Finance and Performance Committee
Minutes of a meeting held in the Council Chambers,
2nd Floor, 30 Laings Road, Lower Hutt on
Wednesday 1 March 2017 commencing at 5.30pm
PRESENT: Cr C Milne (Chair) Cr G Barratt
Cr C Barry Deputy Mayor D Bassett Cr J Briggs Cr M Cousins Cr S Edwards Cr M Lulich Cr L Sutton Mayor WR Wallace
APOLOGIES: There were no apologies.
IN ATTENDANCE: Cr L Bridson (part meeting)
Cr G McDonald (part meeting)
Mr T Stallinger, Chief Executive
Ms J Raffills, General Manager, Governance and Regulatory (part meeting)
Mr M Reid, General Manager, Community Services (part meeting)
Mr B Kibblewhite, Chief Financial Officer
Ms J Beck, Divisional Manager, Human Resources (part meeting)
Mr B Cato, Solicitor (part meeting)
Ms E Davids, Risk and Assurance Manager (part meeting)
Mr R Govinda, Manager Environmental Health (part meeting)
Ms D Clarkson, Business Support and Content Manager (part meeting)
Mr S Keatley, Huia Pool Manager
Mr J Pritchard, Senior Research/Policy Advisor (part meeting)
Ms K Stannard, Divisional Manager, Secretariat Services (part meeting)
Mrs A Doornebosch, Committee Advisor
PUBLIC BUSINESS
1. APOLOGIES
There were no apologies.
2. PUBLIC COMMENT
Comments are recorded under the item to which they relate.
3. CONFLICT OF INTEREST DECLARATIONS
Cr Cousins declared a conflict of interest in relation to item 4 ii) Draft Statement of Intent for Hutt City Community Facilities Trust, and item 5, Six Month Report for Hutt City Community Facilities Trust and took no part in discussion or voting on these matters.
Cr Milne declared a conflict of interest in relation to item 4 iii) Draft Statement of Intent for Seaview Marina Limited, and item 6, Six Month Report for Seaview Marina Limited and took no part in dicussion or voting on these matters.
Deputy Mayor Bassett declared a conflict of interest in relation to item 4 iv) Draft Statement of Intent for UrbanPlus Limited, and item 7, Six Month Report for UrbanPlus Limited and took no part in discussions or voting on these matters.
|
4. a) |
Recommendations to Council - 14 March 2017 Living Wage Considerations for Hutt City Council (17/264) |
||||||||||||||||||
|
|
The Chief Executive tabled a Living Wage paper attached on pages 17-32 of the minutes, from Mr Williams, the Executive Director of the Taxpayers Union Incorporated. He also tabled a paper attached on pages 32-35 of the minutes, on the living wage from the Ms Hyman. These papers are attached as Attachments A and B to the minutes.
Speaking under public comment, Mr Jim Rose representing the Taxpayers Union Inc (the Union) noted that employers were required to hire staff on their merit and considered ratepayers would pay the additional costs for little benefit if Council introduced the living wage. He noted the introduction of the living wage would raise the calibre of applicants for positions, and restrict opportunities for applicants who would have applied prior to the introduction of a living wage. He considered this would lead to employers expecting applicants and employees to be more experienced. He said many Parking Wardens within Wellington City Council lost their jobs as a result of the living wage levels being introduced in Wellington. He considered working families would also suffer as the result of any introduction of the living wage.
In response to questions from members, Mr Rose advised he had worked as an economist in the public sector for 25 years, with his latest position within the Department of Labour. He advised the Union had not discussed the living wage issue with any other Councils as the Union report on the subject had only been released publicly a week earlier. He said the result of regional tenders for contractors from the initiation of the living wage meant contractors either would not want to tender for Council contracts, or they would charge a higher tender rate.
