Nelson City Council Minutes - 03
June 2020
Present: Her
Worship the Mayor R Reese (Chairperson), Councillors Y Bowater, T Brand, M
Courtney, J Edgar (Deputy Mayor), K Fulton, M Lawrey, R O'Neill-Stevens, B
McGurk, G Noonan, P Rainey, R Sanson and T Skinner
In
Attendance: Chief Executive (P Dougherty), Group
Manager Infrastructure (A Louverdis), Group Manager Environmental Management (C
Barton), Acting Group Manager Community Services (M Preston-Thomas), Group
Manager Corporate Services (N Harrison), Group Manager Strategy and
Communications (N McDonald), Team Leader Governance (R Byrne), Governance
Support (K McLean) and Governance Adviser (E Stephenson)
Apologies : Nil
Karakia
Timatanga
There was an opening karakia.
11. Apologies
There
were no apologies.
12. Confirmation of Order of
Business
Her
Worship the Mayor advised that the order of items would be flexible to allow
recommendations to be parked and revisited as necessary and that the decisions
would be passed in principle and confirmed at the end of the meeting.
13. Interests
There
were no updates to the Interests Register, and no interests with items on the
agenda were declared.
14. Public Forum
There was no public forum.
15 Confirmation
of Minutes
As the minutes of the 14 May 2020, (Reconvened on 19
and 20 May 2020) Draft Annual Plan 2020/21 Hearing of Submissions had only been
distributed the day prior to this meeting, the confirmation of minutes was
deferred until later in the meeting to allow Elected Members time to read the
minutes prior to confirmation.
16 Mayor's
Report
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Her Worship the Mayor advised that her report
would be presented at the 9 June 2020 reconvened meeting.
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17. Deliberations on
Annual Plan Consultation Document 2020/21
Document number R15930, agenda
pages 8 - 61 refer.
Her Worship the Mayor
acknowledged the economic pressure in the region and her concern regarding the
region’s level of unemployment for the under 30s, which, at over 40%, was
the highest rise in New Zealand. She advised that reduced employment numbers
were being projected over the next three months and stressed the importance of
stimulus packages, retaining young people and that the community was struggling.
Manager Strategy, Mark
Tregurtha, presented the report. He noted a correction to paragraph 7.20 of the
agenda report – the total mobility cap was reviewed as part of the
Activity Management Plans every three years, and had been reviewed in 2015 and
2018. He also noted in relation to paragraph 7.12 of the report, that the New
Zealand Transport Agency had asked Council to work with the Ministry of Health
for guidelines regarding contactless payments.
7.1 Receipt
of the Deliberations on Annual Plan Consultation Document 2020/21 Report
Nelson Regional Development
Agency (NRDA)
In response to a question
regarding regular reporting and any variance to the Statement of Intent, Mr
Tregurtha noted that Council was still in discussion with the NRDA and that
budgets would be provided that week. Questions and discussion took place
regarding government funding, recovery support for economic development,
ability for iwi to participate in recovery and Project Kōkiri developing a
zero carbon regenerative economic strategy and affirming a focus on social
enterprise and community initiatives took place.
Her Worship the Mayor requested
that a draft document regarding Project Kōkiri be distributed to Elected
Members prior to the reconvened meeting on Tuesday 9 June and advised that
further discussion on this matter would take place at that meeting.
Mahitahi/Bayview
Questions and discussion took
place regarding the number of new houses planned for the development, the
management of freshwater and the Nelson Plan, additional resources for the
project and Council’s priority of affordable housing and active
transport. It was clarified that if government funding was not awarded, the
project would be debt funded and repaid through development contributions, with
the process going through the Long Term Plan (LTP).
It was requested that wording be
added to recommendation 3, clarifying that additional resources be funded from
the capital works programme.
That the Council
Notes in
principle that approval for funding from the central government Crown
Infrastructure Fund for capital expenditure works is still being sought; and if
approvals are received then these projects will be included in the
Council’s work programme and as far as possible any additional resources
required will be funded from the capital works programme.
Noonan/Fulton
Carried
That the Council
Notes in
principle that approval for funding from the central government Crown
Infrastructure Fund to upgrade Council infrastructure which will support the
Mahitahi/Bayview development, has been sought; but if approval is not received
prior to the Annual Plan being finalised then a report will come back to
Council requesting funding for design work for the project.
McGurk/Courtney
Carried
Provincial Growth Fund
Her Worship the Mayor clarified
that the Rocks Road walkway/cycleway project had been put forward for funding.
That the Council
Notes in
principle an increase of $780,000 for Council capital expenditure works by way
of grants from the Provincial Growth Fund; and
Notes in
principle an increase of $100,000 for Nelson Regional Sewerage Business Unit
capital expenditure works by way of grants from the Provincial Growth Fund; and
Notes in
principle an increase of $350,000 for Nelson Tasman Regional Landfill Business
Unit capital expenditure works by way of grants from the Provincial Growth
Fund.
McGurk/Lawrey
Carried
Employment Funding
Questions and
discussion took place on retirement of Council-owned forestry land and the
Maitai Valley Regional Park.
Impact of COVID-19 on Council
budget estimates and proposed strategy
Questions and discussion took
place regarding debt levels and borrowing, the use of the Disaster Recovery
Fund and the level of public confusion regarding its use, the commercial
differential and residential rates and Council’s borrowing ability.
The meeting was adjourned from
10.41a.m. until 11.03a.m.
