Community Plan Committee
Minutes of a meeting held in the Council Chambers, 2nd Floor, 30 Laings Road,
Lower Hutt on
Tuesday 11 June 2019 commencing at 9.30am
PRESENT: Mayor WR Wallace (Chair)
Cr G Barratt Cr C Barry
Deputy Mayor D Bassett Cr L Bridson
Cr J Briggs (until 8.27pm) Cr MJ Cousins
Cr S Edwards Cr T Lewis
Cr M Lulich Cr G McDonald (from 10.30am to 3.13pm)
Cr C Milne Cr L Sutton
APOLOGIES: Cr McDonald for lateness.
IN ATTENDANCE: Mr M Reid, Acting Chief Executive/General Manager City and Community Services (part meeting)
Mr L Allott, Chief Information Officer (part meeting)
Mr B Kibblewhite, General Manager, Corporate Services
Ms H Oram, Acting General Manager, City Transformation
Ms J Livschitz, Chief Financial Officer
Mr P Benseman, Budgeting and Reporting Manager (part meeting)
Ms J Stevens, Contractor (part meeting)
Ms L Dalby, Senior Communications Advisor (part meeting)
Ms W Moore, Divisional Manager Strategy and Planning (part meeting)
Mr M Sherwood, Divisional Manager, Parks and Recreation (part meeting)
Mr M Mercer, Divisional Manager, Community Hubs (part meeting)
Ms M Laban, Divisional Manager, Community Projects & Relationships (part meeting)
Mr G Craig, Divisional Manager, City Growth (part meeting)
Mr B Cato, General Counsel (part meeting)
Mr J Pritchard, Principal Research and Policy Advisor (part meeting)
Ms O Miller, Policy Advisor (part meeting)
Mr M Curr, Sport and Recreation Programmes Manager
Ms C Taylor, Senior Research and Evaluation Advisor (part meeting)
Ms C Christensen, CBD Manager (part meeting)
Mr R Newton, Business Transformation Manager (part meeting)
Mr A Yip, Strategic Projects Manager (part meeting)
Mr S Keatley, Aquatic Asset & Projects Manager (part meeting)
Mr A Marsh, Team Leader, Parks (part meeting)
Mr B Hodgins, Strategic Advisor (part meeting)
Ms A Andrews, Kaitakawaenga Kaupapa Māori (part meeting)
Ms D Male, Acting Divisional Manager, Democratic Services (part meeting)
Ms J Randall, Committee Advisor (part meeting)
Ms H Clegg, Minute Taker (part meeting)
PUBLIC BUSINESS
1. APOLOGIES
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Resolved: (Mayor Wallace/Deputy Mayor Bassett) Minute No. CPC 19301 “That the apology for lateness received from Cr McDonald be accepted.” |
2. PUBLIC COMMENT
Comments are recorded under the item to which they relate.
Cr McDonald joined the meeting at 10.30am.
The meeting was adjourned at 11.25am and reconvened at 11.38am.
4. CONFLICT OF INTEREST DECLARATIONS
Cr Cousins declared a conflict of interest in relation to Hutt City Community Facilities Trust.
Cr Lulich declared a conflict of interest in item 9, Recommendation from the City Development Committee - Petone Recreation Ground and took no part in discussion or voting on the matter.
Cr Milne declared an interest in item 8, Recommendation from the City Development Committee - Hutt Valley Tennis.
Deputy Mayor Bassett declared a conflict of interest in relation to Urban Plus Ltd.
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5. |
Annual Plan 2019/20 Budget Updates (19/588) Report No. CPC2019/3/101 by the Chief Financial Officer |
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Speaking under public comment, Mr A Sainsbury, a representative of the Lower Hutt Citizens Advice Bureau (CAB) advised the Lower Hutt CAB had been operating for 45 years and had 60,000 requests per annum. He said 50% of these were face to face and 50% via phone. He explained the $48,000 funding application from the CAB included rental and operational costs and CAB was hoping to acquire external funding of $23,000. He further explained the CAB had requested an ongoing funding partnership with Council but had not yet had a response. He said the CAB had been working with Council to find a venue and there was potential for use of space in the War Memorial Library. He expressed concern that the area being offered was too small and that access was an issue. He noted a PwC report on the Wellington CAB had demonstrated the service provided significant cost-savings to Council. He estimated the CAB would be providing services to the value of $150,000 - $160,000 in return for the $48,000 in funding requested. He concluded the CAB would still need $33,000 for operational costs from January 2020 and he looked forward to another funding offer from Council to meet these costs. Mayor Wallace acknowledged the commendable service provided by the CAB. He noted Council was providing operational funding to January 2020, rental costs and a one off payment to help with fitout. He said Council was committed to continuing to work with the CAB. Speaking under public comment, Mr Z McCormick requested a public apology from Mayor Wallace for comments made at a public meeting held in Naenae on 8 May 2019. He said Mayor Wallace had suggested Mr McCormick was campaigning for the upcoming election. He noted Mayor Wallace had also denied that plans were underway for a grandstand in Petone. He also noted that sports clubs supporting Sportsville had received funding but those that did not were struggling and would face closure. He said there had not been appropriate consultation on the Sportsville concept and he believed all sports clubs should be eligible for funding. He requested more information on Council’s financial decisions that affected individual sports clubs. Mayor Wallace apologised for any suggestion made that Mr McCormick was campaigning. He assured Mr McCormick that plans for a grandstand in Petone were not underway and there were no existing plans that were currently relevant. He offered to discuss the matters raised by Mr McCormick and committed to meeting with him to clarify issues of concern. Speaking under public comment, Mr M Young suggested Council’s budget priorities were back to front. He noted in the agenda items of importance such as homelessness, the Living Wage and Cycleways had not been recommended for funding by the Chair, but operational grants to private sports clubs had been recommended. He questioned how much Council was underwriting the Lower Hutt Events Centre. He also questioned why Mayor Wallace had recommended funding for sports clubs be approved while also saying funding would depend on the cost of restoring the Naenae Pool. He further questioned why there had been no budget to de-carbonise Lower Hutt although Mayor Wallace had declared a climate emergency. Speaking under public comment, Ms P Hanna, Chair of the Petone Community Board, expressed disappointment that the report had proposed delaying repairs to Petone Library. She noted the repair plans had been in place since 2017 and had been supported by the community. She asked that the application to build a new Petone Library, community hub and apartments be withdrawn. She noted the design was ugly and would not provide quality living spaces. She requested Council consider retaining the current building and engaging a consultant to look at more options. Speaking under public comment, Mr V Tamihere said Lower Hutt recycling needed to change as it was not working. He believed that Naenae Park needed an upgrade and suggested members read his 2014 submission to the Community Plan Committee. |
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The Acting Chief Executive/General Manager, City and Community Services reiterated Mayor Wallace’s acknowledgement and thanked officers involved with the draft budget. He stated he was pleased to present a draft budget within Council’s Financial Strategy limits, with a proposed 1.8% rates increase and the additional 1% for growth as per the Financial Strategy. He added that the cost savings from Wellington Water Ltd (WWL) had provided flexibility for future water infrastructural investment. He stated the context of Naenae Pool was important. The Chief Financial Officer elaborated on the report and gave a presentation. |
