In an unusual turnaround at transportation taskforce, common sense won out over architectural creativity and the proposed $295,000 ‘creative inspiring statement' bus shelter was canned.
Instead, there will be a ‘T shaped' powder coated reinforced glass shelter erected.

This will have the advantage of providing shelter from both east and west winds that funnel through Masonic Park. Being glass, it provides clear visibility so cretins can't hide behind it, and best of all, together with seats right along, including under the art gallery verandah, budget estimate is under $200,000. NZTA pick up 60 per cent and ratepayers 40 per cent.
You can't please everyone, with David Stewart and Wayne Moultrie still wanting the architectural vision. David said council should specify performance requirements for wind and rain and leave it to the experts. Wayne said Tauranga deserved better than something that looked like it came out of Poland or East Russia in the 1950s.
To the rest of us – it seems like a sensible outcome with good practical features and saved $100,000 to boot. Taxpayer or ratepayer money all comes from the same source – you and me.

Fixing the crash site
The 11th Avenue, Cameron Road intersection – Faulkner's Corner as it used to be known (true) is to be upgraded. Substrate foundations are breaking down under load we were told. The road bit will cost about $500,000 with another $500,000 to upgrade services – pipes, underground wiring etc. Each time this intersection has been upgraded in the past it creates chaos. I asked the work to be done outside of holiday time but staff said it had such high usage that there would be significant disruption anyway.
Staff are also to consider installation of red light cameras in an attempt to better control intersections. With the red light runners and amber gamblers Tauranga has, they would soon pay for themselves.
Last time they were looked at they were about $200,000 each.

Baypark bothers
At monitoring committee Tauranga City Venues Ltd (TCVL) presented their six month report. Acting chairman John Addshead presented in an enthusiastic and infectious manner an upbeat report on a downbeat interim result. Economic downturn, increased security, soaring costs he said showed that for the half year, TCVL had a half million loss – double the budgeted loss. John highlighted the strong actions being taken which he said the board had confidence would turn the finances around. I noted the seriousness of the situation and that there would be no ratepayer bail out if it didn't work. John agreed and said their plans, which include appointment of general manager Irvin McSweeney, a marketing promotions manager, plans for a major promotion, a major naming rights sponsor and changes to other aspects of Baypark would produce the necessary turnaround. David Stewart said we had heard much the same thing last year and TCVL had to come up with the goods. So the real pressure is on them. Pity this same real pressure doesn't/can't get applied to other council associated organisations which are firmly attached to the ratepayers' breasts.

Bills, bills, bills
In another unsurprising result, the water account is showing nearly $750,000 in unpaid water bills after council moved to six monthly water billing last year in an attempt to save $80,000. I wouldn't be so bold as to say I told you so. Loss of interest on the outstanding money soon whittles away any savings, let alone staff time chasing errant debtors. The $1 million fly tower rebuild at Baycourt is complete and reportedly working well for Miss Saigon currently on at Baycourt.
There was a $130,000 over run on repairs and upgrade to one of the Chapel Street Wastewater treatment station digesters. You don't want to know the details of what these do, but you would know if they didn't work. There are three of them and the others will need work too.
Floating restaurant Kestrel hasn't functioned for some time and there was an auction recently of all the restaurant fittings. Council staff were asked to ensure all was in order in regard to the legal arrangements concerning council and the Kestrel. We are also to get an upgrade on the proposed marina complex to go where the Coronation Pier used to be.

What's toxic?
At strategy and policy committee elected members unanimously accepted the recommendations of the Toxic Agrichemicals Advisory Forum (TAAF).
They had mostly agreed with staff over what chemicals can be used around the city but differed on three chemicals. We were told there was ‘mountains' of scientific evidence to prove beyond doubt any point of view which was an upfront acknowledgement from staff. Banvine, Mannex II and Stomp Xtra were removed from the list of approved sprays.
If in doubt, cut it out is a wise move where these poisons are concerned. People used to be encouraged by authorities to smoke tobacco and the Thalidomide tragedy are just two examples of not understanding the long term effects of chemicals.
Council is to formulate more policy surrounding its activity in the commercial arena. Put bluntly, it shouldn't compete unfairly with ratepayers. But if council doesn't provide some services, rates have to go up if income drops. Catch 22.
Yet another masterplan this time for downtown Masonic Park. Mayor Stuart Crosby wanted to guarantee frontage onto the park for adjoining owners.
I insisted any frontage, access or other benefit to these owners only be on a commercially financial basis, and there must be benefit if there is no blank wall ever to be built next to you.