Post by Kiwi Frontline on Dec 15, 2019 12:55:21 GMT 12
11 MISSION ST (The ELMS - Tauranga)
14 December 2019
The Mayor and Councillors
Tauranga City Council
Private Bag 12022
TAURANGA 3143
Mayor and Councillors
Re: 11 MISSION STREET (The ELMS)
1. We were disappointed that we couldn’t catch up with Mayor Powell with an appointment to discuss the above and associated matters.
2. Our understanding is that the above topic is back on the table on Tuesday 17th December 2019, at very short notice without any meaningful further public consultation or prior notice.
3. Our understanding is that it has been determined in informal discussions that the final 24 September 2019 Council decision which we understand was reached and approved unanimously by the last Council (which included 4 current Councillors, namely Baldock, Clout, Robson & Grainger) is to be rescinded and replaced with a decision to give 11 Mission Street to Otamataha Trust.This is in clear breach of Council’s promises and undertaking that this property was purchased with TCC Ratepayers’ money amounting to $825,000 in 2006 (before Otamataha Trust even existed) with the express intent would go /be gifted to the Elms Foundation. Current holding costs and interest would probably have pushed the figure out to around $1.5million –we stress the six new Councillors and you as Mayor did not participate in the submission process, you did not hear the presentations, yet you now seem to believe you are qualified to promote and endorse a new decision that will replace the previous decision without further ado.
4. Our view is that if Council rescind the previous decision, it must go back to the public consultation process and re-consult with the Tauranga public (which was the argument previously that had not done so). Note 60% of the 823 Submitters wanted Council to keep its promise to the Elms and did not want the property to go to Otamataha Trust!!
To assist you we enclose herewith full submissons made by Richard Prince and Rob Paterson on behalf of Citizens Advocacy Tauranga, the Friends of the Elms and Maureen Anderson’s, Guest Comment in Bay Times on 24 /8 /2019 which succinctly correctly and faithfully sets out the factual position which may elucidate you. These submissions address the issues and generally reflect the views of Submitters in opposition.
We suggest you do not go down the current path you intend - if you rescind the previous decision then you you must put the matter up for Public Consultation and a fresh Submission Hearing again put in train.
It is also been suggested that 2 Councillors may not be present at Tuesday’s meeting and we sincerely trust any voting by them is not going to be dealt with by telephone as was ex-Councillor Mason input previously – our view on this voting by Mason was that it was ultra vires Council -standing orders or not.
It is disturbing that Council persist in hearing from Maori interests on topics like this but neglect to hear the other side of the argument, and that is not democracy! The enclosed Media Council decision on Maori News and the Mikaere stuff relating to 11 Mission Street should interest and be of concern to you.
Regards,
Rob Paterson
Richard Prince
Abyssus Abyssum Invocat
14 December 2019
The Mayor and Councillors
Tauranga City Council
Private Bag 12022
TAURANGA 3143
Mayor and Councillors
Re: 11 MISSION STREET (The ELMS)
1. We were disappointed that we couldn’t catch up with Mayor Powell with an appointment to discuss the above and associated matters.
2. Our understanding is that the above topic is back on the table on Tuesday 17th December 2019, at very short notice without any meaningful further public consultation or prior notice.
3. Our understanding is that it has been determined in informal discussions that the final 24 September 2019 Council decision which we understand was reached and approved unanimously by the last Council (which included 4 current Councillors, namely Baldock, Clout, Robson & Grainger) is to be rescinded and replaced with a decision to give 11 Mission Street to Otamataha Trust.This is in clear breach of Council’s promises and undertaking that this property was purchased with TCC Ratepayers’ money amounting to $825,000 in 2006 (before Otamataha Trust even existed) with the express intent would go /be gifted to the Elms Foundation. Current holding costs and interest would probably have pushed the figure out to around $1.5million –we stress the six new Councillors and you as Mayor did not participate in the submission process, you did not hear the presentations, yet you now seem to believe you are qualified to promote and endorse a new decision that will replace the previous decision without further ado.
4. Our view is that if Council rescind the previous decision, it must go back to the public consultation process and re-consult with the Tauranga public (which was the argument previously that had not done so). Note 60% of the 823 Submitters wanted Council to keep its promise to the Elms and did not want the property to go to Otamataha Trust!!
To assist you we enclose herewith full submissons made by Richard Prince and Rob Paterson on behalf of Citizens Advocacy Tauranga, the Friends of the Elms and Maureen Anderson’s, Guest Comment in Bay Times on 24 /8 /2019 which succinctly correctly and faithfully sets out the factual position which may elucidate you. These submissions address the issues and generally reflect the views of Submitters in opposition.
We suggest you do not go down the current path you intend - if you rescind the previous decision then you you must put the matter up for Public Consultation and a fresh Submission Hearing again put in train.
It is also been suggested that 2 Councillors may not be present at Tuesday’s meeting and we sincerely trust any voting by them is not going to be dealt with by telephone as was ex-Councillor Mason input previously – our view on this voting by Mason was that it was ultra vires Council -standing orders or not.
It is disturbing that Council persist in hearing from Maori interests on topics like this but neglect to hear the other side of the argument, and that is not democracy! The enclosed Media Council decision on Maori News and the Mikaere stuff relating to 11 Mission Street should interest and be of concern to you.
Regards,
Rob Paterson
Richard Prince
Abyssus Abyssum Invocat