Welcome
President Ray welcomed visitors Michael Ryan and the speaker for the evening – Honorary Member and Waipa District Council Mayor Jim Mylchreest.
Guest Speaker – Mayor Jim Mylchreest, Waipa District Council – “Draft Annual Plan 2019-2020”
Mayor Jim was pleased to report that the Council was mainly on track 2 years into the 10 year Annual Plan.
He noted amendments and points of interest to the original 10-year Plan, including:
- Ohaupo Sport and Recreation Centre - $500,000 grant has been brought forward
- Some changes have been made to the Sport and Recreation catchment areas and feedback was being sought on these
- Recycling – new recycling contact and recycling centre
- Waste Collection would change to 2 wheelie bins per household with a mixture of fortnightly and weekly collections. The new cost would be $81 per year from $50 per year
- Fewer yellow bags required so a reduction in cost here
- No composting facility in Waipa – individual responsibility
- 86% of multiple unit properties with shared water meters pay less for water services now
- Water rate remission available
- Cambridge Community Pool - $20.7M which is - $1.6M higher than in Plan due to higher contractor prices. $1.6M has been met through asset sales
- $122.7M spend on capital works – infrastructure, country projects and growth projects
- New standards around managing infrastructure has resulted in central government proposing an amalgamation arrangement for these services (smaller councils)
- Draft Annual Plan proposes a 3.7% rates increase
Mayor Mylchreest also noted up-coming projects and activities, as follows:
- Avantidrome intersection
- Launch of Te Ara Wai - Journeys
- Te Awamutu Water Supply
- Elections 2019
Consultation on the Draft Annual Plan closes 5pm, 08/04/19.
Notices
Bookarama – Dennis Finn advised lots of books had been donated and welcomed anyone who could give time on a Monday morning to help with sorting. Certainly need help please.
A meeting with the Bookarama team is scheduled for next week to discuss a new marketing plan that has received the Board’s approval.
Sunday 5 May shift books into Town Hall (from Achievement House). Need LOTS of helpers please from the 5th to the following Sunday – shifting, displaying and selling books throughout the week with pack out on Sunday, 12 May. Please contact Dennis or President Ray or fill in the board at meetings to indicate when you can help.
IYE – home hosting a student from France
A further reminder that we are looking for home hosts for Noe – a young man from France who will arrive in July. The Board has committed to the club’s involvement in the IYE programme – so the support of members is imperative to meet our goals. Please note that it is not a barrier if you have no children living in the household – many other clubs are in this situation. Have a chat with those in your household and if you are able to home host or know of someone who is not a Rotarian and would like to take this student for some time please let Greg Gascoigne know.
Matching Grants
Opportunities for matching grants available. Members were encouraged to see Doug Lang if they had ideas for a community project for which the club could apply. One “tentative” idea has so far been submitted – we need others.
Taste Waikato – special promotion
Don’t forget the Mothers Day promotion of Taste Waikato being embarked upon. There is a chance to win a free cookbook through Facebook by sharing with friends. Also read the latest DG’s newsletter with an article on this project. Please click here.
Waiheke Island Weekend away (29-31 March)
President-Elect Robyn reported on a very successful and fun-filled weekend on Waiheke Island. Those who went enjoyed great food and excellent wines as well as an enjoyable fishing trip in the Hauraki Gulf thanks to Ian Grant. Thanks to the capable drivers – Chris and Bill, Tom Pickering for arranging fine food and wine venues and to Bev H (with Colin’s assistance) for looking after the finances. Also thanks to David Smith who donated food towards the BBQ. All those who went thanked Robyn (with Shona’s support) for the organisation.
District Training Assembly – Saturday 4 May, Taupo
President Robyn reminded us of the District Training Assembly to be held in Taupo on Saturday 4 May. This is a valuable and informative day for in-coming Board members and newer Rotarians. Robyn is co-ordinating carpooling and advising the organisers of names and numbers. Please contact her if you wish to attend.
World Polio Immunisation Week – April 24-30
President Ray has submitted an article for the local paper on this.All donations (club or individual) will be tripled by the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation when donated through: https://www.endpolio.org/donate
No meeting
Thursday 25 April – a reminder no meeting due to Anzac Day.