Group Manager Corporate
Services, Nikki Harrison, provided a whiteboard explanation regarding
debt/rates/partial funding, debt-to-revenue ratio and Council’s borrowing
capacity and insurance.
Further questions and discussion
took place regarding rates levels, rates rebates, debt usage as a tool and the
importance of not having an austerity budget for economic recovery.
Commercial Differential
Discussion took place regarding
commercial differential and the use of land value versus capital value and it
was noted that a discussion on this should be part of the LTP process.
The meeting was adjourned from
12.40p.m. until 1.35p.m.
Activities
Public Transport COVID-19
Implications
Manager Transport and Solid
Waste, Marg Parfitt, answered questions regarding hierarchy of footpath use,
the carry forward of budgets to maximise New Zealand Transport Agency (NZTA)
subsidies, reduction in public transport revenue, the parking strategy, give
way signage on bridges and clear communication for cyclists, walking only
footpaths and parking meter charges. Council’s clear direction to
encourage active transport was noted.
That the Council
Notes in principle that
the public transport revenue has been reduced by 50% to $374,000 for the
2020/21 Annual Plan.
Edgar/Her Worship the Mayor
Carried
Water Supply
Manager Utilities, David Light,
and Manager Capital Projects, Lois Plum answered questions regarding budget
lines. Manager Science and Environment, Jo Martin, answered questions regarding
weed removal and biosecurity. Group Manager Environmental Management, Clare
Barton answered questions regarding the possibility of requirements in the
Nelson Plan for new builds to have rainwater tanks. It was noted that any
discussion on this matter should be in conjunction with the Infrastructure team
and the Chair of the Infrastructure Committee.
Attendance: Councillor Lawrey left
the meeting at 2.27p.m.
Solid Waste
Manager Transport and Solid
Waste, Marg Parfitt, answered questions regarding the food waste collection
trial.
Environment
In response to a question
regarding budget for the climate change fund, Group Manager Strategy and
Communications, Nicky McDonald, noted that the Long Term Plan (LTP) process
would provide the opportunity for that discussion.
In response to a questions
regarding incentives for solar panels in new builds, Group Manager
Environmental Management, Clare Barton, noted that this was a similar issue to
rainwater tanks, that it was not as simple as putting a rule in the Nelson Plan
and needed to be part of a wider package.
Funding of the Nelson Plan
The Mayor noted that discussion
on this matter would take place after the 4 June 2020 Environment Committee
meeting.
City Centre Development
Discussion took place regarding
the Pop up Park and the library, the overspend of the Innovative Streets budget
and the split over two years. Her Worship the Mayor noted that this matter
required further discussion.
The meeting was adjourned from
3.11p.m. until 3.21p.m.
Nelson Environment Centre
Discussion took place regarding
transferring this matter to the NRDA and it was noted that this would be
considered as part of the LTP process.
Good Food City Declaration
Discussion took place regarding
a food procurement policy and the health and climate change aspects. It was
noted that Council was supportive of the Nelson Marlborough District Health
Board committing to, and taking the lead with the Good Food Cities Declaration.
Housing Intensification and
Affordability
Discussion took place regarding
setting a ten-year target for the Inner City Limit and a changing mind set to
repurpose buildings to reimagine and rethink the CBD. It was suggested that
this be progressed before the LTP and be regularly reported to Council, and
that the Council’s three focus areas should be included in every agenda.
The following topics were deferred until later in
the meeting:
· Suter Depreciation
· Nelson 100th Aviation
Anniversary
· Establishment of a Not-for Profit
Sector agency
· Nelson Youth Choir
· New Zealand Chinese Language Week
Charitable Trust
· Arts Council
· Nelson Festivals Trust
· Events Fund
Stoke Memorial Hall
Group Manager Corporate
Services, Nikki Harrison, noted that design funding was already included in the
Annual Plan and that there was an upcoming report on the level of remediation.
Attendance:
Councillor Rainey left the meeting at 3.55p.m.
Koata Park
Discussion took place on this
project and it was noted that there was nothing new to update. A suggestion was
made regarding making a provision to enable the groundwork.
Brook Waimarama Sanctuary
Discussion took place regarding
the provision of financial and business support, increased operating hours and
expectations on reporting back to Council. It was noted that Council needed to
be confident that ratepayer money was being well spent and that if the offer of
provision of a business manager was declined, Council would need to look at the
business model.
A suggestion was made to remove
the words ‘at the conclusion of their work’ from recommendation 16
to reflect the fact that more regular reporting was required and the recommendation
was amended accordingly.
Attendance: Councillor Noonan
left the meeting at 4.06p.m.
That the Council
Agrees in
principle to make provision for $40,000 in 2020/21 to offer support to the
Brook Waimarama Sanctuary Trust by way of a contract for a business manager to
provide advice; and
Notes in principle the
grant would be contingent on agreement that the business manager report to
Council on the future opportunities and challenges in the Trust business model.
Courtney/Noonan
Carried
The meeting was adjourned at
4.12p.m. to reconvene on Thursday 4 June at 9.00a.m.
Present: Her
Worship the Mayor R Reese (Chairperson), Councillors Y Bowater, T Brand, M
Courtney, J Edgar (Deputy Mayor), K Fulton, M Lawrey, R O'Neill-Stevens, B
McGurk, G Noonan, P Rainey, R Sanson and T Skinner
In
Attendance: Group Manager Infrastructure (A Louverdis),
Acting Group Manager Community Services (M Preston-Thomas), Group Manager
Corporate Services (N Harrison), Group Manager Strategy and Communications (N
McDonald), Manager Strategy (M Tregurtha), Team Leader Governance (R Byrne) and
Governance Adviser (J Brandt)
Apologies : Nil
7. Deliberations on
Annual Plan Consultation Document 2020/21 – (continued)
Document number R15930, agenda
pages 8 - 61 refer.
