New faces won’t be allowed to wade into Greater Vernon’s water debate.
Terry Mooney, a member of the stakeholders advisory committee looking at the master water plan, had asked for an alternate to fill in for him March 17, but that request has been turned down.
“In the terms of reference for the committee, we don’t have alternates and an alternate would have to be appointed by the (regional) board,” said David Sewell, Regional District of North Okanagan chief administrative officer.
It was also pointed out that an alternate would have not been part of any previous discussions at the committee level.
“The committee was developed to ensure everyone walks through that process,” said Sewell.
Jim Garlick, SAC chairperson, says there are cases where committee members have not been at meetings and they are able to provide information in advance and provide feedback on any decisions made.
“They are not shut out,” he said, adding that local residents can attend the meetings to observe the discussions.
Mooney, who represents the Citizens for Changes to the Master Water Plan, disagrees with the interpretation of the rules by RDNO staff.
“According to the SAC terms of reference, there is provision for alternate representation for any member should a member not be able to attend meetings,” he said.
“The regular agenda for SAC Oct. 1, 2015 defined responsibilities. Article three refers to identifying an alternate representative in the event of a conflict in meeting time.”