Speaking under public comment, Mr Neville Hyde and Mr Mark Futter representing the Hutt Valley Chamber of Commerce (the Chamber) noted their following comments were endorsed by the Wellington Chamber of Commerce and the New Zealand Chamber of Commerce. Mr Hyde said the Chamber was opposed to the introduction of the living wage. He said if the living wage was introducted, there would be an expectation of a higher level of services. He considered though the living wage was well intentioned, it was politically driven. He said the living wage was inappropriate as a means to set rates, and pay scales should be set on the requirements of the positions and skills of the employee. He noted New Zealand’s minimum wage level was one of the highest in the OECD. He considered Council paying the living wage would, through benefit abatements, shift costs from central to local government. He noted any rate increases to pay the living wage would have a disproportionate effect on local businesses.
In response to questions from members, Mr Hyde said the Chamber was not opposed to the minimum wage, as this was set by central government which was appropriate. He noted if Council was not satisfied with the level of the minimum wage, it could review this within its internal mechanisms and procedures. He said the introduction of the living wage would introduce artificial position levels within Council, and staff would be paid more than other Councils and organisations. He said young employees who were currently on the minimum wage, if capable, would grow into positions of higher responsibility.
Speaking under public comment, Ms Muriel Tunoho, Convenor, representing the Hutt Valley Living Wage Movement (the Movement) thanked members for considering the report. She said she was a long term Hutt Valley resident and also worked within the health sector in Taita and Pomare, seeing daily the impact on the health of residents on lower wages within these areas. She noted the Movement had begun gathering submissions for Council to consider becoming a living wage employer. She highlighted there were now five fully accredited living wage employers in Hutt City. She said the Movement was asking Council to make a commitment in principle to becoming a living wage employer and consider the best process for staged implementation.
In response to questions from members, Ms Tunoho noted the Movement rejected the Chair’s recommendation part (ii) in full. She noted the good working relationship with Council’s Chief Executive and staff.
Speaking under public comment, Mr Tasi Lensi representing the Hutt Valley Living Wage Movement said he lived in Hutt City with his family. He noted his wife was not working, so he was the sole financial supporter for his family. He said the introduction of the living wage would change his family’s life.
In response to a question from a member, Mr Tasi said he currently worked a six day week, sometimes completing a double shift. He said the living wage would give him more time with his family.
Speaking under public comment, Ms Prue Hyman representing the Hutt Valley Living Wage Movement (the Movement) advised that she was a Professor of Economics. She asked how people should define a fair days pay for work. She noted the current labour market in New Zealand provided employers a lot of power in deciding wage levels. She said British local authorities had been leaders in the introduction of the living wage. She considered many positions in New Zealand were not being paid their true value, and said it was not easy in service occupations to measure productivity. She noted that if user charges for services were raised locally, this would also equate to more local spending. She challenged the Treasury’s calculations as highlighted in her tabled report titled ‘Living Wage Considerations for Hutt City Council - Prue Hyman comments on Treasury Report’, and did not accept the Chamber of Commerce’s arguments. She considered workers would be encouraged to be more productive with more respect for the value of their work if they were paid more.
In response to questions from members, Ms Hyman acknowledged the cost change to ratepayers if the living wage was introduced. She considered employers and the government had a responsibility to low paid employees.
Speaking under public comment, Mr Charles Waldegrave representing the Family Centre Social Policy Research Unit (the Unit) noted the Unit had been contracted to set a living wage level in New Zealand. He highlighted the concept to establish a living wage level that was fair, defined at a level that workers paid the living wage could participate in society. He noted this meant that they would be able to afford to buy items such as a computer, participate in modest recreation, and be able to afford a modest insurance policy. He said the level was calculated using the food cost index set by Otago University Department of Nutrition. The food cost index provided a basic level of nutrition for children, housing based on renting rather than ownership and basic energy costs, for a family of two adults and two children receiving a 1.5 person income. He considered the living wage was a relatively small cost for increased productivity.
