Minutes of Community Development Committee

Palmerston North City Council

Minutes of the Community Development Committee Meeting Part I Public, held in the Elwood Room, Conference & Function Centre, 354 Main Street, Palmerston North on 05 August 2020, commencing at 9.02am

Members

Present:

Councillor Lorna Johnson (in the Chair), The Mayor (Grant Smith) and Councillors Rachel Bowen, Brent Barrett, Susan Baty, Zulfiqar Butt, Renee Dingwall, Lew Findlay QSM, Patrick Handcock ONZM, Leonie Hapeta, Billy Meehan, Karen Naylor, Bruno Petrenas, Aleisha Rutherford and Ms Danielle Harris (Rangitane Representative).

Non Members:

Councillors Vaughan Dennison and Tangi Utikere.

Apologies:

The Mayor (Grant Smith) (early departure on Council Business) and Councillors Tangi Utikere (early departure on Council Business) and Leonie Hapeta (early departure) and Ms Danielle Harris (early departure).

Councillor Leonie Hapeta left the meeting at 11.37am during consideration of clause 33. She entered the meeting again at 12.29pm during consideration of clause 35. She was not present for clauses 33 and 34.

The Mayor (Grant Smith) left the meeting at 11.55am during consideration of clause 34. He was not present for clauses 34 to 37 inclusive.

Councillor Tangi Utikere left the meeting at 11.55am during consideration of clause 34. He was not present for clauses 34 to 37 inclusive.

Ms Danielle Harris left the meeting at 12.30pm during consideration of clause 35. She was not present for clauses 35 to 37 inclusive.

Councillor Susan Baty was not present when the meeting resumed at 1.48pm. She was not present for clauses 36 and 37.

26-20

Apologies

Moved Lorna Johnson, seconded Rachel Bowen.

The COMMITTEE RESOLVED

1. That the Committee receive the apologies.

Clause 26-20 above was carried 17 votes to 0, the voting being as follows:

For:

The Mayor (Grant Smith) and Councillors Lorna Johnson, Rachel Bowen, Brent Barrett, Susan Baty, Zulfiqar Butt, Vaughan Dennison, Renee Dingwall, Lew Findlay QSM, Patrick Handcock ONZM, Leonie Hapeta, Billy Meehan, Karen Naylor, Bruno Petrenas, Aleisha Rutherford, Tangi Utikere and Ms Danielle Harris.

27-20

Deputation - Enable New Zealand

Ms Erin Allen and Ms Raewyn Cameron from Enable New Zealand made a deputation regarding the work of Enable and Mana Whaikaha in the disability sector.

Enable are New Zealand’s largest supplier of disability equipment, information and modification services, helping disabled people and their whanau live everyday lives in their communities. Part of the MidCentral District Health board, each year they manage over $150 million of funds on behalf of the Ministry of Health and ACC. They manage and issue over 90,000 pieces of disability equipment and more than 75,000 people receive their services.

Mana Whaikaha is a service that provides support for disabled people in the District Health Board area and was launched in October 2018, based on the Enabling Good Lives principles. Enable provides the background support system, which key roles include government liaison, information specialists, funding specialists and business insights specialists.

Their sensory space opened as part of their Easie Living Centre, which had the support of Parent to Parent Altogether Autism New Zealand and Mana Whaikaha to open the sensory space. It started out for their Autism Spectrum Disorder clients but is now fully accessible to anyone regardless of whether a person has a disability or not. It was requested by Enable for Council to champion an additional space in Palmerston North as there is a big need for this. They are currently looking at a space at Te Manawa. Where they are located now is quite a small space where they can only open five days a week but at Te Manawa they could offer a larger space and be open seven days a week. Since the sensory space has been open they have been fully booked and have had a 200% increase in website traffic and on Facebook. Enable has not been able keep up with the demand.

Moved Lorna Johnson, seconded Rachel Bowen.

