28/04/2005

Mayor enjoys every moment

It's hard to believe six months have passed already since the election.
This is such a fantastic position to hold and I arn enjoying every moment.
Council has undertaken its annual plan and estimates programme during the past three months, and With the support of both community boards, council staff and of course the public consultation process, I believe we will be able to present to our residents and ratepayers a very comprehensive work programme with an acceptable rates contribution for the coming financial year.
Otorohanga and Kawhia (including Aotea) communities have a progressive schedule to look forward to including footpath extensions, roading and new kerb and channel works, parking developments as well as ongoing improvements to essential services.
Council's new recycling and refuse contract is designed to meet our commitment to the zero waste concept and in turn exceed the expectations of our public.
Roading is council's most significant activity, and as such, commands the lion's share of both subsidy and ratepayer funds available.
While council is committed to in-creasing rates contributions and reducing loan funding to this programme to ensure our debt levels remain manageable, rural ratepayers will continue to see a continual high level of seal exensions and unsealed smoothing work, bulk metalling and maintenance programmes in
their respective areas.
Major community projects in progress include Otorohanga's Progress Park, Westridge Residential Subdivision, Memorial pool complex, cemetery extension, Kawhia's wharf viewing platform, cemetery carpark, CBD enhancements and so on.
Issues that council is contending with this year are the significant cost increases to various activities such as planning, environmental services, and building due to the introduction of new standards and Acts that council must comply with and in turn pass on to ratepayers and applicants, as well as increased engagement and consultation processes the general public is encouraged to participate in, all with financial implications.
That said, my council's commitment is first and foremost to its residents and ratepayers, to ensure compliance requirements and costs are as minimal as possible, and that we continue to support our people in their business, residential and recreational endeavours as they take advantage of the benefits of the Otorohanga district.
Next week mayoress Jo and I take a break to visit our AFS daughter Elsie in France to celebrate her 21st birthday. I look forward to seeing you when we return.

Trade Training Centre opens

Otorohanga's new Trade Training Centre opened on Tuesday.
The centre, a partnership between Otorohanga and Wintec, aims to allow students to study in their own town while gaining contacts and hands-on experience with local businesses.
The centre received strong support and enthusiasm from the Otorohanga community, who sponsored the required $25,000 establishment costs.
Equipment and support has also been pledged from local businesses.
While the centre is now open for classes, an official formal opening will not be held until June.

Mayoral tsunami appeal closes

The Otorohanga District Council's mayoral relief fund has officially closed and donations have since been passed on to the Waikato Tsunami Appeal.
The mayoral relief fund was opened following the Boxing Day tsunami after residents approached council wanting to ensure their contributions would be put to good use.
Mayor Dale Williams said the Waikato Tsunami Appeal may contribute towards the Red Cross' tsunami relief fund.

Otorohanga termite-free

Representatives from MAF will visit Otorohanga early next month and are expected to announce the town "termite free".
Mayor Dale Williams said the issue of the town's termites has been "traumatic" for many people and MAF's visit will be a relief for residents.
I expect MAD will say the poison and eradication programme has been a huge success and will formally announce the termites are ancient history," said Mr Williams. MAF will visit on May 5.