Febuary 2020 Minutes

Greetings Readers,

Here's the minutes from the Febuary Executive meeting.

 Minutes of the General Meeting of the B.X./Swan Lake Community Association, 27 February 2020 at the BX/Swan Lake Fire Hall Meeting Room

Chair:  Paul Williamson
Present: Ray Ivey, Terry Donnelly, Richard Orton, Ron Swart, Harry Knopf, Ted Vanderwal, Ed Penno, Beckie Mertion, Klayton Mertion, Marg Bomford, Kathy Jenkins, Amanda Shatzko, Bob Fleming, Bill Wacey.
Call to order 7:32 pm.
Agenda approved. Moved by Ray, seconded by Beckie.
Minutes of 23 January approved. Moved by Ray; seconded by Beckie.

• Amanda reported on BX Ranch Lands.

• Bill Wacey reported on ramifications to the fire department Re: BX Elementary School's annexation by City of Vernon. This could possibly affect the education programs at the school as well as the fire hall’s relationship with the Boy Scouts that also meet at the school.

Area B and C Reports

• Amanda and Bob spoke on road upgrades, possible flood situations in the spring, and a new economic development service for rural North Okanagan including Areas B, C, D, E and F.

The next meeting will be on March 25,2020 (approximately at 7 PM) at the BX/Swan Lake Fire Hall Meeting Room, with guest speaker Sara Huber from the Agricultural Land Commission.

Meeting adjourned 8:14pm.  

Please feel free to leave your comments or questions below.

(On these or other subjects and they will be forwarded to be addressed.)

January 2020 Minutes

Greetings Readers,

The Association has had it's first meeting of the new year.  The minutes of the January 23rd, 2020 meeting are as follows:

Chair:  Paul Williamson
Present:  Karl Ernst, Ted Vanderwal, Sandra Liedl, Rob Liedl, Gord Weighill, Karen Weighill, Jiri Havelka, Iveta Havelka, Mike MacNabb, Bob Fleming, Betty Holtskog, Norm Friesen, Ray Ivey, Terry Donnelly.

•  Call to order 7:02 p.m. 
• Agenda approved. Moved by Ray, seconded by Karl.
• Minutes of November 28th meeting approved. Moved by Ray; seconded by Mike.
• Mike MacNabb reported on B.X. Ranch lands and the concept paper (that) he and Ray Ivey are developing.

Area B Report:

• Area B Director Bob Fleming reported Regional District of North Okanagan (R.D.N.O.) was sending a survey to random residents on the possibility of a new recreation centre. 
• Reported R.D.N.O. will again be expanding the installation of fire hydrants. 
• He and Area C Director Amanda Shatzko will make a presentation to the Regional District of the North Okanagan board at either the February or March board meeting in support of retaining the B.X. Ranch lands in public hands. BX Swan Lake Community Association will send a notice to our contacts requesting public support at the board meeting.

Guest Speaker Presentation:

• Betty Holtskog spoke on maintaining a healthy septic system, providing tips for lengthening the life of septic tanks and disposal systems.

Meeting adjourned 8:50 p.m. 

The next meeting scheduled for the B.X / Swan Lake Community Association is on Febuary 27th, 2020.

Comments and/or questions can be left below and forwarded to the executive members of the association.

November 2019 Minutes

Greetings Readers,

Below are the minutes from the meeting in November.

Minutes of the General Meeting of the B.X./Swan Lake Community Association, November 28th 2019, at the BX/Swan Lake Fire Hall Meeting Room

Chair:  Paul Williamson
Present:  Ray Ivey, Terry Donnelly, Terry Slobodin, Harry Knopf, Karl Ernst, Mike MacNabb, Brian Nicholson, Beckie Mertion, Blair Peden, Henrik Larson, Arnell Larson, Bill Pifer, Trevor Likus, Belinda Stewart, Mike Richardson, Bob Fleming, Amanda Shatzko.

Call to order 7:08 pm.

Agenda approved. Moved by Ray, seconded by Mike MacNabb.

Minutes of Oct. 24th, 2019 meeting approved. Moved by Ray; seconded by Beckie.

