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26. 2. 97
CENTRAL CITY COMMITTEE
10 FEBRUARY 1997
A meeting of the Central City Committee
was held on Monday 10 February 1997 at 3.00 pm
PRESENT: Councillor Margaret Murray (Chairman),
The Mayor, Ms Vicki Buck,
Councillors Anna Crighton, Newton Dodge,
Morgan Fahey, Charles Manning and Barbara Stewart.
APOLOGIES: An apology for absence was received and accepted from Councillor Graham Berry.
An apology for lateness was received and accepted from Councillor Charles Manning.
IN ATTENDANCE: Councillor Ron Wright.
The Mayor and Councillor Manning arrived at 4.15 pm and were present for clause 3 and 4.
Councillors O'Rourke and Stewart retired at 4.15 pm and were present for clauses 1, 2 and 5.
The Committee reports that:
PART B - ITEMS DEALT WITH BY THE COMMITTEE AND
REPORTED FOR INFORMATION ONLY
1. CATHEDRAL SQUARE - UPDATE RR 4486
The Committee considered a report from the Environmental Policy & Planning Manager containing an update on progress on the Cathedral Square project and outlining a timetable for completing the concept stage of the project.
Samples of the preferred pavers were tabled at the meeting for the Committee's consideration. In noting that the preferred paver was an Australian product, concerns were raised by Councillors that the pavers were not being sourced from a local Canterbury manufacturer. It was advised that the particular type of paver proposed for the Cathedral Square project was not produced locally but a local firm was investigating the feasibility of manufacturing the pavers.
In considering the recommended colour scheme, reservations were expressed about the proposed colours and staff were requested to report back on this issue and also the proposal to use different sized pavers on the carriageway and in the pedestrian areas. The Committee resolved:
1. That the information be received.
2. That the staff report back to a special meeting of the Committee on the paving scheme for Cathedral Square.
3. That staff further investigate and report on the possibility of a local company providing the pavers for Cathedral Square; the report to examine the economic benefits of using a local product.
2. USE OF LEGAL ROAD AS LICENSED PREMISES
The Environmental Services Manager reported that a legal opinion had been obtained to clarify the legal situation relating to the serving of liquor in public places in pedestrian malls and on footpaths.
The legal opinion stated that open space can be designated within the terms of the Sale of Liquor Act as part of the liquor licence premises and the local authority may impose conditions controlling the sale of liquor within the designated area.
Sergeant Peter Shaw of the New Zealand Police was in attendance at the meeting and recommended that in determining the operating hours for licences to occupy public space, cognisance be taken of the problems caused by patrons of wine bars and cafes in the City Mall in the late evening/early morning. Sergeant Shaw advised that the behaviour of patrons deteriorates markedly after 10pm making the Police's task of maintaining order in the area more difficult. Sergeant Shaw suggested that after 10pm trading be contained to within the restaurant/cafÈ and that no liquor be served to outside areas after that time.
Rather than imposing a blanket restriction on all licensees, several members of the Committee advocated a more flexible approach in dealing with the problems identified by the Police.
The Committee resolved that staff report back to a future meeting on the operating hours for licences to occupy public areas for the above purpose, bearing in mind the concerns raised by the Police and the views expressed by Councillors at the meeting.
3. CENTRAL CITY MARKETING RR 4543
The Communications & Promotions Manager submitted a report outlining the effect of a budget reduction of $150,000 in the city centre marketing output and the impact on city centre marketing activities.
The majority of the Committee agreed that it was essential to maintain the impetus of the campaign if the prime goal of the Central City marketing strategy - to arrest the decline of the city centre - is to be achieved. The proposed budget reduction of $150,000 in 1997/98 represents 40% of the current operating budget and this would radically impact on the level of marketing activity resulting (in the worse case scenario) in marketing activities having a minimal impact and the decline of the city centre continuing.
The Committee resolved to recommend to the Strategy & Resources Annual Plan Working Party:
1. That the City Centre Marketing budget for 1997/8 be held at the 1996/7 level.
2. That the City Centre Marketing budget be reviewed for 1998/9 following an evaluation of the city centre and assessment of the impact of the Marketing Strategy in 1997/8.
4. 1996/97 ROADING PROGRAMME RR 4385
The Committee received a report from the City Streets Manager updating members on progress in implementing the City Streets projects in the central city area programmed for the 1996/97 financial year.
5. SUPPLEMENTARY ITEM
CHRISTCHURCH RETURNED SERVICES ASSOCIATION
- APPLICATION FOR GRANT
At the commencement of the meeting the Chairman advised that she proposed to place the above item on the agenda for the present meeting.
The Chairman tabled a letter from the Christchurch RSA seeking a grant from the Council towards the recently completed Charles Upham memorial.
The Committee resolved that the application be received and referred to the Grants Sub-Committee for consideration.
The meeting concluded at 5.45 pm.
CONSIDERED THIS 26TH DAY OF FEBRUARY 1997
MAYOR