Notice of the Ordinary meeting of

Infrastructure Committee

Te Kōmiti Hanganga

 

Date:                      Thursday 23 June 2022

Time:                      10.00a.m.

Location:                 via Zoom

                     Agenda        

Rārangi take

Chairperson                    Cr Brian McGurk

Deputy Chairperson        Cr Rohan O'Neill-Stevens

Members                        Her Worship the Mayor Rachel Reese

        Cr Yvonne Bowater

        Cr Trudie Brand

        Cr Mel Courtney

        Cr Judene Edgar

        Cr Kate Fulton

        Cr Matt Lawrey

        Cr Gaile Noonan

        Cr Pete Rainey

        Cr Rachel Sanson

        Cr Tim Skinner

        Ms Naomi Aporo

Quorum    7                                                                                 Pat Dougherty

Chief Executive

Nelson City Council Disclaimer

Please note that the contents of these Council and Committee agendas have yet to be considered by Council and officer recommendations may be altered or changed by the Council in the process of making the formal Council decision. For enquiries call (03) 5460436.


Excerpt from Nelson City Council Delegations Register (A11833061)

Infrastructure Committee

Areas of Responsibility:

·                Bylaws, within the areas of responsibility

·                Recycling

·                Regional Landfill

·                Solid Waste management, including transfer stations and waste minimisation

·                Stormwater and Flood Protection

·                Transport network, including, roading network and associated structures, walkways, cycleways and shared pathways, footpaths and road reserve, street lighting, traffic management control and parking.

·                Wastewater, including Bell Island Wastewater Treatment Plant

·                Water

Delegations:

The committee has all of the responsibilities, powers, functions and duties of Council in relation to governance matters within its areas of responsibility, except where they have been retained by Council, or have been referred to other committees, subcommittees or subordinate decision-making bodies. 

The exercise of Council’s responsibilities, powers, functions and duties in relation to governance matters includes (but is not limited to):

·                Monitoring Council’s performance for the committee’s areas of responsibility, including legislative responsibilities and compliance requirements

·                Developing, monitoring and reviewing strategies, policies and plans, with final versions to be recommended to Council for approval

·                Developing and approving draft Activity Management Plans in principle, including the Infrastructure Strategy, for inclusion in the draft Long Term Plan

·                Reviewing and determining whether a bylaw or amendment, revocation or replacement of a bylaw is appropriate

·                Undertaking community engagement, including all steps relating to Special Consultative Procedures or other formal consultation processes

·                Approving submissions to external bodies or organisations, and on legislation and regulatory proposals

·                Hear, consider and decide all applications for road stopping

·                Approval of increases in fees and charges over the Consumer Price Index (CPI)

Powers to Recommend to Council:

In the following situations the committee may consider matters within the areas of responsibility but make recommendations to Council only (in accordance with sections 5.1.3 - 5.1.5 of the Delegations Register):

·                Matters that, under the Local Government Act 2002, the operation of law or other legislation, Council is unable to delegate

·                The purchase or disposal of land or property relating to the areas of responsibility, other than in accordance with the Long Term Plan or Annual Plan

·                Unbudgeted expenditure relating to the areas of responsibility, not included in the Long Term Plan or Annual Plan

·                Decisions regarding significant assets

·                 Approval of final versions of strategies, policies and plans


Infrastructure Committee

23 June 2022

 

 

Page No.

 

Karakia and Mihi Timatanga

 

1.       Apologies

An apology has been received from Her Worship the Mayor R Reese

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      Nelsust Inc. - Unsafe spots in Nelson for people walking and cycling

Peter Olorenshaw and Elizabeth Dooley, from Nelsust Inc, will speak about unsafe spots in Nelson for people walking and cycling.

4.2      Feedback on the Parking Strategy 2022                                        17 - 19

           Refer to Page 17 for a list of speakers.

5.       Confirmation of Minutes

5.1      31 March 2022                                                                              8 - 16

Document number M19375

Recommendation

That the Infrastructure Committee

1.    Confirms the minutes of the meeting of the Infrastructure Committee, held on 31 March 2022, as a true and correct record.

  

6.       Chairperson's Report

7.       Draft E tū Whakatū Nelson's Active Travel Strategy - Approval to seek public feedback                                             20 - 53

Document number R10453

Recommendation

That the Infrastructure Committee

1.  Receives the report Draft E tū Whakatū Nelson’s Active Travel Strategy - Approval to seek public feedback (R10453) and its attachments A2899627 A2899571 and A2903796; and 

2.   Agrees to seek public feedback on the Draft E tū Whakatū Nelson’s Active Travel  Strategy (A2899627); and

3.   Agrees that the Draft E tū Whakatū – Nelson’s Active Travel Strategy engagement process and public feedback opportunities meet the requirements of the Local Government Act 2002 including the principles of consultation in section 82; and

4.   Approves the Draft E tū Whakatū Nelson’s Active Travel Strategy (A2899627) for public feedback; and

5.   Approves the public feedback document (A2903796), amended as necessary; and

6.   Agrees that the Chairperson, Deputy Chairperson and Chief Executive be delegated to approve minor amendments required to the supporting information or public feedback materials prior to the start of the consultation process; and

7.   Approves the engagement approach (set out in section 5.8 - 5.10 of this report (R10453); and Attachment 2 (A2899571) and agrees:

a.  The approach will result in the Draft E tū Whakatū Nelson’s Active Travel Strategy (A2899627) being as widely publicised as reasonably practicable as a basis for engagement.

b.  The approach includes sufficient steps to ensure the Draft E tū Whakatū Nelson’s Active Travel Strategy will be reasonably accessible to the public and will be publicised in a manner appropriate to its purpose and significance.

 

 

8.       Submission to Ministry for the Environment: Te panoni i te hangarua/Transforming Recycling                           54 - 163

Document number R26762

Recommendation

That the Infrastructure Committee

1.    Receives the report Submission to Ministry for the Environment: Te panoni i te hangarua/Transforming Recycling  (R26762) and its attachment (A2873225); and

2.    Approves retrospectively the submission to the Ministry for the Environment Te panoni I te hangarua/Transforming recycling.

 

 

9.       Taumata Arowai - Council Submission to New Standards 164 - 179

Document number R26908

Recommendation

That the Infrastructure Committee

1.    Receives the report Taumata Arowai - Council Submission to New Standards (R26908) and its attachment (A2859438); and

2.    Approves retrospectively the Nelson City Council submission to Taumata Arowai (A2859438 -  Attachment 1 of Report R26908).

 

 

10.     Infrastructure Quarterly Report                             180 - 228

Document number R26702

Recommendation

That the Infrastructure Committee

1.        Receives the report Infrastructure Quarterly Report (R26702) and its attachments A2872960 and A2892744; and

2.    Notes the reallocation of budget and potential carry forwards.

 

 

Recommendation to Council

That the Council

3.    Approves unbudgeted additional capital funding of $2 Million for the Washington Valley Infrastructure Upgrade project to cover the cost of previously unidentified and unknown coal tar, a hazardous material, to be disposed of at York Valley Landfill.

 

       

Confidential Business

11.     Exclusion of the Public

Recommendation

That the Infrastructure 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: 

 

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

Infrastructure Committee Meeting - Confidential Minutes - 31 March 2022

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)(a)

     To protect the privacy of natural persons, including that of a deceased person

·    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  - Confidential

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)(a)

     To protect the privacy of natural persons, including that of a deceased person

 

 

Karakia Whakamutanga

 

 

 


Infrastructure Committee Minutes - 31 March 2022

 

 

Minutes of a meeting of the

Infrastructure Committee

Te Kōmiti Hanganga

Held via Zoom on Thursday 31 March 2022, commencing at 9.00a.m.

 

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

In Attendance:    Group Manager Infrastructure (A Louverdis), Team Leader Governance (R Byrne) and Governance Adviser (T Kruger)

Apologies :          Councillor G Noonan

 

 

Karakia and Mihi Timatanga

1.       Apologies

Resolved IC/2022/001

 

That the Infrastructure Committee

1.    Receives and accepts the apologies from Councillor G Noonan for attendance and Councillor P Rainey for lateness.

Edgar/Lawrey                                                                               Carried

 

2.       Confirmation of Order of Business

The Chairperson advised that there were requests from two speakers or Public Forum received after the Agenda had been distributed. 

 

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.     Nelson Pride Incorporated - Pride Crossing-Way Forward

Document number R26789

Daniel Jackson, on behalf of Nelson Pride Incorporated, spoke about the Pride Crossing item on the Agenda. Nelson Pride supported the option of signage on the bike stands as they wanted a solution to be safe and inclusive for everyone.  He recognised that the option of a crossing would cause negative effects for the low vision community. 

Attendance: Councillor Rainey joined the meeting at 9.15a.m.

4.2.     Blind Citizens New Zealand Nelson Branch - Pride Crossing-Way Forward

Document number R26790

Karen Wilson, Team Leader Advocacy for Blind Citizens New Zealand Nelson Branch, and Blind Low Vision spoke about the Pride Crossing item on the Agenda. She explained the effect that paint on footpaths, roadways, cycleways had on the low vision community where they had to walk and navigate. It was a safety issue and colours were wavy and disappeared when they trod on them. She advised they supported the LGBTQI+ community and would like to see rainbow signage somewhere in Nelson, and thought signage on the bike stands was a great option.

  

5.       Confirmation of Minutes

5.1      24 February 2022

Document number M19261, agenda pages 10 - 16 refer.

Resolved IC/2022/015

 

That the Infrastructure Committee

1.    Confirms the minutes of the meeting of the Infrastructure Committee, held on 24 February 2022, as a true and correct record.

Courtney/McGurk                                                                          Carried

  

 

6.       Chairperson's Report

Document number R26775

There was no Chairperson’s report.

 

7.       Draft Parking Strategy - Approval to seek public feedback

Document number R26375, agenda pages 17 - 91 refer.

Manager Transport and Solid Waste, Marg Parfitt, and Team Leader Transport Activity Management, Sue McCauley presented the report and answered questions on parking and future parking in areas of development, noting that the strategy did take into account climate change, modal shift and emission reduction. 

The meeting adjourned  from 10.02a.m. until 10.10a.m.

Resolved IC/2022/016

 

That the Infrastructure Committee

1.    Receives the report Draft Parking Strategy - Approval to seek public feedback (R26375) and its attachments (A2862519, A2838508, A2838509, A2838510 and A2844394); and

2.    Agrees to seek public feedback on the Draft Parking Strategy (A2862519) and the Draft Parking Management Plans (A2838508, A2838509 and A2838510); and

3.    Agrees that the Draft Parking Strategy engagement process and public feedback opportunities meet the requirements of the Local Government Act 2002 including the principles of consultation in section 82; and

4.    Approves the Draft Parking Strategy (A2862519) and Draft Parking Management Plans (A2838508, A2838509 and A2838510) for public feedback; and

5.    Delegates to the Chair, Deputy Chair and Chief Executive to approve any minor amendments required to the supporting information or public feedback materials prior to the start of the consultation process; and

6.    Approves the consultation approach set out in section 8 (attachment A2844394) of this report (R26375); and 

7.    Notes the approach includes sufficient steps to ensure the Draft Parking Strategy and proposed Parking Management Plans will be reasonably accessible to the public and will be publicised in a manner appropriate to its purpose and significance.