Area B and C Reports

• Area C  Director Amanda Shatzko reported on the BX School renovation. City of Vernon insisting on annexation before sewer hook-up. A.I.M. highway maintenance paving in Regional District of the North Okanagan.  Requesting Ministry of Transportation and Infracstrcture fund widening of road shoulders. Forestry Ministry to conduct controlled burns for fire suppression in the Silver Star Road corridor.

• Area B Director Bob Fleming noted residents can sign up for updates on the Regional District of the North Okanagan website. R.D.N.O. raising $78,000 from Areas B, C, D and E plus Lumby and Armstrong for a conservation fund project to make grants available to residents for environmental upgrades.  Also noted Fire Smart funding available to residents for problem brush clearing.

• Guest Speaker Presentation : Mike Richardson, Conservation Officer, gave an informative and entertaining talk on wildlife safety. He provided a number for R.A.P.P. (Report All Poachers and Polluters) 1-877-952-7277.

Meeting adjourned 9:00pm. Next meeting will be on January 23rd, 2020.

Please feel welcome to leave comment, inquiries or questions below in the comment section.

Lastly, the B.X. Swan Lake Association, hopes everyone has an enjoyable and safe Holiday Season (Merry Christmas, Happy Hanukkah, etcetera) as well as an enjoyable and prosperous New Year.

October 2019 Executive Minutes

Greetings Bloggers,

Minutes of the General Meeting of the B.X./Swan Lake Community Association, 24 October 2019, at the BX/Swan Lake Fire Hall Meeting Room

Chair:  Paul Williamson
Present:  Ray Ivey, Terry Donnelly, Terry Slobodin, Harry Knopf, Karl Ernst, Sue Urquhart, Dale Urquhart, Marg Bomford.
Call to order 7:00 pm.
Agenda approved.

Minutes of 18 September approved. Moved by Ray; seconded by Terry Slobodin.

• Discussion starting with communication. Sue Urquhart volunteered to be information officer. Sue to take responsibility to line up guest speakers.

• Discussion of membership. Decided against making all residents and property owners automatically members of the association. Secretary, Terry Donnelly, to maintain membership list and an email contact list. 

• Blair Peden absent so no report on fire mitigation in the BX canyon.

• RDNO update: Bob Fleming and Amanda Shatzko unable to attend. No report.

• Harry Knopf reported on the stage coach. To purchase a new stage coach would cost $50,000 U.S. Dollars. Looking into other possibilities. 

• B.X. Ranch Land: Vernon Regional District of the North Okanagan members on board. Report they will not push for sale of the land for a year.

• Regional District of the North Okanagan has grants available for projects under the title “Greater Vernon Trails and Natural Spaces”.

• Noted the Land to Table group has a meeting scheduled at the Vernon Public Art Gallery 6:00 to 8:00pm October 29, 2019.

Meeting adjourned 8:08pm Next meeting Thursday, November 28th, 2019.

Please feel free to leave comments (or questions) below.

Sept. 2019 Minutes

Greetings Bloggers,

Here's the topics of discussion from the last executive meeting, after the usual business the topics were:

• Discussion starting with communication. Possibilities of a web site, a blog, a portal or Facebook. Decided to explore developing a web site. Marge volunteered to investigate costs involved including domain name and annual fees.

• Discussion of membership. Need to find who has the current membership list. Need to update bylaws to restrict voting membership to Area "B" and "C" residents and property owners only.

• Decided to move monthly meeting to the fourth Thursday. Paul requested suggestions for guest speakers and topics. Topics suggested were pocket gophers, noxious weeds, rats, and bee keeping. If you have additional ideas please contact Paul. pwmson007@gmail.com

• BX Ranch Land update by Mike MacNabb. Mike and Ray to draft a concept paper. Mike to deliver to John Janmaat, professor at UBCO, to expand on the community importance of keeping the land in public hands

• Special events update. No date set yet for opening of BX Ranch Land ‘Connector’ Trail. Would like ideas for a public event in the spring of 2020.

• Blair presented a report on his meeting with Tolko.

