Mr. Choulis raised concerns about the excessive pruning of tamarisks that provide shade on beaches, with a cost of €34,000. Mr. Mousellis noted that proper pruning had never been done on 440 trees. The pruning was carried out under the supervision of the Head of Green Spaces, agronomist Maria Koutouzi, including the transportation of the cut branches. Although there was some delay in maintaining greenery on the beaches, the primary concern was public safety.
Regarding the DEYAK asbestos pipe study, awarded directly for €27,000, the Mayor explained that it was a good price for the entire island. Over 60% of the old network consists of asbestos pipes, and due to staff shortages, DEYAK had to seek external assistance.
Mr. Mavros addressed the issues of VAT and the hospital administration. The Mayor stated he is advocating at a national level for fairer VAT rates, highlighting the injustice of Kalymnos being subject to 24% VAT compared to Leros and Kos at 17%. As for the hospital administration, interventions have been made, and a unanimous decision has been taken by the Municipal Council to formally request a Hospital Manager for the Kalymnos Hospital.
