Most motions passed unanimously after a little healthy discussion.

Last night councillors voted 7-4 to allow a confidential document for the city's waste services tender document to be made available to a consultant representing the council's corporate body at the inquiry.

Gerry Holmes is a local government expert who has been the legal representative for councillors at the hearings.

However, a late motion put to the council last night noted Mr Holmes was not a legal practitioner and therefore did not have automatic access to documents being discussed at the inquiry.

So he needed to be given permission to look at the waste contract.

As the councillors were given their regular opportunity to ask questions without notice, most raised matters as if it was business as usual and they would be back next month as per normal.

Mayor David Hamilton also took a positive stance.

"Thank you," he said. "Same time same place in a few weeks. Well, you've got to be positive."