Next meeting will be on Thursday, Oct. 24th, 2019.
Feel free to leave comments or questions below, (in the comment section.)

June 2019 Minutes

Greetings Bloggers,
Pardon the tardy posting of the minutes from June.  Also, the association is off for two months for summer break.  Minutes are below:

Minutes of the Executive Meeting of the B.X./Swan Lake Community Association, 19 June 2019, at the BX/Swan Lake Fire Hall Meeting Room

Chair:  Paul Williamson
Present:  Ray Ivey, Terry Donnelly, Terry Slobodin, Mike MacNabb, Paul Williamson, Blair Peden, Sue Urquhart, Dale Urquhart, Harry Knopf, Marg Bomford, Bill Wacey, Bob Fleming, Linda Ensing, Beckie Mertion, Klayton Mertion, Dave Friesen, Cheryl Truscott.

Call to order 7:07 pm.

Agenda approved. Moved by Ray, seconded by Terry Slobodin.

Minutes approved. Moved by Ray, seconded by Linda.

• Discussion with Bill Wacey about the availability of the fire hall for meetings. He would like the association to coordinate with Block Watch as either Bill or his second has to come and open the hall.

• Introduction of speaker Tessa Wetherill, Land Matcher – Okanagan-Thompson, with the Young Agrarians. Tessa spoke on the mandate of matching land owners with young farmers and explained the practical and legal requirements of the matching process.

• Paul gave a short BX Ranchland update, bringing the membership up to speed on the Monashee Equine Group and their proposal for a school on the ranchland.

• Bob Fleming gave an Area B update, reporting the regional district board has officially requested the sub-division of the BX Ranchlands. Areas B and C directors would like the remainder land to be a local park. Swan Lake Waste Water project is waiting on funding. There is a new reservoir going ahead above Baker Hogg Road. The regional district board is still discussing locations for Search and Rescue’s new building.

Meeting adjourned 8:41pm
Next meeting 18 September 2019.

Please leave comments or questions below in the comment section.

May Minutes 2019

Hi again,
Here's the minutes of last month's meeting, May 15th, 2019.

Chair:  Ray Ivey
Present:  Ray Ivey, Terry Donnelly, Terry Slobodin, Mike MacNabb, Paul Williamson, Ted Vanderwal, Elaine Vanderwal, Mel Johnson, Amanda Shatzko.
Call to order 7:03 pm.
No agenda presented.

• Installed executive. President Paul Williamson. Treasurer Ray Ivey, Secretary Terry Donnelly. Directors: Blair Peden, Beckie Mertion, Belinda Stewart, Terry Slobodin.

New/Old Business

• Discussion on the BX Ranch lands included forming a co-op, bringing in other groups such as Young Agrarians, community gardens, possible site for compost collection, leasing small plots to young farmers at fair competitive rates, contacting groups to send letters of support to R.D.N.O. board and City of Vernon as well as Coldstream, and the need for a speaker to present the association’s proposal to the councils.

Meeting adjourned 8:28pm Next meeting 19 June 2019.

It is a short read, but the next post should follow the expected format.
Feel free to leave comments or questions in the area below.

AGM Minutes from April 2019

Greetings Readers,
A little later post than expected but here's the minutes of the Annual General Meeting from April 2019.
Chair:  Ray Ivey
Present:  Ray Ivey, Ted Vanderwal, Beckie Mertion,  Terry Donnelly, Terry Slobodin,  Harry Knopf, Bob Fleming, Amanda Shatzko, Belinda Stewart, Mel Johnson, Peggy Johnson, Sue Urquart, Dale Urquart, Paul Williamson, Marg Bomford, Norm Friesen, Jim Coughlin.

• Call to order 7:05 pm.
• Introduction of directors. Terry Slobodin, pres. Belinda Stewart, vice pres. Ray Ivey, treasurer. Terry Donnelly, secretary. Paul Williamson, Blair Peden. Beckie Mertion.
• Approved agenda. Moved Terry D, seconded Belinda.

• Approve and adopt 2018 AGM minutes. No questions arising from minutes.