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In response to a question from a member, the General Manager, Corporate Services advised that officers utilised the most up to date actual figures for the Local Government Cost Index rather than forecasts. He added that this resulted in recent Consumer Price Index figures to June 2018, but published in December 2018, being used. He also added that BERL only published these figures once a year. In response to a question from a member regarding the WWL savings, the Chief Financial Officer confirmed the amount mentioned was the portion attributed to Council. In response to a question from a member, the Chief Financial Officer advised that the $200,000 carry-over for the District Plan work was to enable scoping work to be undertaken. She said that it was expected further costs would be incurred as the actual District Plan review work was undertaken. In response to questions from a member, the Acting Chief Executive/General Manager, City and Community Services confirmed that the Highlight event attracted sponsorship and that it brought significant benefits to the city. The Acting General Manager, City Transformation added that it was hoped to receive more funding from the Wellington Regional Amenities Fund (the Fund) for the next event. Mayor Wallace confirmed that amount received from the Fund would be $100,000 for each of the next two years. In response to a question from a member, the Acting Chief Executive/General Manager, City and Community Services agreed to report back with information on the parking revenue of the Riverbank Market. In response to a question from a member, the Chief Finanical Officer confirmed the Council budgeted amount for the Highlight event was $100,000 for each of the next two years. In response to a question from a member, the Acting Chief Executive/General Manager, City and Community Services confirmed $1.5M remained in the budget for upgrading and refurbishment of the existing Petone Library building. He said that the Urban Plus Ltd resource consent application for future development of the site had been lodged with Council. He added that no formal decision on the future of the site had been made by Council and agreed to report back with details on the type of application that had been lodged. |
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Members agreed that the matter lie on the table to consider agenda items 6 to 17 prior to returning back to the matter. Cr Briggs rejoined the meeting at 6.27pm. |
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The Acting Chief Executive/General Manager, City and Community Services explained that the budget presented was within Council’s Financial Strategy and debt levels. He said that the draft budget spreadsheet included all provisionally approved items so far today, there would be a $2.8M breach in 2025/2026. He further advised one option to prevent this breach would be to reallocate the Wainuiomata Sportsville budget by allowing $2.65M for an artificial turf in Wainuiomata, with the balance put back into the overall budget. In response to a question from a member, the General Manager, Corporate Services advised that the effect of a $20M budget allocation for the Naenae Pool resulted in a $18.2M breach in 2022/2023 and a $25M breach in 2025/2026. He added that if the debt cap level was brought forward one year, the breaches would reduce in amount: $7.6M in 2023/2024, $17.2M in 2026/2027, $1.7M in 2029/2030. He further added that if brought forward two years, there would be a $1.7M breach in 2029/2030. The Acting Chief Executive/General Manager, City and Community Services reminded members that the Living Wage allowance for cleaning contractors had not been included in the budget figures to date.
Members discussed that even with the small breaches caused by the $20M allowance for Naenae Pool, and the adjustment of the debt cap, the budget was not in financial difficulty. They acknowledged it would prevent future Councils from being able to undertake anything new.
Deputy Mayor Bassett left the meeting at 6.37pm. Cr Milne left the meeting at 6.38pm. No members indicated they wished to speak in opposition of supporting homelessness, Southend Business Group or accessibility and mobility. Deputy Mayor Bassett and Cr Milne rejoined the meeting at 6.40pm. In response to a question from a member, that Acting Chief Executive/General Manager, City and Community Services provided an update regarding the Wainuiomata Sportsville. He highlighted that the rugby club had fully withdrawn from the proposal and the soccer club was not offering to provide any monies towards the proposal. He added this had resulted in the operational business case now being redundant, with the concept unable to proceed. He added that the Wainuiomata Sportsville Board had suggested that, by way of compromise, the establishment of an artificial turf could provide benefit to a large number of athletes in the area. He said that the existing rugby league clubrooms could become a combined clubrooms with a modest amount of upgrading occurring. In response to a question from a member, the Acting Chief Executive/General Manager, City and Community Services advised that talks were continuing with the New Zealand Transport Agency around the amount of subsidy expected for the Eastern Bays Cycleway/Shared Pathway. In response to a question from a member, the Acting Chief Executive/General Manager City and Community Services advised there was money carried over to allow scoping work to be undertaken to ascertain the cost of the full District Plan review. The Acting General Manager, City Transformation added that it would take five years to undertake the review, with the first one to two years for the assessment of overall strategies. She added that a total cost had not yet been determined. Mayor Wallace advised it would be prudent to allocate monies next year, once estimates have been received. In response to a question from a member, the Acting Chief Executive/General Manager, City and Community Services advised that on-going artificial turf maintenance costs were estimated to be around $40,000. He said that this could be found from within existing budgets.
Cr Bridson expressed concern that the budget left no leeway for future Councils. She added it was helpful to discuss the priorities and considered homelessness and the Naenae Pool were top priorities. She expressed concern that Council did not support any Council assistance to sports facilities including Hutt Valley Tennis and the Petone Recreation Ground. Crs Briggs and Edwards expressed support for Cr Bridson’s comments.
Deputy Mayor Bassett expressed support for Hutt Valley Tennis as the squash club had left as a result of Council actions and there were unforeseen seismic issues with the buildings. He said that if Council did not support Hutt Valley Tennis now, the future of the Hutt Valley Tennis Association would be in jeopardy. He added that the Committee should not prejudge its decision based on waiting for a final decision on Naenae Pool. The Acting Chief Executive/General Manager, City and Community Services reminded members that the presented budget was very similar to the budget of the previous year with the total fiscal envelope hardly changed. He highlighted that officers had worked hard to find efficiencies. He added the additional $12M from WWL efficiencies also had a positive impact on the overall budget. |
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Resolved: (Mayor Wallace/Cr Barratt) Minute No. CPC 19302 “That the Committee: (i) agrees the proposed strategic approach to homelessness in the city. This includes changing the wording of priority five from ‘Improving data on homelessness in Lower Hutt’ to ‘Improving the understanding of homelessness in Lower Hutt; (ii) agrees the three-year funding proposal in option one to contribute to implementing the Lower Hutt Homelessness Strategy, of Year One: $560,000; Year two: $520,000; and Year three: $520,000; (iii) agrees to review the action plan after the initial three-year period with further funding considered as part of the Long Term Plan; (iv) agrees to work with partners to implement the initial action plan for the strategy; (v) agrees that Council participates in the Governance of Housing First in the Hutt Valley and Wellington along with partners including Iwi, non-governmental organisations, local government and central government; and (vi) agrees to request, with some urgency, the establishment of a Housing First initiative in the Hutt Valley.” |
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Resolved: (Mayor Wallace/Deputy Mayor Bassett) Minute No. CPC 19303 “That the Committee: (i) approves an additional budget provision totalling $45,000.00 in FY2019/20 for the Southend Business Group to accomplish Stage two and Stage three of their Work Plan Concepts, attached as Appendix 1 to the report; and (ii) thanks the Business Group for the work they are doing with the Southend area of High Street.” |
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Resolved: (Mayor Wallace/Cr Barratt) Minute No. CPC 19304 “That the Committee: (i) allocates additional funding of $50,000 to the footpath maintenance budget to address the adequacy of footpaths in the city for use by those with disabilities/mobility issues; (ii) makes a $20,000 funding provision in the Annual Plan 2019-2020 to enable the installation of Blind Square in the Lower Hutt CBD and Jackson Street, Petone, to assist those with sight impairments to move safely around both these areas; and (iii) notes that a timeline and plan for implementation arising from paragraphs (i) and (ii) above and related matters will be reported to the Accessibility and Inclusiveness Plan Subcommittee and/or Community Services Committee.”
