By Gerard Collings
At our April meeting staff provided a summary of the feedback received on the proposed Harvey Street footpath between Orokonui Road and the entrance to Blueskin Nurseries. Staff also advised that tenders received were more favourable than expected meaning that the work will be able to be undertaken this financial year.
The submission period on DCC's Draft Long Term Plan 2012/2013 – 2021/2022 (LTP) is now closed. The Board are generally supportive of the LTP and our submission included the following matters;
Debt – expressed concern about the use of net debt as a measure for the Council's decision making process. We consider it appropriate to include DVL's debt/financial position in DCC's deliberations.
Asset sales – we consider it prudent for the Council to explore the sale of non-core assets, such as investment properties, as a means of reducing Council's debt.
Coastal management – highlighted that there are a number of key coastal margin areas under the direct control of the DCC that require careful management. We asked the DCC to allow adequate funding for the management of these in a proactive rather than reactive manner.
Review of Reserves – requested Council review the reserves in our area to ascertain the potential for surplus reserve land to be used as a funding mechanism for the development of other key reserves in our area such as Mount Watkin/Hikaroroa.
Operational savings – expressed support the Chief Executive's ongoing efforts to identify operational efficiencies that provide for savings without affecting the level of service.
Blueskin Bay Library – confirmed our continuing support for this project's inclusion in the LTP.
Waikouaiti Landfill Closure – confirmed our support for the inclusion of a transfer station in 2015/16, and the decommissioning of the landfill in the 2016/17 and 17/18 financial years.
Blueskin Bay Clean up days – confirmed our continuing support for the cleanup (mega skip) days.
Moana Gow Pool – confirmed support for the DCC's ongoing financial assistance.
Seal extensions – support the ongoing funding of the seal extension programme, albeit over a longer period.
Dust suppression – support the continuation of the dust suppression programme.
Public toilets, Waitati – requested support for the community fund raising for public toilets in Waitati.
Stadium – With the information currently available we do not support extending the term of repayments beyond 20 years. We asked that Council consider the differential for farm and rural ratepayers to ensure they are not overly burdened as a result of capital value of their property.
Boards Discretionary Fund – no reduction in the amount allocated to the Board's discretionary fund.
Civil Defence – support the level of funding for emergency management.
Ward Structure – support the existing ward structure.
Eco-housing retrofit initiative – support this initiative.
Tourism – asked for Council's assistance to further develop the tourism opportunities in our area including further signage and branding of the Coastal Scenic Route.
Economic development – seek an undertaking from the Council that they will actively explore opportunities for business development within the Board's area.
Copies of DCC documents out for consultation are available from Council and through Council's website http://www.dunedin.govt.nz/council-online/currently-consulting-on
The Board's next meeting is at 5.30pm, 23 May 2012 at the Karitane Hall.
Members of the public are welcome to speak at the Board's public forum, however those wishing to do so need to advise Jane Hinkley our Governance Support Officer (Phone 4743374) before 12 noon on the day prior to the meeting.
Remember you can view the Boards meeting agendas, reports and minutes at either the Waikouaiti or Blueskin Libraries or through the DCC's website at "http://www.dunedin.govt.nz/your-council/council-minutes". Members of the Board are only too happy to hear (by phone or email) from members of the community about any issues within our area.
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