Minutes of City Development Committee

2 28 February 2017

HUTT CITY COUNCIL

City Development Committee

Report of a meeting held in the Council Chambers, 2nd Floor, 30 Laings Road,

Lower Hutt on

Tuesday 28 February 2017 commencing at 5.30pm

PRESENT: Deputy Mayor D Bassett (Chair) Cr C Barry

Cr G Barratt (from 5.50pm) Cr M Cousins

Cr S Edwards (from 5.57pm) Cr T Lewis (until 7.38pm)

Cr M Lulich Cr G McDonald (until 6.37pm)

Cr C Milne Cr L Sutton

Mayor WR Wallace (from 5.40pm)

APOLOGIES: Apologies from Mayor Wallace, Cr Barratt and Cr Edwards for lateness and apologies from Cr Lewis and Cr McDonald for early departure

IN ATTENDANCE: Mr T Stallinger, Chief Executive

Ms K Kelly, General Manager, Strategic Services

Mr B Sherlock, General Manager, City Infrastructure

Ms W Moore, Divisional Manager, Strategy and Planning (part meeting)

Mr G Craig, Divisional Manager City Development

Mr J Lamb, Visitor Market Development Manager (part meeting)

Ms P Rotherham, Development Liaison Manager (part meeting)

Mr A Hopkinson, Senior Traffic Engineer (part meeting)

Ms S Simcox, Communications and Marketing Team Leader

Ms K Glanville, Senior Committee Advisor

PUBLIC BUSINESS

1. APOLOGIES

resolved: (Deputy Mayor Bassett/Cr Sutton) Minute No. CDC 17101

“That the apologies from Mayor Wallace, Cr Barratt and Cr Edwards for lateness, and the apologies from Cr Lewis and Cr McDonald for early departure be accepted.”

2. PUBLIC COMMENT

There was no public comment.

3. Presentation

	Wellington Regional Economic Development Agency Mr C Whelan, Chief Executive Wellington Regional Economic Development Agency (WREDA) provided an overview of the strategic approach of WREDA, highlighting the five business units and the work programmes under each.
Mayor Wallace joined the meeting at 5.40pm.
	Mr Whelan informed members about the ‘Look See’ tech talent attraction programme designed to attract candidates from overseas to job opportunities in Wellington. He advised to date the programme had received 1,000 applications from overseas candidates and that employers registered were from across the Wellington region. He noted that Tech Week 2017 was being organised and so far nine events had confirmed, including the Hutt STEMM event. He said that WREDA worked in partnership with other organisations.
Cr Barratt joined the meeting at 5.50pm.
	In response to questions from members, Mr Whelan advised that the $203M annual visitor spend in Hutt City (Ministry of Business, Innovation and Enterprise) for the year ending January 2017 included accommodation and hospitality. He said he would provide information about previous years annual visitor spend to members directly. In response to questions from members, Mr D Jones, General Manager Growth and Innovation, WREDA advised that the main uptake by employers was in Wellington City. He also advised that he would provide information about the number of Hutt City businesses registered. He confirmed that employers would be charged a fee if a candidate was successfully placed in their business. He added that the Look See programme was the first of its kind in the world.

Cr Edwards joined the meeting at 5.57pm.

In response to further questions from members, Mr Whelan advised that it was not too late for businesses to sign up to the Look See programme. He said WREDA was investigating how the programme could be expanded.

In response to further questions from members, Mr Jones advised that the programme was only 2 ½ weeks into the campaign and it was already looking very successful. He added that WREDA would leverage off this successful campaign by following up quickly with another campaign.

Mr Whelan said he was happy to report more regularly to the Committee going forward.

4. CONFLICT OF INTEREST DECLARATIONS

Cr Sutton declared a conflict of interest in relation to item 6 ‘Hutt Valley Chamber of Commerce Six Monthly Report to 31 December 2016’ and took no part in discussion or voting on this matter.

PRECEDENCE OF BUSINESS

In accordance with Standing Order 25.5, the Chair accorded precedence to items dealing with ‘Hutt Valley Chamber of Commerce Six Monthly Report to 31 December 2016’, ‘Wainuiomata Development Plan Update’, ‘Proposed Temporary Road Closures’, ‘Seaview Working Group 12 Monthly Update to 30 June 2016’, and ‘Jackson Street Programme Report 12 Monthly Update to 30 June 2016’.