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Resolved: (Mayor
Wallace/Deputy Mayor Bassett) (on the casting vote of the Chair) (BY
DIVISION) Minute
No. CPC 19305 “That the Committee: (i) approves an additional budget provision of $850,000 for Hutt Valley Tennis; and (ii) notes that any actual financial commitment to Hutt Valley Tennis (HVT) will be subject to various conditions including and not limited to: (a) formal approval of a final design concept; (b) evidence and comfort regarding the budget and in particular with regards to a final construction cost, and confirmed or committed fundraising (cash and in-kind); (c) evidence and comfort of the construction programme and methodology; (d) formal approval of a project governance structure and possible ownership; e) a senior Council officer(s) sitting on an appropriate Project Control Group; and (f) formal approval of a business case that demonstrates the ongoing operational sustainability and maintenance of the facility by HVT.” |
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The motion was declared CARRIED by division on the casting vote of the Chair with the voting as follows:
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Mayor Wallace read out a message from Mr A Leslie and Mr A Hewson who were unable to attend the meeting. The message expressed their support for the proposed Petone Recreation Ground refurbishment. Cr Barry expressed concern with the Petone Recreation Ground funding as he did not believe that due process had been followed. Cr Lewis expressed concern with the Petone Recreation Ground funding as she believed there was not enough information for Council to make a decision. Cr Briggs expressed concern with the Petone Recreation Ground funding for the reason that it did not fit with the city’s long term vision. Cr Milne expressed concern with the background process for the Petone Recreation Ground funding.
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MOVED: (Mayor Wallace/Deputy Mayor Bassett)
That the Committee: (i) notes that this is a partnership project between Petone Riverside Cricket Club (PRC), the community and Council; (ii) approves a budget provision of $750,000 for a contribution to a new community pavilion on the Petone Recreation Ground; and (iii) notes that any actual financial commitment would be subject to various conditions being satisfied including and not limited to: (a) formal approval of a final design concept; (b) evidence and comfort regarding the budget and in particular with regards to a final construction cost, and confirmed or committed fundraising (cash and in-kind); (c) evidence and comfort of the construction programme and methodology; (d) formal approval of a project governance structure; (e) senior Council officer(s) and Ward Councillor sitting on an appropriate Project Control Group; and (f) formal approval of a business case that demonstrates the ongoing operational sustainability and maintenance of the Pavilion by the PRC. |
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The motion was declared lost by division with the voting as follows:
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Resolved: (Mayor Wallace/Cr Barratt) Minute No. CPC 19306 “That the Committee: (i) notes that officers have been in discussions for some years with the Te Aroha Sports Association with regard to a concept development plan for Te Whiti Park; (ii) notes that a part of the Plan is the construction of a new changing room facility, which has been completed; (iii) notes that a multi-purpose utility room was a part of the agreed changing room facility design but this was not constructed; (iv) notes that the Association is seeking a one third funding commitment from Council to complete construction of the multi-purpose room as originally proposed; (v) approves a budget provision of a maximum of $300,000 for a contribution towards completion of the sports pavilion at Te Whiti Park; and (vi) notes that any actual financial commitment would be subject to Te Aroha Sports Association raising the balance of funding for the completion of the project.” |
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Resolved: (Mayor Wallace/Cr Lulich) Minute No. CPC 19307 “That the Committee: (i) notes that Ignite Sports Trust is interested in the purchase of the Lower Hutt Football Club building located on Bell Park and is negotiating with the owners, the Lower Hutt Association Football Club; (ii) notes that without commitment from Council to issue a lease of reserve land, Ignite Sports Trust is unable to continue to proceed to the purchase of the building; (iii) notes that the request is consistent with Council policy; (iv) agrees to issue a lease for the area attached as Appendix 1 to the report to Ignite Sports Trust for a term of 30 years; and (v) approves a budget provision of $250,000 towards the cost of a hard court surface area at Bell Park as attached as Appendix 2 to the report.” |
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The Acting Chief Executive/General Manager City and Community Services recommended continued involvement with the Wellington Regional Amenities Fund (the Fund) to keep $200k in the budget. Members discussed options around the secretariat function of the Wellington Regional Amenities Fund Joint Committee lying with the same authority as the Chair of the Committee. Members discussed the Fund process, requirements and membership. |
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Resolved: (Mayor Wallace/Deputy Mayor Bassett) Minute No. CPC 19308 “That the Committee recommends that Council: (i) continues its involvement with the Wellington Regional Amenities Fund Joint Committee for the next two years; (ii) requests that the Fund to be reviewed; and (iii) requests to receive regular updates from the City Secretariat of the Regional Amenities Fund Committee.” |
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The Acting Chief Executive/General Manager City and Community Services provided a summary of the decisions made by members, which resulted in a $1.8M breach of the budget in 2025/2026. He added that if the Wainuiomata Sportsville monies were reallocated, the breach would not occur and the budget would be in surplus. In response to a question from a member, the Acting Chief Executive/General Manager City and Community Services advised that the Wainuiomata Sportsville Board was frustrated at the situation, but were happy for the artificial turf proposed to remain in Council’s budget. Cr Briggs left the meeting at 7.48pm. In response to a question from a member, the Acting Chief Executive/General Manager City and Community Services advised that turfs generally lasted for 10-15 years which would result in $1M being required in the 2035/36 budget for a replacement turf. He added there would be user charges involved in the running of the turfs, but that these would not cover the total cost of installation of a turf. Cr Briggs rejoined the meeting at 7.51pm. In response to a question from a member, the Acting Chief Executive/General Manager City and Community Services advised Gymsports were part of Fraser Park Sportsville, with some of the Petone Sportsville monies having been reallocated, and the Gymsports contributing a further $250,000. Cr Barry requested that the Wainuiomata Sportsville Board be brought into discussions concerning the budget, before any final decisions were made. Mayor Wallace advised discussions on asset sales could be made once further information concerning the Naenae Pool has been received. He added he was comfortable with the officer proposed reallocation of Wainuiomata Sportsville monies as the concept had drastically changed with two of the member clubs pulling out and the Sportsville concept not proceeding at this time. He acknowledged that this would then mean the budget would not be breached and reminded members that a full discussion on the Long Term Plan (LTP) would occur later in the year. The Acting Chief Executive/General Manager City and Community Services advised that if $2.65M was allocated for a Wainuiomata turf, with the balance of the funding pushed out to 2026/2027, resulting in the debt cap not being breached and the ability for a Sportsville in the future still being possible. Cr Barry expressed concern due to a lack of documentation being presented at the meeting. He explained that the Petone Sportsville concept had full documentation and a decision was based upon that. A majority of members agreed that Wainuiomata Sportsville funding be reduced to $2.65M with the balance of the funding moved to 2026/27. |