O'Neill-Stevens/Lawrey                                                                 Carried

 

The meeting adjourned from 10.49a.m. until 10.57a.m. at which time Councillor Rainey left the meeting.

8.       Pride Crossing - Way Forward

Document number R26253, agenda pages 92 - 109 refer.

Her Worship the Mayor moved the officers recommendation of option 2b, seconded by Councillor Edgar.  She asked officers to confirm that recommendation IC/2021/001, which was being rescinded, had complied with the Local Government Act and Standing Orders.

The meeting adjourned from 11.00 until 11.08a.m.

Group Manager Infrastructure Alec Louverdis advised that this matter raised through the Chair’s Report in February 2021 and sat within the delegations of the Infrastructure Committee, noting the Chair’s report belongs to the Chair. He said that the Committee on the day had taken into consideration the wide range of views presented by Committee members following the discussion of the above matter. He noted that the engagement undertaken as part of that report was not as comprehensive as the engagement since undertaken to inform the report in front of the Committee, and that whilst the decision table was not part of the Chairs report, that the outcome of that debate was that no decision was made on a specific location for a pride crossing, but requested more work to be done. The result of that was the report currently being considered by the Committee.  

Councillor Rainey returned to the meeting at 11.12a.m.

Resolved IC/2022/017

 

That the Infrastructure Committee

1.    Receives the report Pride Crossing - Way Forward (R26253) and its attachments (A2749080, A2773987, A2829334 and A2829335); and

2.    Revokes Resolution IC/2021/001 of the Infrastructure Committee meeting held on 25 February 2021:

Approves the installation of a Progress Pride design on a central city raised courtesy crossing as a permanent feature”; then

3.    Approves the installation of a pride decal on either the Trafalgar Street bike rack and/or Montgomery Square bike rack at an estimated cost of $4,000 or $8,000 respectively.  

Her Worship the Mayor/Edgar                                                        Carried

 

The meeting adjourned at 11.58a.m. at which time Her Worship the Mayor Reese left the meeting. 

 

The meeting resumed at 1.02p.m. at which time Councillor Fulton and Councillor Rainey were not in attendance.

9.       Sandbag Policy Options

Document number R26525, agenda pages 110 - 121 refer.

Manager Utilities, David Light, presented the report.

Councillor Fulton joined the meeting at 1.05p.m.

Councillor Rainey joined the meeting at 1.11p.m.

Councillor Edgar raised a Point of Order against Councillor Skinner for disrespectful language. The Chair ruled for the Point of Order and Councillor Skinner withdrew his comments.

Resolved IC/2022/018

 

That the Infrastructure Committee

1.    Receives the report Sandbag Policy Options (R26525) and its attachments (A2840348, A2840350).

McGurk/Edgar                                                                               Carried

Recommendation to Council IC/2022/019

 

That the Council

1.    Confirms that Council does not support the general provision of sandbags, sand or bags, to private property owners/occupants prior to or during flood events; and

2.    Notes that officers are working in conjunction with the Nelson Tasman Emergency Management Group to promote flood readiness to the community, and specifically to those property owners located within the flood hazard/coastal inundation overlay.

McGurk/Edgar                                                                               Carried

Attendance: Councillor Edgar left the meeting at 1.18p.m.

10.     Hampden Street (west) Intersection with Waimea Road-   Long term closure to motor vehicles

Document number R26581, agenda pages 122 - 132 refer.

Manager Transport and Solid Waste, Marg Parfitt, presented the report.

Resolved IC/2022/020

 

That the Infrastructure Committee

1.    Receives the report Hampden Street (west) Intersection with Waimea Road-   Long term closure to motor vehicles  (R26581) and its attachment (A2846492); and

2.    Determines that the intersection of Waimea Road and Hampden Street (west) be closed to vehicular traffic long-term by determining under section 319(1)(f) of the Local Government Act 1974 that part of the Hampden Street road west of Waimea Road is a footpath and cycle track.

O'Neill-Stevens/McGurk                                                                 Carried

Recommendation to Council IC/2022/021

 

That the Council

1.    Approves that the intersection of Waimea Road and Hampden Street (west) be closed to vehicular traffic long-term by determining under section 319(1)(f) of the Local Government Act 1974 that part of the Hampden Street (west) road is footpath and cycle track.

O'Neill-Stevens/McGurk                                                                 Carried

 

11.     Nelson Tasman Regional Landfill Business Unit 2022/23 Business Plan

Document number R26658, agenda pages 133 - 155 refer.

Group Manager Infrastructure, Alec Louverdis presented the report.

Resolved IC/2022/022

 

That the Infrastructure Committee

1.    Receives the report Nelson Tasman Regional Landfill Business Unit 2022/23 Business Plan (R26658) and its attachment (A2796488).

Courtney/McGurk                                                                          Carried

 

12.     Nelson Regional Sewerage Business Unit 2022/23 Business Plan

Document number R26659, agenda pages 156 - 174 refer.

Group Manager Infrastructure, Alec Louverdis presented the report.

Councillor Edgar returned to the meeting at 1.30p.m.

Resolved IC/2022/023

 

That the Infrastructure Committee

1.    Receives the report Nelson Regional Sewerage Business Unit 2022/23 Business Plan (R26659) and its attachment (A2728794).

McGurk/Skinner                                                                            Carried

 

13.     Tahunanui Catchment 4 Stormwater

Document number R26642, agenda pages 175 - 180 refer.

Manager Capital Projects, Lois Plum, presented the report and answered questions on the budget.

Resolved IC/2022/024

 

That the Infrastructure Committee

1.    Receives the report Tahunanui Catchment 4 Stormwater  (R26642) and its attachment (A2847780).

Brand/Skinner                                                                              Carried

Recommendation to Council IC/2022/025

 

That the Council

1.    Approves bringing forward budgeted capital funding of $350,000 from 2024/25 to 2021/22, to allow early completion of the Tahunanui Catchment 4 stormwater project in 2021/22. 

Brand/Skinner                                                                              Carried

     

Councillor Edgar left the meeting at 1.40p.m.

 

14.     Exclusion of the Public

Resolved IC/2022/026

 

That the Infrastructure 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:

  

Bowater/O'Neill-Stevens                                                                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

Infrastructure Committee Meeting - Confidential Minutes - 24 February 2022

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)(a)

     To protect the privacy of natural persons, including that of a deceased person

2

Walters Bluff Rd extension - strategic land purchase

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)(a)

     To protect the privacy of natural persons, including that of a deceased person

·    Section 7(2)(i)

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

3

Part of Forests Road - 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)(a)

     To protect the privacy of natural persons, including that of a deceased person

·    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 confidential session at 1.41p.m. and resumed in public session at 2.44pm.

 

Karakia Whakamutanga

 

15.     Restatements

 

It was resolved while the public was excluded:

 

3

Part of Forests Road - proposed road stopping

 

Agrees that Report (R26360), Attachments (A2809566 and A2825927) and the decision be made publicly available once negotiations are concluded.

 

 

There being no further business the meeting ended at 2.44p.m.

Confirmed as a correct record of proceedings by resolution on (date)

 

Resolved

 


 

Item 4.2: Feedback on the Parking Strategy 2022

 

Infrastructure Committee

23 June 2022

 

 

REPORT R26939

Feedback on the Parking Strategy 2022

 

1.       Purpose of Report

1.1      A list of updated presenters will be provided at the meeting.

1.2      To hear from individuals/organisations who have requested to speak to their feedback on the Parking Strategy 2022.

2.       Background

 

Name/Organisation & Topic

Time of Speaking & Length

Confirmed or Unconfirmed

Murray Cameron

Nelson Citizens Alliance

Opposes no increase in the number of CBD parking spaces.

10.15am

10 Minutes

Confirmed

Gaire Thompson

Individual

Opposes removing cars in favour of alternatives.

10.25am

5 Minutes

Confirmed

Bevan Woodward

Bicycle Nelson Bays

The Parking Strategy doesn’t give enough recognition to the role of parking management to deliver mode shift.

10.30am

 

10 Minutes

Confirmed

Kate Malcolm

Nelson Tasman Climate Forum

They strongly believe that cycling would really take off in Nelson if, by reducing parking, you made dedicated cycle lanes on all our busy streets.

10.40am

10 Minutes

Confirmed

Jane Murray

Nelson Marlborough Health

Promotion of active transport, accessibility and pedestrian safety.

10.50am

10 Minutes

Confirmed

Geoff Faulkner

Individual

Supports development of a car park building.

11.00am

5 Minutes

Confirmed

Paul Matheson and John Gilbertson

Tahunanui Business and Citizens Association

Jac Stevenson

Tahunanui Community Hub

Feedback on Tahunanui parking proposals.

11.05am

10 Minutes

 

Confirmed

Rob Pooley

Individual

Concerned that consultation won’t change the outcome; don’t rush the implementation; use electronic monitoring to provide discounted parking for the elderly and needy; discounted rates for proven carpooling; ensure commercial properties provide free parking after hours; do a trial of park and ride.

11.15am

5 Minutes

Confirmed but may not be able to attend

Rob Stevenson

Opposes that Council proposes that there be no increase in the number of CBD parking spaces. The Council should be planning to build a car parking building.

11.20am

10 Minutes

Unconfirmed

 

 

Author:          April Bryce-Neumann, Assistant Governance Adviser

Attachments

Nil 


 

Item 7: Draft E tū Whakatū Nelson's Active Travel Strategy - Approval to seek public feedback 

 

Infrastructure Committee

23 June 2022

 

 

REPORT R10453

Draft E tū Whakatū Nelson's Active Travel Strategy - Approval to seek public feedback 

     

 

1.       Purpose of Report

1.1      To consider and approve the Draft E Tū Whakatū Nelson’s Active Travel Strategy for community engagement and public feedback.

2.       Summary

2.1      The existing Out and About Policy is overdue for review. Since its adoption in 2016 there is an increased appetite, both nationally and locally, for more uptake of active travel and mode shift and a new overall strategy has been developed which will drive the programme for investment. The draft E Tū Whakatū Nelson’s Active Travel Strategy document will serve as the 10–15 year framework for guiding investment in active transport in Nelson. 

2.2      The Strategy covers targets and principals for provision of facilities to support mode shift, outlines what the Council is seeking to achieve, and aligns with the Council’s vision for the City. The principles outlined in the Strategy will guide Council’s future decision making with regard to walking and cycling facilities and reallocating road space. 

2.3      The Strategy is presented to the Committee for approval to proceed with wider community engagement.

 

 

3.       Recommendation

 

That the Infrastructure Committee

1.  Receives the report Draft E tū Whakatū Nelson’s Active Travel Strategy - Approval to seek public feedback (R10453) and its attachments A2899627 A2899571 and A2903796; and 

2.   Agrees to seek public feedback on the Draft E tū Whakatū Nelson’s Active Travel  Strategy (A2899627); and

3.   Agrees that the Draft E tū Whakatū – Nelson’s Active Travel Strategy engagement process and public feedback opportunities meet the requirements of the Local Government Act 2002 including the principles of consultation in section 82; and

4.   Approves the Draft E tū Whakatū Nelson’s Active Travel Strategy (A2899627) for public feedback; and

5.   Approves the public feedback document (A2903796), amended as necessary; and

6.   Agrees that the Chairperson, Deputy Chairperson and Chief Executive be delegated to approve minor amendments required to the supporting information or public feedback materials prior to the start of the consultation process; and

7.   Approves the engagement approach (set out in section 5.8 - 5.10 of this report (R10453); and Attachment 2 (A2899571) and agrees:

a.  The approach will result in the Draft E tū Whakatū Nelson’s Active Travel Strategy (A2899627) being as widely publicised as reasonably practicable as a basis for engagement.

b.  The approach includes sufficient steps to ensure the Draft E tū Whakatū Nelson’s Active Travel Strategy will be reasonably accessible to the public and will be publicised in a manner appropriate to its purpose and significance.