NEW BUSINESS
AGM Business

• Financial Report by Ray. See attachment. Motion to accept Sue, seconded Belinda.
• Motion from the floor to not appoint an auditor. Passed unanimously.
•  Directors asked if they’re willing to remain on board. All accepted.
• No volunteers for directors.
• Election of officers delayed until next executive meeting.

• End of A.G.M. ()Business) 7:13pm.

Questions and Answers period...

• Paul Williamson presented BX Ranch Land update.
• Discussions at RDNO all in camera.
• Water licence on BX Creek still an issue.
• City of Vernon interested in land from the BX Community Park for flood control.
• Issues with the placement of the fence on the BX Ranch Land.
• Not enough water from Greater Vernon Services to fully service BX Ranch Land.
• Possible use of ranch land as storm water dissipation from the new Reservoir residential development.
• Proposal of a letter to be sent to the Reservoir residential developer to ask for support to retain the BX Ranch Land in public hands.
• Bob Fleming presented Area B update.
• BX Ranch Land linear park opening this year. Access gates to the linear park from Mutrie Park, BX Community Park, Black Rock Road and 4122 East Vernon Road.
• BX Ranch Land still on agenda at RDNO.
• Waste water plant approved through the petition process now awaiting grants from senior government.
• Greater Vernon Services developing a new reservoir on Baker Hogg Road. Possible new fire hydrant in that area.
• Improvements planned to the new Swan Lake Park on old C.J.I.B. tower property.
• New money allotted for repairs to the B.X. Falls trail.
• Amanda Shatzko presented Area C update.
• A proposal for BX Falls Trail for portable bridges.
• Had meeting with new Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure contractor AIM concerning potholes and possible paved shoulders.
• Paul to write letter to AIM to identify problem areas.
• Sue asked about changes to the Agricultural Land Commission rules making it more difficult to put a second residence on a property. Amanda pointed out that individuals can no longer apply but rather must go through the local municipality nor can they appeal the decision.
• Also brought up with AIM problems with dust mitigation. A.I.M. says they have new technology that will provide higher standards for snow removal requiring less sand.
• A.I.M. will publish an 800 phone number for concerns from residents.

Meeting adjourned 8:51 pm.

Feel free to leave comments or questions below.

Draft Letter Re: Proposed Park

 The draft version of this letter is below:

The BX Swan Lake Community Association is strongly in favour of retaining the BX Ranch land property in public hands. The community, including residents of Vernon and Coldstream, have supported public ownership of this unique and centrally located 135 acres through a 1500 name petition. We have a committee working hard to find partners to develop the land as an agricultural park. But until public ownership is assured it is difficult for organizations to invest time and expertise in its future.

The land in question is a community asset situated on the city’s eastern boundary adjacent to the East Hill area, one of the densest populations in the regional district. A property of equal value to the BX Ranch land will never again be available. In the public domain it would contribute to the whole area’s recreational potential.

Representatives from Vernon and Coldstream wish to sell the ranch land and use the funds to purchase land for parks in their own jurisdictions. However, it would be impossible to acquire any property within those boundaries with as much future potential for the citizens of the community as a whole.

There is also the matter of fairness. The taxpayers of areas B and C contribute to parks in Vernon and Coldstream and we have a right to expect support for parks in our areas. This has not been the case up to now. The small amount of land that has been purchased is much less than our financial contribution warrants.

City politicians also have projects in their jurisdictions that they expect areas B and C to subsidize. Residents of our areas make good use of these parks and other recreational facilities. However, Vernon and Coldstream residents also use our parks and, in the future, would also benefit from a large green space with its potential for many recreational and agricultural activities.

There is no downside for taxpayers holding this property. There are no costs to the Regional District of the North Okanagan to keep this unique and valuable property in the public hands. In fact, the land returns money to the public purse through the lease payments of a local framer currently using the land for hay production.

The BX Swan Lake Community Association encourages residents to imagine the possibilities. Holding this land as open green space, controlled locally, for the benefit of both city and regional residents, will be a legacy for future generations.

Here's the link to the Morning Star publication:
(you will have to copy this link to your browser's address bar)

https://www.vernonmorningstar.com/opinion/letter-keep-bx-ranch-public/

If you would like to leave your comments, please do so below.