The COMMITTEE RESOLVED

1. That the Community Development Committee receive the deputation for information.

Clause 27-20 above was carried 17 votes to 0, the voting being as follows:

For:

28-20

Deputation - English Language Partners New Zealand

Ms Helen van den Ende of English Language Partners New Zealand (ELPNZ) made a deputation regarding who/what English Language Partners are as an organisation.

ELPNZ’s vision is for former refugees and migrants to participate successfully in all aspects of life in New Zealand and their purpose is to deliver English language programmes and enable effective settlement. It was advised that they had supported 7,200 refugee and migrant-background adult learners, they are a non-profit and registered charity, they have 1,800 volunteers, 350 staff, 40 years of expertise, are community-based and are funded by the Tertiary Education Commission and local funders. They have 22 centres across New Zealand and have a number of programmes they deliver in Palmerston North. It was also advised that ELPNZ had identified that they needed to connect better with Pasifika.

ELPNZ has some issues post COVID-19 with no new intake of refugees/migrants for the foreseeable future which will significantly affect funding for 2021 and beyond. There is now a real push to develop their programmes for those who are currently here. They are also looking for new premises on a very limited budget.

Moved Lorna Johnson, seconded Rachel Bowen.

The COMMITTEE RESOLVED

1. That the Community Development Committee receive the deputation for information.

Clause 28-20 above was carried 17 votes to 0, the voting being as follows:

For:

29-20

Confirmation of Minutes

Moved Lorna Johnson, seconded Rachel Bowen.

The COMMITTEE RESOLVED

1. That the minutes of the Community Development Committee meeting of 1 July 2020 Part I Public be confirmed as a true and correct record.

Clause 29-20 above was carried 15 votes to 0, with 2 abstentions, the voting being as follows:

For:

The Mayor (Grant Smith) and Councillors Lorna Johnson, Rachel Bowen, Brent Barrett, Susan Baty, Zulfiqar Butt, Vaughan Dennison, Renee Dingwall, Patrick Handcock ONZM, Leonie Hapeta, Billy Meehan, Karen Naylor, Bruno Petrenas, Aleisha Rutherford and Ms Danielle Harris.

Abstained:

Councillors Lew Findlay QSM and Tangi Utikere.

30-20	COVID-19 Relief Fund Guidelines Memorandum, presented by Joann Ransom, Community Development Manager. In discussion it was suggested that a funding cap be added to the guidelines to help out more of the smaller organisations as the funds could be used up very quickly by larger organisations should no cap be added.
	Moved Lorna Johnson, seconded Rachel Bowen. The COMMITTEE RECOMMENDS 1. That the draft guidelines for the COVID-19 Relief Fund, as appended to the report entitled “COVID-19 Relief Fund Guidelines”, presented to the Community Development Committee meeting on 5 August 2020, be approved, subject to an addition to the guidelines of a funding cap of $5,000 per application. 2. That, as a result of implementing the fund, if there is a need to make any significant changes to the guidelines, this will be brought back to Council for approval.
	Clause 30-20 above was carried 17 votes to 0, the voting being as follows: For: The Mayor (Grant Smith) and Councillors Lorna Johnson, Rachel Bowen, Brent Barrett, Susan Baty, Zulfiqar Butt, Vaughan Dennison, Renee Dingwall, Lew Findlay QSM, Patrick Handcock ONZM, Leonie Hapeta, Billy Meehan, Karen Naylor, Bruno Petrenas, Aleisha Rutherford, Tangi Utikere and Ms Danielle Harris.
	Moved Renee Dingwall, seconded Karen Naylor. On a motion that the words “subject to an addition to the guidelines of a funding cap of $5,000 per application.” be added to clause 30.1, the motion was carried 11 votes to 6, the voting being as follows:
	For: The Mayor (Grant Smith) and Councillors Brent Barrett, Susan Baty, Zulfiqar Butt, Vaughan Dennison, Renee Dingwall, Lew Findlay QSM, Billy Meehan, Karen Naylor, Bruno Petrenas and Tangi Utikere. Against: Councillors Lorna Johnson, Rachel Bowen, Patrick Handcock ONZM, Leonie Hapeta, Aleisha Rutherford and Ms Danielle Harris. The meeting adjourned at 10.30am. The meeting resumed at 10.47am.

