Minutes of a meeting of the Nelson City Council

Held in the Council Chamber, Civic House, 110 Trafalgar Street, Nelson

On Wednesday 11 May 2016, commencing at 9.01am

 

Present:              Her Worship the Mayor R Reese (Chairperson), Councillors L Acland, I Barker, R Copeland, K Fulton, M Lawrey, P Matheson (Deputy Mayor), B McGurk, G Noonan, P Rainey, T Skinner and M Ward

In Attendance:   Chief Executive (C Hadley), Group Manager Infrastructure (A Louverdis), Group Manager Strategy and Environment (C Barton), Group Manager Community Services (C Ward), Group Manager Corporate Services (N Harrison), Senior Strategic Adviser (N McDonald), Manager Communications Acting Manager Libraries and Heritage Facilities  (P Shattock), Asset Analyst (D Bartkowiak), Senior Accountant (T Hughes), Policy Coordinator (J Loughnan), and Administration Advisers (S Burgess and E-J Ruthven)

Apology:             Councillor E Davy

 

 

Opening Prayer

Councillor Noonan gave the opening prayer.

1.       Apology

Resolved CL/2016/109

THAT the apology from Councillor Davy be received and accepted.

Her Worship the Mayor/Noonan                                                  Carried

Attendance: Councillor Skinner joined the meeting at 9.02am, and Councillor Fulton joined the meeting at 9.03am

2.       Confirmation of Order of Business

An ‘Additional Information’ document (A1544694) was tabled.

Her Worship the Mayor advised of one late item for the meeting, and that the following resolution needed to be passed for the item to be considered:

Resolved CL/2016/110

THAT the report regarding Deliberations on the draft Annual Plan 2016/17 – Part 2 be considered at this meeting as a major item not on the agenda, pursuant to Section 46A(7)(a) of the Local Government Official Information and Meetings Act 1987, to enable a timely decision to be made.

Her Worship the Mayor/McGurk                                                  Carried

Attachments

1    A1544694 - Tabled Document - Additional Information

 

3.       Interests

Councillor Fulton declared an interest in the submission from Simon and Jane Murray.

There were no updates to the Interests Register, and no further interests with items on the agenda were declared.

4.       Confirmation of Minutes

4.1      3 and 4 May 2016

Document number M1866, agenda pages 4 - 25 refer.

Resolved CL/2016/111

THAT the minutes of the meeting of the Council held on 3 and 4 May 2016, be confirmed as a true and correct record.

Noonan/Her Worship the Mayor                                                  Carried

   

5.       Deliberations on the draft Annual Plan 2016/17 - Part 1

Document number R5730, agenda pages 26 - 61 refer.

Her Worship the Mayor summarised the officer reports. She advised that resolutions would be made in principle so that financial information could be updated and considered, before all decisions were then confirmed.

Her Worship the Mayor asked councillors to detail any matters that had not been included in the officer reports, which they wished to be included in the deliberations. Several matters were raised, to be considered in the appropriate activity area as the meeting progressed.

Resolved CL/2016/112

THAT the report Deliberations on the draft Annual Plan 2016/17 - Part 1 (R5730) and its attachments (A1532915, A1536482 and A1543604) be received;

AND THAT the spreadsheet in Attachment 1 (A1532915), as amended, be used as the basis of responses to submitters on matters raised and to amend the draft Annual Plan 2016/17 as necessary.

Her Worship the Mayor/Barker                                                    Carried

 Resolved CL/2016/113

THAT the report Deliberations on the draft Annual Plan 2016/17 – Part 2 (R5884) and its attachment (A1543422) be received.

Fulton/Ward                                                                               Carried

Transport

Attendance: Councillor Matheson left the meeting from 9.33am to 9.37am.

In response to a question, Senior Strategic Adviser, Nicky McDonald, explained the need to code projects to activity areas in Council’s general ledger, and how this was assessed.

5.1      Haven Precinct

Questions were asked about the Haven Precinct development regarding budget, concept plans, engagement and timing. The Chief Executive, Clare Hadley, clarified that no increase in budget was required for the Haven Precinct project. She explained that a project manager had been identified, and summarised the potential difficulties in consulting on a key Council project during an election campaign period.

Councillors expressed disappointment that the project may be delayed due to the timing of the election, and supported the continuation of the project over that time. It was suggested that a project plan timeline be presented to a future Council meeting. Mrs Hadley acknowledged the priority Councillors placed on the Haven Precinct project.

Resolved CL/2016/114

THAT Council appreciates the enthusiasm in the Haven Precinct development and indicates to submitters that this is a priority project for Council and there will be a public engagement process once concept plans are developed.

Fulton/McGurk                                                                           Carried

5.2           Nelson CBD

Attendance: Councillor Rainey left the meeting from 9.55am to 9.56am.

The meeting discussed the Nelson CBD and noted a report on the summer closure of the top of Trafalgar Street was scheduled for Council. It was suggested that Council should be flexible and allow small projects to be trialled with ease.

It was suggested that shade cover was needed in the 1903 Square for those watching performances. It was noted that shade cloth had been ordered for the performance stage at the 1903 Square, and it was suggested that funding for the additional shade cover could come from the CBD Enhancement budget.

Attendance: Councillor Ward left the meeting at 10.06am.

It was suggested the closure of the top of Trafalgar Street was not supported by businesses in that location, therefore Council should direct its attention to projects that had the support of local businesses.

Attendance: Councillor Ward returned to the meeting at 10.08am.

5.3           Smokefree CBD

In response to comments, Mrs Hadley clarified that existing signs in playgrounds and sportsfields were for ‘Smokefree’ areas.

There was support for a report to consider further options for a Smokefree CBD in line with the governments drive to be Smokefree by 2025, including regulatory approaches such as a bylaw. It was pointed out that a bylaw would require clarity around enforcement, which would require Council resources.

It was also suggested that Council find creative ways to support local businesses that were choosing to be Smokefree voluntarily.

