HuttCity_TeAwaKairangi_BLACK_AGENDA_COVER

 

 

 

18 May 2017

 

 

 

Order Paper for Council meeting to be held in the

Council Chambers, 2nd Floor, 30 Laings Road, Lower Hutt,

on:

 

 

 

 

 

Tuesday 23 May 2017 commencing at 6.00pm

 

 

 

 

 

 

Membership

 

 

Mayor W R Wallace (Chair)

Deputy Mayor D Bassett

Cr G Barratt

Cr C Barry

Cr L Bridson

Cr J Briggs

Cr M Cousins

Cr S Edwards

Cr T Lewis

Cr M Lulich

Cr G McDonald

Cr C Milne

Cr L Sutton

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

For the dates and times of Council Meetings please visit www.huttcity.govt.nz


HuttCity_TeAwaKairangi_SCREEN_MEDRES
 

 

 

 


COUNCIL

 

Membership:

13 

Meeting Cycle:

Council meets on a six weekly basis (Extraordinary Meetings can be called following a resolution of Council; or on the requisition of the Chair or one third of the total membership of Council)

Power to (being a power that is not capable of being delegated)[1]:

        Make a rate.

        Make bylaws.

        Borrow money other than in accordance with the Long Term Plan (LTP).

        Purchase or dispose of assets other than in accordance with the LTP.

        Purchase or dispose of Council land and property other than in accordance with the LTP.

        Adopt the LTP, Annual Plan and Annual Report.

        Adopt policies required to be adopted and consulted on under the Act in association with the LTP or developed for the purpose of the Local Governance Statement.

        Appoint the Chief Executive.

        Exercise any powers and duties conferred or imposed on the local authority by the Public Works Act 1981 or the Resource Management Act 1991 that are unable to be delegated.

        Undertake all other actions which are by law not capable of being delegated.

        The power to adopt a Remuneration and Employment Policy.

Decide on:

Policy issues

        Adoption of all policy required by legislation.

        Adoption of policies with a city-wide or strategic focus.

District Plan

        Promotion of Plan Changes and Variations recommended by the District Plan Committee prior to public notification.

        The withdrawal of Plan Changes in accordance with clause 8D, Part 1, Schedule 1 of the Resource Management Act 1991.

        Approval, to make operative, of District Plan and Plan Changes (in accordance with clause 17, Part 1, Schedule 1 of the Resource Management Act 1991).

Representation, electoral and governance matters

        The method of voting for the Triennial elections.

        Representation reviews.

        Council’s Code of Conduct and Local Governance Statement.

        Elected Members Remuneration.

        The outcome of any extraordinary vacancies on Council.

        Any other matters for which a local authority decision is required under the Local Electoral Act 2001.

        All matters identified in these Terms of Reference as delegated to Council Committees (or otherwise delegated by the Council) and oversee those delegations.

        Council‘s delegations to officers and community boards.

Delegations and employment of the Chief Executive

The review and negotiation of the contract, performance agreement and remuneration of the Chief Executive.

 

Meetings and committees

        Standing Orders for Council and its committees.

        Council’s annual meeting schedule.

Operational matters

        The establishment and disposal of any Council Controlled Organisation or Council Controlled Trading Organisation and approval of annual Statements of Corporate Intent on the recommendation of the Finance and Performance Committee.

        Civil Defence Emergency Management Group matters requiring Council’s input.

        Road closing and road stopping matters.

        All other matters for which final authority is not delegated.

Appoint:

        The non-elected members of the Standing Committees (including extraordinary vacancies of non-elected representatives).

        The Directors of Council Controlled Organisations and Council Controlled Trading Organisations. 

        Council’s nominee on any Trust.

        Council representatives on any outside organisations (where applicable and time permits, recommendations for the appointment may be sought from the appropriate standing committee and/or outside organisations).

        The Chief Executive of Hutt City Council.

        Council’s Electoral Officer, Principal Rural Fire Officer and any other appointments required by statute.

 

    


HUTT CITY COUNCIL

 

Ordinary meeting to be held in the Council Chambers, 2nd Floor, 30 Laings Road, Lower Hutt on

 Tuesday 23 May 2017 commencing at 6.00pm.

 

ORDER PAPER

 

Public Business

 

1.       APOLOGIES 

2.       PUBLIC COMMENT

Generally up to 30 minutes is set aside for public comment (three minutes per speaker on items appearing on the agenda). Speakers may be asked questions on the matters they raise.

3.       Mayoral Statement (17/724)

4.       CONFLICT OF INTEREST DECLARATIONS

5.       Committee Reports with Recommended Items

a)      Traffic Subcommittee

10 April 2017                                                                                                10

Recommended Items

Item 4a)     Korokoro Road - Proposed No Stopping At All Times Restrictions (17/357) 11

Mayor’s Recommendation:

“That the recommendations contained in the report be endorsed.”

 

Item 4b)    Randwick Road, Moera - Proposed P15 Parking, No Parking On Grass and No Stopping At All Times Restrictions  (16/152)                       12

Mayor’s Recommendation:

“That in light of additional information received after the Traffic Subcommittee’s meeting, Council refers the matter back to officers for a full review.”

 

 

 

Item 4c)     Randwick Crescent (Moera Carpark) - Proposed Mobility Park and No Stopping At All Times Restrictions (17/380)                                             13

Mayor’s Recommendation:

“That the recommendation contained in the report be endorsed.”

 

Item 4d)    The Esplanade (Petone Wharf) - Proposed P120 Parking Restrictions and No Stopping At All Times Restrictions (17/412)                                        13

Mayor’s Recommendation:

“That the recommendations contained in the report be endorsed.”

 

Item 4e)     Holyoake Crescent - Proposed Mobility Park and No Stopping At All Times Restrictions (17/359)                                                                14

Mayor’s Recommendation:

“That the recommendations contained in the report be endorsed.”

 

Item 4f)     460 High Street - Proposed P15 Parking Restrictions (17/361) 14

Mayor’s Recommendation:

“That the recommendation contained in the report be endorsed.”

 

Item 4g)     Taita Drive - Proposed No Stopping At All Times Restrictions (17/414)       14

Mayor’s Recommendation:

“That the recommendation contained in the report be endorsed.”

 

Item 4h)    Titoki Street - Proposed No Stopping At All Times Restrictions (17/384)      15

Mayor’s Recommendation:

“That the recommendation contained in the report be endorsed.”

 

 

 

 

 

 

b)      District Plan Committee

26 April 2017                                                                                                24

Recommended Item

Item 5)       Proposed District Plan Change 49
Copeland Street Reserve
Rezoning to General Residential Activity Area - Medium Density and General Recreation Activity Area
(17/565)                                         25

Mayor’s Recommendation:

“That the recommendations contained in the report be endorsed.”

 

c)       Policy and Regulatory Committee

1 May 2017                                                                                                   93

Recommended Items

Item 4a)     Overseas Travel Approval - Policy Change (17/651)           94

Mayor’s Recommendation:

“That the recommendations contained in the report be endorsed.”

 

Item 4b)    Redrafted Gift Policy for Elected Members (17/587)          94

Mayor’s Recommendation:

“That the recommendation contained in the report be endorsed.”

 

Item 4c)     Reserve Reclassification - Wainuiomata (17/252)               95

Mayor’s Recommendation:

“That the recommendation contained in the report be endorsed.”

 

Item 4d)    Future of Molesworth Street Reserve Pomare (17/536)      95

Mayor’s Recommendation:

“That the recommendations contained in the report be endorsed.”

 

Item 4e)     Proposed Road Stopping and Sale of Legal Road on the corner of Knights Road and Birch Street Waterloo (17/600)                                               96

Mayor’s Recommendation:

“That the recommendations contained in the report be endorsed.”

 

Item 4f)     Dog controls for Avalon Park (17/632)                                  96

Mayor’s Recommendation:

“That the recommendations contained in the report be endorsed.”

 

Item 4g)     Easter Sunday Shop Trading Policy (17/575)                        98

Mayor’s Recommendation:

“That the recommendations contained in the report be endorsed.”

 

d)      City Development Committee

2 May 2017                                                                                                 123

Recommended Items

Item 4a)     Petone 2040 (17/682)                                                              124

Mayor’s Recommendation:

“That the recommendations contained in the report be endorsed.”

 

Item 4b)    Petone Clock Walk (17/681)                                                 126

Mayor’s Recommendation:

“That the recommendations (i)-(iv) contained in the report be endorsed with a new part (v) to read:

 

(v)       asks officers to report to the June 2017 Community Plan             Committee on necessary funding for the Jackson Street             Streetscape Design.”

 

e)      Finance and Performance Committee

3 May 2017                                                                                                 135

Recommended Items

Item 4a)     Urban Plus Limited - Amendment to Constitution (17/667) 136

Mayor’s Recommendation:

“That the two recommendations contained in the report be endorsed.”

 

 

 

Item 4b)    Appointment of Trustees to Hutt City Community  Facilities Trust (17/549)            137

Mayor’s Recommendation:

“That the recommendations contained in the report be endorsed and appoints Cr Milne to the selection panel.”

 

Item 4c)     Response to Fraser Park Business Case (17/603)               138

Mayor’s Recommendation:

“That the two recommendations contained in the report be endorsed.”

 

 

f)       Community Services Committee

4 May 2017                                                                                                 147

Recommended Items

Item 4a)     Review of Community Funding (17/656)                            148

Mayor’s Recommendation:

“That the recommendations contained in the report be endorsed.”

 

Item 4b)    Review of Community Committees (17/661)                      151

Mayor’s Recommendation:

“That the recommendations contained in the report be endorsed.”

    

6.       Miscellaneous

a)      Living Wage - Next Steps (17/770)

Report No. HCC2017/2/136 by the Divisional Manager Human Resources            163

Mayor’s Recommendation:

“That Council:

 

(i)            receives the legal advice;

 

(ii)          endorses the recommendation based on the legal advice received; and

 

(iii)        requests the Chief Executive to continue to work with Living Wage Hutt Valley on issues such as contracting.”

 

b)      Skateboard Area - Civic Building (17/790)

Memorandum dated 15 May 2017 by the Solicitor                                  210

Mayor’s Recommendation:

“That the recommendation contained in the memorandum be discussed.”

 

c)       Changes to Terms of Reference and Subcommittee Membership (17/740)

Memorandum dated 2 May 2017 by the Divisional Manager, Secretariat Services   213

Mayor’s Recommendation:

“That the recommendations contained in the memorandum be endorsed.”

 

d)      Alteration of Part of a Previous Council Resolution - Delaney Park (17/769)

Memorandum dated 9 May 2017 by the Divisional Manager, Secretariat Services   221

Mayor’s Recommendation:

“That the recommendations contained in the memorandum be endorsed.”

     

7.       Minutes

Meeting minutes Hutt City Council, 14 March 2017                                         224  

8.       Committee Reports without Recommended Items

a)           Community Plan Committee

21 February 2017                                                                                        255

14 March 2017                                                                                            268     

b)          Hutt Valley Services Committee

 

5 May 2017                                                                                                  272 

 

 

9.       QUESTIONS

With reference to section 32 of Standing Orders, before putting a question a member shall endeavour to obtain the information. Questions shall be concise and in writing and handed to the Chair prior to the commencement of the meeting.

10.     Sealing Authority (17/477)

Report No. HCC2017/2/11 by the Committee Administrator                        276

Mayor’s Recommendation:

“That Council:

 

(i)            approves the affixing of the Common Seal to all relevant documents in connection with the items set our in Schedule 1 contained in the report; and

(ii)          approves the deeds executed under Power of Attorney set out in Schedule 2 contained in the report.”

  

11.     EXCLUSION OF THE PUBLIC

MAYOR'S RECOMMENDATION:

 

“That the public be excluded from the following parts of the proceedings of this meeting, namely:

12.     Committee Reports with Recommended Items

a)      City Development Committee

2 May 2017

b)      Finance and Performance Committee

3 May 2017

c)      Community Services Committee

4 May 2017

 

13.     Minutes

          14 March 2017

14.     Community Representatives for the Civic Honours Committee (17/647)

 

 

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:

 

(A)

(B)

(C)

 

 

 

General subject of the matter to be considered.

Reason for passing this resolution in relation to each matter.

Ground under section 48(1) for the passing of this resolution.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Report of the City Development Committee held on 2 May 2017: Proposed New Private Street Name – No.1-13 Laura Fergusson Grove

The withholding of the information is necessary to protect the privacy of natural persons.(s7(2)(a)).

That the public conduct of the relevant part of the proceedings of the meeting would be likely to result in the disclosure of information for which good reason for withholding exist.

 

 

 

Report of the Finance and Performance Committee held on 3 May 2017: Response to Hutt City Community Facilities Trust Funding Proposal

The withholding of the information is necessary to enable the local authority to carry out, without prejudice or disadvantage, commercial activities(s7(2)(h)).

That the public conduct of the relevant part of the proceedings of the meeting would be likely to result in the disclosure of information for which good reason for withholding exist.

 

 

 

Report of the Community Services Committee held on 4 May 2017: Arts and Culture Subcommittee Recommendations – Community Representation on Arts and Culture Subcommittee

The withholding of the information is necessary to protect the privacy of natural persons.(s7(2)(a)).

That the public conduct of the relevant part of the proceedings of the meeting would be likely to result in the disclosure of information for which good reason for withholding exist.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Minutes of the Hutt City Council held on 14 March 2017: Appointment of Directors – Seaview Marina Limited and Urban Plus Limited

The withholding of the information is necessary to protect the privacy of natural persons. (s7(2)(a)).

The withholding of the information is necessary to maintain legal professional privilege (s7(2)(g)).

That the public conduct of the relevant part of the proceedings of the meeting would be likely to result in the disclosure of information for which good reason for withholding exist.

 

 

 

Community Representatives for the Civic Honours Committee.

The withholding of the information is necessary to protect the privacy of natural persons. (s7(2)(a)).

That the public conduct of the relevant part of the proceedings of the meeting would be likely to result in the disclosure of information for which good reason for withholding exist.

 

 

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.”

 

 

MAYOR’S RECOMMENDATION:

 

“That Mr Alister Skene of Hutt City Community Facilities Trust, be permitted to remain after the public during consideration of item 12b) ‘Response to Hutt City Community Facilities Trust Funding Proposal’ as he has knowledge of the matter to be discussed that will assist the Committee in relation to this item.”

 

 

 

 

 

 

Kathryn Stannard

DIVISIONAL MANAGER, SECRETARIAT SERVICES

         


HUTT CITY COUNCIL

 

Traffic Subcommittee

 

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

Lower Hutt on

 Monday 10 April 2017 commencing at 3.00pm

 

 

 PRESENT:                       Cr MJ Cousins (Chair)                Cr J Briggs     

                                           Cr S Edwards (from 3.04pm)     Cr T Lewis

                                           Cr L Sutton                                  Cr L Bridson

        

 

APOLOGIES:                  An apology was received from Cr G Barratt and from Cr S Edwards for lateness.

 

IN ATTENDANCE:        Mr Z Moodie, Traffic Engineer

                                           Mr S Leal, Traffic Engineer

Ms H Clegg, Minute Taker

 

PUBLIC BUSINESS

 

1.       APOLOGIES 

resolved:   (Cr Cousins/Cr Briggs)                                   Minute No. TRS 17201

“That the apology received from Cr G Barratt, and the apology for lateness received from
Cr S Edwards, be accepted and leave of absence be granted.”

2.       PUBLIC COMMENT

Comments are recorded under the item to which they relate.      

 

Cr Edwards joined the meeting at 3.04pm.

3.       CONFLICT OF INTEREST DECLARATIONS

There were no conflict of interest declarations.

4.       Recommendations to Council - 23 May 2017

a)

Korokoro Road - Proposed No Stopping At All Times Restrictions (17/357)

 

Speaking under public comment, Mr Aaron Creighton a resident of Korokoro Road, agreed that the stretch of road was currently unsafe, adding that the 50km speed limit was too high given the number of blind corners, driveway accesses and parked cars in the area.  He further explained he was opposed to the current proposal, as it would mean the loss of several on-street carparks.  He advised that a number of properties did not have off-street parking, and relied on the area of the road to park cars.  He further advised that the public parking area at the bottom of Korokoro Road was not secure, and he had experienced car theft from there.   He believed a solution to the safety problem was to either widen the road, and/or install speed humps.

 

In response to questions from members, Mr Creighton confirmed he was opposed to the proposal, and that he was concerned pedestrian and traffic safety would be compromised by the proposal.  He agreed the proposal would make the situation safer outside some properties, but not for the road as a whole.  He further confirmed that if the speed limit was reduced in the area, and that if the road was part of the long term Substandard Road Upgrades, he would accept the current proposal.  He confirmed property numbers 16, 14 and 6 had no off-street parking, and that numbers 10 and 8 did.

 

The Traffic Engineer elaborated on the report.  He advised that initial investigations indicated widening this portion of Korokoro Road would cost in excess of $600,000.  He said that speed humps were not an option on hill roads.

 

In response to questions from members, the Traffic Engineer said he was unsure where Korokoro Road was listed on the Substandard Road Upgrades.  He noted that the area had safety concerns for both cars and pedestrians.  He advised that the most recent speed count showed vehicles were generally travelling under the speed limit at the bend.  He confirmed the proposal would result in the loss of a number of on-street carparks, and that if marked, there would be three parks in the existing layby.  If unmarked, residents would be able to fit four cars into the space.

 

In response to further questions from members, the Traffic Engineer confirmed that the only other location for on-street parking in the area was outside property number 18.  He advised ownership of the land outside number 18 Korokoro Road would need to be investigated, as would the cost of sealing or gravelling the land. 

 

 

 

RECOMMENDED:   (Cr Cousins/Cr Sutton)             Minute No. TRS 17202

“That the Subcommittee recommends that Council:

(i)         approves the installation of No Stopping At All Times Restrictions in             Korokoro Road, Korokoro as shown in Appendix 1 attached to the             report; and

(ii)        requests officers to investigate alternative off road parking, for the             residents as close as possible to the area outlined in Appendix 1 attached to the       report as a temporary measure until the Substandard Road Programme begins for Korokoro Road.”

PRECEDENCE OF BUSINESS

In accordance with Standing Order 25.5, the Chair accorded precedence to item 4h) dealing with ‘Titoki Street – Proposed No Stopping At All Times Restrictions’.

The item is recorded in the order in which it is listed on the order paper.

b)

Randwick Road, Moera - Proposed P15 Parking, No Parking On Grass and No Stopping At All Times Restrictions  (16/152)

 

In response to questions from members, the Traffic Engineer explained the Sola Power Throwing Academy had not been specifically consulted with about the proposal, but had been consulted with in 2015.  He further explained that Council’s Traffic Bylaw prohibited cars parking on grass areas, and that the resource consent granted to Sola Throwing Academy provided for a maximum of two on-site carparks only.  He advised the site was very close to a busy intersection and that having cars parked along the relevant stretch of road presented a traffic safety issue.

 

RECOMMENDED:   (Cr Bridson/Cr Cousins)            Minute No. TRS 17203

“That the Subcommittee recommends that Council:

 

(i)        approves the installation of P15 Parking At All Times in Randwick Road, Moera as shown in Appendix 1 to the report;

(ii)       approves the installation of No Parking On Grass Restrictions in Randwick Road, Moera as shown in Appendix 1 attached to the report;

(iii)      approves the installation of No Stopping At All Times Restrictions as shown in Appendix 1 attached to this report; and

(iv)      requests officers to monitor the parking situation and report back to the Traffic Subcommittee.”

 

c)

Randwick Crescent (Moera Carpark) - Proposed Mobility Park and No Stopping At All Times Restrictions (17/380)

 

In response to a question from a member, the Traffic Engineer advised that mobility access was required on either side of a mobility park, and that this sometimes required the car to be reversed into a park. 

 

recommended:    (Cr Lewis/Cr Briggs)                 Minute No. TRS 17204

“That the Subcommittee recommends that Council approves the installation of a Mobility Park and No Stopping At All Times Restrictions at the Moera Carpark, in Randwick Crescent, as shown in Appendix 1 attached to the report.“

 

d)

The Esplanade (Petone Wharf) - Proposed P120 Parking Restrictions and No Stopping At All Times Restrictions (17/412)

 

In response to a question from a member, the Traffic Engineer confirmed there was unrestricted parking to the west of the Petone Wharf, and that it was only the area closest to Petone Wharf which was proposed to be restricted.

 

RECOMMENDED:    (Cr Lewis/Cr Sutton)                          Minute No. TRS 17205

“That the Subcommittee recommends that Council:

(i)        approves the installation of P120 Parking Restrictions in the Petone Wharf car parking area, on the Esplanade, Petone as shown in Appendix 1 attached to the report; and

(ii)       approves the installation of No Stopping At All Times Restrictions in the Petone Wharf car parking area, on the Esplanade, Petone as shown in Appendix 1 attached to the report.”

 

e)

Holyoake Crescent - Proposed Mobility Park and No Stopping At All Times Restrictions (17/359)

 

In response to questions from members, the Traffic Engineer advised that the Mobility Parks Schedule was reviewed every five years, and residents could at any time request a mobility park be installed or removed.  He did not consider the proposal would create a precedent, as each situation and request was assessed on its own merits.

 

recommended:    (Cr Edwards/Cr Briggs)          Minute No. TRS 17206

“That the Subcommittee recommends that Council:

(i)        approves the installation of a Mobility Park Restriction in Holyoake Crescent, Avalon as shown in Appendix 1 attached to the report; and

(ii)       approves the installation of No Stopping At All Times Restrictions in Holyoake Crescent, Avalon as shown in Appendix 1 attached to the report.”

 

f)

460 High Street - Proposed P15 Parking Restrictions (17/361)

 

In response to a question from a member, the Traffic Engineer reiterated that each request was assessed on its own merits.  He did not consider that the proposal would create a precedent.

 

RECOMMENDED:    (Cr Briggs/Cr Bridson)             Minute No. TRS 17207

“That the Subcommittee recommends that Council approves the replacement of three P60 Parking Restrictions with P15 Parking Restrictions outside Nº 460 High Street, Lower Hutt, as shown in Appendix 1 attached to the report.”

 

g)

Taita Drive - Proposed No Stopping At All Times Restrictions (17/414)

 

The Traffic Engineer elaborated on the report.

 

RECOMMENDED:   (Cr Sutton/Cr Edwards)        Minute No. TRS 17208

“That the Subcommittee recommends that Council approves the installation of No Stopping At All Times Restrictions along Taita Drive as shown in Appendix 1 attached to the report.”

 

h)

Titoki Street - Proposed No Stopping At All Times Restrictions (17/384)

 

Speaking under public comment, Ms Sandy Bellward, on behalf of the owners and residents of 7 Titoki Street, explained that it was necessary for them to have access to their property at all times, and that sometimes this was not currently possible.  She said the street was within the Tsunami Evacuation Zone, and that if cars were parked on both sides of the street, evacuation by vehicle may not be possible.  She stated that emergency services had difficulty negotiating the street, and that the rubbish truck did not enter the street.  She concluded that the residents of 7 Titoki Street supported the proposal.

In response to a question from a member, Ms Bellward confirmed the yellow lines proposed immediately opposite 7 Titoki Street were most important.

 

RECOMMENDED:    (Cr Cousins/Cr Briggs)         Minute No. TRS 17209

“That the Subcommittee recommends that Council approves the installation of No Stopping At All Times Restrictions in Titoki Street, Alicetown as shown in Appendix 1 attached to the report.”

5.       QUESTIONS   

          There were no questions.

 

There being no further business the Chair declared the meeting closed at 3.40 pm.

 

 

 

 

Cr MJ Cousins

CHAIR

 

 

 

 

CONFIRMED as a true and correct record

Dated this 23rd day of May 2017

 


Attachment 1

Korokoro Road - Proposed No Stopping At All Times Restrictions 17/357

 


Attachment 1

Randwick Rd - Proposed P15, No Parking On Grass and No Stopping At All Times Restrictions 16/152

 


Attachment 1

Randwick Cres (Moera Carpark) - Proposed Mobility Park and No Stopping At All Times Restrictions 17/380

 


Attachment 1

The Esplanade (Petone Wharf) - Proposed P120 Parking Restrictions and No Stopping At All Times 7.2017 17/412 Cycle 2 2017

 


Attachment 1

Holyoake Cres - Proposed Mobility Park and No Stopping At All Times Restrictions 17/359

 


Attachment 1

High street (460) - Proposed P15 Parking Restrictions 17/361 4.2017

 


Attachment 1

Taita Drive - Proposed No Stopping At All Times Restrictions 17/414

 


Attachment 1

Titoki Street - Proposed No Stopping At All Times Restrictions 17/384

 


HUTT CITY COUNCIL

 

District Plan Committee

 

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

Lower Hutt on

 Wednesday 26 April 2017 commencing at 5.30pm

 

 

 PRESENT:                       Cr L Bridson (Chair)                    Cr MJ Cousins            (Deputy Chair)

Cr C Barry                                                Cr J Briggs     

Cr T Lewis                                                Cr C Milne     

 

APOLOGIES:                  There were no apologies.

 

IN ATTENDANCE:       Mr T Stallinger, Chief Executive

Mr A Cumming, Divisional Manager, Environmental Policy

Ms C Tessendorf, Senior Environmental Policy Analyst

Mr N Geard, Environmental Policy Analyst

Mr J Hoyle, Communications and Marketing Advisor

Ms S Haniel, Committee Advisor

 

PUBLIC BUSINESS

 

1.

Opening FORMALITIES - Karakia

The Chair read questions from Cr Milne querying the appropriateness of a religious item on the Committee’s agenda, and also whether a Chair of a Council Committee could place a prayer for any faith on its agenda.