31-20

2019/2020 Summary of Celebrating Communities and Local Initiatives Fund

Memorandum, presented by Joann Ransom, Community Development Manager.

In discussion it was advised that the strict scope of the criteria meant it was difficult for the panel to allocate the funds. It was suggested that applications be put on hold while the Fund administration was reviewed.

The meeting adjourned at 11.01am.

The meeting resumed at 11.08am.

Moved Lorna Johnson, seconded Rachel Bowen.

The COMMITTEE RECOMMENDS

1. That the memorandum entitled “2019/2020 Summary of Celebrating Communities Fund and the Local Initiatives Fund” presented to the Community Development Committee on 5 August 2020, be received.

Moved Susan Baty, seconded Lorna Johnson.

2. That the Chief Executive review the administration of the Local Initiatives Fund and that applications are put on hold until this is completed.

Clause 31-20 above was carried 17 votes to 0, the voting being as follows:

For:

32-20

Community Development Small Grants - Allocations for 2020/2021

Memorandum, presented by Joann Ransom, Community Development Manager.

Moved Lorna Johnson, seconded Rachel Bowen.

The COMMITTEE RESOLVED

1. That the report entitled “Community Development Small Grants – Allocations for 2020/21” presented to the Community Development Committee on 5 August 2020, be received for information.

2. That the Community Services Council be acknowledged for their assistance in administering this fund.

Clause 32-20 above was carried 17 votes to 0, the voting being as follows:

For:

33-20

Safety Advisory Board Strategic Plan

Memorandum, presented by Patrick Handcock, Chair of the Safety Advisory Board and Joann Ransom, Community Development Manager.

Councillor Leonie Hapeta left the meeting at 11.37am.

Moved Lorna Johnson, seconded Rachel Bowen.

The COMMITTEE RESOLVED

1. That the report entitled “Safety Advisory Board Strategic Plan” presented to the Community Development Committee on 5 August 2020, be received for information.

2. That the Safety Advisory Board be commended for the work completed on the new plan.

Clause 33-20 above was carried 16 votes to 0, the voting being as follows:

For:

The Mayor (Grant Smith) and Councillors Lorna Johnson, Rachel Bowen, Brent Barrett, Susan Baty, Zulfiqar Butt, Vaughan Dennison, Renee Dingwall, Lew Findlay QSM, Patrick Handcock ONZM, Billy Meehan, Karen Naylor, Bruno Petrenas, Aleisha Rutherford, Tangi Utikere and Ms Danielle Harris.

34-20

Feasibility of introducing a companion card for those with permanent disabilities

Report, presented by Joann Ransom, Community Development Manager.

The Mayor (Grant Smith) left the meeting at 11.55am.

Councillor Tangi Utikere left the meeting at 11.55am.

Moved Lorna Johnson, seconded Rachel Bowen.

The COMMITTEE RECOMMENDS

1. That the report entitled “Feasibility of introducing a companion card for those with permanent disabilities” presented to the Community Development Committee on 5 August 2020, be received.

2. That Council approve undertaking a partnership with Mana Whaikaha to implement a local Companion Card Scheme (Option 1).

3. That Council approve a $10,000 unbudgeted expense to implement such a scheme.

4. That the scheme be reviewed after 12 months as to its effectiveness and report back to the Community Development Committee.

5. That, at the appropriate time, the Chief Executive write to the cultural CCOs and Council funded ticketed activity providers encouraging them to support the companion card scheme.

6. That the Chief Executive write to the Ministry of Culture and Heritage advocating for the introduction of a nationwide Companion Card scheme and offering the Council and Mana Whaikaha a pilot scheme for their evidential base.

Clause 34-20 above was carried 14 votes to 0, the voting being as follows:

For:

Councillors Lorna Johnson, Rachel Bowen, Brent Barrett, Susan Baty, Zulfiqar Butt, Vaughan Dennison, Renee Dingwall, Lew Findlay QSM, Patrick Handcock ONZM, Billy Meehan, Karen Naylor, Bruno Petrenas, Aleisha Rutherford and Ms Danielle Harris.