Resolved CL/2016/115

THAT Nelson City Council supports an extension of its Smokefree policy and that Council officers investigate options for expanding Council’s smokefree policy, using education rather than regulatory approaches, and assessing this work against other policy priorities.

Noonan/Her Worship the Mayor                                                  Carried

5.4           Nelson’s walk/cycle network

Attendance: Councillor Lawrey left the meeting at 10.23am.

There was discussion regarding cycle safety in the northern state highway area. Senior Asset Engineer - Transport and Roading, Rhys Palmer, advised the volume of people using that area for cycling was not as significant as other areas of Nelson with gaps in cycling infrastructure, and that other areas would take higher priority.

In response to questions, Mr Palmer provided further detail on proposed cycle connections in Nelson. Concerns were raised about cycling near Clifton Terrace school, which had a 100km/hr speed limit.

It was suggested that the Regional Transport Committee could consider the matter of cycle safety in the northern state highway area.

Attendance: Councillor Lawrey returned to the meeting at 10.25am.

Resolved CL/2016/116

THAT provision of cycle safety signage on Cable Bay Road be considered following further investigation into its likely effectiveness and with any funding required to be sourced from existing budgets;

AND THAT the matter of cycle safety in the northern state highway area (Cable Bay) be referred to the Regional Transport Committee for further discussion.

Copeland/Fulton                                                                         Carried

5.5           Travel demand management

Councillors discussed the matter of travel demand management. Mr Palmer provided detail on current strategies and projects in this area. He highlighted the challenge of working within Council’s current Parking Policy, noting that significantly more work could not be done without changing this Policy.

It was noted that the Regional Transport Committee had a $20,000 annual budget per annum to develop strategies and studies. It was suggested this could be used to develop a travel demand management strategy, and investigate infrastructure optimisation options, including the feasibility of a bus service between Richmond and Nelson.

Mr Palmer noted that work in this area would usually be developed and included in Council’s Transport Asset Management Plan, as opposed to preparing a standalone strategy.

Attendance: The meeting adjourned for morning tea from 10.46am to 11.02am.

Mrs Hadley advised that if the suggested investigation and strategy development were to be carried out within Council’s resources, this would mean a current project would need to be delayed to make resource available.

Several councillors supported the recruitment of additional officer resource to support work on traffic congestion issues. It was highlighted that Council had seen successful results from encouraging active transport.

It was suggested that the Chair and members of the Regional Transport Committee could work in conjunction with the New Zealand Transport Agency to consider how stakeholders could work together and advocate to improve travel demand management.

Resolved CL/2016/117

THAT the Chair and members of the Regional Transport Committee engage with aligned stakeholder groups to provide feedback on priorities in Council’s travel demand activity areas, noting this will be externally facilitated.

Copeland/Fulton                                                                         Carried

Councillor Barker requested that his vote against the motion be recorded.

5.6           Nelson Southern Link investigation

Officer comments in the report were noted.

5.7           Graffiti

Councillors discussed graffiti on government agency property and personal property. Concern was expressed that initiatives in this area would only deal with graffiti removal, and not the reasons for graffiti. It was pointed out that Nelmac was efficient at removing graffiti from Council property once notified, and took photos for use by the Police.

Resolved CL/2016/118

THAT officers discuss a more effective approach to graffiti removal with Network Tasman and the NZ Transport Agency.

Noonan/McGurk                                                                         Carried

Attendance: Councillor Noonan left the meeting from 11.32am to 11.34am.

A suggestion was made to ensure greenery was incorporated into smaller infrastructure projects such as roundabouts.

Water Supply

5.8           Fluoride

Councillor Copeland, seconded by Councillor Noonan, moved a motion:

THAT Council present to the Nelson Marlborough District Health Board (NMDHB) at its meeting on 24 May 2016 expressing concerns over plans to fluoridate Nelson water Supply. Points of Concern:

·         The potential cost to ratepayers of water treatment product and required infrastructure improvements.

·         Discharge of fluoride to the environment and the unknown long term effects on the catchment.

·         Lack of opportunities for public interface with NMDHB process.

It was confirmed there was a forum opportunity at the Nelson Marlborough District Health Board meeting on 24 May 2016, although it was unclear if this was open to the general public.

The mover and seconder agreed to add the words ‘of submitters to the Council’s draft Annual Plan 2016/17’, after the word ‘concerns’.

It was emphasised that a resolution must have no ambiguity about the fact it was not Council’s position on the matter of water fluoridation.

Councillor Fulton, seconded by Her Worship the Mayor, moved an amendment to add an additional bullet to the motion:

·         The type of fluoride added is non-nature equivalent.

It was suggested this amendment reflected a large number of submitters’ concerns about fluoride.

The amendment was put and lost. The meeting returned to the original motion.

Councillor Acland, seconded by Councillor Barker, moved an amendment to add after the words ‘water supply’, the words (noting this is not feedback on Council’s position). Councillors spoke for and against the amendment.

The amendment was put and carried, and became the substantive motion. The motion was left to lie on the table to be considered at a later point in the meeting.

5.9           Waimea Community Dam

Officer comments in the report were noted.

5.10        Discoloured water

In response to questions, Senior Asset Engineer – Utilities, Phil Ruffell explained the likely causes of the discolouration of water currently being experienced by many residents. He confirmed it was linked to the current trial of solely using water from the Maitai Dam for Nelson’s water supply to test it as an option for ongoing use.

Mr Ruffell said he believed that once the trial ended, complaints from residents would abate.

Attendance: Councillor Copeland left the meeting at 12.00pm. Councillor Lawrey left the meeting at 12.02pm.

In response to a question, Mr Ruffell advised the discolouration of water was not linked to operations at the Water Treatment Plant and the water was leaving the plant at an appropriate standard. He said he anticipated the issue with discolouration would be able to be fixed in the medium term.