The Chair advised that options for opening a meeting or closing a meeting, where appropriate, were allowed under Standing Orders.  She highlighted that there was no obligation by members to participate in saying the prayer.  A karakia timatanga was said to open the meeting.

2.       APOLOGIES 

There were no apologies.

3.       PUBLIC COMMENT

Comments are recorded under the item to which they relate.      

4.       CONFLICT OF INTEREST DECLARATIONS

There were no conflict of interest declarations.

Precedence of business

RESOLVED(Cr Bridson /Cr Milne)                             Minute No. DPC 17101

“That in terms of Standing Order 10.4, precedence be accorded to item 6 dealing with the District Plan Update.”

The item is recorded in the order in which it is listed on the order paper.

5.       Recommendation to Council - 23 May 2017

Proposed District Plan Change 49
Copeland Street Reserve
Rezoning to General Residential Activity Area - Medium Density and General Recreation Activity Area
(17/565)

The Senior Environmental Policy Analyst elaborated on the report.

Cr Cousins requested the Chief Executive to ask officers from Council’s Parks and Gardens division to work alongside the project and provide development plans for the residual reserve. She further requested that the Chief Executive involve Council’s Communication Team in Plan Change 49.

The Chair said that in situations where Council sells surplus reserve land, consideration should be given to using the proceeds to buy reserve land in areas where it was required.

RECOMMENDED:  (Cr Bridson/Cr Cousins)              Minute No. DPC 17202

“That the Committee recommends that Council:

(i)         notes the proposed Plan Change which is attached as Appendix 1 to the report;

(ii)        resolves to promulgate Proposed Plan Change 49 for consultation;

(iii)       instructs officers to publicly notify Proposed Plan Change 49 as soon as practicable;

(iv)       allows officers to make any non-policy related changes to the details of the proposed Plan Change should the need arise;

(v)        asks the Parks and Gardens division to work in conjunction with officers to provide development details for the recreation area; and

(vi)       asks Council’s Communication Team be involved in the project.

Councillors Barry and Briggs requested that their dissenting votes be recorded.

 

 

 

 

6.       Information Item

District Plan Update (17/580)

Report No. DPC2017/2/68 by the Divisional Manager Environmental Policy

Speaking under public comment, Mr T Baisden, representing the East Harbour Environmental Association (EHEA), said that Plan Change 36 was not fit for purpose because it was about notable trees and did not protect the native vegetation on steep hillsides. He further said that the East Harbour Hills would have a hazard risk of slipping. He advised that erosion control and coastal amenity needed to be clearly defined with regard to the Resource Management Act 1991 (RMA), sections 6 and 7. He added that RMA s.76 removed the protections for existing vegetation in some way which was not clearly defined, and there were no rules for sections under 4000m2. He said that this created uncertainty for landowners whereas the intent of the legislation was to create certainty.

The Chair noted that court action from EHEA against Council regarding Plan Change 36 was currently before the High Court and cautioned members and public speakers to exercise care when discussing the item.

Speaking under public comment, Ms L Mead, representing EHEA, said that Plan Change 36 was called “Notable Trees”. However, the main occurrence from the Plan Change was deletion of all vegetation protection, especially in the hill residential landscape protection zone. She reiterated that removal of native vegetation could result in soil instability which would mean that section 7 of the RMA would not be complied with. She proffered a solution which would be that trees over 3m high be identified in groups and protected lot by lot, and that vegetation clearance be limited to 500m2 for areas over 4000m2.

In response to questions from members, Ms Mead said that Council could go through the area lot by lot and identify lots on the District Plan. She further said that EHEA could withdraw its court action against Council at any time.

The Divisional Manager Environmental Policy elaborated on the report. He added that officers had an offer out to EHEA to work on the issues.

Cr Cousins requested further consideration about public comment on matters which were currently before the court and the risk to Council of entrapment. She further said that there were issues of natural justice and that the public speakers had achieved a further submission on Plan Change 36 whereas others had not.

In response to the issues raised by Cr Cousins, the Chair requested that training be organised for Councillors on these matters.

 

Resolved:     (Cr Bridson/Cr Lewis)                   Minute No. DPC 17203

“That the report be noted and received.”

      

 

7.       QUESTIONS

There were no further questions.

 

8.

Closing Karakia

A karakia whakamutunga was said to close the meeting.

  

There being no further business the Chair declared the meeting closed at 6.30 pm.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cr L Bridson

CHAIR

 

 

 

 

 

 

CONFIRMED as a true and correct record

Dated this 23rd day of May 2017

 


Attachment 1

PC 49 - Draft Proposed Plan Change Document

 


 


 


 


 


 


 


 


 


 


 


 


 


 


 


 


 


 


 


 


 


 


 


 


 


 


 


 


 


 


 


 


 


 


 


 


 


 


 


 


 


 


 


 


 


 


 


 


 


 


 


 


 


 


 


 


 


 


 


 


 


 


 


 


 


HUTT CITY COUNCIL

 

Policy and Regulatory Committee

 

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

Lower Hutt on

 Monday 1 May 2017 commencing at 5.30pm

 

 

 PRESENT:                         Cr MJ Cousins (Chair)               Cr C Barry (until 6.45pm)

Cr L Bridson                                Cr L Sutton

Cr J Briggs                                    Cr S Edwards (Deputy Chair)

                                             Cr T Lewis                                   Cr M Lulich (until 6.45pm)

                                             Cr C Milne

                                             Deputy Mayor D Bassett (until 6.25pm)                       

 

APOLOGIES:                  An apology was received from Mayor Wallace. 
Apologies for early departure were received from Deputy Mayor Bassett, Cr Lulich and Cr Barry.

 

IN ATTENDANCE:       Mr T Stallinger, Chief Executive

Ms K Kelly, General Manager, Strategic Services

Mr B Sherlock, General Manager, City Infrastructure (part meeting) 

Ms J Raffills, General Manager, Governance and Regulatory

Mr B Cato, Solicitor (part meeting)

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

Mr G Stuart, Divisional Manager, Regulatory Services (part meeting)

Mr G Sewell, Principal Policy Advisor (part meeting)

Ms M Laban, Community Projects and Relationship Manager (part meeting)

Mr J Hoyle, Communications and Marketing Advisor

Ms S Haniel, Committee Advisor

 

 

PUBLIC BUSINESS

 

 

1.       APOLOGIES 

RESOLVED: (Cr Cousins/Cr Sutton)                        Minute No. PRC 17201

"That the apology received from Mayor Wallace, and the apologies received from Councillors Bassett, Barry and Lulich for early departure, be accepted and leave of absence be granted.”

 

2.       PUBLIC COMMENT

Comments are recorded under the item to which they relate.      

3.       CONFLICT OF INTEREST DECLARATIONS

Crs Cousins and Bridson declared a conflict of interest in item 6, Code of Practice – District Licensing Committee 2017, and took no part in discussion or voting on the matter.

Precedence of business

RESOLVED:   (Cr Cousins/Cr Milne)                                              Minute No. PRC 17102

“That in terms of Standing Order 10.4, precedence be accorded to item 4 d) dealing with the Future of Molesworth Street Reserve Pomare, and item 4 f) dealing with Dog Controls for Avalon Park.”

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

4.       Recommendations to Council - 23 May 2017

a)

Overseas Travel Approval - Policy Change (17/651)

 

The Chief Executive elaborated on the report.

 

recommended: (Cr Cousins/Deputy Mayor Bassett) Minute No. PRC 17203

“That the Committee recommends that Council;

(i)        approves the Chief Executive be given delegated authority to approve overseas travel for staff; and

(ii)       approves the ‘tracked’ changes in the Sensitive Expenditure Policy attached as Appendix 1 to the report.”

b)

Redrafted Gift Policy for Elected Members (17/587)

 

The Chief Executive elaborated on the report.

 

recommended: (Cr Cousins/Deputy Mayor Bassett) Minute No. PRC 17204

“That the Committee recommends that Council approves the proposed Gift Policy for Elected Members (changes as underlined) attached as Appendix 1 to the report.”

 

c)

Reserve Reclassification - Wainuiomata (17/252)

 

The Chair elaborated on the report.

 

recommended(Cr Barry/Cr Briggs)               Minute No. PRC 17205

“That the Committee recommends that Council reclassify the Local Purpose Reserve (Community Use) located at the end of Hinau Grove, Wainuiomata, being Lot 1 DP 83036 (WN49C/742), as a Recreation Reserve in terms of section 19(1)(b) of the Reserves Act 1977.”

 

d)

Future of Molesworth Street Reserve Pomare (17/536)

 

Speaking under public comment, Ms S Ah Young, representing Empower Management Limited (the Company), said that the Company had originally met with the Ministry of Education (MOE) and the Pomare School representatives over the Early Childhood Education Centre (ECE). However, the Company had not been involved in the issues which lead to the cancellation of the previous pre-school’s licence. She further said that the Company would operate an ECE for the Pasifica community.

In response to questions from members, Ms Ah Young said that the Company had a building in storage which could be moved to the site. She added that the previous ECE operator had approximately 45 people using the facility and consultation had revealed that people were not accessing it.

Speaking under public comment, Ms N Saluni, representing Empower Management Limited, said that the Molesworth Street Reserve provided an opportunity for the community to have an ECE centre. She added that the Company had a pick-up and drop-off service. She advised that the Company provided quality learning and other social services. She further said that the Company would make a difference to families in the low decile areas of Pomare and Taita.

The Community Projects and Relationship Manager elaborated on the report.

Members queried the reason that the fences were in place around the reserve. They discussed the suitability of the site for an ECE, and the MOE approval process.

 

 

recommended:  (Cr Barry/Cr Sutton)              Minute No. PRC 17206

“That the Committee recommends that Council:

(i)      notes that as a result of the Valley Floor Review officers were directed to undertake a review of the reserve property at 132A Molesworth Street for the purpose of considering its future;

(ii)     notes that an independent assessment of reserve values has been undertaken which considers that the property has a low reserves value;

(iii)    notes that an application has been received from Empower Management Limited seeking to use the property to establish an Early Childhood Education (ECE) centre;

(iv)    asks officers to work with Empower Management Limited to assist it to find a suitable location for an ECE centre;

(v)     asks officers to undertake general consultation with the community about the future of the property and report back on the options; and

(vi)    notes that a decision on an alternative use of the property would be a matter for further consideration should Council decide, following due process, to revoke the reserve status of the property.”

 

e)

Proposed Road Stopping and Sale of Legal Road on the corner of Knights Road and Birch Street Waterloo (17/600)

 

The Chair elaborated on the report.

 

recommended:  (Cr Edwards/Deputy Mayor Bassett)Minute No. PRC 17207

“That the Committee recommends that Council:

(i)      notes that the owner of 227 Knights Road is interested in acquiring a small area of legal road of approximately 35m2 which is situated between the legal boundary and existing fence as shown in Appendix 1 to the report;

(ii)     notes that the Road and Traffic Division see no need to retain this area of legal road for roading purposes now or in the future;

(iii)    agrees to stop the portion of legal road adjoining 227 Knights Road as depicted on the aerial photograph attached as Appendix 1 to the report; and

(iv)    agrees to sell the stopped road to the owner of 227 Knights Road, noting that the owner has agreed to meet all costs associated with the road stopping process and subsequent boundary adjustment, as well as the assessed market value of the land.”

 

f)

Dog controls for Avalon Park (17/632)

 

Speaking under public comment, Ms M Miller said that she supported public consultation on the issue.  She respectfully requested if
Cr Edwards, Central Ward Councillor, could be on the Hearings Panel and also for a member of the public to be on the Panel. She said that the neighbourhood dogs currently being walked in Avalon Park were family pets which were friendly to people, children and bikes. She further said that there were people who visited the park with their whole family, including the dog, and were disappointed when the dog had to stay in the car.

Speaking under public comment, Ms V Jenness said that she supported public consultation on the issue. She further said that walking dogs in the riverbank area was difficult or impossible due to bikes, wandering willie, poisonous river algae, and the presence of native birds.  She added that the slope of the bank was a problem for disabled people. She requested that Council build a small dog park in Hikoikoi Reserve.

The Divisional Manager Regulatory Services elaborated on the report.

In response to a question from a member, the Divisional Manager Regulatory Services said that the consultation form would include the officers’ options and a space to write additional ideas. He further said that the consultation timetable would be; 1 June 2017 – letter sent to affected parties; and June 2017 – consultation period.

Members agreed that Cr Edwards be on the Hearings Subcommittee and that the meeting be held during the daytime.

 

 

recommended: (Cr Cousins/Deputy Mayor Bassett)  Minute No. PRC 17208

“That the Committee recommends that Council:

(i)      approves the public consultation process; and

(ii)     appoints a subcommittee consisting of Councillors Cousins, Lewis, Bridson, Briggs and Edwards, to hear submissions on the proposed dog controls for Avalon Park and make recommendations to Council.”

 

g)

Easter Sunday Shop Trading Policy (17/575)

 

The Principal Policy Advisor elaborated on the report.

Deputy Mayor Bassett left the meeting at 6.25pm.

Members agreed that any change to the Easter Sunday Shop Trading Hours would best be done with consideration to what the Metropolitan Councils in the region were undertaking.

 

recommended:  (Cr Milne/Cr Edwards)          Minute No. PRC 17209

“That the Committee recommends that Council:

(i)   notes the report on Easter Sunday Shop Trading Policy that includes results of a pre-consultation phase;

(ii)  agrees to not take any further action and therefore not develop an Easter Sunday Shop Trading Policy at this time; and

(iii) asks officers to keep the matter under review and bring it back to Council if there is any change in the position of the regional Metropolitan Councils.

 

5.

Urban Development Authorities (17/634)

Report No. PRC2017/2/117 by the Divisional Manager, Strategy and Planning

 

Crs Lulich and Barry left the meeting at 6.45pm.

The Divisional Manager, Strategy and Planning elaborated on the report.

In response to a question from a member, the Divisional Manger, Strategy and Planning said that she would seek clarification whether a local authority had full buy back provisions.

The Chair said that she would forward emails from the Resource Management Law Association to the Divisional Manager, Strategy and Planning.

 

Resolved:  (Cr Cousins/Cr Lewis)                                   Minute No. PRC 17210

“That the Committee approves the draft submission on the Government’s proposal to introduce legislation to create Urban Development Authorities  to support and fast track urban development projects.”

 

6.

Code of Practice - District Licensing Committee 2017 (17/636)

Report No. PRC2017/2/119 by the Solicitor

 

Crs Cousins and Bridson declared a conflict of interest and left the table for the duration of this item.

Cr Edwards assumed the Chair.

The Solicitor elaborated on the report.

 

Resolved:   (Cr Lewis/Cr Sutton)                                                Minute No. PRC 17211

“That the Committee:

(i)    receives the Code of Practice for the Hutt City District Licensing Committee (COP), attached as Appendix 1 to the report;

(ii)   notes the amendments to the COP; and

(iii)  endorses the COP.”

 

7.

General Manager's Report (17/592)

Report No. PRC2017/2/120 by the Divisional Manager Environmental Consents

 

The General Manager Governance and Regulatory elaborated on the report. She asked that members email her any questions about the report in advance of the meeting to ensure that their queries could be answered.

Cr Briggs thanked officers for their co-operation regarding a church in Parkway and said that the community was thankful for the work done.

 

Resolved:  (Cr Cousins/Cr Edwards)                                          Minute No. PRC 17212

“That the Committee notes the contents of the report.”

8.       Information Item

Policy and Regulatory Committee Work Programme (17/505)

Report No. PRC2017/2/7 by the Committee Advisor

Resolved: (Cr Cousins/Cr Sutton)                                              Minute No. PRC 17213

“That the report be received.”

     

9.       QUESTIONS   

There were no questions.

 

 

There being no further business the Chair declared the meeting closed at 6.50 pm.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cr MJ Cousins

CHAIR

 

 

 

 

 

CONFIRMED as a true and correct record

Dated this 23rd day of May 2017


Attachment 1

Sensitive Expenditure Policy

 


 


 


 


 


 


 


 


 


 


 


 


 


 


 


 


 


 


 


Attachment 1

Gift Policy for Elected Members

 

gift policy FOR ELECTED MEMBERS 

 

1.    POLICY STATEMENT

Elected Members will seek to promote the highest standards of ethical conduct.  There is the possibility that the acceptance of gifts, favours and hospitality could be construed as a bribe or perceived as undue influence.  Elected members need to treat with caution any offer, gift, favour or hospitality made to them personally, to avoid the risk of damage to public confidence in local government.

Elected Members cannot solicit, demand or request any gift, reward or benefit by virtue of their position.

2.    PURPOSE

       This policy clarifies how gifts received by elected members are managed.

3.    SCOPE

       This policy applies to all elected members of Hutt City Council.

4.    PRINCIPLES

As a general rule, gifts should not be accepted (whatever its nature or value) if the gift could be seen by others as either an inducement or a reward which might place the elected member under an obligation to a third party.

Elected members may be hosted for sports/cultural/entertainment events.  Such customary business dealings do not require declaration in the Gifts Register, provided that they are not excessive in frequency or amount and do not otherwise create the appearance of impropriety, in which case the offer should be declined or self-funded.  A ‘ticket’ in excess of $100 to attend such events may be acceptable providing:

§            There is clear benefit in building relationships

§            That the event does not alter impartiality

§            That the host is not in an “active” or soon to be active tender situation.

       To prevent any misunderstanding, further guidance is available from Council’s Risk and Assurance Manager.

       Elected members must:

·                  Report to the Chief Executive if any gift, reward or benefit to the value of $100 or more are accepted; and

·                  Disclose acceptance of any gift, reward or benefit to the value of $100 or more in the Gifts Register, which is maintained by Council’s Risk and Assurance Manager.


Name of Person Receiving Gift

Position

Approximate Value of Gift

Description of Gift

Name of Company giving gift

Date Gift Received 

Manager informed
Yes/No

Comments

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

       Any failure by elected members to comply with the above principles represents a breach of the Code of Conduct.  Refer Sections 10 and 12 of the Code of Conduct for Elected Members.

5.    CIVIC GIFTS

       This policy does not include business meals or the like which are considered to be part of the usual process of doing business; Sister City gift exchanges or other official proceedings where refusal to accept is likely to cause offence.  Such gifts are considered to be gifts to the Mayor’s Office or Council and will be the property of Council rather than to the individual member.  It is also recognised that it is appropriate to elected members to accept small gifts made to them personally for example in appreciation for home hosting delegates from a Sister City.

DISPLAY

Wherever possible civic gifts should be put on display.

6.      Koha

Koha is an unconditional gift and given with the intention of aroha – kindness, goodwill, support and/or appreciation of the occasion.  Council acknowledges the important practice of koha as a taonga and integral part of Tikanga Maori, under the Treaty of Waitangi.  Any koha given on behalf of Council should be reflective of the occasion and more importantly the prestige of the Council in its relations with Tangata Whenua.

If there is a group or collective of elected members, only one koha should be given which represents the entire group or collective.  The amount of koha should reflect the occasion, the mana and the prestige of elected members in attendance, eg if the Mayor and/or Councillors are attending a hui, then a koha which is befitting their status should be given.

Further guidance is available from Council’s Kaitakawaenga Kaupapa Maori.

 

RELATED POLICIES

Elected Members Code of Conduct

Members Interest Register

Sensitive Expenditure Policy

                               


Attachment 1

Road Stopping Plan - Knights Road

 


HUTT CITY COUNCIL

 

City Development Committee

 

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

Lower Hutt on

 Tuesday 2 May 2017 commencing at 5.30pm

 

 

 PRESENT:                       Deputy Mayor D Bassett (Chair)                       

                                           Cr C Barry (until 8.33pm)           Cr G Barratt (from 6.05pm)

                                           Cr MJ Cousins                             Cr S Edwards            

                                           Cr T Lewis                                   Cr M Lulich               

                                           Cr G McDonald                           Cr C Milne                 

                                           Cr L Sutton

                                          

APOLOGIES:                  Apologies were received from Mayor RW Wallace and an apology for lateness from Cr Barratt.

 

IN ATTENDANCE:       Cr J Briggs (part meeting)

Mr T Stallinger, Chief Executive

Ms K Kelly, General Manager, Strategic Services

Mr B Sherlock, General Manager, City Infrastructure 

Mr M Reid, General Manager, Community Services

Mr G Craig, Divisional Manager, City Development (part meeting)

Mr P Maaka, Urban Design Manager (part meeting)

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

Mrs L Goss-Wallace, Projects Manager, City Development (part meeting)

Mr M Mercer, Divisional Manager, Community Hubs (part meeting)

Ms C Steed, City Events Manager (part meeting)

Mr Z Moodie, Traffic Engineer (part meeting)

Mr R Gardiner, City Events Coordinator (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 Cousins)                Minute No. CDC 17201

“That the apology received from Mayor Wallace, and the apology for lateness from
Cr Barratt, be accepted and leave of absence be granted.”

 

2.       PUBLIC COMMENT

Comments are recorded under the item to which they relate.      

 

resolved:  (Deputy Mayor Bassett/Cr Milne)                Minute No. CDC 17202

“That in terms of Standing Order 15.2, the time limit for public comment be extended to allow for those present to speak.”

3.       CONFLICT OF INTEREST DECLARATIONS

Cr Lewis declared a conflict of interest in relation to Item 6: Independent Survey of Petone Fair – Results and Recommendations and did not take part in discussion or voting on the matter.

4.       Recommendations to Council - 23 May 2017

a)

Petone 2040 (17/682)

 

Speaking under public comment, Mr M Fisher and Mr T Bennion, representing the P2040 Group, expressed support for the P2040 Spatial Plan.  Mr Fisher said the plan would provide a yardstick to measure projects against.  He asked members to support the officers’ recommendations.

Speaking under public comment, Ms P Hanna, Chair of the Petone Community Board, expressed support for the P2040 Spatial Plan.  She said it would provide a foundation for future planning in the area.

In response to a question from a member, Ms Hanna advised that a priority of the P2040 spatial planning was the Jackson Street streetscape and this had to be undertaken prior to considering the Petone Clock Walk.

The Urban Design Manager elaborated on the report.  He noted that the New Zealand Transport Agency’s work programme had been reassessed due to the Kaikoura Earthquake in 2016.

In response to a question from a member, the Urban Design Manager confirmed that the Cross Valley Link was an important piece of work for the City.

 

 

 

Cr Cousins noted that aspects of the plan affected the wider city and that consultation had not taken place outside of the P2040 area.  She asked that officers not proceed with projects that would impact the City outside the P2040 area until consultation with all affected areas had been undertaken.

 

RECOMMENDED:  (Deputy Mayor Bassett/Cr Lulich) 

                                                                                    Minute No. CDC 17203

“That the Committee recommends that Council:

(i)      notes that Petone 2040 is supported by the Petone Community Board (PCB), Jackson Street Programme (JSP), and the Petone 2040 Community Group;

(ii)     notes that Petone 2040 has been well received by Councillors, and officers are seeking it as a spatial plan to assist their work;

(iii)    notes that Petone 2040 will form an important part of the Hutt growth ‘story’ being developed with the New Zealand Transport Agency and Greater Wellington Regional Council to consider city wide transport projects eg Cross Valley Link;

(iv)    approves the Petone 2040 Spatial Plan, attached as Appendix 2 (separately circulated) as Council’s and the community’s overarching long term development strategy for Petone and Moera;

(v)     notes the membership of the Petone 2040 Group as follows: Cr Tui Lewis (Chair of the Petone 2040 Group); Ms Pam Hanna (Petone Community Board Chair); Mr Mike Fisher (Petone Community Board Deputy Chair); Mr John Donnelly (Jackson Street Programme representative); Mr Matt Roberts (community representative); Ms Sue Piper (facilitator); and Mr Tom Bennion (community representative); and

(vi)    appoints Cr Sutton (Deputy Chair) as the City Development Committee representative to the Petone 2040 Group.”

 

To view Appendix 2 – Petone 2040 Spatial Plan click here

b)

Petone Clock Walk (17/681)

 

Speaking under public comment, Ms V D’or, business owner in Petone, considered that the Clock Walk proposal was not a natural fit with the heritage aspect of Jackson Street.  She advised there was limited space and car parks in Petone.  She noted that she was a member of the Jackson Street Programme (JSP) and that JSP did not support the Petone Clock Walk proposal.

Speaking under public comment, Mr S Reid, Petone Clock Walk Group, advised that the proposal was a well researched project in terms of heritage and had 88% support from an online survey.  He stated he would like to know if the Jackson Street retailers supported the proposal, and if they did, he would ask the JSP to re-consider its opposition.

In response to questions from members, Mr Reid considered that the City Business District was not a good fit for the proposal as the clocks would get lost in the open spaces.  He said the proposal was a Petone proposal due to it being a “bubbling centre” with a lot of foot traffic.  He advised that the intention was to hold a design competition for the clocks.  He said that there were design guidelines linked to six heritage related themes and that the design must fit within the streetscape.  He noted the clocks on the proposal document were only examples.

Speaking under public comment, Mr G Gellen expressed support for the Petone Clock Walk proposal. 

Speaking under public comment, Ms P Hanna, Chair of the Petone Community Board, advised that the Board had recommended that the Clock Walk should await consideration as part of a Jackson Street streetscape design study.

Speaking under public comment, Ms L Dobbs, Chair of the Jackson Street Programme (JSP), advised that the Petone Clock Walk proposal could not be taken as an isolated project and needed to be considered with the P2040 Spatial Plan. She expressed concern about what might happen to car parking if the clocks were installed on the streets.  She said that building owners were currently focussed on earthquake strengthening of buildings and this work needed to be completed before considering the Clock Walk proposal.