In response to questions from members, Mr Waldegrave noted two thirds of the workforce was earning above the living wage. He said accommodation support and working for families support were included in the living wage calculation. He considered public bodies should acknowledge the significance of the living wage, and take the lead in its introduction. He said if Council introduced the living wage, more applicants would compete for positions giving Council greater choice, increasing skill levels of Council workers. He considered the introduction of the living wage would result in decreased absenteeism and decreased job turnover, so the net cost effect would not be a lot more than current levels. He said that the implementation of a living wage would see a different level of job applicant.
Speaking under public comment, Mr Jordon Williams representing the Taxpayers Union Inc (the Union) noted the Union launched a report on the living wage last week, titled ‘Best of Intentions, Worst of Results ‘. He also noted the full report was available on the Union’s website. He said the implementation of the living wage salary levels at Wellington City Council resulted, for legal reasons, in parking services being bought in-house. He advised long term this meant as staff were replaced, a higher qualified level of candidates were employed. He highlighted this could cause harm to the very people the living wage was trying to assist.
In response to questions from members, Mr Williams advised the introduction of the living wage within Council could lead to job losses as it was possible less staff would be required as new staff being employed would have more skills.
The Chair advised members they were being asked to consider the report and make recommendations to Council, for consideration of inclusion within Council’s Annual Plan for 2017/2018. He noted that part of the report contained privileged legal advice, which could not be released to the public. He advised it was his intent to move a motion to hear the legal advice within the public excluded part of the meeting, including discussion and debate by members. He said he would then ask for the members agreement to release its decision into the public proceedings of the meeting. The Chief Executive highlighted some updates regarding the living wage. He said the living wage rate had recently been confirmed as $20.20 per hour, noting the difference between this rate and the minimum wage hourly rate in 2017 would be $4.45, or 28% more. He said the number of living wage employers in New Zealand was now 65, and there were five fully accredited living wage employers in Hutt City. He noted the living wage was a very complex issue, and highlighted three key areas where members may like to consider the impact on implementation. The three key areas were the benefits of such a policy, the impact on employees and contractors and the effect on Council as an entity. He noted Council had an obligation to be a good employer, while also considering any impact on the community and the net financial effect on Council. The Solicitor noted Council was required to be guided by the purpose of local government – following common law, which placed a duty on Councillors to provide services in the most cost effective way. He said to justify the living wage, the prevailing legal view was that Council would need to demonstrate that paying the living wage would be the most cost effective way to provide those services affected. In response to questions from members, the Solicitor said Greater Wellington Regional Council had considered in principle the implementation of the living wage, and Wellington City Council had implemented a lesser ‘Wellington Wage’. He said he did not know what the Porirua City Council position was. He highlighted that to the best of his knowledge no Councils had implemented a full blanket living wage policy. He said if Council did decide to implement a blanket living wage, there was the potential for it to become a test case through a judicial review. The Solicitor noted the reasons for the public excluded portion of the meeting had been considered against Council’s transparency and accountability responsibilities, but considered members could be putting Council at increased risk if the public excluded paper was debated within the public portion of the meeting. Members would not be able to talk openly of the legal risks identified, which could result in a more artificial discussion. In response to questions from members, the Divisional Manager Human Resources advised Council’s current staff turnover