Suter Depreciation
Discussion took place regarding
rate funding half of the Suter depreciation. It was noted any change in
approach to depreciation funding would need to be considered as part of a
future review of Council’s Revenue and Finance Policies.
Arts Council
That the Council
Approves in principle
the carry forward of $47,500 from the Arts Council’s allocated budget for
the current financial year to 2020/21.
Edgar/Her Worship the Mayor
Carried
Nelson Festivals Trust
It was agreed to defer the Nelson
Festival Trust recommendation until later in the meeting to allow officers time
to obtain further information requested by Elected Members about details
regarding the ability to put on events going forward in the light of COVID-19 restrictions, and what other
options the Trust was pursuing in regards to funding other than that from Council.
Events Fund
Manager Strategy, Mark
Tregurtha, noted that with the likelihood of COVID-19
Alert Level 1 commencing much sooner than initially anticipated, officers
recommended reinstating the Economic Events Fund to the amount initially
proposed.
Discussion took place about the
level of funding, and how funding would best be accessed, administered, and
aligned with other strategies already underway to support economic recovery
post COVID-19.
It was agreed to defer the Events
Fund recommendations until later in the meeting to obtain more detailed advice
from officers.
Nelson Tasman Cycle Trail
Trust
Team Leader Parks and
Facilities, Paul Harrington, noted that the Trust had advised that no
additional funding was required for Jenkins Creek Bridge.
Nelson Mountain Bike Club
Team Leader Parks and Facilities,
Paul Harrington, answered questions about the carryover request, noting the
Club’s project plan was robust and that the club was confident it could
deliver.
Manager Strategy, Mark Tregurtha,
answered questions about the 2021 Enduro event, noting that further information
regarding a possible delay of the event due to COVID-19 would be available from
event organisers in July/August this year.
That the Council
Agrees in principle to
the carry forward to 2020/21 of $326,000 of contract funding for the Nelson
Mountain Bike Club for trail construction services.
Sanson/O’Neill Stevens
Carried
Marina
Discussion took place about the
Marina and the need for a full and independent, unbiased review.
Attendance: Councillor Sanson
left the meeting from 10.06a.m. to 10.08a.m.
That the Council
Agrees in principle to
increase the budget for the Marina review from $20,000 to $50,000, funded from
the Marina account.
Edgar/Her
Worship the Mayor
Carried
Modellers
Pond
Group Manager Strategy and
Communication, Nicky McDonald, noted that additional interim funding of $50,000
may be needed for the Modellers Pond.
Principal Parks and Facilities
Activity Planner, Andrew Petheram, answered questions about the anticipated
costs of solutions proposed for the Modellers Pond as part of a report
currently in preparation for the Sports and Recreation Committee. It was noted
that any decision regarding the Modellers Pond would sit with the Sports and
Recreation Committee but that Council was keen to see a timely solution for
this infrastructure asset.
Attendance: Councillor Lawrey
left the meeting from 10.36a.m. to 10.40a.m.
Nelson
Volunteer Coastguard
Discussion took place about
providing an additional $20K towards a replacement vessel for the Nelson
Volunteer Coastguard Inc. While it was noted that Tasman District Council (TDC)
had not contributed, it was considered a worthy undertaking, especially as the
vessel would be constructed locally, thus supporting the local economy.
That the
Council
Confirms in
principle a grant of $20,000 for the Nelson Volunteer Coastguard for the
2020/21 year towards a replacement regional rescue vessel.
Skinner/Her
Worship the Mayor
Carried
Community Housing
It was agreed to defer the Community
Housing recommendation until later in the meeting as officers were in the
process of preparing additional information for Elected Members by way of a
late report.
The meeting was adjourned from
10.44a.m. to 11.08a.m.
Capital Expenditure
Parks and Facilities Activity
Planner, Jane Loughnan, answered questions regarding the proposed variance for
the Water
Sports building – agenda page 57, line 210 refers. Ms Loughnan explained
that a 50/50 split with users had been assumed in the LTP . It was noted that a
report would be brought to Council before spending commenced as different
funding options and building designs were being explored.
Economic
Millers Acre
Elected Members raised questions
regarding the building issues at Millers Acre. In order to discuss the question
of liability and legal advice obtained, it was agreed to go into confidential
session.
18. Exclusion of the Public
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Resolved CL/2020/044
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That
the Council
1. Excludes
the public from the following parts of the proceedings of this meeting.
2. 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:
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Item
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General subject of each matter to be
considered
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Reason for passing this resolution in
relation to each matter
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Particular interests protected (where
applicable)
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1
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Millers Acre
– legal advice
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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.
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The withholding
of the information is necessary:
· Section
7(2)(g)
To maintain legal
professional privilege
·
Section 7(2)(i)
To enable the local authority to carry on, without prejudice or
disadvantage, negotiations (including commercial and industrial negotiations)
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Lawrey/Her Worship the
Mayor Carried
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The meeting went into confidential session at 11.17a.m.
and resumed in public session at 12.01p.m.
Millers Acre
It was agreed to defer the Millers
acre recommendations until later in the meeting as further discussion was
needed.