In response to a question from a member, Ms Dobbs advised that JSP had no issue with talking about the proposal and would be happy to discuss the proposal further.

The Urban Design Manager elaborated on the report. 

In response to questions from members, the Urban Design Manager advised that a location for the clocks was better considered through the streetscape design of Jackson Street.  He confirmed it was possible for the Clock Walk Group to hold further discussions with the JSP.

Members noted that they did not want to see the Clock Walk proposal disappear due to the process and timeframe of the P2040 project.

 

 

RECOMMENDED:    (Cr Cousins/Cr Milne)          Minute No. CDC 17204

“That the Committee recommends that Council:

(i)      notes that the Jackson Street Programme (JSP) does not support the Petone Clock Walk;

(ii)     notes that Petone Community Board and Petone 2040 Community Group agree that Petone Clock Walk should be considered through Petone 2040;

(iii)    agrees that further discussions be held between JSP and Petone Clock Walk to then be brought forward to the P2040 Group;

(iv)    agrees that further progress for the Petone Clock Walk is considered through a Jackson Street streetscape design under the Petone 2040 Spatial Plan and asks that the P2040 makes this project a priority and notes Council’s support of the project;

(v)     asks officers to report to the June 2017 Community Plan Committee on necessary funding.”

 

PRECEDENCE OF BUSINESS

RESOLVED:   (Deputy Mayor Bassett/Cr Barry)                      Minute No. CDC 17205

“That, in terms of Standing Order 10.4, precedence be accorded to Item 6 Independent Survey of Petone Fair – Results and Recommendations.”

This item is recorded in the order in which it is listed on the order paper.

5.

International Relations (17/701)

Report No. CDC2017/2/134 by the Visitor Market Development and International Relations Manager

 

Speaking under public comment, Ms S Knowles, International Student Manager at Sacred Heart College and Ms V Wilson, International Student Manager at Wainuiomata High School spoke in relation to international education.  Ms Knowles noted that in addition to the positive experience and value that international education provided to students, it also generated a significant contribution to the economy.  She said that the total value of New Zealand’s educational industry in 2016 was $4.28billion making it the fourth largest export industry.  Both Ms Knowles and Ms Wilson advised that they travelled overseas and noted the importance of building successful relationships.  Ms Wilson asked that Council continue to support the work undertaken by officers to assist the building of these relationships.

In response to a question from a member, Ms Wilson advised it was important for schools and Council to work together on building relationships.  She noted the status that the Mayoral position provided in relationship building.

Speaking under public comment, Mr H Clark representing the Hutt Valley business community, expressed support for option 2 contained in the officers’ report.  He noted the importance of leveraging the political spheres of influence and relationships with sister cities.  He said that education had been a focus and it would be good to also focus on business and commercial gain.

 In response to a question from a member, Mr Clark advised that Tempe, Arizona would be interested in the high tech manufacturing sector of the Hutt Valley, noting that this sector was an evolving landscape.

Cr Barry left the meeting at 8.33pm.

The Visitor Market Development and International Relations Manager elaborated on the report.  He advised the importance of maintaining and realising the potential of Sister City relationships.  He noted the benefits of the relationships, noting that Tempe, Arizona provided knowledge about science, technology, engineering and advanced manufacturing.  He said that currently international students brought $17M into the City and that there were opportunities to increase this number.   He confirmed that the political sphere assisted in relationship building and making connections, especially in the Asia markets.

In response to questions from members, the Visitor Market Development and International Relations Manager confirmed that officers would report back to the Committee every six months against the international relations work programme.  He noted that the work programme may change to reflect progression in relationships.

In response to questions from members, the Divisional Manager, City Development advised that the Hutt Sister City Foundation (the Foundation) was an important partner for Council in regard to Sister Cities, in particular with Tempe, Arizona, and that officers regularly met with the Foundation.  He said that existing relationships had provided the introduction of ideas to the City and provided the STEMM Festival as an example due to the links with Tempe, Arizona.  He noted that resources were not invested in dormant sister cities relationships.

In response to a further question from a member, the Visitor Market Development and International Relations Manager acknowledged that community ownership of the relationships was critical.

Cr Edwards noted he saw the benefit that the relationships provided to the City but was aware that Council was facing difficult decisions with the Annual Plan process this financial year.

 

Resolved      (Deputy Mayor Bassett/Cr Edwards)        Minute No. CDC 17206

“That the Committee:

(i)      notes Lower Hutt’s longstanding sister and friendly city connections and the current status of these relationships;

(ii)     notes the current opportunities and limitations for Council in its international relations activity;

(iii)    agrees to retain a more reactive approach with current staff resources and operating budget;

(iv)    approves the respective proposed international relations work programme attached as Appendix 1 to the report; and

(v)     reports back to the City Development Committee every six months on progress.”

 

6.

Independent Survey of Petone Fair - results and recommendations (17/624)

Report No. CDC2017/2/105 by the City Events Manager

 

Speaking under public comment, Ms V D’or a Petone business owner, noted that Jackson Street Programme would like to trial a Sunday for the Petone Fair.

In response to questions from members, Ms D’or considered that further discussions with all parties should occur.  She said that she would support the fair if it was what was best for Petone and for Jackson Street.

Speaking under public comment, Mr M Henley and Ms A Kemble-Walsh, organisers of the Newtown Festival, advised that festivals/fairs generated social, cultural and economic benefits in the areas they were held.  They advised not to change the time schedule as festivals/fairs were based on a regional /national calendar and stall holders found it essential for their planning and advertisting. 

Speaking under public comment, Ms L Dobbs, Jackson Street Programme Chair (JSP), advised that JSP had held discussions with Petone Rotary for the last three to four years asking for a Sunday trial.  She noted that one retailer had lost approximately $60,000 on the one day of the fair.

In response to questions from members, Ms Dobbs considered that the clientele of the fair had changed over the years and lower numbers now frequented the retail shops during the Fair.  She confirmed that the JSP had advertised the fair through its networks.  She said that the JSP had no issue with discussing the matter further.

Speaking under public comment, Mr C Partington, Petone Rotary Fair Convenor, advised the fair had run for 26 years.  He noted that Jackson Street had changed over that time and said the fair had been instrumental in bringing people to the street.  He stated that the Fair generated economic benefit for the area.

In response to a question from a member, Mr Partington advised that Petone Rotary was open to further discussions regarding the fair.

Speaking under public comment, Ms H Swales, Jackson Street Programme Coordinator, noted that Saturday was the biggest shopping day of the week for retailers on Jackson Street.  She asked that a Sunday be trialled.

In response to questions from members, Ms Swales said that retailers had indicated a loss of revenue on the day of the fair.  She advised retailers would prefer the fair be held on a Sunday as a lesser number of retailers opened on a Sunday.  She said that MarketView data had shown a downward spiral of revenue for retailers on fair day.  She considered that revenue lost on fair day was not regained through the year by retailers.

Cr Lewis declared a conflict of interest in the matter and took no part in discussion or voting on the matter.

The Chair noted that there was an error in the Chair’s recommendations in the agenda.  He said he did not endorse recommendation (iv) “… agrees that Petone Rotary should be asked to change the day of the fair from a Saturday to a Sunday for a minimum of two consecutive years as a trial, starting from 2018” contained in the officer’s report.

The City Events Manager elaborated on the report.  She advised that this was not a Council owned event rather an event that Council supported.

In response to questions from members, the City Events Manager advised she was not confident that further discussions would resolve the issue but considered further discussions should take place.  She confirmed that the surveys undertaken by Council were independent. 

MOVED:   (Cr Barry/Cr Sutton)

“(iv)    approves, in principle, that the Petone Rotary Fair continue on a Saturday.”

The motion was declared CARRIED by division with the voting as follows:

          For:                                            Against:

          Cr Barry                                                Deputy Mayor Bassatt

          Cr Barratt

          Cr Edwards

          Cr McDonald

          Cr Milne

          Cr Lulich

          Cr Sutton

 

          Total: 7                                      Total: 1

Cr Cousins abstained from voting on the matter.

 

Resolved:       (Cr Barry/Cr Sutton)                                    Minute No. CDC 17207

“That the Committee:

(i)      acknowledges the differing views of parties regarding the day of the week that the Petone Rotary Fair should be held on, noting valid concerns on all sides;

(ii)     acknowledges that officers have made numerous attempts over the last 24 months to assist the parties in finding an agreeable solution, but to no avail;

(iii)    notes that an independent survey of Jackson Street businesses was undertaken to understand the preference for the Petone Fair to be on a Saturday or Sunday and the financial impact of the Fair currently being on a Saturday; and

(iv)    approves, in principle, that the Petone Rotary Fair continue on a Saturday.”

Cr Cousins abstained from voting on the matter.

7.

Proposed New Private Street Name - (1-5)/14 Otamarau Grove (17/201)

Report No. CDC2017/2/131 by the Traffic Engineer

 

Speaking under public comment, Mr K Munro, a resident of the private road, spoke in support of the name “Karearea” due to the native bush falcons residing in the area.

Speaking under public comment, Mr B and Mrs K Blackler, residents of the private road, spoke in support of the name “Falcon” with their second preference being “Karearea”. 

The Traffic Engineer elaborated on the report.

In response to questions from members, the Traffic Engineer advised resident associations were not consulted with for the naming of a private road.  He advised a sub-plate could be added to the signage that explained a Karearea was a native bush falcon.

 

Resolved:     (Cr Edwards/Cr Barratt)                               Minute No. CDC 17208

“That the Committee approves the name of the new private road off Otamarau Grove, Maungaraki, attached as Appendix 1 to the report, as Karearea Lane.”

 

Resolved:    (Cr Cousins/Deputy Mayor Bassett)              Minute No. CDC 17209

“That officers approach all residents associations on the Western Hills to provide a list of up to 12 suitable names for future naming of streets for each area.”

8.

Proposed Two New Private Street Names - No.8 St Columbans Grove (17/382)

Report No. CDC2017/2/133 by the Traffic Engineer

 

Resolved:    (Cr Sutton/Deputy Mayor Bassett)                Minute No. CDC 17210

“That the Committee approves the names of the two new private roads at No.8 St Columbans Grove, Boulcott, attached as Appendix 1 to the report,  as Francis Douglas Way and Bobbio Court.”

9.

Temporary Road Closure Subcommittee minutes - 18 April 2017 (17/697)

Report No. CDC2017/2/75 by the Senior Committee Advisor

 

Resolved:     (Deputy Mayor Bassett/Cr Sutton)               Minute No. CDC 17211

“That the Temporary Road Closure Subcommittee minutes dated 18 April 2017 be adopted.”

 

10.

General Managers' Report (17/513)

Report No. CDC2017/2/106 by the General Manager, Strategic Services

 

In response to a question from a member, the General Manager, Strategic Services confirmed that officers would include a percentage column to the City Wide and CBD Remissions Policy and Funding tables in future reports.

 

Resolved:    (Deputy Mayor Bassett/Cr Sutton)                Minute No. CDC 17212

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

 11.    Information Items

a)

Walter Nash Centre Update (17/633)

Report No. CDC2017/2/72 by the Divisional Manager Community Hubs

 

The Divisional Manager Community Hubs elaborated on the report.

In response to a question from a member, the Divisional Manager Community Hubs  advised officers would investigate options to subsidise the gym membership at the Walter Nash Centre. 

 

Resolved:   (Deputy Mayor Bassett/Cr Barratt)       Minute No. CDC 17213

“That the Committee:

 

(i)         notes and receives the report; and

 

(ii)        asks officers to provide a report outlining the overall performance and identify             possible opportunities for the fitness suite at the Walter Nash Centre to the next             City Development Committee meeting to be held on 1 August 2017.”

b)

City Development Committee Work Programme (17/514)

Report No. CDC2017/2/70 by the Senior Committee Advisor

 

Resolved:   (Deputy Mayor Bassett/Cr Sutton)        Minute No. CDC 17214

“That the work programme be received.”

12.     QUESTIONS   

There were no questions.

 

 

13.     EXCLUSION OF THE PUBLIC

Resolved:   (Deputy Mayor Bassett/Cr Milne)                          Minute No. CDC 17215

“That the public be excluded from the following parts of the proceedings of this meeting, namely:

14.     Proposed New Private Street Name - No.1-13 Laura Fergusson Grove (17/381)

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:

 

(A)

(B)

(C)

 

 

 

General subject of the matter to be considered.

Reason for passing this resolution in relation to each matter.

Ground under section 48(1) for the passing of this resolution.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Proposed New Private Street Name - No.1-13 Laura Fergusson Grove.

The withholding of the information is necessary to protect the privacy of natural persons. (s7(2)(a)).

That the public conduct of the relevant part of the proceedings of the meeting would be likely to result in the disclosure of information for which good reason for withholding exist.

 

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.”

 

 

 

There being no further business the Chair declared the meeting closed at 9.18pm and the non public portion of the meeting finished at 9.28pm.

 

 

 

 

 

Deputy Mayor D Bassett

CHAIR

 

 

CONFIRMED as a true and correct record

Dated this 23rd day of May 2017


HUTT CITY COUNCIL

 

Finance and Performance Committee

 

Minutes of a meeting held in the Council Chambers,

2nd Floor, 30 Laings Road, Lower Hutt on

 Wednesday 3 May 2017 commencing at 5.30pm

 

 

 PRESENT:                       Cr C Milne (Chair)                     Cr C Barry (until 8.50pm)      

                                          Cr G Barratt                                Deputy Mayor D Bassett

                                          Cr J Briggs (until 8.44pm)          Cr MJ Cousins

                                          Cr S Edwards                             Cr M Lulich

                                          Cr L Sutton                                

 

APOLOGIES:                  An apology was received from Mayor Wallace. 

 

IN ATTENDANCE:       Cr L Bridson, (part meeting)

Mr T Stallinger, Chief Executive (part meeting)

Mr M Reid, General Manager, Community Services

Mr B Kibblewhite, Chief Financial Officer

Mr B Monaghan, Divisional Manager, City Promotions

Mr D Moriarty, Portfolio Manager Urban Plus Limited (part meeting)

Mr M Mercer, Divisional Manager, Community Hubs (part meeting)

Ms M Laban, Community Projects and Relationship Manager

Mr P Healy, General Manager, Community Facilities Trust (part meeting)

Mrs A Doornebosch, Committee Advisor (part meeting)

 

PUBLIC BUSINESS

 

 

1.       APOLOGIES 

Resolved:     (Cr Milne/Cr Barratt)                                                 Minute No. FPC 17201

“That the apology received from Mayor Wallace be accepted and leave of absence be granted.”

 

2.       PUBLIC COMMENT

Comments are recorded under the item to which they relate.   

 

 

 

 

 

3.       CONFLICT OF INTEREST DECLARATIONS

          Deputy Mayor Bassett declared a conflict of interest in relation to item 4 a), Urban Plus Limited - Amendment to Constitution and took no part in discussions or voting on the matter.

          Cr Milne declared a conflict of interest in relation to item 4 a), Urban Plus Limited - Amendment to Constitution in regard to the Seaview Marina Limited matter and took no part in discussion or voting on the matter. 

          Cr Cousins declared a conflict of interest in relation to item 4 b), Appointment of Trustees to Hutt City Community Facilities Trust (CFT), and item 9, Response to Hutt City CFT Funding Proposal and took no part in discussion or voting on these matters.  She declared in relation to item 4 c), Response to Fraser Park Business Case, that she was a Trustee of the CFT but considered she did not have a direct conflict of interest on the matter.

4.

a)

Recommendations to Council - 23 May 2017

Urban Plus Limited - Amendment to Constitution (17/667)

 

Deputy Mayor Bassett declared a conflict of interest and took no part in discussion or voting on the matter.

The Portfolio Manager, Urban Plus Limited (UPL) elaborated on the report. 

The Chair noted the current UPL Constitution did not cover the requirement to set up subsidiary companies on a project by project basis to isolate risk.

 

Recommended:    (Cr Milne/Cr Sutton)                               Minute No. FPC 17202

“That the Committee recommends that Council:

(i)    approves the amendment to the UrbanPlus Limited (UPL) Constitution attached as Appendix 3 to the report, regarding the ability for UPL Directors to provide indemnity to Directors and employees of its current and future subsidiary companies;

(ii)   notes that a Deed of Indemnity will also have to be entered into as part of this proposal; and

(iii)  notes that the purpose is to provide indemnification to previous (retired), current and future Directors and employees of UPL subsidiary companies.”

 

The Chair declared a conflict of interest in relation to the Seaview Marina Limited (SML) Constitution matter. Cr Milne vacated the Chair and Cr Barry assumed the Chair for the duration of the matter.

In response to a question from a member, the Chief Executive advised Council held insurance that provided indemnity for key staff.

 

 

 

Recommended:    (Cr Barry/Cr Sutton)                  Minute No. FPC 17203

“That the Committee recommends that Council approves, subject to approval by the Seaview Marina Limited (SML) Board and Council’s General Manager, Governance and Regulatory, similar changes be made to the SML Constitution to allow indemnification of previous (retired), current and future Directors and employees of SML and SML subsidiary companies.”

 

 

b)

Appointment of Trustees to Hutt City Community Facilities Trust (17/549)

 

Cr Cousins declared a conflict of interest and took no part in discussion or voting on the matter.

The General Manager Community Services elaborated on the report.  He acknowledged and thanked Mr Skene and Mr Leslie for their contributions to the Hutt City Community Facilities Trust, and their continued support since.

 

Recommended:    (Cr Milne/Cr Lulich)                   Minute No. FPC 17204

 

“That the Committee recommends that Council:

(i)    approves the appointment of a selection panel consisting of Council’s General Manager Community Services, outgoing Hutt City Community Facilities Trust (CFT) Chair (subject to his agreement) and a Councillor to identify, assess and approach potential candidates for the position of up to three independent Trustees on the Hutt City Community Facilities Trust (CFT), in accordance with the Council’s policy for the Appointment of Directors;

(ii)   approves this process for future appointments to the Board of the CFT; and

(iii)  delegates to the selection panel the power to negotiate and decide an amount to be paid as an honorarium for the new Chair up to the existing remuneration level.”

 

c)

Response to Fraser Park Business Case (17/603)

 

Speaking under public comment Mr Jim O’Grady, Chief Executive Officer of  Squash New Zealand noted the Fraser Park Sportsville (FPS) project was significant in terms of its national facilities strategy.  He considered Wellington had missed out on hosting sporting events due to the lack of facilities.  He said FPS was a critical part of filling that gap and providing facilities capable of hosting premier, national and international events. He said a six court facility with a removable glass court would be ideal at the FPS facility. He noted Squash New Zealand’s endorsement and support for the FPS Project.  He said they would facilitate discussion between the regional and national body to consider what level of contribution could be made to FPS.

 

Speaking under public comment, Mr Greg McKeown, Chair of the Squash New Zealand said the FPS facility would enable aspiring leadership opportunities for squash players in Wellington.  He highlighted the economic and community benefits of hosting such high profile events. He noted Squash New Zealand accepted Council’s vision for the amalgamation of sports’ clubs to provide enhanced multisport facilities.  He said Squash New Zealand would advise what future financial support it could provide to FPS.

 

Speaking under public comment Mr Gary Gosper representing the Taita

Cricket Club noted the club had been a founding member of Sportsville.  He said the FPS complex would enhance coaching programmes for local children and children in low decile schools within Hutt City. He considered that working with other clubs would enhance relationships and provide an opportunity to work towards a common goal. 

 

Speaking under public comment, Mr Rory Crawford representing Lower Hutt City Football Club considered FPS would provide another dimension to the club.  He said at present they did not have clubrooms so FPS would provide an opportunity to engage with other teams and sporting codes. He considered it would increase its membership and encourage more participation.  He said being members of FPS would allow more inter sport contact for children in the Hutt Valley.

 

Speaking under public comment, Mr Glen Roff  representing the Governing Body for Softball New Zealand said he endorsed the further development of FPS.  He said Softball New Zealand would continue to support the Hutt Valley Softball Association, and noted they were a key association for their code.  He said the Hutt Valley was an ideal geographical location for softball events and was used frequently. He considered their facilities at FPS would be seen as the heart of national and domestic softball, and would increase exposure and the profile of the sport.  He said FPS would provide a legacy for future generations, as well as supporting the health and wellbeing of the local community. 

 

The Chair acknowledged Mr Corey Love’s attendance at the meeting.  He highlighted Mr Love was a silver medallist in squash from the Masters Games held recently in Auckland.

Mr Mark Heissenbuttel, Ms Trudy Englebretsen , Mr Bill Heaps and Mr Mark Sorenson representing Fraser Park Sportsville provided a presentation.

 

Mr Heissenbuttel noted they now had 295,000 annual visitors to Fraser Park, and over 7,000 affiliated members.  He highlighted that Fraser Park was a valued part of the community. He advised the request for the operating grant would enable FPS to run events, provide programmes and integrate these into schools in the Hutt Valley.  He noted FPS would not make any surpluses until year four of operation, and any shortfall would be funded by FPS.  He highlighted participating clubs would still have to undertake fundraising to ensure their viability within the new entity. He acknowledged the participating clubs’ commitments to handing over their facilities to FPS, as well as their revenues and club identities. He noted FPS was confident that the commercial agreement, business model and leases in place would protect Council against risk. 

In response to questions from members concerning board continuity, Mr Heissenbuttel noted he had been Chair of the FPS Board for seven years and was committed to seeing the project through to completion.  He said the build was expected to take 10 months with a two month fitout. He noted the FPS Board was committed to the Business Case, and thanked founding member clubs for supporting them. He noted they had produced profit and loss statements for each of the clubs for now and into the future.

Mr Sorensen thanked Council for its commitment and vision to sport investment.  He noted the collaboration amongst sporting clubs that had resulted from the Sportsville model.  He said Fraser Park would provide an opportunity to deliver a legacy for future generations, and a facility to host international events.   

 

Mr Heaps noted he was a member of the FPS Board.  He advised that the Business Case had been developed on best practice models, focussing on benefit outcomes.  He highlighted these benefits were supported by Professor Dalziel, who was a Professor of Economics at Lincoln University.  He noted Professor Dalziel had completed surveys and economic value studies for Sport New Zealand.  He further noted these studies had identified $25M plus in benefit outcomes to the community over the first 10 years of FPS operating.  

In response to questions from members, Mr Heaps said Sport New Zealand had identified from surveys that new generations wanted access to multiple sporting codes. He said the operating grant was required to see FPS through the three year review period and also to provide programmes and events to the community over this time. He noted when FPS produced the Business Case it had to make an assessment on what may be required after the third year.  Assumed in that, was that Council would want to continue to support FPS.   He said that if the level of activities were raised then there would be scope for additional income and after three years of operating, and trends in costs would be more clear. 

In response to questions from members, Ms Trudy Englebretsen noted the operational grant would assist in providing staff to attract events and programmes to the FPS facility. She highlighted the clubs would manage their sporting codes and FPS would provide the infrastructure to support those activities.  She said sports hubs such as FPS provided a diverse club base, and staff would have the ability to partner with other clubs and extend coaching where needed.  She advised the first priority would be to make clubs more capable and ensure delivery of support into schools within the community. She said if Council was able to offset some operational costs such as insurance and rates, FPS would likely be comfortable with a reduction in Council’s contribution. 

The Chief Financial Officer noted he was a member and the Treasurer of the Fraser Park Squash Club, a member and former Treasurer of the Avalon Rugby Club and a member of the Taita Cricket Club.

The General Manager, Community Services elaborated on the report.  He advised FPS would be larger and more extensive than other Sportsville facilities in Hutt City.  He noted there were some operating challenges within the Business Case, but considered these could be managed over the long term.  He noted the property costs of $330K annually included $80K for rates, and the current combined rates bill for the eight founding clubs was $13K.  He said the difference in cost was the result of Council’s current rating system, which was based on capital value.  He advised the CFT had included $80K as a building maintenance fund into the future.

In response to a question from a member, the General Manager Community Services advised Council had agreed that any day to day maintenance costs of CFT assets would be the tenant’s responsibility.  He said medium to long term asset replacements had been calculated into rental charges, for inclusion in the CFT Deferred Maintenance Fund.   He said end of life replacement costs past 70 years were not covered.

The Chief Financial Officer advised that as there was not a competitive market for the sale and purchase of sports buildings and facilities, that Council’s valuation service provider used Optimised Depreciated Replacement Cost as the basis for estimating the rateable value of sports buildings and facilities, and that this approach had an adverse impact on the rates levied on new sports buildings and facilities. He highlighted that the FPS founding members current clubs facilities were likely to be fully depreciated, and the FPS facility would be new, which was the reason for the rates variance.  He noted some Councils did not charge rates to sports clubs.  He advised Council currently received approximately $272K per annum in general rates from the three Community Facility (CF) rating categories of which sports clubs were a part of. He noted the Deferred Maintenance Fund was a fund the CFT would hold in trust, to be used only for defined long term maintenance costs.

 

The Chair considered that based on feedback Council should guarantee revenue for FPS for four years and conduct a review of this support during the fourth year. 

On behalf of Mayor Wallace,  Deputy Mayor Bassett acknowledged and congratulated the CFT and the sports clubs involved in the FPS development. 

 

 

 

Recommended:    (Cr Milne/Cr Barratt)                               Minute No. FPC 17205

 

“That the Committee recommends that Council:

(i)    recommends to the Community Plan Committee, subject to Council approval, and subject to any cost reduction that Council is able to provide to the business case (eg Insurance), an operating grant to Fraser Park Sportsville (FPS) of:

a)    $150,000 for the first full year of operation;

b)    $125,000 for the second year;

c)     $100,000 for the third year; and

d)      $75,000 for the fourth year;

(ii)   agrees for this operating grant to be reviewed after three years of FPS operating; and

(iii)  agrees that a condition of annual funding will be that FPS formally reports to Council six monthly and in particular progress against its Business Case.”