Attendance: Councillor Copeland returned to the meeting at 12.04pm, Councillor Lawrey returned to the meeting at 12.07pm, and Councillor Acland left the meeting at 12.07pm.

In response to further questions, Mr Ruffell advised the trial had been set for eight weeks, and worthwhile results had been achieved after four to five weeks. He said the discoloured water had not been anticipated.

Councillors agreed to return to this issue at a later point in the meeting.

Attendance: Councillor Ward left the meeting at 12.12pm.

5.11        Water leaks

In response to a question, Mr Ruffell explained how use of water through fire hydrants could be measured.

Attendance: Councillors Acland and Ward returned to the meeting at 12.14pm.

It was suggested the responses to submitters about water leaks should emphasise that environmental impacts, not costs, were the driver for addressing water leaks.

Wastewater

5.12        Gracefield Beheading

Resolved CL/2016/119

THAT the first year options report on the Gracefield beheading project be brought forward from 2018/19 to 2016/17 along with the required funding of $54,066.

Matheson/Noonan                                                                      Carried

Stormwater/Flood protection

5.13        Coleridge Place

Officer comments in the report were noted.

5.14        Day’s Track

Officer comments in the report were noted.

5.15        Arapiki Road

Resolved CL/2016/120

THAT the first year options report on the Arapiki Road project be brought forward from 2018/19 to 2016/17 along with the required funding of $50,000.

Noonan/Copeland                                                                       Carried

5.16        Atmore Terrace

The meeting discussed the Atmore Terrace stormwater request, comparing it to the Arapiki Road project. In response to questions, Mr Ruffell provided further detail on each project.

Attendance: Councillor Fulton left the meeting at 12.25pm.

5.17        Wakapuaka

Group Manager Strategy and Environment, Clare Barton, explained the current consent requirements for clearing gravel build up in streams and rivers. She further explained the challenges of drains, legally defined as water courses, running through to significant natural areas.

Attendance: Councillor Fulton returned to the meeting at 12.27pm.

Ms Barton advised the information on this matter would be reported back as part of the work on the Nelson Plan.

Attendance: The meeting adjourned for lunch from 12.40pm to 1.33pm, during which time Councillors Ward and Skinner left the meeting.

5.18    Fluoride (continued)

The meeting returned to consider the motion regarding fluoride, that had been left to lie on the table earlier in the day.  With the agreement of the meeting, the mover and seconder withdrew the motion on the table.

Attendance: Councillor Ward returned to the meeting at 1.37pm.

Councillor Noonan, seconded by Her Worship the Mayor, moved an alternative motion:

THAT Council request to be heard at Nelson Marlborough District Health Board’s (NMDHB)  meeting on 24 May 2016 to express concerns of submitters to the Council’s draft Annual Plan 2016/17 over plans to fluoridate Nelson water Supply (noting this is not feedback on Council’s position). The point of concern being the lack of opportunities for public interface with the NMDHB.

Councillors discussed the motion, and expressed views for and against the motion. 

Councillors in support of the motion noted that it would enable Council to pass on submitters’ concerns regarding fluoride to the NMDHB.  Councillors against the motion noted that the decision on introducing fluoride to the water supply had not yet passed to the NMDHB, nor had it had an opportunity to establish a process regarding the decision.

 

A division was called:

Councillor Acland

No

Councillor Barker

No

Councillor Copeland

Aye

Councillor Davy

Apology

Councillor Fulton

Aye

Councillor Lawrey

No

Councillor Matheson

Aye

Councillor McGurk

No

Councillor Noonan

Aye

Councillor Rainey

No

Councillor Skinner

Absent

Councillor Ward

Aye

Her Worship the Mayor

Aye

The motion was passed, 6-5.

Resolved CL/2016/121

THAT Council request to be heard at Nelson Marlborough District Health Board’s (NMDHB)  meeting on 24 May 2016 to express concerns of submitters to the Council’s draft Annual Plan 2016/17 over plans to fluoridate Nelson water Supply (noting this is not feedback on Council’s position). The point of concern being the lack of opportunities for public interface with the NMDHB.

Noonan/Her Worship the Mayor                                                  Carried

 

 

 

5.19    Discoloured water (continued)

           In response to a question, Phil Ruffell, explained that the current trial of solely using the Maitai Dam for Nelson’s water supply could end on Sunday 15 May 2016.  He said this would give officers six weeks’ information, and that discolouration should clear within one to two days following the end of the trial.

Attendance:  Councillor Acland left the meeting at 1.57pm.

           Environment

5.20    Argentine Ants

Officers’ comments in the additional information document regarding Argentine Ants were noted.

5.21    Monitoring of Nelson rivers and streams

Officer comments in the report were noted.

5.22    Woodburners

Attendance: Councillor Acland returned to the meeting at 1.58pm.

In response to questions, Ms Barton explained how the proposed additional $60,000 budget would be used for increased monitoring and enforcement of residential woodburner use, and education/behaviour change programmes to achieve a 10% reduction in emissions within particular airsheds, subject to the outcome of the plan change process currently underway.

Attendance:  Councillor Skinner returned to the meeting at 2.03pm.  He declared an interest in relation to woodburners, and left the meeting at 2.05pm.

Resolved CL/2016/122

THAT allocation of an additional $60,000 be made in the Annual Plan for an enhanced behaviour change programme for woodburner operation, contingent on approval of Plan Change A3.

McGurk/Matheson                                                                      Carried

Attendance:  Councillor Skinner returned to the meeting at 2.07pm.

5.23    Landfill

Officer comments in the report were noted.


 

5.24    Freedom Camping

It was suggested that Council did not have a sufficient plan for freedom camping, and required better signage and facilities for non-self-contained vehicles camping overnight in Nelson City.

It was agreed that officers would consider what additional facilities could be achieved for freedom campers and report back to the Council meeting on Thursday 12 May 2016.

