AGENDA

Environmental Sustainability Committee

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

PALMERSTON NORTH CITY COUNCIL

 

 

 

 

Environmental Sustainability Committee MEETING

 

12 February 2020

 

 

 

Order of Business

 

NOTE:  The Environmental Sustainability Committee meeting coincides with the ordinary meeting of the Planning & Strategy Committee and the extraordinary Council meeting.   The Committees will conduct business in the following order:

 

-           Environmental Sustainability Committee

-           Planning & Strategy Committee

-           Extraordinary Council

 

 

NOTE:  Prior to the commencement of the Environmental Sustainability Committee meeting, the newly appointed Member will be invited to make a Declaration of Office.

1.         Apologies

2.         Notification of Additional Items

Pursuant to Sections 46A(7) and 46A(7A) of the Local Government Official Information and Meetings Act 1987, to receive the Chairperson’s explanation that specified item(s), which do not appear on the Agenda of this meeting and/or the meeting to be held with the public excluded, will be discussed.

Any additions in accordance with Section 46A(7) must be approved by resolution with an explanation as to why they cannot be delayed until a future meeting.

Any additions in accordance with Section 46A(7A) may be received or referred to a subsequent meeting for further discussion.  No resolution, decision or recommendation can be made in respect of a minor item.

3.         Declarations of Interest (if any)

Members are reminded of their duty to give a general notice of any interest of items to be considered on this agenda and the need to declare these interests.

4.         Public Participation at Meetings                                                                         Page 7

Memorandum, presented by Natalya Kushnirenko, Democracy & Governance Administrator.

5.         Public Comment

To receive comments from members of the public on matters specified on this Agenda or, if time permits, on other Committee matters.

(NOTE:     If the Committee wishes to consider or discuss any issue raised that is not specified on the Agenda, other than to receive the comment made or refer it to the Chief Executive, then a resolution will need to be made in accordance with clause 2 above.)

4.         Presentation - Mercury                                                                                      Page 11

5.         Deputation - Environment Network Manawatu                                              Page 13

6.         Notice of Motion - Environmental Sector Partnership                                     Page 15

7.         Notice of Motion - Solar  Electricity                                                                  Page 17  

8.         Notice of Motion Environmental Sector Partnership                                       Page 19

Memorandum, presented by David Murphy, City Planning Manager.

 

9.         Notice of Motion - Solar Electricity Generation                                               Page 21

Memorandum, presented by David Murphy, City Planning Manager.

10.       Committee Work Schedule                                                                                Page 25    

 11.      Exclusion of Public

 

To be moved: “That the public be excluded from the following parts of the proceedings of this meeting listed in the table below. 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:   General subject of each matter to be considered Reason for passing this resolution in relation to each matter Ground(s) under Section 48(1) for passing this resolution           This resolution is made in reliance on Section 48(1)(a) of the Local Government Official Information and Meetings Act 1987 and the particular interest or interests protected by Section 6 or Section 7 of that Act which would be prejudiced by the holding of the whole or the relevant part of the proceedings of the meeting in public as stated in the above table. Also that the persons listed below be permitted to remain after the public has been excluded for the reasons stated. [Add Third Parties], because of their knowledge and ability to assist the meeting in speaking to their report/s [or other matters as specified] and answering questions, noting that such person/s will be present at the meeting only for the items that relate to their respective report/s [or matters as specified].

  

 

 

PALMERSTON NORTH CITY COUNCIL

 

Memorandum

TO:                                Environmental Sustainability Committee

MEETING DATE:           12 February 2020

TITLE:                            Public Participation at Meetings

Presented By:            Natalya Kushnirenko, Democracy & Governance Administrator

APPROVED BY:             Sheryl Bryant, General Manager - Strategy & Planning

 

RECOMMENDATION(S) TO Environmental Sustainability Committee 1.   That the Environmental Sustainability Committee set aside a public comment section of not more than 30 minutes at the commencement of each ordinary meeting of the Committee to provide members of the community the opportunity to comment

 

1.         ISSUE

Each newly established Committee needs to consider whether or not it wishes to have public participation at its meetings.  The procedures to receive public comment are set out in this report.

2.         BACKGROUND

It has been a decision by Committees and Subcommittees in the past to set aside a period of time to receive public comment at the beginning of the meetings for members of the public to comment on issues on the agenda, and if time permits, on other issues.  This procedure has been proven to be effective in providing an opportunity for greater communication with the community.

Providing a public comment section at the beginning of the meeting enables any member of the public to come along to the meeting to make comment on any matters on the agenda or other matters if time permits.