Minutes of March 2019 Meeting

Hi Bloggers,

Topics of discussion were:

• Bob Fleming informed the waste water petition succeeded.  R.D.N.O. will have more information coming out as developments present themselves.
• A replacement fire truck has been ordered for the B.X. Fire Dept, as one of the older trucks will be retired.  Also, R.D.N.O. has reached an agreement with the Okanagan Indian Band to provide fire protection for some R.D.N.O. properties in the vicinity of band property.
• Amanda Shatzko has a meeting with Ministry of Transport and Infrastructure roads contractor Re: Road condition in Area "C"  beside B.X. Elementary school.  Also, heavy dump trucks using Francis St. to service the reservoir development.
• Letter that was printed in the Morning Star "Letters to the Editor" Re: Proposed "Ranchlands" Park.  Mike MacNabb proposed a shorter letter to Vernon and Coldstream councils stating position.  Mr. Mertion suggested inquiring with the engineer for the reservoir development and ask for support to keep the proposed land as a public green space.

If you have comments or inquiries, please feel free to leave them below.

February 2019 Minutes

Greetings Bloggers,

Pardon the delay but here are the February's Minutes recap. With generous amounts of discussion on a short list of topics.

• Mr. Paul Williamson gave an update Re: proposed Ranchlands Park.  As of the time of this writing, all discussions at R.D.N.O. will be "in camera."  (Which means it won't be publicly available.) Paul made a motion to have a press release to local jurisdictions stating that the Assoc. is strongly in favor of retaining the land as parkland.
• Mr. Fleming mentioned Kin Race Track is a possible site for a gymnastics arena.  Other issues discussed are the city's plans for a sedimentation pond on the BX Ranch Park land (on BX road up from "Hunter's Store".)  
• Possible storm water disposal from the old reservoir development on Mutrie Road.  As well as a new recreation center (possibly considered) on Kin Race Track site.
• Further discussion followed about the possibility of asking for right of first refusal to purchase proposed 'BX Ranchlands' park.

Next meeting is scheduled Wednesday, Mar. 20th, 2019.

If you have comments on these (or other subjects) feel free to leave them below.

December Post (Catch-Up)

Greetings Bloggers,

Pardon the delayed update, the association took the summer off and then there was the local election.
Since the minutes are being worked on (not received) we are updating as follows:
From Sept (pre-election)

Old Business

• Area B and C update: Mike Macnabb talked to current status of BX Ranchlands. Vernon and Coldstream maintaining their position of “sever and sell”. (This is speculated to be a portion is for park use then the rest sold off for development.)   Next meeting is in camera. Development of the linear park is delayed.
• The spring run off from the Boss Development this year created a natural wetland on the BX property showing the need to allow this to happen.
• Paul commented on the Rancho Vignola starting a pumpkin seed crushing plant in Armstrong. Also there is an upcoming workshop Sept 21st at the RDNO office from 9:00 to 11:00 am. Speakers are Laura Frank and Mary Stockdale.  Topics are Cooperative business ventures,  Agricultural Co-Ops and North Okanagan food sustainability.
• Response to letter re road conditions and traffic patterns around BX Elementary School. Letter from Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure was not particularly supportive of our concerns. Little is to be expected re suggested improvements.  Letters on file. Mike Randall requested copies of both letters.

No New Business (Sept. 2018)

We welcome the new rep. for Area C, Amanda Shatzko.
Also, have appreciation, gratitude and thanks for his service, Mr. Mike MacNabb.  Best wishes for his future endeavors.

When the minutes are updated and circulated, we will post them again here.

Last but not least, wishing everyone a Merry Christmas (well wishes for this Holiday Season,) and a Happy New Year.

May Minutes

Greetings Readers,

Here's the minutes from May 2018 below.
No Guests

Under Old Business:

• Area "B" update, association informed about property evaluation of the BX Ranch land, trail acquisition, fencing BX ranch land (complete), portable toilets for the Rail Trail and sewer system update.

