Palmerston North City Council
Minutes of the Committee of Council Meeting Part I Public, held in the Council Chamber, First Floor, Civic Administration Building, 32 The Square, Palmerston North on 08 May 2019, commencing at
Wednesday 8 May 2019 – 9:00am and 12:00pm
Thursday 9 May 2019– 12:00noon, 3.30pm and 7:00pm
Friday 10 May 2019 – 9:00am
8 May 2019, 9am
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Present: |
The Mayor (Grant Smith) (in the Chair) and Councillors Brent Barrett, Susan Baty, Rachel Bowen, Adrian Broad, Gabrielle Bundy-Cooke, Vaughan Dennison, Lew Findlay QSM, Leonie Hapeta, Jim Jefferies, Lorna Johnson, Duncan McCann, Karen Naylor, Bruno Petrenas and Tangi Utikere. |
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Apologies: |
Councillor Lew Findlay (early departure). |
8 May 2019, 12noon
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Members Present: |
Councillor Brent Barrett (in the Chair), The Mayor (Grant Smith) and Councillors Susan Baty, Rachel Bowen, Adrian Broad, Gabrielle Bundy-Cooke, Vaughan Dennison, Lew Findlay QSM, Leonie Hapeta, Lorna Johnson, Duncan McCann, Karen Naylor, Bruno Petrenas and Tangi Utikere. |
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Apologies: |
The Mayor (Grant Smith) (early departure on Council Business) and Councillors Gabrielle Bundy-Cooke (early departure), Vaughan Dennison (early departure), Leonie Hapeta (early departure), Jim Jefferies and Karen Naylor (early departure). |
9 May 2019, 12noon
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Members Present: |
Councillor Jim Jefferies (in the Chair), The Mayor (Grant Smith) and Councillors Brent Barrett, Susan Baty, Rachel Bowen, Adrian Broad, Vaughan Dennison, Lew Findlay QSM, Leonie Hapeta, Jim Jefferies, Lorna Johnson, Duncan McCann, Karen Naylor, Bruno Petrenas and Tangi Utikere. |
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Apologies: |
Councillors Susan Baty (early departure), Adrian Broad (early departure), Gabrielle Bundy-Cooke and Karen Naylor (early departure). |
9 May 2019, 3.30pm
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Members Present: |
Councillors Lorna Johnson (in the Chair), Brent Barrett, Susan Baty, Rachel Bowen, Adrian Broad, Vaughan Dennison, Leonie Hapeta, Jim Jefferies, Lorna Johnson, Duncan McCann, Karen Naylor, Bruno Petrenas and Tangi Utikere. |
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Apologies: |
The Mayor (Grant Smith) (on Council Business) and Councillors Gabrielle Bundy-Cooke, Lew Findlay and Duncan McCann (early departure). |
9 May 2019, 7.00pm
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Members Present: |
Councillors Karen Naylor (in the Chair), Brent Barrett, Susan Baty, Rachel Bowen, Adrian Broad, Lew Findlay QSM, Jim Jefferies, Lorna Johnson, Bruno Petrenas and Tangi Utikere. |
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Apologies: |
The Mayor (Grant Smith) (on Council Business) and Councillors Gabrielle Bundy-Cooke and Leonie Hapeta. |
10 May 2019, 9.00am
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Members Present: |
Councillors Adrian Broad (in the Chair), Brent Barrett, Susan Baty, Rachel Bowen, Gabrielle Bundy-Cooke, Lew Findlay QSM, Jim Jefferies, Lorna Johnson, Karen Naylor, Bruno Petrenas and Tangi Utikere. |
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Apologies: |
The Mayor (Grant Smith) (on Council Business) and Councillors Leonie Hapeta, Duncan McCann (lateness) and Karen Naylor (early departure). |
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Annual Budget Submissions 2019-20 The Committee considered submissions on the Annual Budget 2019-20 together with supporting oral statements including additional tabled material. The following persons appeared before the Committee and made oral statements in support of their submissions and replied to questions from Elected Members, the additional points being:
9.00am Wednesday 8 May 2019
Kevin Hill (45): Further information (Handout) was tabled at the meeting for circulation to Elected Members.
