Meeting to discuss alcohol policy

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The makeup of the Rotorua Lakes Council from the 2016 election, changes to the district's provisional Local Alcohol Policy and a "statement of intent" for a new council-controlled organisation (CCO) will be publicly discussed at a council meeting tonight.

The council recently wrapped up its Your Choice - 2016 Election Review and is recommending changes for the 2016 and 2019 elections which could see a drop in the numbers of councillors from 12 to 10, retention of the Lakes Community Board and the establishment of a community board for the rural sector.

If councillors agree to the changes, the public have the right to object or appeal that decision before the final proposal is sent to the Local Government Commission on December 19.

Also on the agenda is the council's provisional Local Alcohol Policy, which will be discussed prior to public notification. Since first developing its policy in January 2014, a number of appeals around the country have slowed the process for the council which is now in a position to commence the public notification and appeal process.

If passed, the public and other stakeholders will have 30 days to lodge any appeals.

The final part of the open part of the meeting will see councillors discuss a new Statement of Intent for the new CCO - Rotorua Contracting Ltd.

The organisation will replace the council's works and maintenance arm Castlecorp.

According to the agenda, a statement of intent must be completed and "publicly state the activities and intentions of a CCO for the year and the objectives to which those activities will contribute".

It will also "provide an opportunity for shareholders to influence the direction of the organisation" and "provide a basis for the accountability of directors to the shareholders for the performance of the organisation".

Councillors will also discuss a number of confidential items at the meeting.

They are a District Plan appeals update, library and children's health hub discussion, and the appointment of a new board member for Destination Rotorua Marketing.

Rotorua Lakes Council meeting

* Tonight 7pm, Council Chamber

* Your Choice - 2016 Election Review - final representation arrangements

* Amended Provisional Local Alcohol Policy for approval

* Statement of Intent - Rotorua Contracting Ltd

* Confidential items - District Plan appeals update, Library and Children's Health Hub discussion, new board member for Destination Rotorua Marketing

* Agendas available from www.rotorualakescouncil.nz