This procedure also enables an opportunity for quick response from any Council officer who might be present and also facilitates the request for reports for subsequent meetings.  In some cases, concerns raised by members of the public may well be resolved by Council officers present at the meeting.

The Council has previously adopted its own Standing Orders and in those Standing Orders provision has been made to allow for public comment at Committee and Subcommittee meetings should a Committee wish to adopt this practice.  Please refer to the ‘Public Participation’ section as outlined in clause 3.23 of the Palmerston North City Council’s Standing Orders and as appended to this report.

If a member or members of the public wish to comment on issues that do not appear on the agenda, they must do so with the Chairperson’s approval in the public comment section of the meeting.

3.         NEXT STEPS

If the Committee decide to allow public comment, this will be provided for in all Committee ordinary meetings for the following term.

4.         Compliance and administration

Does the Committee have delegated authority to decide?		Yes
Are the decisions significant?		No
If they are significant do they affect land or a body of water?		No
Can this decision only be made through a 10 Year Plan?		No
Does this decision require consultation through the Special Consultative procedure?		No
Is there funding in the current Annual Plan for these actions?		No
Are the recommendations inconsistent with any of Council’s policies or plans?		No
The recommendations contribute to Goal 3: A Connected and Safe Community
The recommendations contribute to the outcomes of the Connected Community Strategy
The recommendations contribute to the achievement of action/actions in the Active Citizenship Plan
Contribution to strategic direction and to social, economic, environmental and cultural well-being	Increasing opportunities for the community to contribute to Council decision making and for the Council to engage with the community.

 

 

Attachments

1.

Standing Orders - Public Participation ⇩

    

 

 

 

PALMERSTON NORTH CITY COUNCIL

 

Presentation

TO:                                Environmental Sustainability Committee

MEETING DATE:           12 February 2020

TITLE:                            Presentation - Mercury

 

RECOMMENDATION(S) TO Environmental Sustainability Committee 1.   That the Environmental Sustainability Committee receive the presentation for information.

 

Tony Nagel and Dennis Radich of Mercury will make a presentation regarding Mercury’s Turitea Windfarm Project.

 

 

Attachments

Nil   

 

 

PALMERSTON NORTH CITY COUNCIL

 

Deputation

TO:                                Environmental Sustainability Committee

MEETING DATE:           12 February 2020

TITLE:                            Deputation - Environment Network Manawatu

 

RECOMMENDATION(S) TO Environmental Sustainability Committee 1.   That the Environmental Sustainability Committee receive the deputation for information.

 

Madz BatachEI from Environment Network Manawatu will make a deputation to the Committee regarding an update on their organisation including a short background on where Environment Network Manawatu came from, what they are doing now and how their values and outcomes fit with the city's goals.  Also addressed will be the current constraints to their work, especially around their need for working space that is larger and more visible.  

 

 

Attachments

Nil      

 

 

PALMERSTON NORTH CITY COUNCIL

 

Notice of Motion

TO:                                Environmental Sustainability Committee

MEETING DATE:           12 February 2020

TITLE:                            Notice of Motion - Environmental Sector Partnership

FROM:                           Councillor Lorna Councillor

 

THAT THE Environmental Sustainability Committee Resolves: 1.   That the CE works with Environment Network Manawatu to secure fit-for-purpose workspace for ENM within the next 6-12 months. 2.   That the CE reports on options and process for developing an Enviro-hub model in the medium term, for consideration in the draft 2020 annual plan deliberations. 3.   That Council acknowledges Environment Network Manawatu as a key partner in achieving its goal of being an eco-city, and that the CE works to strengthen the PNCC partnership with ENM in order to increase value to the community.

 

I,  Councillor Lorna Johnson, in accordance with Standing Order 3.10.1. hereby GIVE NOTICE OF MOTION that I will move at the next Environmental Sustainability Committee meeting on February 12th 2020 the following motions:

 

Environmental Sector Partnership

1.       That the CE works with Environment Network Manawatu to secure fit-for-purpose workspace for ENM within the next 6-12 months.

2.       That the CE reports on options and process for developing an Enviro-hub model in the medium term, for consideration in the draft 2020 annual plan deliberations.

3.       That Council acknowledges Environment Network Manawatu as a key partner in achieving its goal of being an eco-city, and that the CE works to strengthen the PNCC partnership with ENM in order to increase value to the community.  

 

AND I further give notice that in compliance with Standing Order 3.10.2 the reason for the Notice of Motion include:

 

Environmental wellbeing is a substantial focus of Council and community effort, and fundamental to our reputation and success as a city.

