Minutes of a meeting of the Sports and Recreation Committee

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

On Thursday 18 June 2020, commencing at 10.08a.m.

 

Present:               Councillor T Skinner (Chairperson), Her Worship the Mayor R Reese, Councillors Y Bowater, T Brand (Deputy Chairperson), M Courtney, J Edgar, K Fulton, M Lawrey, B McGurk, G Noonan, R O'Neill-Stevens, P Rainey and R Sanson

In Attendance:     Chief Executive (P Dougherty), Group Manager Infrastructure (A Louverdis), Team Leader Governance (R Byrne) and Governance Adviser (E Stephenson)

Apologies :           Nil

 

 

1.       Apologies

There were no apologies.

2.       Confirmation of Order of Business

The Chairperson advised that Item 9, Tahunanui Modellers’ Pond, Alternative Option Following Iwi Engagement would be considered as the first report.

3.       Interests

Councillors Noonan and Rainey subsequently declared an interest in clause 3. of the recommendation relating to Item 7 - Fees and Charges relating to Sports and Recreation 2020/21.

4.       Public Forum

4.1       Federated Mountain Clubs - Closure of Public Reserves due to Fire Risks

Patrick Holland, from Federated Mountain Clubs (FMC), tabled supporting information which voiced concerns over the closure of public reserves in the Nelson region due to fire risk, he noted that he was also speaking on behalf of tramping clubs and walkers. Mr Holland answered questions regarding the effect on the community and tourists and objective decision-making.

In response to a question as to whether FMC could work with Council and FENZ on best practice around the country, Her Worship the Mayor advised that the Forestry Advisory Group (FAG) had recommended that FENZ have a conversation with groups and that she would work with the Chairs of FAG, the Sports and Recreation Committee and with Civil Defence Emergency Management to progress this.

 

 

 

Attachments

1    A2402945 - Patrick Holland - Federated Mountain Clubs tabled document

 

4.2       Tahuna Beach Camp Inc. Presentation

Dennis Christian, Chairperson of Tahuna Beach Camp Inc., accompanied by Jessica Bagge, Board Member; David Paterson, Financial Manager; and Peter Fraser, Operations Manager; gave a presentation on what the Board had been doing within the Camp and its short and long term direction. John Murray, Council’s Business Advisor to the Board, was also present.

Mr Christian noted that there had been significant investment in Camp infrastructure, with a focus on sustainability and environmental impacts. The Camp had achieved a silver Qualmark rating and was aiming to achieve a gold rating later this year. He spoke about revenue, staff numbers, occupancy, forward and last-minute bookings, permanent residents, seasonal workers and the Camp’s Marketing Strategy.

Mr Christian said that the Camp was making some significant decisions and that operating on a year-by-year lease made future planning difficult. He felt that Council got a good return from the Camp, not only from rent, but also because of the asset model, which meant that the Camp constructed facilities and Council benefited by ownership but the Camp owned the debt.

Ms Bagge invited Elected Members to see the renovated units, and said that the Board was asking Council to have confidence in it and look at the length of its lease for forward planning and investment.

Questions were answered regarding compliance issues, the possibility of a tiny house community, the length of the Camp lease, the Business Manager’s term of appointment, sea level rise mitigation and the asset model.

4.3       Nelson Society of Modellers - Tahunanui Modellers' Pond 

Nigel Gibbs, Nelson Society of Modellers, accompanied by Alan Malaquin, John Gilbertson and Stuart Walker, spoke about the Tahunanui Modellers’ Pond. Their presentation was tabled.

Questions were answered regarding potential for events involving traction engines, hosting of conventions and consultation with the Society.  

 

 

 

Attachments

1    A2407007 - Nelson Society of Modellers Inc. supporting information

 

4.4       Modellers’ Pond Project Group – John Gilbertson, Alan Malaquin, Stuart Walker and Nigel Gibbs

            John Gilbertson introduced himself and the other representatives and provided background on his involvement with Modellers’ Pond.

