The Chairman welcomed everyone and invited Cr Te Awe Awe to open the meeting with a Karakia.

Transcription

1 Minutes of the second meeting of the tenth triennium of the Catchment Operations Committee held at 1.03pm on Wednesday 15 February 2017, in the Tararua Room, Horizons Regional Council, Victoria Avenue, Palmerston North. PRESENT IN ATTENDANCE ALSO PRESENT Crs DB Cotton (Chair), JJ Barrow (from 1.08pm), LR Burnell QSM, EB Gordon JP (ex officio), RJ Keedwell, PJ Kelly JP, GM McKellar, NJ Patrick, PW Rieger QSO JP, BE Rollinson (via audio visual link), CI Sheldon, and WK Te Awe Awe. Chief Executive Committee Secretary At various times during the meeting: Mr M McCartney Mrs JA Kennedy Ms V Young (Corporate Information Manager), Mr R Strong (Group Manager Operations), Dr J Roygard (Group Manager Natural Resources and Partnerships), Mr D Harrison (Environmental Programme Coordinator), Ms D Buchanan (Engineering Officer), Mr W Spencer (Area Engineer Northern), Mr G Cooper (Environment Manager Land), Mrs C Morrison (Media & Communications Manager), Mrs C Hesselin (Communications Advisor), Ms L Askin, Ms J van Polanen, Mr P Hawinkels (Ministry of Primary Industries), members of the public, and member of the press. The Chairman welcomed everyone and invited Cr Te Awe Awe to open the meeting with a Karakia. APOLOGIES COP 17-9 Moved Gordon/Burnell That the Committee receives an apology from Cr Barrow for lateness. PUBLIC SPEAKING RIGHTS There were no requests for public speaking rights. SUPPLEMENTARY ITEMS There were no supplementary items to be considered. MEMBERS CONFLICTS OF INTEREST There were no conflicts of interest declared. Page 1 of 7

2 CONFIRMATION OF MINUTES COP Moved Rieger/Kelly That the Committee: confirms the minutes of the Catchment Operations Committee meeting held on 14 December 2016 as a correct record, and notes that the recommendations were adopted by the Council on 20 December Cr Barrow joined the meeting at 1.08pm. SUSTAINABLE LAND USE INITIATIVE Report No This report updated Members about progress on Council s Sustainable Land Use Initiative (SLUI) for the period 1 November to 31 December Dr Roygard (Group Manager Natural Resources & Partnerships) introduced Ms L Askin, Ms J van Polanen and Mr P Hawinkels (Ministry of Primary Industries). Mr Cooper (Manager-Land) explained the new layout of Tables 1,2 and 3, took Members through the Activity Summary at paragraph 9, and noted that poplar pole survival was good, despite the windy conditions. Dr Roygard highlighted the Year to Date Achievements and Current Year Forecast figures at paragraph 8.11 and 8.12, noting a strong forecast for an underspend in Afforestation. Mr Cooper said the final AgResearch report on SLUI Farm Plans would be presented to all regional councils on 6 March In response to a question, Dr Roygard referred to a report entitled Future of Pole Planting in the Manawatu- Whanganui Region by Dr Grant Douglas and commented on the work and ongoing challenges being undertaken in that space. There was discussion and comment about the growth and future sustainability of mānuka planting, including the feasibility of land use for growing mānuka. Ms Askin (MPI) believed more coordination between parties was needed around proposals to support mānuka planting. The Chair congratulated Dr Roygard, Mr Cooper and staff for their detailed and informative reports. COP Moved Gordon/Burnell a. receives the information contained in Report No APPLICATION OF AGREEMENTS TO SUSTAINABLE LAND USE INITIATIVE GRANT PROJECTS Report No This item sought Members endorsement of a regime to apply agreements to Sustainable Land Use Initiative (SLUI) assisted grant projects for mānuka and large expenditure projects. Dr Roygard (Group Manager Natural Resources & Partnerships) introduced the item, explained its intent to protect the investment of grant-assisted works using ratepayer and central government money, and took Members through the recommendations. The recommendations were fully discussed with Members providing their views and asking questions about the need to apply protection mechanisms. Concern was expressed that a Memorandum of Encumbrance would be costly and could discourage farmers from entering agreements and undertaking works. Dr Roygard and Mr Cooper (Manager-Land) explained the intent of a Memorandum of Encumbrance. Some Members believed it would provide a level of transparency and protection and show responsible management of Council funds. Ms Askin (Ministry of Primary Industries Page 2 of 7

3 (MPI)) commented on the repayment of fund provisions contained in MPI contracts. COP Moved Gordon/Kelly a. receives the information contained in Report No ; b. approves the application of agreements to Sustainable Land Use Initiative grants for mānuka as below: i. Grants for individual jobs under $20,000 Protection as provided through the signing of the claim form. ii. Grants for individual jobs between $20,000 and $50,000 Initial protection provided by the signing of the claim form backed up by use of a Memorandum of Understanding or appropriate third party agreement which will protect the works. iii. Grants for individual jobs between $50,000 and $100,000 No payment without the pre-negotiation, agreement and signing of a Memorandum of Encumbrance or an appropriate third party agreement approved by the Group Manager Natural Resources & Partnerships. The Memorandum of Encumbrance would outline each party s ongoing responsibilities. A Memorandum of Encumbrance is registered against the title of the property and is binding and enforceable on subsequent owners. c. Approves the application of agreements to all large Sustainable Land Use Initiative grants as below: i. Grants for individual jobs above $100,000 No payment without the pre-negotiation, agreement and signing of a Memorandum of Encumbrance or an appropriate third party agreement approved by the Group Manager Natural Resources & Partnerships. The Memorandum of Encumbrance would outline each party s ongoing responsibilities. A Memorandum of Encumbrance is registered against the title of the property and is binding and enforceable on subsequent owners. d. Specific Forestry Right / Joint Venture proposals Against: Cr Barrow Continue to come to Council for individual approval. Page 3 of 7

