Agenda of Works and Infrastructure Committee

N-logotype-black-wide Works and Infrastructure Committee

30 March 2017

Page No.

1. Apologies

Nil

2. Confirmation of Order of Business

3. Interests

3.1 Updates to the Interests Register

3.2 Identify any conflicts of interest in the agenda

4. Public Forum

4.1 Richard Adams

Richard Adams will speak about Church Street improvements.

5. Confirmation of Minutes

5.1 16 February 2017 7 - 12

Document number M2328

Recommendation

That the Committee

Confirms the minutes of the meeting of the Works and Infrastructure Committee, held on 16 February 2017, as a true and correct record.

6. Status Report - Works and Infrastructure Committee - 30 March 2017 13 - 17

Document number R7366

Recommendation

That the Committee

Receives the Status Report Works and Infrastructure Committee 30 March 2017 (R7366) and its attachment (A1150321).

Transport and Roading

7. Church Street Improvement - Concept Design Approval 18 - 56

Document number R7018

Recommendation

That the Committee

Receives the report Church Street Improvement - Concept Design Approval (R7018) and its attachments (A1719565; A1719554; A1569724); and

Approves the concept design as detailed in Attachment 2 (A1719554) of report R7018 for the improvement of Church Street that will allow detailed design and construction to proceed.

Public Excluded Business

8. Exclusion of the Public

Recommendation

That the Committee

Excludes the public from the following parts of the proceedings of this meeting.

The general subject of each matter to be considered while the public is excluded, the reason for passing this resolution in relation to each matter and the specific grounds under section 48(1) of the Local Government Official Information and Meetings Act 1987 for the passing of this resolution are as follows:

Item	General subject of each matter to be considered	Reason for passing this resolution in relation to each matter	Particular interests protected (where applicable)
1	Works and Infrastructure Committee Meeting - Public Excluded Minutes - 16 February 2017	Section 48(1)(a) The public conduct of this matter would be likely to result in disclosure of information for which good reason exists under section 7.	The withholding of the information is necessary: · Section 7(2)(i) To enable the local authority to carry on, without prejudice or disadvantage, negotiations (including commercial and industrial negotiations).
2	Status Report - Works and Infrastructure Committee - 30 March 2017	Section 48(1)(a) The public conduct of this matter would be likely to result in disclosure of information for which good reason exists under section 7	The withholding of the information is necessary: · Section 7(2)(i) To enable the local authority to carry on, without prejudice or disadvantage, negotiations (including commercial and industrial negotiations)
3	Low Street - proposed road stopping	Section 48(1)(a) The public conduct of this matter would be likely to result in disclosure of information for which good reason exists under section 7	The withholding of the information is necessary: · Section 7(2)(i) To enable the local authority to carry on, without prejudice or disadvantage, negotiations (including commercial and industrial negotiations)
4	Saxton Creek Upgrade - Stage 2 Property Negotiations	Section 48(1)(a) The public conduct of this matter would be likely to result in disclosure of information for which good reason exists under section 7	The withholding of the information is necessary: · Section 7(2)(i) To enable the local authority to carry on, without prejudice or disadvantage, negotiations (including commercial and industrial negotiations)

Item

General subject of each matter to be considered

Reason for passing this resolution in relation to each matter

Particular interests protected (where applicable)

Works and Infrastructure Committee Meeting - Public Excluded Minutes - 16 February 2017

Section 48(1)(a)

The public conduct of this matter would be likely to result in disclosure of information for which good reason exists under section 7.

The withholding of the information is necessary:

· Section 7(2)(i)

To enable the local authority to carry on, without prejudice or disadvantage, negotiations (including commercial and industrial negotiations).

