The Castlegar Sun Wednesday, September 2, 1992 OUTLOOK: The forecast for Wednesday; a mixture of cloud and sunshine. Lows near 8. Highs about 26) Outlook for Thursday and Friday: cloudy with sunny peri- ods on Thursday, showers very likely for Friday. Sunshine: Number of Hours 57.0 REMARKS: Relatively cook, dry conditions prevailed as a ridge of high pressure slowly moved inland from the coast. For- est fire danger ratings dropped slightly due to the coot er temperatures. Isolated patches of ground frost were reported during the early moming of the 25th. Forecast provided by The South - East interior Weather Office at Castlegar, B.C. Bridge announcement doesn't lessen city's concern for safety on Columbia Avenue Restrictions on heavy truck traffic still considered SHARLENE IMHOFF Sun Editor Castlegar Mayor Audrey Moore says concern for public safety on Columbia Avenue duc to an increasing amount of chip trucks is the only reason why Castlegar City Council is consid- ering restriction options. “We are not considering a bylaw, we are just here today to share information and get your ions regarding how to make Columbia Avenue more safe,” said Moore. At a meeting held in council chambers last week, Moore explained to various users of Columbia Avenue that city coun- Mike Harcourt to discuss the problem last May. “We were hoping this would expedite the process of building a bridge,” said Barker, Celgar ‘mit! manager Jim Browne said that when he was first made aware that the city | was placing Instead, a staggering allows the trucks to proceed at approximate- ly one km at a time, allowing what he said is sufficient space along the route to the mill. Peter Kalesnikoff from Kalesnikoff Lumber, said he was deeply concerned with city coun- on Columbia Avenue, he was under the impression they were going to proceed quickly and without consultation with major users of the roadway. “The meet- ing was far more laid-back than I thought it would be,” he said. Browne calculated that by the time the mill is operating at a higher capacity involving more chip | trucks, the workers who are cil’s sugg to restrict truck traffic, due to the negative affects it would have on the Kalesnikoff sawmill “If any restrictions were placed on Columbia Avenue, then you might as well close the sawmill,” K ikoff said. “It's safety of other motorists using Columbia Avenue has to be a number one concem,” said Arm- bruster, vice-president of the chamber. Although the stakeholders meeting was héid only one day before Transportation and High- ways Minister Art Charbon- neau's announcement that a bridge will be in place across the Columbia River by June 1994, Mayor Moore said that the con- cern over Columbia Avenue has not been lessened by the a very, very serious matter to us. We couldn't afford to lose even one day to possible restrictions.” Representatives from the busi- cil is ig truck traffic on Columbia Avenue so it can function in a safer manner. in the will have already left. “I think the biggest traffic Tom Barker, presi- dent of CITIC, an owner of the Celgar Pulp Mill, said the pulp mill's owners are also concerned about heavy traffic on Columbia Avenue, and went so far as to request a luncheon with Premier Ives the amount of [private] vehicles belonging to workers at the mill and not nece- sarily the chip trucks,” said Browne, who added that there will never be end-to-end chip trucks down Columbia Avenue. Dog-gone-thirsty! This German Shepherd canine had a thirst that just wouldn't go away, so how better to water it down than by using the fountain at Kinnaird Park. Mmmm good! SUN STAFF PHOTO / Jason Keenan ness ity were also pre- sent at the stakeholders meeting. Ron Armbruster and Renee Read, both from the Castlegar Chamber of Commerce, told city Tepresentatives that any type of restrictions to Columbia Avenue would have a negative impact from a business standpoint “We do realize though, that = AIDS “It is indeed wonderful that we are getting a bridge, but it will not be completed until June of 1994, while the pulp mill expan- sion will be completed almost a year before this so Columbia Avenue will still be carrying an increased amount of truck traf- fic.” Moore finished by reiterating that city council is responsible for maintaning motorist and ped- strian safety on Columbia Avenue Continued from 1A that AIDS is a disease striking only homosexuals is also taking a long time to defeat. “The reason that it still appears that way is the long period between HIV-positive and AIDS.” AIDS is the disease. The virus thought to cause AIDS is the human immunodeficiency virus, or HIV. When a person is infect- ed with the virus, they are said to be HIV-positive. If a person Becomes infected by HIV, there is usually a two to six month delay between expo- sure