4 REGIONAL COAST AND LAND Report No This report updated Members on the progress on Council s Regional Land and Coastal and Whanganui Catchment Strategy activities from 1 November to 31 December Dr Roygard (Group Manager Natural Resources & Partnerships) introduced the item. He noted that work was progressing to ensure targets towards the Whanganui Catchment Strategy were met. Dr Roygard and Mr Cooper (Manager-Land) responded to questions about the soil health sampling programme and reporting, the results of which would ultimately be hosted on the Land Air Water Aotearoa website. COP Moved McKellar/Te Awe Awe a. receives the information contained in Report No RIVER AND DRAINAGE ENGINEERING REPORT (PRD 01 02) Report No The purpose of this was to report on progress with river and drainage activities for the period 14 December 2016 to 15 February Mr Strong (Group Manager River Management) introduced two staff from the River Management team, Mr Wayne Spencer (Area Engineer) and Ms Jenna Buchanan (Engineering Officer). He spoke to a powerpoint presentation in support of activities contained in the report. Not covered in the report were pictures showing the floods that occurred in the southern Horowhenua area over the last couple of weeks, in particular the flooding in the Ohau River and Waikawa Stream. Mr Strong said he was working closely with the Horowhenua District Council (HDC) around a way forward. He referred to a terrace face slip into the Rangitikei river near Flat Hills and showed time-lapse photography showing the river system eating into the slip material. He also commented on discussions with HDC around an approach to stormwater management in north-east Levin. Mr Strong and Cr Sheldon commented on recent developments to reopen the Foxton Loop and responded to Members questions. The meeting adjourned at 2.08pm. The meeting reconvened at 3.30pm. In response to a question about the variable level of exposure to flood hazard in the Ohakune township, Mr Strong confirmed the intention to consult with the community, with a view to including a proposal in the updated Long-term Plan. He commented on footage of a drone capturing footage along the Mangaone Stream and responded to Members questions. Mr Strong continued presenting his report, responded to Members questions and provided explanations to the various activities. He explained the ongoing issues associated with the Whirokino Pumpstation which had severely impacted on the Scheme s budget, resulting in the need to seek approval for additional expenditure. Page 4 of 7

5 COP Moved Keedwell/Sheldon a. receives the information contained in Report No ; and b. approves the additional expenditure requirement identified for the Whirokino Scheme (transfer of $7,000 from reserves to operating expenditure). MATARAWA FLOOD CONTROL SCHEME EXTENSION (PRD 5 20) Report No This item sought approval of the Committee (and ultimately Council) to include in the Draft Plan a proposal to amend the scope / extent of the Matarawa Scheme to address issues highlighted by the June 2015 flood event. Mr Strong (Group Manager River Management) outlined the identified risks that could occur in the event that the work was deferred (paragraph 5). He displayed photographs depicting the condition of the channel through Whanganui, a submission from Whanganui District Council to the Annual Plan, Horizons Regional Council s commitment of $10,000 to consult with the community currently included in the Annual Plan, a map of the current classifications, and the rating income used to fund operational expenditure for the Matarawa Scheme. Members discussed the recommendations and sought clarification from Mr Strong. He explained the proposed extension to the targeted rate classification for the Scheme to encompass the primary benefit area within the urban part of Whanganui, including the proposed funding model. In response to further questions he outlined the proposed consultation focus for all new ratepayers to advise about the proposal and how it would affect them, including discussions with Whanganui District Council. Subject to adoption, it was intended that the recommendations be included in the Draft Annual Plan (DAP). COP Moved Burnell/Patrick a. receives the information contained in Report No and Annex; b. instructs the Group Manager River Management to include for consultation in Council s DAP the following detail: i. adding the Matarawa Stream through the urban part of Whanganui to the inspection and maintenance schedule for the Matarawa Scheme; ii. undertaking a two year programme of deferred maintenance work that would commence in the financial year; iii. funding that work programme by way of a loan; and iv. repaying that loan and covering ongoing operating costs primarily by extending the targeted rate classification for the scheme to encompass the primary benefit area within the urban part of Whanganui (defined as Option B in Annex A). Page 5 of 7

6 MEMBERS QUESTIONS In response to a query, Cr Barrow provided an update on discussions about a pipeline in Woodville. PROCEDURAL MOTION TO EXCLUDE THE PUBLIC COP Moved Te Awe Awe/Sheldon THAT the public be excluded from the following part(s) of the proceedings of this meeting. 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 follows. 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 and section 7 of that Act which would be prejudiced by the holding of the whole or relevant part of the proceedings of the meeting in public, as follows: General subject of each matter to be considered Reason for passing this resolution Ground(s) under section 48(1) for the passing of this resolution PX1 Possible Nursery Procurement s7(2)(h) - the withholding of the information is necessary to enable the local authority to carry out, without prejudice or disadvantage, commercial activities. This paper contains information that is commercially sensitive. s48(1)(a) The public conduct of the part of the meeting would be likely to result in the disclosure of information for which good reason for withholding exists under section 7. PX2 Council / Committee to consider whether any item in the Public Excluded minutes can be moved into the public domain and define the extent of the release PX3 Members Questions The meeting adjourned to the Public Excluded part of the meeting at 4.24pm and resumed at 4.44pm. The Chair thanked management and staff for their assistance throughout the meeting and for the well prepared reports. The meeting closed at 4.45pm. Page 6 of 7

7 Confirmed GROUP MANAGER OPERATIONS CHAIRMAN GROUP MANAGER NATURAL RESOURCES AND PARTNERSHIP Page 7 of 7