Kevin Hill spoke to his submission and made the following additional comments:
- A lack of learning to swim was often the cause of drowning in adults, and funds could be used more wisely targeting an older age group of children who were in a better position to learn.
- There were a small percentage of schools that had a plan for swimming lessons however most teachers were not trained to teach swimming.
Universal College of Learning – Brian Trott (57): Representing the Universal College of Learning, Brian Trott spoke to the submission and made the following additional comments:
- UCOL was a not for profit organisation with a large asset base that was difficult to maintain.
- The timeline for restoring the old Plunket rooms was thought to be feasible.
- Issues of privacy due to the building location were not thought to be a problem.
Councillor Leonie Hapeta declared an interest in submission 57 above and withdrew from the discussion.
Tony Passman (60): Further information (Powerpoint presentation) was tabled at the meeting for circulation to Elected Members.
Tony Passman spoke to his submission and made the following additional comments:
- When speaking to neighbours, a large number of residents did not know Palmerston North had a flag.
- There was concern around the lack of notification from Council of the work being undertaken near the property.
- Children played in the area and there was concern for their safety due to the amount of vegetation.
Marilyn Bulloch (72): Further information (Handout) was tabled at the meeting for circulation to Elected Members
Marilyn Bulloch spoke to her submission and made the following additional comments:
- The petition had received several hundred signatures so far.
- There were very few funding opportunities available and the management committee were approaching Massey to offer expertise in accounting matters.
Extinction Rebellion – Beth Tolley (74): Further information (Handout) was tabled at the meeting for circulation to Elected Members
Representing Extinction Rebellion, Beth Tolley spoke to the submission and made no additional comments.
Councillor Lew Findlay left the meeting at 10.08am
Paul Perry (115): Paul Perry spoke to his submission and made the following additional comments:
- A lot of residents were paying lower rates than they should be due to the land based rating system.
- There were additional revenue opportunities Council should look at.
National Council of Women (140): Representing the National Council of Women, Robyn Barnett spoke to the submission and made the following additional comments:
- Reducing waiting times for people needing somewhere to live was important.
- The women’s centre in Waldegrave Street provided a sanctuary unlike anywhere else in the community.
Councillor Lorna Johnson declared an interest in submission 140 above.
Bunnythorpe Community Committee – Jean Thompson Church (156): Representing the Bunnythorpe Community Committee, Jean Thompson Church spoke to the submission and made the following additional comments:
- There was concern around postal services to the village and residents subsequently missing out Council news.
- Residents were pleased to be advised that new stickers and road signs had been ordered for the Bunnythorpe recreation ground.
Te Whare o Ngā Wāhine Palmerston North Women’s Centre – Krys Baker (59): Representing the Te Whare o Ngā Wāhine Palmerston North Women’s Centre, Krys Baker spoke to the submission and made the following additional comments:
- There was great concern for vulnerable people if the Centre was required to close.
- There were not many women’s centres in New Zealand, making it a unique place.
- Reduced operating hours had not been considered due to people wanting weekend opening times as well.
The meeting adjourned at 10.48am
12.00pm Wednesday 8 May 2019
Memorial Park Trust (157): Representing the Memorial Park Trust, Sandy Nimmo spoke to the submission and made the following additional comments:
- Possibility of an extra walkway from the street to the park closest to the skating rink. Ramp walkway so people with wheels can use it. Encourage Council to take a look at that as it would be a huge bonus.
- There needs to be more vigilance from the parking officers in relation to the disabled carparks. Suggest that some of those parks in the lower portion be paid parking.
MASH Trust (179): Representing the MASH Trust, Dave Robinson and Christina Hemmingsen spoke to the submission and made the following additional comments:
- There are more opportunities to continue their partnership with Council in the future. The System Transformation of Disability Support Services is currently being prototyped here in MidCentral and like many providers they will be looking to adjust some of their service delivery models and going forward will likely look to enable greater access for those that they work with Council and other community facilities.
- They are on the eve of announcements around the funding package to support the government’s response to the mental health inquiry. They think that particularly in terms of housing, accommodation and other facilities that enable treatment and support there is a lot of opportunity for themselves and Council to work together to do more.
