A change of City of Kelowna representatives on the Regional District Central Okanagan (RDCO) Board surprised at least one councillor.
The city was represented by Councillors Mohini Singh, Ron Cannan, and Gord Lovegrove on the board.
However, they were replaced with Councillors Luke Stack, Maxine DeHart, and Rick Webber after a council strategic planning session on April 29.
乌鸦传媒淐ouncil, by resolution, appoints six members of council to the regional district board and council may appoint one or more alternates,乌鸦传媒� a statement from Mayor Tom Dyas reads. 乌鸦传媒淭he director appointments乌鸦传媒ay change乌鸦传媒uring the council term as they see fit.乌鸦传媒�
Coun. Singh said the changes caught her by surprise.
乌鸦传媒淚 don乌鸦传媒檛 understand why,乌鸦传媒� she said. 乌鸦传媒淚乌鸦传媒檓 glad I am still part of the RDCO even as an alternate and I enjoy serving.乌鸦传媒�
She had to leave the planning session early due to a medical issue and learned of the changes in a phone call from Dyas that evening.
Singh will also have to give up her position as chair of the Sterile Insect Release program as it falls under RDCO authority.
The loss of director appointments also means a loss of $17,000 of income for the trio, who voted against a recent pay hike for council.
READ MORE: 乌鸦传媒業t was my mistake乌鸦传媒�: Kelowna council votes down pay raise reconsideration
乌鸦传媒淎ny reference, which has recently been reported, that this decision was made based on how council voted on the remuneration package, which was proposed by staff, is simply unfounded,乌鸦传媒� the mayor said.
Dyas乌鸦传媒� statement also said that all councillors should have the opportunity to gain different experiences by serving on various committees.
乌鸦传媒淏y experiencing different committees, council members broaden their perspectives, deepen their understanding of community issues, and enhance their ability to make informed decisions. This rotation fosters a more collaborative and well-rounded council.乌鸦传媒�
Former councillor and previous RDCO Board chair Gail Given told Capital News while not a common practice, switching out representatives is not unreasonable.
乌鸦传媒淚 know two of the members who have been appointed are experienced regional district members and will bring good value to the board.乌鸦传媒�
The mayor乌鸦传媒檚 statement also suggested the change of directors should not have been unexpected.
乌鸦传媒淐ouncil was informed a number of months ago that the committee appointments would be brought forth at the strategic review session on April 29, 2024.乌鸦传媒�
At the Apr. 25 RDCO Board meeting, chair Loyal Wooldridge announced he would be stepping down as he pursues the provincial NDP nomination for Kelowna Centre.
Capital News has contacted councillors Cannan and Lovegrove for comment but has not yet received a response.
READ MORE: Regional District Central Okanagan Chair Loyal Wooldridge steps down
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