 

ENM have developed over 20 years to be a significant connector and coordinator in the community space.  Despite this development and their role, their workspace does not match up to their role and potential in the community.  At present, they work from two small second floor offices. This provides for a staff of 5 (3 of whom are there daily), volunteers, as well as meetings with the over 50 community environmental groups that form part of the network. The space isn’t fit for purpose, restricts activity and undermines the value they could deliver in behalf of the community.  These short term needs for a more functional workspace are addressed in Recommendation 1.

 

There is also a longer-term goal for a space to enable greater participation in, and outcomes from, environmental projects. There would be significant benefits in developing an environmental hub space, similar in concept to Hancock Community House, which could act as a gathering point for collaboration between ENM as the umbrella group and its member groups and engage the wider community in environmental action. We have an opportunity to work with ENM to help catch the environmental sector up with other sectors e.g. Sports, Arts, Community which each have dedicated facilities to work in and from.  Council can help that happen, and likely achieve an overall better value outcome than if ENM were to go it alone without Council backing.  Scoping of this potential in supported by Recommendation 2.

 

With two decades track record, and strengthening interest in community around environmental wellbeing, we should take steps to ensure we are realising the full potential of this relationship, through partnership recognition and searching for opportunities to strengthen that partnership for benefit of the community.  This opportunity is supported by Recommendation 3.

 

 

 Cr Lorna Johnson

 

 

Attachments

Nil   

 

 

PALMERSTON NORTH CITY COUNCIL

 

Notice of Motion

TO:                                Environmental Sustainability Committee

MEETING DATE:           12 February 2020

TITLE:                            Notice of Motion - Solar Electricity

FROM:                           Councillor Aleisha Rutherford

 

THAT THE Environmental Sustainability Committee Resolves: 1.   That the Chief Executive investigate practical options to increase solar electricity generation on both council-owned and private property in the city.

 

Attached.

 

Attachments

1.

Notice of Motion - Solar ⇩

    

 

 

PALMERSTON NORTH CITY COUNCIL

 

Memorandum

TO:                                Environmental Sustainability Committee

MEETING DATE:           12 February 2020

TITLE:                            Notice of Motion Environmental Sector Partnership

Presented By:            David Murphy, City Planning Manager

APPROVED BY:             Sheryl Bryant, General Manager - Strategy & Planning

 

RECOMMENDATION(S) TO Environmental Sustainability Committee 1.   That the report titled “Notice of Motion Environmental Sector Partnership” and presented to the 12 February 2020 Environmental Sustainability Committee be received. 2.   That motion 2 of the Notice of Motion dated 27 January 2020 regarding the options and process for developing an Enviro-hub model be referred to the 2021 Long Term Plan process.

 

1.         ISSUE

A Notice of Motion dated 27 January 2020 has been moved by Councillor Lorna Johnson and seconded by Councillor Brent Barrett. This memorandum responds to the Notice of Motion and recommends a way forward.

2.         BACKGROUND

A copy of the Notice of Motion has been included within the order paper for the Environmental Sustainability Committee.

Environment Network Manawatu (ENM) workspace:

A meeting with ENM and relevant Council officers, including the Property Manager, will be arranged to provide advice to assist ENM with securing a fit-for-purpose workspace.

Enviro-hub model:

Given that one option for an Enviro-hub would include a new building similar in concept to Hancock Community House, the options and process for considering an Enviro-hub will require detailed analysis, engagement and consideration by Council. It is therefore recommended that motion 2 be referred to the 2021 Long Term Plan process. The detailed analysis required to consider motion 2 is not available to inform the Draft 2020 Annual Plan.

ENM as key partner:

A meeting with ENM and relevant Council officers, including appropriate representatives of the Executive Leadership Team, will be arranged to discuss ENM’s long-term aspirations and how the Council can assist.

3.         NEXT STEPS

Arrange the meetings and prepare an Enviro-hub programme for consideration as part of the 2021 Long Term Plan.

4.         Compliance and administration

Does the Committee have delegated authority to decide? If Yes quote relevant clause(s) from Delegations Manual		No
Are the decisions significant?		No
If they are significant do they affect land or a body of water?		No
Can this decision only be made through a 10 Year Plan?		No
Does this decision require consultation through the Special Consultative procedure?		No
Is there funding in the current Annual Plan for these actions?		Yes
Are the recommendations inconsistent with any of Council’s policies or plans?		No
The recommendations contribute to Goal 4: An Eco City
The recommendations contribute to the outcomes of the Eco City Strategy
The recommendations contribute to the achievement of action/actions in the Sustainable Practices Plan The action is: Work actively with community and business partners to change existing practices to deliver more sustainable outcomes which reduce resource use and waste on an on-going basis.
Contribution to strategic direction and to social, economic, environmental and cultural well-being	The Eco City Strategy records that “Council will continue to support the work of Palmerston North’s very active environmental community by facilitating greater coordination and cooperation between groups”