The meeting was adjourned at
12.02p.m. to reconvene on Tuesday 9 June at 9.00a.m.
Present: Her
Worship the Mayor R Reese (Chairperson), Councillors Y Bowater, T Brand, J
Edgar (Deputy Mayor), K Fulton, M Lawrey, R O'Neill-Stevens, B McGurk, G
Noonan, P Rainey, R Sanson and T Skinner
In
Attendance: Chief Executive (P Dougherty), Group
Manager Infrastructure (A Louverdis), Acting Group Manager Community Services
(M Preston-Thomas), Group Manager Corporate Services (N Harrison), Group
Manager Strategy and Communications (N McDonald), Manager Strategy (M
Tregurtha), Team Leader Governance (R Byrne), and Governance Adviser (E
Stephenson)
Apologies : Councillor
M Courtney for attendance and Councillor P Rainey for lateness
1.
Confirmation of Order of Business
Her Worship
the Mayor advised of a late item for the confidential part of the meeting, and
that the following resolution needed to be passed for the item to be
considered:
2.1 Confidential
Late Item - Community Housing – Update on divestment
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Resolved CL/2020/047
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That the Council
1. Considers
the confidential item regarding Community Housing – Update on
divestment at this meeting as a major item not on the agenda, pursuant to
Section46A(7)(a) of the Local Government Official Information and Meetings
Act 1987, to provide information that has just come to hand.
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Her Worship the
Mayor/Bowater Carried
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Interests
Councillor McGurk declared an interest in the
Confidential late item – Community Housing: Update on Divestment.
Councillor
Rainey subsequently declared an interest in the Events Fund decision.
7. Deliberations on
Annual Plan Consultation Document 2020/21 – (continued)
Document number R15930, agenda
pages 8 - 61 refer.
Millers Acre
It was noted that a clause had
been added to the recommendation regarding investigation of the causes of the
building issues and reporting back to Council.
In response to questions, the
Chief Executive, Pat Dougherty, confirmed that provision for the investigation
was within existing budgets, that the building had been built as a gateway
building for economic development and tourism and that his understanding was
that it had been paying its own way.
Attendance: Councillor Fulton entered
the meeting at 9.15a.m.
Further questions and discussion
took place on insurance, contingency budget, calculation of the remedial works
figure and recladding material. In response to questions, Mr Dougherty
confirmed that the building would be reclad with suitable material and that
learnings from work undertaken on buildings in that era would be part of the
brief, noting that Millers Acre had been constructed towards the end of the
leaky building era.
It was suggested that Council
check whether any of the remedial work could be covered by insurance.
Whilst awaiting information
relating to Millers Acre, discussion took place on Capital Expenditure.
Capital Expenditure
In response to a question
regarding line item 77 – Land Purchase General Reserve – Group
Manager Corporate Services, Nikki Harrison confirmed that the increase was a
straight carry forward.
In response to a question regarding line item 96
– Retired forestry block conversion programme – Ms Harrison
confirmed that the amount did not include any funding from the Government’s
Green Environmental Programme.
In response to a question whether
there would be any adjustments resulting from the review of aquatic facilities
regarding Pools – line items 171-177 – Parks and Facilities
Activity Planner, Jane Loughnan, advised that there was an overall carry
forward of $35,000 to the following year, and that the Pool strategy work
currently underway would influence budgets from the 20/21 AMP, but that some
work would have to remain until the next stage through the strategy.
Millers Acre (continued)
Ms Loughnan confirmed that there was
a contingency of 30% in the Millers Acre budget and that the figure included
consultancy and building consent fees.
That the Council
Approves in
principle a budget of up to $850,000 for remedial work at the Millers Acre
site; and
Requests officers
contract an external expert to investigate and advise on the causes of the
building issues at Millers Acre and report back on next steps and how to avoid
such problems in future.
Lawrey/Sanson
Carried
Capital Expenditure
(continued)
Ms Harrison noted the following corrections:
·
Traffic Service
Renewals - line item 313, which should have been a straight carry forward, with
a zero variance
·
Tahunanui Hills
Stormwater Catchment 4 – Bisley Ave – line item 445 should have
been $30,000, not zero, so that there would be no variance next year.
Attendance: Councillor Rainey entered
the meeting at 9.30a.m.
It was noted regarding Refinery
Gallery EQ Strengthening – line item 277, that Council would be applying
for external funding for earthquake strengthening, which opened on 1 July.
That the Council
Approves in principle the
changes to the draft 2020/21 capital expenditure budget, as set out in Attachment
1 (A2394034) as amended and noted in the minutes.
Edgar/Brand
Carried
As he had previously declared an
interest in Community Housing, Councillor McGurk left the meeting at 9.31a.m.
Community Housing
It was confirmed that the
divestment proceeds would be net and the recommendation was amended to reflect
this. A suggestion was made to add specific wording to the recommendation to reflect
that the reserve was for affordable/social housing.
The meeting was adjourned at
9.42a.m. until 9.45a.m.
It was confirmed that the purpose
of the Reserve was to allow Council to work with and support partners who had
the ability to deliver social and affordable housing solutions for the
community.
That the Council
Confirms in
principle its intent to set aside the net proceeds of any divestment of its
community housing assets as a Housing Reserve.
Edgar/Noonan
Carried
It was noted that confidential discussion was
required regarding this matter and the meeting went into confidential session.
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Exclusion of the Public
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Resolved CL/2020/048
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That the Council
1. Excludes
the public from the following parts of the proceedings of this meeting.