 

Recommended:    (Cr Barry/Cr Briggs)                    Minute No. FPC 17206

 

“That the Committee recommends that Council asks officers to provide a report on the rating policy for sporting, recreational, cultural and community facilities.”

 

The meeting adjourned at 7.33pm, and reconvened at 7.40pm.

5.

Finance Update (17/602)

Report No. FPC2017/2/104 by the Chief Financial Officer

 

The Chief Financial Officer elaborated on the report. 

In response to questions from members, the Chief Financial Officer advised there had been delays on the cycleways due to the business case process.   

Members asked officers to provide a note within the Finance Update,  to explain comparisons of the carryover figures for the current financial year, the last financial year and last three financial years.

 

Resolved:           (Cr Milne/Deputy Mayor Bassett)                    Minute No. FPC 17207

“That the Committee notes the year to date financial performance and the forecast year-end position.”

 

 

6.       Information Item

Finance and Performance Work Programme 2017 (17/625)

Report No. FPC2017/2/69 by the Committee Advisor

Members noted the Information Technology Activity Report had been deferred to a later date to allow the newly appointed Chief Information Officer time to prepare the documentation.

Resolved:        (Cr Milne/Cr Sutton)                                        Minute No. FPC 17208

 

“That the report be noted and received.”

 

7.       QUESTIONS

There were no questions.

 

 

 

 

8.       EXCLUSION OF THE PUBLIC

Resolved:               (Cr Milne/Deputy Mayor Bassett)              Minute No. FPC 17209

“That the public be excluded from the following parts of the proceedings of this meeting, namely:

9.       Response to Hutt City Community Facilities Trust Funding Proposal (17/605)

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:

 

(A)

(B)

(C)

 

 

 

General subject of the matter to be considered.

Reason for passing this resolution in relation to each matter.

Ground under section 48(1) for the passing of this resolution.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Response to Hutt City Community Facilities Trust Funding Proposal.

The withholding of the information is necessary to enable the local authority to carry out, without prejudice or disadvantage, commercial activities (s7(2)(h)).

That the public conduct of the relevant part of the proceedings of the meeting would be likely to result in the disclosure of information for which good reason for withholding exist.

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.”

 

Resolved:               (Cr Milne/Cr Sutton)                                              Minute No. FPC 17210

 

“That Mr Alister Skene, Chair of Hutt City Community Facilities Trust, be permitted to remain after the public during consideration of item 9 -“Response to Hutt City Community Facilities Trust Funding Proposal” as he has knowledge of the matter to be discussed that will assist the Committee in relation to this item.”

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

There being no further business the Chair declared the meeting closed at 8.01 pm and the non-public portion of the meeting finished at 9.30pm.

 

 

 

 

 

Cr C Milne

CHAIR

 

 

 

 

 

 

CONFIRMED as a true and correct record

Dated this 23rd day of May 2017


Attachment 3

UPL Constitution - proposed amendment re Indemnity and Insurance Clause

 

Proposed Amendment to Constitution: Indemnity and Insurance Clause

Current Clause:

 

Proposed Clause (numbering to merge accordingly if accepted):

1.      Indemnity and Insurance

1.1       Types of proceedings that may be indemnified against

The Board shall cause the Company to indemnify a Director or employee of the Company or a related company for costs incurred by him or her in any proceeding:

(a)          that relates to liability for any act or omission in his or her capacity as a Director or employee; and

(b)         in which judgment is given in his or her favour or in which he or she is acquitted, or which is discontinued.

1.2       Types of liability that may be indemnified against

The Board shall cause the Company to indemnify a Director or an employee of the Company or a related company in respect of:

(a)        liability to any person other than the Company or a related company for any act or omission in his or her capacity as a Director or employee; or

(b)        costs incurred by the Director or employee in defending or settling any claim or proceeding relating to any liability under paragraph (a) above,

not being:

(c)        criminal liability; or

(d)        in the case of a director, liability in respect of a breach of section 131 of the Act (which relates to the duty to act in good faith and in the best interests of the Company); or

(e)        in the case of an employee, liability for breach of any fiduciary duty owed to the Company or a related company.

1.3       Insurance of directors and employees

The Board may, cause the Company to effect insurance for Directors or employees of the Company or a related company in respect of:

(a)        liability, not being criminal liability, for any act or omission in his or her capacity as a Director or employee; or

(b)        costs incurred by such Directors or employees in defending or settling any claim or proceeding relating to any such liability; or

(c)        costs incurred by a Director or employee in defending any criminal proceedings that have been brought against the Director or employee in relation to any act or omission in his or her capacity as a Director or employee and in which he or she is acquitted.

1.4       Directors to sign certificate

The Directors who vote in favour of authorising the effecting of insurance under clause 1.3 must sign a certificate stating that, in their opinion, the cost of effecting the insurance is fair to the Company.

1.5       Entry in the Interests Register

The Board must ensure that particulars of any indemnity given to, or insurance effected for, any Director or employee of the Company or a related company are forthwith entered in the interests register.

1.6       Definitions

For the purpose of this clause 1, “Director” includes a former Director and “employee” includes a former employee.

 


HUTT CITY COUNCIL

 

Community Services Committee

 

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

Lower Hutt on

Thursday 4 May 2017 commencing at 6.00pm

 

 

 PRESENT:                       Cr G Barratt (Chair)

Cr L Bridson                               Cr S Edwards

Cr M Lulich                                Cr G McDonald          

Cr C Milne                                  Cr L Sutton

 

APOLOGIES:                  An apology was received from Mayor WR Wallace and
Cr J Briggs.

 

IN ATTENDANCE:       Cr MJ Cousins

Mr T Stallinger, Chief Executive (part meeting)

Mr M Reid, General Manager, Community Services

Ms M Laban, Community Projects and Relationship Manager

Mrs D Hunter, Community Advisor Funding and Community Contracts

Mr M Mercer, Divisional Manager, Community Hubs (part meeting)

Ms S Lytollis, Communications and Marketing Advisor

Ms H Clegg, Minute Taker

 

PUBLIC BUSINESS

 

The Communications and Marketing Advisor opened the meeting with a Karakia.

 

1.       APOLOGIES 

Resolved:    (Cr Barratt/Cr Sutton)                                    Minute No. CSC 17201

"That the apologies received from Mayor Wallace and Cr Briggs be accepted and leave of absence be granted."

 

2.       PUBLIC COMMENT

Comments are recorded under the item to which they relate.      

 

Resolved:    (Cr Barratt/Cr Milne)                                           Minute No. CSC 17202

"That in terms of Standing Order 15.2, the time limit for public comment be extended to allow for all those present to speak."

 

3.       CONFLICT OF INTEREST DECLARATIONS

There were no conflict of interest declarations.

4.       Recommendations to Council - 23 May 2017

a)

Review of Community Funding (17/656)

Report No. CSC2017/2/107 by the Community Projects and Relationship Manager.                                                                                

 

Speaking under public comment, Mrs B Hay, representing the Stokes Valley Community House and Mrs A Godfrey, representing the Petone Community House and Board expressed concern with the proposed Community Funding Strategy.  They explained they had been working closely with Council for the past three years under the existing strategy and were concerned the proposed strategy could undermine the good work undertaken to date.  They were appreciative of the proposed 3-5 year funding cycles in the proposed strategy, but considered the total amount of funding available ($700,000), was not a lot of money. They believed that if Council partially funded a number of projects, not all projects would be fully completed.  They acknowledged there were additional avenues that not-for-profit organisations could apply to, but that these funds were strongly contested.  They expressed further concern at the weight given to the 2016 survey and considered the survey was a missed opportunity to fully understand the value of what community groups accomplished.

 

Mrs Hay and Mrs Godfrey expressed further concern that there had been limited consultation about the proposal.    They asked members to delay recommending the funding review proposal until consultation with all the users had occurred and the full implications were investigated and understood.

 

Speaking under public comment, Mr A Sainsbury, on behalf of the  Citizens Advice Bureau, Lower Hutt (CAB) considered nothing was wrong with the existing contestable funding model, with room for improvement in the way it was used.  He expressed concern that the CABs of the City may not fit into the proposed strategy, and believed the new strategy was inequitable as the CAB leases a Council building.  He stated further concern with the lack of consultation and was unclear how the CAB could continue to provide an on-going service to the community, under the proposal.  He asked members to delay recommending the funding review until further consultation and consideration had occurred.

 

 

 

 

 

Speaking under public comment, Ms I Rangiwhetu, represenging the Petone Citizens Advice Bureau (CAB) supported Mr Sainsbury’s comments.  She considered the CABs should be adequately funded under the proposed funding system, and maintained there was no information as to issues with the current system.  She acknowledged that ongoing secured funding allowed the CAB to operate.  She considered historical funding of CABs showed they were an important vehicle to provide services and should result in CABs being treated differently.  By way of information, Ms Rangiwhetu advised under New Zealand CAB’s policy all CABs must apply to separate entities for funding, which greatly reduced the options for applications.  She concluded CABs were vital and neutral.

 

Speaking under public comment, Mr K Buck, Co-ordinator CAB Petone, stated there was no evidence that the current funding model was not working, or that change would provide a better service.  He stated one positive outcome of the proposal was the certainty provided by the five year contracts.  He asked that there be further community involvement before Council made a final decision.

 

Speaking under public comment, Ms A Black representing Youth Inspire considered the proposal created a level playing field and could create collaboration between community groups.  She said that it would focus funding into areas that needed it the most and provided opportunities for new initiatives.  She added that the proposal would impact on Youth Inspire, and would bring the Council funding regime into line with other funding providers.  She believed the proposal was a targeted, focussed approach and outcome based.

The Community Projects and Relationship Manager elaborated on the report.  She explained the existing funding model had been reviewed to create a more strategic funding approach.  She highlighted the survey results indicated support for change, and acknowledged the concerns raised under public comment regarding the consultation process.

Ms K Frykberg, previous Chair of  Philanthropy NZ and now a member of the Sir Edmond Hillary Fellowship Board, said she had provided advice during the review.  She noted that improved transparency and an assurance that Council’s overarching vision was met, were ideal goals for a funding review.  She advised that demand for community funding would always exceed supply.

The General Manager, Community Services acknowledged the work the officers had undertaken to date. He said the purpose of the review was to find ways to compliment Council’s other spending within communities.

In reponse to further questions from members, the Community Projects and Relationship Manager explained the formation of positive working partnerships with community groups was essential to being able to provide ongoing support and monetary assistance.  She said that having time limit to funding helped to develop diversity and the ability of organisations to adapt to a changing environment.  She elaborated on the collaborative partnership model, explaining joint applications from groups offering similar or complementary initiatives would be welcomed.  She added that if Council approved the proposal, officers  would begin developing more detail, with a view to discussing this with affected groups within six months.  She assured members that any groups that may not fit within the new model, would be assisted to obtain other funding streams in the community.

The General Manager, Community Services advised that if the proposal was approved by Council, officers would hold regular discussions with affected groups to assist them in preparation for the 1 July 2018 commencement date, and in exploring innovative options for cost reductions.

Members noted that while there was no evidence the current model was not working the proposal may show a better way of allocating funding.  They acknowledged the good work the CABs undertook, and were assured by officers that this would be taken into account under a new system.

 

Members asked that officers to provide six monthly progress reports to the Committee.

Members considered the proposal would provide opportunities for new organisations to be heard; for innovation in the delivery of community services to be developed; for collaboration between organisations seeking funding; and for collaboration between funding agencies to be encouraged.  It was agreed that a time limit for funding should be imposed, and that Council should not be seen as the only source of funding.

 

 

RECOMMENDED:  (Cr Barratt/Cr Milne)                  Minute No. CSC 17203

“That the Committee recommends that Council:

(i)        approves the 2017/2022 Community Funding Strategy, attached as Appendix 2 to the report, effective from 1 July 2018;

(ii)       notes that changes to the existing funding arrangements will be made incrementally over 2017/18, 2018/19 and 2019/20; and

(iii)      notes that the existing Community Funding Policy will be amended to ensure it aligns with aspirations and requirements of this proposed Community Funding Strategy.”

Cr Lulich abstained from voting on the above matter.

The meeting adjourned at 7.23pm and resumed at 7.30pm.

b)

Review of Community Committees (17/661)

Report No.CSC2017/2/108 by the Community Projects and Relationship Manager.

 

Speaking under public comment, Mr M Ellis expressed support for the Community Panel proposal as he believed the proposal would assist in better decision making.   He expressed concern that the three panel areas were inequitable, with the North-East being too large an area.  He explained this area had too many issues and facilities to be understood fully by one panel. 

 

In response to questions from members, Mr Ellis explained the panel members would need to ensure proper networks were established within its areas, especially through the sports clubs. 

 

Speaking under public comment, Mr T Heslin expressed support for the Community Panel proposal, as he believed it would provide communities with a way to complete projects within its areas.  He expressed concern at the large size of the North-East area, believing this area should be split into two separate panels.

 

Speaking under public comment, Mr F Allen, also speaking on behalf of Mr G McKenna, spoke of his opposition to the Community Panel proposal as he believed it undermined the current third tier of local government, and was contrary to the Local Government Act 2002.  He believed the current system worked well and that communities currently had representation through Wards and Community Committees.  He expressed concern at the small level of remuneration proposed for members of the Panels, and that previous delegations were removed. 

 

Speaking under public comment, Ms S LaFrentz and Ms D Mulligan expressed concern at the changes proposed.  Ms LaFrentz considered the previous community committees were valuable and important to residents, and enabled members to act as advocates.  She asked that four community committees be re-established. 

 

Ms Mulligan supported comments made by Ms LaFrentz.  She asked that Council maintain fairness and equality, stating democracy was important.  She expressed concern about the consultation undertaken to date.

 

 In response to questions from members, Ms LaFrentz and Ms Mulligan agreed the proposal may result in more funding being available for community projects, but that this was at the expense of equality and democracy. 

 

 

 

Speaking under public comment, Mr M Shierlaw expressed support for the  proposal.  He believed the re-allocation of salaries into the funding budget was a good idea, but was unclear why the previous delegations were removed. 

 

Speaking under public comment, Mr M Fisher believed the current proposal was an emasculation of the powers of communities and represented a loss of democratic rights to communities.  He acknowledged the idea of the community funding proposal was exciting, but not at the expense of the Panel’s delegations.  He considered that making the Panels too informal and could lead to them becoming “citizen lobby groups”. 

The General Manager, Community Services elaborated on the report.  He acknowledged the public comment and applauded the work the Community Committees had carried in the last triennium.  He explained the review was about finding a better way to obtain value out of rate payers’ dollars.  He said the concept was borne out of communities previously applying through the Annual Plan process and not being able to get funding.  He considered that representation would not be compromised. 

In response to further questions from members, the General Manager, Community Services advised that if the proposal was expanded to four Panels each Panel would receive approximately $120,000, reducing the amount of monies for the actual community fund.  He confirmed that the North-East Panel would cover the largest area, and could have a higher workload.  He added that the honorariums, administrative costs and amount of funding available would be the same as that for the other two Panels.  He said each Panel would have a certain amount of money to use at its discretion, but within a flexible set of criteria, with all projects receiving funding having to be aligned to Council priorities. 

MOVED: (Cr Barratt/Cr McDonald)

“That the Committee recommends that Council:

(i)      approves the establishment of three Community Panels; and

(ii)     notes the new Community Panel approach would be reviewed after
          12 months
.”

AMENDMENT MOVED: (Cr Bridson/Cr Sutton)

“(i)    approves the establishment of four Community Panels; and

(ii)     notes the new Community Panel approach would be reviewed after
          12 months
.”

The amendment was declared CARRIED on a show of hands.

MOVED:  (Cr Bridson/Cr McDonald)

“Approves the delegations be transferred from the previous Community           Commitees to the new Panels.”

The motion was declared LOST on a show of hands.  Cr Lulich abstained from voting on the matter.

The Chair agreed to investigate how the previous Community Committees would be recognised for their work in the last triennium.

 

 

recommended:    (Cr Barratt/Cr McDonald)       Minute No. CSC 17204

“That the Committee recommends that Council:

(i)    approves the establishment of four Community Panels; and

(ii)   notes the new Community Panel approach would be reviewed after
12 months
.

 

5.

Community Development Fund Recommended Allocations 2016/2017  (17/639)

Report No. CSC2017/2/125 by the Community Advisor Funding and Community Contracts

 

The Community Advisor Funding and Community Contracts elaborated on the report. 

In response to questions from members, the Community Advisor Funding and Community Contracts explained the allocation of funds criteria included the footprint of delivery of the applicant. She further explained that officers had regular discussions with other funding agencies to benefit all applicants and to ensure there was no “double dipping”.  She noted that unsuccessful applications were directed to other funding agencies.

 

Resolved:    (Cr Barratt/Cr Lulich)                                     Minute No. CSC 17205

“That the Committee agrees to the recommended allocations for the Community Development Fund 2016/2017, attached as Appendix 1 to the report.”

 

6.

General Manager's Report (17/512)

Report No. CSC2017/2/127 by the General Manager Community Services

 

The General Manager Community Services elaborated on the report.

In response to questions from members, the General Manager, Community Services agreed to provide six monthly updates on the funding issues for the Panels.  He agreed that actual measurement of all activities against the objectives was difficult for some workstreams.  He noted that other agencies may hold data that could be helpful to measure success of some Council initiatives. 

Members noted that in areas where hubs had not been developed, the communities were seeing the value of the investment and benefits in those areas.  It was agreed measurement of the results of expenditure was crucial to justify the monies spent, and that reporting back to the communities was vital.

The Chair expressed the Committee’s appreciation of the value of the work by the Community Services Division, particularly in the Youth area.

 

Resolved:     (Cr Barratt/Cr Lulich)                                    Minute No. CSC 17206

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

 7.      Information Item

 

Community Services Committee Work Programme (17/630)

Report No. CSC2017/2/71 by the Senior Committee Advisor

 

Resolved:   (Cr Barratt/Cr Bridson)                          Minute No. CSC 17207

“That the work programme be received.”

8.       QUESTIONS   

There were no questions.

9.       EXCLUSION OF THE PUBLIC

Resolved:   (Cr Barratt/Cr Sutton)                                        Minute No. CSC 17208

“That the public be excluded from the following parts of the proceedings of this meeting, namely:

10.     Arts and Culture Subcommittee recommendations - 11 April 2017 - Community Representation on Arts and Culture Subcommittee (17/665)

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:

 

(A)

(B)

(C)

 

 

 

General subject of the matter to be considered.

Reason for passing this resolution in relation to each matter.

Ground under section 48(1) for the passing of this resolution.

 

 

 

Arts and Culture Subcommittee recommendations - 11 April 2017 - Community Representation on Arts and Culture Subcommittee.

The withholding of the information is necessary to protect the privacy of natural persons. (s7(2)(a)).

That the public conduct of the relevant part of the proceedings of the meeting would be likely to result in the disclosure of information for which good reason for withholding exist.

 

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 Communications and Marketing Advisor closed the meeting with a Karakia.

 

 

There being no further business the Chair declared the meeting closed at 8.20 pm and the non public portion of the meeting finished at 8.28 pm.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cr G Barratt

CHAIR

 

 

 

 

 

CONFIRMED as a true and correct record

Dated this 23rd day of May 2017


Attachment 2

Proposed Community Funding Strategy

 

 

Making a meaningful difference in Hutt City

Hutt City Community Funding Strategy

2017-2022

 

 

 

We want Hutt City to be “a great place, to live, work and play” for all residents, and the Hutt City Council’s new community funding strategy is designed to support those who need it most.   This document is a brief summary of how we plan to achieve this.

Why the need for change and what do we want to achieve?

Hutt City Council has a long and strong history of providing community funding to support our communities, and $713,300 was provided in community funding in 2016.  Our new strategy builds from this strong history. 

Drivers for evolving our community funding strategy include:

·    Better aligning community funding with our vision for Hutt City as a great place, to live, work and play

·    Community consultation carried out in 2016, including 463 survey responses and a number of face to face interviews.  This consultation process indicated that our communities want a more strategic approach, measurable impact, sustainable practices, accountability, the fair distribution of funding according to need and that funding should benefit a diverse range of people in the community.

The new strategy is designed to:

·    Direct funds to those who need it most, so that for all our diverse residents, the Hutt City is a great place, to live, work and play

·    Improve the clarity and simplicity of our funding processes for applicants

·    Encourage innovation, improve relationships and foster longer term partnerships

 

 


Attachment 2

Proposed Community Funding Strategy

 

Funding strategy - at a glance

 

 


Attachment 2

Proposed Community Funding Strategy

 

What does the new funding strategy aim to achieve?

The diagram on the previous page summarises our new community funding strategy, and below is more detail on each part of the proposed strategy. 

The vision

The vision for our community funding is:

For all residents, Hutt City is a great place, to live, work and play”

This statement reflects the Council’s vision for our city, and most Hutt City residents know that this city is indeed a great place.  But for too many of our residents, life is difficult.  We don’t think it is good enough for our city to be a great place for some of us, or even most of us.  We want Hutt City to be a great place for everyone - and our community funding will focus on those who need it most.

How Hutt City Council Community Funding contributes to this vision

How do we best contribute to this vision?   Ensuring everyone thrives requires improving equity and resilience across our city.  We plan to contribute to this through:

·    Increasing access to opportunities and resources:  We want all our residents, particularly the young and old, to be able to easily access what they need to live a good life here in Hutt City.  Our funding will favour initiatives that increase equity of access.

·    Building participation and a sense of belonging: We all lead safer and more fulfilling lives if we have strong connections to those round us – family, friends, community and colleagues.  Our funding will target initiatives that reduce social isolation, help people from every culture and background to feel accepted and respected, and encourage all residents to take an active role in their community.

·    Strengthening local leadership: Everyone can make positive change in their own lives and for those around them.  We want to support local leaders to lead local solutions, and our funding will favour initiatives with strong community involvement and leadership.

What we will look for

How will we decide which funding applications will receive funding?  First we will look for a good fit to the vision and goals above, and then we look for:

·    Clearly making a difference: Is this initiative likely to make – or already making - a demonstrated difference in the goals above?  We understand that complex problems don’t usually have simple solutions, and we don’t require fancy reporting, just a sensible approach, learning as you go and a clear way of showing how what you did relates to what you wanted to achieve.

·    Collaborative approaches: None of us can change the world alone.  We prefer initiatives where people and organisations work together well; for example, sharing resources or working for a collectively agreed goal.

·    Well managed organisations: We look for good governance, credible leadership, sustainable finance, a strong team and open, honest relationships.  We understand that all groups are different, and we don’t try to compare a local community initiative with a large, established organisation.  But we do expect every group we fund to have good people who run things well. 

·    Innovative approaches: New ideas aligned to our vision are always welcome; in fact we have created a special fund to provide seed funding for just this (see below).  We understand that new ideas don’t always work and we encourage giving things a go.

·    Community Ownership: We like initiatives which are led by local communities and we like the concept of “nothing about us without us”.  Whichever community is served - for example, the elderly, people experiencing disability, youth - we prefer to fund initiatives where members of this community are a key part of decision-making. 

How the new funds will work for organisations seeking funding

Our new funding strategy will have two funds that applicants can apply for funding from:

Kākano Fund

 

 

What is the purpose of this fund?

Kākano means seed, and this fund provides seed funding for new ideas that meet our vision in a give-it-a-go, safe-to-fail environment.

Who is it for?

Got a new idea you would like to try?  Apply here!

How big is the fund?

This is a small fund and is likely to provide $30,000 to $50,000 per year.

How much can I apply for?

It depends on your idea.  It could be $500 for a new initiative on your street.  Or if you have a big new idea you could consider applying for the total amount of money in the fund, although of course that would mean that if your idea is funded then others would miss out.  Anything will be considered; we look for costs that are fair and reasonable for the idea you propose.

How long is the funding for?

The Kākano fund provides funding for one year only.  You are welcome to apply each year – but not for the same initiative because this fund is for new ideas only.

When can I apply?

This fund, if approved, would come into effect in July 2018.  There will be one funding round per year.

How do I apply?

The applications process will be quick and simple via an online application form.

What is the decision process?

Funding decisions will be made by Council officers.

What is the reporting process?

We will bring all recipients of the Kākano fund together towards the end of the year so that you can report on your idea in person to us and to your peers.  No paper required.

 

Mahia Atu Fund

 

 

 

What is the purpose of this fund?

“Mahia Atu” loosely translates to “Make it Happen.”  This fund is for community initiatives that are already up and running, meet our vision and are clearly making a difference in our communities.  The Mahia Atu fund will consist of two funding streams, both using a similar application process.

·    Mahia Atu Community Funding provides one or two year funding for good community initiatives.

·    Mahia Atu Partnership Funding will be awarded to a small number of organisations each year and provides longer term funding and a partnership approach.

 

Mahia Atu Community Funding

Mahia Atu Partnership Funding

Who is it for?

If your initiative is a strong fit to our vision and is beginning to show good results, apply here.

If your initiative is a strong fit to our vision, can demonstrate outstanding results and strong collaboration, apply here. 

How do I apply?

The application process will be via a clear and easy online application form.  You are welcome to phone us for advice on your funding application.

We suggest that you call us before applying here so we can give you a steer on how this funding works.  The application form is the same as Mahia Atu Community Funding but includes quite a few additional questions, and we will also visit in person and undertake comprehensive reference checking.  

How long is the funding for?

One or two years.

Three to five years.  During this time you will also receive support and partnership from Hutt City Council to help your initiative grow.

How big is the fund?

Initially approximately $100,000 and over time growing to approximately $250,000.