These items are recorded in the order in which they are listed on the order paper.

5. Recommendations to Council - 14 March 2017

Terms of Reference for the Review of Making Places (16/1209)

The Divisional Manager, Strategy and Planning elaborated on the report. She advised that a number of Making Places projects had been completed and a number had been discarded.

In response to questions from members, the Divisional Manager, Strategy and Planning advised that the review would not be a part of the Annual Plan consultation process. She said that the promenade project could be included if Council wanted to discuss it through Making Places. She noted that District Plan changes would not be impacted upon by the review of Making Places and would in fact provide more clarity.

RECOMMENDED: (Deputy Mayor Bassett/Mayor Wallace)

Minute No. CDC 17102

“That the Committee recommends that Council approves the Terms of Reference for a view of Making Places, attached as Appendix 1 to the report.”

Review of Rates and Development Charges Remissions Policies (17/96)

The Divisional Manager, City Development and the Development Liaison Manager elaborated on the report.

In response to questions from members, the Divisional Manager, City Development noted that reference to businesses having minimal impact on the environment would be met by the resource consent process under the Resource Management Act and therefore could be excluded from the policies. He advised that Petone businesses could apply for development fee remissions but were not eligible for rates remissions under the current or proposed development remissions policies. He further advised that applications for development remissions were considered on a case by case basis and if an application met the policy’s criteria then the remission would be approved.

Resolved: (Deputy Mayor Bassett/Cr Sutton) Minute No. CDC 17103

“That the Committee:

(i) notes that Council, in support of its strategies and plans, has put in place policies to encourage economic development and development activity in the City. These are:

a) Part 5 Rates Remission Policy - Rates Remission for Economic Development;

b) Part 6 Rates Remission Policy - Central Business District Development Charges and Rates Remissions Policy; and

c) Hutt City Development Charges Remission Policy;

(ii) notes the success of the existing policies to date of encouraging new development activity and business activity;

(iii) notes it is proposed to amend the Part 5 Rates Remission Policy - Rates Remission for Economic Development to also include grants for qualifying businesses, applicable from 1 July 2017;

(iv) notes the Hutt City Development Remissions Policy and the Part 6 Rates Remission Policy - Central Business District Development Charges and Rates Remissions Policy both expire on 30 June 2017. It is proposed to amalgamate these two policies into a single document being a new Part 6 Rates Remission Policy, make some amendments and apply the amended policy for a further period of three years from 1 July 2017 to 30 June 2020;

(v) notes the current fixed term role of Development Liaison Manager that promotes, administers and manages the application of the policies with the development and business communities, ends with the expiry of the policies. It is proposed that the fixed term of this role be extended by three years;

(vi) notes a current marketing fund is utilised to promote the current policies to the business and development communities. It is proposed that the marketing fund be continued for a further three years;

(vii) notes that with the extension of remissions to 30 June 2020 it is proposed that a new budget allocation of $1M per annum for each of 2017/18, 2018/19 and 2019/20 be included in the Draft 2017/18 Annual Plan; and

(viii) notes that with the extension of remissions to 30 June 2020 it is proposed that the role of Development Liaison Manager and the marketing of the remissions be continued for a further three years and that a total budget allocation of $390,000 be included in the 2017/18 Proposed Annual Plan for these purposes.”

RECOMMENDED: (Deputy Mayor Bassett/Cr Sutton)Minute No. CDC 17104

“That the Committee recommends that Council:

(i) approves the draft Part 5 of the Rates Remission Policy “Rates Remission and Grants for Economic Development Policy” attached as Appendix 1 to the report for consultation in the 2017/18 Proposed Annual Plan with the following amendment on page 3 under the Grants for Economic Development, Conditions and Criteria, Part A, 3. General Criteria, third bullet point:

‘The business is likely to be in direct competition with existing businesses. Generally the applicant will be required to demonstrated that the business will create little or no competition with existing businesses. ~~or that there is unfulfilled demand in the market for the type of business to be undertaken.~~’;

(ii) approves the draft Part 6 of the Rates Remission Policy “Hutt City Development Charges and Rates Remission Policy” attached at Appendix 2 for consultation in the 2017/18 Proposed Annual Plan;

(iii) notes the new budget allocation of $1M per annum for each of 2017/18, 2018/19 and 2019/20 be included in the 2017/18 Proposed Annual Plan for the remissions; and

(iv) notes that the role of Development Liaison Manager and the marketing of the remissions be continued for a further three years and that a budget allocation of $390,000 in total for the three years be included in the 2017/18 Proposed Annual Plan for these purposes.”