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In response to a question from a member, the General Manager, Corporate Services advised that work for the RiverLink project was still progressing and monies in that budget had been allocated as consenting works were ongoing. Mayor Wallace asked officers to prepare a report to Council concerning Sportsvilles. In response to a question from a member, the Acting Chief Executive/General Manager City and Community Services advised that items would remain provisions in the Annual Plan until a solution was found for Naenae Pool. The General Manager Corporate Services added that all operational decisions made at the meeting would proceed, but all capital expenditure decisions would be dependent on the outcome of Naenae Pool. Cr Milne expressed concern with part (v) of the motion as he believed it should apply to both operational and capital expenditure items. The Acting Chief Executive/General Manager City and Community Services reiterated that it was the officers understanding that the intent of the resolutions were in relation to capital projects. He suggested that the 2019/2020 projects were not committed to, until a solution for Naenae Pool had been found. Cr Sutton left the meeting at 8.13pm. In response to a question from a member, the Acting Chief Executive/General Manager City and Community Services advised that very preliminary costings would be available in two weeks. However a final Council decision on the preferred project would not be made until possibly early 2020. He added that some background work would be able to continue. Cr Sutton rejoined the meeting at 8.15pm. Cr Milne stressed that a solution for Naenae Pool would found and he did not support having capital works held in “limbo”. He advocated for either approving them, or not approving them and removing them from the budget. Mayor Wallace advised that when the costings for Naenae Pool were available, some projects may have to be deferred. The Acting Chief Executive/General Manager City and Community Services added that a solution to Naenae Pool would be found but that the funding for the project was uncertain at this point in time. |
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MOVED: (Cr Milne/Deputy Mayor Bassett) “That all new spend will be subject to making a final decision on Naenae Pool.” Crs Barry and Lulich expressed concern with the wording. The motion was declared lost by division with the voting as follows:
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RESOLVED: (Mayor Wallace/Deputy Mayor Bassett) Minute No. CPC 19309 “That the Committee recommends that Council: (i) approves the proposed list of budgets being carried over from 2018/19 to 2019/20 attached as Appendix 1 to this report; (ii) endorses the 2019/20 budget updates and changes included by officers as detailed in paragraphs 21 to 33; (iii) notes the limited capacity to increase expenditure budgets due to Council’s Financial Strategy limits on borrowing as detailed in paragraph 46 to 48; (iv) considers the additional expenditure budget increases for specific initiatives as detailed in paragraph 49 to 64, including possible budget changes to eliminate any breaches to the Council’s Financial Strategy borrowing limits; (iv) approves a rates revenue increase by an average 1.8% in 2019/20, noting that there is an allowance for additional rates revenue of 1% from growth in the city’s rating base, as a result of new builds and property investment; and (v) approves future funding of significant and capital projects and recommends that Council considers that given the recent closure of the Naenae Pool and Gym complex and the likelihood for significant new capital funding being required, that any actual and final commitment to other projects be subject to a solution, including the funding of Naenae Pool and Gym.” |
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Report No. CPC2019/3/100 by the Acting Chief Executive/General Manager City and Community Services |
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Speaking under public comment, Ms W Bailey, a representative of Hutt City Youth Council and a panel member for the Naenae Community Hub said that Naenae Pool was vital for Naenae and its closure had impacted many local businesses. Mayor Wallace advised that although his recommendation for the Naenae Pool was to discuss rather than endorse the officer’s recommendations, this did not mean the matter would have lower priority. He explained other funding options meant further consideration by Council was needed. Speaking under public comment, Mr V Tamihere expressed frustration with the employment conditions for Naenae Pool staff. He noted many had their hours significantly reduced and some were only just getting work again after the pool closure. |
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The Acting Chief Executive/General Manager City and Community Services elaborated on the report. Cr Lewis left the meeting at 12.20pm and rejoined the meeting at 12.23pm. |
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In response to questions from members, the Acting Chief Executive/General Manager City and Community Services advised that the $9M amount in the provisional budget was not sufficient to rebuild the pool. He said that in order to fund a final option, it may be necessary to defer or scale back or not undertake other projects. He stated that until all the investigations and preliminary design work had been completed, it was unclear of the total cost for a new pool in whatever form. He added that it would not be prudent to allocate money to the rebuilding project until the estimated value of the project was known. He said that putting a large sum into the budget now could trigger a Long Term Plan (LTP) consultation process, which would mean the budget could not be signed off at this meeting. In response to a question from a member, the Acting Chief Executive/General Manager City and Community Services advised there were four areas of the building below 34% of the New Build Standard. There was also three areas below 20% including the roof structure, plant equipment, unreinforced masonary and structural posts. In response to a question from a member, the Acting Chief Executive/General Manager City and Community Services advised that a thorough public consultation process would occur, in line with the prescribed process when alterations to the LTP were proposed. The General Manager Corporate Services added that the process would also be audited by Audit New Zealand. In response to a question from a member, Mayor Wallace advised a lot of aspirational work had already occurred in regard with the initial Hub discussions with the Naenae community, albeit without a pool being part of that. Cr Barratt added that she had provided officers with a wish list she had compiled from her consultation with the community. In response to questions from members, the Acting Chief Executive/General Manager City and Community Services reiterated that the $9M would be allocated to design, consenting and procurement costs. He acknowledged that these actions may not cost a total of $9M. He further advised of the recent Court case in Hawkes Bay, which found against Council where it had allocated a large amount of money in the budget without public consultation. He warned that to allocate any further money for the Naenae Pool without knowing the full costs of the rebuild, without consultation, would be a similar action. |
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Cr Lulich stated that the community was already under stress and that the project and associated consultation must proceed. Cr Barry requested that $40M be allocated in the budget to this project now to provide certainty for Naenae, conditional upon the consultation and LTP changes. He suggested that the decision was being pushed out until after the election and asked for transparency on the matter. Mayor Wallace ruled that Cr Barry’s comments on pushing the decision out until after the election breached Standing Orders. Cr Barry agreed to amend his comments. Cr Barry requested that $31M be added to the budget over the next three years as a provisional amount for the rebuild or repair of Naenae Pool conditional upon the results of the special consultation process. Mayor Wallace ruled against Cr Barry’s wording as it would be a major change to the LPT and had not been consulted on. Cr Barry expressed concern with the motion and requested clarification of the allocation of the $200,000 for events to be held in Naenae. He asked that officers investigate moving the Highlight event to Naenae. Mayor Wallace advised that officers were currently working on programmes of events for Naenae. Deputy Mayor Bassett advised that Mayor Wallace had made his ruling and asked that the motion under debate be now put. |
