PROGRAM CUT | Lack of interest forces Global Ed cancellation, local determined to bring it back [A10]
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Wednesday, June 26, 2013
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Flood strategy sought
MEMORIAL TRAIL OPENS
RICHARD ROLKE Morning Star Staff
Mayor targets firefighting costs RICHARD ROLKE Morning Star Staff
Vernon’s mayor is vowing to bring spiralling firefighting costs under control. It was revealed Monday that a total of $336,879 in retroactive wages is being paid to unionized firefighters largely because the collective agreement calls for parity with their Lower Mainland Rob Sawatzky counterparts. “We can’t have six per cent awards that aren’t in line with budgets,” said Mayor Rob Sawatzky. “The firefighters may have to make some tough decisions.” Sawatzky wouldn’t get into specifics as contract talks are underway with the union for 2012 and 2013, but he says administra-
tion is considering options to fulfill contractual obligations and keep costs in line. Sawatzky also points out that firefighters are receiving salary hikes that are out of step with the cost of living and going to other city workers. Historically, the city has opposed wage parity with Vancouver, with officials saying it doesn’t reflect the economic reality of Vernon. “It’s gone to arbitrators four times and the arbitrators have supported the current process where awards are in line with the Lower Mainland,” said Sawatzky. The city had originally budgeted for retroactive pay of $144,879 for 2013. But settlements in the Lower Mainland have resulted in a total increase of six per cent for 2010 and 2011, meaning there was a shortfall of $191,999. That money will come from reserve funds. It’s anticipated there will be further wage increases for 2012 and 2013 once
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contracts are settled. “There is wage parity in B.C. We do the same job as all firefighters and there is the same risk,” said Doug Imrich, Vernon Professional Firefighters Association vicepresident. “The job we do is the same no matter where you live. It’s no different with teachers. They get paid the same whether they live in Vancouver or Dawson Creek.” Imrich added that firefighters work an average of 42 hours per week compared to 35 hours per week for other city employees. “That equates to almost two more months of work each year.” Imrich says it’s up to the city to budget appropriate funds to cover wages, including retroactive pay, and he admits there is a concern about how the city may attempt to handle costs. “It’s something we will deal with during negotiations. I am sure we will have fair and open negotiations at that time.”
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ROGER TEPPER PHOTO
Friends and family walk along the Taylor Jade Van Diest Memorial Trail just after it was officially opened Sunday afternoon in Armstrong. See page A16 for more photos of the trail in memory of the 18-year-old, who was murdered on Halloween of 2011.
Lumby officials are investigating how to prevent flooding from threatening homes and businesses. Conditions are starting to dry up after Duteau and Bessette creeks overflowed their banks June 21. For the first time ever, water was impacting stores on Vernon Street while one home, which has been Kevin Acton flooded out over the years, will likely be demolished. “I was talking to someone who has been here 60 years and he has never seen it like that,” said Mayor Kevin Acton. “This is three years in a row (that high water has occurred). It’s not like it used to be when it was every 10 years.” As a result, the village is considering options to mitigate the impact of future flooding. “The creeks aren’t getting flushed like they should so dredging would be a good idea,” said Acton, adding, though, that such work is costly and Ministry of Environment rules would have to be followed. “We will go to the province for help and we will look at partnerships with the regional district.” Acton would also like to see the Regional District of North Okanagan control flows on Duteau Creek more so there is less chance for flooding downstream. RDNO operates a treatment plant on Duteau Creek to meet domestic needs in Greater Vernon. While there is a 40 per cent chance of rain today, temperatures are supposed to soar into the 30s by the weekend. But even with weather conditions improving, Acton says residents will continue to monitor creek levels. “We have a lot of sandbags made and they are ready to go if needed,” he said.
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