Minutes of City Development Committee

1 5 March 2019

City Development Committee

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

Lower Hutt on

Tuesday 5 March 2019 commencing at 5.30pm

PRESENT:	Acting Mayor D Bassett (Chair)	Cr G Barratt
	Cr C Barry (until 6.37pm)	Cr M J Cousins
	Cr S Edwards	Cr T Lewis
	Cr M Lulich	Cr C Milne
	Cr L Sutton (Acting Chair)

APOLOGIES: Apologies received from Mayor Wallace and Cr McDonald

IN ATTENDANCE: Mr T Stallinger, Chief Executive (part meeting)

Mr L Allott, Chief Information Officer

Ms K Kelly, General Manager, City Transformation

Mr B Kibblewhite, General Manager, Corporate Services

Mr M Reid, General Manager, City and Community Services (part meeting)

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

Mr P Maaka, Urban Design Manager (part meeting)

Mr C Gousmett, Corporate Information Manager (part meeting)

Ms J Henton, City Archivist (part meeting)

Mr A Hopkinson, Senior Traffic Engineer (part meeting)

Ms D Male, Committee Advisor

PUBLIC BUSINESS

1. APOLOGIES

Resolved: (Cr Barratt/Acting Mayor Bassett) Minute No. CDC 19101

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

2. PUBLIC COMMENT

Comments are recorded under the item to which they relate.

Precedence of Business

Resolved: (Acting Mayor Bassett/Cr Barratt) Minute No. CDC 19102

“That, in terms of Standing Order 10.4, precedence be accorded to item 7 dealing with Technology Valley Six Monthly Update to 31 December 2018.”

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

3. Presentation

Presentation by the Southend Business Group on the Marketing Plan (19/199)

Cr Barry left the meeting at 6.37pm.

Ms Andrea Thompson, from Baseline and Mr Michael Gray, owner of Buzz Café gave a presentation which highlighted:

· the key objectives were to create an identity and brand for the southern entrance to High Street and to fill empty shops in the area;

· creating zones, to include shared paths, green zones, utilising existing signage, new branded signage and new stencilling on the ground;

· to create steps up to the existing green areas in Andrews Avenue; and

· there were three stages to the project, which had received funding from Council and reviewing gaining funding from business owners. The timeframes for Stage 1 was the end of May 2019, Stage 2 was the end of August 2019 and Stage 3 was the end of December 2019.

In response to a question from a member, Ms Thompson advised that the funding already received from Council covered Stage 1 of the project. She noted that larger costs were likely in Stage 2 of the project.

Cr Barratt congratulated the group. She commented that it looked like a fun and innovative way to revitalise the southern end of High Street.

Cr Lewis left the meeting at 6.54pm.

The Chief Executive advised that requests for funding would be timely with the upcoming Annual Plan process.

Cr Lewis rejoined the meeting at 6.56pm.

The Chair commented that it would be timely for a report to be received at the next Committee meeting, prior to the Community Plan Committee meeting to be held on 5 June 2019.

In response to a question from a member, Mr Gray advised that it was difficult to get all interested parties together for discussions. He noted the aim was to get life back into the southern end of High Street.

4. CONFLICT OF INTEREST DECLARATIONS

There were no conflict of interst declarations.

5. Recommendation to Council - 26 March 2019

Central City Transformation Plan (19/169)

Speaking under public comment, Mr R Veldman representing Hutt City Youth Council wanted housing available for all levels of income. He believed that housing worked best with a mixture of income levels in the area. He wanted to encourage safe and direct cycleways throughout the CBD, which required many stops with rails. He thought that a bridge across the river should directly link the CBD to the train station.

Speaking under public comment, Ms W Bailey representing Hutt City Youth Council supported what was written in the development of District Plan Change 43 in relation to the Central City Transformation Plan. She supported medium density housing with the CBD for a wide variety and diverse range of people. She supported reducing the speed limit to 30km/h in the CBD to improve the efficiency of public transport and to make it safer for pedestrians.

The Chair said that he would be interested in a submission from the Youth Council on their issues raised as part of the Annual Plan process to either the Community Plan Committee or Council.

Speaking under public comment, Mr M Young said that he had attended the community workshops and believed the Central City Transformation Plan (CCTP) was blue sky thinking and not linked to the realities of Council decisions. With regard to the Civic Precinct expansion part of CCTP, he believed that a lot of money had already been spent on this and it should be given a lower priority. He considered it would allow the private business owners to decide what to do with their land in the Civic Precinct expansion area. He added that there was dormant potential in the bus network and the wording in the plan suggested it would not be improved. He commented that the bus precinct around Queensgate was not attractive for use, he would like to see a good quality bus hub investigated and a focus on the core transport network.

