To be presented at council’s October meeting, the report, by council staff, follows a Notice of Motion by Cr David Longley that council immediately reinstate a Sunday opening of the three Tips “which better serves the residents of those communities”.
“There’s been a lot of complaints from Howlong and Mulwala,” he said. “It seems to be the most appropriate time for all three communities.”
Mr Carmichael snapped: “Where’s the money coming from in the budget? It’s double time Sunday.” Cr Longley said no-one wants to access the Tip on Saturday. Mayor Pat Bourke asked Cr Longley: “You’d be happy to see double time Sunday?” “Yes,” Cr Longley replied.
“I can’t do anything unless the money is coming from somewhere,” Mr Carmichael said.
Deputy mayor Shaun Whitechurch said council has to assure Mr Carmichael in how to find a way to have the Sunday service provided because people are committed to sport on a Saturday. “There’s certainly a lot of unrest in the community. I’d like to do something, to make it work in the community,” Cr Whitechurch said about a Sunday opening.
“Charge double to get in,” suggested Cr Gail Law. A contract arrangement and swapping Saturday for the Sunday were other suggestions.
Cr Paul Miegel said council could expect, say 10 people on a Saturday compared to say, two on a Saturday which would “provide more income to offset the higher costs”.
But the director engineering services let councillors know that money is not currently available for the desired change.
“There’s no money in the budget to do anything. The money would have to come out of the roads budget – we need more money for roads – and maintenance grading is behind,” Mr Carmichael said.
Council’s General Manager Adrian Butler called a halt to further discussion by suggesting a report on the subject be prepared and brought to council’s October meeting.