was 10-11%, which was a reasonable rate compared to other Councils. The Chair noted benefits of the living wage introduction that would need to exceed costs could include improvement in absenteeism, staff loyalty/retention and productivity improvement. The Divisional Manager, Human Resources said absenteeism would need to be measured over time to ascertain if the benefits of introducing a living wage would outweigh the costs. She highlighted Council staff loyalty was already high. She advised productivity improvement was measured through performance review assessments each year, with a corresponding wage increase to align with any performance improvements. She noted that Council would need to maintain staff levels in some areas such as swimming pools to ensure Council’s safety obligations were maintained. Cr Barry asked that it be recorded that he considered the legal advice should be discussed in the public excluded proceedings of the meeting, with the debate being heard in the public proceedings of the meeting. |
||||||||||||||||||
|
|
Resolved: (Cr Milne/Cr Sutton) Minute No. FPC 17101
“That the public be excluded from the following parts of the proceedings of this meeting, namely: 17. Living Wage Considerations for Hutt City Council (17/273) 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:
This resolution is made in reliance on section 48(1) of the Local Government Official Information and Meetings Act 1987 and the particular interest or interests protected by section 6 or 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 are as specified in Column (B) above.” |
||||||||||||||||||
|
|
The meeting adjourned at 8.20pm, and resumed at 9.20pm. |
||||||||||||||||||
|
|
Resolved: (Cr Milne/Cr Sutton) Minute No. FPC 17122 “That the Committee: (i) notes the information in the report; and
(ii) agrees to release to the public its recommendation to Council regarding the Living Wage item.” |
||||||||||||||||||
|
|
Recommended: (BY DIVISION) Minute No. FPC 17123 (Mayor Wallace/Cr Milne)
“That the Committee recommends that Council instructs the Chief Executive to pay a living wage in all cases where that is the most cost effective way to provide that service, in compliance with the Local Government Act, and taking into account Council’s obligation to be a good employer.” |
||||||||||||||||||
|
|
For: Against: Cr Milne Cr Barry Mayor Wallace Cr Briggs Deputy Mayor Bassett Cr Cousins Cr Barratt Cr Lulich Cr Edwards Cr Sutton Total: 5 Total: 5 The motion was declared CARRIED by the casting vote of the Chair.
|
||||||||||||||||||
|
|
a Best of Intentions, Worst of Results - Summary Report from Taxpayers Union b Living Wage Considerations for Hutt City Council - Prue Hyman comments on Treasury Report |
||||||||||||||||||
|
|
Resolved: (Cr Milne/Deputy Mayor Bassett) Minute No. FPC 17102
“That in accordance with Standing Order 10.4 the Chair accorded precedence of business to items 5, 6 and 7, dealing with Six Month Reports for Hutt City Community Facilities Trust, Seaview Marina Limited and UrbanPlus Limited.” These items are recorded in the order in which they are listed on the order paper. |
|
b) |
Review of Draft Statement of Intent 2017/2018 for the Hutt City Community Facilities Trust (17/60) |
|
|
Cr Cousins declared a conflict of interest and took no part in discussion or voting on the matter. Mr A Skene, Chairman of Hutt City Community Facilities Trust (CFT) elaborated on the report. In response to questions from members, Mr Skene highlighted the Project Developer had advised that the construction contractor, Hawkins, would mitigate some of the costs to the Bowling Club as the result of delays to the Walter Mildenhall development. Mr Skene highlighted he would be retiring from his position on 30 June 2017. Mayor Wallace and the Chair thanked Mr Skene for his contribution towards the CFT. In response to a question from a member, Mr Peter Healy, the General Manager, CFT noted governance training sessions had been scheduled for all Board members. The Chief Financial Officer highlighted the CFT was required to have these measures in place to assess Board Trustees’ performances. The Chair asked this be included in part of the Annual Report for CFT. The Chair asked Mr Skene to consider the SOI be amended to include a section on reporting on board governance, including annual individual and whole of board assessments of performance. Mr Skene advised that he supported the Chair’s request. |
|
|