 

 

 

4.       Background

4.1      The Draft E tū Whakatū Nelson’s Active Travel Strategy (Strategy), sets out how Nelson City Council (NCC) will enable access to, and increase the use of sustainable transport options such as walking, cycling, scootering and micro mobility for people of all ages and abilities.

4.2      The Strategy contributes to the stated Long Term Plan 2021-31 (LTP) goal of “developing a sustainable transport system as a key triennium focus for the next three years.” It aligns with the overall vision for our Regional Land Transport Plan for a safe and connected region that is liveable, accessible and sustainable.

4.3      The Strategy is also consistent with NCC’s endorsement of the Nelson Future Access Detailed Business case (NFA) which contributes to NCC’s climate change goals by aligning the future transport system towards a low-carbon multi-modal future with less dependence on single occupancy car movements. The NFA mapped future primary and secondary walking and cycling routes for Nelson, and these are incorporated in the Strategy.

4.4      The direction adopted in this framework aligns with the strategic priorities in the Government Policy Statement on Land Transport 2021 (GPS), namely the focus on climate change, the continuing emphasis on road safety, and the need for both improved travel options and freight connections to improve access to social and economic opportunities.

4.5      The framework is also consistent with the recently released Ministry for the Environment’s Emissions Reduction Plan, which has set a national target of reducing vehicle kilometres travelled by cars and light vehicles by 20% by 2035 by providing better transport options.

4.6      In preparing the Strategy the following work has been carried out:

4.6.1   A dedicated Shape Nelson page inviting comment and suggestions. This resulted in 491 pins dropped regarding active travel, 274 comments, 23 quick poll responses on travel to school, 254 pins dropped regarding speed limit changes, 177 quick poll responses on speeds, and 74 pins dropped regarding getting to school.

4.6.2   Analysis of past submissions to the LTP with 121/147 submissions on Transport referencing active modes and sustainable travel.

4.6.3   Formation of a Project Reference Group (PRG) which held a number of workshops sessions. The PRG was made up of 24 people who represented the interests of 14 community sectors including: Walking, Cycling, Driving, Disability, Freight, Iwi, Young Persons, Older Persons, Emergency services, Public Transport, Climate / Environment, Health, as well as the general/wider community.

4.6.4   A workshop with elected members via a pre-recorded presentation.

4.7      The Strategy has been developed considering and integrating with other NCC strategies including: 

4.7.1   Whakamahere Whakatū Nelson Plan (in development)

4.7.2   2022 Future Development Strategy (in development)

4.7.3   Regional Public Transport Plan

4.7.4   Parking Strategy (in development) 

4.7.5   Speed Management Plan (in development)

4.7.6   Te Ara ō Whakatū – Nelson City Centre Spatial Plan.

4.8      Together, these plans will set out how NCC will tackle some of the biggest transport and urban challenges currently faced, namely climate change, car dominated urban environments and a lack of safe, accessible, comprehensive and sustainable transport options.  It is also cognisant of the City for All Ages and He Rautaki Whakapuranga Intergenerational Strategies.  

5.       Discussion

5.1      The Strategy focuses on providing the framework and guidance to deliver a programme of investment over the next 10-15 years that will achieve a sustainable change to our travel characteristics which will reduce our carbon emissions and private car use. It has been developed for all age groups to promote the broader wellbeing of all our community.

5.2      The Strategy has been drafted and is aligned with a number of key national strategies, policies, statements including the GPS, the One Network Framework (ONF) road classification system, and the National Road to Zero Safe System framework, and the Emissions Reduction Plan.

5.3      The Strategy includes commentary on why a change in local transport planning is required, including growth, the outcome of the NFA, and our targets and goals for reduced carbon emissions.

5.4      The Strategy includes a summary of feedback from the community on what the current barriers are to active travel uptake, and how NCC proposes to respond to those barriers and challenges. 

5.5      Guiding principles proposed in the Strategy include:

·    It feels safe, and is safe, to travel by active modes on pathways, cycleways and on the road.

·    Vehicles are slowed to 30km/h outside schools, in town centres and in locations where active travellers are not separated from vehicles.

·    Quality, purpose built and well-maintained infrastructure for all modes of travel.

·    Access to alternatives to the private car for all ages and abilities will be enabled.

·    We will increase the attractiveness of active travel and public transport.

·    Future development encourages active modes of travel.

5.6      Targets set in the Strategy include: 

·    Target 1. Vehicle Kilometres Travelled (VKT) will reduce by 25% below 2019 numbers by 2035

·    Target 2:  We will double the proportion of people walking, cycling, and taking public transport to work and school by 2035.

·    Target 3: No active user is killed or seriously injured on our network by 2035.

5.7      Actions proposed in the Strategy:

5.7.1   Include network upgrades. These will be carried out under revised design standards and delivered in a programme for investment that prioritises the primary and secondary routes, where gaps are known to exist or where there is a known crash history.

5.7.2   It distinguishes between Primary and Secondary Routes and Neighbourhood routes, and these are mapped in the document. Primary and Secondary routes make up the core network. They carry high volumes of active mode users each day and are designed and maintained to a higher level than neighbourhood routes because there are more people using them. Neighbourhood routes are described as those that connect us to our neighbours, our friends, to the nearest bus stop and to the local shops.  They also connect us to the primary and secondary routes. These routes will be supported by lower speeds for on street cycling and dedicated footpaths for pedestrians.

5.7.3   Some key principles in selection of facilities are tied to speed management and the ONF. It is proposed that any road with a high movement function will maintain a 50kmph speed limit and have an alternate separated dedicated walking/cycling facility in close proximity. Provision of facilities on Primary or Secondary routes will often require a reallocation of road space – often at the expense of roadside parking. Neighbourhood routes that are local streets, or activity streets which have a high place function will have a lower speed limit that is safe and appropriate for all modes to share the carriageway.

5.7.4   Proposes making changes to the Nelson Plan at the next opportunity, including rules that state bike parking and trip end facilities are to be provided in new developments. As an interim measure before the Nelson Plan is adopted guidance and encouragement will be provided to developers.

5.7.5   Outlines delivery of ongoing supportive programmes including cycle skills education, school and workplace travel planning, and safety campaigns.

Timeline for delivery

5.7.6   The Strategy plots actions over the next 10 years. In the short term actions include development of a speed management plan, consultation on it and, pending adoption, initial implementation. It also includes updating the LDM to align design standards with best practice, supporting development and delivery of Te Ara o Whakatu, a Railway Reserve to Waimea Road Connection, an upgrade Franklyn St/Waimea Road intersection, new and improved crossings over arterial boundaries and traffic calming on low volume streets.

5.7.7   Building on work begun in the first three years, in the mid-term the Strategy proposes to continue speed management implementation, support Waka Kotahi with design and delivery of Rocks Road walking and cycling facilities and deliver Washington Valley walking and cycling improvements alongside utilities upgrades.

5.7.8   In the longer term the Strategy will continue to support Waka Kotahi in delivery of the Rocks Road facilities, investigate and design a separated facility on The Ridgeway and proceed with business cases for a number of other projects shown on the proposed network map.

6.       Community Engagement Approach

6.1      The purpose of public feedback on the Strategy is to seek the public’s views. The official public engagement process is consistent with the requirements of the Local Government Act 2002, section 82 Principles of Consultation and will begin 28 June 2022. This process will be designed to ensure a high profile in the community and across all media channels (online and physical). Residents will be encouraged to engage with the draft document and provide NCC with their feedback via Shape Nelson, email, phone, or hardcopy public feedback form.  This process will close on 25 July 2022 (4 weeks total duration).

6.2      Under Council’s Significance and Engagement Policy, the draft Strategy is considered to be of low to moderate significance. The proposed feedback process will enable NCC to be informed of the views of the community, and those affected by the proposal, when making a decision to adopt, or not adopt the Strategy.  

6.3      An engagement plan is appended as Attachment 2. In summary during the four-week feedback period NCC will seek to engage through a range of means including:

·   Public drop-in sessions in geographic locations around the city (depending on COVID-19 Alert settings). These meetings will be an opportunity for people to learn about the Strategy and provide feedback.

·   Media releases/local media stories.

·   Direct engagement with interest groups and key stakeholders. Direct contact will be made with those listed in the engagement plan 

·   Our Nelson – early 29 June 2022 publication date (distribution 20,000).

·   Shape Nelson – NCC’s consultation page will reflect the feedback document. Feedback can be given directly on Shape Nelson through a variety of different ways.

·   Social media – event scheduling and social media posts using created content.

·   Iwi partners have been made aware of the Strategy development through a Te Ohu Taiao (Environment) meeting held in May 2021. 

·   Social media webinar – held live and recorded for later reference

6.4      A feedback form has been developed and is appended as attachment 3. Officers will summarise all feedback received and report this to the 1 September 2022 Infrastructure Committee meeting with any alterations recommended incorporated into the final document.

6.5      The updated Strategy will then be presented at a Council meeting later in the year to seek approval for final adoption.

7.       Options

7.1      The Committee can either approve, amend, or not approve the draft Strategy for public feedback and community engagement. Substantive changes may require an amendment to the timeline for feedback and final adoption. Officers recommend Option 1

 

Option 1: Approve the draft Strategy for public release and seek feedback through community engagement (Recommended Option)

Advantages

·    Enables Council to obtain and consider the views of the wider community, to inform whether any changes should be made to the draft Strategy document before it is finalised.

·    Consistent with LTP.

·    Provides feedback to assist with preparation of the next Transport Activity Management Plan, Regional Land Transport Plan, and further inform our climate change and emission reduction responses

Risks and Disadvantages

·    None identifiable

 

Option 2: Amend the draft Strategy prior to public feedback and community engagement

Advantages

·    If Committee considers the document and public feedback/engagement approach does not meet its needs or the needs of the community, Council can direct changes ahead of consultation.

Risks and Disadvantages

·    Amendments to the document may not reflect the engagement undertaken to date.

·    Delays to timeframe to progress E tū Whakatū Active Nelson draft Strategy for community engagement.

Option 3: Do not approve the draft Strategy for release to seek public feedback through community engagement

Advantages

·    No identifiable advantage.

Risks and Disadvantages

·    Reputational damage that Council does not promote Smart Little City aspirations.

·    Cost in developing the draft Strategy will be sunk.

·    No progress on setting the direction to guide the preparing of the next Transport Activity Management Plan or Regional Land Transport Plan and will delay commencement of this aspect of the transport emission reduction work.

 

8.       Conclusion

8.1      Officers recommend that the draft Strategy document and engagement approach be approved for release for public feedback.