- It is important for them to acknowledge the partnership they hold with Council and the time and energy Council are putting to moving towards their five strategic goals that promote positive outcomes and well-being for the community.
- The Mental Health Enquiry report recommends a whole of government approach to well-being, prevention and social determinants. Identifying that people are unlikely to experience well-being if their basic needs are not met. The stress and trauma that people experience from lack of appropriate housing and poverty cannot be addressed by mental health and addiction inventions alone. This requires a whole of community approach supported by intersectoral collaboration to find the solution.
- Every week they are seeing new situations where individuals and families are struggling to find housing/accommodation and the MASH Trust are working harder than ever before to try and find immediate solutions while focusing on the long term strategy for change. Working together with Council can improve the acute crisis situation but they must find time to look forward, plan and implement long term accommodation and health well-being outcomes.
All Saints Anglican Parish Green Task Force (167): Further information (Powerpoint presentation) was tabled at the meeting for circulation to Elected Members.
Representing the All Saints Anglican Parish Green Task Force, Robert Gibb spoke to the submission and made no additional comments.
Councillor Gabrielle Bundy-Cooke left the meeting at 12.34pm.
Manawatu VolleyBall Club (171): Further information (Powerpoint presentation) was tabled at the meeting for circulation to Elected Members.
Representing the Manawatu Volleyball Club, Tim Middlehurst spoke to the submission and made no additional comments.
Cynthia Peek (162): Cynthia Peek spoke to her submission and made the following additional comment:
Councillor Karen Naylor left the meeting at 1.02pm.
- Has spoken to other parents about the pricing issue at Council pools and it is a common issue.
The Mayor (Grant Smith) left the meeting at 1.04pm. Councillor Vaughan Dennison left the meeting at 1.04pm. Councillor Leonie Hapeta left the meeting at 1.04pm.
George Buchan (180): Further information (Handout) was tabled at the meeting for circulation to Elected Members
Councillor Lew Findlay left the meeting at 1.05pm
George Buchan spoke to his submission and made no additional comments.
Meeting adjourned at 1.16pm
12.00pm Wednesday 9 May 2019
Palmerston North Women’s Health Collective (48): Representing the Palmerston North Women’s Health Collective, Jean Hera spoke to the submission and made no additional comments.
Councillor Susan Baty left the meeting at 12.15pm. Councillor Adrian Broad left the meeting at 12.15pm.
Caccia Birch Trust Board (69): Further information (Handout) was tabled at the meeting for circulation to Elected Members.
Representing the Caccia Birch Trust Board, Nicky Birch spoke to the submission and made no additional comments.
Jo Erkens (155): Jo Erkens spoke to his submission and made the following additional comments:
Councillor Susan Baty entered the meeting again at 12.28pm.
- Issues were raised about Council’s financial decisions including the Ashhurst Domain repair that was about $20,000 and was not attended to for nearly 3 years, which caused the cost to increase to $1.5million, the James Line road project where a stormwater drain was not included which extended the project out, after solar panels were installed on top of several Council buildings, the city has not seen any decrease in rates or an update on those panels, LED street lighting where many people were complaining that their street has reduced lighting and fancy new lighting on the new walk/cycle bridge.
- It is more important for the Council to spend money on the Square and surrounds than to ensure streets do not flood from downpours.
- How is Council going to react to weather changes as we need sufficient water supply for the dry periods every year and stormwater drains who are able to cope with the flood of water that we may expect.
- Every year the total number of houses in Palmerston North increase, which increases the rates that Council receives but year after year the Council is demanding more rates from ratepayers. Why? The Council should control and limit the annual demands on the residential ratepayers and plan accordingly.
Eric Constantine (153): Further information (diagrams) was tabled at the meeting for circulation to Elected Members.
Eric Constantine spoke to his submission and made no additional comments.
Environment Network Manawatu (124): Representing Environment Network Manawatu, Stewart Harrex spoke to the submission and made the following additional comments:
- Need to see Councillors out in the public engaging more with the people of Palmerston North City.
- Conversations need to be had about decomposable coffee cups and reducing plastics etc. The decomposable coffee cups need to be put in with compost and not just thrown in the rubbish bin.