and testing positive. Then, the waiting game begins. It can take 10 years for the infection to turn in to AIDS. “People who have AIDS*now may have had no way of know- ing about it when they contracted it,” said Talarico Though only seven cases of AIDS have been diagnosed in the region, many more people have been effected by the disease. And though a significant number of the seven are gay men, that is changing “We have a lot of HIV-positive people who are heterosexual.” One way the AIDS-virus is @ Taxes transmitted is through skin prob- lems, like herpes skin lesions, in the genitals area. That's a big problem for the West Kootenay. “Herpes is very common in this area.” Until recently, there were never enough people to bring a group together. If the transmis- sions continue at the present rate, one group won't be enough. FACTS WHO: West Kootenay AIDS Group WHAT: first-ever monthly meeting WHERE: The Central Kootenay Health Unit’s Castlegar office at 813 - Cindy Talarico at 365-8522 or evenings at 365-3268 Continued from 1A increasing block rate,” says Soderquist, adding that equity with what others pay is an impor- tant consideration. “As it is, they're paying 66 cents per thou- sand gallons, which is below cost for delivering water to our other customers.” Eaton says Celgar is working to eliminate potable water use in air conditioners, and possibly installing more efficient water fountains. “We're into conserva- tion measures now,” he says. Both parties are amenable to dis- cussion, but, according to Eaton, “the ball is in the City’s court. We're trying to find a solution that benefits both parties.” Soderquist says he hopes to see a decision-by council at its next meeting as to what rate structure will be offered. Celgar officials welcome Charbonneau's announcement SHARLENE IMHOFF Sun Editor The announcement by Trans- ARROW FOREST DISTRICT DISTRICT FIRE INFORMATION Date: September 2, 1992 DANGER CLASS/FIRE HAZARD - 4 high Total number of fires to date: Number of fires still burning: and Highways Minister Art Charbonneau that construc- tion will begin in November on the new bridge is great news for the Celgar Pulp Mill. Jim Browne, general manager of the mill, said the announce- ment ensures an infras- tructure and will eventually take some heavy truck pressure off Columbia Avenue. “One of the most positive things about the announcement is that the minister gave a comple- tion date,” said Browne. Ch said the bridge, Area burned to date: Number of new fires today: Soar. | Weather Outlook (related to fire suppression/prevention activity} Due to dry he diti we are finding an rage of 2 fires per day. Dry her is exp dto Fire Action: Manpower: Forest officers & Initial Attack crews on standby. Comments: Last year 58 fires - 26 hectares to be completed by June 1994, is a vital link for the anticipated economic growth of the area as well as alleviating traffic con- cems in downtown Castlegar. In a press release, Charbon- neau said that depending on the outcome of the wood chip trans- portation study which is presently underway, it is thought that only about 25 per cent of the chips could be barged to the Celgar plant and therefore the bridge was essential to handle the balance. “I think what Mr. Charbonneau Transportation and Highways Minister Art Charbonneau Manager Jim Browne (middle) and Assistant President making his announcement last Thursday that construction on a bridge will begin. is referring to there is Celgar's submission last February. In this, we showed him that if barging wood chips was possible, this would involve only 25 per cent of the entire wood chips. This would take very few trucks off the high- way,” said Browne. Because the Celgar expansion Project will be winding down in the summer of 1993, Browne said he is not sure if construction of the bridge, which would be in full-force by then, would interfere with the operations of the plant Currently, 50-60 trucks loaded (left), talks with Celgar Mill of CITIC Tom Barker, after with chips arrive at the Celgar pulp mill each day. In March 1994, the mill is expected to be Operating at full capacity, which means approximately 120 truck- loads of chips will arrive a the mill each day. eee Wednesday, September 2, 1992 The Castlegar Sun Page 3A The Price Waterhouse report—a failing grade for the City of Castlegar @ Report Continued from 1A future city Lgrvam because of omen Pp’ that the city develop a multi-year of man- inf municipal services. The city has this dation by the Celgar Pulp Mill the report highly po er tion norsncg as well as Clty, staff at the time Kevin Lagan, P. Eng. Nelson Newlove Dempsey McInroy Herb Neuman Peter Makortoff inp ing the Comp A Development Plan, which plans needed future projects in relation to expected revenues. The report