2. 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:
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Edgar/Brand Carried
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Item
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General subject of each matter to be considered
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Reason for passing this resolution in relation to each matter
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Particular interests protected (where applicable)
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1
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Community Housing – Update on divestment
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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.
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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)
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The
public was excluded at 9.50a.m. and readmitted at 10.35a.m.
The meeting
was adjourned from 10.36a.m. until 10.51a.m.
Her Worship the Mayor advised of
a new recommendation regarding Koata Park, noting that she felt this was the
right alignment for the region, that timeframes needed to change, and the
project’s importance for Māori tourism.
Pop Up Park
Discussion and questions
followed on the proposed library access to the Pop Up Park.
That the
Council
Approves in principle
an increase in the City Centre Enhancement 2020/21 budget of $20,000 to provide
a link between the Elma Turner Library and the proposed pop up park, with the
balance of the costs met from existing budgets.
Rainey/Fulton
Carried
Nelson Festivals Trust
Acting Group Manager Community
Services, Mark Preston-Thomas, confirmed that the Festivals Trust had made
significant efforts to look for additional savings and was happy with the
proposed funding.
That the Council
Agrees in principle to
the Nelson Festivals Trust’s request to vary the current funding
agreement and reduce the funding in 2020/21 to $305,000, which will be used for
core operations and Festival 2021 planning, as well as the delivery of a
programme of collaborative events in the 2020/21 year.
Fulton/Edgar
Carried
Economic
Discussion took place on a
recommendation proposed by Councillor Edgar regarding Council’s
procurement policy, which was in response to submissions.
That the Council
Requests in principle
that when reviewing the Council Procurement Policy, officers incorporate
broader outcomes as outlined in the Government Procurement Rules, including a
focus on buying local.
Edgar/Sanson
Carried
Chief Executive of the NRDA, Mark
Rawson, and Chief Executive of the Nelson Tasman Chamber of Commerce, Ali
Boswijk, were present for discussion and questions regarding NRDA key focus
areas, delivery of support, economic impacts, the Mahitahi/Bayview project,
Koata Park, events funding and Project Kōkiri.
It was noted that confidential
discussion was required.
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Resolved CL/2020/052
Exclusion of the Public
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That the Council
1. Confirms,
in accordance with sections 48(5) and 48(6) of the Local Government Official
Information and Meetings Act 1987, that Mark Lawson Nelson Regional Development
Agency CEO and Ali Boswijk, Nelson Tasman Chamber of Commerce CEO remain
for discussion on the Nelson Regional Development Agency, as they have
knowledge relating to this matter that will assist the meeting.
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Her Worship the
Mayor/O'Neill-Stevens Carried
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Resolved CL/2020/053
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That
the Council
1. Excludes
the public from the following parts of the proceedings of this meeting.
2. 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:
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Her Worship the Mayor/O'Neill-Stevens
Carried
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Item
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General subject of each matter to be considered
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Reason for passing this resolution in relation to each matter
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Particular interests protected (where applicable)
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1
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Nelson Regional Development Agency
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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.
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The withholding of the information is
necessary:
• Section 7(2)(h)
To enable the local authority to
carry out, without prejudice or disadvantage, commercial activities
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The public was excluded at
12.27p.m. and readmitted at 12.50p.m.
Discussion took place regarding
funding, and in response to a concern raised that Nelson City Council funding
was not specific to Nelson City, Her Worship the Mayor suggested that the
minutes note that this was Nelson City Council’s contribution to Project
Kōkiri towards economic recovery in the Nelson Tasman region.
Nelson Regional Development
Agency (NRDA)
That the Council
Makes provision in
principle for additional funding of up to $350,000 for the Nelson Regional
Development Agency to support the development and implementation of Project
Kōkiri.
Fulton/Sanson
Carried
Events Fund
Discussion took place regarding
the need for flexibility in the Events Fund and the need to be able to provide
support for smaller events across the board with an impact on the CBD for an
extended period of time and on the reinstatement of funding for events that
would now be able to take place because of the move to Alert Level 1.
The meeting was adjourned at
1.00p.m. and reconvened at 1:45p.m. at which time Councillors Fulton and McGurk
were not present.
Attendance: Councillor McGurk
returned to the meeting at 1.50p.m.
In response to a question whether
the amount of proposed funding was sufficient, Her Worship the Mayor noted that
if NRDA felt it could reactivate the recovery process with more events, it
would come back to Council.
The Mayor also noted that a late
communication had been received from the Festivals Trust, requesting $50,000
for CBD events plus $100,000 for the Mask Parade and Carnivale.
The meeting was adjourned from
1.52p.m. until 1.53p.m.
Councillor Rainey declared an
interest in the Events Fund and left the meeting at 1.53p.m.
Attendance: Councillor Fulton
returned to the meeting at 1.55p.m.
Funding amounts were clarified
and the Events Fund funding was reinstated to include the New Year’s Eve
and Santa Parade, to provide flexibility and a clause noting amounts that were
already included in the Draft Annual Plan 2020/21 was added for clarity.
That the Council
Approves in principle
reinstating funding of $280,000 for events in 2020/21 as follows:
- $230,000 for the Events Fund
Economic
- $35,000 for a New
Year’s Eve event
- $15,000 for the Santa Parade
recognising that with the
relaxing of restrictions on gatherings it is expected that a full range of
events will be able to resume; and
Approves extra
flexibility for the Events Fund in consideration of opportunities that will
support economic recovery in the region; and
Notes the Annual Plan 2020/21 included the
following allocations:
- Events Fund Community
$76,000
- Venue Hire Fund $30,000.