Hutt Valley Chamber of Commerce Six Monthly Report to 31 December 2016 (17/162)

Report No. CDC2017/1/63 by the Divisional Manager City Development

Cr Sutton declared a conflict of interest in relation to the item and took no part in discussion or voting on this matter.

The Divisional Manager City Development elaborated on the report. He noted that the ‘Kaikoura Earthquake’ in November 2016 had a profound impact on the business community in the City. He said the Hutt Valley Chamber of Commerce (“the Chamber”) had assisted the Council in liaising with businesses affected by the earthquake to ensure they were aware of the emergency funding support available.

The Chamber’s Chief Executive, Mr M Futter, elaborated on the report. He advised that despite the earthquakes and flooding in late 2016, business confidence in the City was stable as highlighted in a recent survey conducted by the Chamber. He said that businesses were more confident than they had been a decade ago. He noted the number one issue businesses listed as a risk to their growth was recruiting skilled staff. He confirmed he would follow up with Wellington Region Economic Development Agency (WREDA) regarding the Look See programme.

In response to questions from members, Mr Futter advised the Chamber had little engagement with WREDA. He said that to attract suitable candidates it was important to educate them about the amenities and benefits offered in the City. He noted that a marketing campaign to achieve this would cost money. He further noted it was important to educate Wellington region businesses about other businesses within the region.

In response to further questions from members, Mr Futter advised the Chamber had no contact with the Wainuiomata Mall Manager in the last 12 months. He said a co-ordinated approach between the Council and the Chamber to facilitate a formal meeting with WREDA would be appreciated.

Cr Barry expressed concern that the Chamber had achieved little in the Wainuiomata area. The Chair undertook to arrange a meeting with Cr Barry and Mr Futter to discuss this further.

Resolved: (Deputy Mayor Bassett/Mayor Wallace) Minute No. CDC 17105

“That the Committee:

(i) receives the report; and

(ii) notes its appreciation for the work undertaken by Hutt Valley Chamber of Commerce with businesses within the City in relation to the Kaikoura earthquake in November 2016.”

Cr McDonald left the meeting at 6.37pm.

Wainuiomata Development Plan update (16/1068)

Report No. CDC2016/4/218 by the Visitor Market Development and International Relations Manager

The Wainuiomata Steering Group representatives, Ms N Wynne and the ‘Make Stuff Happen Champion’ Esther Venning elaborated on the report. Ms Wynne thanked Council for the ongoing support for the Wainuiomata Growth Stategy.

In response to questions from members, Ms Wynne advised that the $3,000 budget for communications was a starting amount. She said the intention of the Real Estate packs was for the Wainuiomata Steering Group to create the packs and for Real Estate Agencies to take over the project. She noted that there had been several discussions with the Wainuiomata Mall owners. She further noted that the Wainuiomata Steering Group was careful to define its focussed role alongside other entities and work in partnership with the Wainuiomata Community Board.

In response to a question from a member, Ms Venning advised that load bearing totara logs were currently being sourced for the Welcome to Wainuiomata sign.

Resolved: (Cr Sutton/Cr Barry) Minute No. CDC 17106

"That the Committee:

(i) notes the ongoing voluntary work to progress the Wainuiomata Development Plan;

(ii) notes the community vision and the Wainuiomata Steering Group’s work completed to date; and

(iii) notes expenditure within current budgets on the Wainuiomata Development Plan detailed in the FY2016/17 action plan summary, attached as Appendix 2 to the report.”

Seaview Working Group 12 Monthly Update to 30 June 2016 (16/1006)

Report No. CDC2016/4/211 by the Divisional Manager City Development

Seaview Business Association members, Ms C Allan and Mr B Whiley elaborated on the report. Ms Allan noted the change of name to the Seaview Business Association (SBA). She said she had received information from the Wellington Region Economic Development Agency regarding the Look See programme.

In response to questions from members, Ms Allan advised that SBA had not received any negative feeback regarding the speed reduction on Seaview Road. She said that work experience in the Seaview area for students was still in the early stages of planning. She noted that the Board could consider the question regarding whether SBA could be a business chapter of the Hutt Valley Chamber of Commerce.

Resolved: (Cr Sutton/Cr Milne) Minute No. CDC 17107

"That the Committee receives the report.”

