An open letter to Harry Nyce, Chair,
Regional District of Kitimat-Stikine
Dear Mr. Nyce:
I’m writing this letter to express my profound disappointment in the performance of the Regional District of Kitimat-Stikine function committee of regional district directors overseeing the operation of MK Bay Marina.
I am an annual moorage client at the marina, and have been for the past decade. I, along with all other clients and customers of the facility, are faced with spiraling and continuing cost increases in every aspect of operation including moorage, electricity, haul-out charges, dry land storage, vehicle parking, trailer storage, boat launching fees and even camping fees.
The 2011 budget approved by the board on February 25 shows yet another increase in moorage fees and service rates by a stunning 18 per cent. This is on top of last year’s 10 per cent and a previous 10 per cent in 2007. Nonetheless, the nearly $500,000 deficit incurred some years ago remains virtually unchanged. The function committee, under the guidance of your administrator, seem unable to control spending at this facility.
Litigation initiated as a last resort against the regional district and the marina manager by the tug boat owner could likely have been settled with a handshake a few months ago, if not for the unyielding arrogance shown by the manager and the autocratic attitude of your administrator.
I notice from the monthly RDKS cheque register posted on your website that legal fees paid to date have already reached more than $50,000. As well, the 2011 budget shows $80,000 set aside for “professional services” (up from $2000). Does this mean you expect to lose? Are boaters and marina clients expected to pay for this boondoggle as well?
The disregard shown by the Board and members of the function committee towards your fiscal duties and responsibilities at this facility is very distressing. Despite many requests, your function committee has refused to consult with or communicate in any way with customers. All discussions about marina finances have been held out of the public eye “in camera”, as it seems are all other marina issues.
Imagine if the people of Terrace, Kitimat and the other villages of the region were faced with property tax increases in the order of what we are facing at the marina? Do you think taxpayers would allow you to take the same approach?
We are the people directly affected by your decisions and bare the full impact. As our elected representatives we deserve much more.
Michael D. Graham, Terrace, BC