There was a further discussion regarding the necessity for a clear strategy regarding freedom camping, and a variety of views were expressed.  It was suggested that development of a relevant strategy should proceed through the relevant committee over the course of the 2016/17 year.

Her Worship the Mayor, seconded by Councillor Noonan, moved:

THAT an allocation of $25,000 be provided in the Annual Plan 2016/17 to advance a Freedom Camping Strategy.

It was agreed that the motion be left to lie on the table until further information regarding freedom camping was available on Thursday 12 May 2016.

5.25    Freshwater Monitoring

It was noted that there were several submissions against the amounts budgeted for freshwater monitoring, but there was general agreement by councillors that the provision for freshwater monitoring was appropriate.

Attendance: The meeting adjourned from 2.26pm to 2.28pm.

In response to a question, it was clarified that the provision of $75,000 for freshwater monitoring would not increase year on year.

5.26    Regional Pest Management Strategy

In response to questions, Ms Barton clarified that Council should await the outcome of the Regional Pest Management Strategy review prior to considering whether any further resource in this area was required.  She added that the Nelson Nature project included provision for community engagement in this area.

Social

5.27    Library

Attendance:  Councillors Matheson and Fulton left the meeting at 2.35pm.


 

Councillor Noonan, seconded by Her Worship the Mayor, moved:

THAT the existing riverside location of the Elma Turner Library be confirmed as the site for the library redevelopment in order to provide certainty on the timing for upgrade work at Civic House, and to allow for adaptive re-use of the State Advances Building;

AND THAT officers report to Council on any additional budget that might be required to realise the library's potential in that location with a view to any adjustments being made during development of the 2018/28 Long Term Plan.

Attendance:  Councillor Matheson returned to the meeting at 2.36pm, and Councillor Fulton returned to the meeting at 2.37pm.

Councillors discussed the motion, and a variety of views were expressed.  Those in support of the motion noted that there had been clear feedback that the library should remain in its present location, and that the motion provided certainty to allow consideration of alternative uses for the State Advances Building.  Those against the motion noted that there had been insufficient detail within the draft Annual Plan regarding the proposal to move the library, and that Council should not preclude further investigation of whether the library was in the most appropriate location for the city.

During discussion, it was suggested that adaptive re-use of vacant space could allow some of the library functions to be located elsewhere.

A right of reply was given, during which a point of order was raised.

Point of Order: Councillor Rainey raised a point of order in accordance with Standing Order 3.13.4(e), noting that new material could not be introduced during a right of reply. Her Worship the Mayor accepted the point of order.

Resolved CL/2016/123

THAT the existing riverside location of the Elma Turner Library be confirmed as the site for the library redevelopment in order to provide certainty on the timing for upgrade work at Civic House, and to allow for adaptive re-use of the State Advances Building

AND THAT officers report to Council on any additional budget that might be required to realise the library's potential in that location with a view to any adjustments being made during development of the 2018/28 Long Term Plan.

Noonan/Her Worship the Mayor                                                  Carried

 

5.28    Library wifi

Officers’ comments in the additional information document regarding the library wifi were noted.

5.29    MenzShed

Officers’ comments in the additional information document regarding the MenzShed were noted.

5.30    Youth Nelson

Officers’ comments in the additional information document regarding Youth Nelson were noted.

Attendance:  Councillor Lawrey left the meeting at 2.53pm.

5.31    Volunteer Nelson

In response to a question, Group Manager Community Services, Chris Ward, explained the Community Investment Funding application process that Volunteer Nelson was currently engaged in.

Ms McDonald added that a collective approach may be more appropriate than a programme run by one agency, and suggested that redirecting the request to the Community Investment Fund process would give officers extra time to work with Volunteer Nelson to broaden its approach.

Attendance:  Councillor Acland left the meeting from 2.56pm to 2.57pm; Councillor Lawrey returned to the meeting at 2.56pm, and left the meeting at 2.57pm.

Resolved CL/2016/124

THAT Volunteer Nelson be advised that its request for additional funding should be made during the development of the Long Term Plan 2018/28 where it can be assessed against other ongoing social funding needs and in the interim it may wish to increase its application to the Community Investment Fund accordingly.

Barker/Noonan                                                                           Carried

5.32    Commemorations

In response to a question, Ms McDonald noted that it would be possible to undertake work on the Cawthron Steps during the 2016/17 year, in preparation for the 175th commemoration of Nelson City, but that this project would likely absorb much of the budget provision for commemoration projects.

In response to further questions, Mr Ward explained that some maintenance work had recently taken place on the Cawthron Steps. 

There was general agreement that the steps appeared dirty.  Following discussion, it was agreed that this item should lie on the table until Thursday 12 May 2016, to allow officers sufficient time to consider the scope and budget required for further maintenance work on the steps.

Attendance:  the meeting adjourned for afternoon tea from 3.04pm to 3.11pm, during which time Councillors Fulton and Skinner left the meeting, and Councillor Lawrey returned to the meeting.

Parks and Active Recreation

5.32    Cricket training and target shooting facility at Saxton Field

Attendance:  Councillor Skinner returned to the meeting at 3.12pm.

Councillor Matheson, seconded by Councillor Rainey, moved the recommendation in the officer report.

It was noted that the amount allocated in the officer recommendation did not allow for associated verandas or pathways to be constructed.

In response to a question, Parks and Facilities Asset Planner, Andrew Petheram, explained the breakdown of the proposed funding, and said that the sports groups had been advised to apply to Tasman District Council for associated funding.

Her Worship the Mayor, seconded by Councillor Rainey moved an amendment to include a second clause:

AND THAT an additional $70,000 be allocated to allow for the veranda and pathways.

The amendment was put and carried and became the substantive motion.

Resolved CL/2016/125

THAT $88,000 be allocated in the Annual Plan 2016/17 to the joint cricket/target shooting facility at Saxton Field to cover geotechnical excavations, Council levies and the fundraising shortfall;

AND THAT an additional $70,000 be allocated to allow for the veranda and pathways.

