Tauranga City Council has begun this year's planting programme at Gordon Carmichael Reserve. It is intended to have 22,000 wetland species in the new meandering stormwater channels created last year.
Work is also being conducted on the main track to Carmichael Road this week as is the installation of new playground equipment in the reserve.

This information from Tauranga City Council weekly bulletin, for the week beginning Monday, April 19, published below.

City Waters
Water Supply:
• The Parton Road watermain upgrade between Tara Road and Bell Road has started.
• The watermain replacement along SH2 at Bethlehem is due for completion at the end of April.
• The replacement of a pressure reducing valve and installation of a bulk water meter is currently underway on Poike Road. This work is due for completion by the end of April.
• The Otumoetai watermain upgrade is now complete with reinstatement due to be finished this week.
• The Matua Road watermain upgrade is almost complete with the contractor now working on reinstatement.
• Two watermain breaks occurred on Wharf Street associated with a roading upgrade. This caused a water outage for part of the TCC building and nearby businesses.
• A watermain break occurred yesterday on the corner of Chapel Street and Marsh Street which has resulted in one lane on Chapel Street having to be closed and caused a water outage for properties on West Street.

Drainage:
• Two sewer blockages and a pump station failure incident were reported this week. The blockages were minor situations involving only localised property. However, the pump station failure off Windermere Drive did cause sewage to overflow into the surrounding swamp marsh area and Waimapu stream. Water quality monitoring is being carried out and temporary health warning signs in this area are in place.
• Test results from water quality samples taken from the open drain located between Rowesdale and Harrisfield Drive still have high levels of residual bacteria now unlikely to be associated with the earlier sewer problem. The water course crosses some farm land so it is thought that this could contribute to this. It also means temporary Health Warning signs will remain in place and further samples will be done next week.
• The following stormwater pond cleaning is scheduled to be done: Bethlehem area below Castlewold and Sterling Gate, Rowesdale Drive area and Carmichael Road.
• Consultation has been completed with affected parties to carry out stormwater drainage maintenance work in the 3rd Avenue west, Burrows Street and Fraser Street areas. It is anticipated consent will be forth coming.
• 17th Avenue stormwater improvement works continue with the creation of a bund and pond. Piping of the stormwater drain in the area of Clarke Street and 7th Ave will also begin soon.
• Minor stormwater improvements in the Elizabeth Street and Glasgow Street area are underway to help improve some of the overland flow paths.
• The sewer pipeline off Shearson Street is being inspected following recent blockage in this area. Manholes are being exposed, inspected and marker posts installed.
• Work continues to improve the overland flow path capacity at the Harrison Cut outlet from the stormwater ponds adjacent to Kokomo Key and Catalina Key. The excavated sand will be utilised in the Sovereign drain area, and the pipe extended to complete an overland flow path from Gravatt Road.
• Embankment works to reshape the ground to improve mower access to the Solomon /Carmichael reserve is complete.
• The Oak Lane stormwater open drain was cleared.
• Work is due to commence off 5th Avenue/Sheath Street to replace a short length of defective sewer pipe and remedy two manhole structures that have corroded from hydrogen sulphide.

Stormwater Pollution:
• No pollution incidents were reported this week.
• The "Pollution Prevention Quiz" winner will be announced Monday, April 19.

Waiari Water Supply Project:
• Two appeals and two interested parties to appeals remain against the resource consents for the construction and operation of a new water intake and treatment plant to serve the Papamoa urban growth area. Tauranga City Council attended an Environment Court mediation on March 16 and signed an agreement in principle with the appellants. Staff are due to meet with the appellants and Environment BOP to revise resource consent conditions on April 15. TCC is due to report back to the Environment Court by April 20.

Bulk Water Meter Installation Project:
• The bulk meter renewal project is nearing completion. The scope has been extended to include remedial works in the Windemere area – due to be undertaken mid-end April.

Southern Pipeline:
• Work is continuing on the new 1300m3 wastewater storage tank and pump station site at Maleme Street with the shell of the tank now completed and all works expected to be completed in June 2010.
• The first section of pipeline being between Maleme and Memorial is programmed to be tendered in the second quarter of 2010 with construction starting in the third quarter of 2010.
• Work is continuing on detailed investigation for the Judea Link emergency management option.

Inflow Reduction Project:
• Council is continuing gully trap inspections in the Beaumaris and Bethlehem Heights area, and is visiting properties in the vicinity of Moffatt Road, Pembroke Drive, Saltwood Lane and Allington Place over the next few weeks. For more information about this project, go to www.tauranga.govt.nz and enter keywords 'gully trap' into the search box.