The Chair asked officers to open discussions with Greater Wellington Regional Council (GWRC) on the issue of a bus hub and report back to the Committee in due course. He asked that the report be added to the Committee’s work programme.

Speaking under public comment, Ms G Anderson MP congratulated Council on the Civic Precinct and asked how this could be expanded to be reflected throughout the rest of the city. She said that the CCTP excluded areas outside the CBD which could be considered for quality housing. She said that the challenge was to be more daring on discussions of housing and focus on the long term benefits.

In response to questions from members, Ms Anderson MP said that the topic of homelessness was up for Council debate, when Council had land which could be used for housing. She informed members that the new 300 homes to be built in Epuni had some delays due to adjustments related to affordable homes. She noted that confirmation was coming from Housing New Zealand and she expected that building work would commerce before the end of the year.

Cr Cousins informed members that there was a workshop arranged on the Homelessness Strategy to be held on 12 March 2019, prior to the matter being discussed at the Policy and Regulatory Committee meeting to be held on 25 March 2019.

Speaking under public comment, Dr D Thorburn, Clinical Director, representing Te Awakairangi Health Network. He advised the network was a primary care provider to thousands of Lower Hutt residents. He advised of the benefits for health and wellbeing for residents of turning the city towards the river and nature, together with mixed lane use for cyclists. He added that Council in its planning could have a big and profound effect on residents. He highlighted the challenges in the area, of equity for minorities and the effect of diabetes. He believed that the scoping stage offered a great opportunity to put resources to support the wellbeing of communities to make a difference. He thought that Council should be encouraging playing within the CBD with free activities and also to create health options within Naenae and Wainuiomata.

In response to questions from members, Dr Thorburn said that urban design and internal planning and design could impact health and wellbeing for residents. He said that he had just started in his role in the Hutt Valley and he had been reviewing the information gathered, such as the statistics on obesity and equity gaps.

Speaking under public comment, Ms H Down, Chief Executive, representing the Hutt Valley Chamber of Commerce & Industry Incorporated (HVCC) advised that an interactive workshop had been held and HVCC members were pleased to have the opportunity to make a difference. She said that the health and housing discussions were being reflected by the business community and turning the city to the river was strongly supported, with walkway arounds the city. She believed the plan gave a one-off opportunity to create an identity for the city, with iconic bridges and art structures etc, to create social media photograph opportunities. She thought this would help to build the reputation both nationally and internationally of the city, with the potential for increased tourism. She reiterated concerns around parking for workers who lived outside city with the transport infrustructure being important, which was a barrier for businesses moving to the city. She supported moving the Melling bridge towards Margaret Street, as an important part of linking the CBD to Wellington CBD.

The Urban Design Manager elaborated on the report. He added that a bus hub could be considered when a decision was made on the location of the train station.

In response to questions from members, the Urban Design Manager advised that some early implementation projects could go ahead which would not require consent, prior to RiverLink. He said that there was a need to understand the full laneway system. He added that some parts of RiverLink were dependent upon GWRC land use. He further advised that there was opportunity to work with interested parties on where work commenced and how far reaching it could be.

In response to further questions from members, the Urban Design Manager advised that there was work to do with the community and with other interested parties, which included partners. He added that the CCTP had differing triggers, which included RiverLink, to review the bus interchange and the beltway interchange.

The Chair thanked officers for their work on the CCTP and their work with businesses, residents, GWRC and the New Zealand Transport Agency.

RECOMMENDED: (Acting Mayor Bassett/Cr Sutton) Minute No. CDC 19103

“That the Committee recommends that Council:

(i) approves the Central City Transformation Plan as Council’s long term strategy for the Central City for the reason that it updates and supersedes CBD Making Places 2030 approved by Council in 2009, attached as Appendix 1 to the report;

(ii) notes the Central City Transformation Plan affects neighbouring areas and that more work will be needed to better understand opportunities for the Western Hill suburbs; and

(iii) notes that the Central City Transformation Plan is not a design and that any implementation will involve due diligence to test ideas, where appropriate with stakeholders and the community.”

Resolved: (Cr Cousins/Cr Barratt) Minute No. CDC 19104

“That the Committee agrees to add to the City Development Committee work programme an item to identify the southern entrance to the City.”

