Referendum '08 is your opportunity to have a real influence upon the council and your community, by choosing which projects you would like to be the council's priority over the next few years. Voting closes on Saturday, 6 December 2008. This week we look in more detail at options for the Library.

Library – a new building or upgrade?

The Library is the premier cultural and educational facility in Wanganui. A long overdue upgrade in facilities is needed to provide more space for users and collections, to meet the growing demand and changing needs of the community and to meet national standards. The Davis and Alexander Library services would also be integrated, creating operational efficiencies and improved service. If the project proceeds, it will also provide the impetus for the Alexander Library building to act as an additional exhibition area for the Sarjeant Gallery.

There are two project options available to address the requirements of the Library. Choosing either option will create a family-friendly environment that encourages literacy, a sense of discovery, life-long learning and a love of reading. There will be increased access to computer facilities, and an overall improved education and information service for the Wanganui community.

The two options:

Extending the existing Davis Library
The existing library will be developed keeping the same Queens Park footprint of the current building, but gaining a purpose-designed second storey above the two wings on either side, with a higher glazed pavilion in the centre. The development will integrate the Alexander Library services into a special Heritage Research room and allow additional space for people (including a café), collections, digital services and a seismic upgrade. The inclusion inside of a substantial carved Pou (pole) will signify the interwoven links with Whanganui Iwi.

What will it cost?
Total capital costs $8.2m
Capital cost to Council $5m (assumes $3.2m in donations, community funding and sponsorship)
Operational (on-going) costs to Council $100,000
Total additional cost to ratepayer per year $29.81
The cost-per-ratepayer calculations are based upon council borrowing the funding required and paying back both capital and interest over a 25 year period.

Building a new library
A new library will be built on a central city site. Offering upgraded facilities and increased space, it will provide a new iconic building in the Central Business District. Increased digital and technology services will be provided and the location will encourage increasing use.

What will it cost?
Total capital costs $21.3m
Capital cost to Council $17.3m (assumes $4m in donations, community funding and sponsorship)
Operational (on-going) costs to Council $100,000
Total additional cost to ratepayer per year $89.16
The cost-per-ratepayer calculations are based upon council borrowing the funding required and paying back both capital and interest over a 25 year period.

Chairman of the Library Board and advocate for the library project, Sally-Jane De Salazar, is delighted that the library is part of the 2008 referendum.

"The library gives everyone in Wanganui an amazing opportunity to learn about themselves, the town, our history, our future and all the bits in between. If you want to relax you can read magazines, novels, newspapers, access music DVDs and a free internet service. What could be more exciting than starting a new project and going to the library and finding all these resources at your fingertips or maybe sitting down with the latest glossy cook book.

"However, the increasing number of people who use the library means that we need more space to ensure we provide the best services we can. The referendum gives you the chance to vote for improving the library by one of two building options - both of which will result in greater space for collections, improved research and digital facilities and a fabulous family-friendly space for the whole community to use.

"Make sure you vote in the referendum and make this the best library for the whole of Wanganui."

A number of Referendum '08 newsletters were not distributed to households across Wanganui, as a result of errors by NZ Post. Newsletters are available from the Customer Services Desk, Wanganui District Council, and further information is available on the referendum website.

Voting papers have recently been delivered to all Wanganui residents and ratepayers who are on the electoral roll. If you have not received your voting paper, please contact Customer Services on (06) 349 0001.

Voting closes at noon on Saturday, 6 December 2008.

Bring the whole family to enjoy this community celebration as local clubs, schools, organisations and businesses parade decorated floats down Wanganui's main street on Saturday.

The parade enters Victoria Avenue at Ingestre Street and makes its way down to Taupo Quay. Expect traffic delays as roads in and around the CBD will be closed for the duration of the parade.

Mainstreet Wanganui would like to thank Wanganui District Council Community Contracts for funding this community event.

Between 18 - 20 November, 60 Wanganui secondary school students participated in workshops with well-known artist Michel Tuffery, covering umbrellas with various mark-making techniques inspired by a blend of Maori and Pacific Island designs and their own identity.

For one day only, on Saturday, November 22, the umbrellas will be installed in the empty Gonville Pool, 37 Tawa Street. They will then be on display in the dome at the Sarjeant Gallery from 6 December 2008 to 1 March 2009.

