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Coldstream councillor bounced from committee

Coun. Gyula Kiss has been tossed from his position on the Greater Vernon Advisory Committee

Rules are forcing Coldstream to limit its regional representation.

Coun. Gyula Kiss has been tossed from his position on the Greater Vernon Advisory Committee, being replaced by Coun. Doug Dirk. The changes were made in order to have consistency with those serving on the Regional District of North Okanagan board – which Dirk and Mayor Jim Garlick are appointed to.

“They found that they were not following the terms of reference,” said Garlick of council appointees being the same at RDNO and GVAC.

But the change isn’t sitting well with Coldstream.

“I have a real problem with this if we can only get two individuals,” said Kiss, who has fought for water rates and has been immersed in the issues. “It’s not a good representation.

“This is not exactly a good outcome for the District of Coldstream.”

The fact that only two members of council will be privy to information, particularly in-camera issues, is another concern.

“The person at the table should still have the ability to brief their council on what’s going on,” said Coun. Pat Cochrane.

What the Coldstream appointees have to do is make a motion to share information, which will be voted on, and then they can share it at their in-camera council meeting.

The district is also asking for a re-consideration so that any member of council may be appointed, “irregardless if they are a director or not,” said Dirk.

 



Jennifer Smith

About the Author: Jennifer Smith

Vernon has always been my home, and I've been working at The Morning Star since 2004.
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