9.	Jackson Street Programme Report 12 Monthly Update to 30 June 2016 (16/1007) Report No. CDC2016/4/212 by the Divisional Manager City Development
	The Jackson Street and Around Chair, Ms L Dobbs and Co-ordinator, Ms H Swales elaborated on the report. Ms Swales noted the change of name to Jackson Street and Around (JSA) to increase the footprint beyond Jackson Street. She advised that it was the 25^th year of Walk of Champions and that a number of walking tours had been organised. She said that JSA was assisting Council and the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Enterprise to organise a meeting for building owners in regard to the unreinforced masonry and the new legislation. Ms Dobbs noted that there were issues with beggars along Jackson Street.
Cr Lewis left the meeting at 7.38pm.
	In response to questions from members, Ms Swales advised that JSA was working with the Police regarding beggars but that they could only be asked to move on. She said JSA would look at marketing the walking tours to cruise ship travellers. In response to a question from a member, the Divisional Manager City Development advised that an independent survey of JSA members was undertaken by Council approximately every three years. He noted that on every occasion an increase in the targeted rate was sought. In response to a question from a member, Ms Dobbs noted that work was still required on the Jackson Street streetscape ie rubbish bins and seats.
	Resolved: (Mayor Wallace/Cr Lulich) Minute No. CDC 17108 "That the Committee: (i) receives the report; and (ii) asks officers to review, as a matter of urgency, the process for ongoing replacement and maintenance of street furniture and facilities in Jackson Street and Britannia Street and report back to the Committee when the work has been completed .”

10.

Activity Review 11 - Solid Waste (17/181)

Report No. CDC2017/1/1 by the General Manager, City Infrastructure

Resolved: (Cr Sutton/Cr Cousins) Minute No. CDC 17109

“That the Committee:

(i) notes the information contained in this report;

(ii) notes that this review also meets the intent of section 17A of the Local Government Act 2002; and

(iii) agrees that a full section 17A review should not be undertaken at present for the reasons outlined in the report.”

11.

Proposed Temporary Road Closures (17/171)

Report No. CDC2017/1/64 by the Senior Traffic Engineer

The Senior Traffic Engineer elaborated on the report.

Resolved: (Cr Sutton/Mayor Wallace) Minute No. CDC 17110

“That the Committee:

(i) agrees to approve the following proposed temporary road closures subject to the conditions listed in the Proposed Temporary Road Closure Impact Reports attached as Appendices 1, 2, and 3 to the report:

(a) Tumeke Taita Festival 2017

Tocker Street from Molesworth Street to a point 112 metres east of Molesworth Street, on Saturday 11 March 2017, from 7:00 am to 5:00 pm, for the Annual Tumeke Taita Festival attached as Appendices 1 and 2 to the report;

(b) Weet-Bix TRYAthlon 2017

Huia Street and Huia Place, on Thursday 16 March 2017, from 5:00 am to 3:00 pm, for the Weet-Bix TRYAthlon 2017 attached as Appendices 3 and 4 to the report; and

(c) Hutt Valley Motorsport Club Silverstream Hillclimb Event 2017

Reynolds Bach Road from a point 250 metres south of Eastern Hutt Road to the end, on Friday 14 April 2017, from 7:00 am to 6:00 pm, for the Inaugural Hutt Valley Motorsport Club Silverstream Hillclimb Event attached as Appendices 5 and 6 to the report.”

12.

General Managers' Report (17/161)

Report No. CDC2017/1/65 by the General Manager, Strategic Services

The Chair advised that a Commercial Events Developer had been appointed within Council. He said officers were working to establish an advisory group to work with external individuals to encourage events into the City. The Chair asked that officers provide a report to the Committee about the progress of the advisory group.

Resolved: (Deputy Mayor Bassett/Cr Sutton) Minute No. CDC 17111

“That the Committee notes the updates contained in the report.”

13. Information Item

City Development Committee Work Programme (17/212)

Report No. CDC2017/1/30 by the Senior Committee Advisor

Resolved: (Deputy Mayor Bassett/Mayor Wallace) Minute No. CDC 17112

“That the work programme be received.”

14. QUESTIONS

There were no questions.

There being no further business the Chair declared the meeting closed at 8.42 pm.

Deputy Mayor D Bassett

CHAIR

CONFIRMED as a true and correct record

Dated this 14th day of March 2017