Matheson/Rainey                                                                        Carried

5.33    The Trafalgar Theatre

It was agreed that discussion on this item would be deferred until Thursday 12 May 2016.

Attendance:  Councillor Fulton returned to the meeting at 3.18pm.

5.34    Hammer cage – Saxton Field

In response to questions, Mr Petheram explained that local use of the hammer cage at Saxton Field was low, but that the facility was also used for events such as the Masters Games.  He said the current facilities were inadequate for regional competition, but the proposal was to upgrade the facilities to meet the standards for national level competitions, which would also provide an appropriate facility for athletes training for international competition.

Attendance:  Councillor Copeland left the meeting from 3.24pm to 3.26pm

Councillors discussed the potential upgrade to the hammer throw facility.  Issues considered during discussion included Council’s health and safety obligations; whether the hammer throwing facility at Saxton Field should be closed until it could be brought to an appropriate standard; whether improvement of the hammer throwing facility should be done at all, given that it had few local users; and if budget provision were to be included, whether the Regional Funding Forum should be involved in the funding decision, given the relatively low amount involved.

In response to a question, Mr Petheram confirmed that an upgraded facility could also be used by junior athletes for discus. 

In response to further questions, he explained that developments at Saxton Field had previously been funded with a 20% contribution from the relevant sports group, with the Regional Funding Forum recommending a split of the remaining 80% between Nelson City (57%) and Tasman District (43%) Councils.  He added that the populations of Nelson City and Tasman District Councils had altered since the last Regional Funding Forum meeting, and as a result, the proportion of the 80% split between the two councils may now be different.

Attendance:  Councillor Matheson left the meeting from 3.32pm to 3.34pm.

It was agreed that this item be left to lie on the table until Thursday 12 May 2016, to allow time for officers to gather further information about the proposed hammer throw facility.

5.35    Marina access ramp

Ms McDonald explained that, since the agenda had been distributed, an engineer had confirmed that temporary solutions for the marina access ramp would not be possible.

It was further suggested that potential solutions for this issue could be advanced as part of the Marina Strategy, and a suggestion was made that officers liaise with affected groups to explore whether any operational changes may be helpful in the meantime.

 

5.36    Kitesurfing

There was a discussion regarding the officer recommendation that kitesurfers provide 50% funding towards the proposed washdown facility.  During discussion, it was suggested that other beach users aside from kitesurfers would also utilise the washdown facility. 

In response to questions, Mr Petheram explained that there was already a water line in the proposed location, and consequently the provision of a washdown facility should be relatively simple and cost-effective to install. 

Attendance:  Councillor McGurk left the meeting at 3.44pm.

Resolved CL/2016/126

THAT an allocation of up to $2,500 be included in the Annual Plan 2016/17 for the provision of washdown facilities for kitesurfing at Tahunanui beach.

Barker/Ward                                                                               Carried

5.37    Swing Moorings – the Haven

It was suggested that the provision of further swing moorings outside of the Haven could be considered during the development of the Marina Strategy.

          Economic

5.38    One day international cricket matches

Officer comments in the report were noted.

5.39    South Island Masters Games 2017

Officer comments in the report were noted.

Corporate

5.40    Wicked Campers – vehicles

           There was a discussion regarding whether Council was able to, or should, take any action regarding offensive slogans and images on campervans.

Resolved CL/2016/127

THAT, in accordance with Standing Order 3.3.7, the meeting continue beyond six hours.

Her Worship the Mayor/Noonan                                                  Carried

It was agreed that Her Worship the Mayor would write a letter to Wicked Campers, outlining Council’s concerns regarding offensive slogans and images on their campervans.

Attendance:  Councillor Acland left the meeting from 3.56pm to 3.57pm.

Concurrent Consultation

5.41    Rates Remission Policy and Rates Postponement Policy

Resolved CL/2016/128

THAT Council note that no further changes are proposed to the Rates Remission Policy & Rates Postponement Policy as a result of the concurrent consultation process.

Her Worship the Mayor/Barker                                                    Carried

           Additional Items

5.42    Brook Camp

           There was a discussion regarding whether any budget provision was required for the Brook Camp.

In response to questions, Mr Ward explained that a report was being developed with recommendations regarding each of the Council-owned campgrounds.

It was agreed that no further budget allocation for the Brook Camp was required at this time. 

Attendance:  The meeting adjourned for the day at 4.09pm, to resume on Thursday 12 May 2016.


 

 

Minutes of a reconvened meeting of the Nelson City Council

Held in the Council Chamber, Civic House, 110 Trafalgar Street, Nelson

On Thursday 12 May 2016, commencing at 9.06am

 

Present:              Her Worship the Mayor R Reese (Chairperson), Councillors L Acland, I Barker, R Copeland, E Davy, K Fulton, M Lawrey, P Matheson (Deputy Mayor), B McGurk, G Noonan, P Rainey, T Skinner and M Ward

In Attendance:   Chief Executive (C Hadley), Group Manager Infrastructure (A Louverdis), Group Manager Strategy and Environment (C Barton), Group Manager Community Services (C Ward), Group Manager Corporate Services (N Harrison), Senior Strategic Adviser (N McDonald), Manager Communications Acting Manager Libraries and Heritage Facilities  (P Shattock), Asset Analyst (D Bartkowiak), Senior Accountant (T Hughes), Policy Coordinator (J Loughnan), and Administration Adviser (E-J Ruthven)

Apology:             Councillor L Acland (for early departure)

 

6.              Deliberations on the draft Annual Plan 2016/17 - Part 2

Document number R5883, late item refers.

Her Worship the Mayor explained that the deliberations would include items in Part 2 of the officer report, as well as additional items that had been left to lie on the table during the meeting on Wednesday 11 May 2016.

6.1      Commemorations - Cawthron Steps (continued)

The meeting returned to consider budget provision for maintenance work on the Cawthron Steps, that had been left to lie on the table the previous day.