Her
Worship the Mayor/Edgar
Carried
Her Worship the Mayor noted that
the matter of the Mask Parade and Carnivale funding would be would be discussed
later in the meeting.
Mahitahi/Bayview (revisited)
In response to a question, Group
Manager Infrastructure, Alec Louverdis, provided context on the funding
application process. He confirmed the project had been included in the Future
Development Strategy which had been adopted.
Further questions and discussion
took place Crown Infrastructure projects and the subdivision process. Chief
Executive, Pat Dougherty confirmed that if funding was successful, Council
approval would be required for authority to spend the funds and reiterated that
three waters infrastructure work would add value irrespective of subdivision.
Mr Louverdis confirmed that officers had been considering what infrastructure
was required, not just for development but to future proof development in that
area. Concerns were raised regarding the lack of detailed plans indicating the
placement of roads, the number of houses involved and the amount of work that
had been undertaken without detail. The difficulties caused by the COVID-19
lockdown were discussed.
As a result of discussion, the
recommendation was amended to clarify that grant funding was being sought, and
if not received, it would be loan funded, clarifying that funding would also
support Council infrastructure resilience.
Attendance: Councillor Bowater
left the meeting at 2.50p.m.
Her
Worship the Mayor ruled against Councillor Lawrey on a Point of Order relating
to misrepresentation of the Chief Executive’s words and requested that
respectful language be used at all times.
That the Council
Notes that approval
for grant funding from the central government Crown Infrastructure Fund to
upgrade Council infrastructure which will support Council infrastructure
resilience and the Mahitahi/Bayview development, has been sought; but if
approval is not received prior to the Annual Plan being finalised then a report
will come back to Council requesting loan funding for design work for the
project.
Noonan/Bowater
Carried
|
The motion was put and a division was called:
|
For
Her Worship the Mayor Reese
(Chairperson)
Cr Brand
Cr Edgar
Cr Fulton
Cr O'Neill-Stevens
Cr McGurk
Cr Noonan
Cr Rainey
Cr Sanson
Cr Skinner
|
Against
Cr Lawrey
|
Apology
Cr Courtney
|
The motion was carried 10 - 1.
|
The meeting
was adjourned from 3.17p.m. until 3.30p.m.
Funding of the Nelson Plan
A
spreadsheet – Nelson Plan Life of Plan Summary June 2020 (A2398258) was
tabled. Group Manager Environmental Management, Clare Barton, explained the
Nelson Plan process and Manager Environmental Planning, Maxine Day, spoke to
the budget. The risk of not proceeding and not meeting statutory requirements
was highlighted and options going forward were discussed.
Her Worship the Mayor noted that
Elected Members were frustrated at the length of time taken and the high costs.
Questions and discussion took
place regarding review requirements, freshwater provisions, national planning
standards and funding options and it was noted that a key element of the budget
was to engage an experienced resource management planner to overview the
project, which would significantly reduce the costs of relying solely on
external contractors.
It was noted that the Nelson Plan
was expected to be notified in February 2022 and it would need to be reviewed
ten years after it became operative. Ms Barton advised that although the Plan
would not be a physical asset, it was a critical asset of Council. Ms Day
confirmed that the Plan would be fully electronic and searchable online and
outlined the process for 2020. Further questions were answered regarding
internal employee and external contractor costs and it was noted that a mix of
both would be used, with expertise being brought in where it was most
efficient. Further reporting would be provided via the Environment Committee
Quarterly Report.
Following discussion, a clause
was added to the recommendation to include the Nelson Plan in Council’s
Risk Register to allow Audit and Risk Subcommittee oversight.
That the Council
Confirms in principle its
intent to fund $1.122 million of the 2020/21 Nelson Plan costs by loan.
Requests
officers to place the Nelson Plan on the Council’s Risk Register to allow
for Audit and Risk Subcommittee oversight.
Edgar/McGurk
Carried
City Centre Development
(continued)
Her Worship the Mayor clarified
that provision was being made for options to be explored and the recommendation
was amended accordingly. The words ‘up to’ were added to the
recommendation regarding the balance of funding. Team Leader City Development, Lisa
Gibellini, answered questions regarding potential partial NZTA funding, which
was unknown at this stage, and confirmed the matter would be brought back to
Council prior to any further decision being made.
That the Council
Approves in principle provision
in the Annual Plan 2020/21 of a capital budget of $3.1 million, subject to the
outcome of the public feedback process and NZTA funding applications; and
Notes in principle that
the balance of up to $1.9 million of funding will be included in the draft
budget for 2021/2022, this being year 1 of the Long Term Plan.
O’Neill-Stevens/Sanson
Carried
Koata Park
(continued)
Discussion took place on funding
required to advance project management and planning for the development.
That the Council
Approves an increase
in the Koata Park Development 2020/21 budget from $30,000 to $50,000.
Her Worship the
Mayor/O’Neill Stevens
Carried
Arts Festival Trust
(continued)
Acting Group Manager, Community
Services, Mark Preston-Thomas answered questions regarding events and
activation in the CBD. It was suggested that there was an option to make a
decision at a later date for unbudgeted expenditure.
Discussion took place about the
Trust’s request for funding for the Mask Parade and Carnivale and the
Trust’s capacity to deliver and support artists in the community. In
response to questions, Mr Preston-Thomas noted that this would provide more
transparency regarding parade funding and that the Trust had offered to do this
work to assist with CBD activation.