Recommended: (Cr Milne/Sutton) Minute No. FPC 17103 “That the Committee recommends that Council: (i) notes that the Board of the Hutt City Community Facilities Trust (CFT) has submitted a draft Statement of Intent (SOI) 2017-2018, attached as Appendix 1 to the report to Council, in accordance with the Local Government Act 2002; (ii) notes that officers have reviewed the draft SOI for compliance with the Local Government Act 2002 and provided their analysis; (iii) reviews the draft SOI and considers if any modifications should be made; (iv) receives the draft SOI; and (v) provides comment for the Board of the Trust to consider in finalising its SOI (including any modifications suggested by the Committee arising under paragraph (iii) above).” |
|
c) |
Review of Draft Statement of Intent 2017-2020 for Seaview Marina Limited (17/193) |
|
|
Cr Milne declared a conflict of interest and took no part in discussion or voting on the matter. Cr Milne vacated the Chair for the item. Cr Barry assumed the Chair. In response to questions from members, Mr Walshe, the Chairman of Seaview Marina Limited advised it was considered prudent to remove the residential development proposal for the marina within the strategic objectives at this time. He noted the current focus was now on marina water development. The Chair asked Mr Walshe to consider including a section in the Statement of Intent on reporting on board governance, including annual individual and whole of board assessments of performance. |
|
|
Recommended: (Cr Barry/Cr Edwards) Minute No. FPC 17104 “That the Committee recommends that Council: (i) notes that the Board of Seaview Marina Limited (SML) has submitted a draft Statement of Intent (SOI) 2017-2020, attached as Appendix 1 to the report to Council, in accordance with the Local Government Act 2002; (ii) notes that officers have reviewed the draft SOI for compliance with the Local Government Act 2002 and provided their analysis; (iii) reviews the draft SOI and considers if any modifications should be made; (iv) receives the draft SOI; and (v) provides comment for the Board of the company to consider in finalising its SOI (including any modifications suggested by the Committee arising under part (iii) above).” |
|
d) |
Review of Draft Statement of Intent 2017/2018 for UrbanPlus Limited (17/194) |
|
|
Deputy Mayor Bassett declared a conflict of interest and took no part in discussion or voting on the matter. Mr Craig Walton, the Chief Executive Officer of UrbanPlus Limited elaborated on the report. The Chair asked Mr Walton to consider including a section in the Statement of Intent on reporting on board governance, including annual individual and whole of board assessments of performance. |
|
|
Recommended: (Cr Milne/Cr Sutton) Minute No. FPC 17105 “That the Committee recommends that Council: (i) notes that the board of UrbanPlus Limited (UPL) has submitted a draft Statement of Intent (SOI) 2017-2018, attached as Appendix 1 to the report to Council, in accordance with the Local Government Act 2002; (ii) notes that officers have reviewed the draft SOI for compliance with the Local Government Act 2002 and provided their analysis; (iii) reviews the draft SOI and considers if any modifications should be made; (iv) receives the draft SOI; and (v) provides comment for the Board of the company to consider in finalising its SOI (including any modifications suggested by the Committee arising under paragraph (iii) above).” |
|
e) |
Review of Draft Statement of Intent 2017/2018 for the New Zealand Local Government Funding Agency (17/195) |
|
|
The Chief Financial Officer elaborated on the report. |
|
|
Recommended: (Cr Barry/Deputy Mayor Bassett) Minute No. FPC 17106
“That the Committee recommends that Council: (i) notes that the Board of the New Zealand Local Government Funding Agency Limited has submitted a draft Statement of Intent (SOI) 2017-2018, attached as Appendix 3 to the report, in accordance with the Local Government Act 2002; (ii) notes that officers have reviewed the draft SOI and provided their analysis; (iii) reviews the draft SOI and considers if any modifications should be made; (iv) receives the draft SOI; and (v) provides comment for the board of the company to consider in finalising its SOI (including any modifications suggested by the Committee arising under part (iii) above).” |
|
5. |
Hutt City Community Facilities Trust Six Month Report to 31 December 2016 (17/61) Report No. FPC2017/1/70 by the Senior Management Accountant |
|
|
Cr Cousins declared a conflict of interest and took no part in discussion or voting on the matter. Mr Alister Skene, the Chairman of Hutt City Community Facilities Trust elaborated on the report. |
|
|