Parks and Leisure
• A large dead gum tree is scheduled to be removed at the rear of Yatton Park early next week. This will result in the closure of two walkway links so the work can be carried out safely.
• Minor repair works to the Memorial Hall roof will begin on April 19, taking approximately 5-7 working days weather permitting. TH Commercial Roofing is the main contractor.
• Preparing this week for removal of some dead trees from Mauao. There are several different trees in different locations that need to be removed. Actual work on site will take place between April 28 and May 5, with some possible track restrictions needed. The base track will need to be partially closed on May 4.

City Projects
• Tauranga Indoor Sport & Exhibition Centre: Foundation construction is continuing on site. Ground beam construction is due to commence next week. Trenching is underway to bring the fire mains, high voltage power supply and Telecom ducting across the VIP parking area to the building area. Precast concrete panel manufacture continues offsite (Hewletts Road factory).
• Mount Drury: New base and matting have been installed within the playground, new lunar equipment to be finished next week.
• Gordon Carmichael Reserve: Walkway from the main track to Carmichael Road to start next week.
• Sports Field lighting at Grenada Park currently being installed and is due for completion 23 April 2010.
• Gate Pa Reserve: New pathway and sign board pads under construction. No archaeological artifacts found during excavation
• Tenders for new public toilet at Cambridge Park (Old Cambridge Rd landfill) have now closed.
• Work started earlier this week on upgrading the water supply system at McLaren Falls Park. This will improve the supply pressures, storage and water quality throughout the park.
• Work is due to commence on Monday, April 19 on the Central Parade neighbourhood centre upgrade.
• Installation of children's playground equipment commenced this week at Gordon Carmichael reserve.
• Mount Greens: Construction work is continuing with the utility building and the installation and testing of the irrigation system. Laser levelling of the croquet lawns will commence on April 26, 2010. Construction of parking along Tawa Street is ongoing.
• Gordon Spratt: Changing Facility: Earthworks have now been completed and building platform constructed. Building foundations will be completed by end of April. Storage Facility: Earthworks have now been completed and building platform constructed. Building foundations are now complete and the building framework has been completed.

Transportation
• Bethlehem Township Improvements: Construction of the new roundabout on SH2 at Bethlehem west is continuing. Work on the roundabout is expected to be completed by the end of June. Traffic management and site screens are in place but only minimal delays are expected. Preparatory work also starts this week on the upgrade of SH2 through Bethlehem. This work will be done on the shoulders of the road and involves relocating an existing watermain and telecommunication box and undergrounding power lines. Disruption to traffic is expected to be minimal.
• Golf Road: Work to install traffic signals at the intersection of Oceanbeach Road and Golf Road continues. The remaining work involves upgraded pedestrian crossing facilities and footpath reconstruction as well as installation of the traffic signals.
• Maunganui Road: Major reconstruction work on Maunganui Road between Concord Avenue and the Hewletts Road flyover continues. Safety improvements will also be made at the intersections of Maunganui Road and Concord Avenue and Maunganui Road and Spur Avenue. The work is expected to take about eight weeks to complete. Traffic management is in place and motorists should expect delays and use an alternative route if possible. As with all work of this type it is dependant on fine weather.
• Wharf /Willow Streets: Work on upgrading the stormwater system on Wharf Street continues. Installation of new kerb and channelling is complete. Work to construct the new bus bays is underway. While the work is being done, Wharf Street is reduced to one lane for traffic coming from Cameron Road towards the Strand.
• Kairua Road Reconstruction: Major roadworks are continuing on Kairua Road. The work involves some earthworks to improve bends, reconstructing and resurfacing the road, installing new kerb and channelling, and upgrading stormwater and a watermain. Some disruption to traffic can be expected at times and there will be speed restrictions in place. The work is expected to take about another six weeks to complete.
• Beaumaris Boulevard/Sterling Gate Drive/Waihi Road Link: Construction continues. Until the work is completed, the pedestrian access to the storm water reserve at Beaumaris Boulevard is closed. The pedestrian access between Sterling Gate Drive and Waihi Road is closed during working hours. The new road is expected to be opened in July 2010.
• Pyes Pa Bypass: Construction on the Pyes Pa bypass to link SH29 through to SH36 by the Crematorium continues. Good weather has allowed the preload material to be removed along the northern end of the bypass. Construction has started with the delivery of roading materials, and compaction and shaping of the road surface. Drainage works are also being done at the same time. The new bypass is expected to be open to traffic in 2011.
• Parton Road: Work is continuing with footpath construction, kerb and channelling, installation of street lighting and construction of the road surface underway. Work is expected to be completed by late May.Top soil and grass seed are being laid beside the completed sections footpaths. Final asphalt sealing will follow after the installation of the box culvert which is scheduled for early May. Landscaping will be done in June.
• Local Road Resealing: The local road resealing programme is expected to be completed around early May. Generally this work involves minimal disruption to traffic.
• Vale Street: Work to reshape Vale Street between Baden Street and Landscape Road to form an overland stormwater flow path during severe storms is continuing. Work on the section between Baden Street and Hinewa Road is currently underway. Please pay attention to signs and take care when driving in the area. Work is expected to be completed by October.
• Valley Road: Minor work modifying a catch pit is underway. There is traffic management in place so please take care when driving through this area.
• Gravatt Road: Work to construct an additional footpath and pedestrian link to Palm Beach Plaza is under construction.
• Minor Safety Works Stage Two: Work starts in Victory Street (two new thresholds) and Falcon Drive (throat island) this week. There will be traffic management in place so please watch for signs and take care when driving in the area.