The Chief Executive, Clare Hadley, outlined the proposed maintenance work for the steps, and confirmed that budget provision of $50,000 would be sufficient.

Attendance:  The meeting adjourned from 9.07am to 9.12am.

 

 

Resolved CL/2016/129

THAT $50,000 be included in the Annual Plan 2016/17 for the purposes of conservation of the Cawthron Steps.

Her Worship the Mayor/Noonan                                                  Carried

Councillor Barker requested that his vote against the motion be recorded.

6.2      Special Housing Area (SHA) Issues

In response to questions, Development Projects Planner, Lisa Gibellini, explained potential transport solutions for the Saxton Special Housing Area.

In response to further questions, Group Manager Strategy and Environment, Clare Barton, outlined the delays in relation to Stage Two of the Saxton Creek Upgrade.

Resolved CL/2016/130

THAT Council propose an amendment to its Long Term Plan (and consequently the Development Contributions Policy) and consult on this at the same time as the Annual Plan consultation in 2017, for the inclusion of Hill Street to Suffolk Road Link, Upgrade of Hill Street North, and the bridging of Saxton Stream from Hill Street North.

Fulton/Copeland                                                                         Carried

 

6.3      Mountain biking and Gondola

There was a discussion regarding the potential economic impact and tourism opportunities from further developing mountain biking in Nelson.

In response to questions, Parks and Facilities Asset Planner, Andrew Petheram, explained the proposals for new tracks to be built, and for a trail head hub to be established at the Andrews’ Farm in The Brook.  He said that a portaloo and washdown facility could be placed at the Andrews Farm in the short term, which could alleviate congestion and the concerns of residents of The Brook regarding the current use of Betsy Eyre Park as a trail head hub, and allow for appropriate planning of long-term trail head facilities in the future.

In response to further questions, Mr Petheram advised that the Off Road Tracks and Trails Strategy currently in development would recognise the importance of developing walking tracks as well as mountain biking tracks.  He outlined the general locations for proposed walking tracks, but explained that construction of these tracks would not be possible in 2016/17.

In response to further questions, Mr Petheram explained that a small portion of the $100,000 provision in the last clause of the officer recommendation related to extending the scope of the Off Road Tracks and Trails Strategy to consider the economic benefits of mountain biking in Nelson, with the majority of the additional provision focused on implementing the Strategy once adopted.

Attendance:  Councillor Davy left the meeting from 9.41am to 9.42am.

In response to further questions, Mr Petheram outlined the general process and division of labour between Council and the Nelson Mountain Bike Club with regards to the construction of new tracks.  He added that the conditions specified in the second clause of the officer recommendation should not be viewed as potential road blocks to the future construction of new mountain biking tracks.  He explained further the rationale for the proposal to include ‘Grade Two’ family-style trails.

During discussion, councillors indicated that the importance of walking tracks should be formally recognised by Council, even though design and construction would not happen in the 2016/17 year.  The importance of appropriate signage and making available information brochures was also noted.

Attendance:  Councillor Ward left the meeting from 10.01am to 10.03am. 

During discussion, a suggestion was made that the resolution should reflect officer advice that $50,000 allocated for progressing the gondola project should be delayed for one year, until the Off Road Tracks and Trails Strategy was in place.

Attendance:  The meeting adjourned from 10.06am to 10.19am.

Councillor Davy, seconded by Councillor Noonan, moved a motion:

THAT unspent capital expenditure from the 2015/16 budget of $50,000 be carried forward to 2016/17 for a grade 2 mountain bike track in Marsden Valley;

AND THAT, subject to landowner approval, consultation with the Brook Valley community, any consent requirement and the outcomes of the Off Road Tracks and Trails Strategy, $5,000 capital expenditure be allocated to the provision of a track descending from Fringed Hill, with the remainder of the trail formation costs to be funded by the Nelson Mountain Bike Club;

AND THAT up to $8,000 operational expenditure is allocated in the Annual Plan 2016/17 to provide toilet facilities at the top of Fringed Hill once the new track is open;

 

AND THAT, subject to the outcomes of the Off Road Tracks and Trails Strategy and any resource consent matters, the Codgers Track be reinstated on the basis of $15,000 funding from Council and a matching contribution from the Nelson Mountain Bike Club;

AND THAT $20,000 opex be allocated to extend the scope of the Off Road Tracks and Trails Strategy to consider the potential economic benefits of developing mountain biking in the region and how to access these, with $80,000 capex being directed to implementation of the Strategy once it is approved;

AND THAT Council acknowledges the importance of also developing a good network of walking tracks and notes these will be identified concurrently with other off-road tracks and trails;

AND THAT the $50,000 proposed to be allocated for progressing the gondola project be deferred one year to be considered during development of the 2017/18 Annual Plan.

Councillor Lawrey, seconded by Councillor Acland, moved an amendment to replace the final clause of the motion with:

AND THAT $100,000 be allocated in the Annual Plan 2016/17 to assist the Nelson Cycle Lift Society to drive the gondola project to the next stage, including the employment of a project manager by the Nelson Cycle Lift Society, to seek funding from central government and other investors.

It was agreed that the clause relating to the gondola be taken separately, and prior to the remainder of the motion relating to mountain biking.

 

Attendance:  Councillor Rainey declared an interest in relation to the gondola, and left the meeting at 10.30am. 

Councillors discussed the amendment, and a variety of views were expressed. 

Those in favour of the amendment noted that the gondola could provide a significant economic boost for Nelson, but that the volunteers who were working to advance the project may have run out of energy, and may not be able to sustain the project for a further year unless Council funding was made available in 2016/17.  It was further suggested that funding of $50,000 was insufficient and at least $100,000 was required to develop the project further.