Initially approximately $300,000 and over time growing to approximately $500,000

How much can I apply for?

There is no limit to the amount you can apply for other than the total size of the fund.  However we would generally expect most grants to be medium sized, eg between $5,000 and $35,000 per year.

There is no limit to the amount you can apply for other than the size of the fund.  However we would generally expect most grants to be larger, eg between $40,000 and $100,000 per year.

When can I apply?

The Mahia Atu funds, if approved, would come into effect in July 2018.  There will be one funding round per year.

What if I want to be considered for both the Mahi Atu Community Fund and the Mahi Atu Partnership Fund?

No problem.  Applications which are not selected for Mahia Atu Partnership Funding are automatically considered for the Mahia Atu Community Funding, assuming you would like this to happen.  You just need to know that the application and selection process for Mahia Atu Partnership Funding will require quite a lot more work than applying for Mahia Atu Community Funding. 

What is the decision process?

Both Mahia Atu Community Funding and Mahia Atu Partnership Funding are decided by a committee including both Hutt City Councillors and Hutt City Council officers.

What is the reporting process?

We will bring all recipients of Mahia Atu funding together towards the end of the year so that you can report on your initiative in person to us and to your peers.  Some additional reporting may be required, particularly for Mahia Atu Partnership Funding recipients.

 

How the funds work together

We’ve designed these funds so that initiatives which improve equity across our city and contribute to our vision can be supported at all stages of their development. We understand that not every good idea works in practice, and the Kākano fund is designed to simply give things a go.  Mahia Atu Community Funding is the next stage along; there is room for experimentation and occasional failures here too.   Mahia Atu Partnership Funding is designed for robust and impactful initiatives – the ultimate aim of great ideas.  Here’s how it works:

 

 

Of course, not every initiative we fund will follow this process – and you are welcome to apply for whatever suits your work best.

 

How to find out more

If you would like to talk to us about this strategy, just give us a call.  We are happy to have phone conversations or meet in person.

 

Please contact:

Debbie Hunter

Community Advisor Funding and Community Contracts

Phone:04 570 6955

Email: Debbie.Hunter@huttcity.govt.nz

 

Melanie Laban

Community Projects and Relationship Manager

Phone: 04 570 6710,

Email:  Melanie.Laban@huttcity.govt.nz


                                                                                     162                                                           23 May 2017

      Hutt City Council

10 May 2017

 

 

 

File: (17/770)

 

 

 

 

Report no: HCC2017/2/136

 

Living Wage - Next Steps

 

Purpose of Report

1.    To provide Council with draft options for a Remuneration and Employment Policy under the Local Government Act 2002, that addresses paying the Living Wage to Council employees, for their approval.

 

2.    To provide an update on progress with discussions around how Council can require Council contractors to pay the Living Wage to their workers. 

Recommendations

It is recommended that Council adopts the Living Wage Policy, attached as Appendix 1 to the report, which allows the Living Wage to be paid to employees on a case-by-case basis.

 

Background

The Living Wage

 

3.    Staff prepared an extensive report on the Living Wage and its implications for the Finance and Performance Committee of Council.  For completeness, that report is attached as Appendix 2 to this report. 

 

4.    In summary, the Living Wage Movement Aotearoa New Zealand defines the wage as:  ‘The income necessary to provide workers and their families with the basic necessities of life.  A living wage will enable workers to live with dignity and to participate as active citizens in society.’

 

5.    The original Living Wage identified in December 2012 and announced in 2013, was constructed through independent research by the Family Centre Social Policy Research Unit led by Mr Charles Waldegrave and Dr Peter King. 

 

6.    The Living Wage rate is based on a rate in the market.  A full review every five years will involve analysis of the movements in expenditure items, wages and inflation to check that the annual increases remain realistic, robust and true to the Living Wage definition.  The rate is based on research into the needs of a model family of two parents (working 60 hours a week) and two children.

 

7.    The original New Zealand Living Wage rate of $18.40 per hour was publically announced by February 2013. 

 

8.    As of 1 April 2017 the government minimum wage rose to $15.75 per hour.

 

9.    As of 1 July 2017 the Living Wage will rise to $20.20 per hour.  Annual adjustments to the Living Wage are announced in February each year.  Importantly, if Council adopts a Living Wage, it will not be bound to these increases each year unless it seeks accreditation status.

 

Hutt City Council Meeting of 14 March 2017

 

10.  At the Hutt City Council Meeting of 14 March 2017, the following decisions arising from the meeting were as follows:

 

       Minute No. C 17101 (3)

 

       Resolved “That Council agrees in principle to the Living Wage.”

 

       Resolved “That Council instructs the Chief Executive to produce a draft remuneration and employment policy under the Local Government Act 2002 that addresses paying the living wage to Council employees, for consideration by Council by 1 July 2017.”

 

       Resolved “That Council requests that the Chief Executive continues to work with the Living Wage – Hutt Group to investigate further how Council contractors can apply the Living Wage to its workers by 1 July 2017.”

 

11.  In the extensive paper provided to Council’s Finance and Performance Committee issues were raised in regards to the payment of the Living Wage.  These included:

 

a.   An economist’s view on where the burden should fall on supporting lower productivity or lower income workers (refer paragraph 27 and 28 of the Finance and Performance Committee paper)

b.   The Treasury opinion on the Living Wage not being well targeted at low income families with children (refer paragraph 30 of the Finance and Performance Committee paper)

c.   The Living Wage and government assistance (refer paragraphs 32, 33 and 34 of the Finance and Performance Committee paper).

d.   Financial implications and relativity matters (refer paragraphs 38 and 39 of the Finance and Performance Committee paper)

e.   How the living wage should be funded (refer paragraph 43 of the Finance and Performance Committee paper and also referred to in paragraph 59 of this paper)

f.    Impact on Community Services (refer paragraphs 45, 46, 47, 48, 49, 50 of the Finance and Performance Committee paper).

 

12.  Officers note that should the living wage be applied as a blanket increase then further work would need to be done to justify this for all employees to determine if there would be any benefit in doing so and that the outcome may be that there are no tangible benefits to be gained.  (see paragraphs 38 and 39 of this report).

 

13.  Officers are concerned that the implementation of the living wage, be it a blanket increase or a case by case increase,  does lead to treating employees differently at remuneration review time.  Any living wage increase on an annual basis (after having assessed affordability etc.) would become automatic and those employees would effectively not be subject to our normal remuneration review criteria, a component of which is performance. 

 

14.  While Officers agree that paying a living wage will likely increase the calibre of the candidate pool for a role, this may mean that lower skilled workers who are often younger workers may therefore miss out on opportunities.

 

15.  Officers note that after a period of time there may be a request by external parties to show proof of productivity gains, or similar, as a result of implementing the living wage.  Should this occur and the results show no increase to productivity then this may reflect badly on Council.  However regardless of this, the hourly rate would remain the same and could not be reduced once in place.

 

16.  Officers note that should the living wage be implemented and, after assessing on a case by case basis casual employees or other groups of employees were excluded, then this may lead to dissention between workers and goes against our one team approach.

 

17.  Officer recommend a cautious approach to assessing the application of the living wage on a case by case basis ensuring we also take into account Hutt City Council’s internal remuneration policy and practices (see paragraphs 35, 36 and 37 of the Finance and Performance Committee paper).

Discussion

 

Remuneration and Employment Policy

 

18.  Under clause 36A of Schedule 7 of the Local Government Act 2002 (the Act), Council may adopt a Remuneration and Employment Policy.

 

19.  Clause 36A reads:

 

(1)   A local authority may adopt a policy that sets out the policies of the local authority in relation to -

 

(a) employee staffing levels; and

(b) the remuneration of employees

 

(2)   A local authority must review a policy adopted under this clause at intervals of no more than 3 years.

 

20.  Clause 36A(1)(b) specifically allows Council to adopt policies in relation to remuneration levels.

 

21.  A ‘Living Wage’ is not something that is specifically provided for in legislation or law.  It is essentially an increase in the minimum wage an employer is prepared to pay its staff. 

 

Lawfulness

 

22.  If Council does want to pay a living wage, the issue, in a local government context, is whether it is lawful.  There are 2 main challenges to the lawfulness.  First, the purpose of local government in section 10 of the Act provides that the purpose of local government is to:

10 Purpose of local government

(1) The purpose of local government is—

(a) to enable democratic local decision-making and action by, and on behalf of, communities; and

(b) to meet the current and future needs of communities for good-quality local infrastructure, local public services, and performance of regulatory functions in a way that is most cost-effective for households and businesses.

(2) In this Act, good-quality, in relation to local infrastructure, local public services, and performance of regulatory functions, means infrastructure, services, and performance that are—

(a) efficient; and

(b) effective; and

(c) appropriate to present and anticipated future circumstances.  

23.  The challenge to the living wage that could be taken, relying on this section, is that it is outside the powers of Council to implement.  This is because doing so would not be the “most cost-effective” option for Council.  It obviously relies on Council not having done any background work to establish whether paying the living wage is the most cost-effective option.

 

24.  Some legal opinions downplay the ability of section 10 to be used to mount a legal challenge.  They read this section as more of a high level direction from central government to local government and not as something that can be used to mount a judicial review.  This has yet to be tested in court.

 

25.  Regardless, Council can be judicially reviewed for a variety of reasons, relating to its decision-making process and to the reasonableness of its final decision. 

 

26.  If Council was to increase the minimum amount it paid staff, purely to allow employees to have a better quality of life, it would open itself to the risk of legal challenge. 

 

27.  The Public Service Association (an employee union) engaged Matthew Palmer QC and asked him for an opinion on whether it was “prohibited” for a Council to pay its staff the living wage.  This legal opinion eventually concluded that it was not prohibited for a Council to pay the living wage, but only after consideration of the benefits to the organisation that may result from paying the living wage.  Mr Palmer said a “well-reasoned” living wage [policy] would be unlikely to be overturned by the courts.  Even this most generous of legal opinions does not simply allow of living wage to be introduced as a purely welfare based policy.  It still considers that the living wage should be tied to associated benefits and well-reasoned. 

 

The legal advice

 

28.  This is really the conclusion of all the legal opinions.  The legal opinion Council has received from Simpson Grierson Lawyers is no different.  That legal advice is in 2 parts, attached as appendices 3 and 4 to this report.

 

29.  Its conclusion is that the level of risk associated with paying a living wage depends on the quality of the decision-making to implement it.

 

30.  There is no risk associated with not paying a living wage.

 

31.  It advises there is low risk associated a policy that directs Council to analyse the cost-effectiveness and pay the living wage on a case-by case basis.

 

32.  The highest risk comes from adopting a policy that requires the Council to pay a living wage generally. 

 

Most cost-effective not necessarily the cheapest option

 

33.  One of the important things that was emphasised by the legal advice was that the most-effective option does not necessarily mean the cheapest option.

 

34.  The advice notes:

 

Where there are genuine additional expected benefits from adopting a particular option, and that option happens to be a more costly option, then it is open to the Council to adopt it on that basis and the additional benefits are worth the additional costs.

Options

35.  There are three options:

a.    Do not adopt the Policy and accordingly not adopt the proposal to pay a living wage (status quo); or

b.    Adopt a Policy that broadly refers to the benefits of a living wage, and that requires a living wage to be paid to Council employees; or

c.     Adopt a Policy that broadly refers to the benefits of a living wage, and that directs the living wage to be paid in circumstances where it can be shown to be the most cost-effective way for Council to provide a particular service.

No living wage

36.  Not adopting a Policy is maintaining the status quo.  There is no legal risk associated with this option.  Council’s obligation to be a good employer does not require payment of a living wage as a minimum level of pay.

 

A ‘blanket’ living wage

 

37.  Adopting a ‘blanket’ living wage policy that broadly refers to the benefits that may be associated with a living wage is the second option open to Council.  The big issue with this option is that Council has not currently done any work to determine whether it has issues with its employees that may be remedied by the implementation of a blanket living wage.

 

38.  If Council is minded to adopt a blanket living wage then the highest risk way of doing this would be to essentially ignore the requirements of the Act and implement this policy purely to improve the standard of living for its employees. 

 

39.  If Council was minded to consider adopting a blanket living wage then the ‘safest’ way to proceed would be to require further work to be done to justify this.  This is because the work has not currently been done to link the possible benefits of paying a living wage to the actual situation of Council.

 

A case-by-case living wage   

 

40.  A Policy adopting a case-by-case approach to implementing the living wage is the preferred option.  This would allow the work to be done by the CEO and staff, to justify applying the living wage.  It could be done by reference to targeted classes of role or by reference to larger groups, for example ‘casual staff’.

 

41.  The legal advice is that this approach would be the lowest risk, if Council did want to implement a living wage.

 

Implementation

 

42.  If Council chooses not to adopt a living wage policy or to adopt a ‘blanket’ policy, there are no major implications in terms of implementation, other than setting a date from when a blanket policy will be applied.

 

43.  Should Council adopt the policy, the implementation will be conducted by Council Officers in accordance with the policy.

 

44.  To address the legal risks the Council needs to establish a plausible assessment for cost effectiveness as a basis for introducing the living wage for its staff.  This should include assessing the financial benefits to the Council (and therefore the Community) if the living wage was introduced.  These might include productivity gains and reduction in turnover. 

 

45.  It is noted that currently the Council does not have an issue with turnover.  Our turnover rate remains fairly steady year on year at around 10%. 

 

46.  Officers will develop assessment criteria which will address the question of cost effectiveness in the delivery of a service.  This will include assessment of potential productivity increases, brand and reputation in attracting and retaining staff and reduced absenteeism. 

 

47.  SLT, together with Human Resources, will review the assessment results and report back to the Finance and Performance Committee with the outcomes for their feedback.

 

48.  The assessment exercise will not be done until after the Council’s annual remuneration review for 2017 is completed in August.  At that stage we will be able to confirm employees who remain under the Living Wage level. 

 

49.  The report back to Council’s Finance and Performance Committee will take place in September 2017. 

50.  Implementation of outcomes from the assessment exercise will be effective from 1 January 2018. 

Contractors

 

51.  Living Wage Aoteroa is calling for workers whose wages are funded by public money to receive a Living Wage as well as large enterprises that can afford to do so.

 

52.  Whilst this is their main aim they encourage employers to also extend this to contractors who deliver services on a regular and ongoing basis.  This is done normally through the procurement process whereby the tendered would have to assure the customer that their staff were being paid a living wage.

 

53.  This is a requirement for an ‘accredited living wage employer’.  Officers recommend that Council only consider extending Living Wage requirements to contractors when the Living Wage has been applied to Council employees in accordance with the Remuneration and Employment Policy. 

 

General report on progress

 

54.  Jo Beck, Divisional Manager Human Resources and Bradley Cato, Solicitor met with Lyndy McIntyre and John Ryall from Living Wage Aoteroa to discuss the approach to investigating further how Council contractors can apply the Living Wage to its workers.

 

55.  A report was provided by Living Wage Aoteroa outlining their views on how extending the Living Wage to workers employed via contractors at Hutt City Council could be approached.  This report is attached as Appendix 5 to the report. 

 

56.  The Chief Executive and officers will continue to work with Living Wage Aoteroa to progress this work and present a plan back to Council’s Finance and Performance Committee in September 2017.

Financial Considerations

57.  Payroll data for all Council employees irrespective of employment type (full time, part time, or casual), was analysed for a 12 month period.  This provided an estimate of cost to Council if the Living Wage had been paid to employees who were paid less than the Living Wage.

 

58.  Inclusive of holiday pay and Kiwisaver, but excluding employer ACC obligations (this would be an additional 1%); the additional direct cost to Council would have been $470k.  This is before considering the issue of pay relatively which is estimated would cost a further $100k to address. The total cost to Council if the Living Wage had been paid for all employees is therefore estimated to be $570k.

 

How should the Living Wage be funded?

 

59.  Wages are an operating cost and should be funded as such and not from additional debt. Any additional costs not able to be recovered from user charges would need to be added to the General Rate requirement.  If no additional income is recovered from increased activity revenues, rates would need to increase on average by about 0.6% plus GST to fund all of the additional cost.

Appendices

No.

Title

Page

1

Remuneration and Employment Policy

172

2

Finance and Performance Committee Report - Living Wage Considerations for Hutt City Council - 1 March 2017

175

3

Legal Advice - Part 1

188

4

Legal Advice - Part 2

198

5

Living Wage Aoteroa report - HCC Contractors

203

    

 

 

 

 

 

Author: Jo Beck

Divisional Manager Human Resources

 

 

 

Author: Bradley Cato

Solicitor

 

 

 

 

 

 

Approved By: Tony Stallinger

Chief Executive

 


Attachment 1

Remuneration and Employment Policy

 

 

Remuneration and Employment Policy (COUNCIL)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Division

Chief Executive’s Office

Date created

May 2017

Publication date

When approved by Council

Review period

May 2020

Owner

Bradley Cato

Approved by

Tony Stallinger

 

Version

Author

Date

Description

V 1.0

Bradley Cato

TBC

Approved by Council

V 2.0

Name

DD/MM/YYYY

Reviewed

 


 

Legal framework

This is a remuneration and employment policy pursuant to clause 36A(1)(b) of Schedule 7 of the Local Government  Act 2002.  It sets out a minimum level of remuneration Council will pay its employees, being the Living Wage.

In addition, Council also considers paying the Living Wage to be in line with its obligations to be a good employer.

Definition of Living Wage

The Living Wage is defined as the income necessary to provide workers and their families with the basic necessities of life. It enables workers to live with dignity and participate as active citizens in society.

paying the living wage

Paying the Living Wage helps reduce in-work poverty. From a business perspective, implementing the Living Wage contributes to improving workplace culture[i][ii], productivity, and results in more cost-effective service delivery[iii][iv][v]. Studies have demonstrated that implementing the Living Wage can contribute to improved staff engagement and morale, better staff retention and lower rates of absenteeism[vi] [vii][viii][ix][x][xi][xii]. In turn, this can lead to less disruption and reduced recruitment costs.

Council will pay the Living Wage published by Living Wage Aotearoa New Zealand to staff employed by Council where it can be demonstrated that doing so means that the performance of our functions and services will be the most cost-effective way to provide those services.

Council’s starting point will be the Living Wage calculated by Living Wage Aotearoa New Zealand in 2017.  This will not automatically increase with future Living Wage raises as it will be necessary to decide annual increases (if any) within the context of Council budgets and projections.

Review

This Policy must be reviewed at intervals of no more than three years.

 

 

 

[1] Haar, J., Carr, S., Parker, J., Arrowsmith, J., & Jones, H. A Longitudinal Study of Fair Pay and Outcomes in New Zealand: The Role of a Living Wage Workplace. (To be published 2017) https://www.buira.org/assets/images/conferences/2016/programme.pdf pp.82-84.

[1] Matthew Dutton, Robert Raeside, Tiffany Mazza, Tao Chen, Evaluating the Economic Impact of the Glasgow Living Wage, 2014.

[1] Jane Parker, Lindsay Eastgate, James Arrowsmith, and Stuart Carr, The Logic of ‘Going Living Wage’: A firm-level analysis, (2016)

[1] J. Arrowsmith, L. Eastgate, C. Yao, S. Carr, H. Jones, Exploring corporate and employee rationales for ‘going Living Wage’, British Universities Industrial Relations conference paper, University of Leeds, June – July 2016. https://www.buira.org/assets/images/conferences/2016/programme.pdf pp.156-158.

[1] Stuart C. Carr, Jane Parker, James Arrowsmith, Paul Watters and Harvey Jones, Can a ‘living wage’ springboard human capability? An exploratory study from New Zealand, Labour and Industry 2016, Vol.26. No.1.

[1] Flint, E., Cummins, S. and Wills, J., (2014). Investigating the effect of the London living wage on the psychological wellbeing of low-wage service sector employees: a feasibility study. Journal of Public Health, 36: 187-193.  http://jpubhealth.oxfordjournals.org/content/early/2013/09/05/pubmed.fdt093.full.pdf+html

[1] J. Wills and B. Linneker, The costs and benefits of the London Living Wage, (Queen Mary University of London, October 2012)

[1] Niedt, G. Ruiters, D. Wise, and E. Schoenberger, The effects of the living wage in Baltimore, p.6. Working Paper No.119, (Economic Policy Institute, February 1999). http://epi.3cdn.net/63b7cb4cbcf2f33b2d_w9m6bnks7.pdf 

[1] The London Living wage, pp.19-21. Introducing the Living Wage attracts better job applicants.  http://www.geog.qmul.ac.uk/livingwage/pdf/Livingwagecostsandbenefits.pdf

[1] E. Brown, A. Newman, and S. Blair, The Difference a Living Wage Makes, Paper to the Population Health Conference 2014, p.2. (2014)

[1] Neumark, M. Thompson, and L. Koyle, The effects of living wage laws on low-wage workers and low-income families: What do we know now? p.5. IZA Journal of Labor Policy 2012 1:11.

[1] A short history of the living wage in the UK, http://www.geog.qmul.ac.uk/livingwage/history/index.html Source quoted is: Metcalf, David (2007) Why has the British national minimum wage had little or no impact on employment? CEPDP, 781. Centre for Economic Performance, London School of Economics and Political Science, London.

 

[1] (Andrew J Elmore, Living Wage Laws & Communities: Smarter Economic Development, Lower than Expected Costs, Brennan Center for Justice, New York, 2003, p. 2).

[1] (http://www.nzherald.co.nz/business/news/article.cfm?c_id=3&objectid=11830515)


Attachment 2

Finance and Performance Committee Report - Living Wage Considerations for Hutt City Council - 1 March 2017

 

-     Finance and Performance Committee

16 February 2017

 

 

 

File: (17/264)

 

 

 

 

Report no: FPC2017/1/83

 

Living Wage Considerations for Hutt City Council

 

 

 

 


 


Purpose of Report

1.       To provide Council with an understanding of the Living Wage and options and steps for the possible implementation of a Living Wage at Hutt City Council.

 

2.       To seek recommendations from the Committee regarding the possible implementation of a Living Wage.

 

 


 

Recommendations

That the Committee recommends that Council:

(i)    notes the information in the report;

 

(ii)   recommends that Council EITHER:

a.    not adopts the Living Wage at Hutt City Council; OR

b.    adopts the Living Wage for Council employees with effect from
1 January 2018; OR

 

c.     adopts the Living Wage for Council employees meeting specified criteria only, with effect from 1 January 2018;

 

(iii)  recommends that Council EITHER:

a.    not adopt a Living Wage policy at Hutt City Council in respect of direct contractors to Council; OR

b.    adopts a policy whereby contractors applying a Living Wage approach are given a weighted preference during Council tender processes; OR

c.     requests officers to conduct a thorough investigation into the potential costs and benefits of enforcing a Living Wage approach with significant direct contractors for service to Hutt City Council.

 


Background

The Living Wage Movement

3.       The Living Wage Movement is modelled on living wage movements in other cities around the World.

4.       Living Wage Movement Aotearoa New Zealand brings together community/secular, union and faith-based groups to campaign for a Living Wage.

The Living Wage

5.     The Living Wage Movement Aotearoa New Zealand defines the wage as: ‘The income necessary to provide workers and their families with the basic necessities of life.  A living wage will enable workers to live with dignity and to participate as active citizens in society.’

6.     The original Living Wage identified in December 2012 and announced in 2013, was constructed through independent research by the Family Centre Social Policy Research Unit led by Mr Charles Waldegrave and Dr Peter King.

7.     The Living Wage rate is based on a rate in the market.  A full review every five years will involve analysis of the movements in expenditure items, wages and inflation to check that the annual increases remain realistic, robust and true to the Living Wage definition. 

8.     The original New Zealand Living Wage rate of $18.40 per hour was publically announced in February 2013.

9.     The recalculated Living Wage hourly rate for 2016, which came into effect on 1 July 2016, is set at $19.80 per hour.  This is an increase, in line with the average movement of wages, of 55 cents on the 2015 rate. 

10.   The rate is based on research into the needs of a model family of two parents (working 60 hours a week) and two children. 

11.   The living wage is $4.55 per hour more than the government minimum wage of $15.25 per hour.

12.   As of 1 April 2017 the government minimum wage will rise to $15.75 per hour.   

13.   Council estimate the Living Wage may increase to be around $20.20 per hour in 2017/2018 based on Council staff inflators.  Annual adjustments to the Living Wage are announced in February each year. 

Accredited Living Wage Employer

14.   The criteria to be an accredited living wage employer is:

a.   all directly employed workers are on the living wage;

b.   all indirectly paid workers employed by contractors, delivering a service to the business/ organisation on a regular and on-going basis, are either on the current Living Wage or on milestones agreed as part of the Licence;

c.   employers have provided workers with access to a union; and

d.   workers terms and conditions have not been reduced due to being on the Living Wage e.g. reduction in hours or other benefits.

15.   The Living Wage Licence lasts for 12 months – licence fees currently are $2,500 for our sector and our organisation size.

16.   Once the licence has been signed and fees paid you will be recognised as a Living Wage Employer and licensed to use the Living Wage Employer Mark.

17.   The Living Wage Movement has confirmed the full list of accredited employers as at July 2016, with a total of 58 organisations earning the recognition.

Submission to the Hutt City Council – Hutt Valley Living Wage Network

18.   A submission on the Hutt City Council proposed Annual Plan 2016-2017 was given by the Hutt Valley Living Wage Network to the Community Plan Committee meeting on 17 May 2016.

19.   The Network called on Council to include the following in the Annual Plan 2016-2017:

a.    support for the principle of a living wage;

b.    have an understanding of the impact of low pay and inequalities in our community;

c.    to then work together with the Hutt Valley Living Wage network to examine the feasibility of introducing a living wage for employees of Hutt City Council, Hutt City Council Controlled organisations and those organisations that directly contract to Council for regular and ongoing services; and

d.    actively support and encourage Hutt employers to become living wage employers.