Pilot Bay Boat Ramp Repairs
• Essential safety maintenance work to resurface and lengthen the ramp is due to start on the Pilot Bay Boat Ramp in early May. The work can only take place at very low tide and will take about four weeks to complete. While the work is being done the boat ramp will be closed. Boaties who normally use the Pilot Bay Boat Ramp are advised to use the ramps at Sulphur Point or the Whareroa Boat Ramp instead.

Venues & Events
Baycourt Community and Arts Centre
• Tauranga Musical Theatre is packing in for their production of Miss Saigon that opens on April 24. The sets and props are on an epic scale including a helicopter, a flag with 1014 light bulbs and giant steel gates than be climbed on. Tickets are still available for this musical.

Democracy
Council – Monday, April 19 at 9am
• Hearings of submissions to the draft 2009 Local Parking Management Plan.

Council – Tuesday, April 20 at 1pm
• Recommendation From Strategy & Policy Committee - For council to consider a recommendation from the Policy & Strategy Committee meeting held on 23 March 2010 regarding proposed Plan Change 51
• Welcome Bay Community Facilities - Evaluation of Options - Presenting options for the future provision of community facilities on Waitaha Reserve in Welcome Bay.
• Art Gallery Trust Statement of Intent 2010/11 - To consider the Statement of Intent of the Tauranga Art Gallery Trust. This report was deferred from the March 16 council meeting.
• Treasury Strategy - Treasury Activities - Seeking approval from Council for treasury strategies, in particular debt and interest risk management.
• Preparations for 2010 Local Authority Elections - Information on preparations for the 2010 election is presented and decisions on early processing of votes and order of candidates on the voting papers are required.
• Rename Vale Street West Reserve - Council is required to consider a request to change the name of Vale Street West Reserve.
• Proposed Sale of Local Purpose (Accessway) Reserve (Adjoining 34 Te Otinga Place) - In November 2009 Council noted its intention (pending revocation of the reserve reservation) to dispose of 108m2 of land to an adjoining owner.
• Plan Change 48 – To Make Operative - Seeking a resolution of Council, under Schedule 1 of the Resource Management Act 1991, to make Proposed Plan Change 48 operative. Proposed Plan Change 48 relates to Non Residential Activities Provisions in the Residential Activity Zones of the Operative Tauranga District Plan, and was a Council initiated plan change.
• Notice of Motion – District Plan Deliberations to be Held in Open Meetings - For Elected Members to consider Cr Curach's Notice of Motion – District Plan Deliberation to be Held in Open Meetings.
• Notice of Motion – Public Access to Material Distributed at Meetings - For Elected Members to consider Cr Curach's Notice of Motion – Public Access to Material Distributed at Meetings.
• Schedule of Documents Executed Under Seal - This report provides information to Council on the documents executed in the period 27 February 2010 to 31 March 2010.

Public Excluded Session
• District Plan Deliberations Legal Advice.
• Durham Street Property.
• Dive Crescent Reclamation.
• Appointment of Director to TCAL and TCVL.

Hearings Panel - Friday, April 23 – 9am
Application made by K McQuinlan for a Limited Discretionary Activity Subdivision Consent (RC14833) under the Resource Management Act 1991 at 26 Short Street, Otumoetai, Tauranga (DC 127) - To hear and determine a limited notified, limited discretionary activity subdivision resource consent application made under Section 88 of the Resource Management Act by Kerry Clive Wayne McQuinlan and Audrey May McQuinlan to subdivide into two lots a residential property without road frontage and underwith accessway at 26 Short Street, Otumoetai, Tauranga.