Further discussion took place
regarding making a decision when further information had been received and
questions were raised on how the Trust worked with Uniquely Nelson and the
activation of the CBD, what the cost of the Parade was when it was organised
in-house and financials on last year’s Parade.
Discussion took place on
capacity to deliver and whether schools would be in a position to participate
and it was suggested that if a provision was put in place, this would enable
the Trust to start organising a strong parade and the recommendation was
amended accordingly. It was agreed that the matter be reported though to the
Community Services Committee.
Attendance: Councillor Bowater
returned to the meeting at 4.42p.m.
That the Council
Approves inclusion in
principle a provision of $100,000 for the Arts Festival Trust to deliver the
Mask Parade and Carnivale.
O’Neill- Stevens/Her
Worship the Mayor
Carried
Submissions
Discussion took place on any comments
arising from submissions. A request was made to signal to the Nelson community
that Council was open to innovation and ideas for beautifying Civic House,
although not committing any funding.
It was noted that some
submitters had expressed their disappointment that the Climate Change Fund had
not been topped up, and that it and should be at the forefront of
decision-making and a focus towards recovery.
In response to a question
regarding where the rates figures sat as a result of today’s discussion,
Ms Harrison indicated that the figure was less than originally anticipated.
Rating recommendations
That the Council
Confirms,
in principle in accordance with the Long Term Plan 2018-28, that the percent of
total rates collected as commercial rates reduces from 24.1% in 2019/20 to
23.6% in 2020/21.
Noonan/Her
Worship the Mayor
Carried
Debate took place regarding the
remaining rates recommendations. In response to a question regarding the rates
shortfall, Ms Harrison advised that it was approximately $3m.
That the
Council
Confirms in principle its
intent to have a net zero percent rates increase in 2020/21; and
Agrees in principle to
drawdown the net rating income shortfall from COVID-19 from the Disaster
Recovery Fund for the Annual Plan 2020/21.
Edgar/Brand
|
The motion was put and a division was called:
|
For
Her Worship the Mayor Reese
(Chairperson)
Cr Bowater
Cr Brand
Cr Edgar
Cr Fulton
Cr Lawrey
Cr O'Neill-Stevens
Cr McGurk
Cr Sanson
Cr Skinner
|
Against
Cr Noonan
Cr Rainey
|
Apology
Cr Courtney
|
The motion was carried 10 - 2.
|
Attendance: Councillor Noonan left the meeting at 5.14p.m.
8.
Confirmation of Minutes (Agenda Item 5)
|
The minutes of the 14 May 2020
Council meeting - Draft Annual Plan 2020/21 Hearing of Submissions,
reconvened on 19 and 20 May 2020 (A2395851) were tabled.
|
|
Resolved CL/2020/055
|
|
|
That the Council
1. Confirms
the minutes of the meeting of the Council, held on 14 May 2020, and
reconvened on 19 and 20 May 2020, as a true and correct record.
|
|
Edgar/Skinner Carried
|
The meeting was adjourned from
5.15p.m. until 5.25p.m. at which time Councillor Noonan returned.
9.
Mayor's Report (Agenda Item 6)
|
Her Worship the Mayor
acknowledged the empathy and care for the community’s wellbeing that
had been shown and thanked the Chief Executive and all of the Council team.
She noted the challenges faced by many in the community who had lost or were
about to lose jobs.
The Mayor was supportive of the
use of the words recovery and regeneration, noting that more lives may be
lost after lockdown than during it due to financial, mental health and family
stress and she stressed the need for Council to be more understanding than
ever, and as responsive as it could to people’s circumstances.
The Mayor felt that the Draft
Annual Plan was well-balanced and that it had taken discipline, sound
financial management and a strategy to get Council to this point. She noted
that officers had taken every opportunity to apply for central
government funding for the region, but that the outcome of those applications
was not yet known, and acknowledged the capability of people in the
organisation.
The Mayor felt that this was
the hardest Annual Plan she had ever led, and reminded Elected Members of the
need to be prepared for changes and to work towards building confidence in
the community about the work Council was doing, noting that the community
needed kind empathetic leaders. She encouraged Elected Members to have
diverse views, operating as a team and to do the best it could for the
community.
|
|
Resolved CL/2020/056
|
|
|
That the Council
1. Receives the
Mayor’s Report.
|
|
Her Worship the
Mayor/Edgar Carried
|
10.
Formalising Resolutions passed ‘in principle’
|
Her Worship the Mayor explained that the resolutions
passed ‘in principle’ during the deliberations on the Annual Plan
Consultation Document 2020/21 were now required to be formally passed.
|
|
Resolved CL/2020/057
|
|
|
That the Council
1. Confirms
the following Annual Plan 2020/21 Deliberations ‘in principle’
resolutions as the basis for the 2020/21 Annual Plan to be adopted on 30 June
2020:
Nelson Regional Development Agency
That
the Council
2. Makes provision for additional
funding of up to $350,000 for the Nelson Regional Development Agency to
support the development and implementation of Project Kōkiri.
Crown
Infrastructure Fund Projects
That
the Council
3. Notes
that approval for funding from the central government Crown
Infrastructure Fund for capital expenditure works is still
being sought; and if approvals are received then these projects will be
included in the Council’s work programme and as far as possible any
additional resources required will be funded from the capital works programme.
