THAT pursuant to Section 46A(7) of the Local Government Official Information and Meetings Act 1987, the following late items be accepted for discussion.

- Request for Funding : Whiritoa Volunteer Rural Fire Force

The item was not on the agenda because the item was unavailable at the time of the agenda deadline.

Discussion on the item could not be delayed because the

Senior Sergeant Rex Knight was in attendance to introduce himself as the newly appointed Senior Sergeant for the Waihi area of the East Waikato region and addressed the Ward on community policing matters. Senior Sergeant Knight advised that Constable Dave Litton will attend future Ward meetings when required.

The members raised their concerns regarding a number of issues in the community, highlighting the issue of vandalism to public property as the most significant concern for Council.

Senior Sergeant Knight advised that one measure the Police are initiating to help reduce the incidence of graffiti is by working with retailers who stock aerosol paint to be observant who is purchasing the paint.

The members were advised that to help assist in combating community vandalism and other crime, a police officer will be assigned to work within the retail area and will be stationed in an office in the centre of town some time in the near future.

RESOLVED

THAT the minutes of the meeting of the Waihi Ward Committee held on Tuesday 13 May 2008 be taken as read and confirmed.

Cr Hayden advised that the Whiritoa Liaison Committee has asked if the proposed bus shelter be placed near the Emergency Centre in Whiritoa Beach Road. In consideration of the sample of shelter supplied to them, they considered the design was too open. They requested that a more ‘closed in’ type of shelter would be of more benefit particularly in poor weather conditions. They also requested that the shelter be painted with anti-graffiti guard.

It was requested that staff investigate the proposed site beside the Emergency Centre.

The members raised their concern regarding a number of newly planted trees along upper Heard Road on Councils road reserve. They were concerned that when these trees reach maturity, debris from the trees will fall onto the road creating a slippery surface. It was therefore requested that the District Engineer investigate these newly planted trees and report back to the Ward on the matter.

RESOLVED

THAT the Community Services monthly report be received.

A report from the Community Services Manager was presented regarding a request from the Waihi Community Marae for permission to use a piece of bordering Quarry Road, Waihi to establish a plant nursery.

The members considered this was a worthwhile initiative which required the consideration of full Council. It was therefore agreed that the proposal be supported ‘in principle’ and that staff work with the Marae Committee in developing the objectives of the project for presentation to Council.

RESOLVED

WWC08/39 Carmine/Shepherd CARRIED