- Was very surprised and concerned to see the polystyrene facility close down.
Meeting adjourned at 12.58pm 3.30pm Thursday 9 May 2019
Manawatu Tenants’ Union (158): Representing the Manawatu Tenants’ Union, Ben Schmidt spoke to the submission and made the following additional comments:
- Congratulated Council on actions and leadership to date and reiterated the need to go further with development of additional social housing.
- Private sector housing was not an option for most of these tenants; social housing is the only way to guarantee safe, stable, healthy and affordable housing.
- There has been a notable increase in elderly renters who are particularly vulnerable.
Councillor Lew Findlay entered the meeting at 3.40pm
New Zealand Rugby Museum (68): Representing the New Zealand Rugby Museum (NZRM), Phil Monk and Stephen Berg spoke to the submission and made the following additional comments:
- This submission would have been made last year but was delayed due to anticipating the finalisation of Te Manawa development.
- Balls, Bullets & Boots exhibition was well supported by PNCC and NZ Army. Catherine Hehir was the production manager for this exhibition and is essential to the continuation of best practice at the museum. Exhibit will be decommissioned on 22 June with items transferred to the museum.
- Balls, Bullets & Boots exhibition paid for itself despite being a big risk. It was disappointing not to get the exhibition into the main centres; only regional museums picked it up.
- This submission for funding was made to the Annual Plan rather than applying for a Strategic Priority Grant as NZRM thought this was the only process open to them.
- Financial support from PNCC is important as NZRU support is $35,000 only per annum.
Harvey Jones (138): Further information (PowerPoint presentation) was tabled at the meeting for circulation to Elected Members.
Harvey Jones spoke to his submission and made the following additional comments:
- Undergrounding of power lines from the bridge to Ashhurst Library was not in the budget.
- The installation of ultrafast broadband will create disruption to the village shortly; it would be useful for all parties to collaborate to minimise this.
- Ashhurst swimming pool to be named ‘Splashhurst’.
Housing Advice Centre (149): Representing Housing Advice Centre, Sally Babbage spoke to the submission and made the following additional comments:
- Commended Council for being a good landlord and thereby an example to the rest of the community.
- The increase of people moving to the city for work is pushing people out from owning to rentals and creating a flow-on effect.
- The Centre is aware of partnership opportunities with Central government and puts pressure on them as much as they can.
- The Centre is aware of a number of organisations in the city who are attempting to get social housing provider status which will help with the housing situation.
- Housing New Zealand land could be freed up for the provision of affordable low cost social housing.
- The recent loss of 43 bedrooms in a boarding house environment was keenly felt by the Centre. Most of the people affected found alternative accommodation but some have not and the Centre is working closely with these people to assist.
Teresa Alcock (61): Teresa Alcock spoke to her submission and made the following additional comments:
- Aware of concerns Council and residents living near the lagoon have and are addressing these by encouraging Club members to think about respect and shared ownership of the area, with a view to this being a part of the Club’s culture.
Councillor Lew Findlay left the meeting at 4.20pm
Manawatu Mountain Bike Club (168): Further information (PowerPoint presentation) was tabled at the meeting for circulation to Elected Members.
Councillor Lew Findlay entered the meeting again at 4.22pm
Representing Manawatu Mountain Bike Club, Peter Wells spoke to the submission and made the following additional comments.
- While anecdotes are useful, it would be advantageous to have hard economic figures for use in leveraging additional funding. Rotorua and Nelson do this; the Club will do some homework to find out how this evidence is obtained.
Councillor Leonie Hapeta left the meeting at 4.30pm
Chloe Hopkins (163): Chloe Hopkins spoke to her submission and made the following additional comments:
Councillor Leonie Hapeta entered the meeting again at 4.34pm
- A minimum of 30 people walk or bike to school in Ashhurst or walk to the bus stop along this stretch of road.
- Suggested change of speed limit be 60km from the hill up to where you can turn left or continue straight to Feilding.
- Safer crossing points (ie. a pedestrian crossing) down Oxford Street would be great, as well as footpaths; would feel safer.
- Other than changing the speed limit, judder bars on both sides of the road would assist.
- Need to enforce new speed limit; people need to know there are a lot of children in the area.
