At MDCA’s October meeting, the AED (Automated External Defibrillator) subcommittee reported they had their first meeting and discussed the pros and cons of the MDCA taking “ownership” of the AED’s at the Wharf and outside Cushla’s, with more research about the costs, obligations and liabilities needed before deciding. It was suggested that a fund be set up to help cover projected costs estimated at $400 for a replacement battery every 4 years and $75 for pads every 5 years, or after every use. The committee is currently investigating the expiry date on the defibs in the village to determine how quickly this fund is needed. The subcommittee will appoint two people to monitor each AED use, easily determined because they are behind glass. Thanks goes to the Mapua Four Square who recently announced they will place an additional AED outside their store.
The Waterfront Upgrade subcommittee reported that all materials have been received for the 4 picnic tables and construction would be completed soon. The tables and the children’s playground equipment, including a grass covered pipe tunnel and timber zig zag pathway, balance rail and jump steps, should be installed in November. In addition, the Mapua School will be completing two interactive sculptures, their personally designed and built tribute to the Mapua aquarium “Touch the Sea,” destroyed by fire in 2011. (See attached drawings.)
In additional news: The wet spring has been fantastic for plant growth in Dominion Flats and residents are encouraged to go for a bike ride or walk through the grounds as it is something we should all be proud of. And the TDC has completed significant work on Higgs Reserve, on its way toward planting nearly 4000 trees in this location.
The TDC’s announcement of its Wharf and Waterfront Park decisions, resulting from the many months of meetings and consultations including a recent visit to the area with the harbourmaster, is expected “before Christmas” per Councillor Tim King.
Discussions took place about the growing importance of a local public transport system – perhaps a community bus for local residents who don’t drive to get access to the wharf, especially on weekends and could be used mid-week for other transport tasks. Chairperson Elena Meredith said the time has come to explore in more detail the transport needs of our community.
Naomi Aporo, a recent addition to the MDCA Executive Committee and responsible for the portfolio of Relationships/Archiving, will be working with Shona Mclean to digitize MDCA archives and going out into the community to discover what Mapua historical stories and information other people might have. If you know someone who has a box of treasured information, please contact Naomi and share it so we can start to tell the stories of our community.
With discussion about the proposed Waimea Dam heating up and the TDC opening consultation on the divisive issue in late October, Council will be in Mapua on Monday, 13 November to hear local residents’ opinions. First at 6 PM at Mapua Hall, Councillors and their advisors will hold a “drop in” session. Then at 7 PM, the discussion will formally move to the Mapua and Districts Community Association’s regular November meeting in the Hall’s Bill Marris room. With an estimated $82.5 million total cost, proposed to be funded by a mix of ratepayer, irrigator and Crown funding, and Nelson City just recently asked to pitch in $5 million, the dam has been mired in controversy. The likely model going to consultation has the TDC in a joint venture with Waimea Irrigators Ltd., with the TDC responsible for $26.8 million, underwriting a further $29 million and covering the cost of any overruns above $3 million.
And congratulations to Mapua native and activist volunteer Pat Perry, who was unanimously affirmed as this year’s recipient of the MDCA Lifetime Member award and will be honoured at the December meeting.
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