            The Group voiced its concerns regarding the proposal being considered and noted that the Group had only been informed of Option 7 the previous Thursday. They felt that iwi had not been presented with all of the information. They noted that there was already a wetland, which was doing well since copper sulphate was no longer being added to the Pond. They were also concerned about the volume of water during high tides and danger of flooding to Natureland, low-lying Tahuna areas and the Beach Camp.

            The Chair noted that this was a concept and not a final design. Mr Gilbertson stated his resignation from the Working Group.  

            Mr Walker reiterated that the issue was not about Modellers’ Pond, but about a once and for all fix for the stormwater detention pond. He provided the history of the pond and highlighted concerns regarding flooding. He said that Option 2 had been chosen as the best option and urged Elected Members to be diligent about decision making. He said that the working group had not had any input into the report, which was disrespectful and felt that the removal of flood protection was irresponsible. He felt that Elected Members and iwi had not been adequately informed by staff. Mr Walker provided further history of the pond and urged Elected Members to confirm Option 2.

 

5.       Confirmation of Minutes

5.1       19 March 2020

Document number M7784, agenda pages 8 - 14 refer.

Resolved SPO/2020/011

 

That the Sports and Recreation Committee

1.     Confirms the minutes of the meeting of the Sports and Recreation Committee, held on 19 March 2020, as a true and correct record.

Courtney/O'Neill-Stevens                                                                  Carried

     

 

The Chairperson advised that there were live streaming technical difficulties and the meeting was adjourned from 11.30a.m. until 11.52a.m.

 

6.       Tahunanui Modellers Pond - Alternative Option Following Iwi Engagement (Agenda Item 9)

Document number R13761, agenda pages 87 - 115 refer.

Principal Parks and Facilities Activity Planner, Andrew Petheram, introduced Stantec consultant, Avic Halder, who was present to answer questions on stormwater technical matters. Mr Petheram provided background on the previous decision and on the alternative option concept. He noted that if Council decided to proceed with the alternative option, staff would be talking to the Modellers’ Pond working party. He discussed stormwater filtration, discharge, estuarine planting, the concept design, performance space and total capex costs. He noted that staff recommended that no further work proceed on Option 2.

Her Worship the Mayor advised of a consequential motion that would follow this decision.

Questions and discussion took place regarding:

·        the capacity of both options in spring high tide and taking into account sea level rise

·        the adequacy of the treatment aspect

·        the level of flows

·        the gravity network

·        budget and future proofing

·        size of the discharge pipes and the need for upgrade in the future

·        the Tahunanui Stormwater Strategy

·        the ability to retrofit

·        holding capacity in a flood event

·        environmental outcomes

·        estuarine planting and beautification

·        expenditure on the pond since 2013/14 (approx. $380,000 operational and $450,000 capital)

·        three waters freshwater standards

·        growth requirements and future proofing

·        liquefaction resilience after an earthquake event

·        focus on treating the initial flush via the pre-treatment unit

·        the location of the pump station, which was low lying to prevent flooding

·        reduction of velocity - the meander was designed to slow flows down, if there was a need to further reduce, there were options to line channel 

·        the separation of stormwater from recreation

·        clarification of budget and ability to deliver

            Attendance: Councillor Fulton left the meeting at 12.55p.m.

·        one of the most significant risks was infill of the existing area, which was accounted for in the Stantec report, a copy of which was distributed to members during the lunch adjournment

·        iwi feedback had formed the basis of the report

·        the budget did not include upstream filtration improvements

·        upstream filtration might not be as effective for option 2 as for option 7

The meeting was adjourned from 1.06p.m. until 1.54p.m. at which time Councillor Fulton returned to the meeting

Questions and discussion continued regarding:

·        officers were confident that if the tide overwhelmed, the presence or absence of a Modellers’ Pond would make no difference

·        the status of the lease

  Attendance: Councillor Edgar left the meeting at 2.12p.m.

·        the project would be part of the LTP consultation, but officers would present a preliminary design prior to the LTP

It was noted that a discussion regarding the timeframe for the consultation would take place at Council.

