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.
害羞草研究所淐ouncil, by resolution, appoints six members of council to the regional district board and council may appoint one or more alternates,害羞草研究所� a statement from Mayor Tom Dyas reads. 害羞草研究所淭he director appointments害羞草研究所ay change害羞草研究所uring the council term as they see fit.害羞草研究所�
Coun. Singh said the changes caught her by surprise.
害羞草研究所淚 don害羞草研究所檛 understand why,害羞草研究所� she said. 害羞草研究所淚害羞草研究所檓 glad I am still part of the RDCO even as an alternate and I enjoy serving.害羞草研究所�
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: 害羞草研究所業t was my mistake害羞草研究所�: Kelowna council votes down pay raise reconsideration
害羞草研究所淎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,害羞草研究所� the mayor said.
Dyas害羞草研究所� statement also said that all councillors should have the opportunity to gain different experiences by serving on various committees.
害羞草研究所淏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.害羞草研究所�
Former councillor and previous RDCO Board chair Gail Given told Capital News while not a common practice, switching out representatives is not unreasonable.
害羞草研究所淚 know two of the members who have been appointed are experienced regional district members and will bring good value to the board.害羞草研究所�
The mayor害羞草研究所檚 statement also suggested the change of directors should not have been unexpected.
害羞草研究所淐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.害羞草研究所�
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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