20.   According to the submission there are currently three living wage employers in the Hutt Valley.  Two of these employers are community organisations, Hutt Union and Community Health Service and Common Unity, and one small business enterprise - Fresh Desk.  

21.   At the Community Plan Committee meeting the Mayor requested that the Chief Executive prepare a report for Council to consider in relation to the Living Wage.  A decision was later made to prepare and present the report after the fast approaching election.  This was to avoid the possibility of the matter being debated twice (both before and after the election) as a result of changes to Council’s elected members.

22.   This report has been prepared to coincide with the first meeting of Council’s newly established Finance and Performance Committee.

Discussion

The Living Wage debate

23.   The level of the Living Wage is calculated to ensure that a particular level of disposable income can be met from a combination of after tax income and available government assistance.

24.   However, the extent to which the employer, or the social welfare system, should be responsible for adequate living standards is contentious.

25.   On the Living Wage Aotearoa website ‘the movement believes it is the responsibility of employers to pay wages at a level that allows people in full-time work to support themselves and their families. This is a matter of human dignity. It is only in recent years that it has become acceptable in countries such as England and New Zealand for employers to pay very low wages, in the expectation that these will be topped up to a somewhat livable level by governments. This means that taxpayers are subsidising wages to the tune of billions of dollars for profitable enterprises.

26.   The Movement is not aware of anyone who would prefer to be paid a low wage and then deal with a government agency to receive a top-up of that wage, rather than simply being paid enough to live on by the employer. While the Movement believes it is a fundamental obligation of employers to pay wages on which people can live, we accept the reality that the free-market model presents many with a challenge in doing so. That is why the accreditation system for Living Wage Employers is a voluntary programme.’

 

27.   Contrasting this point of view, on RNZ's Sunday Morning programme, Mr Eric Crampton, who is an economist and the director of the New Zealand Initiative, said among developed countries New Zealand already had the highest minimum wage in relation to the average wage.

28.   Mr Crampton said it was unreasonable to set the minimum wage high enough for people to live off it without any subsidy.

 

        "I don't think that there is any problem that is solved by the minimum wage that is not better solved through things like wage subsidies and Working for Families," he said.

 

The minimum wage was poorly targeted and welfare systems were better placed to support lower-income workers, he said.

"We should look at where the burden of supporting lower productivity or lower income workers should fall," he said.

"Should it fall on the employers and customers of firms that supply goods and services that are produced by lower income workers? Or should it fall on the tax base more broadly?”

"We've got a tax system that's progressive - it tries to spread the burden to where it can be afforded. When we instead put that burden onto employers of lower productivity workers, we knock them out of work."

29.     Council’s Senior Research and Policy Advisor has conducted a literature review on the Living Wage and summarised his findings attached as Appendix 1 to the report.

30.     The Treasury made a Living Wage information release in November 2013.  That report is attached as Appendix 2 to the report.  The report forms some strong conclusions, such as: “The Living Wage is therefore not well targeted at low income families with children.” However the weekly income of these types of household would still increase under the Living Wage calculation.

31.     Additional information related to the Living Wage is available online.  Selected information in support of the Living Wage can be found on livingwage.org.nz/information.  The Taxpayers Union has just released a report entitled “Best of Intentions, Worst of Results”, which highlights some negative effects and can be found at taxpayers.org.nz.

 

The Living wage and government assistance

Working For Families

32.     Working for Families makes it easier to work and raise a family.  It pays extra money to many thousands of New Zealand families and is available for:

a.    almost all families with children, earning under $57,000 a year;

b.    many families with children, earning up to $74,000 a year;

c.    some larger families earning more; and

 

         Working for Families is delivered by Work and Income and Inland   

         Revenue.

33.   The Living Wage interfaces strongly with Central Government income support measures such as Working for Families.  A paper prepared by New Zealand Treasury on the Living Wage estimates that over and above standard PAYE and ACC taxes, a further 50% of the cost to ratepayers of implementing the living wage flows directly to central government by way of benefit and income support abatements, and additional GST.  The extent to which rates funding for the Living Wage flows to Central Government rather than the individual is determined by each person’s circumstances.  The more abatement of income support they incur, the less net benefit they personally receive from a headline wage increase.  Single and young people receive less income support than workers with dependents, and therefore suffer less abatement.

34.   There is no way for Council to target Living Wage income increases to those most in need without the introduction of an intrusive personal circumstances questionnaire.  This is not recommended due to privacy concerns and the extent to which officers would need to make value judgments about individual living situations.

 

Council’s current remuneration practices

35.   Council’s Remuneration Policy states that Council is committed to ensuring its remuneration practices are competitive in the market to attract and retain the best people, while also being affordable to Council.

36.   Council offers employees remuneration which is competitive against other organisations and consistent with the worth of their role to the organisation.  This also recognises the contribution of employees to the achievement of the organisation’s goals and objectives.

37.   Remuneration systems and structures take account of remunerations levels and practices outside Council, but are based also on the need for internal consistency and relativities. 

Living Wage – Financial Impact

38.   Payroll data for all Council employees irrespective of employment type (full time, part time, or casual), was analysed for a 12 month period.  This provided an estimate of cost to Council if the Living Wage had been paid to employees who were paid less than the Living Wage.

39.   Inclusive of holiday pay and Kiwisaver, but excluding employer ACC obligations (this would be an additional 1%), the additional direct cost to Council would have been $470k.  This is before considering the issue of pay relativity which is estimated would cost a further $100k to address.  The total cost to Council if the Living Wage had been paid for all employees is therefore estimated to be $570k.

 

 

40.     A breakdown of the cost by employment type detailed below shows casual employees working an average 8.5 hours a week, with an average age of 22 and average employment tenure of 19 months (1.6 years), would account for $245k (52.2%) of the additional direct cost.

41.     From an Activity perspective, Pools would incur $256k (54.6%) of the additional direct cost.

42.     Breakdowns of the cost per Activity by employment type are provided in the following tables;

 

How should the Living Wage be funded?

43.  Wages are an operating cost and should be funded as such and not from additional debt.  Any additional costs not able to be recovered from user-charges would need to be added to the General Rate requirement.  If no additional income is recovered from increased activity revenues, rates would need to increase on average by about 0.6% plus GST to fund all of the additional cost.

44.  In the following paragraph the impact to Community Services, and in particular increased user charges for swimming pools, is considered.

Impact on Community Services

45.     The majority of the budget impact for Council staff would be felt in the Community Services Group – in particular within the Leisure Active and Libraries divisions.  Museums and Parking Services budgets would also be impacted, albeit to a lesser degree.

46.     Our swimming activities would face the largest impact.  Annual cost implications based on payroll figures for Swimming Pool Activities would be $280,000 in additional costs.  When taking wider relativity payroll issues into account this would probably be about $350,000 per annum.  This would either be an additional cost to ratepayers or passed on in increased user charges.

47.     To recover this additional cost in user charges would require an average estimated price increase of around 15% across the board e.g.:

 

Current

New

Adult Swim

$5.00

$5.75

Child Swim

$3.00

$3.50

Swim Lesson

$15.00

$17.25

Gym Weekly

$12.00

$13.80

48.     The above scenario also assumes that a significant price increase wouldn’t have a material impact on visitor numbers and participation.  Having ‘no’ impact would be extremely unlikely.    

49.     Activities such as fitness gyms and swimming lessons operate in a market environment and therefore this level of increase would make these services uncompetitive.  An example of this would be the recent Request for Proposal completed for Huia Gym.  If the living wage was used in the operating model proposed by Council, profitability would reduce by approximately $90,000 per annum making it more likely that an outside contractor would have been selected to run this operation.

50.     For Fitness Suite Operations and also arguably ‘learn to swim’ operations, attempting to recover the additional cost of a living wage through increased user charges would effectively result in a non-competitive model.          

 

Effect on Council-Controlled Organisations

 

51.     Council’s 100% controlled subsidiaries have the following employee numbers being remunerated below the Living Wage:

 

Seaview Marina Limited – one employee

 

Urban Plus Limited – no employees

 

Community Facilities Trust – no employees

 

Contractors

 

52.   Living Wage Aotearoa New Zealand is calling for workers whose wages are funded by public money to receive a living wage as well as large enterprises that can afford to do so. 

 

53.     Whilst this is their main aim they encourage employers to also extend this to contractors who deliver services on a regular and ongoing basis.  This is done through the procurement process whereby the tenderer would have to assure the customer that their staff were being paid a living wage. 

 

54.     This is a requirement for an ‘accredited living wage employer’.  Officers recommend that Council only consider extending Living Wage requirements to contractors if and when the Living Wage has been fully applied to Council employees.  At that point further work could be done evaluating likely impacts. 

 

55.   To place Living Wage requirements on contractors in advance of full implementation at Council would appear hypocritical.

 

 

 

 

 

56.   An alternative option for Council would be to place importance on Living Wage adoption during tendering, without stipulating that it is essential for potential contractors.  This could be done by applying a Living Wage weighting to tender evaluation formulae in a similar way as may be applied favouring local businesses and businesses with other beneficial practices relating to Health and Safety, environmental issues, etc.

Legal Considerations

General report

57.     The purpose of Council is defined in the Local Government Act 2002 as:

10 Purpose of local government

 

(1)  The purpose of local government is—

(a)  to enable democratic local decision-making and action by, and  on behalf of, communities; and

(b)  to meet the current and future needs of communities for good-quality local infrastructure, local public services, and performance of regulatory functions in a way that is most cost-effective for households and businesses.

(2)  In this Act, good-quality, in relation to local infrastructure, local public services, and performance of regulatory functions, means infrastructure, services, and performance that are—

(a)   efficient; and

(b)   effective; and

(c) appropriate to present and anticipated future circumstances.

57.     There are two major concerns with implementing a blanket living wage.  The first is that Council has a duty at law to its ratepayers to pay no more than is strictly necessary for service. 

58.     The second is that it could be challenged as being beyond the powers (“ultra vires”) of Council.  The main challenge would be that Council implementing the living wage would not be the “most cost-effective” way of fulfilling its purpose and therefore beyond its legal powers.

59.     For this reason, Council would need to be satisfied it could justify why the implementation of a living way would be the most cost-effective method of fulfilling its purpose.  It would need to do this by identifying benefits (for example, improved quality or effectiveness) that justified the additional cost.

 

 

60.     This means, when considering whether to implement the living wage, Council would need to consider all the available options.  This would include paying the living wage as one option and not paying the living wage as another.  Council would need to be satisfied that it had enough other information when making the decision to conclude that paying the living wage was the most cost-effective of the two (or more) options (ie. more cost effective than not paying the living wage).  It would need to do this by reference to clear additional benefits that outweigh the additional cost.  To be clear, this task goes beyond simply identifying practical benefits from paying a living wage.  Council must be satisfied that those benefits outweigh the extra cost involved and make paying the living wage the most cost-effective option available.  If this is not done, the decision will be at risk of losing a judicial review.

61.     From a legal risk perspective, the best way to implement a living wage is on a case-by-case basis.  This allows all the relevant information to be considered and a decision to be made on whether the benefits outweigh the additional cost enough to make paying the living wage the most cost-effective option.

62.     It is easier to justify a living wage for Council staff. This is because Council has an obligation to be a good employer under the Local Government Act 2002.  This goes some way to balancing the additional cost involved. 

63.     It is difficult to envisage a blanket policy to require external contractors to pay a living wage that would meet the test in the Local Government Act.  This is because the benefits the living wage is trying to produce, such as greater productivity and better service outcomes, will already be built into procurement and the contracts.  If Council requires the living wage to be paid to contractor’s employees, in almost all cases this will simply result in increased cost, without the benefits that could justify a requirement for the living wage to be paid.  This may not be true in every single case but the implementation of a blanket policy would not allow for a case-by-case analysis.        

 Other Considerations

64.     In making this recommendation, officers have given careful consideration to the purpose of local government in section 10 of the Local Government Act 2002.  Officers believe that Council needs to carefully consider the information and options before it, to ensure the decision made falls within the scope of section 10.

 

 


Appendices

No.

Title

Page

1

Policy Research Paper

 

2

Treasury Living Wage Information Release November 2013

 

    

 


 


 

 

 

 

 

Author: Jo Beck

Divisional Manager Human Resources

 

 

 

Author: Bradley Cato

Solicitor

 

 

 

 

 

 

Reviewed By: Joycelyn Raffills

General Manager, Governance and Regulatory

 

 

 

Approved By: Tony Stallinger

Chief Executive

 

 

 

 


Attachment 3

Legal Advice - Part 1

 


 


 


 


 


 


 


 


 


 


Attachment 4

Legal Advice - Part 2

 


 


 


 


 


Attachment 5

Living Wage Aoteroa report - HCC Contractors

 

Extending the Living Wage to workers employed via contractors at Hutt City Council

 

Workers employed via contractors are part of the Council workforce. As the Living Wage concept gains momentum, local authorities overseas and in New Zealand are exploring how to extend the Living Wage to these workers.

 

Hutt City Council’s vision is to: make Lower Hutt a great place to live, work and play. A city where our people are proud to live, where working and investing is a smart choice, and where there’s always something for our families to explore.

 

Paying the Living Wage is consistent with this vision, as the Living Wage provides the income necessary for workers and their families to participate in society. It is also consistent with Council’s commitment to see children and young people as an asset in helping communities achieve their full potential, as it is a step Council can take to reduce child poverty in the city.

 

There are numerous arguments for including contract workers in the implementation of the Living Wage. Apart from the fairness issues and taking a lead in addressing poverty and inequality in Hutt City, if the Living Wage is limited to directly-employed staff, that will incentivise the outsourcing of services. 

 

Council has voted to support the Living Wage in principle. Extending the Living Wage to workers employed via contractors ensures that Council takes a “whole of council” approach.  As there is no distinction to the public over whether the person cleaning the HCC facilities is employed by a private contractor or directly by HCC, the same standards should apply.

 

Benefits of extending the Living Wage to workers employed via contractors

 

Substantial research has been done on the benefits to employers, including the benefits to both employers and clients in extending the Living Wage to workers employed via contractors.

 

One of the most recent reports on the benefits of paying the Living Wage is a 2015 report by the University of Strathclyde (Glasgow), which highlighted clear evidence demonstrating how UK employers paying the Living Wage benefit from improved staff morale, retention and productivity.

 

The report, which was commissioned by Barclays, uses case studies demonstrating business benefits and examples of how to mitigate associated costs. Strathclyde Business School academic Dr Andrea Coulson was the primary author of the report.

 

Key findings include:

 

·    Implementing the Living Wage encourages businesses to re-evaluate their approaches to staffing and payment, leading to more effective and efficient working patterns in the long term

·    Implementing the Living Wage encourages businesses to re-evaluate their business model, leading to more effective and efficient working patterns in the long term

·    Increased skills development among existing staff

·    Increased staff performance and job satisfaction

·    Increased staff retention

·    Long-term reputational benefits for Living Wage employers

 

Dr Andrea Coulson said: “The report highlights detailed case study evidence of how costs of adopting the Living Wage are being mitigated and value created for employers, their employees and on-site contract staff.”

 

Jenny Stewart, Head of Infrastructure and Government at KPMG, said, “KPMG has been firmly committed to the Living Wage principle for many years. We have been paying the Living Wage to our own staff since 2006 and ensuring it is paid by sub-contractors since 2007. We have seen the benefits.

Facilities Management staff satisfaction levels are higher than before and as a result the business has become more efficient. During the first year of implementation, turnover in our cleaning staff dropped from 44% to 27%. Absenteeism has also since dropped by 10%. Our suppliers are also benefiting from being associated with Living Wage and are now experiencing greater numbers of applicants to fill vacancies then previously.”

 

Since rolling out the Living Wage to all full-time staff and suppliers, including on-site contractors, KPMG has seen an increase in employee motivation, higher employee retention, and reduced absenteeism. This in turn has resulted in lower recruitment costs, more opportunities for staff development and the opportunity for KPMG to mitigate costs by broadening responsibilities of current staff. The firm has also seen improvements in bottom line performance in both financial and non-financial indicators such as employee engagement and overall customer satisfaction levels.

 

There is a large body of evidence of the benefits of paying the Living Wage, including to workers employed via contractors.

 

A 2006 review of the published US literature (Thompson and Chapman, 2006) indicates that the majority of studies found that: (1) the Living Wage had a low or moderate impact on municipal budgets; (2) that workers and their families benefited with few if any negative effects; and (3) that employers benefited from decreased labour turnover and increased productivity.

 

The low impact on costs was found to be partly a product of the bidding process whereby contractors were expected to bear some of the costs. Moreover, even if the costs were passed on to consumers, they were found to be relatively low in relation to the existing costs of the service. In addition, most of these studies have reinforced the long-established relationship between increased wages and reduced labour turnover (see for example, Greenwald and Stiglitz, 1988).

 

The implementation of the Living Wage at San Francisco International Airport, which directly affected 5,400 low-wage workers, resulted in 1,550 fewer turnovers per year. Turnover rates amongst security screeners dropped from 94.7% to 18.7% (lifting wages from US$6.45 to US$10). In the qualitative interviews deployed in the research at the airport some of the employers also reported increased work performance, employee morale, customer service and a reduced rate of disciplinary hearings as a result of the living wage (Reich et al, 2005).

 

In the UK, there has been growing anecdotal information to make similar claims. It is argued that raising wages to the level of the Living Wage reduces employee turnover while increasing motivation at work.

 

As Mayor Boris Johnson put it in the opening to a 2009 Greater London Authority Living Wage report: “Paying the London Living Wage is not only morally right, but makes good business sense too. What may appear to be an unaffordable cost in a highly competitive market should more often be viewed as a sound investment decision. I believe that paying decent wages reduces staff turnover and produces a more motivated and productive workforce.”

 

A 2008 study of Queen Mary, a college of the University of London, which moved to pay its cleaners the London Living Wage, outlines the benefits. Although in this case, the cleaners were brought in-house, the results of the study are relevant to contract workers.

 

The study, led by Professor Jane Willis, Professor of Human Geography at the university, showed that, after they were lifted to the Living Wage, the cleaners had higher levels of morale and job satisfaction, worked more productively and completed a broader range of tasks. The authors concluded: “The research has revealed that the move has stimulated improvements in the job quality, productivity and service delivery, with very little increase in costs.”

 

A report on the impact of the London Living Wage was commissioned and published by the Greater London Authority, and conducted by London Economics, in 2009. Researchers interviewed representatives from 11 employing organisations that had moved to the Living Wage and found that the: “most significant impact noted was recruitment and retention, improved worker morale, motivation, productivity and [the] reputational impacts of being an ethical employer” (London Economics, 2009). The study found that more than 80% of employers believed that the living wage had increased the quality of the work. For understandable reasons, much of the research was based on managers’ opinions and beliefs about the impact of the living wage, with little consistent statistical data across the employers.

 

Paying a Living Wage can and should ensure staff, whether they are directly-employed or employed via a contractor, are well-trained and skilled to do their work.  It provides an opportunity to require contractors to ensure all their staff are working towards or have formal qualifications (such as ITO qualifications). This is more achievable with a stable and long-serving workforce.

 

With reduced turnover and training, a skilled, qualified and experienced workforce will perform better and provide better service delivery for HCC and the community. For example, skilled, trained and experienced cleaners will achieve a better result and therefore HCC property and grounds will look better and people using the facilities will be more satisfied.  This will also reduce the likelihood of infection and increase the safety of council facilities and grounds.

 

It is superficial to argue that these are benefits solely for the contractor and not the client.  A more stable, productive workforce with greater morale will provide a better service for the Council and ultimately the people of Hutt City.  Below are some of the many benefits of adopting the Living Wage with the contracted workforce:

 

Cost of implementation of the Living Wage

 

Employers and governments are often concerned that paying the Living Wage will be expensive, but

in the context of local government the costs of implementing the Living Wage for workers employed via contractors can be staggered considerably as wages would be adjusted as existing contracts come up for tender or renegotiation. Further, since the firms that bid for contracts themselves are often able to absorb some of the costs of instituting the Living Wage, less financial burden should be passed on to the local government authority to pay.

 

Given the many local authorities that have introduced the Living Wage around the world, there is a large body of literature on the costs and benefits of doing so. International experience has been that initial estimates of the cost of implementing the Living Wage are almost always higher than what eventuates. For example, when Los Angeles introduced the Living Wage in 1997, it was predicted to cost somewhere between US$30-40 million. However, the total increase to labour costs was $US2.5 million.[xiii] 

 

In the US, the longest-running Living Wage ordinance has been the city of Baltimore, which adopted the ordinance in 1994, and has been widely studied. The first study was undertaken in 1996 by the Preamble Centre for Public Policy, showing that in the first year nominal contract costs rose by 0.2%, but after adjusting for inflation costs declined by 2.4%.

 

A 1999 study by the Economic Policy Institute of the Baltimore ordinance found that nominal contract costs for the city rose just 1.2% - lower than inflation during the same period – and concluded that the budgetary impact of the ordinance had to date been minimal.

 

A 2003 study surveyed administrators in 20 cities and counties that had adopted living wage ordinances since 2001, concluding that in most municipalities, “contract costs increased by less than 0.1% of the overall local budget in the years after a living wage law was adopted.”

 

A University of Massachusetts study of three New England cities confirmed the general finding that modest costs can be expected, identifying unit-cost bidding as the kind of bidding process more likely to lead to cost increases.

 

There are many reasons that costs often end up much lower than estimated.  As many of the services councils provide are now procured from private firms (who rely on low wage labour), some of the costs can be absorbed by the firms themselves. Secondly, there are significant benefits associated with implementing a living wage, with regard to lower staff turnover, absenteeism, and boosted productivity.

 

 

Wellington City Council 

 

Given that Wellington City Council has already begun to implement the Living a Wage for workers employed via contractors in the WCC workforce, and the Mayor has set out a plan to progress this in the 2017/18 Annual Plan, it is worth looking closely at the WCC experience. 

 

This has been a staged process. In July 2013 WCC voted to support in principle becoming a Living Wage Council and requested officers to develop a framework providing for the phased implementation of the Living Wage for directly employed staff, staff employed by CCOS and those employed by contractors.

 

In December2013 the new council reaffirmed their commitment to become a Living Wage Council. 

 

In January 2104 WCC moved nearly 500 directly employed staff to the (then) Living Wage of $18.40. Soon after the parking wardens, who were employed via a contractor, were taken in-house and lifted to the (then) Living Wage.

 

In consultation on the 2014 Annual Plan, over 80% of submitters supported the Living Wage proposal to pay all staff, including those employed by contractors, the Living Wage.

 

The 2015 Long Term plan included $750,000 over two years tagged to lift workers employed by contractors to the Living Wage.

 

In October 2015 Council voted to award the contract for security and noise control services on the basis of the Living Wage.

 

In August 2016, around 60 WCC security guards and cleaners moved to $18.55 as a result of the commitment to the Living Wage. They continued to be employed via contractors.

 

The 2017 WCC draft Annual Plan includes the following section:

 

A Living Wage Council

 

The minimum pay rate for all employed by Wellington City Council, its Council Controlled Organisations and contractors will be the official New Zealand Living Wage rate.

 

This completes the journey begun in 2013 when council committed itself to paying the Living Wage and sets Wellington City Council on a path to be the first accredited Living Wage Council in New Zealand.

 

Specifically, this policy will see council adopt the official New Zealand Living Wage rate (as commissioned annually by Living Wage Movement Aotearoa) as a minimum pay rate for;

 

(a)  All staff currently included in the council’s Living Wage programme (specifically; directly employed staff, CCO employees and contractors covered by the Recon security and Spotless Cleaning contracts).

 

(b)  All staff working for contractors delivering services on behalf of council, to be included as contracts come up for renewal or tendering (this specifically excludes those only providing goods).

 

Once a framework has been established to implement this policy council will seek official accreditation as a Living Wage Employer.

 

The Wellington Mayor, Justin Lester, was reported in the New Zealand Herald[xiv] as saying: “We wanted a prudent budget, a budget that was affordable, but that also ensures we treated our staff well."

He said previous experience showed paying a living wage could save money. When the Wellington City Council stopped contracting for parking wardens and instead employed them directly at a living wage rate, they saved overall.

"Because previously the contractor was taking the majority of the benefit from the contract, and not the staff," Lester said. "We've had greater loyalty from staff, reduced turnover, and increased services, at a lower burden for ratepayers."

Legal issues

 

In a legal opinion dated 27 September2013. Dr Matthew Palmer stated:

 

My opinion is that the Local Government Act does not prohibit a local authority or Council Controlled Organisation from paying its employees, or requiring its contractors to pay their employees, a living wage. My opinion is based on material that explains the economic justification of a living wage in terms of associated productivity gains. Pursuing such a policy would be consistent with the purpose of local government which includes cost‐effectiveness and provision of good quality services. In particular, I consider that it would be valid for a local authority to exercise its power to set remuneration policy under the Local Government Act by adopting a living wage policy.”

 

 

Proposal for HCC to move forward

 

There are a range of ways of extending the Living Wage to workers employed by contractors and these options could be assessed on a case-by-case basis.

 

·    The In-Sourcing Option

 

One option is to bring contracted services in-house and directly employ the workforce on at least the Living Wage rate. This is what the Wellington City Council did with its parking services, which used to be run through the Australian Tennix Company with the parking officers sub-contracted to security company Armourguard. When the Wellington City Council decided to bring this service in-house it had a number of objectives including maintaining or increasing the parking income stream, developing a greater service culture from front line workers, integrating the service with other council services and the successful introduction of parking technology to improve the turnover of carparks and to ease the pressure of traffic being blocked by illegally parked vehicles.

