New locations for surplus toilets
Three surplus public toilets will be heading to new locations in the Clutha District.
Previously Council has received numerous requests for additional public toilet facilities throughout the district and commissioned an independent assessment of potential sites for the relocation of these toilets.
Of the sites detailed in the report Council decided to relocate surplus toilets to Kaitangata, Tuapeka Mouth Domain and Lawrence and based on these locations having the greatest need in the district.
A replacement toilet was needed in Kaitangata as the current toilet in central Kaitangata was no longer fit for purpose and only unlocked during BMX Club meets.
A public toilet for Lawrence at Market Reserve would meet the needs of motorists and Clutha Gold Trail users – however Council also agreed to work with the community board for their approval.
The toilet ear marked for Tuapeka will meet the needs of domain users, including peak times when the reserve is used for Cricket games or other events.
The surplus toilets are a result of the construction of the new Clutha Community Hub and the new public toilets in Balclutha.
First Past the Post electoral system retained
Councillors decided to retain the First Past the Post (FPP) electoral system for the next election in 2025.
It is a legal requirement for Council to consider the electoral system and historically Clutha has used FPP.
Under the FPP, the candidate with the most votes wins. For the 2022 triennial elections, 63 of 78 councils used FPP.
New road names for Springwell Rise subdivision in Milton
Medowbank Drive, Cloverlea Way and Bon Accord Way are the new road names to be situated at the Springwell Rise subdivision in Milton.
Council acknowledged the names reflect the historical properties in both the Milton and Tokoiti areas.
In May 2022 Council approved stage two of the subdivision for 89 residential lots to be located on Back Road.
Basketball funding appreciated
A new basketball hoop funded by Council is proving popular for kids at Warepa School.
Students Harper Whale, Josh Maze and Flynn Jenkinson requested funding of $3000 earlier this year during the 2023 Annual Plan for a new adjustable basketball hoop.
At Clutha District Council’s public forum meeting on 3 August the students spoke about they appreciated the Council funding which covered the cost of the hoop and installation and how they had incurred unforeseen additional expenses.
Instead of asking for more money they also held a goalathon fundraiser, raising $1,500, towards the additional costs.
The hoop is adjustable so all ages at the school can practice their basketball skills.
Surf lifesaving additional funding request turned down
An additional funding request to help provide paid lifeguards to patrol the Kaka Point beach during the 2023-24 summer has been turned down.
This additional funding request was a result of a previous decision by Council not to fund the full $45,000 requested by the southern region of Surf Lifesaving New Zealand through the Annual Plan 2023-24.
Council had previously decided to grant the club its usual annual $25,000 instead and recognised that a shorter paid lifeguard season was likely.
Audit costs increasing
Cost to audit Council’s Annual Report will increase by $49,000.
A letter presented to Council from the Auditor General appointed auditor Heidi Rautjoki of Deloitte said the increase in fees was due to change in scope including 3 waters reform, new auditing standards and new water quality measures.
Auditing of the Annual Report is a statutory requirement and Councillors acknowledged it was “unavoidable”.
Contracts awarded
A bridge repairs contract has been awarded to Andrew Haulage (2011) Ltd for $726,565.40. The work involves minor maintenance to Clutha's bridges district-wide.
The reservoir contract for the Moa Flat Rural Water Scheme has been awarded to SouthRoads for $1,582,522.98.