Cumberland BC: The Cumberlander Articles Section
Uncategorized · 8th February 2008
Editor
Cumberland resident Ron Hansen is challenging financial figures supplied by village engineer Bob Hoffstrom (pictured above) at the recent information meeting regarding the Trilogy application presently before village council.
Following is Ron's letter to village council.
Attached, below, is an MP3 sound file including the statements of Bob's that Ron is refering to. They were made at the information meeting in response to a question from Cumberland resident Bruce Farnes.
_____________
February 7, 2008
Mayor and council, and staff
Hi from Ron
At the Feb 4 information meeting a question was asked of Bob Hoffstrom about the cost of supplying sufficient water for the growing population of Cumberland.
Bob gave, by his answer, the idea that raising and repairing the Hamilton Lake dam, at a cost of 2 to 3 million dollars, along with reduced usage (water meters) would assure enough water to supply Cumberland for the present.
In the VILLAGE OF CUMBERLAND WATER SYSTEM MASTER PLAN (Copies of cost estimates attached) the estimated cost of repairs and upgrades is far beyond the 2 or 3 million talked about by Bob Hoffstrom, in fact, about $12.3 million. This did not include the 4.6 kilometers of pipe "that should be replaced due to age, condition, or for better fire protection."
Did Bob Hoffstrom understate the costs in order to mislead the people of Cumberland, and put Trilogy in a good light? Macelhanney is also doing engineering work for Trilogy. When does 'conflict of interest' kick in?, and what is Cumberland's responsibility and response in this case.
If Trilogy is going to look after water distribution within their developments, then Cumberland will have to finance the supplying of water. How? By achieving an increase in borrowing from the provincial financial authority. The request has already gone to the ministry of Municipal Affairs. Repayment plan?
The taxpayers of the Village!
My money concerns also involve other required upgrades, especially sewage treatment and improving the roads.
Thanks
Ron Hansen
Following is Ron's letter to village council.
Attached, below, is an MP3 sound file including the statements of Bob's that Ron is refering to. They were made at the information meeting in response to a question from Cumberland resident Bruce Farnes.
_____________
February 7, 2008
Mayor and council, and staff
Hi from Ron
At the Feb 4 information meeting a question was asked of Bob Hoffstrom about the cost of supplying sufficient water for the growing population of Cumberland.
Bob gave, by his answer, the idea that raising and repairing the Hamilton Lake dam, at a cost of 2 to 3 million dollars, along with reduced usage (water meters) would assure enough water to supply Cumberland for the present.
In the VILLAGE OF CUMBERLAND WATER SYSTEM MASTER PLAN (Copies of cost estimates attached) the estimated cost of repairs and upgrades is far beyond the 2 or 3 million talked about by Bob Hoffstrom, in fact, about $12.3 million. This did not include the 4.6 kilometers of pipe "that should be replaced due to age, condition, or for better fire protection."
Did Bob Hoffstrom understate the costs in order to mislead the people of Cumberland, and put Trilogy in a good light? Macelhanney is also doing engineering work for Trilogy. When does 'conflict of interest' kick in?, and what is Cumberland's responsibility and response in this case.
If Trilogy is going to look after water distribution within their developments, then Cumberland will have to finance the supplying of water. How? By achieving an increase in borrowing from the provincial financial authority. The request has already gone to the ministry of Municipal Affairs. Repayment plan?
The taxpayers of the Village!
My money concerns also involve other required upgrades, especially sewage treatment and improving the roads.
Thanks
Ron Hansen
Citizen Bruce
Citizen Ron
(Bruce.mp3)