 

·    The Comprehensive Option

 

This option would involve the Council requiring all Council and CCO contractors to lift their pay rates for Hutt City Council work to no less than the living wage from an agreed date with Hutt City Council meeting the cost (there are provisions for this in some contractor collective agreements, with provisions saying if a client of the contractor provides funding to lift wages for their worksite then that will be immediately passed on to the wages of that employee for the period in which they are working at that site). This could be done in stages

 

·    The Competitive Tendering Option

 

This option would examine contracts as they approach expiry and look at re-tendering each contract or groups of contracts (if greater value could be gained through tendering for groups of services such as could possibly be done with the Fulton Hogan and Higgins contracts that come up in June 2018) on the basis of the payment of the contractor workforce on no less than the living wage.

 

This would mean that all tenderers were competing on level terms as far as minimum wage rates were concerned, but may want to get more competitive prices through using more advanced technology, greater work productivity or reduction in contractor overheads or profit.

 

·    The Preferred Contractor Option

 

This option would mean the Council picking one or more of its contractors (eg the 30 September 2017 contract for the playgrounds or the Spotless or OCS cleaning contracts) and agreeing to extend its contract length conditional on the contractor agreeing to enter into a transparent process of negotiation on the sharing of the cost of moving its employees to no less than the living wage rate. Transparency would involve the contractor being prepared to reveal all of its costs, including numbers of employees involved in Hutt City Council work and the numbers and hours of those workers who are employed on less than the living wage.  The negotiation trade-off would be the benefit to the contractor of getting a longer extension to the contract against its financial contribution to the cost of the living wage minimum for employees engaged in Hutt City Council work.  The benefit to the Council would be to get a better paid and more productive contractor workforce, to get a better understanding of the costs of carrying out the work of the contractor and to reduce the cost of implementing the living wage. The success or otherwise of this process would then lead to other contractor arrangements if appropriate.

 

These options are not just about setting a living wage floor for workers engaged on Council services. They are also about the Council taking a greater interest in the efficiency of how services are packaged and the quality of the service being delivered.  For instance, between the Council and its CCO it engages two cleaning contractors and an environmental waste contractor, when one contractor may possibly do all three services at a lower price. It is these questions that are posed by an examination of living wage policies.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 


MEMORANDUM                                                 210                                                           23 May 2017

Our Reference          17/790

TO:                      Mayor and Councillors

Hutt City Council

FROM:                Bradley Cato

DATE:                15 May 2017

SUBJECT:           Skateboard Area - Civic Building

 

 

Recommendation

That Council, pursuant to clause 15.2 of the Hutt City Council Traffic Bylaw 2007, resolves to amend the skating ban area for the “central commercial area,             Lower Hutt” to the area shown on the plan             attached as Appendix 1 to the memorandum.

 

Purpose of Memorandum

1.    To amend the current skating ban area in the central commercial area of Lower Hutt.

Background

2.    The current skating ban area for the central commercial area of Lower Hutt, includes an area beside the Council Administration Building that has been set aside to allow skating and other activities. 

3.    Some skateboarding has been occurring in front of the Administration Building, where it is not provided for.  This has been causing damage to structures and property.

4.    In order to enforce the skating ban, the areas where skateboarding is and is not allowed, need to be clearly delineated.  

 

Appendices

No.

Title

Page

1

Skateboard Ban Area

211

    

 

Author: Bradley Cato

Solicitor

 

 

 

Approved By: Tony Stallinger

Chief Executive


Attachment 1

Skateboard Ban Area

 


BLANK PAGE


MEMORANDUM                                                 213                                                           23 May 2017

Our Reference          17/740

TO:                      Mayor and Councillors

Hutt City Council

FROM:                Kathryn Stannard

DATE:                02 May 2017

SUBJECT:           Changes to Terms of Reference and Subcommittee Membership

 

 

Recommendation

That Council:

 

(i)    approves the proposed amendment (as strike out) to the City Development Committee’s terms of reference as attached as Appendix 1 to the memorandum;

 

(ii)   approves the amendment (as underlined) to the Community Boards’ delegations as attached as Appendix 2 to the memorandum;

 

(iii)  approves the amendments to the Wellington Region Waste Management and Minimisation Plan Joint Committee’s (WMMP) terms of reference to reflect the following:

 

(a)  that territorial authorities can appoint an alternate member to attend and vote at its meetings in the appointed member’s absence; and

 

(b)  that the WMMP Joint Committee will agree at the beginning of each triennium where meetings are to be held; and

 

(iv) appoints Cr Lewis as an alternate to the WMMP Joint Committee; and

 

(v)  appoints Cr Bridson as a sitting member of the Traffic Subcommittee and
Cr Barratt as alternate.

 

Purpose of Memorandum

1.    As an administrative matter to seek Council’s agreement to amend the City Development Committee’s terms of reference, amend the Community Boards’ delegations, change the membership of the Traffic Subcommittee and approve the amendment to the Wellington Region Waste Management and Minimisation Joint Committee’s terms of reference.

Background

City Development Committee

2.    The Divisional Manager Strategic Services is asking if the wording regarding the public art funding could be deleted from the City Development Committee’s terms of reference as the matter is already reflected under the Arts and Culture Subcommittee’s terms of reference.  See Appendix 1 for the terms of reference for the City Development Committee to include the amendment.

Community Boards

3.    The Divisional Manager Parks and Gardens is asking Council if the wording regarding the removal or planting of trees might be made clearer to the Community Boards’ delegations.  The removal and planting of street trees is an operational matter administered by officers in terms of the Council’s policy.  The delegation to Community Boards is to make decisions on only those matters where a dispute arises that cannot be resolved at officer level.  See Appendix 2 for the proposed Community Boards’ delegations to include the amendment.

Wellington Region Waste Management and Minimisation Joint Committee

4.    A request has come from the Wellington Region Waste Management Minimisation (WMMP) Joint Committee asking territorial authorities within the Wellington region to appoint an alternate to the WMMP Joint Committee.

5.    Cr Lewis has been approached to be the alternate to sit on the WMMP Joint Committee in the absence of the appointed member, Cr Bridson.  Subject to approval by Council, Cr Lewis is pleased to accept the appointment.

6.    The WMMP Joint Committee is also asking territorial authorities to approve amendments to its terms of reference to reflect the appointment of the alternate and the location of its meetings.

Traffic Subcommittee

 

7.    Cr Bridson has been approached to sit as a member of the Traffic Subcommittee instead of an alternate.  Cr Barratt will be the alternate.  Subject to approval by Council, Cr Bridson is happy to accept the appointment.

 

Appendices

No.

Title

Page

1

Updated TOR City Development Committee

216

2

Functions and Delegations for Community Boards 2016-2019

218

    

 

 

 

 

 

 

Author: Kathryn Stannard

Divisional Manager, Secretariat Services

 

 

 

 

 

 

Reviewed By: Bradley Cato

Solicitor

 

 

 

Approved By: Joycelyn Raffills

General Manager, Governance and Regulatory

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 


Attachment 1

Updated TOR City Development Committee

 

 

 

.HuttCity_TeAwaKairangi_SCREEN_MEDRES

 

 

CITY DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE

Membership:                    11

Quorum:                           Half of the members

Meeting Cycle:                  Meets on a six weekly basis, as required or at the requisition of the            Chair

Reports to:                       Council

PURPOSE:

To monitor Council’s performance in promoting the on-going growth, redevelopment and improvement of the City, oversee the delivery of projects which contribute to these outcomes and to monitor the delivery of the regulatory and operational services in accordance with goals and objectives set by Council and ensure compliance with relevant legislation.

Determine and where relevant monitor:

The framework and timetable for relevant work programmes contained in Council’s policies, vision statements and strategies to ensure objectives are being met, including:

•    The monitoring of key City Development Projects.

•    Progress towards achievement of the Council’s economic outcomes as outlined in the Economic Development Strategy.

•    To consider the monitoring and review the outcomes from the major events programme.

•    Oversight of the Advisory Group for economic development and city events.

•    Temporary road closures and stopping associated with events.

•    Naming new roads and alterations to street names (Central, Eastern, Western and Northern Wards only).

•    The effective implementation of Council policies through monitoring the achievement of stated objectives.

•    Exercise of Council’s statutory and regulatory responsibilities and compliance with relevant legislation.

•    Roading issues considered by the Mayor and Chief Executive to be strategic due to their significance on a city-wide basis, including links to the State Highway, or where their effects cross ward or community boundaries.

     Public art funding in accordance with the Public Art Policy (currently in development)

•    Matters arising from issues raised relating to climate change. 

Review and make recommendations to Council on:

•    Plans that promote for the on-going growth, redevelopment and improvement of Hutt City

•    Operational and capital projects to promote city development including associated issues such as scope, funding, prioritising and timing of projects.

•    Changes to aspects of the LTP arising from issues raised before the committee in the course of its deliberations.

•    Operational contracts, agreements, grants and funding for city and economic development purposes.

•    Civil Defence Emergency Management Group Plan matters as required.

General:

•    Any other matters delegated to the Committee by Council in accordance with approved policies and bylaws.

•    Approval and forwarding of submissions on matters related to the Committee’s area of responsibility.

Conduct:

Hearing of submissions required on any matters falling under the Terms of Reference for this committee.

Note:

This does not include hearing objections to conditions imposed on resource consents which will be heard by the Council’s Policy and Regulatory Committee.

 


Attachment 2

Functions and Delegations for Community Boards 2016-2019

 

community boards – functions and delegations 

This document records the delegation of Council functions, responsibilities, duties, and powers to Community Boards. 

The Community Boards have been established under section 49 of the Local Government Act 2002 to represent, and act as an advocate for, the interests of their community. 

The delegations are expressed in general terms.  The delegations shall be exercised with proper regard for the Council’s strategic direction, policies, plans, Standing Orders and its interpretation of its statutory obligations.  The delegations are to be read together with the following propositions.

These delegations are based on the following principles:

·           Issues relevant to a specific community should be decided as closely as possible to that community.  Where an issue has city-wide implications, ie any effects of the decision cross a ward or community boundary or have consequences for the city as a whole, the matter will be decided by Council after seeking a recommendation from the relevant Community Board or (any ambiguity around the interpretation of “city-wide” will be determined by the Mayor and Chief Executive in consultation with the relevant Chair);

·           Efficient decision-making should be paramount;

·           Conflicts of interest should be avoided and risks minimised;

·           To ensure processes are free from bias and pre-determination Community Boards should not adjudicate on issues on which they have advocated or wish to advocate to Council;

·           Community Boards should proactively and constructively engage with residents on local matters that affect the community they represent and raise with Council issues raised with them by their community and advocate on behalf of their community.

These delegations:

(a)     do not delegate any function, duty or power which a statute (for example section 53(3) and clause 32(1) of Schedule 7 of the Local Government Act 2002) prohibits from being delegated;

(b)    are subject to and do not affect any delegation which the Council has already made or subsequently makes to any other committee, Council officer or other member of staff;

(c)     are subject to any other statutory requirements that may apply to a particular delegation;

(d)    are subject to any notice issued by the Council, from time to time, to a Community Board that a particular issue must be referred to Council for decision;

(e)     reflect that decisions with significant financial implications should be made by Council (or a committee with delegated authority);

(f)     promote centralisation of those functions where the appropriate expertise must be ensured; and

(g)    reflect that all statutory and legal requirements must be met.

DELEGATIONS

Decide:

·         Naming new roads and alterations to street names (in the Community Board’s area).

·         Official naming of parks, reserves and sports grounds within the provisions of Council’s Naming Policy. Note [2]

·         Removal and/or planting of street trees within the provisions of Council’s Operational Guide for Urban Forest Plan where a dispute arises that cannot be resolved at officer level.  Note [3]

·         The granting of leases and licences in terms of Council policy to voluntary organisations for Council owned properties in their local area, for example, halls, but not including the granting of leases and licences to community houses and centres.

·         The granting of rights-of-way and other easements over local purpose reserves and granting of leases or licences on local purpose reserves.

·         The granting of leases and licences for new activities in terms of Council policy to community and commercial organisations over recreation reserves subject to the provisions of the Reserves Act 1977 and land managed as reserve subject to the provisions of the Local Government 2002, in their local area.  (Note:  renewal of existing leases and licences will be reported once a year to Council’s City Development Committee).

·         The allocation of funding from the Community Engagement Fund in accordance with Council’s adopted guidelines.

·         Expenditure of funds allocated by the Council to the Board from the Miscellaneous Budget to cover expenditure associated with the activities of the Board.  The Chair to approve expenditure, in consultation with the Board, and forward appropriate documentation to the Committee Advisor for authorisation.  Boards must not exceed their annual expenditure from the Miscellaneous Budget.

·         The allocation of funding for the training and development of Community Board or members, including formal training courses, attendance at seminars or attendance at relevant conferences.

Consider and make recommendations to Council on:

·         Particular issues notified from time to time by Council to the Community Board.

·         Roading issues considered by the Mayor and Chief Executive to be strategic due to their significance on a city-wide basis, including links to the State Highway, or where their effects cross ward or community boundaries.

·         Parks, reserves and sports ground naming for sites that have a high profile, city-wide importance due to their size and location and/or cross ward or community boundaries.

·         Representatives to any Council committee, subcommittee, subordinate decision-making body, working group, or ad hoc group on which a Community Board representative is required by Council.

·         The setting, amending or revoking of speed limits in accordance with the Hutt City Council Bylaw 2005 Speed Limits, including the hearing of any submissions.

GENERAL FUNCTIONS

Provide their local community’s input on:

·         Council’s Long Term Plan and/or Annual Plan.

·         Council’s policies, programmes (including the District Roading Programme) and bylaws.

·         Changes or variations to the District Plan.

·         Resource management issues which it believes are relevant to its local community, through advocacy.

·         The disposal or acquisition of significant assets.

·         Road safety including road safety education within its area.

·         Any other issues a Board believes is relevant to its local area.

·         Review Local Community Plans as required.

Reports may be prepared by the Board and presented to Council Committees, along with an officer’s recommendation, for consideration.

Any submissions lodged by a Board or Committee require formal endorsement by way of resolution.

Co-ordinate with Council staff:

·         Local community consultation on city-wide issues on which the Council has called for consultation.

Maintain:

·         An overview of roadworks, water supply, sewerage, stormwater drainage, waste management and traffic management for its local area.

·         An overview of parks, recreational facilities and community activities within its local area.

Develop:

·         Community Response Plans in close consultation with the Wellington Region Emergency Management Office, emergency organisations, the community, residents’ associations, other community groups, and local businesses.   The Community Response Plans will be reviewed on an annual basis.

Grant:

·         Local community awards.

Promote:

·         Recreational facilities and opportunities in its area with a view to ensure maximum usage.

·         Arts and crafts in its area.

Appoint:

·         A liaison member or, where appropriate, representatives to ad hoc bodies, which are involved in community activities within the Board’s area, on which a community representative is sought.

Endorse:

·      Amendments to the Eastbourne Community Trust Deed (Eastbourne Community Board only).


MEMORANDUM                                                 221                                                           23 May 2017

Our Reference          17/769

TO:                      Mayor and Councillors

Hutt City Council

FROM:                Kathryn Stannard

DATE:                09 May 2017

SUBJECT:           Alteration of Part of a Previous Council Resolution - Delaney Park

 

 

Recommendation

That Council:

 

(i)    notes its original resolution dated 15 December 2016 (Minute No. C 16506(3)) as follows:

 

“That Council agrees to provide for the following alcohol free areas within the city…part (f) Stokes Valley shopping centre and Speldhurst Park, Stokes Valley to be alcohol free zones at all times”…; and

 

(ii)   agrees to alter part (f) of the resolution to include Delaney Park to be alcohol free zone at all times as follows:

 

 Stokes Valley shopping centre, Delaney Park and Speldhurst Park, Stokes Valley to be alcohol free zones at all times as attached as Appendix 1 to the memorandum.

 

 

Purpose of Memorandum

1.    To seek Council’s approval to alter part of a previous resolution of Council. 

Background

2.    The previous Council, at its meeting held on 20 September 2016, resolved to appoint Hearings Commissioners for the period after the members of the Policy and Regulatory Committee vacated office and up to the appointment of the relevant Standing Committee.  Cr Bridson was appointed Chair of the Hearings Commissioners.

3.    The Hearings Panel met on 9 December 2016 to hear submissions on the Control of Alcohol in Public Places Bylaw and make recommendations to Council.  Council, at its meeting held on 15 December 2016, agreed to the recommendations from the Hearings Panel. 

4.    Officers have discovered an oversight in the Council resolution (Minute No. C 16506(3)) where part f) of the resolution does not include Delaney Park to be alcohol free zones at all times although the map attached to the recommendations did reflect that the area was included.

Location

 

5.    The Stokes Valley shopping centre, Delaney Park and Speldhurst Park are three separate but connected areas.  The Stokes Valley shopping centre connects to Delaney Park and then leads into Speldhurst Park.

 

6.    The Stokes Valley shopping centre, Delaney Park and Speldhurst Park is the same area as was in the previous bylaw.

 

Hearings Panel

 

7.    In discussion with the Chair of the Hearings Panel, Cr Bridson, she advised that the Hearings Panel did not discuss Delaney Park specifically and excluding Delaney Park was an unintentional mistake. 

 

Appendices

No.

Title

Page

1

Stokes Valley area

223

    

 

 

 

 

 

 

Author: Kathryn Stannard

Divisional Manager, Secretariat Services

 

 

 

 

 

 

Reviewed By: Bradley Cato

Solicitor

 

 

 

Approved By: Joycelyn Raffills

General Manager, Governance and Regulatory

 

 

 

 


                                                                     223                                             14 March 2017

   HUTT CITY COUNCIL

 

Minutes of an ordinary meeting of The Hutt City Council held in the Council Chambers, 2nd Floor, 30 Laings Road, Lower Hutt on

 Tuesday 14 March 2017 commencing at 6.00pm

 

 

 PRESENT:                       Mayor WR Wallace (Chair)                     Deputy Mayor D Bassett

Cr G Barratt                                             Cr C Barry

Cr L Bridson                                             Cr J Briggs
Cr MJ Cousins                                          Cr S Edwards
Cr T Lewis                                                Cr M Lulich
Cr G McDonald                                       Cr C Milne
Cr L Sutton

 

APOLOGIES:                  There were no apologies.

 

IN ATTENDANCE:       Mr T Stallinger, Chief Executive

Ms K Kelly, General Manager, Strategic Services

Mr B Sherlock, General Manager, City Infrastructure (part meeting)

Ms J Raffills, General Manager, Governance and Regulatory

Mr M Reid, General Manager, Community Services (part meeting)

Mr B Kibblewhite, Chief Financial Officer (part meeting)

Ms J Beck, Human Resources Manager (part meeting)

Mr S Keatley, Huia Pool Manager (part meeting)

Ms M Laban, Community Projects and Relationship Manager (part meeting)

Mr B Cato, City Solicitor (part meeting)

Mr S Simcox, Communications and Marketing Team Leader (part meeting)

Ms K Stannard, Divisional Manager Secretariat Services

Ms H Clegg, Minute Taker

 

 

 

PUBLIC BUSINESS

 

 

 

 

1.       APOLOGIES 

There were no apologies.

2.       PUBLIC COMMENT

Comments are recorded under the item to which they relate.

 

Precedence of Business

That, in terms of Standing Order 10.4, precedence be accorded to item 6 e) 4a) dealing with the Living Wage.

 

 

3.

Mayoral Statement

The Mayor delivered his Mayoral Statement.

 

 

Resolved: (Mayor Wallace/Deputy Mayor Bassett)                   Minute No. C 17101(3)

“That the Mayoral Statement be noted and received.”

4.       CONFLICT OF INTEREST DECLARATIONS

Cr Cousins and Cr Bridson declared a conflict of interest in item 6c) 4c) dealing with the Local Alcohol Policy: Proposed Amendments and took no part in discussion or voting on the item.

Cr Cousins declared a conflict of interest in item 6 e 4b) dealing with the Hutt City Community Facilities Trust and took no part in discussion or voting on the item.

Deputy Mayor Bassett declared a conflict of interest in items 6 e 4d), 7b) and 14 dealing with the Review of Draft Statement of Intent 2017/2018 for UrbanPlus Limited, Proposed District Plan Change 38 and the Appointment of Directors for Seaview Marina Ltd and UrbanPlus Ltd and took no part in discussion or voting on the item.

Cr Sutton declared a conflict of interest in item 6 c) 4j) dealing with Public Art – Opportunities and Gaps and took no part in discussion or voting on the item.

Cr Milne declared a conflict of interest in items 6 e 4c) and 14 dealing with the Review of Draft Statement of Intent 2017-2020 for Seaview Marina Limited and the Appointment of Directors for Seaview Marina Ltd and UrbanPlus Ltd and took no part in discussion or voting on the item.

5.

RECOMMENDATION TO COUNCIL FROM THE COMMUNITY PLAN COMMITTEE MEETING HELD ON 14 MARCH 2017

Annual Plan 2017-2018

 

 

Resolved: (Mayor Wallace/Deputy Mayor Bassett)          Minute No. C 17102(3)

“That Council:

(i)       notes that the underlying information for the Annual Plan 2017-2018 was adopted by Council following the 21 February 2017 Community Plan Committee meeting;

 

(ii)     approves the budget as outlined by the Chief Executive and the Strategic Leadership Team; and

 

(iii)   adopts the Consultation Document attached as Appendix 1 to the report for public consultation between 28 March and 28 April 2017.”

 

 

6.       Committee Reports with Recommended Items

a)      Traffic Subcommittee

 

13 February 2017

 

 

Resolved:                                                                     Minute No. C 17103(3)

“That the report of the meeting held on 13 February 2017 be adopted.”

 

Recommended Items

Items 4a) -4o)

4a) Buick Street, Petone – Proposed P180 Mobility Parking Restriction, item 4b) Burnham Street and Plunket Ave, Petone - Proposed Give Way Controls,  item 4c) Tennyson Street, Petone - Proposed Roundabouts, Associated Give Way Controls, Traffic Island and No Stopping At All Times Restrictions, item 4d) John Street and Richmond Street, Petone - Proposed P120 Parking Restrictions, item 4e) 288 Jackson Street, Petone - Proposed P15 Parking Restriction, item 4f) Te Whiti Grove, Korokoro - Proposed No Stopping At All Times Restrictions, item 4g) Marine Parade, Eastbourne - Proposed Bollards, item 4h) Proposed School Zones 40km/h Variable Speed Limits 2016/2017, item 4i Waterloo Road - Proposed P120 Parking Restrictions, item 4j) Vincent Street - Proposed P180 Parking Restrictions, item 4k) 22 Kings Crescent - Proposed P30 Parking Restriction, item 4l) Onehuka Road, Tirohanga - Proposed No Stopping At All Times Restrictions, item 4m) Mulberry Street, Maungaraki - Proposed No Stopping At All Times Restrictions, item 4n) 191 Dowse Drive, Maungaraki - Proposed No Stopping At All Times Restrictions, item 4o) 108 Dowse Drive, Maungaraki - Proposed No Stopping At All Times Restrictions and Buick Street, Petone - Proposed P180 Mobility Parking Restriction (16/1220)

 

 

Resolved:                                                  Minute No. C 17104(3)

“That Council:

(i)               approves the installation of a P180 Mobility Park Restriction in Buick Street, Petone, as shown in Appendix 1 attached to Report TRS2016/5/238;

 

(ii)             approves the installation of a Give Way Control and associated No Stopping At All Times Restrictions at the intersection of Burnham Street with Plunket Avenue, Petone as shown in Appendix 1 attached to TRS2016/5/236;

 

(iii)           approves the installation of a Give Way Control and associated No Stopping At All Times Restrictions at the intersection of Plunket Avenue with South Street, Petone as shown in Appendix 2 attached to Report TRS2016/5/236;

 

(iv)           approves the installation of two Roundabouts, the associated Give Way controls, a traffic island and No Stopping At All Times Restrictions in Tennyson Street, Petone as shown in Appendix 1 attached to Report TRS2016/5/237;

 

(v)             approves the installation of P120 Parking Restrictions in John Street and Richmond Street, Petone as shown in Appendix 1 attached to Report TRS2017/1/4;

 

(vi)           approves the replacement of a P60 Parking Restriction with a P15 Parking Restriction outside Nº 288 Jackson Street, Petone as shown in Appendix 1 attached to Report TRS2017/1/5;

 

(vii)         approves the installation of No Stopping At All Times Restrictions in
Te Whiti Grove, Korokoro as shown in Appendix 1 attached to Report TRS2017/1/6;

 

(viii)       prohibits vehicular through traffic in Marine Parade South between Hinau Street and Kauri Street, Eastbourne by the installation of Bollards and appropriate signage, as attached as Appendix 1 to Report TRS2017/1/40;

 

(ix)           notes the specified parts of High Street and Ropata Street (for St Oran’s College), High Street and De Menech Grove (for Avalon Intermediate School), Marine Drive and Ferry Road (for Wellesley College), and Waddington Drive, Burke Grove and Cole Street (for Naenae Primary School) meet the New Zealand Transport Agency warrant conditions for 40km/h Variable Speed Limits in School Zones;

(x)      notes the results of the submissions process referred to in paragraphs
12-16 in
Report TRS2017/1/41;

(xi)     resolves that in accordance with s7.2(3) of the Land Transport Rule – Setting of Speed Limits 2003 (the “Rule”), and after taking account of section 6 of the Rule and submissions received, and for the periods of operation stipulated in the New Zealand Gazette, 21/4/2011, Nº55, p1284 – Variable Speed Limits in School Zones, that 40km/h variable speed limits be set from 13 February 2017 for areas around the following schools:

(a)   St Oran’s College, attached as Appendix 1 to Report TRS2017/1/41;

(b)   Avalon Intermediate School, attached as Appendix 2 to Report TRS2017/1/41;

(c)   Wellesley College attached as Appendix 3 to Report TRS2017/1/41

(d)   Naenae Primary School attached as Appendix 4 to Report TRS2017/1/41; and

(xii)         requests officers to undertake all necessary actions to give effect to these resolutions under the provisions of the Rule;

 

(xiii)       approves the installation of P120 Parking Restrictions in Waterloo Road attached as Appendix 1 to Report TRS2016/5/239;

 

(xiv)       approves the installation of P180 Parking Restrictions in Vincent Street attached as Appendix 1 to Report TRS2016/5/240;

 

(xv)         approves the replacement of two Pay and Display P120 Parking Restrictions parks with P30 Parking Restriction outside Nº 22 Kings Crescent attached as Appendix 1 to Report TRS2017/1/7;

 

(xvi)       approves the installation of No Stopping At All Times Restrictions in Onehuka Road, Tirohanga attached as Appendix 1 to Report TRS2017/1/2;

 

(xvii)     approves the installation of No Stopping At All Times Restrictions in Mulberry Street, Maungaraki attached as Appendix 1 to Report TRS2017/1/3;

 

(xviii)   approves the installation of No Stopping At All Times Restrictions outside Nº 191 Dowse Drive, Maungaraki attached as Appendix 1 to Report TRS2017/1/1; and

 

(xix)       approves the installation of No Stopping At All Times Restrictions in Dowse Drive, Maungaraki attached as Appendix 1 to Report TRS2016/5/241.”

b)      District Plan Committee

 

20 February 2017

 

 

Resolved: (Cr Bridson/Cr Briggs)                                    Minute No. C 17105(3)

“That the report of the meeting held on 20 February 2017 with the exception of item 4, Ecosites, Landscapes and Coastal Natural Character, be adopted.”