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Resolved: (Mayor Wallace/Cr Barratt) (BY DIVISION) Minute No. CPC 19310 “That the Committee: (i) approves the proposed budget changes outlined in the report; (ii) notes the update on progress for preparing high level information regarding options; and (iii) notes the upcoming decision making process, including that a special consultation process and Long Term Plan amendment will be required.” |
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The motion was declared carried by division with the voting as follows:
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Cr Briggs abstained from voting on the above matter. |
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7. |
Jackson Street Programme - Extension of Area Subject to Targeted Rate (19/625) Report No. CPC2019/3/108 by the Divisional Manager, Strategy and Planning |
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Speaking under public comment, Ms H Swales, Coordinator of the Jackson Street Programme (JSP) explained most of the 136 properties proposed for inclusion in the JSP extended area were residential properties that would not be paying the targeted rate. She noted only 33 submitters to the JSP survey opposed the change and 11 of these were from the 136 properties in the extended area. She advised the JSP assisted all business owners in many ways, by providing advocacy, advice, and other assistance. She said the JSP was currently working on the issue of single use plastic bags. She added the JSP also provided a number of services to the wider community. She noted Petone acted as a gateway to Lower Hutt with 20,000 people being directed to tourist activities in the locality by the JSP. She further noted that events organised by the JSP had attracted large numbers of people from outside Lower Hutt. Speaking under public comment, Mr R Schneider, a Petone property owner, expressed appreciation for the JSP service and wanted to see its work continue. Speaking under public comment, Mr J Weeds, owner of Executive Laundry Ltd, expressed opposition to the proposed extension. He noted the JSP was originally formed to promote Jackson Street as a shopping and heritage destination but said the focus was now on the retail and commercial area of Jackson Street. He believed multi-national retail outlets had chosen the area for its ability to attract customers and did not need the JSP’s promotion. He considered the JSP levy was a tax that would not benefit his business since he was not primarily a retail business. He noted that while 87% of members supported the extended footprint of the JSP, these members would also benefit from the subsequent reduction in levy fees. He expressed frustration that he was notified only four days before submissions on this proposal were required. Speaking under public comment, Mr P Saxton owner of Saxton Autos, said he had not experienced any benefit from the JSP and could not support the rate. Speaking under public comment, Mr J Green, owner of Te Puni 2000, asked for a fair targeted rate for businesses. He noted that small retail outlets received most benefit from the JSP but they paid considerably less than his business did. He suggested that newly levied businesses be introduced at a fairer rate. In response to a question from a member, Mr Green explained his business was mostly industrial and would not receive much benefit from the JSP’s services. |
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The Divisional Manager, Strategy and Planning elaborated on the report. Cr Briggs left the meeting at 1.04pm. In response to a question from a member, the Divisional Manager, Strategy and Planning advised that she would seek an answer from Council’s Rates Division in relation to a differential rate. She added there had been no consultation undertaken in this regard. In response to a question from a member, Ms Swales advised that service industries brought people into the area which benefited all businesses and that there were many retail industries in the area as well. Cr Briggs rejoined the meeting at 1.07pm. Ms Swales provided clarification on the comments by the public speaker Mr Weeds. She added that there may have been confusion with the official survey as the JSP had undertaken preliminary survey work which some respondents had mistaken for providing a formal response. She believed people did not formally submit to the official consultation and that the questions asked were different. In response to a question from a member, Ms Swales advised that if the area was expanded, the amount of levy each business would pay would decrease. She added that with additional monies, the JSP would be able to expand its heritage work and the work undertaken jointly with the Petone 2040 project. In response to a question from a member, the Senior Research and Evaluation Advisor advised that the survey was anonymous, it did not mention the levy amount and that respondents were asked whether they believed the JSP was relevant to them. In response to questions from membesr, Ms Swales elaborated on the positive work of the JSP. She also elaborated on the consultation process undertaken by the JSP staff. Members discussed their general support of the JSP but expressed concern with the proposed extension of the area for the targeted rate. Members believed that further engagement with the businessed in the proposed area should have occurred. Cr Milne expressed support for the proposed extension of the area, in principle. He stated he had received legal advice that a targeted rate could have two different amounts within it. He suggested the enlarged area should be expanded north of Jackson Street. He suggested additional wording to ask officers and the JSP to undertake further work and investigate a potential targeted rate area, how the targeted rate could be applied and the potential for a differential rate. In response to a question from a member, Mayor Wallace agreed there would need to be a new consultation process commenced if the amendment was passed. He said that if then agreed, it would not come into force until 1 July 2020 at the earliest. In response to a question from a member, the General Manager, Corporate Services confirmed that all funding to JSP came from the targeted rate. |
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MOVED: (Mayor Wallace/Cr McDonald) “That the Committee approves an additional amount to the Jackson Street Programme of $25,000 for 2019/20.” The motion was declared LOST on the voices. |
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Resolved: (Cr Milne/Cr Lulich) Minute No. CPC 19311 “That the Committee: (i) notes a survey of all commercial building owners in the proposed extended area covered by the Jackson Street Programme (JSP) was completed on 5 May 2019 and that the results of that survey are summarised in this paper; (ii) notes that officers have checked the number of rate payers affected by the proposed extension to make sure that the calculation of the rate is accurate and that this has resulted in a recalculation of the rate that would apply should Council agree to the extension of the area subject to the JSP targeted rate; (iii) notes that based on the new footprint and the total number of affected ratepayers to collect $230,000 (which includes GST) equates to 0.00051677 cents in the dollar; (iv) notes that 0.00051677 cents in the dollar means that a property worth $100,000 pays $51.68 per annum, one worth $1M pays $516.77 per annum and a property worth $10m pays $5,167.70 per annum; (v) notes that 33 submissions were received on the Statement of Proposal and the submissions analysis; (vi) notes that 25 of these submissions were from affected submitters – either those already paying the targeted rate or those who would be under the proposed extension; (vii) notes that 13 of these supported the extension and that all of these submitters are already paying the targeted rate for JSP; (viii) notes that 11 submissions were from people in the proposed extension area and that all of these submitters were against the proposed expansion; (ix) notes section 16 (g) of the Local Government (Rating) Act 2002 allows a targeted rate to be set if the activity/activities is identified in the Funding Impact Statement; (x) notes that the Funding Impact Statement would need to be amended to allow the targeted rate to be extended so that the new rate can be applied; and (xi) does not agree to extend the targeted rate area for the Jackson Street Programme to the area bounded by Cuba Street, Hutt Road, Jackson Street and The Esplanade which will apply to all commercial building owners (excludes residential buildings) business owners, managers and business people in this area; and (xii) asks officers and JSP to undertake further work and investigate a potential targeted rate and how the targeted rate could be applied and the potential for a differential rate.” For the reasons outlined in the report. |
The meeting was adjourned at 1.47pm and reconvened at 2.30pm.