6.	Hutt Valley Chamber of Commerce Six Monthly Report to 31 December 2018 (19/201) Report No. CDC2019/1/22 by the Divisional Manager City Growth
	The Divisional Manager City Growth elaborated on the report. Ms Helen Down, Chief Executive, Hutt Valley Chamber of Commerce & Industry Incorporated (HVCC) and Mr Mark Skelly, Vice President, HVCC elaborated on the report. In response to questions from members, the Chief Executive, HVCC advised that transport infrustructure was the top issue identified in the recent business confidence survey. She further advised the second was labour shortages, with shortages of both skilled and unskilled staff and 44%, which had increase from the September survey conducted. She said that construction and trades and also marketing and hospitality were industries which were experiencing skills shortages, which stopped the growth of businesses unable to take on additional work. She added that HVCC members were keen to provide on-site skills based training.
	The Chief Executive advised that he was co-opted onto the Board of HVCC. He highlighted he was not part of the reporting or contract negotiations, but was there to help improve the synergies with HVCC and Council. He congratulated HVCC on its remarkable transformation to be in the position it was currently. The Vice President, HVCC commented that the health of the community was important to HVCC. He saw the role of HVCC to consider the employees within the Hutt Valley, not just to focus on business owners.
	Resolved: (Acting Mayor Bassett/Cr Sutton) Minute No. CDC 19105 “That the Committee receives the report.”
	For the reason the Hutt Valley Chamber of Commerce is required to report six monthly to this Committee on performance against agreed performance measures.

Technology Valley Six Monthly Update to 31 December 2018 (19/194)

Report No. CDC2019/1/23 by the STEMM Sector Development Manager

Ms Anthea Armstrong, Executive Director of Technology Valley Inc. (TV) elaborated on the report.

In response to a question from a member, Cr Milne, Chair of the TV Board, advised that a management group had emerged and the governance structure would be streamlined.

In response to a question from a member, the Executive Director, TV advised that TV may need to diversify income streams, rather than relying on membership fees. She hoped they would be better placed at the same time next year. The Chair of the TV Board added that contact had been made with the Silicon Valley Forum, which had matured and did not have membership as a revenue stream. He said that TV’s biggest challenge was to get the brand in common usage.

In response to a question from a member, the Executive Director, TV advised that Callaghan Innovations was committed to localised identity and brand. He also advised there was potential for the TV brand to be used with its Gracefield Campus.

Resolved: (Acting Mayor Bassett/Cr Sutton) Minute No. CDC 19106

“That the Committee receives the report.”

8.	Options for Exhibition Spaces (19/141) Report No. CDC2019/1/24 by the Corporate Information Manager
	Cr Sutton left the meeting at 7.51pm. The Corporate Information Manager and the City Archivist elaborated on the report.
	Cr Sutton rejoined the meeting at 7.52pm. In response to a question from a member, the Chief Information Officer advised that The Dowse Art Museum (the Dowse) was a fine arts museum and community archives did not fit into that profile. The Corporate Information Manager added that The Dowse planned its exhibitions years in advance. He highlighted the Dowse was a highly skilled and professional institution, where the archives exhibition planning had previously been more ad hoc. The City Archivist further added that the new Museums Director wanted The Dowse to continue to focus on fine arts and he saw the importance of community history in a different exhibition space. In response to a question from a member, the Chief Information Officer advised that a move to the new archives storage facility would be when the lease ended at the current location. He noted a report would be received in approximately 18 months time to be considered in time for Council’s next Long Term Plan. Members commented on using the community hubs for exhibitions as previous exhibitions had been well received.
	Resolved: (Acting Mayor Bassett/Cr Sutton) Minute No. CDC 19107 “That the Committee: (i) receives the report; (ii) notes the options listed; (iii) notes the model for future funding for exhibitions; (iv) notes the outline plan for archives exhibition themes; and (v) wishes the Corporate Information Manager well in his retirement.”
	For the reason that these are the best options available given limitations of staffing, funding and facilities until such time as a permanent Archives facility incorporating its own exhibition space is available.

9.	General Managers' Report (19/27) Report No. CDC2019/1/25 by the Development Planning Liaison Manager
	Speaking under public comment, Mr B Aschebrock wanted to know when the Wainuiomata hill works would be completed. He noted the barrier in place for the shared path was stopping trucks and other vehicles from being able to stop on the shoulder of the hill road. The Chair said that officers would be asked to respond back directly to Mr Aschebrock. Speaking under public comment, Ms L Dobbs, Chair, representing Jackson Street Programme (JSP) provided an update on Petone 2040 (P2040) and elaborated on work on a colour palate for heritage, which could then be used throughout the street. She advised that a report was due at the end of March, then tenders would then be sought for repairs and painting works, with scaffolding costs to be managed. She confirmed that the timeframe was for works to commence in April and be completed by the end of May 2019.
	In response to a question from a member, the Divisional Manager, City Growth advised that the developer of the social housing apartments at 2-14 Laings Road had been placed into liquidation. In response to a question from a member, the General Manager, City Transformation advised that the water feature in Riddiford Garden had not worked correctly and had issues with draining into the stream. The Chief Executive added that the drainage system could not cope with the water flow, which was a flaw that the contractor was responsible for correcting. The Chair requested that further information be sought on the issue and an update be provided to members. In response to a question from a member, the General Manager, City Transformation advised that the RICOH Sports Centre, Fraser Park had a Certificate of Public Use issued for the centre, but did not include the changing rooms and the opening was planned for 11 March with a community open day to be held two weeks later. The General Manager, Corporate Services reminded members that representatives from Hutt City Community Facilities Trust would be present at the Finance and Performance Committee meeting to be held on 6 March 2019.
	Resolved: (Acting Mayor Bassett/Cr Milne) Minute No. CDC 19108 “That the Committee: (i) notes the updates contained in the report; and (ii) notes that a report on the options available for Hutt Valley Tennis will be presented to its meeting to be held on 30 April 2019.”

