All the facts of the Aquatic Centre project must be on the table for a robust and transparent decision at Thursday’s council meeting, says Paraparaumu Ward candidate K (Guru) Gurunathan.
The Aquatic Centre project, one of two significant topics for Thursday’s council meeting, is expected to see some lively debate. Councilor Sandra Patton has described as “outrageous” a media release by council staff prior to Thursday’s meeting.
Councillor Lyndy McIntyre has supported Ms Patton. She says there are a “myriad of questions” about the cost of the project “including all the hidden costs not accounted for in the paper”. She adds these should have been discussed before the press release was even considered.
In an email to staff and elected members Ms Patton questioned why the KCDC is issuing a press release on behalf of the Aquatic Centre Trust.
“While it is very grand (as well as misleading) to make much of the amount of funding ‘promised’ or ‘committed’ but not in the bank! there is nothing about the amount which actually has been raised, or spent in order to attract it,” says Ms Patton.
In the council press statement, Trust chair Neil Mackay says: “Its time to stop talking and build the centre and start enjoying the benefits”.
In response Ms Patton says:”We’ve been waiting over three months for a full report from the Trust there hasn’t been any talking because we’ve had no information. Mr Mackay should also understand that not a spade goes in the ground until ALL the money has been raised. That’s been black and white in Annual Plans and LTCCP for years”.
She was happy, however, that the press statement notes that tenders for construction would not be called until final funding is confirmed.
The Aquatic Trust documents tabled for Thursday shows the Trust has $52,571 in its current account plus a bank term loan of $40,000. Its income from grants, raffles and donations was $222,245. More than half of that income amounting to $128,884 was spent on “advertising, consultants/contractors, other expenses, raffle prizes”.
Voting at Thursday’s meeting would be interesting as councillors Peter Ellis and Diane Ammundsen were trustees and will not be able to vote.