9.       Next Steps

9.1      If the Committee agrees to the proposed approach the next steps would be:

9.1.1   To commence engagement in accordance with the Community Engagement Approach outlined in section 5 from 28 June 2022 to the 25 July 2022.

9.1.2   To collate responses and prepare report back to the 1 September 2022 Infrastructure committee.

9.1.3   To update the draft Strategy and to present it at the 22 September 2022 Council meeting to seek approval for adoption.

 

Author:          Margaret Parfitt, Manager - Transport and Solid Waste

Attachments

Attachment 1:   A2899627 DRAFT Active Travel Strategy 2022-32

Attachment 2:   A2899571 DRAFT Active Travel Strategy Engagement Plan

Attachment 3:   A2903796 Draft Active Travel Strategy Feedback form   

 

Important considerations for decision making

1.   Fit with Purpose of Local Government

Approving a Draft Strategy for release for community feedback promotes democratic local decision-making.

Promoting sustainable transport options in Nelson contributes to the social, economic and environmental wellbeing of the community.

2.   Consistency with Community Outcomes and Council Policy

The Draft Strategy is consistent with Nelson’s urban development strategies.  It aligns with Council’s Long Term Plan, the Draft Whakamahere Whakatū Nelson Plan, Future Development Strategy, key Transport Strategies, including Nelson Future Access Strategy (Waka Kotahi), modal shift (walk and cycle), bus public transport and Te Ara ō Whakatū- Nelson City Centre Spatial Plan

3.   Risk

The approval of a draft for wider community feedback carries a low risk.

4.   Financial impact

The Draft Strategy contains recommendations for facility development, however much of this is already reflected in the LTP, having been largely included in the 2016 Strategy. Additionally, a final Strategy will be brought back to Committee following wider community feedback for approval and no additional funding is sought in this report.

5.   Degree of significance and level of engagement

The decision at hand is of relatively low significance because the Strategy is still at the draft stage. Given the Strategy includes outcomes that will be of interest to the community, officers have recommended engagement to invite feedback prior to bringing a final version to Committee for recommendation to Council for adoption

6.   Climate Impact

The strategic vision of the Strategy acknowledges climate change is a risk facing the city and region. The Strategy is promoting modal shift and lowered carbon emissions.

7.   Inclusion of Māori in the decision making process

No engagement with Māori has been undertaken in preparing this report however Iwi partners have been made aware of the Strategy development through a Te Ohu Taiao (Environment) meeting held in May 2021. 

8.   Delegations

The Infrastructure Committee has the following delegations to consider approving a Draft Active Travel Strategy (noting that the approval of the final version of the Strategy will be in the form of a recommendation from the Committee to Council):

Areas of Responsibility:

Transport network, including, roading network and associated structures, walkways, cycleways and shared pathways, footpaths and road reserve, street lighting, traffic management control and parking.

Delegations:

Developing, approving, monitoring and reviewing policies and plans, including activity management plans and the Infrastructure Strategy.

Developing, monitoring and reviewing strategies, policies and plans, with final versions to be recommended to Council for approval

Undertaking community engagement, including all steps relating to Special Consultative Procedures or other formal consultation processes, other than final approval.

 

 


 

Item 7: Draft E tū Whakatū Nelson's Active Travel Strategy – 2022–32 –
Approval to seek public feedback : Attachment 1

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Item 7: Draft E tū Whakatū Nelson's Active Travel Strategy Engagement Plan - Approval to seek public feedback  : Attachment 2

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Item  :  : Attachment 1

 

Infrastructure Committee

23 June 2022

 

 

REPORT R26762

Submission to Ministry for the Environment: Te panoni i te hangarua/Transforming Recycling

 

 

1.       Purpose of Report

1.1      To retrospectively approve the submission to the Ministry for the Environment’ consultation - Te panoni i te hangarua/Transforming Recycling (container return scheme, standardising kerbside recycling including mandatory food waste collection, mandatory separation of commercial food waste).

2.       Summary

2.1      Following on from the consultation Te kawe I te haepapa para/Taking responsibility for our waste, the purpose of which is to update the New Zealand Waste Strategy and supporting legislation, the government is now consulting on supporting legislation, policies, plans and tools.

2.2      Due to the deadline for submissions of 22 May 2022, a proforma submission was prepared and submitted on behalf of Nelson City Council (NCC), signed by the Chair of the Infrastructure Committee.  Retrospective approval of the submission is requested from this committee. 

2.3      The Council submission content was developed collaboratively with Tasman District Council (TDC) in line with the Joint Waste Management and Minimisation Plan (JWMMP), but with separate submissions to allow for regional differences and individual Council focus.

3.       Recommendation

 

That the Infrastructure Committee

1.    Receives the report Submission to Ministry for the Environment: Te panoni i te hangarua/Transforming Recycling  (R26762) and its attachment (A2873225); and

2.    Approves retrospectively the submission to the Ministry for the Environment Te panoni I te hangarua/Transforming recycling.

 

4.       Background

4.1      The government opened consultation on proposals to implement a container return scheme (CRS), standardise kerbside recycling including mandatory food waste collection, and mandatory separation of commercial food waste. The submission deadline was extended from 8 to 22 May 2022 to allow sufficient time for all sectors to submit. The consultation document can be found here: https://environment.govt.nz/news/transforming-recycling/#:~:text=We're%20consulting%20on%20three,general%20waste%20for%20all%20businesses.

4.2      The proposals are intended to provide the tools to deliver the proposed updated New Zealand Waste Strategy (to be released later in 2022) and supporting legislation, with the objective of enabling a low waste society and true circular economy.

5.       Discussion

5.1      Council supports the proposals and acknowledges the significant amount of work being done by the Ministry to achieve waste minimisation outcomes. Council commends the Ministry on the breadth and scale of these proposals which have the potential to transform not only recycling, but also how the whole community views and takes action on waste. Refer to Attachment 1 for the submission.

5.2      Whilst Council is already well-aligned with some of the proposals in this consultation, the submission does point to some concerns. Council has raised these previously in the submission on the New Zealand Waste Strategy and supporting legislation, and re-iterates them in this submission:

5.2.1   In designing activities such as the CRS it is critical not to lose sight of the waste hierarchy whilst aiming to create practical solutions for recovering and reusing resources. Designing out waste must remain a priority, alongside focusing on supporting reuse over single-use. An example is the importance of designing the CRS to prioritise reusable containers from the start.

5.2.2   Taking action on climate change must be a key driver in how these activities are designed and delivered. Whilst the intentions of the proposals are good, it is critical to avoid unintended environmental and social impacts through not building this in as a consideration at every level.

5.2.3   Again, as previously submitted in the consultation on the New Zealand Waste Strategy, Council expresses concern about the importance of including Kaupapa Māori in the parameters for designing and implementing the proposed activities. This ranges from using the values associated with Kaitiakitanga – our shared reponsibility and obligation to respect, protect, enhance and maintain the mauri of our natural resources and ecosystems, through to the importance of social equity in how these activities are delivered.

5.2.4   There are likely to be further financial implications in the introduction of the proposals in this consultation.  Officers have reviewed the data provided by the Ministry in order to consider implications for contracts such as kerbside collection, and impact on revenue streams. However there are as yet many unknown factors which will need to be resolved. The Government has stated its intention to address this through the increased waste levy allocation, alongside potential additional funding if required.

5.2.5   Whilst the submission expresses Council support for proposed targets for waste diversion and improvements in recycling, it notes that to achieve these will require significant engagement and education with our whole community as well as changes to systems and infrastructure.  This engagement needs to be effectively designed to create lasting change.  Nelson City Council and Tasman District Council have been conducting a joint survey with Kantar for the previous three years to measure attitudes and behaviours towards recycling and waste minimisation which points to a clear need for consistent education and behaviour change support. The latest Kantar survey is appended as Attachment 2). For these targets to be achievable, well-designed engagement and education must happen at both a regional and national level.

6.       Options

6.1      The options are to retrospectively approve, or to not approve the submission. If the Committee declines to retrospectively approve the submission, officers will notify the Ministry for the Environment that the submission should be withdrawn from consideration. Officers support Option 1.

 

Option 1: Approve the Council submission to Te panoni i te hangarua/Transforming recycling (recommended option)

Advantages

·   Ensures that Council has had input on transformational policy, alongside the local government sector.

·   Demonstrates that Tasman District Council and Nelson City Council are taking a collaborative approach through the JWMMP

Risks and Disadvantages

·   None

Option 2: Do not approve the Council submission Te panoni I te hangarua/Transforming recycling

Advantages

·    None

Risks and Disadvantages

·    Removes Council’s voice from the integral local government approach.

·    Puts us out of step with Tasman District Council.

 

7.       Conclusion

          Officers recommend option one and look forward to working with the Government and the wider community on supporting a true circular economy as we transition to a low waste society.

 

 

Author:          Karen Lee, Environmental Programmes Adviser

Attachments

Attachment 1:   A2873225  Nelson City Council Te panoni i te hangarua - Transforming Recycling - Letter and appendices 1, 2 and 3  

 

Important considerations for decision making

1.      Fit with Purpose of Local Government

This report supports Council’s ability to influence legislation that will impact on its ability to deliver services to the community and support the community’s social, economic, and environmental wellbeing.

2.      Consistency with Community Outcomes and Council Policy

The recommendations in this report support the following Nelson City Council Community Outcomes – “Our unique environment is healthy and protected”; “Our infrastructure is efficient, cost effective and meets current and future needs”; “Our communities are healthy, safe, inclusive and resilient” and “Our region is supported by an innovative and sustainable economy”.

3.      Risk

These proposals have potential to improve the reduction and management of waste in our region. Not providing feedback on the Government proposal risks perception that Council is uninterested and/or that the final approved proposal will not have considered Council’s view.

 

By not commenting on these proposals there is a risk that without a clear position, Council will not be best placed to engage on the development of any waste management structure. Participation is important to reduce the risk of the proposed legislation changes having unintended impacts on Council. Not commenting could also undermine our collaborative relationship with Tasman District Council for delivering the Joint Waste Management and Minimisation Plan.

4.      Financial impact

The contents of this report do not result in any direct financial impact.

5.      Degree of significance and level of engagement

This matter is of low significance. The Ministry for the Environment has opened engagement to all local/regional authorities. The submission supports the goals and aspiration of the JWMMP which was widely consulted on before adoption in September 2019.

6.      Climate Impact

Submitting to MfE on planned changes to Waste legislation and systems demonstrates Council commitment to tackle climate change.

 

7.      Inclusion of Māori in the decision-making process

No engagement with Māori has been undertaken in preparing this report.

8.      Delegations

The Infrastructure Committee has the following delegations to consider areas pertaining to the Nelson Tasman Joint Waste Management and Minimisation Plan:

Relevant Areas of Responsibility:

•    Solid Waste management, including transfer stations and waste minimisation

•    Regional Landfill

•    Recycling

Delegations: The exercise of Council’s responsibilities, powers, functions, and duties in relation to governance matters, which includes

•    Approving submissions to external bodies or organisations, and on legislation and regulatory proposals

 


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Item 9: Taumata Arowai – Council Submission to New Standards    

 

Infrastructure Committee

23 June 2022

 

 

REPORT R26908

Taumata Arowai - Council Submission to New Standards

 

 

1.       Purpose of Report

1.1      To retrospectively approve the Nelson City Council’s submission to Taumata Arowai on their proposed new suite of drinking water standards.

