Softball headquarters causing concern

Press, 3 June 1987, Page 9

Softball headquarters causing concern

The Christchurch City Council is not coping with the issue of establishing new softball headquarters in Canterbury “at all well,” according to Cr Noala Massey. The council’s parks and recreation committee considered a report on possible methods of financing the development of the headquarters at its meeting yesterday.

It recommended that a copy of the report be sent to the Christchurch Drainage Board, and that the softball sub-committee be reconvened to discuss the funding options when the board’s decision is available.

Cr Massey expressed concern about the length of discussions over the headquarters. She said that by the time the Drainage Board had reported back to the council, it would be July before a decision was made on where the headquarters would be sited. Cr Alex Clark said this would leave softballers “out in the cold for an-

other year.” The estimated cost of establishing headquarters at the various venues is: Cuthberts Green, $921,000; Kearneys Road, $906,100; and Hansen Park, $675,700. Three options for funding were submitted — the first two dealing with Cuthberts Green and Hansen Park.

Option one involved the venues being on councilowned or leased land, the council assuming the financing and management responsibilities associated with the proposed development.

Based on the estimated costs, less $150,000 contribution from the Softball Assciation, the council could then contribute $771,000 to the development of the Cuthberts Green site, or $525,700 to the Hansen Park site. Alternatively,, the council could lease the land to the association and provide a once-only financial grant towards the development? Possible financial ar-

rangements might involve a council grant of $481,400, with a Softball Association contribution of $439,600 to the Cuthberts Green site. If the council was to grant $200,000 to the Hansen Park development, the association’s contribution might then be $475,700. Under option three, either of the two options of council-softball funding could be applied to the Kearneys Road site.

The chairman of the council’s parks and recreation committee, Cr Clive Cotton, said there were other options and suggestions for funding that could be followed up.

The council has made provision for $50,000 towards the establishment of the softball headquarters in its 1987-88 annual plan and budget. Additional funding may be possible from rates, cash in lieu, a loan, or transfer from special funds.

The council awaits information on subsidies available from the Hillary Commission.

The committee seeks to have the upkeep of Port Hills reserves, at present administered by the City Council, funded by a contribution from other local bodies in the area. It has recommended that the Canterbury United Council be asked its views on the feasibility of funding the maintenance, administration, and development of the reserves by means of contribution from those local bodies subject to levy under the Summit Road Protection Act, 1963. Microwaves

It was recommended that Telecom New Zealand, Ltd, be granted permission to allow temporary installation of a microwave dish and cable connection on the Mount Pleasant Scenic Reserve.

Approval was conditional on Telecom’s submitting a formal application for the erection of a microwave tower and the temporary arrangement’s being reviewed in six months.