11.	Closure of Muritai Road for the Eastbourne Memorial Returned Services Association Anzac Day Event 2019 (19/196) Report No. CDC2019/1/28 by the Senior Traffic Engineer
	The Senior Traffic Engineer elaborated on the report.
	Resolved: (Cr Barratt/Acting Mayor Bassett) Minute No. CDC 19110 “That the Committee: (i) agrees to approve the following proposed temporary road closure, subject to the conditions listed in the Proposed Temporary Road Closure Impact Report, attached as Appendix 1 to the report, at Muritai Road between Rimu Street and Makaro Street, on Thursday 25 April 2019 from 09:30am to 11:00am, attached as Appendix 2 to the report; (ii) agrees to rescind, for the annual Eastbourne Memorial Returned Services Association Anzac Day Event 2019, parking restrictions on both sides of Muritai Road, between Rimu Street and Makaro Street, on Thursday 25 April 2019 from 09:30am to 11:00am; and (iii) agrees to impose No Stopping At All Times restrictions, for the annual Eastbourne Memorial Returned Services Association Anzac Day Event 2019, on both sides of Muritai Road, between Rimu Street and Makaro Street, on Thursday 25 April 2019 from 09:30am to 11:00am.”
	For the reasons: · the proposed road closures are required to accommodate the annual Eastbourne Memorial Returned Services Association Anzac Day Event 2019; and · closures for previous year’s events have not solicited any complaints from the public.

12.	Proposed Temporary Road Closures: Tumeke Taita Festival 2019 and Hutt Valley Motorsport Club Silverstream Hill Climb 2019 (19/200) Report No. CDC2019/1/29 by the Senior Traffic Engineer
	The Senior Traffic Engineer elaborated on the report.
	Resolved: (Acting Mayor Bassett/Cr Barratt) Minute No. CDC 19111 “That the Committee agrees to approve the following proposed temporary road closures subject to the conditions listed in the Proposed Temporary Road Closure Impact Reports, attached as Appendix 1 and 3 to the report: (i) Tumeke Taita Festival 2019 Tocker Street from Molesworth Street, to a point 98 metres east of Molesworth Street, on Saturday 16 March 2019, from 7:00am to 5:00pm, for the Annual Tumeke Taita Festival, attached as Appendix 1 and 2 to the report; and (ii) Hutt Valley Motorsport Club Silverstream Hillclimb Event 2019 Reynolds Bach Drive from a point 135 metres south of Eastern Hutt Road to the end, on Good Friday, 19 April 2019, from 7:00am to 6:00pm, for the Hutt Valley Motorsport Club Silverstream Hillclimb Event attached as Appendices 3 and 4 to the report.”
	For the reasons: · the proposed road closures are expected to have minimal impact on the movement of traffic; and · no complaints have been received in relation to previous years’ closures.

13.

Proposed New Private Street Name: Subdivision of 237-241 Waterloo Road, Waterloo (19/230)

Report No. CDC2019/1/45 by the Traffic Engineer - Network Operations

The Senior Traffic Engineer elaborated on the report.

Resolved: (Acting Mayor Bassett/Cr Sutton) Minute No. CDC 19112

“That the Committee approves the name for the new private road at 237-241 Waterloo Road, Waterloo, Lower Hutt attached as Appendix 1 to the report, as Rose Way.”

14. Information Item

City Development Committee Work Programme (19/28)

Report No. CDC2019/1/30 by the Committee Advisor

The Chair noted the request to add an item on a City bus hub and an item to identify the southern entrance to the City to the work programme.

Resolved: (Acting Mayor Bassett/Cr Sutton) Minute No. CDC 19113

“That the work programme be noted and received.”

15. QUESTIONS

There were no questions.

There being no further business the Chair declared the meeting closed at 8.21pm.

Deputy Mayor D Bassett

CHAIR

CONFIRMED as a true and correct record

Dated this 26^th day of March 2019