35-20	Papaioea Park Sports Pavilion - Tenant Lounge Option Analysis Memorandum, presented by Bryce Hosking, Manager - Property Councillor Leonie Hapeta entered the meeting again at 12.29pm. Ms Danielle Harris left the meeting at 12.30pm.
	Moved Lorna Johnson, seconded Rachel Bowen. The COMMITTEE RECOMMENDS 1. That the memorandum entitled “Papaioea Park Sports Pavilion – Tenant Lounge Option Analysis” presented to the Community Development Committee on 5 August 2020, be received for information.
	Clause 35.1 above was carried 13 votes to 0, with 1 abstention, the voting being as follows: For: Councillors Lorna Johnson, Rachel Bowen, Brent Barrett, Susan Baty, Zulfiqar Butt, Vaughan Dennison, Renee Dingwall, Lew Findlay QSM, Patrick Handcock ONZM, Billy Meehan, Karen Naylor, Bruno Petrenas and Aleisha Rutherford. Abstained: Councillor Leonie Hapeta.
	Moved Lorna Johnson, seconded Rachel Bowen. 2. That Stage 3 of the Papaioea Place Redevelopment be referred to the 2021-31 Long Term Plan process.
	Clause 35.2 above was carried 11 votes to 2, with 1 abstention, the voting being as follows: For: Councillors Lorna Johnson, Rachel Bowen, Brent Barrett, Vaughan Dennison, Renee Dingwall, Lew Findlay QSM, Patrick Handcock ONZM, Billy Meehan, Karen Naylor, Bruno Petrenas and Aleisha Rutherford. Against: Councillors Susan Baty and Zulfiqar Butt. Abstained: Councillor Leonie Hapeta. The meeting adjourned at 12.45pm. The meeting resumed at 1.48pm. When the meeting resumed Councillor Susan Baty was not present.

36-20

Draft Local Alcohol Policy - Deliberations on Submissions

Report, presented by Julie Macdonald, Strategy & Policy Manager.

Moved Lorna Johnson, seconded Aleisha Rutherford.

The COMMITTEE RECOMMENDS

1. That the Statement of Proposal incorporating the revised draft Local Alcohol Policy 2020 (as attached as attachment one to the report entitled “Draft Local Alcohol Policy – Deliberations on Submissions” presented to the Community Development Committee on 5 August 2020) be approved for public consultation.

2. That the Mayor and Chairperson of the Community Development Committee be authorised to make minor amendments to the Statement of Proposal prior to public consultation.

Clause 36-20 above was carried 11 votes to 0, the voting being as follows:

For:

Councillors Lorna Johnson, Rachel Bowen, Brent Barrett, Zulfiqar Butt, Renee Dingwall, Lew Findlay QSM, Billy Meehan, Karen Naylor, Bruno Petrenas, Aleisha Rutherford and Vaughan Dennison.

Note:

Councillors Susan Baty, Patrick Handcock, Leonie Hapeta and Tangi Utikere declared a conflict of interest and withdrew from discussion and voting on clause 36-20.

37-20

Committee Work Schedule

Moved Lorna Johnson, seconded Rachel Bowen.

The COMMITTEE RESOLVED

1. That the Community Development Committee receive its Work Schedule dated August 2020.

2. That an annual report on the Welcoming Communities Programme be added to the Community Development Committee Work Schedule and reported on in November 2020.

Clause 37-20 above was carried 13 votes to 0, the voting being as follows:

For:

Councillors Lorna Johnson, Rachel Bowen, Brent Barrett, Zulfiqar Butt, Vaughan Dennison, Renee Dingwall, Lew Findlay QSM, Patrick Handcock ONZM, Leonie Hapeta, Billy Meehan, Karen Naylor, Bruno Petrenas and Aleisha Rutherford.

The meeting finished at 2.03pm.

Confirmed 4 November 2020

Chairperson