Tauranga City Council's elected members attended an induction/briefings workshop on Tuesday.

The main topic was financial matters including rates, user fees and charges, capital expenditure, asset management and what impacts on Tauranga City Council debt.

On Thursday, we received a briefing on stormwater, the Southern Pipeline and the Local Alcohol Plan.

Other workshops for November include our vision for Tauranga, based on the community's aspirations for our city.

Some community views were gathered from a recent Home and Leisure Show, and I will be interested to read the feedback. Workshops and bus trips to check out local facilities and infrastructure will also continue throughout November and December.

Also during December, elected members will begin Annual Plan meetings – the real 'nitty gritty stuff” that requires careful financial consideration and prioritisation.

There is a lot for the newly elected members to take on-board. One of these things, which I now take for granted, is the use of terminology such as development contributions (abbreviated to DCs) and other acronyms used in the chambers.

This week, I have been to see a ratepayer regarding a protected tree creating problems with infrastructure. The notable trees that are protected in the City Plan are based on a standard tree evaluation method – or STEM – assessment carried out some five years ago. This evaluation method is based on condition, amenity, notability and value of the tree. As trees grow, some of them are creating issues with infrastructure, such as power lines and driveways. We need to find a sensible way forward to deal with these trees. Currently, it can cost $3000 and upwards to obtain a resource consent to trim or remove a tree that is creating problems.

One of the topics I am keen to discuss with other elected members is how to better engage with the community and improve our communication.

I look forward to the day when our sound system in the chambers is working more efficiently; and recordings of our meetings are clear to hear on the Tauranga City Council website.