Mahitahi/Bayview
That the Council
4. Notes that approval for grant
funding from the central government Crown Infrastructure Fund to upgrade
Council infrastructure which will support Council infrastructure resilience
and the Mahitahi/Bayview development, has been sought; but if approval is not
received prior to the Annual Plan being finalised then a report will come
back to Council requesting loan funding for design work for the project.
Provincial Growth Fund
That the Council
5. Notes an increase of $780,000
for Council capital expenditure works by way of grants from the Provincial
Growth Fund; and
6. Notes an increase of $100,000
for Nelson Regional Sewerage Business Unit capital expenditure works by way
of grants from the Provincial Growth Fund; and
7. Notes an increase of $350,000
for Nelson Tasman Regional Landfill Business Unit capital expenditure works
by way of grants from the Provincial Growth Fund.
Public Transport COVID-19 Implications
That the Council
8. Notes that the public
transport revenue has been reduced by 50% to $374,000 for the 2020/21 Annual
Plan.
Funding of the Nelson Plan
That the Council
9. Confirms its intent to fund
$1.122 million of the 2020/21 Nelson Plan costs by loan; and
10. Requests officers to place the Nelson Plan on
the Council’s Risk Register to allow for Audit and Risk Subcommittee
oversight.
City Centre Development
That the Council
11. Approves provision in the Annual Plan 2020/21
of a capital budget of $3.1 million, subject to the outcome of the public
feedback process and NZTA funding applications; and
12. Notes that the balance of up to $1.9
million of funding will be included in the draft budget for 2021/2022, this
being year 1 of the Long Term Plan.
Pop Up Park
13. Approves an increase in the City Centre
Enhancement 2020/21 budget of $20,000 to provide a link between the Elma
Turner Library and the proposed Pop up Park, with the balance of the costs
met from existing budgets.
Arts Council
That the Council
14. Approves the carry forward of $47,500 from the Arts
Council’s allocated budget for the current financial year to 2020/21.
Nelson Festivals Trust
That the Council
15. Agrees to the Nelson Festivals Trust’s request to
vary the current funding agreement and reduce the funding in 2020/21 to
$305,000, which will be used for core operations and Festival 2021 planning,
as well as the delivery of a programme of collaborative events in the 2020/21
year; and
16. Approves inclusion of a provision of $100,000
for the Nelson Festival Trust to deliver the Mask Parade and Carnivale.
Events Fund
That the Council
17. Approves
reinstating funding of $280,000 for events in 2020/21 as follows:
- $230,000
for the Events Fund economic
- $35,000
for a New Year’s Eve event
- $15,000
for the Santa Parade;
recognising
that with the relaxing of restrictions on gatherings it is expected that a
full range of events will be able to resume; and
18. Approves
extra flexibility for the Events Fund in consideration of opportunities that
will support economic recovery in the region; and
19. Notes
the Annual Plan 2020/21 included the following allocations:
- Events Fund Community $76,000
-
Venue
Hire Fund $30,000.
Brook Waimarama Sanctuary
That the Council
20. Agrees to make provision for $40,000 in
2020/21 to offer support to the Brook Waimarama Sanctuary Trust by way of a
contract for a business manager to provide advice; and
21. Notes the grant would be contingent on
agreement that the business manager report to Council on the future
opportunities and challenges in the Trust’s business model.
Nelson Mountain Bike Club
That the Council
22. Agrees to the carry forward to 2020/21 of $326,000
of contract funding for the Nelson Mountain Bike Club for trail construction
services.
Marina
That the Council
23. Agrees to increase the budget for the Marina
review from $20,000 to $50,000, funded from the Marina account.
Nelson Volunteer Coastguard
That
the Council
24. Confirms a grant of $20,000 for the Nelson
Volunteer Coastguard for the 2020/21 year.
Economic
That the Council
25. Requests that when reviewing the Council
Procurement Policy, officers incorporate broader outcomes as outlined in the
Government Procurement Rules, including a focus on buying local.
Community Housing
That the Council
26. Confirms its intent to set aside the
full proceeds of any divestment of its community housing assets as a Housing
Reserve.
Millers Acre
That the Council
27. Approves a budget of up to $850,000
for remedial work at the Millers Acre site; and
28. Requests officers contract an external
expert to investigate and advise on the causes of the building issues at
Millers Acre and report back on next steps and how to avoid such problems in
future.
Capital Expenditure
That the Council
29. Approves the changes to the draft 2020/21
capital expenditure budget, as set out in Attachment 1 (A2394034) as amended
and noted in the meeting minutes.
Koata Park
30. Approves an increase in the Koata Park
Development 2020/21 budget from $30,000 to $50,000.
Rating recommendations
That the Council
31. Confirms, in accordance with the Long Term
Plan 2018-28, that the percent of total rates collected as commercial rates
reduces from 24.1% in 2019/20 to 23.6% in 2020/21; and
32. Confirms
its intent to have a net zero percent rates increase in 2020/21; and
33. Agrees
to drawdown the net rating income shortfall from COVID-19 from the Disaster
Recovery Fund for the Annual Plan 2020/21.
|
|
Her Worship the
Mayor/Edgar Carried
|
|
Attachments
1 A2395851 - 14 May
2020 Council Minutes
2 A2398258 Nelson
Plan Life of Plan Summary
|
Karakia Whakamutunga
Council’s Kaihautu, Pania Lee
gave the closing karakia.
There being no further business the meeting ended at 5.39p.m.
Confirmed as a correct record of proceedings:
Chairperson
Date
Nelson City Council