Status Report - Works and Infrastructure Committee - 30 March 2017

Section 48(1)(a)

The public conduct of this matter would be likely to result in disclosure of information for which good reason exists under section 7

The withholding of the information is necessary:

· Section 7(2)(i)

To enable the local authority to carry on, without prejudice or disadvantage, negotiations (including commercial and industrial negotiations)

Low Street - proposed road stopping

Section 48(1)(a)

The public conduct of this matter would be likely to result in disclosure of information for which good reason exists under section 7

The withholding of the information is necessary:

· Section 7(2)(i)

To enable the local authority to carry on, without prejudice or disadvantage, negotiations (including commercial and industrial negotiations)

Saxton Creek Upgrade - Stage 2 Property Negotiations

Section 48(1)(a)

The public conduct of this matter would be likely to result in disclosure of information for which good reason exists under section 7

The withholding of the information is necessary:

· Section 7(2)(i)

To enable the local authority to carry on, without prejudice or disadvantage, negotiations (including commercial and industrial negotiations)

9. Re-admittance of the public

Recommendation

That the Committee

Re-admits the public to the meeting.

Note:

· Youth Councillors Luke Wilkes and Josephine Riley will be in attendance at this meeting. (delete as appropriate)

Minutes of a meeting of the Works and Infrastructure Committee

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

On Thursday 16 February 2017, commencing at 9.00am

Present: Councillor P Matheson (Chairperson), Her Worship the Mayor R Reese, Councillors L Acland, B Dahlberg, M Lawrey, G Noonan, T Skinner and S Walker (Deputy Chairperson)

In Attendance: Councillors I Barker, M Courtney and B McGurk, Chief Executive (C Hadley), Group Manager Infrastructure (A Louverdis), Manager Communications (P Shattock), Manager Roading and Utilities (P Anderson), Manager Capital Projects (S Davies), Senior Asset Engineer –Solid Waste (J Thiart), Manager Administration (P Langley), Team Leader Administration Advisers (Robyn Byrne), Administration Advisers (S Burgess and J McDougall) and Youth Councillors J Morgan and C Rollo

1. Apology

There were no apologies.

2. Confirmation of Order of Business

There were no changes to the order of business.

3. Interests

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

4. Public Forum

4.1 Steve Cross - Nelson Residents Association

Steve Cross, from the Nelson Residents Association, made a presentation (A1712429) about the state of Nelson’s infrastructure, including the results of his benchmarking work between Nelson City Council and other councils throughout the country.

Mr Cross answered questions about the Nelson Residents Association’s views on how improvements in infrastructure could be funded from rates.

Attachments

1 A1712429 - Steve Cross - Public Forum presentation - Nelson Residents Association

Attendance: Her Worship the Mayor joined the meeting at 9.15am.

5. Confirmation of Minutes

5.1 17 November 2016

Document number M2199, agenda pages 8 - 15 refer.

Resolved WI/2017/001

That the Committee

Confirms the minutes of the meeting of the Works and Infrastructure Committee, held on 17 November 2016, as a true and correct record.

Walker/Skinner Carried

6. Status Report - Works and Infrastructure Committee - 16 February 2017

Document number R7129, agenda pages 16 - 20 refer.

Group Manager Infrastructure, Alec Louverdis provided updates regarding the Fiddle Lane awnings, Waimea Road re-sealing and Church St concept plans.

Resolved WI/2017/002

That the Committee

Receives the Status Report Works and Infrastructure Committee 16 February 2017 (R7129) and its attachment (A1710450).

Noonan/Dahlberg Carried

7. Chairperson's Report

Document number R7150, agenda pages 21 - 23 refer.

Resolved WI/2017/003

That the Committee

Receives the Chairperson's Report (R7150); and

Appoints the Chairperson of the Works and Infrastructure Committee to the Councillor Liaison role for Accessibility for All for the 2016 – 2019 triennium.

Noonan/Acland Carried

Transport and Roading

8. Tresillian Avenue Resurfacing

Document number R7025, agenda pages 24 - 28 refer.

Manager Roading and Utilities, Peter Anderson presented the report. He answered questions about the state of the road now and in the past, advice or information sent to residents, the potential costs of improving this particular road surface, and complaints received in relation to road surfacing.

Attendance: Her Worship the Mayor left the meeting from 9.28am to 9.37am.

Resolved WI/2017/004

That the Committee

Receives the report Tresillian Avenue Resurfacing (R7025) and its attachment (A1710390).

Walker/Dahlberg Carried

Water, Wastewater, Stormwater

9. Capital Expenditure Programme 2016-17 Quarter 2 Progress Report

Document number R6962, agenda pages 29 - 37 refer.