Resolved: (Cr Milne/Cr Sutton) Minute No. FPC 17107 “That the Committee receives the half year report to 31 December 2016 from the Hutt City Community Facilities Trust attached as Appendix 1 to the report.” |
|
6. |
Seaview Marina Limited Six Month Report to 31 December 2016 (17/34) Report No. FPC2017/1/71 by the Senior Management Accountant |
|
|
Cr Milne declared a conflict of interest and took no part in dicussion or voting on the matter. Cr Milne vacated the Chair for the item. Cr Barry assumed the Chair. Mr Brian Walshe, the Chairman of Seaview Marina Limited (SML) elaborated on the report. In response to questions from members, Mr Alan McLellan, the Chief Executive Officer of SML advised that support plans were in place for liveaboard residents within the marina, in the event of a serious earthquake or natural disaster. Mr Walshe advised the Wellington Boat Show would be held from 6-9 April 2017. He said an Events Manager was co-ordinating arrangements for this event and occupancy for stands were filling well. He noted a number of vessels would be demonstrated during the show. |
|
|
Resolved: (Cr Barry/Deputy Mayor Bassett) Minute No. FPC 17108 “That the Committee receives the half year report to 31 December 2016 from Seaview Marina Limited attached as Appendix 1 to the report.” |
|
7. |
Urban Plus Limited Six Month Report to 31 December 2016 (17/56) Report No. FPC2017/1/72 by the Senior Management Accountant |
|
|
Deputy Mayor Bassett declared a conflict of interest and took no part in discussions or voting on the matter. In response to a question from a member, Mr Craig Walton, the Chief Executive Officer of UrbanPlus Ltd advised no further action regarding the sale of Housing New Zealand house stock had been progressed. He noted any opportunity at central government level to develop the land would be needed, and considered if the land was handed back to local government, this would provide more understanding of local issues. |
|
|
Resolved: (Cr Milne/Mayor Wallace) Minute No. FPC 17109 “That the Committee receives the half year report to 31 December 2016 from UrbanPlus Limited attached as Appendix 1 to the report.” |
|
|
Resolved: (Cr Barry/Mayor Wallace) Minute No. FPC 17110 “That in accordance with Standing Order 10.4, the Chair accorded precedence of business to item 10, Risk and Assurance Update and Strategic Risk Register, item 11, Sale and Supply of Alcohol (Fees) Regulations 2013 - Regulation 19 (1) - Reporting by Territorial Authorities and item 12, Hutt City Libraries - Clubhouse Coordinators Conference Travel April 2017.” These items are recorded in the order in which they are listed on the order paper. |
|
8. |
New Zealand Local Government Funding Agency 2016 Annual Report (17/196) Report No. FPC2017/1/78 by the Chief Financial Officer |
|
|
The Chief Financial Officer elaborated on the report. |
|
|
Resolved: (Cr Barry/Deputy Mayor Bassett) Minute No. FPC 17111 “That the Committee notes the Local Government Funding Agency 2016 Annual Report attached as Appendix 1 to the report.” |
|
9. |
Audit New Zealand Management Report for the Year Ended 30 June 2016 (17/250) Report No. FPC2017/1/80 by the Chief Financial Officer |
|
|
the Chief Financial Officer elaborated on the report. He noted it was an unmodified audit. In response to a question from a member, the Chief Financial Officer advised that the Chief Executive’s credit card transactions were reviewed by the Mayor, and in his absence, the Chair of the Finance and Performance Committee. |
|
|
Resolved: (Cr Milne/Mayor Wallace) Minute No. FPC 17112 “That the Committee note this report.” |
|
10. |
Risk and Assurance update and Strategic Risk Register (17/102) Report No. FPC2017/1/73 by the Risk and Assurance Manager |
|
|
The General Manager, Governance and Regulatory elaborated on the report. In response to questions from members, the General Manager Governance and Regulatory advised the safety assessment of the reception area in Council’s Administration Building found it was appropriately zoned with no safety issues. Members requested officers to review the Elected Members Gift Policy and report back. The General Manager, Governance and Regulatory advised that a notation would be included in Council’s Gift Policy regarding the living wage. |
|
|
Resolved: (Cr Milne/Deputy Mayor Bassett) Minute No. FPC 17113 “That the Committee: (i) notes the information in the report; (ii) notes the Strategic Risk Profile 2016 as approved by the Strategic Leadership Team, attached as Appendix 1 to the report; and (iii) requests officers to review the Elected Members Gift Policy and report back.”