Councillors against the amendment noted that the most important action Council could take for advancing the gondola project could be to construct new tracks and develop mountain biking and walking resources further, to demonstrate the desire for a gondola and attract private investment to the project.  It was further suggested that the Off Road Tracks and Trails Strategy should be completed before Council provide further funding to the gondola project.

The amendment was put, and a division was called:

Councillor Acland

Aye

Councillor Barker

No

Councillor Copeland

No

Councillor Davy

No

Councillor Fulton

No

Councillor Lawrey

Aye

Councillor Matheson

No

Councillor McGurk

Aye

Councillor Noonan

No

Councillor Rainey

Interest

Councillor Skinner

No

Councillor Ward

Aye

Her Worship the Mayor

No

The amendment was lost, 8-4.

Attendance:  The meeting adjourned for morning tea from 10.59am to 11.21am. 

Her Worship the Mayor reminded the meeting that the matter on the table was the final clause of the motion, relating to the gondola.

Her Worship the Mayor, seconded by Councillor Ward moved a further amendment to replace the final clause of the motion with:

AND THAT Council acknowledges the importance of also developing a good network of walking tracks and notes these will be identified concurrently with other off-road tracks and trails;

AND THAT provision of $100,000 be made in the Annual Plan 2016/17, being

·      $50,000 to cover both the employment of a project manager by the Nelson Cycle Lift Society (or its successor) and for advice on the economic contribution of a gondola to mountain biking and the city, contingent on the Governance Committee approving a project plan at its meeting in July 2016, and

 

·      $50,000 match/partnership funding to be made available once Nelson Cycle Lift Society (or its successor) has raised at least $50,000, contingent upon the Governance Committee receiving advice of the positive economic impact of the gondola,

AND THAT the Governance Committee be delegated the authority to consider this matter and make recommendations to Council.

Attendance:  Councillor Acland left the meeting from 11.28am to 11.29am.

Councillors discussed the amendment.  Those in favour of the amendment emphasised the potential benefits of the gondola, and noted that it allowed for further development of the project, subject to Council receiving appropriate advice and match funding being made available.  Those against the amendment emphasised that private investment could drive the project forward to the next stage, and noted that it could be inappropriate for Council to make further budget provision for the gondola at this stage.

Attendance:  Councillor Ward left the meeting from 11.37am to 11.38am. 

The amendment was put, and a division was called:

Councillor Acland

Aye

Councillor Barker

No

Councillor Copeland

Aye

Councillor Davy

Aye

Councillor Fulton

Aye

Councillor Lawrey

Aye

Councillor Matheson

Aye

Councillor McGurk

Aye

Councillor Noonan

No

Councillor Rainey

Interest

Councillor Skinner

No

Councillor Ward

Aye

Her Worship the Mayor

Aye

The amendment was passed, 9-3, and became the substantive motion.

 

 

 

Resolved CL/2016/131

AND THAT Council acknowledges the importance of also developing a good network of walking tracks and notes these will be identified concurrently with other off-road tracks and trails;

AND THAT provision of $100,000 be made in the Annual Plan 2016/17, being

·      $50,000 to cover both the employment of a project manager by the Nelson Cycle Lift Society (or its successor) and for advice on the economic contribution of a gondola to mountain biking and the city, contingent on the Governance Committee approving a project plan at its meeting in July 2016, and

·      $50,000 match/partnership funding to be made available once Nelson Cycle Lift Society (or its successor) has raised at least $50,000, contingent upon the Governance Committee receiving advice of the positive economic impact of the gondola,

AND THAT the Governance Committee be delegated the authority to consider this matter and make recommendations to Council.

Davy/Noonan                                                                             Carried

Attendance:  Councillor Lawrey left the meeting from 11.45am to 11.46am, Councillor Rainey returned to the meeting at 11.46am, and Councillor Matheson left the meeting at 11.47am.

The meeting returned to consider the remainder of the motion relating to mountain biking.

Discussion noted that the Nelson Mountain Bike Club was organised and ready to commence with track construction, and that effective engagement between Council, the mountain biking, walking and Brook communities had continued to take place during development of the Off Road Tracks and Trails Strategy.

Resolved CL/2016/132

THAT unspent capital expenditure from the 2015/16 budget of $50,000 be carried forward to 2016/17 for a grade 2 mountain bike track in Marsden Valley;

 

AND THAT, subject to landowner approval, consultation with the Brook Valley community, any consent requirement and the outcomes of the Off Road Tracks and Trails Strategy, $5,000 capital expenditure be allocated to the provision of a track descending from Fringed Hill, with the remainder of the trail formation costs to be funded by the Nelson Mountain Bike Club;

AND THAT up to $8,000 operational expenditure is allocated in the Annual Plan 2016/17 to provide toilet facilities at the top of Fringed Hill once the new track is open;

AND THAT, subject to the outcomes of the Off Road Tracks and Trails Strategy and any resource consent matters, the Codgers Track be reinstated on the basis of $15,000 funding from Council and a matching contribution from the Nelson Mountain Bike Club;

AND THAT $20,000 opex be allocated to extend the scope of the Off Road Tracks and Trails Strategy to consider the potential economic benefits of developing mountain biking in the region and how to access these, with $80,000 capex being directed to implementation of the Strategy once it is approved;

AND THAT Council acknowledges the importance of also developing a good network of walking tracks and notes these will be identified concurrently with other off-road tracks and trails.

Davy/Noonan                                                                             Carried

Attendance:  Councillor Lawrey left the meeting from 11.52am to 11.56am, Councillor Acland left the meeting at 11.54am, Councillor Fulton left the meeting at 11.55am, and Councillor Matheson returned to the meeting at 11.56am.

6.4      Responses to submitters

The meeting considered the spreadsheet of responses to submitters page by page.  It was noted that the responses to submitters would be updated based on discussions and decisions of Council at the meeting to deliberate on the Annual Plan.  Further minor updates provided for responses to the following submissions:

·      Other Transport Projects – Seymour Avenue;

·      Walking and Cycling Projects – Tahunanui Business Association Inc;

·      Wastewater – Gaire Thompson;

·      Parks and Active Recreation – Rhys Jones;

·      Parks and Active recreation – Tahunanui Business Asociation Inc; and

·      Corporate – Graeme O’Brien

 

Attendance:  Councillor Noonan left the meeting at 12.06pm to 12.09pm.