Group Manager Infrastructure, Alec Louverdis, and Manager Capital Projects, Shane Davies presented the report and answered questions related to phasing, budget and processes. Mr Louverdis answered specific questions relating to the water treatment plant membranes.

Attendance: Councillor McGurk left the meeting from 10.17am to 10.20am.

Resolved WI/2017/005

That the Committee

Receives the report Capital Expenditure Programme 2016-17 Quarter 2 Progress Report (R6962).

Skinner/Walker Carried

Recommendation to Council WI/2017/006

That the Council

Approves, with respect to project 2964 Saxton Creek Culvert to Sea flood protection, that $190,000 be transferred from the 2022/23 budget allocation to 2017/18 to enable the detailed design and resource consent to be completed in 2017/18; and

Approves, with respect to project 2624 Nile Street East stormwater and flood protection, that

· $615,550 of current year budget be transferred to 2017/18, and that the construction stage be moved to 2017/18,

· and that an additional $160,000 construction budget in 2017/18 be approved, and that

· the total required construction budget of $775,550 is included as a commitment in the draft Annual Plan 2017/18; and

Approves, with respect to project 2473 Wastney Terrace piping ditch (stormwater),

· that $720,000 of current year budget be transferred to 2017/18, and that

· an additional $130,000 for construction budget in 2017/18 be approved, and that

· the total required construction budget of $850,000 is included as a commitment in the draft Annual Plan 2017/18; and

Approves, with respect to project 2894 Poorman Valley Stream Walkway, that $107,000 be transferred from 2017/18 to 2018/19; and

Approves, with respect to project 2555 Water Treatment Plant membranes,

· that $1,081,310 be transferred from 2018/19 to 2016/17, and that $938,690 be transferred from 2017/18 to 2016/17, and that

· additional 2017/18 budget of $352,500 be approved, to enable early ordering of two sets of membranes, and that

· the total required budget of $467,000 in 2017/18 be included as a commitment in the draft Annual Plan 2017/18.

Matheson/Dahlberg Carried

10. Exclusion of the Public

Resolved WI/2017/007

That the Committee

Excludes the public from the following parts of the proceedings of this meeting.

Matheson/Skinner Carried

Item	General subject of each matter to be considered	Reason for passing this resolution in relation to each matter	Particular interests protected (where applicable)
1	Green Waste Tender Update/Approval	Section 48(1)(a) The public conduct of this matter would be likely to result in disclosure of information for which good reason exists under section 7	The withholding of the information is necessary: · Section 7(2)(i) To enable the local authority to carry on, without prejudice or disadvantage, negotiations (including commercial and industrial negotiations)

Item

General subject of each matter to be considered

Reason for passing this resolution in relation to each matter

Particular interests protected (where applicable)

Green Waste Tender Update/Approval

Section 48(1)(a)

The public conduct of this matter would be likely to result in disclosure of information for which good reason exists under section 7

The withholding of the information is necessary:

· Section 7(2)(i)

To enable the local authority to carry on, without prejudice or disadvantage, negotiations (including commercial and industrial negotiations)

The meeting went into public excluded session at 10.22am and resumed in public session at 12.04pm.

11. Re-admittance of the Public

Resolved WI/2017/008

That the Committee

Re-admits the public to the meeting.

Matheson/Skinner Carried

There being no further business the meeting ended at 12.04pm.

Confirmed as a correct record of proceedings:

Chairperson Date

Works and Infrastructure Committee

30 March 2017

REPORT R7018

Church Street Improvement - Concept Design Approval

1. Purpose of Report

1.1 To approve concept plans for the Church Street improvements to allow detailed design to continue.

2. Recommendation

That the Committee

Receives the report Church Street Improvement - Concept Design Approval (R7018) and its attachments (A1719565; A1719554; A1569724); and

Approves the concept design as detailed in Attachment 2 (A1719554) of report R7018 for the improvement of Church Street that will allow detailed design and construction to proceed.

3. Background

3.1 The Church Street upgrade was originally proposed as part of the Heart of Nelson Strategy in 2009.

3.2 On 23 June 2016 this Committee received a proposal for the improvement of the Church Street urban environment from Church Street property and business owners.