|
|
11. |
Sale and Supply of Alcohol (Fees) Regulations 2013 - Regulation 19 (1) - Reporting by Territorial Authorities (17/37) Memorandum dated 23 January 2017 by the Manager Environmental Inspections |
|
|
The Manager Environmental Inspections elaborated on the report. In response to a question from a member, the Manager Environmental Inspections advised that the information to be published on Council’s website could be made available in hard copy, upon request. |
|
|
Resolved: (Cr Milne/Cr Cousins) Minute No. FPC 17114
“That the Committee approves the publication of a report on Council’s website showing the alcohol licensing income received from fees payable in relation to, and its costs incurred in:
(a) the performance of the functions of its District Licensing Committee under the Sale and Supply of Alcohol Act 2012 (the Act);
(b) the performance of the functions of its inspectors under the Act; and
(c) the undertaking enforcement activities under the Act.”
|
|
|
Resolved: (Cr Cousins/Mayor Wallace) Minute No. FPC 17115 “That in terms of Standing Order 4.2, the meeting be extended beyond 10.30pm.” |
|
12. |
Hutt City Libraries: Clubhouse Coordinators Conference Travel April 2017 (17/119) Report No. FPC2017/1/77 by the Content and Service Development Manager |
|
|
The General Manager, Community Services elaborated on the report. Members requested officers to review whether the Chief Executive could be given delegated authority to approve overseas travel for staff, or approve overseas travel for staff to a certain expenditure limit, within Council’s current Travel Policy. |
|
|
Resolved: (Cr Milne/Mayor Wallace) Minute No. FPC 17116 “That the Committee: (i) notes that attendance at the Clubhouse Network’s annual conference is mandatory as per the terms of the Clubhouse licences; (ii) authorises the overseas travel to Minneapolis, United States of America in April 2017 for the Coordinators from Naenae and Taita Clubhouses at a cost of approximately $7,050; and (iii) requests officers to report back on whether the Chief Executive could be given delegated authority to approve overseas travel for staff, or have a cost limit for this delegation, within Council’s current Travel Policy.”
|
|
13. |
Report No. FPC2017/1/79 by the Budgeting and Reporting Manager |
|
|
The Chief Financial Officer elaborated on the report. |
|
|
Resolved: (Deputy Mayor Bassett/Cr Milne) Minute No. FPC 17117 “That the Committee notes the year to date financial performance and the forecast year-end position.” |
14. Information Items
|
a) |
Standard and Poor's Credit Rating (17/113) Report No. FPC2017/1/31 by the Chief Financial Officer |
|
|
The Chief Financial Officer elaborated on the report. He noted that the proposed change to Council’s Financial Strategy had been discussed with Council’s Treasury advisors and advice had been received that the change would not impact on Council’s credit rating. |
|
|
Resolved: (Mayor Wallace/Cr Milne) Minute No. FPC 17118 “That the report be noted and received.” |
|
b) |
Finance and Performance Work Programme 2017 (17/75) Report No. FPC2017/1/32 by the Committee Advisor |
|
|
Resolved: (Deputy Mayor Bassett/Cr Cousins) Minute No. FPC 17119 “That the report be noted and received.”
|
15. QUESTIONS
There were no questions.
There being no further business the Chair declared the meeting closed at 10.55 pm.
Cr C Milne
CHAIR
CONFIRMED as a true and correct record
Dated this 14th day of March 2017