            Attendance: Her Worship the Mayor Reese left the meeting at 2.39p.m.

 

Resolved SPO/2020/012

 

That the Sports and Recreation Committee

1.     Receives the report Tahunanui Modellers Pond - Alternative Option Following Iwi Engagement (R13761) and its attachments A2390988 and A2376841; and

2.     Approves the alternative option, identified as Option 7, to progress to preliminary design; and

3.     Confirms not to proceed with Option 2; and

4.     Notes that the decision not to proceed with Option 2 will require alteration of Council Resolution # CL/2019/150 made on 8 August 2019; and

5.     Requests Council officers to bring a report back to the Sports and Recreation committee following preliminary design of Option 7.

 

Sanson/McGurk                                                                                 Carried

Recommendation to Council SPO/2020/013

 

That the Council

1.     Alters, in accordance with Standing Order 22.6, the following parts of Council resolution # CL/2019/150 made on 8 August 2019:

3.    Approves progressing Option 2 (with minor updates) of Report R10038 and any alternative option iwi consider appropriate to preliminary design at an additional unbudgeted cost of $80,000; and

4.    Requests Council officers bring a report back to the Sports and Recreation Committee detailing the findings from updated design for Option 2, of Report 10038 and any alternative option iwi consider appropriate before proceeding to public consultation.

 

Sanson/McGurk                                                                                 Carried

Attachments

1    A2374414 - Stantec Report - Modellers Pond Alternative Option following iwi engagement - Concept Design

The meeting was adjourned from 2.56p.m. until 2.57p.m.

Resolved SPO/2020/014

That the Sports and Recreation Committee

1.     Requests that Council officers engage early with iwi in developing proposed environmental design outcomes for stormwater discharge to the coastal environment in relation to Option 7 for the Tahunanui Modellers Pond.

Fulton/Lawrey                                                                                   Carried

       

 

           

           

 

 

Attendance: Her Worship the Mayor returned to the meeting at 2.59p.m.

 

The meeting was adjourned from 3.02p.m. until 3.10p.m.

 

Extension of Meeting Time

Resolved SPO/2020/015

 

That the Sports and Recreation Committee

1.       Extends the meeting time beyond six hours, pursuant to Standing Order 4.2.

Courtney/Bowater                                                                            Carried

 

7.       COVID-19 Implications for Parks and Facilities (Agenda Item 6)

Document number R17015, agenda pages 15 - 20 refer.

Manager Parks and Facilities, Rosie Bartlett, presented the report, noting that it was written at Alert Level 2 and that officers were working closely with the sports and recreation community. Ms Bartlett answered questions regarding the impact of the lockdown on turf, contract variations and fly tipping.

Resolved SPO/2020/016

 

That the Sports and Recreation Committee

1.     Receives the report COVID-19 Implications for Parks and Facilities (R17015)

 

Noonan/Skinner                                                                                Carried

 

8.       Fees and Charges relating to Sports and Recreation 2020/21 (Agenda Item 7)

Document number R13715, agenda pages 21 - 32 refer.

Manager Parks and Facilities, Rosie Bartlett,  noted that there would be a   50% discount for community use of the Trafalgar Centre to promote use.

In response to a question as to whether the discount could be open-ended, Ms Bartlett said that this matter could be brought back to Committee for review in December and that the review could also reconsider a commercial discount. She also noted that facility managers were applying for two government grants and that officers were happy to take direction with an awareness of potential loss of current bookings, currently valued at $21,300.

Ms Bartlett answered further questions regarding charges for major and community events.

Councillors Noonan and Rainey declared an interest in clause 3. of the motion and the motion was taken in parts.

Resolved SPO/2020/017

 

That the Sports and Recreation Committee

1.     Receives the report Fees and Charges relating to Sports and Recreation 2020/21 (R13715) and its attachment (A2353864); and

2.     Notes for Sport and Recreation fees and charges there are either fee reductions, nil increases or CPI increases for activities of Report 13715 from 1 July 2020; and

4.     Approves the changes to fees and charges as per Attachment 1 (A2353864) of Report 13715, effective from 1 July 2020.