3.3 That proposal considered using corten steel planters rather than Victorian styled bollards and chains used in Trafalgar Street, to separate the outdoor dining from the roadway. The reason for this was that Church Street does not have the heritage buildings that Trafalgar Street does thus a more contemporary design aesthetic could be adopted.

3.4 The Committee resolved:

AND THAT $75,000 be allocated from provision in the 2016/17 CBD Enhancement budget to engage with stakeholders and develop a design for the upgrade of Church Street in the 2016/17 financial year;

AND THAT the developed design be brought back to the Works and Infrastructure Committee for approval prior to construction;

AND THAT construction be prioritised in future Annual/Long Term Plans.

3.5 This report details the concept plan consulted on with property owners and businesses and seeks committee approval to proceed to detailed design.

4. Discussion

4.1 The Church Street project is a valuable opportunity to upgrade a key laneway in the city. The importance of laneways in activating the public realm has been widely recognised with many cities making this a priority for urban regeneration. Laneways can become engaging spaces for pedestrians while delivering a finer grain experience of the city away from the hustle and bustle of main streets.

4.2 This project will develop the character of Church Street, forming a better connection between city hubs and improving the walkability and permeability of the city. Visitors and residents are likely to enjoy the lively environment and human scale spaces created.

4.3 Recent increases in the number of retail and business offerings on the street is increasing the level of activity. This and the early and enthusiastic engagement of a number of local businesses makes Church Street a good candidate for an upgrade.

Consultation Process

4.4 Several meetings were held with the business and property owners in arriving at a concept and feedback was largely supportive. Minor issues/concerns are summarised in Attachment 1 and will be addressed during detail design.

Key Design Considerations

4.5 The full concept incorporating the plans and visualisations for the proposed Church Street are shown in Attachment 2.

4.6 The concept plans arrived at with the business and property owners differs from the proposal presented to this Committee in June 2016. Those changes include the street becoming a shared zone (where pedestrians have priority over vehicles) and one-way traffic flow for the full length of Church Street, from Hardy Street to Selwyn Place.

4.7 In summary, key features of the revised concept include:

· flush roadway and footpaths creating a pedestrian oriented environment;

· a one-way, formally designated “Shared Zone” environment, with a self-enforcing low design speed (approx. 10km/hr);

· gateway treatments at the street entrances;

· increased pedestrian path widths;

· increased outdoor dining space;

· central area outside café/restaurants as a focal point;

· improved lighting for aesthetics, usability and safety;

· ability for property owners and businesses to give identity to the street;

· increased vegetation (approx. 16 additional trees and green planting areas);

· better equipped to close the street on a temporary basis for festivals, markets and events which has significant support among the Church Street business and property owners.

4.8 The overhead ‘catenary’ lighting shown on the concept plans is not being included at this stage to keep the project within budget. The estimated cost for these lights is an additional $50,000. The local businesses and property owners strongly supported the overhead ‘catenary’ lighting and Council officers will consult with them during detail design to find an appropriate solution for providing adequate lighting.

4.9 A key consideration was to create an adaptive, creative engaging space that is people focussed, inviting, accessible whilst at the same time recognising the importance of the link from the Rutherford Hotel and Conference Centre to the CBD (used as a route for people walking and cycling to the Nelson Market).

4.10 The concept design is intentionally viewed as a canvas which Church Street property owners and businesses can utilise to add their own character. An example is the ability to set out their own street furniture and to hold activities within the spaces created.

4.11 Traffic access and flow was also an important consideration. The current arrangement is confused with partial one way and two way flow. This takes up valuable public space that could be put to better use for people and amenity.

4.12 Officers could not support closing the street (as requested by one of the businesses) as some properties rely on Church Street for vehicle access to their property. Closing Church Street to through vehicular traffic could also reduce passive surveillance and potentially result in safety issues or anti-social behaviour, as well as reduced vibrancy during quieter periods. In addition, consultation and legal requirements for closing a road can be a lengthy process with uncertain outcomes that would add time, cost and uncertainty to the project.

