Councillor Dave Mattes introduced a motion to reimburse Town employees for taxi rides home after parties where alcohol is served.

Mattes said the Town should pay for transportation service for staff at social functions.

“If you consume too much alcohol, you should be reimbursed for the fare home. We have to look after our employees.”

Councillor Jack Bennest made a friendly amendment, stating the reimbursement policy should cover anyone at the party, not just employees.

Council approved the amended motion.

Mayor Ron Hovanes said the new T-shirts and hoodies being sold by SOSS would make a great Christmas gift.

He made this comment after hearing a pitch from Cindy Gossling, who is selling the garments as part of a school fundraiser.

Gossling said the shirts were designed after the school fire in September. The shirts have a photo of the old school, with the words, “As it was . . . as it will be.”

Although the school won’t be the same, it will always be SOSS, Gossling said, noting all the money raised will go back into the new school.

For more information, call Gossling at 250-498-9592.

The shirts can be purchased at several local businesses, including OK Tire, OK Photo Lab, Nu Beginnings Hair Design, Pharmasave and Valley First Credit Union.

Members of council gave high praise to the new Jim Pattison Centre of Excellence at Okanagan College in Penticton.

Councillor Linda Larson attended the official opening last week, saying the centre is “absolutely amazing.” She noted the centre is training people in “green” technology (sustainable building practices and renewable energy conservation).

Councillor Maureen Doerr mirrored these comments, saying the centre is very innovative.

Mayor Ron Hovanes said the centre will offer incredible educational opportunities for our children and grandchildren.

The value of building construction in November was $305,000, compared to $143,000 for the same month last year.

Last month’s building projects included $150,000 for storage space and garage for Sunrise Restorations Ltd.

A secondary suite project on 79th Street was valued at $78,000.

The total value of construction in Oliver this year to date is $8.3 million.

The Town of Oliver is seeking citizens to sit on three committees.

The Town plans to advertise to see if anyone is interested in sitting on committees dealing with parks and recreation, economic development and the Oliver airport.

Instead of a grant-in-aid, Desert Sun Counselling and Resource Centre is looking for regular funding from the Town of Oliver.

Executive director Roxie Van Aller requested that Desert Sun become a regular line item in the budget. She gave a presentation promoting the importance of Desert Sun’s “Community Kitchen,” which teaches young parents about smart budgeting, nutrition, and gardening. “I know the community needs to support young families,” she noted.

Van Aller said Desert Sun works hard to raise money to provides these needed services, and it would be nice to focus on this rather than worry about funding.

Council agreed to consider the request during budget deliberations in the new year.