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8. |
Recommendation from the City Development Committee - Hutt Valley Tennis (19/631) Report No. CPC2019/3/58 by the Sport and Recreation Programmes Manager |
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Cr Milne declared an interest in the item and took no part in discussion or voting on the item. |
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Speaking under public comment, Mr W Andrews expressed support for Cr Barry’s comments at a previous Council meeting. He recognised there was an opportunity to remedy poor decisions from previous years and endorsed support for the proposal. Speaking under public comment, Mr S Jackson, a representative of Hutt Valley Tennis (HVT), explained the importance of the Mitchell Park complex for HVT and highlighted it had nine clubs affiliated to it. He noted the complex averaged 160 visitors per day with over 60,000 visitors per year. He advised the HVT now had an unsustainable financial model caused by the squash club moving to Fraser Park Sportsville. He added the HVT Development Fund was expected to be depleted within six years. He said safety was also an issue since the building had been deemed an earthquake risk. Speaking under public comment, Mr Gary Baird, a representative of Hutt Valley Tennis, said converting four of the existing outdoor courts into indoor courts would generate a sustainable revenue stream and would create an iconic centre that could be used for other events. He added that earthquake strengthening and re-orientation of the existing building would improve safety, aesthetics and public access. He advised HVT had a capital fund of $440,000 and would take responsibility for raising an extra $400,000. He explained an additional $850,000 from Council would allow Hutt Valley Tennis to provide safe facilities and a financially sustainable business model. Mr Baird advised the number of tennis courts in Lower Hutt did not currently reach the recommended ratio for the Lower Hutt population. He said the club was committed to opening the facility to partner with other organisations. He considered the four court option would provide HVT with a financially sustainable model while the two court option would mean Hutt Valley Tennis would continue to lose $30,000 per annum. He was confident there was sufficient demand for tennis facilities in Lower Hutt to make the proposal financially viable. |
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Cr Barry rejoined the meeting at 2.31pm. The Sport and Recreation Programmes Manager elaborated on the report. In response to a question from a member, the Sport and Recreation Programmes Manager advised that covered courts could increase revenue for HVT and officers had raised concern with the figure for casual court hireage numbers. In response to questions from members, the Sport and Recreation Programmes Manager explained that the Sport NZ report into a review of the sporting facilities in the region had yet to be published and would be a high level document. He added that the covered six court Renouf Tennis Centre in Wellington was regarded as the regional tennis facility and that further tennis facility developments should not hinder this. He confirmed there were currently no covered tennis courts in the Hutt Valley. He there had been no involvement from the Hutt City Community Facilities Trust (CFT) in the project to date. He said that HVT saw itself as continuing its long-term ownership of the building. The Acting Chief Executive/General Manager, City and Community Services added that the current building was located on Council owned reserve land and could not be moved at a later date if required. In response to a question from a member, the Sport and Recreation Programmes Manager advised that there was approximately $150,000 given about 10 years ago for court resurfacing and two amounts of $250,000 more recently from Council. In response to a question from a member, the Sport and Recreation Programmes Manager advised that two covered courts would cost $515,000 and HVT did not support that option. Deputy Mayor Bassett expressed support for the motion. He acknowledged the work of officers and HVT personnel. He outlined the background to the current situation, including the relocation of the squash club to Fraser Park Sportsville and the seismic issues with the existing tennis building. He explained that if Council contributed $850,000, HVT would contribute $840,000 to provide a total of $1.3M for the redevelopment of the centre. He added that the centre was trying to entice mature players back to tennis. Cr Lulich expressed concern with the motion as he believed there were too many other higher priority projects. Cr Sutton expressed support for the motion. The Acting Chief Executive/General Manager, City and Community Services advised there was $1.6M of capacity within the debt caps. He added that due to doubt that the Wainuiomata Sportsville Hub project would proceed, reallocating those monies could assist in providing monies to fund other projects, such as HVT, Bell Park and Petone Recreational Ground. He stated the $2.6M remaining in the Wainuiomata Sportsville budget could be allocated to providing an artificial turf facility. He confirmed that funding of all projects was subject to the final decision and funding of Naenae Pool. Cr Bridson expressed sympathy for HVT, but cautioned against giving false hope. She agreed priorities needed to be set for the budget. She did not believe that HVT was a priority as it did not align with Council’s strategies. Cr Briggs left the meeting at 3.03pm. Cr Barry supported Cr Bridson’s comments. Cr Briggs rejoined the meeting at 3.05pm. |
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MOVED: (Cr Barry/Cr Lewis) “That the item lay on the table until after the information comes back on the Naenae consultation.” The motion was declared lost by division on the Chair’s casting vote with the voting as follows:
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Resolved: (Mayor Wallace/Deputy Mayor Bassett) Minute No. CPC 19312 “That the Committee: (i) approves an additional budget provision of $850,000 for Hutt Valley Tennis; and (ii) notes that any actual financial commitment to Hutt Valley Tennis (HVT) will be subject to various conditions including and not limited to: (a) formal approval of a final design concept; (b) evidence and comfort regarding the budget and in particular with regards to a final construction cost, and confirmed or committed fundraising (cash and in-kind); (c) evidence and comfort of the construction programme and methodology; (d) formal approval of a project governance structure and possible ownership; (e) a senior Council officer(s) sitting on an appropriate Project Control Group; and (f) formal approval of a business case that demonstrates the ongoing operational sustainability and maintenance of the facility by HVT.” |
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9. |
Recommendation from the City Development Committee - Petone Recreation Ground (19/634) Report No. CPC2019/3/59 by the Committee Advisor |
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Cr Lulich declared a conflict of interest in the item and took no part in discussion or voting on the matter. |
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The Acting Chief Executive/General Manager, City and Community Services elaborated on the report. In response to a question from a member, the Acting Chief Executive/General Manager, City and Community Services confirmed the existing pavilion was on Council land but was not owned by Council. He added that the building was in a worse state of disrepair than many Council owned sporting facilities. In response to a question from a member, the Sport and Recreation Programmes Manager advised that the Council owner building at Naenae Park was undergoing seismic strengthening work, refurbishment of the toilet block and upgrading of the grounds. He added it would bring the building up to 67% New Building Standard (NBS), whilst a new build at Petone Recreational Ground would be 100% NBS. In response to a question from a member, the Sport and Recreation Programmes Manager advised that the upcoming Sport NZ report was high level and would not investigate the state of individual buildings. Cr McDonald left the meeting at 3.13pm. In response to a question from a member, the Acting Chief Executive/General Manager, City and Community Services explained proposal plans had been presented to the City Development Committee, but were not included in the order paper for the Committee meeting. He added the project would be subject to the Naenae Pool project decisions and a number of other conditions as detailed in the officer’s report. Deputy Mayor Bassett explained that the proposal had proceeded through the correct channels with the clubs proposing to contribute $550,000 to bring the total funds to $1.35M. He further explained that the concept was based on a hub concept and included a range of sports. Cr Barry expressed concern. He said to provide exact monies for a privately owned building and to not set aside an actual funding amount for the Naenae Pool was unfair. He suggested a review on how Council managed its sporting facilities. |
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MOVED: (Cr Barry/Cr Briggs) “That the item lay on the table until after the information comes back on the Naenae consultation.” The motion was declared lost by division with the voting as follows:
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Cr Lewis expressed concern as she did not believe the project should be a Council priority. She added that the Petone Community Board and other sporting clubs of Petone had no knowledge of the matter. Crs Briggs and Edwards expressed cocnern as it was not a priority and the sporting clubs should not be given a false hope. Cr Barratt and Mayor Wallace expressed support for the motion. |
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Resolved: (Mayor Wallace/Deputy Mayor Bassett) (BY DIVISION) Minute No. CPC 19313 “That the Committee: (i) notes that this is a partnership project between Petone Riverside Cricket Club (PRC), the community and Council; (ii) approves a budget provision of $750,000 for a contribution to a new community pavilion on the Petone Recreation Ground; and (iii) notes that any actual financial commitment would be subject to various conditions being satisfied including and not limited to: (a) formal approval of a final design concept; (b) evidence and comfort regarding the budget and in particular with regards to a final construction cost, and confirmed or committed fundraising (cash and in- kind); (c) evidence and comfort of the construction programme and methodology; (d) formal approval of a project governance structure; (e) senior Council officer(s) sitting on an appropriate Project Control Group; and (f) formal approval of a business case that demonstrates the ongoing operational sustainability and maintenance of the Pavilion by the PRC.” |