4.13 One way traffic flow was considered desirable as it retains vehicle access to properties, it ensures the space is activated and accessible even in the quieter months, and it ensures vehicles can still circulate about the CBD efficiently. In addition, it allows for safety at the Selwyn Place pedestrian crossing to be improved. The current arrangement has been identified as being unsafe and two accidents have been recorded here in the past with one involving pedestrians on the zebra crossing.

4.14 The direction of flow was originally proposed to run from Selwyn Place to Hardy St. Despite traffic calming measures proposed in the design (such as narrowed carriageway, enclosure by trees and seating, flush surface giving shared space and pedestrian priority characteristics, and threshold treatments to narrow and slow entry/exit points) there remained a concern that this could be a ‘rat run’ into the CBD. Based on this feedback, and being a better fit with Council’s transportation strategy of directing vehicles into the CBD via the main car parking squares, officers support a one-way flow from Hardy to Selwyn Place, extending across the full length of Church Street.

4.15 It is considered that the recommended option of keeping Church Street open to one-way traffic effectively retains the existing arrangements which provides flexibility to the road network during events when Upper Trafalgar Street is closed (i.e. Masked Parade; NMIT graduations; Saturday Annual Street Markets; Buskers Festival, or other events), as well as access for businesses.

4.16 In all cases the ability to access and attract cyclists to the area has been at the forefront. Council has the ability to establish two way cycle flow, with appropriate signage, on a one way street. Observations of cyclist behaviour on site showed many took this opportunity even with the current street arrangement.

4.17 Approval of one way traffic flow will require an amendment to the Parking and Vehicle Bylaw and that will be actioned through the normal process of a report to the Planning and Regulatory Committee if approved by this Committee.

Finances and Timeframes

4.18 Funding in the amount of $75,000 is provided in the 2016/17 Annual Plan to complete both concept and detail design. Construction is planned to follow in 2017/18, with funding from the CBD Enhancement Fund. Detail design will commence with due urgency should the committee approve the concept.

4.19 The preliminary cost estimate for the physical works is estimated at $500,000 and this has been allocated in the draft annual plan. The preliminary cost estimate is broken down as follows:

Item	Estimate
Construction Estimate	$375,000
Professional Services Fee (Construction supervision)	$ 40,000
Risk Estimate - Construction Contingency	$ 85,000
Total	$500,000

4.20 Another risk is the possibility of an uncompetitive environment for construction works at time of tender. This is currently a significant issue affecting many infrastructure projects.

4.21 This risk will need to be assessed closer to time of tender as market conditions may change. Flexibility around project timing is one approach that could be used to help minimise this risk. More favourable rates could be achieved by offering contractors a greater window to complete the project – possibly over several financial years.

4.22 The expectation of the business and property owners are that this project proceeds quickly. The duration of construction is expected to take several months, however this will be confirmed once detail design is completed. To minimise disruption to businesses in Church Street construction is currently planned to commence in April 2018 (after Easter) – this has again been discussed with those in Church Street. However this may be altered if flexibility is required to project timing to mitigate uncompetitive construction market conditions at time of tender.

4.23 When this project was presented to Council by a group of businesses and property owners they proposed to contribute the corten steel planters and outdoor dining furniture, along with signing up to lease the space. The concept has moved on from that originally proposed but the businesses will still be responsible for leasing outdoor areas and providing appropriate street furniture (i.e. pot-plants, dining furniture, and artwork). A Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) will be developed with the business and property owners as to how this process will be managed. This MOU must be in place prior to any physical works starting.

Future Engagement

4.24 Consultation on the concept plan has been limited to Church Street business and property owners. However if the concept presented in this report is approved, officers will seek feedback relating to the proposal from the CBD community and the wider public through Council’s normal processes (i.e. media, website & Our Nelson).

5. Options

5.1 Various options around the design and traffic flow have been considered, and as discussed in section 4 of this report the current One-way Shared Zone Concept is preferred. The design has received the support of the Church Street community and funding is budgeted.

5.2 Refer to attachment 3, Business Case, for further detail regarding the options. A summary of the key Advantages/Disadvantages for each option is summarised below.