also recommends that the city carry out an in-depth review of equipment needs in light of expected capital projects over the next five years, and it recommends that the city relocate the Engineering and Public Works department. While the report is critical of staff as a working group, the assessments of individual and personal performances in the report have been erased from public view by Lawyer Murray Rankin, who was hired by the city to comb through the report under the freedom of information and privacy act. Using the act, were released because of the report, city councillors answered “no”. However, they did confirm that current Administrator Gary Williams and City Treasurer Jacquie Hamilton were hired as a result of the report. “We've made adjustments because we've decided to follow a different direction,” said Coun- cillor Marilyn Mathieson. “After the report we began shopping for certain skills that would help us follow through with what was recommended.” The report called for an annual ion of all city and stated that all employees should be upgraded in their skills. The rational for upgrading staff was: to overcome outstanding problems; catch up on work backlogs; deliver today’s work with better quality; Plan for which has yet to b law, Rankin blotted out bits and pieces throughout the report which detailed conflicts. He also completely eliminated three pages near the end of the report under the headings, Impacts of the City Manager, Evaluation of the City Administrator and; Alternatives for Working with the City Administrator. When asked if Dave Gairns, *s work, dou- bling tax base; anticipate popula- tion and service growth; evaluate and build city infrastructure; and build staff morale. “If you don’t have a happy staff, you don’t have a happy city,” said Councillor Doreen Smecher, who admitted that the city is continually striving to fol- low the report and improve itself. “We're not finished by any who was city at the time the report was commis- sioned, or any other personnel a there are still things that need to be implemented.” Executive Summary of Recommendations + Replace the rmmtsinaa heirs with an Administrator/Clerk “I'm pleased with the process we used to get this thing brought for- ward.” —Councillor Kirk Duff referring to the freedom of information and privacy law, not yet in effect, which was used as a guideline in releasing the report. “We did this. The reason why we did this was to improve the sit- uation.” —Councillor Lawrence Chernoff referring to the main reason why the Price Waterhouse report was completed in the first place and the affects it had later on the city after it was Symptoms + Crisis management + No community plan * No public works plan + City infrastructure deteriorating - No reporting on future issues and needs + No priorization of problems ¢ No key item reporting No project status reports * Too busy to respond to ¢ Gaps in accountability for key responsibilities + Backlog of important work Out of date bylaws ¢ Weak enforcement capabilities + Slow public complaint response Overview of Findings of City Staff Problems Lack of planning Poor information and communication Weak legislative structure * Appoint a Council/C: of the new bios of Engineering and Pub- + Recruit a Superintendent of Public Works, + Reclassify the Clerk to Assistant Clerk and systems fu Assistant Clerk) staff + In the interim while there is no Director of Engineering, use the services of Dick Fletcher, a consulting engineer, to act as Director of Engineering (part-time) with the task of determining the organi- zation priorities and staffing for the engineering department. + Appoint a full-time Deputy Fire Chief + Clarify and document the roles and responsibilities of management ng Secretary (possibly the QUOTE/UNQUOTE “Even if it had been a favourable report, it would not have been released.” —Councillor Doreen Smecher when referring to the report as a private doc- ument. She also said there was no conspiracy of silence involved when the report was not brought for- ward earlier. Two reports containing the same info? In his opening letter to the city, after completing his review of the Price Waterhouse report, lawyer Murray Rankin made note of another report which he describes as the “Final Report”, since it is not listed as a “Draft” such as the one he was asked to edit under the Freedom of Infor- mation and Privacy Act. Although he suggests that this subsequent report also be released, city councillors say the second report derived from the draft report which is now avail- able for public consumption and therefore contains the same infor- mation in a condensed fashion. CURB to support Walter Flux in October by-election SHARLENE IMHOFF Sun Editor Members of The Coalition Unaccepting Rash Bureaucracy will