 

Attachments

Nil   

 

 

PALMERSTON NORTH CITY COUNCIL

 

Memorandum

TO:                                Environmental Sustainability Committee

MEETING DATE:           12 February 2020

TITLE:                            Notice of Motion - Solar Electricity Generation

Presented By:            David Murphy, City Planning Manager

APPROVED BY:             Sheryl Bryant, General Manager - Strategy & Planning

 

RECOMMENDATION(S) TO COMMITTEE 1.   That the report titled “Notice of Motion – Solar Electricity Generation” and presented to the 12 February 2020 Environmental Sustainability Committee be received. 2.   That subject to the Notice of Motion being approved, the report date be to the May 2020 meeting of the Environmental Sustainability Committee.

 

1.         ISSUE

A Notice of Motion dated 31 January 2020 regarding solar electricity generation has been moved by Cr. Aleisha Rutherford and seconded by Cr. Brent Barrett. This memorandum responds to the Notice of Motion and recommends a way forward.

2.         BACKGROUND

A copy of the Notice of Motion has been included within the agenda for the Environmental Sustainability Committee.

The Eco City Strategy sets a target for citywide carbon emissions of a 25% reduction by 2028. Local photovoltaic (PV) solar electricity generation, by offsetting electricity demand, is one technology that can help reduce citywide carbon emissions.

A 2016 report commissioned by the Parliamentary Commissioner for the Environment  (https://tinyurl.com/ss9mwbc) found that in the context of carbon emission reductions while “Electric cars are a ‘no-brainer’ … solar panels do little to help in New Zealand”. This is due to a range of factors:

a)   Palmerston North is a reasonable distance from the tropics, and hence has relatively low solar potential compared to Australia for example.

b)   New Zealand electricity demand is highest in the early morning and evening, and during winter – when solar generation is lowest. Australia by contrast has significant air conditioning demand and uses more energy in summer and during the day.

c)   New Zealand electricity already has a low carbon emission intensity thanks to predominantly renewable generation.

Internal carbon modelling shows that, were every household in the city to be fitted with a 4.5kW solar PV array, Palmerston North would generate an additional 190GWh of electricity annually. At the current unit price of $3/W installed, such a programme would have a capital cost of $500million and return $27million/year (less ongoing costs) in electricity savings at today’s prices. Citywide carbon emissions would decrease by ~17000tCO2e or 2.9% of Palmerston North’s projected 2050 emissions. However, it should be noted that this impact will be substantially lower should the national grid become more renewable and hence less carbon intensive.

Solar PV does have potential for Council facilities where electricity demand is closely aligned with solar generation capacity, especially on sites with a northerly facing roof aspect and in remote sites where the ability to connect to the grid is limited.

Note that a climate change briefing with Councillors is scheduled for 01 April 2020, where the citywide carbon model will be made available for use prior to a public engagement exercise as part of the development of a ‘Low Carbon Roadmap’. This exercise is intended to inform the Council’s broader response to reducing citywide carbon emissions.

3.         NEXT STEPS

That the Chief Executive completes an audit of Council facilities for their suitability for solar PV generation and develops a business case for the installation of solar PV on promising sites.

That the Chief Executive reports back to the May Environmental Sustainability Committee.

 4.        Compliance and administration

Does the Committee have delegated authority to decide? If Yes quote relevant clause(s) from Delegations Manual		No
Are the decisions significant?		No
If they are significant do they affect land or a body of water?		No
Can this decision only be made through a 10 Year Plan?		No
Does this decision require consultation through the Special Consultative procedure?		No
Is there funding in the current Annual Plan for these actions?		No
Are the recommendations inconsistent with any of Council’s policies or plans?		No
The recommendations contribute to Goal 4: An Eco City
The recommendations contribute to the outcomes of the Eco City Strategy
The recommendations contribute to the achievement of action/actions in the Energy Plan The action is: Install solar panels, or other renewables, and batteries on isolated low usage sites, and move these sites off-grid.
Contribution to strategic direction and to social, economic, environmental and cultural well-being	Directly contributes the above Energy Plan action.

 

 

Attachments

Nil   

 

 

PALMERSTON NORTH CITY COUNCIL

 

Committee Work Schedule

TO:                                Environmental Sustainability Committee

MEETING DATE:           12 February 2020

TITLE:                            Committee Work Schedule

 

RECOMMENDATION(S) TO Environmental Sustainability Committee 1.   That the Environmental Sustainability Committee receive its Work Schedule dated February 2020.

 

Attachments

1.

Committee Work Schedule - February 2020 ⇩