 

 

Recommended Item

Item 4)

Ecosites, Landscapes and Coastal Natural Character (16/1442)

 

Resolved: (Cr Bridson/Cr Briggs)            Minute No. C 17106(3)

“That Council:

(i)   approves the management of significant ecosites, landscape areas and coastal natural character areas involves a whole-of-Council approach including regulatory management in the District Plan complemented by non-regulatory methods including:

(a)      a new Parks and Gardens Division role to work on biodiversity and landscape matters on Council land and to work with private landowners on property management plans and access to funding and information;

(b)      a fund for land management and enhancement works including planting, fencing, weed and pest management, and covenanting assistance;

(c)      consent fee remission including where consent requirements are triggered solely by ecosite, landscape or coastal natural character District Plan provisions or activities are being carried out in accordance with an agreed management plan; and

(d)      amendment (via Special Consultative Procedure) of the existing rates remission policy for protected culturally significant sites, historic buildings, structures and places, and archaeological sites to address significant ecosites, landscape areas and coastal natural character areas;

(ii)    recommends to the Community Plan Committee that an additional $87,000 per year for Parks and Gardens work and consent fee remission is provided for in the Long Term Plan; and

(iii)      notes that the additional $87,000 per year provision is for five years.”

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

c)       Policy and Regulatory Committee

 

27 February 2017

 

 

Resolved: (Cr Cousins/Cr Edwards)                        Minute No. C 17107(3)

 “That the report of the meeting held on 27 February 2017 with the exception of item 4a) Wellington Region Natural Hazards Management Strategy, item 4b) Regional Sport and Recreation Plan for the Wellington Region, item 4c) Local Alcohol Policy: Proposed amendment, item 4d) Triennial Agreement, item 4e) Local Governance Statement, item 4f) Future of Bell Park, item 4g) Training Policy for Community Boards and Community Committees, item 4h) Accessibility and Inclusiveness Plan 2017-2027, item 4i) Dog Control Bylaw Dog Trial Feedback and Recommendations, item 4j) Public Art – Opportunities and Gaps, be adopted.”

Recommended Items

Item 4a)

Wellington Region Natural Hazards Management Strategy (17/35)

 

Resolved: (Cr Cousins/Cr Briggs)          Minute No. C 17108(3)

“That Council endorses the Wellington Region Natural Hazards Management Strategy, attached as Appendix 1 to Report No PRC2017/1/29.”

 

Item 4b)

Regional Sport and Recreation Plan for the Wellington Region (17/88)

 

Resolved: (Cr Cousins/Cr Edwards)       Minute No. C 17109(3)

“That Council:

(i)   endorses the ‘Wellington Sport and Active Recreation Strategy’, attached as Appendix 1 to Report No PRC2017/1/48;

(ii)  agrees that all future significant Council decisions relating to Sport and Active Recreation should be made in the context of the new regional strategy; and

(iii) appoints Cr Edwards as its political champion for the ‘Regional Sport and Recreation Strategy for the Wellington Region’.”

 

Item 4c)

Local Alcohol Policy:  Proposed amendment (16/1338)

 

Crs Bridson and Cousins declared a conflict of interest and left the table for the duration of the item.

 

Resolved: (Cr Edwards/Cr Lewis)            Minute No. C 17110(3)

“That Council:

(i)      notes the evidence presented from the Medical Officer of Health and Police, attached as Appendix 2 to Report No PRC2017/1/58;

(ii)     notes that Council’s Licensing Inspectors have also been consulted as required by section 78(4) of the Sale and Supply of Alcohol Act 2012 (the Act);

(iii)    notes the other evidence presented to Council as part of the process to produce a draft amendment to the current Local Alcohol Policy (LAP), as attached as Appendix 1 to Report No PRC2017/1/58;

(iv)    has regard to the mandatory criteria contained in section 78(2) of the Act;

(v)     based on the information provided and the consideration of the mandatory criteria, agrees to produce a draft LAP amendment that adds the following words to clause 1.2 of the LAP:

a.   the maximum number of off-licences permitted in the following areas:

      Naenae; Stokes Valley; Taita; Avalon; Hutt Central; Wainuiomata;

b.   shall be the number of off-licences in the area, at the time this policy is adopted, and

c.    the areas are outlined on the map, as attached as Appendix 5 to Report No PRC2017/1/58;

(vi)    notes that, during consultation, Council’s Licensing Inspectors raised two types of on-licence that are not dealt with by the current LAP;

(vii)   agrees to produce a draft LAP amendment that adds the following words to clause 1.1 of the LAP:

a.   add the words “Function Centres” to both sections dealing with Taverns/Hotels/Nightclubs;

b.   add the words:

Cinemas:

7.00am- 3.00am the following day, Monday to Sunday;

Licensed on the condition that their on-licences are linked to the business activity of a cinema; and

(viii)  asks that the subcommittee also consider, if it believes it can lawfully do so, whether there is any evidence to support caps on the number of off-licences:

a.    only applying to stand-alone bottle stores; or

b.    excluding supermarkets; and/or

c.     excluding premises operating as a brewery offering complimentary samples; and/or

d.    excluding boutique shops selling only craft beer and imported wine.”  

 

Item 4d)

Triennial Agreement (17/148)

 

Resolved: (Cr Cousins/Cr Edwards)        Minute No. C 17111(3)

“That Council:

(i)      approves entry into the Triennial Agreement (a draft of which is attached as Appendix 1 to Report No PRC2017/1/47); and

(ii)  authorises the Chief Executive to undertake any further negotiations to finalise the agreement and authorises the Mayor to execute the agreement on the Council’s behalf.”

 

Item 4e)

Local Governance Statement (17/63)

 

Resolved: (Cr Cousins/Cr Sutton)           Minute No. C 17112(3)

“That Council:

(i)      agrees that the Council’s current Local Governance Statement, amended to bring it up-to-date, attached as Appendix 1 to Report No PRC2017/1/59, be made publicly available; and

(ii)  authorises the Chief Executive to make modifications to the document during the course of this triennium, which reflect any changes to Council policies, practices or structures.”

 

Item 4f)

Future of Bell Park  (17/9)

 

Resolved: (Cr Cousins/Cr Barry)           Minute No. C 17113(3)

“That Council:

(i)     notes that historically Bell Park has been managed as a formal sports park but has not been used for this purpose for two seasons and will not be required for such use in the future;

(ii)    notes that an independent assessment of reserve values has been undertaken which considers Bell Park has a medium rating, contributing to the local and wider reserve network;

(iii)   requests officers to undertake consultation with the community about the future of Bell Park; and

(iv)   requests officers to report back to Council with options after consultation.”

 

Item 4g)

Training Policy for Community Boards and Community Committees (16/1207)

 

Resolved: (Cr Cousins/Cr Briggs)          Minute No. C 17114(3)

“That Council approves the revised Training Policy for Community Boards and Community Committees (should Community Committees be established), attached as Appendix 1 to Report No PRC2017/1/51.”

 

Item 4h)

Accessibility and Inclusiveness Plan 2017-2027 (17/138)

 

Cr Lewis thanked officers for their work on the Accessibility and Inclusiveness Plan.

 

Resolved: (Cr Cousins/Cr Edwards)     Minute No. C 17115(3)

“That Council:

(i)       approves the changes made to the Accessibility and Inclusiveness Plan  2017-2027 as a result of the engagement forum held with the disability community;

(ii)      agrees to the establishment of an Accessibility and Inclusiveness Plan (AIP) Advisory Group of up to five members as a subcommittee of Council reporting to the Community Services Committee;

(iii)     agrees that the AIP Advisory Group will meet quarterly with the first meeting being 1 July 2017;

(iv)     agrees to the payment of an honorarium for members of $60 per meeting to cover costs of attending the meeting;

(v)      directs officers to work with the AIP to assist to develop a Terms of Reference for the group and a work programme including formal induction on the role of Council and its fiscal responsibilities;

(vi)     adopts the Accessibility and Inclusiveness Plan 2017-2027, attached as Appendix 1 to Report No PRC2017/1/52; and

(vii)    agrees that the Accessibility and Inclusiveness Plan Advisory Group reports to the Community Services Committee.”

 

Item 4i)

Dog Control Bylaw Dog Trial Feedback and Recommendations (17/122)

 

Members thanked officers for their work on the dog trial feedback.

Resolved: (Cr Cousins/Cr Edwards)       Minute No. C 17116(3)

“That Council:

(i)     agrees to delete maps 41, 44 and 51 attached to the Dog Control Bylaw 2015;

(ii)    agrees to end the 12 month trial period “Dogs On Leash Exercise Areas” associated with maps 41, 44 and 51.  This will mean these areas are simply public areas where dogs can be exercised on leash.  For completeness, these trial areas contained the following descriptions:

(a)   allows dogs on leash on the footpaths and berms, on the road frontages of the commercial properties located on the corner of Maire Street and Wainuiomata Road, Wainuiomata outlined in the map attached as Appendix 1 to Report No PRC2017/1/53;

(b)   allows dogs on leash on the entire road reserve, footpaths and berms on the road frontage of the commercial properties of Jackson Street, Petone, between its intersections with Cuba Street and Hutt Road, outlined in the map attached as Appendix 2 to Report No PRC2017/1/53; and

(c)   allows dogs on leash on the entire road reserve, footpaths and berms on the road frontage of the commercial properties of Rimu and Oroua Streets, Eastbourne, outlined in the map attached as Appendix 3 to Report No PRC2017/1/53;

(iii)   agrees to delete map 54 attached to the Dog Control Bylaw 2015 and directs officers to make the necessary amendments to the remaining maps to give effect to the recommendation below; and

(iv)   resolves that the area in Days Bay on the beach north of the wharf, outlined in map 54, attached as Appendix 4 to Report No PRC2017/1/53, will be:

(a)   a Dog Exercise Area between 7.00pm and 10.00am from

1 December to 31 March every year;

 

(b)   a Dog Exercise Area at all times from 1 April to 30 November; and

(c)   a Dog Prohibition Area between 10.00am and 7.00pm from
1 December to 31 March every year.”

 

Item 4j)

Public Art - Opportunities and Gaps (16/1219)

 

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

In response to a question from a member, Mayor Wallace advised that the audit on Council’s existing public art works would be undertaken as soon as practicable.

In response to questions from members regarding the proposed Public Arts Manager role, the General Manager, Strategic Services advised that she was comfortable with employing a contractor to undertake the audit before the Public Arts Manager’s role was filled permanently.  She also advised that there was no in-house public art expertise.

Mayor Wallace advised that the matter would be reported back to the Arts and Culture Subcommittee.

MOVED: (Cr Cousins/Mayor Wallace)     

“That Council:

 

(i)      agrees to an audit and condition report on Council’s existing public art works and the development of a ten year plan for remedial and ongoing maintenance work to come from existing budgets;  and

 

(ii)    agrees to delay the establishment of a part time public art position within Council until the outcome of part (i) above is known.”

AMENDMENT MOVED: (Cr Lulich/Barry)

That Council:

(i)          agrees to an audit and condition report on Council’s existing public art works and the development of a ten year plan for remedial and ongoing maintenance work to come from existing budgets;

 

(ii)    agrees to delay the establishment of a part time public art position within Council until the outcome of part (i) above is known; and

 

(iii)      agrees in principle that a Public Arts Manager be appointed to continue to develop the public arts guidelines and policy in consultation with the Chair of the Arts and Culture Subcommittee.

Mayor Wallace put the motion to the vote in its separate parts.  Parts (i) and (ii) were declared CARRIED on the voices and part (iii) was declared CARRIED on a show of hands.

 

 

Resolved: (Cr Cousins/Mayor Wallace)  Minute No. C 17117(3)

“That Council:

 

(i)      agrees to an audit and condition report on Council’s existing public art works and the development of a ten year plan for remedial and ongoing maintenance work to come from existing budgets;

 

(ii)    agrees to delay the establishment of a part time public art position within Council until the outcome of part (i) above is known; and

 

(iii)  agrees in principle that a public arts manager be appointed to continue to develop the Public Art Policy and Guidelines in consultation with the Chair of the Arts and Culture Subcommittee.”

d)      City Development Committee

 

28 February 2017

 

 

Resolved: (Deputy Mayor Bassett/Cr Sutton)          Minute No. C 17118(3)

“That the report of the meeting held on 28 February 2017 be adopted with the exception of item 5a) Terms of Reference for the Review of Making Places and item 5b) Review of Rates and Development Charges Remissions Policies and subject to an amendment to item 5 a) to remove the word ‘view’ and replace it with ‘review’.”

Recommended Items

Item 5a)

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

 

Resolved: (Deputy Mayor Bassett/Cr Milne) Minute No. C 17119(3)

“That Council approves the Terms of Reference for a review of Making Places, attached as Appendix 1 to Report No CDC2017/1/60.”

 

Item 5b)

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

 

Resolved: (Deputy Mayor Bassett/Cr Sutton)  Minute No. C 17120(3)

“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 Report No CDC2017/1/62 for consultation in the 2017/18 Proposed Annual Plan with the following amendments 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.’; and

         Part B, Additional Guidelines, second bullet point to be deleted:

·      The business has minimal impact on the environment in terms of air, water or soil.

(ii)    approves the draft Part 6 of the Rates Remission Policy “Hutt City Development Charges and Rates Remission Policy” attached as Appendix 2 to Report No CDC2017/1/62 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.”

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

e)      Finance and Performance Committee

 

1 March 2017

 

 

Resolved: (Cr Milne/Cr Barratt)                               Minute No. C 17121(3)

“That the report of the meeting held on 1 March 2017 be adopted with the exception of item 4a) Living Wage Considerations for Hutt City Council, item 4b) Review of Draft Statement of Intent 2017/2018 for the Hutt City Community Facilities Trust, item 4c) Review of Draft Statement of Intent 2017/2020 for Seaview Marina Limited, item 4d) Review of Draft Statement of Intent 2017/2018 for UrbanPlus Limited and item 4e) Review of Draft Statement of Intent 2017/2018 for the New Zealand Local Government Funding Agency and subject to an amendment to item 9 to read as follows:-

 

‘In response to a question from…….were reviewed by the Mayor and, in his absence, the Chair of the Finance and Performance Committee’.”

 

Recommended Item

Item 4a)

Living Wage Considerations for Hutt City Council (17/264)

 

Speaking under public comment, Mr Archie Kerr elaborated on how a living wage would contribute greatly to improve the living situation of many families.

 

Speaking under public comment, Mr Peter Cranney elaborated on Section 10; Schedule 7, Clause 36 and Section 59 legislation of the Local Government Act 2002.  He acknowledged there were conflicting legal opinions regarding the legislation.  He highlighted that local government was obliged to be a good employer, which included providing for the fair and proper treatment of employees.  He maintained that providing a living wage fulfilled this obligation.

 

Speaking under public comment, Mr Devon Craig explained how he currently earned less than the living wage, but held numerous responsibilities, including training other custodians.  He asked Council to recognise the value of all employees and to adopt a Living Wage Policy.

 

Speaking under public comment, Ms Prue Hyman explained the positive cycle of money and how a living wage benefited the local economy, productivity and cost efficiencies.   She maintained that increased productivity had not been matched by increased wages and that Council should adopt the living wage for efficiency and equity reasons.

 

Speaking under public comment, Mr Neville Hyde, President, Hutt Valley Chamber of Commerce, explained that increased services must eventuate from an increase in wages and that wages should be based on the requirements of a job and the performance of the employee.  He questioned whether a living wage would produce the desired result, believing wages should not be an arbitrary figure adjusted for relativity.  He further explained that Council had a legal requirement to deliver services in the most cost effective way.

 

Speaking under public comment, Mr Jordan Williams representing the New Zealand Taxpayers Union Inc explained why the Union opposed the living wage.  He stated that Council must employ people on merit and questioned whether the living wage helped to alleviate poverty.  He suggested there were better methods to achieve this.

 

Mayor Wallace reminded members that the matter had been robustly debated at length at the Finance and Performance Committee meeting.

 

Members noted that Council was now seeking independent legal advice on the living wage. 

 

In response to a question from a member, the Chief Executive advised that, as part of the legal advice sought, Council Controlled Organisations would be assessed as to whether the organisations would form part of the draft remuneration and employment policy.  He highlighted that it would be reported back to Council. 

 

The motion was taken in parts as follows: 

 

Resolved: (BY DIVISION)                                               Minute No. C 17122(3)

“That Council agrees in principle to the Living Wage.”

For

 

Mayor Wallace

Deputy Mayor Bassett

Cr Barratt

Cr Barry

Cr Bridson

Cr Briggs

Cr Edwards

Cr Lewis

Cr Lulich

Cr McDonald

 

Against

 

Cr Cousins

Cr Milne

Cr Sutton

Total: 10

Total: 3

 

Resolved: (By Division)                                    Minute No. C 17123(3)

“That Council instructs the Chief Executive to produce a draft remuneration and employment policy under the Local Government Act 2002 that addresses paying the living wage to Council employees, for consideration by Council by 1 July 2017.”

For

 

Mayor Wallace

Deputy Mayor Bassett

Cr Barratt

Cr Barry

Cr Bridson

Cr Briggs

Cr Edwards

Cr Lewis

Cr Lulich

Cr McDonald

 

Against

 

Cr Cousins

Cr Milne

Cr Sutton

 

Total: 10

Total: 3

 

 

 

 

 

Resolved: (By Division)                                Minute No. C 17124(3)

“That Council requests that the Chief Executive continues to work with the Living Wage - Hutt Group to investigate further how Council contractors can apply the Living Wage to its workers by 1 July 2017.”

For

 

Mayor Wallace

Deputy Mayor Bassett

Cr Barratt

Cr Barry

Cr Bridson

Cr Briggs

Cr Edwards

Cr Lewis

Cr Lulich

Cr McDonald

 

Against

 

Cr Cousins

Cr Milne

Cr Sutton

 

Total: 10

Total: 3

 

 

Item 4b)

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.

 

Resolved: (Cr Milne/Cr Sutton)               Minute No. C 17125(3)

“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 Report No FPC2017/1/66 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 Finance and Performance Committee arising under part (iii) above).”

 

Item 4c)

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.

 

ReSOLVED: (Cr Barry/Cr Briggs)               Minute No. C 17126(3)

 

“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 Report No FPC2017/1/67 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 Finance and Performance Committee arising under part (iii) above).”

 

Item 4d)

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.

 

 

Resolved:                                                    Minute No. C 17127(3)

“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 Report No FPC2017/1/68 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

(i)          provides comment for the Board of the company to consider in finalising its SOI (including any modifications suggested by the Finance and Performance Committee arising under paragraph (iii) above).”

 

Item 4e)

Review of Draft Statement of Intent 2017/2018 for the New Zealand Local Government Funding Agency (17/195)

 

 

 

Resolved:                                                    Minute No. C 17128(3)

“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 Report No FPC2017/1/69, 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 Finance and Performance Committee arising under part (iii) above).”

 

f)       Community Services Committee

 

2 March 2017

 

 

Resolved: (Cr Barratt/Cr Briggs)                               Minute No. C 17129(3)

“That the report of the meeting held on 2 March 2017 with the exception of item 5) A Second Electric Vehicle Car Park at Stevens Grove, be adopted.”

 

Recommended Item

Item 5)

A Second Electric Vehicle Car Park at Stevens Grove (17/238)

 

Resolved: (Cr Barratt/Cr Briggs)            Minute No. C 17130(3)

“That Council approves the installation of a second Electric Vehicle Park in Stevens Grove, attached as Appendix 1 to Report No CSC2017/1/81.”

 

 

 

 

 

7.       Miscellaneous

a)

Local Alcohol Policy:  Proposed amendment (17/415)

Memorandum dated 6 March 2017 by the Principal Policy Advisor

 

Cr Bridson and Cr Cousins declared a conflict of interest and took no part in discussion or voting on the matter.

 

Resolved: (Cr Edwards/Cr Briggs)                           Minute No. C 17131(3)

“That Council:

 

(i)    considers the Summary and Statement of Proposal attached as Appendix 1 to the memorandum; and

 

(ii)   adopts the Summary and Statement of Proposal, subject to any amendments Council thinks appropriate, after considering the recommendations of the Policy and Regulatory Committee concerning the proposed amendments to the Local Alcohol Policy.”

 

b)

Proposed District Plan Change 38 - Taita Drive, North of Avalon Park - Rezoning to General Residential and General Recreation Activity Area
Final Approval and Operative Date
 (17/379)

Report No. HCC2017/1/85 (2) by the Senior Environmental Policy Analyst

 

Deputy Mayor Bassett declared a conflict of interest and took no part in discussion or voting on the matter.

 

Resolved: (Mayor Wallace/Cr Bridson)                    Minute No. C 17132(3)

“That Council:

(i)      resolves, pursuant to clause 17 of the First Schedule of the Resource Management Act 1991, to approve Plan Change 38 to the City of Lower Hutt District Plan, as outlined in Appendix 1 attached to the report;

(ii)     approves the affixing of the Common Seal to Plan Change 38 in accordance with Standing Order 8.2, as set out in Appendix 2 attached to the report; and

(iii)    notes that a public notice will be included in the Hutt News on 21 March 2017 advising the operative date of Plan Change 38.”

 

c)

2017 Local Government Conference (17/351)

Memorandum dated 27 February 2017 by the Divisional Manager, Secretariat Services

 

Mayor Wallace highlighted that Council had received an invitation to attend the Te Marua Ata Committee to be held on 22 July 2017.  He recommended that Cr Lewis attend as the Maori and Cultural portfolio holder.

 

Resolved:   (Mayor Wallace/Deputy Mayor Bassett)  Minute No. C 17133(3)

“That Council:

(i)      notes the 2017 Local Government Conference programme attached as Appendix 1 to the memorandum;

(ii)          nominates the Mayor, Deputy Mayor and Cr Barratt to represent Hutt City Council at the 2017 Local Government New Zealand Conference to be held in Auckland from 23-25 July 2017;

 

(iii)        notes that Cr Barry will be attending a conference in Australia; and

 

(iv)        nominates Cr Lewis to represent Hutt City Council at the Te Maruata Committee Conference to be held in Auckland.”

 

8.       Minutes

 

Resolved: (Mayor Wallace/Cr McDonald)                        Minute No. C 17134(3)

“That the minutes of the meetings of the Hutt City Council held on Thursday, 15 December 2016, Tuesday, 21 February 2017 and the extraordinary meeting held on Tuesday, 21 February 2017 be confirmed as a true and correct record.”

9.   

committee REPORTS WITHOUT RECOMMENDED ITEMS

 

 

a)  Hearings Panel

     7 December 2016

 

 

Resolved: (Cr Bridson/Cr Barry)                                   Minute No. C 17135(3)

“That the report  of the meeting of the Hearings Panel held on 7 December 2016 be adopted.”

 

 

     9 December 2016

 

   

Resolved: (Cr Cousins/Cr Bridson)                               Minute No. C 17136(3)

“That the report of the meeting of the Hearings Panel held on 9 December 2016 be adopted.”

 

 

 

b)      Hutt Valley Services Committee

 

16 December 2016

 

 

Resolved: (Cr McDonald/Cr Lulich)                        Minute No. C 17137(3)

“That the report of the meeting held on 16 December 2016 be adopted.”

 

 

3 March 2017

Cr McDonald congratulated the General Manager City Infrastructure on the quick response in regard to the issue of odour at the landfill.

 

Resolved: (Cr McDonald/Deputy Mayor Bassett)   Minute No. C 17138(3)

“That the report of the meeting held on 3 March 2017 be adopted.”

 

10.     QUESTIONS

There were no questions.

 

11.

Sealing Authority (17/3)

Report No. HCC2017/1/10 (2) by the Committee Administrator