2.       Summary

2.1      Taumata Arowai is the new water services regulator for New Zealand.  The Water Services Act 2021 which was passed in September 2021 moved the regulation of water standards from the Ministry of Health to Taumata Arowai.

2.2      At the beginning of 2022, Taumata Arowai sought feedback on a suite of new standards.  These standards can be found at https://te-puna-korero.taumataarowai.govt.nz/. Consultation opened on 17 January 2022 with submissions closing on 28 March 2022. The documents being consulted on were:

·   Drinking Water Standards

·   Drinking Water Aesthetic Values

·   Drinking Water Quality Assurance Rules

·   Drinking Water Acceptable Solution for Roof Water Supplies

·   Drinking Water Acceptable Solution for Spring and Bore Water Supplies

·   Drinking Water Acceptable Solution for Rural Agricultural Water Supplies

·   Drinking Water Network Environmental Performance Measures – Discussion Document

2.3      Feedback from Council was focused on the proposed standards that have a direct impact on the City’s reticulated drinking water supply network.  Therefore, officers did not provide feedback on the following proposed standards:

·   Drinking Water Acceptable Solution for Roof Water Supplies

·   Drinking Water Acceptable Solution for Spring and Bore Water Supplies

·   Drinking Water Acceptable Solution for Rural Agricultural Water Supplies

2.4      Feedback to Taumata Arowai was developed in consultation with the Chair of the Infrastructure Committee and the Operations and Maintenance Contractors for both the Water Treatment Plant (Fulton Hogan) and the drinking water supply network (Nelmac).  

2.5      It is anticipated that the new Standards, Rules, Aesthetic Values, Acceptable Solutions and some of the Network Environmental Performance Measures will be adopted on or around 1 July 2022.

2.6      The submission prepared by Nelson City Council Officers can be found in Attachment 1 (A2859438). 

3.       Recommendation

That the Infrastructure Committee

1.    Receives the report Taumata Arowai - Council Submission to New Standards (R26908) and its attachment (A2859438); and

2.    Approves retrospectively the Nelson City Council submission to Taumata Arowai (A2859438 -  Attachment 1 of Report R26908).

 

4.       Background

4.1      The Havelock North drinking water contamination incident in August 2016 led to a central government inquiry into the causes of the failure. The inquiry recommended a comprehensive suite of reforms for the drinking water environment. 

4.2      In September 2021, the Government passed the Water Services Act.  This legislation moved the regulation of water standards from the Ministry of Health to Taumata Arowai which has the legal authority to carry out duties as New Zealand’s dedicated water regulator.

4.3      Currently, drinking water suppliers have to comply with the Drinking Water Standards for New Zealand (revised 2018). Taumata Arowai has developed new standards and separated them as follows:

·   Drinking Water Standards

·   Drinking Water Aesthetic Values

·   Drinking Water Quality Assurance Rules

·   Drinking Water Acceptable Solution for Roof Water Supplies

·   Drinking Water Acceptable Solution for Spring and Bore Water Supplies

·   Drinking Water Acceptable Solution for Rural Agricultural Water Supplies

·   Drinking Water Network Environmental Performance Measures – Discussion Document

5.       Discussion

5.1      The proposed new standards are technical documents and are summarised as follows:

5.1.1   Drinking Water Standards - The proposed Drinking Water Standards will replace the existing Drinking Water Standards for New Zealand (Revised 2018). They set limits for contaminants and other characteristics of drinking water. 

5.1.2   Drinking Water Aesthetic Values - The aesthetic values (properties) of drinking water that affect its acceptability to consumers, including its taste, odour, appearance and in some instances feel. Consumers will often be more aware of these values than the health-related limits that influence drinking water’s safety. 

5.1.3   Drinking Water Quality Assurance Rules - The Drinking Water Quality Assurance Rules (Rules) set out the requirements a drinking water supplier must comply with to help ensure the drinking water they provide is safe. The Rules are ‘compliance rules’ for the purposes of the Water Services Act 2021.  To address the large variations across different kinds of drinking water supplies, the Rules are categorised into different drinking water supply types. These have different modules and complexities assigned to them.

5.1.4   Drinking Water Network Environmental Performance Measures – Discussion Document - The Water Services Act 2021 introduces new requirements to monitor and report on the environmental performance of certain drinking water, wastewater, and stormwater suppliers and their operators. These requirements are designed to provide greater transparency about the performance of networks, the impacts they have on the environment and public health, and to contribute to the continuous and progressive improvement of the quality of water services. This discussion document sets out a proposed approach for Taumata Arowai to commence monitoring the environmental performance of drinking water networks in mid-2022.

5.2      The ‘Drinking Water Acceptable Solution’ documents referred to earlier, do not have a direct impact on the City’s reticulated drinking water supply network.  Therefore, officers did not provide feedback on them.

5.3      Council supports the overall intent of the new standards.  Feedback was provided on:

5.3.1   Drinking Water Standards

·   Management of breaches where disinfection must never be compromised and inconsistencies between these standards and Aesthetic Values.

·   Testing requirements within the water supply catchments.

5.3.2   Drinking Water Aesthetic Values

·   How this standard will be administered.

5.3.3   Drinking Water Quality Assurance Rules

·   Rules associated with continuous monitoring, disinfection requirements, sampling regimes for coagulant use and access to the water network by contractors/third parties.

5.3.4   Drinking Water Network Environmental Performance Measures – Discussion Document.

·   The proposed scope of ‘environmental performance’.

·   How operators can best give effect to Te Mana o te Wai (in the context of environmental performance measures for networks).

·   The relevant vision, principles, and outcomes.

·   Proposed environmental performance measures for drinking water, including the staging of those measures.

5.4      In addition to this submission, officers have identified the following key impacts from these new standards:

5.4.1   Increase demand on resources, particularly around transitioning to these new standards.

5.4.2   Potential for additional operational costs.  This is associated with additional testing, particularly in the raw water catchment areas.  

5.4.3   Potential for additional capital costs associated with the need to purchase backup monitoring equipment and establishing specific locations within the city for contractors to access water.

5.5      Officers have utilised funding from the Three Waters Reform Stimulus Programme to assist with preparing for the proposed new standards. This funding has to be utilised by 30 June 2022.

5.6      Operation and capital costs for 2022/23 financial year will be monitored to understand the impact from these new standards.  If existing budgets are not sufficient, additional funds will be requested via the 2023/24 Annual Plan.

6.       Options

6.1      Two options are presented to the Committee - to either retrospectively support the submission or not to support the submission. Officers recommend Option One.

Option 1: Retrospectively approve the submission to Taumata Arowai on its proposed new standards (recommended option)

Advantages

·   Signals support for changes to the way Water Services are regulated across the country.

·   Supports Taumata Arowai in its proposed vision and goals for ensuring all communities receive safe drinking water every day.

Risks and Disadvantages

·   None.

Option 2: Do not retrospectively approve the submission to Taumata Arowai on its proposed new standards

Advantages

·    None.

Risks and Disadvantages

·    Lack of a clear position statement on the new standards if the submission is withdrawn.

 

7.       Next Steps

7.1      Taumata Arowai will consider the feedback provided in the submissions and use it to refine the proposed standards before they are finalised in mid-2022.

Author:          David Light, Manager Utilities

Attachments

Attachment 1:   Submission to Taumata Arowai - A2859438  

 

Important considerations for decision making

1.      Fit with Purpose of Local Government

The submission is aligned with the purpose of Local Government in enabling “democratic decision-making and action by, and on behalf of, communities” as it reflects the views of Council acting in its role as a drinking water supplier. The submission responds to Council’s broad role in ‘promoting the social, economic, environmental and cultural wellbeing of the community’ by engaging with central government to ensure that water supply regulation is carried out efficiently (without duplication and waste of resources) and to the benefit of everyone in the community.

2.      Consistency with Community Outcomes and Council Policy

The recommendations in this report support the following Nelson City Council Community Outcomes – “Our unique environment is healthy and protected”; “Our infrastructure is efficient, cost effective and meets current and future needs”; “Our communities are healthy, safe, inclusive and resilient” and “Our region is supported by an innovative and sustainable economy”.

3.      Risk

Any new standard has the potential to directly impact the operation of the Council’s drinking water activity. Nelson is well placed to adapt to these new standards, due to the well managed water source catchment areas, high performing water treatment plant and a water reticulated network that is already chlorinated.

4.      Financial impact

The proposed new standards will have some financial impact on both operation and capital expenditure. These costs will be monitored during 2022/23 FY, and adjustments made through future Annual Plans and Long Term Plans.

5.      Degree of significance and level of engagement

This matter is of low significance because it only provides feedback to Taumata Arowai and is predominantly an operational matter.   The general public and drinking water suppliers were able to provide feedback to Taumata Arowai.

6.      Climate Impact

Climate change will be considered through the development of the Drinking Water Network Environmental Performance Measures.

 

7.      Inclusion of Māori in the decision making process

No engagement with Māori has been undertaken in preparing this report.

8.      Delegations

The Infrastructure Committee has the following delegation:

Areas of Responsibility:

·    Transport network, including, roading network and associated structures, walkways, cycleways and shared pathways, footpaths and road reserve, street lighting, traffic management control and parking

·    Water

·    Wastewater, including Bell Island Wastewater Treatment Plant

·    Stormwater and Flood Protection

Delegations:

·    Approving submissions to external bodies or organisations, and on legislation and regulatory proposals

 


 

Item 9: Taumata Arowai – Council Submission to New Standards : Attachment 1   

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Item 10: Infrastructure Quarterly Report 

 

Infrastructure Committee

23 June 2022

 

 

REPORT R26702

Infrastructure Quarterly Report

 

 

1.       Purpose of Report

1.1      To inform the Committee of the financial and non-financial results for the third quarter of 2021/2022 for the activities under its delegated authority.

1.2      To recommend to Council to approve unbudgeted funding that will allow the management and disposal of additional previously unknown coal tar, at the Hastings Street section of the Washington Valley Upgrade project. 

2.       Recommendation

That the Infrastructure Committee

1.    Receives the report Infrastructure Quarterly Report (R26702) and its attachments A2872960 and A2892744; and

2.    Notes the reallocation of budget and potential carry forwards.

 

Recommendation to Council

That the Council

3.    Approves unbudgeted additional capital funding of $2 Million for the Washington Valley Infrastructure Upgrade project to cover the cost of previously unidentified and unknown coal tar, a hazardous material, to be disposed of at York Valley Landfill.

 

 

3.       Background

3.1      Quarterly reports on performance are being provided to each Committee on the performance and delivery of projects and activities within their areas of responsibility.

3.2      The financial reporting focuses on the year-to-date performance (1 July 2021 to 30 June 2022) compared with the year to date (YTD) approved capital and operating budgets.

3.3      Unless otherwise indicated, all information is against approved operating budget, which is the 2021/22 annual budget plus any carry forwards, plus or minus any other additions or changes as approved by the Committee or Council.

3.4      More detailed project status reports are included (attachments) for the 20 projects that fall under the Infrastructure Committee.  These have been selected if their budget is at least $250,000 for 2021/22, are multi-year projects with a budget over $1Million or have been assessed to be of particular interest to the Committee.