• Paul Williamson, reporting on the BX Ranch Land Committee, said committee is waiting on the official opening of the BX Ranch Land trail for further PR on the land ownership. He suggested committee be re-branded as the BX Ranch Food Land Co-op.
• Discussion on BX School letter to Ministry of Transportation & Infrastrcture. Was suggested a delegation be sent to the school board meeting. Bob Fleming looking into making a presentation.

• Beckie reported on Facebook status.

 Under New Business:

• Executive Directors: Terry Slobodin President; Belinda Stewart Vice-President; Terry Donnelly Secretary; Ray Ivey Treasurer.

Next Meeting on June 13, 2018 7:00 pm @ B.X. Fire Hall.

January 2018 Minutes

Greetings Bloggers,

The items of discussion from the January meeting is as follows:
Under Old Business;

• No Electoral Representative update due to no representatives being present.

• Update Paul Re: G.V.A.C. presentation. One year extension was passed before G.V.A.C. pursues sale of the land.  Motion made for Paul write a letter to the Minister of Agriculture (Ms Popham) to bring to her attention the Society’s intent to develop an agricultural park in the BX Ranchlands area (Motion Seconded and Carried by Paul/Ray).  Mike has pressed for G.V.A.C. to make a decision but so far Coldstream and Vernon have not been swayed. There is an open meeting of the planning group every 4th Thursday at the Fire Hall.  Several task forces need to be set up so canvassing for Chair People for committees.
• Ray to invite the newly appointed Manager of Community Works Mr. Fox to the next monthly meeting.  Terry and Belinda will draft some possible items for discussion.
•  Belinda will circulate draft letter to Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure to executive members via email.

Under New Business

• Ray reported that all non - profit organizations must comply with new regulations for BC Societies.  By- Laws may require altering all unalterable clauses must be changed to alterable. He has approached Davidson (lawyers) asking for a price.  Motion Ray to get information and circulate required changes. (Motion Seconded & Carried by Paul/Terry D)
• Proposal for the Assoc. to create a "Facebook" page. Discussion on purpose and use to follow.
• Annual General Meeting upcoming.  Proposed agricultural park will be the focus of the A.G.M. with usual business.

• Mike Moyer invited to May meeting (Motion Seconded & Carried by Paul/Terry D)

 Some of these topics will be further discussed.  So keep checking the blog for more updates.  Questions and comments can be left below for assoc. perusal.

December 2017 Minute Summary

Greetings Bloggers,

The meeting in Dec. was well attended.  Topics are below...
Under Old Business

• Agreement with Spallumcheen to create a 200,000,000 L reservoir which will allow for sufficient pressure for further hydrants.
• BX Ranchlands presentation was well received. Point well made. Recommendations focus on main points of engaging younger people, refrain from personal political ideology.
• Concern raised that Grey Canal trail sections need small parking lots. Letter to be written to R.D.N.O.
• Mutrie Park. The parking has been expanded and fenced.

• Update Paul Re: G.V.A.C. presentation Dec 07 2017.  Paul outlined costs incurred by the Oct meeting. He raised the question of the BX/Swan Lake Community Association continuing to support the ongoing drive to maintain the 'BX Ranchlands' as an entity if the decision from G.V.A.C. is positive. To be further discussed at future meetings...

• The newly appointed Manager of Community Works (R.D.N.O.) is to be invited to a monthly meeting.

Under New Business

• Paul raised the question of whether members would be interested in volunteering to work on restoration of some of the trails in the wooded section of the BX Ranch Park. Mike cautioned involvement Re: liability.  He suggested some of the Fire Protection employees and monies could be used for this purpose.
• Increasing awareness of BX/Swan Lake Community Association. Suggestions included possibly having the Fire Hall to advertise meetings on their sign board?  Man a table at The Farmers Market?  Form a group email.  Topic to be further discussed...

• Recommendation that the Association create a Face Book account to take advantage of social media.  Once official, it will be posted in the blog.