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The motion was declared carried by division with the voting as follows:
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10. |
Recommendation from the City Development Committee - Southend Business Group (19/636) Report No. CPC2019/3/60 by the Committee Advisor |
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Speaking under public comment, Mr M Gray, a representative of the Southend Group (the Group) expressed disappointment in a news item depicting the south end of High Street as empty and depressed. He noted an empty building in the news item had in fact been leased and that a pop up cinema was opening soon. He said many business owners in the area were becoming involved in the Group and working to increase numbers of people and traffic in southern High Street. He added the Group was in the process of organising signage for the area and clarifying requirements for governance. |
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Deputy Mayor Bassett elaborated on the report and expressed support for the proposal. In response to a question from a member, Deputy Mayor Bassett confirmed that the members of the group were all volunteers, with the possibility of business owners joining in the future. |
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Resolved: (Deputy Mayor Bassett/Mayor Wallace) Minute No. CPC 19314 “That the Committee: (i) approves an additional budget provision totalling $45,000.00 in FY2019/20 for the Southend Business Group to accomplish Stage two and Stage three of their Work Plan Concepts, attached as Appendix 1 to the report; and (ii) thanks the Business Group for the work they are doing with the Southend area of High Street” |
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11. |
Recommendation from the Community Services Committee - Bell Park (19/608) Report No. CPC2019/3/104 by the Team Leader Parks |
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Speaking under public comment, Mr K Goldsbury, a representative of Ignite Sport (Ignite) introduced four students who outlined the benefit of the Ignite Sport programme for them. They spoke of the positive transformation Ignite had on their lives by helping them achieve their goals and develop leadership skills. Mr Goldsbury said Ignite programmes benefitted 1,500 high school and intermediate students from the region annually. He explained Ignite was negotiating with the Lower Hutt Football Club to purchase their building but he advised to continue the programme it was critical that hard surface courts were built. He stressed the urgency of intervention for youth and said the courts were a small investment into the lives of young people in Lower Hutt. Ms Hanna expressed support for Council leasing Bell Park to Ignite Sport and funding hard surface courts. She considered this vital for the young people of Lower Hutt. She believed people wanted more emphasis on the provision of spaces in Lower Hutt, particularly green spaces. Cr McDonald joined the meeting at 10.30am. Cr Barratt and the Divisional Manager, Parks and Recreation elaborated on the report. Cr Barratt expressed support of the proposal. In response to a question from a member, the Sports and Recreation Programmes Manager advised that the hard court (a turf) would be multi-purpose, allowing for basketball, hockey, football and rugby to be played. He said that having a turf at the location would result in less travel being required by Ignite Sports, as it transported young people across the city for different sports events. He added that the community at large would have full access to the turf when Ignite Sports was not using it. |
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Cr Lulich expressed support of the motion. He fully supported the project as full public consultation had occurred and a number of youth would directly benefit from the project. Crs Barry, Lewis and Milne expressed support of the motion, as it was an example of creating an asset, full public participation had occurred and it supported the local community. |
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Resolved: (Cr Barratt/Cr Lulich) Minute No. CPC 19315 “That the Committee: (i) notes that Ignite Sports Trust is interested in the purchase of the Lower Hutt Football Club building located on Bell Park and is negotiating with the owners, the Lower Hutt Association Football Club; (ii) notes that without commitment from Council to issue a lease of reserve land, Ignite Sports Trust is unable to continue to proceed to the purchase of the building; (iii) notes that the request is consistent with Council policy; (iv) agrees to issue a lease for the area attached as Appendix 1 to the report to Ignite Sports Trust for a term of 30 years; and (v) approves a budget provision of $250,000 towards the cost of a hard court surface area at Bell Park as attached as Appendix 2 to the report.” |
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12. |
Recommendation from the Community Services Committee - Te Whiti Park Proposed Extension (19/611) Report No. CPC2019/3/107 by the Divisional Manager, Democratic Services |
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Speaking under public comment, Mr W Luke, a representative of the Runanga, said the proposed community hub in Te Whiti Park aimed to improve wellbeing through health, education and job placements. He said the Association looked forward to Council support to complete the extension that would enable the proposed facility to be created. Speaking under public comment, Mr S Olsen, a representative of Te Aroha Sports Association (the Association), said the Association recognised the extension was critical to creating a hub that would involve the wider community. In response to a question from a member, Mr Luke said the design had been part of a well-publicised plan for some years and had been submitted to the wider community some years ago. He noted Council had been involved in the design process and had agreed to it. He added the Association would be open to making changes to the design if required. Crs Barry and Briggs left the meeting at 3.45pm. The Sports and Recreation Programmes Manager elaborated on the report Cr Barry rejoined the meeting at 3.47pm. The Sports and Recreation Programmes Manager confirmed Council commitment was not to underwrite the project. He agreed to circulate plans of the proposal and of the Petone Cricket Club proposal to all members. Cr Bridson expressed support for the motion. |
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Resolved: (Cr Barratt/Deputy Mayor Bassett) Minute No. CPC 19316 “That the Committee: (i) notes that officers have been in discussions for some years with the Te Aroha Sports Association with regard to a concept development plan for Te Whiti Park; (ii) notes that a part of the Plan is the construction of a new changing room facility, which has been completed; (iii) notes that a multi-purpose utility room was a part of the agreed changing room facility design but this was not constructed; (iv) notes that the Association is seeking a one third funding commitment from Council to complete construction of the multi-purpose room as originally proposed; and (v) approves a budget provision of a maximum of $300,000 for a contribution towards completion of the sports pavilion at Te Whiti Park; and (vi) notes that any actual financial commitment would be subject to Te Aroha Sports Association raising the balance of funding for the completion of the project.” |
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13. |
Recommendation from the Community Services Committee - Accessibility and Inclusiveness Plan Subcommittee Requests (19/652) Report No. CPC2019/3/110 by the Contractor |
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Cr Barratt elaborated on the report. Cr Briggs rejoined the meeting at 3.49pm. In response to a question from a member, the Acting Chief Executive/General Manager City and Community Services agreed to report back to the meeting with the comments from Council’s Transport Division on how the amount of $50,000 could be utlised. Members agreed to return to the item once this information was available the meeting was adjourned at 3.52pm and reconvened with item 14. |
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Members returned to the item after item 14. The Acting Chief Executive/General Manager City and Community Services advised that the current annual budget for footpaths was $850,000, with $50,000 per annum for enhancing the footpaths to be friendlier for wheelchairs. He added that the proposed additional amount requested would be spent to increase the existing maintenance programme for more enhancements. He added that the Transport Division fully endorsed the proposal. Mayor Wallace expressed supported for the motion, as the Accessibility and Inclusiveness Subcommittee had identified a real need to ensure all areas of the city were accessible and inclusive for all. Cr Cousins expressed supported for the motion, as the population of the city was aging and more assistance for this section of the community would be required in the future. Cr Lulich expressed supported for the motion, as the Transport Division endorsed it. |
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Resolved: (Cr Barratt/Deputy Mayor Bassett) Minute No. CPC 19317 “That the Committee: (i) allocates additional funding of $50,000 to the footpath maintenance budget to address the adequacy of footpaths in the city for use by those with disabilities/ mobility issues; (ii) makes a $20,000 funding provision in the Annual Plan 2019-2020 to enable the installation of Blind Square in the Lower Hutt CBD and Jackson Street, Petone, to assist those with sight impairments to move safely around both these areas; and (iii) notes that a timeline and plan for implementation arising from paragraphs (i) and (ii) above and related matters will be reported to the Accessibility and Inclusiveness Plan Subcommittee and/or Community Services Committee.” |
The meeting was adjourned at 3.52pm and reconvened at 4.03pm.