3.5      Project status is analysed based on three factors: quality, time, and budget.  From the consideration of these three factors the project is summarised as being on track (green), some issues/risks (orange), or major issues/risks (red).  Projects that are within 10% of their budget are considered to be on track regarding the budget factor.

4.       COVID-19 impacts

 

4.1      COVID-19 resulted in increased costs, posing challenges to the successful delivery of Council’s capital works programme throughout 2021/22, including:

·    Month-on-month cost increases for supply of materials and equipment;

·    Supply chain delays and shortages, which incur costs;

·    Increasing freight costs;

·    A tight labour market – staff shortages and high mobility are making recruitment a challenge;

·    Alert/Traffic Light levels adding to complexity and uncertainty, which flow on to pricing for services.

5.       Tenders awarded

5.1      Tenders above $300,000 awarded under delegated authority in the last quarter are listed below:

 

Project Name

Awarded to

Tender Price

Gloucester Street watermain upgrade

Ching Contracting

$ 395,680

5.2      There were no approvals during Q3 through the Tenders Subcommittee. 

6.       Financial Results

6.1      Profit and Loss by Activity

 

1.  The “Total Operating Budget” differs from the “Total Annual Plan Budget” in that it includes carry forwards and reallocations made after the final approval of the Annual Plan.

2.  Base Expenditure is expenditure that happens year after year, for example yearly contracts or operating expenses.

3.  Programmed Expenditure is planned work, or there is a specific programme of works. For example, painting a building.

4.  Unprogrammed Expenditure is reactive or unplanned in nature, for example responding to a weather event. Budgets are included as provisions for these expenses which are unknown.

5.    Some of the activities have a budgeted operating deficit. This is usually due to depreciation of those activities is not being fully funded by either rates or user fees within the LTP. The portion of depreciation that is unfunded reflects the deficit of that activity.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Operating Revenue (excluding rates)

Operating Expenditure (excluding internal interest)

Capital Expenditure Infrastructure (excluding vested assets)

6.2      Capital Expenditure Infrastructure (as at 22 April 2022)

As at 31 March, Capital Expenditure is $7.1m behind the Operating Budget of $36.2m. Level of Service projects are $4.2m behind budget, Renewals are $2.5m behind budget and Capital Growth is $277,000 behind budget.

As at 22 April 2022, Capital Expenditure is forecast to be $11.2m lower than the Operating Budget. Several key projects that are forecasted to be underspent this year include Washington Valley Upgrade ($3.8 million), Awatea Place ($2.2million) and Wastney Terrace Stormwater ($1.3 million). The remainder of the variance is made up of numerous smaller projects.

6.3      Income and Operational Expenditure

Activity income and expenses have been reviewed in detail and commentary has been included below for variances between actuals and budget of greater than or less than $50,000.

Terms Used

Ahead/behind – this indicates that the variance is due to timing, or that it is not yet known whether the variance will continue for the full year. This should be clarified in the commentary.

Over/under – this indicates that a budget has been overspent or underspent, and that it is likely there is an actual cost saving or overrun. This should be made clear by the commentary.

Transport

6.3.1     Subsidised Roading expenditure is less than budget by $112,000. Staff Costs are $148,000 behind budget due to them being allocated differently than anticipated. Some variance is expected between actual and forecast staff time across subsidised and unsubsidised transport budgets.

A number of expenditure items are behind budget including Street Light Power ($105,000) which is expected to be spent, Crack Sealing ($59,000) with no claims expected this year, Bridge Maintenance ($58,000) and Travel Demand Management ($67,000) due to difficulty in delivering under COVID-19 restrictions. Expenditure items that are ahead of budget include unbudgeted Winter 21 Storm Damage ($154,000) and February 2022 Storm Damage ($63,000) due to unexpected weather events both of which will be subsidised by Waka Kotahi. Conditions inspections and data collection is also higher than planned by $193,000 and will be offset by savings elsewhere.

6.3.2     Parking Regulation income is greater than budget by $213,000. Infringement Fees are over budget by $194,000 with the new system recording more incidents of non-compliance.

6.3.3     Parking and CBD Enhancement income is less than budget by $137,000. Rental Income is under budget by $104,000 due to ongoing covid impacts as well as credits being provided to tenants who are on income-based rental agreements for the last financial year due to impacts from COVID restrictions.

6.3.4     Total Mobility income is less than budget by $55,000. Total Mobility Waka Kotahi Operations income is $40,000 under budget to match reduced expenditure in this area.

6.3.5     Total Mobility is expenditure is less than budget by $75,000. Total Mobility Operations are behind budget by $62,000 due to covid restrictions impacting usage.

Solid Waste

6.3.6     Waste Minimisation income is less than budget by $184,000. Local Disposal Levies recoverable from Landfill is $215,000 behind budget due to expenditure items it funds being behind budget. The details of the expenditure items is below.

6.3.7     Waste Minimisation expenditure is less than budget by $191,000. Community Engagement Contract is under budget by $70,000 and likely to be underspent because of low community uptake due to COVID disruptions. Street Litter Bin Technology is behind budget by $40,000.  Diversion Engagement is $35,000 behind budget with work to commence in Quarter 4.

6.3.8     Transfer Station income is greater than budget by $203,000.  Local Disposal Levies recoverable from Landfill is $179,000 ahead of budget due to expenditure items it funds being ahead of budget. The details of the expenditure items are below.

6.3.9     Transfer Station expenditure is greater than budget by $187,000. The Hopper Operation Contract is over budget by $38,000 due to the new contract now including some additional services previously paid out of different budget lines and forecast to finish $53,000 over budget. COVID-19 Response is $23,000 over a nil budget and Plant & Equipment Maintenance is $30,000 over budget. A budgeting error is causing a $71,000 variance and has been fixed for the Annual Plan 2022/23.

6.3.10   Recycling expenditure is behind budget by $127,000. The base contract is behind budget by $97,000 due to timing of invoices.

Utilities

6.3.11   Wastewater income is less than budget by $305,000. Commercial Trade Waste income is under budget by $388,000 and forecasted to be $400,000 by the end of the year due to lower than expected volume being received. Trade Waste A income is forecasted to be ahead of budget by $63,000. Trade Waste Accounts (Commercial and Trade Waste A), are forecasted to be approximately $365,000 under budget in total by the end of the year. Wastewater rates are over budget by $81,000 due to additional wastewater connections being added after wastewater charges had been set, resulting in more units than budgeted paying charges for the year.

6.3.12   Wastewater expenditure is greater than budget by $54,000. Depreciation is over budget by $194,000 due to the 2020/21 asset revaluation being higher than anticipated. This is partially offset by savings in Trade Waste Improvement Programme ($82,000) and Electricity ($64,000) due to timing but on track to be fully spent.

6.3.13   Water Supply expenditure is less than budget by $64,000. Electricity is $126,000 behind budget due to a delay in billing with a change in supplier. Water Treatment ($88,000) and Headworks ($74,000) Maintenance are behind budget but expected to be spent. Insurance ($94,000) and Deprecation ($137,000) are over budget due to higher than anticipated asset revaluations which was not known at the time of budgeting.

Utilities – Other Variances

6.3.14   Stormwater maintenance programmed and reactive expenditure is forecasted to be over budget by approximately $100,000 in total by the end of the financial year. This is due to the impact from the numerous wet weather events the region has experienced over winter and spring. Officers are investigating whether any aspects of the maintenance work can be capitalised, however it is anticipated that these maintenance budgets will be overspent for the full year.

7.       Commentary on Capital Projects

7.1      All infrastructure capital projects with a budget greater than $250,000 in this financial year or have an overall project budget of over 1M across the life of the project have a project sheet in Attachment 1 of this report.  Key work this quarter is detailed below.

7.2      Rutherford Street Stormwater Upgrade – In April the Tenders Subcommittee approval the award of the contract for this work to Fulton Hogan subject to approval of additional funding, which was approved at the 9 May Council meeting for $1,175,000.

7.3      Following excellent progress on the Awatea Place pump station progress has slowed due to contractor staffing and product resources (as a result of COVID-19), and minor services clashes. Work will be phased into 2022/23 with a resultant carry forward.

7.4      Haven Road sewer work was completed in late March, and the road was resealed as part of Waka Kotahi re-seal of State Highway 6. All work on the Haven Road stormwater realignment (Science & Technology Precinct) is now complete. 

7.5      Airlie Street stormwater upgrade work was completed during the quarter. However, an issue with an incorrectly recorded stormwater pipe was identified and the underspend of $200,000 on this project will be carried over to replace a length of pipe in 2022/23. 

7.6      Saxton Creek stage 4 work continues with the new culvert structure in place on the Saxton Field side. The contractor is now working on the other side of the road to complete the culvert structure. Work on the Alliance site is progressing as planned during the quarter.

7.7      Centennial Park Stormwater Pump Station. Ching Contracting have been engaged to complete the installation of the downstream defender to clean the water pumped to Te Pa Harakeke Park (formally Modellers Pond). COVID-19 delays have impacted on supply of materials and the project is programmed to now finish in early August and a carryover of approximately $250,000 is forecast at this stage. Increased costs from COVID-19 and materials will be incurred but can be covered in the stormwater activity.

7.8      Honey Tye Way stormwater upgrade off Nayland Road will commence and Nelmac have been engaged to do the work. 

7.9      Washington Valley Infrastructure Upgrade – Stage 1 (Hastings Street).

7.9.1     Due to the late commencement date on site (some six plus months later than originally planned), the project will not be completed in this financial year and will now take place over two financial years. In addition to the late start, COVID-19 continues to impact on supply chains and on-site sickness delays have occurred. As a result, there will be a carry forward request of $3.8 million.

7.9.2     This report also requests additional funding for this project, as a result of the contractor finding more coal tar (HAIL) than anticipated on the site. Coal tar is not an unknown risk and officers routinely test for coal tar and allow for this in contracts and costings. Typically coal tar was used in road construction in the mid-1970’s and is located by undertaking test pits and analysing the samples taken in the top road formation structural levels (800mm).

7.9.3     Nineteen tests for coal tar were undertaken on this contract, but coal tar has since unexpectedly been located at depths of between 1m and 1.8m and in a different form – large pieces as opposed to consistently in the roading layers.      

7.9.4     The material appears to have been placed either when the reclamation of this area was undertaken or placed as backfill in the old sewer main trench. The material is classified as HAIL and whilst the large pieces of coal tar can be removed, and the remaining material possibly re-used, it cannot be used elsewhere other than on Hastings Street as it is still classified as HAIL.

7.9.5     At this stage it is not possible to rely on the current contingency set aside for this job ($1.05M) as the contract risks are still too large (wet weather, unknown services, clashes of services).

7.9.6     The impact of this additional coal tar on the sewer trench has been worked through with the contractor, quantified and an amount of $1.65M (including 10%) is required to dispose of 1,650m3 safely at the York Valley landfill.

7.9.7     It is likely that other pockets of coal tar may still be located during construction works as other services still need to be undertaken at depths greater than 1 meter. For this reason, additional funding of $2M is requested.

8.       Three Waters Services Reform

Stimulus Package Update

8.1      The Department of Internal Affairs (DIA) and Crown Infrastructure Partners (CIP) have approved the Council’s Delivery Plan (Plan) resulting in just over $5.7M of external funding being awarded to Council.

