There has been a huge amount of feedback regarding the proposed closing of the Tropical Plant House on Cliff Rd.

I've received many phone calls and emails on the topic. I've been told people don't sign the visitors book because they're locals and say they want this iconic facility kept open.

To have your say on this or any other topic during our Long Term Plan consultation period, at the end of March, write or email a submission to elected members.

The draft LTP information and submission form will arrive in your letterbox towards the end of March.

I encourage you to tick the box to speak to your submission – this can be day or evening depending on what suits you best.

This gives elected members the opportunity to seek clarity and ask you questions about your submission.

New Mount/Papamoa Ward City councillor Leanne Brown will be sworn in at Council at 1pm next Wednesday, March 4 2015.

Elected members will be reviewing council's committees in March. My preference is for the Finance and Risk Committee to come back as a council agenda item.

This would save time and resources.

The Community Development meetings haven't been well supported, with some meetings having more staff in attendance than ratepayers.

Having said that, I believe there is value in getting out to the community and the meetings at Matua Hall and Papamoa Library were well attended.

These meetings will also be reconsidered in March.