The income threshold for rates rebate is $21,180 and the maximum allowable rebate is $530.

Eligibility for a rates rebate is determined by:

• the ratepayer's income for the previous tax year (year ended 31 March 2008)
• the amount of rates (both Wanganui District Council & Horizons Regional Council)
• the number of dependents

To assist you with your application, please bring in the following:

• evidence of all gross income for the tax year ended 31 March 2008 (this includes income from interest)
• your Wanganui District Council rates assessment for 2008/09
• your Horizons Regional Council rates assessment for 2008/09

Ratepayers need to apply to the Wanganui District Council for a rates rebate. Those who are eligible will then either have their rates reduced by the amount of the rebate, or receive a refund if the rates have been paid in full for the year. The Department of Internal Affairs reimburses the Council from Crown funds.

On 3 November 2008, the Wanganui District Council approved the Draft Wanganui District Council Cemetery Monument Policy for public consultation. The Council invites the public to provide feedback on the draft policy. The objective of the Wanganui District Council Cemetery Monument Policy is:

• To provide standards and certainty for all in relation to monuments and adornments at Council owned cemeteries.

Consultation
Copies of the Wanganui District Council Cemetery Monument Policy and submission forms are available for public inspection, during normal working hours, at the Customer Services Counter at Wanganui District Council, 101 Guyton Street, the District Library, Queens Park, Wanganui, and on this page.

The consultation period is from 4 November 2008 to 18 December 2008.

Submissions are welcomed and should be addressed to:
Cemetery Monument Policy
Wanganui District Council
PO Box 637
Wanganui 4540

Other methods of delivering your submission:

• Deliver to the Customer Services Counter at 101 Guyton Street
• Fax to the Council on (06) 349 0000
• Email us

If you have any queries or require further information, please contact Marie Gorinski at Wanganui District Council, phone (06) 349 0001 extn 8066 or email Marie Gorinski.

Submissions close on Thursday, 18 December 2008, at 5.00pm.

Wanganui District Council is proposing to introduce a Neighbour Responsibility Bylaw.

The proposed Wanganui District Council Neighbour Responsibility Bylaw 2008 ("the Bylaw") seeks to regulate and manage activity on private property that may interfere with a person's right to the beneficial use and ordinary enjoyment of their land.

The Bylaw specifically seeks to provide protection to the community from nuisances caused by noise including intruder alarm systems, graffiti, litter, public health matters and offensive materials.

Submissions may be made on the proposal.

Copies of the Summary of Information, Statement of Proposal, the Neighbour Responsibility Bylaw 2008 and also submission forms, are available from the Customer Services Counter at the Wanganui District Council Municipal Building, 101 Guyton Street and at the District Library, Queens Park during normal opening hours. The documents are also available on this page, by emailing us or by telephoning Customer Services on (06) 349 0001.

Submissions should be addressed to:
The Chief Executive
Wanganui District Council
PO Box 637
Wanganui

Submissions close at 5.00pm on Monday, 1 December 2008.

Details of the following vacancy are available on this page:

Economic Development Co-ordinator
Applications close 30 November 2008

Mowhanau residents are invited to attend a meeting with Wanganui Rural Community Board representatives to discuss a range of matters.

When: 7.00pm Thursday, 20 November 2008
Where: Mowhanau-Rapanui Community Hall

The Board looks forward to meeting the community and hearing its views.

We welcome members of the public to attend our meetings

Community Development – Tuesday, November 25

Council – Friday, November 28 (4.00pm)
- Consideration of 10-Year Plan policy issues. The meeting is expected to be held with the public excluded.

Youth – Monday, December 1 (4.00pm)

Finance and Infrastructure – Tuesday, December 2

Hearings – Tuesday, December 9 (9.00am, Committee Room 2)
- Hearings of Resource Consents – 8 Gilmour Street to establish childcare facility and 55a Heads Road to establish and operate a motel.

Council – Friday, December 5 (4.00pm)
- Consideration of 10-Year Plan policy issues. The meeting is expected to be held with the public excluded.

Unless otherwise noted, meetings are held at 3.00pm in the Council Chamber, 1st Floor, Municipal Office Building, 101 Guyton Street, Wanganui.

Agendas are available at the Customer Services Counter, Municipal Office Building, 101 Guyton Street, Wanganui, and the Wanganui District Library two working days prior to the meeting.