Councillors accepted and responded to several petitions.

A petition requesting speed humps be installed in Kronk Street, Golden Square, as a way of slowing down hoon drivers, led to animated discussion.

While the executive recommended council to not install speed humps in the street, Cr Elise Chapman put forward an alternative motion to explore the possibility of installing four.

"These people are very concerned about their safety," she said. "When will the council start representing the people?"

While all councillors agreed speeding was an issue in the street, they differed in their thoughts on whether speed humps would be effective.

Cr Barry Lyons said an increased police presence in the street would be a better way of tackling the issue, and Cr Campbell said speed humps were not effective.

Cr Campbell put forward a motion, which was passed, in support of the recommendation not to install speed humps and to inform residents a Speed Alert Mobile trailer would be used to reveal what speeds people were driving at.

However, he added in a clause for council to explore other practical options of reducing hoon driving in the street.

Other petitions included one asking that the council retain the Home and Community Care service, with council accepting the petition and agreeing to further consultation on the matter, and a petition urging the council to retain the Bendigo Early Learning Centre.

While discussing the latter petition, Cr Elise Chapman called Mayor Peter Cox a "hypocrite" for saying he was open to discussion on childcare in the city when the council had already made the decision to close the centre in question. 

Cr Cox said he was referring to a broader discussion on childcare in Bendigo, rather than one specifically about the Bendigo Early Learning Centre.

Another point of division involved nominating Cr Mark Weragoda to represent the council on the Bendigo Art Gallery board.

Cr Helen Leach refused to support the motion, saying: "With respect, I cannot endorse this under the present circumstances".

Cr Lyons responded by saying he was "really disappointed we haven't got full support".

Cr Leach last week referred Cr Weragoda to a Councillor Conduct Panel for drink driving.

Despite Cr Leach's objection, the motion was passed and Cr Weragoda will represent council on the gallery board.