Next meeting Jan 10th 2018 at the BX/Swan Lake Fire Hall

Minutes from November Meeting

Greetings Readers,
Firstly, the Directors and Members of the BX/Swan Lake Community Assoc. wish to pass along condolences to the family of Dieter Hans Godt.  His involvement with the assoc. was substantial and ongoing over the years (over a decade) and his presence will be missed.  The obituary entry link is below:
https://www.vernonmorningstar.com/obituaries/dieter-hans-godt/

The minutes for the November meeting brought up the following items.
Under Old Business:

• Area C, R.D.N.O rep. Mike McNabb met with provincial gov. ministers at the U.B.C.M. meeting. One topic that arose was - Business Licenses in Electoral Areas.  Currently not permitted without an order in council from Govt. of  B.C.  This will be further discussed at a Electoral Areas Forum in Jan. 2018.  Due to the marked increase in properties in Electoral Areas acquired for industrial purposes.
• Additional Conservation Officer to be hired.
• New appointment of a General Manager of Community Works
• Waste Water Recovery -  some funding to explore governance structure. A tertiary treatment center is planned.  Purchasers of  waste water have expressed interest.
• Silver Star Residents are requesting Resort Association Category.
• "BX Ranchlands" G.V.A.C. meeting on Dec.7th at 8 AM.  Next meeting will be the follow up to this presentation.
• Fence is going up to create the linear park connecting Mutrie Road and existing BX Ranch Park.   

 Under New Business:

• The Mertions outlined their plans to remove some material to facilitate a driveway to their new residence at the top end of the property on Brentwood road. Landscaping around the house & the remainder of property will continue to be left as a meadow with trees.
• Traffic on Silver Star Road near the Elementary school during the drop off and retrieval of students, twice daily on weekdays. Overall safety of students, caregivers, chauffeurs and local residents is an issue of concern.  General feeling is that parking and road conditions need to be addressed.  Motion carried for a letter to be sent to Ministry of Transportation, with copies sent to School District #22, BX School Principal, BX school P.A.C. Re: concern of local residents regarding safety with traffic congestion and the physical condition of East Vernon Road adjacent to the B.X. Elementary School.

Next meeting is scheduled for Dec. 13th, 2017 @ B.X. Fire Hall.

N.B. December's minutes will be posted in January.

Lastly, the entire association wishes everyone a safe and very "Merry Christmas" as well as Happy Holiday wishes for this season and into the New Year.

Minutes from May's Meeting

Greetings Bloggers,
Minutes from May are as follows:
The update from Area B & C directors was tabled (as they were absent,) as well as the B.X. Ranchlands update.
Under the New Business...
Annual General Meeting Minutes were reviewed.
Bill Wacey, Fire Chief of the BX Fire Dept. approached for a proposed fire presentation in June.
Due to unforeseen circumstances, tonight's meeting (June 14th, 2017) at the B.X. Fire Hall has been postponed.
So this post will be light (unlike others) as always people can post comments below.

There will be a separate post Re: the proposed park in Area C soon, so stay tuned.

More information to come, just dealing with some 'wrinkles' in the scheduling.

March Minutes

Hi All,

Most recent event is, the monthly executive meetings venue has changed.  They will be transpiring at the BX Fire Hall.  However, the Annual General Meeting will be at the "People Place" this year.

• R.D.N.O. is not getting funding for phase two sewer study. Alternative funding being explored. (Area B)

• Trail to Crystal Waters is progressing, tenders are being tendered in May 2017.

• Okanagan Rail Trail has received $500,000.00 for work from Coldstream to Lake Country.

• Swan Lake Wildlife refuge work postponed until this year's election. The park at Crane Road to get some fencing and parking. 

• Brentwood Road development:  The owner (Mertion) has filed notice of intent to remove soil for construction of a driveway. Mike explained procedures and concerns that previous requirements have not been met. Permits are still required. Original application is to be forwarded to Agricultural Land Commission. There has not been an application to exclude the property from the A.L.R.

• Proposed Park on East Vernon Road... A Sub-Committee has been formed.  The Community Association has accepted minutes of a meeting for information only.  There will be another entry specifically for this information (maps, trail plans and information on covenants) as there's a number of pages not able to be posted on this blog. (But the links once established, interested individuals will be able to download.