 

6.5      Tahunanui BMX Track

 

There was a discussion regarding the Tahunanui BMX track, and whether there were plans to retain the Tahunanui track once the BMX facility at Saxton Field had been developed. 

In response to questions, Mr Petheram outlined the BMX Club’s vision for a national-standard facility at Saxton Field.  He explained that the Tahunanui track could not be expanded, due to space limitations and erosion issues, but that it may be appropriate to retain the Tahunanui track in some form.

6.6      Hammer Throw Facility (continuation)

The meeting resumed discussion regarding the hammer throw facility at Saxton Field, that had been left to lie on the table the previous day.

The Chief Executive, Clare Hadley, advised that officers had reviewed Council’s health and safety obligations, and now recommended that the hammer throw facility be closed until its safety could be improved. 

Mrs Hadley added that when estimates of the additional costs involved with upgrading the facility were included, officers’ recommendation was that Top of the South Athletics contribute $8,000 towards the facility, Council make a budget provision for $20,000, and apply to Tasman District Council to fund part of the facility in a similar manner to applications to the Regional Funding Forum.

In response to questions, Mrs Hadley explained that Tasman District Council had a budget provision for developments at Saxton Field.  She added that Top of the South Athletics could be advised to apply to Tasman District Council’s Community Grants Fund.

Resolved CL/2016/133

THAT in light of safety concerns, Council withdraw the hammer throw facility at Saxton Field until appropriate provisions are made for safety;

 

AND THAT Council approach Tasman District Council for funding in a similar manner to the Regional Funding Forum;

 

AND THAT Council make provision of $20,000 in the Annual Plan 2016/17;

 

AND THAT Top of the South Athletics be advised that all establishment costs must be covered before the facility is reinstated.

Barker/Davy                                                                               Carried

 

Attendance:  Councillor Copeland left the meeting at 12.25pm.

 

6.7      Freedom Camping (contined)

The meeting resumed the discussion regarding freedom camping that had been left to lie on the table the previous day.

Mrs Hadley advised that budget provision of $10,000 could be made to provide for two sinks in two locations, to allow freedom campers to wash dishes and clean their teeth.  She added that appropriate signage could assist with ensuring that campers used public toilet basins for hand washing only.  She said that officers had not yet had a chance to consider appropriate locations for sinks.

Attendance:  Councillors Lawrey and Rainey left the meeting from 12.30pm to 12.33pm, and Councillor Davy left the meeting at 12.30pm.

There was further discussion regarding the motion relating to budget provision for a Freedom Camping Strategy, which had been left to lie on the table the previous day.

Resolved CL/2016/134

THAT an allocation of $25,000 be provided in the Annual Plan 2016/17 to advance a Freedom Camping Strategy.

Her Worship the Mayor/Noonan                                                  Carried

Resolved CL/2016/135

THAT provision of $10,000 capital expenditure be made in the Annual Plan 2016/17 for two sinks at two locations to meet the demands of freedom campers.

Ward/Fulton                                                                               Carried

Attendance:  Councillor Barker left the meeting from 12.39pm to 12.41pm.

 

6.8      The Trafalgar Theatre (continued)

It was noted that further information in relation to theatre acoustics may be required, but this information would not be available prior to the end of the meeting.

It was agreed that budget provision should be included for the Trafalgar Theatre at this stage.

Resolved CL/2016/136

THAT provision for $400,000 capital expenditure be confirmed in the Annual Plan 2016/17 for the Trafalgar Theatre.

Noonan/Copeland                                                                       Carried

6.9      Carry-Forwards

Group Manager Corporate Services, Nikki Harrison, and Manager Capital Programmes, Shane Davies, tabled a document outlining capital movements (A1545648).

In response to questions, Mr Davies explained the reasons for budget movements between financial years.  He clarified that the adjustments in the tabled document reflected the items notified through the Corporate Report to the Audit, Risk and Finance Subcommittee, and added that there may be further adjustments to make for multi-year project budgets following the end of the financial year.

In response to further questions, Mr Davies said he was confident that the KPI relating to capital projects would be met.

Resolved CL/2016/137

THAT the capital programme for 2015/16 and 2016/17, complete with phasing changes, corrections and other changes as set out in document A1545648 be received and approved.

Barker/Matheson                                                                        Carried

Attachments

1    A1545648 - Tabled Document - Capital Movements

 

Attendance:  The meeting adjourned for lunch from 12.58pm to 1.19pm, during which time Councillor Fulton left the meeting.

6.10    Reconciliation

Group Manager Corporate Services, Nikki Harrison, explained that the proposed average rate rise, based on the decisions made over the course of the deliberations meeting, was 2.84%.  She said that interest savings may lead to this amount moving by up to 0.02 percentage points in either direction, prior to the draft Annual Plan 2016/17 being adopted by Council on 2 June 2016.

In response to questions, Ms Harrison explained that the forecast debt level for the end of 2016/17 was $131 million, as against the forecast in the Long Term Plan 2015-25 for the same timeframe of $133.8 million.  She explained how debt funding capital projects across a number of years achieved inter-generational equity.

6.11    Confirmation of Resolutions

Resolved CL/2016/138

THAT Council confirm all resolutions made in principle during the deliberations meeting of 11 and 12 May 2016.

Ward/Matheson                                                                          Carried

 

Attendance:  Councillor Fulton returned to the meeting at 1.21pm, and Councillor Rainey left the meeting at 1.23pm.

 

 

There being no further business the meeting ended at 1.37pm.

 

Confirmed as a correct record of proceedings:

 

 

 

                                                       Chairperson                                     Date