8.2      This programme of work is progressing well and approximately $5.3M (of the $5.7M grant) has been spent to date.  This represents 93% of funding spent. The original timeframe for spending all this grant fund was 31 March 2022, but due to the impacts of COVID-19, this deadline has been extended to 30 June 2022. 

8.3      Key items to note during this quarter are as follows:

·   As previously reported, Council continues to experience issues with recruiting Asset Engineers (national shortage of engineers, and uncertainty with job security associated with the Three Waters Reform). This inability to recruit has resulted in an underspend of $34,000. 

 

·   A further underspend of $19,600 for ‘3 Waters roll out – discussion/ collaboration’ project is forecasted.  This was always placeholder funding, and it is not anticipated that this budget will be fully utilised. 

 

·   These underspends have been reallocated to already approved projects within the Three Waters Stimulus package to maximise the available funding from central government. Refer to table for further details.

 

8.4      A summary of the progress for all projects is provided hereafter:

 

PROJECT

TYPE

APPROVED FUNDING

UPDATED FUNDING

PROGRESS

General Programme

 

 

 

 

3 Waters roll out - discussion/collaboration

Opex

$24,826

$5,260

Is placeholder funding.  Requesting approval from DIA to transfer funds to another project

General Programme Sub-Total 

 

$24,826

$5,260

 

Staff Resources

 

$226,414

$192,384

Underspend anticipated. Requesting approval from DIA to transfer funds to another project

Staff Resources Subtotal

 

$226,414

$192,384

 

Water Programme

 

 

 

 

Maitai Dam – Lindavia Testing

Opex

$41,361

$41,361

Completed

Climate Change – Emission Reduction Strategy

Opex

$70,000

$70,000

On track

Water Pipeline Renewals Strategy

Opex

$40,000

$40,000

Minor increase. Requesting approval from DIA

Maitai Original Raw Water Pipeline Renewal Strategy

Opex

$60,000

$60,000

Nearing Completion

Reticulation Water Quality Improvement and Pressure Management Strategy

Opex

$70,000

$70,000

Nearing Completion

Drinking Water Quality Initiatives

Opex

$104,242

$113,361

Minor increase. Requesting approval from DIA

Water Programme Sub-Total 

 

$385,603

$394,722

 

Wastewater Programme

 

 

 

 

NWWTP Resource Consent Monitoring Programme

Capex

$200,000*

$200,000*

Completed

NWWTP Pond Management Improvements

Opex

$190,000

$210,000

Minor increase. Requesting approval from DIA

Awatea Place Pump Station

Capex

$3,781,615*

$3,781,615*

Spend full spent

Beach Road Wastewater Storage

Capex

$300,000*

$300,000*

Completed

Trade Waste Improvement Programme

Opex

$170,000

$170,000

On track

Wastewater Pipeline Renewals Strategy

Opex

$30,000

$30,000

Nearing Completion

Climate Change - Wastewater Network Heat Mapping

Opex

$30,000

$30,000

Completed

Climate Change Emission Reduction Strategy

Opex

$175,000

$199,477

Minor increase. Requesting approval from DIA

Pump Station Data Collection, Storage and Use

Opex

$50,000

$50,000

Nearing Completion

Wastewater Programme Sub-Total

 

$4,923,157

$4,967,634

 

Stormwater Programme

 

 

 

 

Condition Performance Assessment

Opex

$30,000*

$30,000*

Nearing Completion

Stormwater Quality Strategy

Opex

$130,000

$130,000

Nearing Completion

Stormwater Programme Sub-Total

 

$160,000

$160,000

 

GRAND TOTAL

 

$5,723,458

$5,723,458

 

* Does not represent total project budget, only the external contribution from the Three Waters Stimulus Programme.

8.1      Officers will be required to submit to the DIA a ‘Close Out Report’ during the first quarter of the 2022/23 financial year.  This report covers a variety of topics including, programme summary, outcome and successes, shortfalls and challenges, cashflow, FTEs and lessons learnt.

9.       Status Report Update

9.1      Supply of Sandbags. A report was presented to the Committee on 31 March 2022 and approved by Council on 10 May 2022. The item is now closed.

9.2      Hampden Terrace/Waimea Road intersection closure. A report was presented to the Committee on 31 March 2022 and approved by Council on 10 May 2022. The item is now closed.  

9.3      Pride Crossing – Way forward. A report was presented to the Committee on 31 March approving the installation of a pride decal on the Trafalgar and Montgomery Square bike racks. The Arts Council has been engaged to facilitate the process and have met with stakeholders to develop a brief that will be going to three artists for submissions/concepts. Ongoing.

9.4      Tahunanui Catchment 4 stormwater. A report was presented to the Committee on 31 March requesting bringing forward budget from 2024/25 to 2021/22. Council approved this on 10 May 2022. The item is now closed.

9.5      Draft Parking Strategy – Approval to seek public feedback. The Parking Strategy was approved for public feedback at the end of Q3 and work is underway to collate feedback for the August Infrastructure Committee meeting. Ongoing.

9.6      Infrastructure Quarterly report – recommendations to Council. A report was presented to the Committee for (a) bringing forward capital budget for Awatea Place wastewater pump station from 2022/23 to 2021/22 and (b) additional funding for Rutherford Street stormwater project. Council approved this on 10 March 2022. This item is now closed.

9.7      Infrastructure Fees and Charges 2022/23. A report was presented to the Committee on fees and charges for 2022/23. All fees will take effect from 1 July 2022. The item is now closed.  

9.8      Submission to Ministry for the Environment Te kawe i te haepapa para: Taking responsibility for our waste: Proposals for a new waste strategy; Issues and options for new waste legislation. A report was presented to the Committee and the submission lodged. This item is now closed.    

9.9      Nelson Tasman Regional Landfill Business Unit: Hazardous Activities and Industries List sites (HAIL). The Committee has requested further work on the matter of receiving HAIL (fees and charges and discounts) at York Valley landfill. This is a matter the Regional Services General Manager will address in the next Annual Business Plan pending resources. Ongoing 

10.     LTP 2021-31 decision feedback

10.1    The following table provides an update on outstanding decisions made when the LTP was approved with relevant officer comment:

 

Item

Council resolution

Comment

Ariesdale Terrace

 

Approves bringing forward $40,000 from Year 5 and $40,000 from Year 6 for the Ariesdale Terrace project to Year 1 and Year 2 of the Long Term Plan 2021-31.

Investigations are well underway.

11.     Commentary on operational projects

11.1    There is a detailed status report for one operational project (Inflow and Infiltration) included in the attachments.  This project has been selected for quarterly reporting as it has been assessed to be of particular interest to the Committee.

11.2    Operational projects are assessed on the same factors – quality, time and budget and noted as being on track, with some issues/risks or with major issues/risks. Project updates are appended in Attachment 1.

Utilities

Fluoridation

11.3    As previously reported to Councillors, officers have provided information to the Director General of Health on the cost to fluoridate Nelson’s water. That estimated cost was $500,000 capex and opex of $100,000/annum. 

11.4    On 17 May 2022, as part of the Annual Plan workshop, officers advised Councillors that notification had been received from the Director-General of Health requesting confirmation of costs and timeframes noting that the Director-General had made a preliminary assessment of the Nelson drinking water supply as set out under Part 5A Section 116E (3) of the Health Act 1956 (the Act) that will direct Council to fluoridate its water.

11.5    Officers have advised the Ministry of Health that undertaking this work will take at least 18 months to compete with a completion date of December 2023. The MoH has indicated that some funding will be available to local authorities and Officers are working with the MoH to quantify quantum.

11.6    Officers will be confirming costs and timeframe to the MoH by the 29 June 2022.

11.7    Officers have also been advised that consultation is not required as this will be a directive from the Director General of Health and that the MoH will formally be publicly announcing any directives to fluoridate and directing residents to their website - www.fluoridefacts.govt.nz.

Reticulation monitoring

11.8    On the 31 May, Council took the precautionary measure of issuing a temporary boil water notice for three days following E.coli being detected as part of the routine testing within the drinking water supply network.  Prior to lifting this notice, subsequent water quality testing was carried out over a period of three days, that confirmed that the previously detected levels of E.coli were no longer present. 

11.9    Officers consulted with Taumata Arowai (Drinking Water Regulator) and Nelson Marlborough District Health Board throughout this period and it was agreed to adopt a precautionary approach and residents were notified on two occasions via hand-delivered letters.  Hand-delivered letters were also distributed when the notice was lifted.  This notice was also communicated on Councils Facebook page and Council’s website.

11.10  These results were highly unexpected, as the Nelson drinking water supply is treated at the Water Treatment Plant using ultra filtration membranes and the water reticulation is chlorinated for added protection.  In addition to extensive monitoring for E.coli, Council closely monitors chlorine levels within the network, and all results show that the chlorine levels in the reticulation were at the expected levels.

11.11  Whilst a review of this incident is still underway, at the time of writing, officers suspect the likely cause of these E.coli results was water quality sampling/testing issues and not contamination within the drinking water supply network.

          Solid Waste/Waste Minimisation

11.12  Officers have initiated the review of the Joint Waste Management and Minimisation Plan (JWMMP) in partnership with Tasman District Council, as required under the Waste Minimisation Act 2008.  The initial requirement is to conduct a waste assessment (WA), which is on track for completion by September 2022. The WA will provide background information regarding levels of waste, existing services and future needs, which in turn will determine next steps for the review of the JWMMP. Iwi engagement is being planned as part of the review process, alongside consideration of climate change issues.

11.13  At the end of Q2, officers also completed a submission from the Chair of the Infrastructure Committee on the government proposal to update the New Zealand Waste Strategy and supporting legislation. During Q3, work was also initiated on the new government consultation Transforming Recycling/Te panoni I te hangarua, which will have significant impacts on Council’s waste management and minimisation activities. This submission will be brought to the Infrastructure Committee for retrospective approval.

11.14  A number of waste minimisation activities have been carried out in Q3 including:

·   The inaugural round of the annual Waste Minimisation Grants programme was opened, following the trial in 2021. A significant number of applications have been received and results will be reported in the next quarterly report; 

·   Completion of the new engagement video ‘Plastics recycling in Nelson Tasman’ http://www.nelson.govt.nz/services/rethink-waste/recycle/recycling-frequently-asked-questions/ ;

·   Set up online education modules for low waste parenting for Nelson residents;

·   Ongoing support for building regional repair café capacity;

·   Ongoing support for home composting engagement and education, including workshops and Saturday market hub;

·   Delivery of Don’t Bin Batteries campaign in collaboration with TDC and NTRLBU. Work is now underway across local government to identify standards and processes for this activity;

·   Review underway of e-waste subsidy activity; and

·   Construction and demolition waste engagement programme under development

11.15  Supply chain issues have delayed installation of the first 18 solar compacting bins and these will be installed in May, with the remaining 36 to be installed before the end of June.  The street litter contract has been put out to tender during Q3 and will be awarded during Q4 for a 1 November 2022 commencement.

11.16  The TDC and NCC recycling contacts had been aligned to end in June 2023. Central Government are actively developing new recycling regulations which will be compulsory by 2025 and which include a container deposit scheme, compulsory sorting of various materials, and changes to collection and sorting methodology. Some of the activities will divert high value commodities from kerbside recycling and create operational costs, and potentially incur further liability from council. This may require different collection vehicles and a different approach to sorting at the MRF, neither of which would align with the existing recycling kerbside collection contract. For that reason, TDC have deferred to June 2025 and NCC will follow suite to ensure that we take a holistic approach.