Upcoming Annual General Meeting; April 18th 2017, 7:00 pm @ the People Place 3402 27th Ave, Vernon
Topics are (posters for the meeting are on the Morning Star Paper boxes and all are encouraged to attend):
a) Paul Williamson on Agricultural Park model proposal.
b) Swan Lake corridor sewer plans.
b) Swan Lake corridor sewer plans c) Fire Protection services presented by Alistair Crick.
d) COPS program and training presented by Mike Moyer.


So please leave comments below or if possible, attend the A.G.M.  Also, the executive wishes everyone a Happy Easter.

February Minutes

Greetings Bloggers,

Apologies for the delay but Jan. minutes are being sought. Regardless, topics carried over to these minutes will be in February minutes.

Old Business

• Mike Moyer presented on the Citizens on Patrol program by outlining program benefits and training requirements.  (Total information on file).  Mike is of opinion that "Citizens on Patrol" would be the best way for residents to maintain a fire watch during the summer months, since participants would be trained, and liability protection would be assured. Some Directors were soley concerned about fire watch.  Mike Moyer might be able to canvas interest in C.O.P. training on the RDNO website.  Further discussion and see how many residents in neighbourhood might be interested. Mike Moyer prepared to do a possible presentation at the Annual General Meeting.  More to come...

New Business

• Paul Williamson presented on Agricultural Parks models and his concept of utilizing the BX Ranchlands as an agricultural park. Much concern that there is a strong push to sell off most of the land not required for the connecting trail.  (Printed material on agricultural parks models is all on file.)

• Motion Second Carried Terry D./Terry S.  The BX/Swan Lake Community Association is in favour of establishing an agricultural park on the BX Ranchland, by a) retaining the entire purchased area of the BX Ranchland and b) establishing an Agricultural Park on the property.  The motion was carried unanimously.

• Motion Second Carried Terry D./Terry S.  The BX/Swan Lake Community Association will strike a committee at large with Paul Williamson standing as chair.  The motion was carried unanimously

• Alistair Crick Protection Services Manager at the R.D.N.O. spoke to his background and interest in fire concerns expressed by residents of the electoral areas.  Terry S. will contact association members to determine the most pressing fire smart issues and share them with Alistair. Of immediate interest are how to protect property and how to evacuate. General discussion re fire protection ensued.

• Date of 2017 Annual General Meeting is Tuesday April 18th,2017. Potential topics: a) Fire Services, b) Agricultural Park proposal, c) Fire Watch/C.O.P. programme.

Next Executive meeting March 8th 2017 7.00 pm at the BX/Swan Lake Fire Hall.
Minutes will be posted when available.


Please leave comments / thoughts below.

November Minutes

Greetings,

Hard to believe that 2017 is upon us.  Hope everyone stayed safe and had an enjoyable holidays.
These are the minutes from November 2016.

• Re: Boundary Extension:  At present the City of Vernon is the only participant who has the say in such extensions.  Regional District is requesting itemized outstanding contentions be addressed, drainage changes must be reviewed and persons claiming failing septic tanks must provide evidence.

• Wildfire seminar was well attended.  Suggested this seminar be presented again in the spring when fire season is uppermost and residents may be considering landscape changes.

• Composting Grant:  Mike MacNabb recommended that the Association apply for this grant.  More information is required...

• Ministry of Transport has confirmed that the Stickle Rd improvement work be started in spring of 2017.

• Fire Hydrants: Three more have been installed and there are six more applications as well.

• Block Watch was outlined in the Morning Star article published Nov. 13th, 2016.

• Brentwood Rd: K. Mertion has applied for a permit (for a house to be built.)  Plus, five tickets have been issued for non compliance.  Further concern regarding the removal of soil is to be investigated by A.L.R. Personnel.

• Mr. Karl Ernst reported that papers of claim and injunction have been filed against the City of Vernon in the Kamloops Court dated Oct. 15th, 2016.

Also, the Association will eventually be having the meetings at the B.X. Fire Hall boardroom.  However, January's meeting will be at the People Place. Once the fire hall venue is available we will notify everyone with a specific blog entry.

Any comments or thoughts as to these or other concerns/issues can be left below.  Thanks for your time.