Option 1: Proposed One Way “Shared Zone” Concept
Advantages	· Enlivened space with larger dining area to encourage people to stop drink and eat. · Wider footways to give people opportunity to linger without blocking footway. · Strong support by the Church Street businesses and property owners. · Meets both the local community and councils aims, of increased vibrancy, improved lighting levels and pedestrian linkages. · Increase in foot traffic and sales for local businesses. · An attraction for visitors. · Improve amenity of area with good design and use of quality materials. · Simplifies the road system and removes the existing confusion due to the short section of two-way, no exit road. · Opportunity to improve pedestrian safety at the Selwyn Place pedestrian crossing. · Provides for cyclists to use the road in both directions. · Enhanced ability to close the street on a temporary basis for festivals, markets and events which has significant support among the Church Street business and property owners Provides for cyclists to use the road in both directions.
Risks and Disadvantages	· Disruption created during construction works, but businesses are aware of and generally accepting of this. · People could be drawn away from premier CBD space of Trafalgar Street. · Business & Property Owners not prepared to agree to terms of a Memorandum of Understanding MOU (still to be developed). · Business & Property Owners dissatisfied with no overhead ‘catenary’ lighting. · A relatively small volume of traffic will use other routes to access Church Street, including upper Trafalgar Street. · Approx. 2 parking spaces removed. · Access to properties from one direction only. · May not be as strongly supported by nearby businesses and the wider community.
Option 2: Do Nothing
Advantages	· No capex investment · No change to car park spaces
Risks and Disadvantages	· Does not achieve the desires of the Church Street community; · Does not resolve the identified traffic issues with the current one way / two way arrangement; · Lack of action could be perceived as not demonstrating Council’s commitment to improving the CBD environment; · Heart of Nelson vision for the street, the reasons for which are still valid, is not achieved. · No increase in space for outdoor dining · Limited ability to improve amenity & vibrancy

6. Conclusion

6.1 The Church Street Upgrade project is an opportunity for Council to develop a key laneway and to progress an idea that has been put forward by business and property owners on the street. The concept design has received a high degree of support from the Church Street community and will make a real difference toward creating a vibrant quarter within the Nelson CBD. Importantly it leaves space for the Church Street community to put its own stamp on the future of its street.

6.2 Officers recommend that the Church Street one-way “Shared Zone” concept design is progressed to the next stages including detailed design and implementation.

Shane Davies

Manager Capital Projects

Attachments

Attachment 1: Summary of Issues and Concerns from Business & Property Owners -(A1719565) ⇩

Attachment 2: Church Street - Proposed Concept Plans (February 2017) - (A1719554) ⇩

Attachment 3: Church Street Business Case - Project ID 3100 - (A1569724) ⇩

Important considerations for decision making

1. Fit with Purpose of Local Government

This project is expected to assist in increasing the vitality, walkability and permeability of the central city bringing economic and wellbeing benefit for the community.

2. Consistency with Community Outcomes and Council Policy

The proposal contributes to the following community outcome: ‘Our urban and rural environments are people-friendly, well planned and sustainably managed’, and ‘Our communities are healthy, safe, inclusive and resilient’

The proposal is also consistent with Nelson 2060, Goal Seven states “Our economy thrives and contributes to a vibrant and sustainable Nelson”.

3. Risk

One of the main risks is the current uncompetitive environment for construction costs that is affecting all infrastructure projects. It is suggested that timing flexibility is considered to help mitigate this, such as providing the contractor a greater window to complete the project.

A detailed list of the project risks is included in Attachment 3, Business Case.

4. Financial impact

With the removal of the overhead catenary lighting, the estimate to construct the works is within the $500,000 included within the draft Annual Plan. Roading maintenance costs will be funded through operational budgets.

5. Degree of significance and level of engagement

This matter is considered of low significance, and consultation as proposed in section 4.24 of this report is deemed appropriate.

6. Inclusion of Māori in the decision making process

Maori have not been specifically consulted on this report.

7. Delegations

The Works and Infrastructure Committee has the responsibility for approving the shared zone concept for Church Street.

The Planning & Regulatory Committee has the power to make a recommendation to Council on proposed changes to bylaws relating to this matter.