 

McGurk/Bowater                                                                               Carried

Councillors Noonan and Rainey had declared an interest in clause 3. of the recommendation and left the meeting at 3.30p.m.

Resolved SPO/2020/018

    That the Sports and Recreation Committee

        3.     Approves a 50% discounted rate for community users hiring the Trafalgar Centre between July and December 2020.

Sanson/McGurk                                                                                 Carried

 

            Attendance: Councillors Noonan and Rainey returned to the meeting at 3.31p.m.

 

9.       Update on Tourism Infrastructure Fund and Responsible Camping Fund (Agenda Item 8)

Document number R15857, agenda pages 33 - 86 refer.

Team Leader Parks and Facilities Activity Management, Paul Harrington, answered questions regarding self-contained campers, the responsible camping hub and the impact on campgrounds, clarification of the parameters for the grocery shopping in the survey, the ambassador programme, public toiler tenders and the possibility of a homeless hub.

            Attendance: Councillor McGurk left the meeting at 3.46p.m.

Discussion took place regarding the possibility that opportunities to apply for further funding may arise and clause 4. of the motion was removed with the agreement of the mover and seconder.

Resolved SPO/2020/019

 

That the Sports and Recreation Committee

1.     Receives the report Update on Tourism Infrastructure Fund and Responsible Camping Fund (R15857) and its attachment (A2380705); and

2.     Notes that officers propose applying to the 2020 round of the Responsible Camping Fund, seeking funding for the 2020/21 summer for:

a.     an expanded ambassador programme; and

b.     increased waste and recycling facilities at freedom camping sites; and

c.     a visitor survey; and

3.     Notes that no funding will be sought to establish a daytime hub facility over the 2020/21 summer.

Fulton/O'Neill-Stevens                                                                      Carried

 

10.     Exclusion of the Public

John Murray, Business Advisor to the Tahuna Beach Camp, was in attendance for Item 3 of the Confidential agenda to answer questions and, accordingly, the following resolution was required to be passed:

Resolved SPO/2020/020

 

That the Sports and Recreation Committee

1.       Confirms, in accordance with sections 48(5) and 48(6) of the Local Government Official Information and Meetings Act 1987, that John Murray, Business Advisor to Tahuna Beach Camp, remain after the public has been excluded, for Item 3 of the Public Excluded agenda - Tahuna Beach Camp Inc. - Next Steps, as he has knowledge relating to the matter that will assist the meeting.

Noonan/Bowater                                                                                Carried

 

Resolved SPO/2020/021

 

That the Sports and Recreation Committee

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:

Brand/Courtney                                                                                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

Nelson Golf Club - Lease for Cycling and Pedestrian Access

 

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

Poorman Valley Stream Shared Path Construction  - Main Road Stoke to Neale Avenue

 

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)(h)

     To enable the local authority to carry out, without prejudice or disadvantage, commercial activities

·    Section 7(2)(i)

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

3

Tahuna Beach Camp Inc. - Next Steps

 

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)(h)

     To enable the local authority to carry out, without prejudice or disadvantage, commercial activities

·    Section 7(2)(i)

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

Attendance: Her Worship the Mayor Reese left the meeting at 3.54p.m.

The meeting went into confidential session at 3.54p.m. and resumed in public session at 4.56p.m.

 

Restatements

 

It was resolved while the public was excluded:

 

1

CONFIDENTIAL: Nelson Golf Club - Lease for Cycling and Pedestrian Access

 

That the Sports and Recreation Committee

3.     Agrees that Report (R15929) and attachment A2378974 and the decision be made publicly available once negotiations are concluded.

 

 

3

CONFIDENTIAL: Tahuna Beach Camp Inc. - Next Steps

 

That the Sports and Recreation Committee

3.     Agrees that Report (R16968) and the decision remain confidential at this time.

  

 

There being no further business the meeting ended at 4.56p.m.

 

Confirmed as a correct record of proceedings:

 

 

 

                                                         Chairperson                                    Date