be throwing their support behind one candidate in the upcoming by-election this Octo- ber. That candidate is Walter Flux, currently the vice-president of the watchdog group CURB. Members of the group made their decision last Thursday evening at a meeting which was open to the general public, though closed to any media per- sonelle. “A lot of people feel they can’t really speak what's on their minds if the press is there record- ing everything. Some people feel intimidated by this, though I Blueberry Creek prepares for firehall referendum ARTHURE JOYCE For The Sun opposition to the proposal has been voiced. ‘semi-; protected’ or ‘protected’, will result i in an annual savings in On September 12, Blueberry Creek residents will be asked to vote on a referendum wis wil authorize the borrowing of up $140,000 for the building ere a and overall upgrading of to imize the tax- payers’ burden will be a $90,000 vrant from the B.C. Lottery Cor- ac prensa donated by the y. on a $100,000 proper- ty of at least $400-$500. However, the entire proposal may hinge on approval of the for the Lottery grant, Anaoal operating costs and ser- vicing of debt are calculated to cost residential taxpayers $3.19 without which the upgrade pack- age would have to be substantial- ly reduced. “I’ve heard that no firehall has been building con- struction, fire- fighting and communications equipment, and purchasing or retrofitting of ‘I've heard that no firehall has been tumed down by the Lottery corporation, so | hope we aren't the first.’ Fire Commissioner turned down yet by the Lottery tion, so I hope we aren't the first,” says Cook. “Without the grant, we just don’t have — BILL COOK firet ruc ks. to Bill Cook, a mem- ber of the Blueberry Irrigation District and the Regional of Central Kootenay Fire Com- mission, initial response to the at a community meeting per $1,000 of assessed property value and could be further offset for those already receiving help from Provincial Home Owner's grants. This amount could be the taxbase or the finances.” The proposal has taken over a year to reach referendum stage Ken Wylie, Director of Area ‘J’ for ‘the RDCK, was instrumental don't know why,” said CURB president Michael O'Connor. O'Connor said the meeting was a success in that a “a lot of good, honest discussion took place which might not have occurred if the media had been allowed to attend.” According to O'Connor and John Moorlag, also on CURB’s board of direc- tors, Walter Flux will be strongly supported by the organization. “We even passed the hat around and raised about $400 to pay for campaigning,” said Moorlag. Flux, who is currently taking legal action against the City of Castlegar over water and sewer charges, maintains that cam- paigning won't begin until after an official nomination has taken place, and his court proceedings against the city are resolved. Flux is hoping the case will be resolved on September 11 at small claims court, for good rea- son—Section (82-1) of the Municipal Act states that anyone who is involved in a legality against the city cannot be nomi- nated to run for public office. “I'm sure that the entire case will be decided in one day, then I can get on with concentrating on the by-election,” said Flux, who maintains that he has no qualms with running under the name “I just want city council to be more honest and open, and I know I can help make that hap- pen—that should appeal to all taxpayers, not just those belong- ing to CURB,” Flux said. He cited the Price Waterhouse report as a prime example of dishonesty. “If [city council] had dealt with that report when it came back from the people at Price Water- house right away, whether it was good or bad, people never would have bothered them about it like they are now. A lot of confronta- tion could have been avoided.” Flux finished by saying he thinks there will be at least two other people running for the posi- tion of city councillor when the by-election is held October 17, though he would not give names. “I think that when they're ready, they'll step forward.” reduced yet again by held in June was . “In any conversations I've had with people, they seem very positive, and some wonder why we've taken this long to get better fire protection,” he says. Thus far no ng Fairview with the Blueberry Creek area taxbase, this has yet to be final- ized by the two communities. Upg ig the area's i status from ‘unprotected’ to in done to get us improved fire pro- tection,” says Cook. Ken Wyllie could not be reached for comment. Castlegar Mayor Audrey Moore presents Transportation and Highways Minister Art Char- bonneau with a gift on behalf of the city. Charbonneau was in Castlegar last Thursday to announce that construction on a bridge linking Robson and Castlegar will begin this fail.