Catherine Stewart Tauranga City Councillor

Last week elected members listened to submitters during the Annual Plan process.

We had some submissions from small food businesses that were concerned about the hike in their fees, with one submitter saying he currently pays $450 per annum and the new rate consulted on is $650 per annum.

One submitter suggested better intergration of planning to make our city more accessible for all people. Some examples of inappropriate placement of a power pole and sloping footpaths into shops were highlighted as concerns.

Another submitter said we should give 'a hand up – not a hand out” which is good advice.

An anomaly with rates charged on industrial land, using the Mount as an example, was highlighted as part of one submission.

There was a variety of suggestions including that the Matapihi Rail Bridge could be lit up with coloured lights.

Different sporting codes made requests for funding, including hockey and cricket.

What I have noticed during the last nine years of being a councillor is more and more people are expecting council to assist them with a wider range of requests than ever before.

Some difficult decisions will need to be made at the end of this month when it comes time to deliberate on submissions.