BELMONT RATEPAYERS IMPROVEMENT ASSOCIATION (INC)
MINUTES OF THE 66TH ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING
HELD ON 4 DECEMBER 2007
Welcomes were extended to Paul Swain M.P. Councillors Cousins and Shierlaw and
Regional Councillor Pru Laverton.
Apologies were received from Peter Dunne, Barbara Branch, David Ogden and the
Saintys.
A Moments Silence was observed for the passing of Derrick and
Judy Hirst, and Marianne Ogden.
The Minutes of the 65th meeting were read and
approved. EG/JW
Finance: GR noted that discussions with the Companies Office were proceeding and
that a full statement of position would be submitted early in the New Year.
Presidents Report: GR Commented on the years happenings
highlighting the work on Hill Road, improvements to SH2, the hand over to
council of management of the halls (bookings taken over by “Leisure Active”),
he concluded with a recognition of the contribution of the Patel family for the
handling of the keys for the halls, and then asked for a vote of thanks to the
outgoing committee.
The Floor then discussed the drawbacks of the changes to SH2.
Paul Swain: Started with reiterating the apology from
Peter Dunne, and went on to advise of his proposed retirement from parliament
at the end of the present triennium, he commented did not want the same fate as
his friend John Howard who has been a good ally to New Zealand.. He spoke of the
achievements he had seen in his time as an elected member and especially
mentioned his pride in the community responsibility that had ensured the
retention of the Hutt Hospital, this community responsibility, must be retained
especially in respect of the electoral boundaries to ensure suitable
representation throughout the combined Hutt Cities.
Transport and the Electoral Boundaries are
the two things we must all continue to fight for and in which he is happy to
help.
A discussion then continued on the boundaries and also on
both the system of voting for and the numbers of members of Parliament.
Councillor Cousins: Reminded the meeting that the District Plan
would be reviewed during this term and that now is the time to ensure what
improvements in planning should be put in place she commented that it is too
late to complain once the District Plan has been approved, she also noted that
council has commissioned a study regarding the SH2 and access from the Hills.
Pru Laverton: Confirmed that she had taken the chair of
the Waiwhetu Stream Advisory Committee and mentioned the upgrading that was
happening to both train and bus transport, including the implementation of
integrated ticketing.
Max Shierlaw: Confirmed that he was proceeding with his
promise to ensure that cost pressures and efficiencies and savings in council
expenditure would be his prime objectives.
Questions: Were asked from the floor regarding the
Melling Bridge and SH2 gridlocks and to the future of land behind the school.
Edna Gluyas: Then spoke regarding the parking of
unregistered and heavy vehicles in Norfolk Street and this carried on to the
problems of vehicle parking in narrow streets, The secretary was instructed to
write to council for clarifications on these issues.
Election of officers President Graeme Ross JW/PD
Vice President Jean
Wallace AD/PD
Minutes Secretary Arthur Drake EG/AM
Treasurer Alan
McLuskie GR/MH
Phil Deere
Paul Bowden
Edna Gluyas
Murray Hey
Rowland Ward GR/JW