Speaking to the Waitaki District Council's community services committee yesterday, Snr Sgt Hooper said it had exceeded his personal expectations.
Chamber of Commerce representative Fraser McKenzie said the central business district was a much tidier and cleaner place to work than it was a year or 18 months ago, and the guardians had a definite impact on the "comings and goings" in that part of town.
The committee recommended the council approve $15,000 from Oamaru business rates reserves in 2008-09 to part fund the project, and that the funding be reviewed in 2009-10.
•Conducting public forums only at the start of each full Waitaki District Council meeting prohibits public input on committee meeting days, Cr Jim Hopkins believes.
In a report to yesterday's strategy committee meeting, it was recommended public forums not be held on committee days.
Committee chairman Struan Munro said public input was welcomed, but the same concerns heard at committee meetings were heard again at full council meetings.
Cr Hopkins suggested individual committee chairmen might, at their discretion, invite members of the public to speak on agenda items before committee meetings.
Sometimes "hot potato" issues came up at committee meetings and people wanted to say something.
His suggestion was supported by the committee.
•The strategy committee recommended the council resolve to retain the first past the post electoral system.