Transport

11.17  The new Setting of Speed Limits Rule was signed by Transport Minister Wood on 18 April 2022 and will come into force on 19 May 2022. The Rule forms the new regulatory framework designed to improve how road controlling authorities (RCAs), including Waka Kotahi as an RCA, plan for, consult on and implement speed management changes. Officers are currently working with Waka Kotahi to migrate local speed limit data in preparation for the National Speed Limit Register going live when the new Rule comes into force. Waka Kotahi has committed to providing ongoing support as the Rule comes into effect and road controlling authorities begin the process of developing speed management plans (SMPs). Officers have begun work on the local plan and as previously reported a number of trial speed control devices have been installed on the network and monitoring of these includes effects on measured speed, acoustic testing, and community feedback. The results will inform the SMP about what changes may be required on the network to ensure safe and appropriate speeds are adhered to.

11.18  Following on-going concerns raised by residents regarding speed and volumes of traffic on the Port Hills, Council sought feedback on a range of road safety and traffic calming measures proposed between 90 Tosswill Road and Marie Street (including lower Tosswill Road and Chamberlain Street). Feedback largely supported the proposed interventions and it is anticipated this work will be delivered through a new minor works contract this calendar year.

11.19  Officers and elected members joined in a ride around the central city at the invitation of Bicycle Nelson Bays (BNB). BNB had compiled the route to highlight what they saw as some deficiencies on the cycle network. The organised ride was a good opportunity to work alongside this advocacy group, hear their concerns and respond explaining some of the plans council has. Some minor improvements are programmed for immediate action and the draft Active Transport Strategy and future Speed Management Plan will address other concerns.

11.20  The Parking Strategy was approved for public feedback at the end of Q3 and work is underway to collate feedback for the August Infrastructure Committee meeting.

11.21  In December 2021 Waka Kotahi invited expressions of interest (EoI) from councils across New Zealand that have activities aimed at reducing emissions within a current Regional Land Transport Plan or the National Land Transport Plan. The funding is available over the NLTP 2021–2024 period for towns and cities ready to accelerate their long-term vision by using successful evidence-driven techniques and an enhanced financial assistance rate of up to 90% is offered. The EoI prepared by officers was approved at the end of March by Waka Kotahi and officers are now in the second phase of funding application. Specific projects for acceleration being put forward are the active transport corridors from the Railway Reserve to Waimea Road, and some interim work in Washington Valley ahead of the utilities upgrade. There are 17 Councils contesting the $30m available.

11.22  Bus patronage continues to suffer from a COVID-19 presence in the community. Overall patronage for Q3 was 29% down on 2019 pre-COVID19 figures and 10% down on 2021 patronage. Waka Kotahi continues to “top up” some patronage income with subsidy at the standard Financial Assistance Rate (FAR) of 51%. To date driver rosters and the delivery of the service has not been adversely affected by Omicron COVID-19 variant and full timetables have been able to be maintained.

The additional subsidy offered by central government to reduce fares by half between 1 April and 30 June 2022 resulted in similar patronage to the previous year despite COVID being prevalent in the community. This subsidy has subsequently been extended to August and as part of Budget 2022 it was announced that Community Service Card holders would continue to receive a subsidy to make public transport fares half price on a permanent basis. Officers are working with Waka Kotahi how this will be implemented.

11.23  Road safety:

11.23.1 Over the Summer an anti-distraction campaign was run through radio with “let driving distract you” messages being played on several radio stations for the month of January. In addition ‘Driver reviver’ stops were held with TDC and supported by AMI, FENZ, ACC and NZ Police and St John.

11.23.2 1043 students have participated in Grade 1 and 2 RideOn cycle education sessions to Primary and Intermediate aged students.

11.23.3 Two usual annual events held in the third quarter, Cops with Cakes and RYDA were postponed due to COVID-19 restrictions

11.24  Travel Demand Management

11.24.1 Three Go By Bike Day events were held during February along popular cyclist routes (Railway Reserve, Muritai Street and Rutherford Park) celebrating cycling during Aotearoa Bike Challenge Month. These were very popular with the public and reporting shows they had more interactions than a larger event.

11.24.2 Council staff and elected members were encouraged to become involved in the Aotearoa Bike Challenge Month. Council finished 11th overall in the 200-500 employees section.

11.24.3 Officers are working with Nelmac with regard to a staff travel plan. A staff survey has been sent, and Nelmac were supplied with giveaways to support Aotearoa Bike Challenge month.

11.24.4 A campaign to reduce conflict on shared pathways called “Share with care” has resulted in bike bells, lights and hi vis backpack covers given out to cyclists.

11.24.5 Covid -19 continues to hamper progress with school travel planning and work with Birchwood School has been postponed until Term 2.

12.     Risks

12.1    Risks reported last quarter remain front of mind through this quarter and are expected to continue during this financial year. As a result of the streamlined procurement processes and key focus on supporting the economy, projects continue to move at pace, however, impacts of COVID-19 have affected this quarter.  The following risks are still applicable.

 

·   Delays in construction progress because of isolation requirements due to COVID-19 exposure.

·   Potential prices above approved budgets that will require Council approval resulting in contractors’ programmes disrupted with potential for them to give preference to other work resulting in projects not proceeding during the financial year.

·   Contractors are holding price for relatively short periods because of COVID-19 supply chain issues. Protracted delays to award contracts would require further pricing to be confirmed, that has the risk of requiring further funds.

·   Delays on material delivery (local and overseas) is a very high risk and has now been realised, with price increases and supply chain issues. The infrastructure sector are forecasting up to 20% increase over this year and settling to 5-10% after this, officers are also noting more products are taking longer to secure.

·   Nurseries and planting contractors have raised concerns in terms of meeting forward future work (21/22 and 22/23) due to the high requirement across all sectors for plants.

·   Market buoyancy is leading to an inability to secure resources in a timely manner.

·   Responses to larger tenders have reduced, several of our contractors are potentially interested in the work but do not have resources available to respond to tenders.

·   Staff within the Infrastructure Group are continuing to experience prolonged periods of high workloads. This is anticipated to continue for the foreseeable future whilst officers are needed to provide additional support for unplanned/re-active work including the Three Waters Reform and Infrastructure Acceleration Fund as well as input into existing programmed work such as the DAPP, Housing Plan Change, Future Development Strategy, Land Development Manual, and other cross Council projects/Government initiatives. 

·   Noted outside this quarterly report but impacting on Infrastructure is the requirement to move off the sixth floor. This is resulting in more stress and additional work for a number of staff.

13.     Key Performance Measures

13.1    As part of the development of the Long-Term Plan 2018-28 (LTP) Council approved levels of service, performance measures and targets for each activity.  There are 35 performance measures that fall under the Infrastructure Committee.  The results for each performance measure will be reported on through the Annual Report.

·    On track

·    Not on track

·    Achieved

·    Not achieved

13.2    Attachment 2 lists all performance measures within the Infrastructure Committee delegations, their status and commentary for the quarter.

13.3    Overall, 26 out of the 35 performance measures can be confirmed as being on track.

13.4    For Utilities, 22 out of 25 performance measures are on track, one measure is not on track and two measures have not yet been measured. The one performance measure not on track is within the Flood Protection activity, ‘Develop risk based Maitai flood response options – Community engagement on response options’.

13.4.1   As previously reported, consultation with the public was scheduled in March/April 2022. This consultation has now been aligned with the DAPP consultation process, which is planned to start in late June through to Q1 of 2022/23.

13.5    Of the 7 transport measures 2 are on track, 2 not yet measured, and 3 not on track. The 3 not on track are public transport patronage which has been affected by COVID-19, sealed road resurfacing which is due to contractor constraints and responsiveness to Service Requests (SR’s) which reflects staff workload and higher numbers of SR’s received over lockdown

13.6    Of the 3 Solid Waste performance measures 2 are on track and one not yet measured

14.     Options

14.1    There is one matter to consider in this report – additional funding to dispose of the unforeseen and unknown coal tar encountered on Hastings Street as part of stage 1 of the Washington Valley stormwater upgrade. Officers recommend option 1 – approve the additional funding.

 

 

 

Option 1: Approve additional funding

Advantages

·   Project can proceed to completion for stage 1 proceeds

·   No reputational risk with residents/businesses and contractor

·   The benefits to the community will be realised

·   Costs are the cheapest at this moment

Risks and Disadvantages

·   Additional expenditure to Council

Option 2: Do not approve additional funding

Advantages

·    Nil

Risks and Disadvantages

·    Project is put on hold and contractor will need to disestablish from site

·    Benefits will not be realised

·    Residents/businesses will be disadvantaged by the project being stopped

·    Reputational risk very high with contractor

·    Reputational risk very high with stakeholders

·    Increased costs in the future to restart the project

·    The issue will still need to be resolved in the future costing substantially more

 

 

 

Author:          Lois Plum, Manager Capital Projects

Attachments

Attachment 1:   A2872960 - Infrastructures Project Reports Quarter 3

Attachment 2:   A2880764 - Infrastructure KPI's Quarter 3 2022  

 

Important considerations for decision making

  Fit with Purpose of Local Government

All construction projects are part of the current LTP, meeting the requirements of fit with purpose of Local Government. The project meets all the well-being’s in the areas of environmental, economic, cultural, environment and social.

  Consistency with Community Outcomes and Council Policy

The recommendations in this report fit with the following community outcomes:

·    Our urban and rural environments are people friendly, well planned and sustainably managed

·    Our infrastructure is efficient, cost effective and meets current and future needs

·    Our communities are healthy, safe, and resilient

·    Our Council provides leadership and fosters partnerships, a regional perspective, and community engagement

  Risk

Not approving additional funding for the Washington Valley Infrastructure Upgrade will delay this critical project that has already started on site.  Work will have to be shut down and the project may not be completed.

  Financial impact

Washington Valley Infrastructure Upgrade additional budget is required to allow the excavation and disposal of previously unidentified coal tar, a hazardous material, to York Valley Landfill. The projects contingency sum is unable to cover these costs, and there are no other funds available to supplement this project.

  Degree of significance and level of engagement

All projects were consulted on as part of the LTP and with individuals.

  Climate Impact

The impact of Climate is considered in all projects

  Inclusion of Māori in the decision making process

No engagement with Māori has been undertaken in preparing this report.

 

  Delegations

The Infrastructure Committee has the following delegations:

Areas of Responsibility:

·    Transport network, including, roading network and associated structures, walkways, cycleways and shared pathways, footpaths and road reserve, street lighting, traffic management control and parking.

·    Water

·    Wastewater, including Bell Island Wastewater Treatment Plant

·    Stormwater and Flood Protection

Delegations:

· The committee has all of the responsibilities, powers, functions, and duties of Council in relation to governance matters within its areas of responsibility, except where they have been retained by Council, or have been referred to other committees, subcommittees, or subordinate decision-making bodies. 

Powers to Recommend (if applicable):

·    Unbudgeted expenditure relating to the areas of responsibility, not included in the Long-Term Plan or Annual Plan

 


Item 10: Infrastructure Quarterly Report : Attachment 1

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Item 10: Infrastructure Quarterly Report: Attachment 2

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