50 per cent from the water and sewer funds.
Overall, Demenok said he was pleased Shuswap Watershed Council’s “efforts seem to have been strongly supported” by Salmon Arm, Sicamous and TNRD (Thompson Nicola Regional District).
In a housekeeping move, regional district directors approved an extension to the Shuswap Watershed Council Developmental Year Contribution Agreement to March 31, 2016.
As well, the board authorized a $70,000 funding contribution from previously approved $240,000 allocated in the regional district’s All Electoral Area Works Fund to complete to work this year rather than wait for April 1, 2016.
That work will include ongoing water-quality monitoring of deep-water stations and tributaries, education and communication as well as some preparatory work for the council’s five-year work plan.
