Key Decisions from Today's Council Meeting

Christchurch City Council met today (Thursday 16 May), with the key decisions made outlined below:

Options for 36 Welles Street

After continued enquiry by interested parties, the Council has agreed to seek development proposals for the currently-empty property at 36 Welles Street. Purchased in 2008 to support the Central City South Master Plan, the site has been cleared and associated insurance issues are in the process of being resolved. Staff will investigate possible purchase price, holding and demolition costs and an independent valuation report before proceeding.

Concern for schools

The Council is to write to the Minister of Education Hekia Parata expressing concern over aspects of education restructuring in Christchurch. Among matters to be raised are the impact on the community of the changes coming so soon after the earthquakes and that consideration be given to the Ombudsman's review and the results of the Census.

Jellie Park

The Council approved strengthening work to the earthquake-prone, two-storey plant room at Jellie Park, which is currently operating under a temporary access plan and can only be accessed for short periods. The $260,000 required for the work will be taken from the Council’s Buildings and Infrastructure Improvement Allowance.

Pool safety

The Council approved the draft submission on the Consultation Document published by the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment (MBIE) on “Making Pool Safety Easier”. The Council's draft submission supports most of the government’s proposals to reduce compliance costs for pool owners and provide more workable legislation while also keeping children under the age of five safe from drowning in home pools. The draft submission also provides additional comment on some of the proposals that MBIE should consider when preparing any amendment legislation.

ENDS

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