Community Board notes

We are approaching Local Government Elections and, as indicated in my April Star column I will not be seeking relection after six years in the hot seat. A seat which felt particularly hot at our last meeting following a report into the condition of Pain Estate, a property bequeathed to Martinborough Borough Council for “a sportsground for the residents of Martinborough and as a playground for the children”.

To be clear, Martinborough Community Board asked Council’s new Amenities Officer for a report into the Pain Farm and Buildings. We were concerned that this incredible bequest to our community had not been kept up to scratch and, despite asking, we had received no recent reports into its condition. With a new SWDC CEO and a new Amenities Manager we felt that the time was right to ask for the information again. 

Part of the role of Council Officers is to provide elected members with information and options. The preliminary report highlighted areas of concern and presented the Board with options including “Bring the house and cottage up to a standard we can be proud of” as well as the option that had generated such consternation: “Investigate whether selling the home and cottage and surrounding land designated to the Pain Farm house is feasible.” Those who spoke, during public participation, were angry and upset, with good reason, we agree that the state of the Farm and Buildings is unacceptable and passed a number of resolutions requesting answers for ourselves and our community. In addition we recommended to Council that $40,000 is released from Pain Estate funds for immediate maintenance to the house and cottage.

If you are interested in the full detail of those resolutions they are on the SWDC website in the minutes for our meeting held on 18 July 2019.

I have spoken to Council and it seems unlikely that we will have quotes for the building repairs and a comprehensive report in time for our next scheduled meeting on 22 August 2019. This was to be the last meeting before local elections, meaning that these matters would not be considered again until November or December. In the interests of moving this issue forward we are investigating the possibility of holding an Extraordinary Meeting of Martinborough Community Board towards the end of September. We will let you know the date through the usual channels including Local elections Council’s website and Facebook page as well as our Community Board Facebook page.

I have spoken to a few locals who are thinking of standing for Community Board or Council in the forthcoming local elections. It is great to see that people are interested in tackling these roles and some of the issues we face. Nominations close at 12 noon on the 16^th August. Please feel free to contact me or another community board member if you want to find out more about the role. 

Grants

Just a reminder that grant applications for our August meeting need to be submitted by 15^th August. You can find out more at www.swdc.govt.nz/grants.

Lisa Cornelissen lisa.cornelissen@swdc.govt.nz