The meeting adjourned at 4.41pm
7.00pm Thursday 9 May 2019
Lee Huffman (76): Lee Huffman spoke to her submission and made the following additional comments:
- In comparison to other canoe polo locations the lagoon provided better quality of water and sheltered courts. Wind can have a factor during games and the lagoon provided shelter from that.
- The Lagoon also provided great areas that was safe for spectators to watch in comparison to other venues such as Auckland where the courts are in a quarry.
- Was aware that water quality was an issue and that canoe polo has a responsibly to maintain weed growth. Ms Huffman had not noticed a significant amount of sickness from participants.
Matthew McKenzie (119): Matthew McKenzie spoke to his submission and made the following additional comments:
- Active transport was important and an area that Council could concentrate on.
- The current bridge doesn’t have anywhere to go and therefore is currently not as effective as it could be.
Councillor Duncan McCann entered the meeting at 7.23pm
- When considering painted separate cycleways, if the funds were limited could ensure that physical barriers are able to be fitted at a later date
Kiwi Canoe Polo Club (135): Representing the Kiwi Canoe Polo Club, Gregory Sawyer spoke to the submission and made the following additional comments:
Councillor Rachel Bowen left the meeting at 7.23pm
- Moving the courts was problematic and time consuming but has to be done when the lagoon water level is low. The water level needs to be a minimum of 900mm to allow rollover.
Councillor Vaughan Dennison entered the meeting at 7.29pm
- The deeper the water level enables the dilution of any pollutants and the first 24 hours after a rain event is the most concern time for water quality. Any solutions that would allow for a higher consistent water level would be great.
The meeting adjourned at 7.32pm 9.00am Friday 10 May 2019
Councillor Vaughan Dennison entered the meeting at 9.05am
Manawatu River Source to Sea (137): Representing the Manawatu River Source to Sea, Alistair Cole spoke to the submission and made the following additional comments
- The Palmy Plastic Pollution Challenge was able to cover more than twice the area initially thought and collected 11,000 items of rubbish. When the sorting was completed at Te Manawa there were over 100 volunteers and 800 visitors.
Councillor Duncan McCann entered the meeting at 9.13am
- Would need to consider sites where urban stream restoration could occur. Auckland were currently using storm water interception methods where large baskets collected waste before it got to the waterways.
Maryanne Mechen (145): Maryanne Mechen spoke to her submission and made the following additional comments:
- Would not want to see the Crest changed as it tells the story of the City’s settlement and the woman on the Crest represents strength and resilience which is what we need moving forward.
- Did not believe that all events have to be based on economic benefits as this was a narrow view and did not give a full picture of all the benefits such as social cohesion that events bring as well.
Manawatu Golf Club (135): Representing the Manawatu Golf Club, Warren Collett spoke to the submission and made no additional comments.
Federated Farmers of New Zealand (170): Representing the Federated Farmers of New Zealand, Coralee Matenga and James Stewart spoke to the submission and made the following additional comments:
- Thanked Council for their engagement with the rural side of the City and especially in allowing use of the Square for the Rural Games.
- The support of the FarmCave enabled a successful bid to the Provincial Growth Fund for new 'Rural Innovation Lab' which will be used to help establish the facility at Massey University's Palmerston North campus.
- Federated Farmers would been keen to engage with Council regarding remissions for revalued farms.
Tanenuiarangi o Manawatu Incorporated (62): Representing the Tanenuiarangi o Manawatu Incorporated, Siobhan Lynch-Karaitiana spoke to the submission and made the following additional comments:
- Council has given written permission for Higgins quarry to change the type of fuel that is being burnt from diesel to waste RLO oil on the land they lease to Higgins. This activity is proposed for the next 35 years.
- By allowing this contaminants will increase by 33% above current background levels.
- This activity would occur adjacent to a number of Rangitane waahi tapu and Rangitane o Manawatu urge council to develop a policy so that lease holders are required to look at reducing their impact on the environment, not increasing them.
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1. That all material be referred to the Committee of Council meeting on 20 May 2019 for its consideration. |
The meeting finished on Friday 10 May 2019 at 9.55am
Confirmed 20 May 2019
Chairperson