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14. |
Recommendation from Council - Homelessness in the City (19/649) Report No. CPC2019/3/109 by the Principal Research and Policy Advisor |
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Speaking under public comment, Ms I Gill, a community lawyer for Community Law, advised her organisation engaged with over 2,000 clients per year on tenancy and housing issues. She explained there was an increasing intensity of housing need amongst a wider group of people and it was impacting the most vulnerable. She added that Māori were disproportionately affected. She considered that Council needed to increase their role in addressing complex issues around homelessness. She said it was vital this was well funded by Council. In response to a question from a member, Ms Gill said the funding proposed by Council was a small first step but she acknowledged it was a start. Speaking under public comment, Mr S Jensen, a representative of NEXGEN, said his family had committed to helping the city’s most vulnerable citizens. He believed the city needed to take responsibility for homelessness. He congratulated Council on its Homelessness Strategy and strongly recommended the budget recommendations be endorsed. He believed the funding would assist those willing to step on board and work for change. Speaking under public comment, Princess advised she had been working with Mr Jensen at grass roots level with the homeless. She explained they had been monitoring the homeless over the past month and she described some desperate situations of families in Lower Hutt. She said her family was using its own money to help the homeless, and it had also been asking the community for assistance. She concluded that she and Mr Jensen were willing to continue to work with the homeless and she offered to work alongside Council. Speaking under public comment, a representative of Te Kākano o te Aroha Marae said she had been working with the homeless since 2016. She supported the budget recommendations and the possibility of working as a collective with others. She advised that from time to time Te Kākano o te Aroha Marae opened its doors so the homeless could take a shower. Speaking under public comment, Ms K Brown, a community worker, advised that her priority was for every child to sleep in a home. She noted there were over 500 people on the waiting list for housing in Lower Hutt, not including children. She believed it was time to work strategically, work to end homelessness and support children to be future leaders. Speaking under public comment, Ms T Chivers, a lead social worker at the Hutt Valley District Health Board (HVDHB) advised homelessness had significant implications for health. She said homelessness was increasingly impacting service delivery at the HVDHB due to the time required to assist patients with complex needs due to homelessness. She added that many patients’ discharge from hospital was delayed by an average of 9.5 days because they required housing. She said the HVDHB had had input into the Homelessness Strategy and supported the funding proposal. Speaking under public comment, Ms T Kells, a representative of Hutt City Youth Council expressed disappointment there appeared to be a lack of commitment to homelessness from Council. She noted the homelessness item on the agenda had been recommended for discussion rather than endorsed. She said homelessness had been a long-time issue and Hutt City Youth Council had previously recommended that Council created a plan and set priorities. She considered the issue was a priority for Council that could not wait for action from Central Government. Speaking under public comment, Ms W Bailey, a representative of Hutt City Youth Council agreed homelessness should be Council’s main priority. Speaking under public comment, Ms E Simi, a representative of the Living Stones Fellowship in Lower Hutt, advised the organisation had been working with other community groups to assist the homeless. She explained she had taken part in night patrols over the previous month feeding the homeless who she found sleeping in tents, cars and on streets. She said most of those questioned about their needs had requested advocacy for housing. She added that many of them were working families or had lost businesses. She said it was difficult to walk away from such situations and she supported the Homelessness Strategy and the associated funding. She added the Living Stones Fellowship was working with Te Kākano o te Aroha Marae, Sandy Jensen and Princess, Whanau Aroha and other groups advocating for suitable housing. Speaking under public comment, Mr S Simi, a representative of the Living Stones Fellowship in Lower Hutt, said he had allowed a number of homeless people into his home and as a result had lost his own housing. He advised he consequently understood the insecurity of not having a home and the stigma that accompanied homelessness. He noted that although homeless people tended to be stigmatised, many were business people or working families. He concluded that homelessness could affect anyone. Speaking under public comment, Mr A Perez, Chair of the Tuatahi Trust (the Trust), advised the Trust was a social services organisation, with an arm providing emergency housing and support services. He emphasised that the lack of housing in Lower Hutt was a crisis. He noted children were changing schools frequently because they had no permanent homes. He acknowledged the funding Council was proposing was significant and would be appreciated by those working on the issue. He cautioned that all funding should be tightly monitored with strict accountability measures. Speaking under public comment, Ms A Vailima, Operations Officer for the Tuatahi Trust, thanked members for their strong leadership on the issue of homelessness. She acknowledged that Council’s commitment to a three year funding proposal for the Homelessness Strategy was a good beginning. She recommended that Council continued to prioritise the issue and worked with other organisations. She advised the Trust provided transitional housing in Lower Hutt but was now forced to relocate families out of Lower Hutt due to the chronic shortage of housing in the city. She said she looked forward to Housing First arriving in Lower Hutt to assist with the problem. Speaking under public comment, Marcus, Team Leader at the Tuatahi Trust, said it was disheartening to have to relocate the homeless outside of Lower Hutt. He advised many were forced to move since Housing New Zealand did not have enough housing and private rentals were not affordable for many. Speaking under public comment, Mr V Tamihere agreed homelessness was a crisis. He noted people had been sleeping in the Naenae Cemetery and some were being arrested. He believed the city could do better to help the homeless. |
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The Principal Research and Policy Advisor and the Policy Advisor elaborated on the report. Deputy Mayor Bassett and Cr Milne rejoined the meeting at 4.06pm. In response to question from a member, the Principal Research and Policy Advisor confirmed the Wellbeing Budget did provide further funding for Housing First and added there would be 200 places in Wellington and the Hutt Valley funded through Housing First. The Policy Advisor added that the central government budget had no impact on the target audience of Council and that monies from Council were required for the work to be undertaken. She clarified there are two different streams of assistance. government’s Housing First and Council’s homelessness strategy. Cr Briggs rejoined the meeting at 4.07pm. Members discussed the desire for officers to continue to advocate and lobby the government for more assistance with homelessness. The Principal Research and Policy Advisor advised that Council had already signalled it was willing to work with the government on the issue. He said that there was an ability to partner with the Ministry of Social Development (MSD) with regards to prevention work. He added there appeared to be no further avenues to obtain funding. In response to a question from a member, the Principal Research and Policy Advisor advised that the homelessness problem in Lower Hutt was rising, with the city having the highest amount of emergency housing being provided nationwide. He added that officers would continue to lobby government with research and evidence. In response to a question from a member, the Principal Research and Policy Advisor explained the close working relationship officers had with all partners, including knowledge of what kinds of households were being assisted into what types of accommodation and how this was occurring. He added that numbers of people calling to ask for assistance were also kept, along with the type of assistance they requested. In response to a question from a member, the Principal Research and Policy Advisor explained the current focus was accessing the private rental market by building relationships with landlords and investors to assist low income, vulnerable people into accommodation. Cr Bridson added that with the pressure on accommodation in Wellington city, many people from there were moving to Lower Hutt, which adds to the city’s accommodation issues. Cr Briggs expressed support for the motion. He thanked officers for the work to date with the issue. He added that Council had a role to play in collaboration to reduce and prevent the homelessness crisis. Crs Barratt, Lulich, Lewis and Barry expressed support for the motion Deputy Mayor Bassett thanked all those involved for the work undertaken to date. He strongly believed it was a central government issue and urged officers to continue to lobby the government. Cr Milne agreed with Deputy Mayor Bassett and suggested the review of the District Plan should reassess the residential rules to permit smaller lots and increased densities. He added that not all residents desired a large garden. He also asked that the Urban Growth Strategy be reviewed. Cr Cousins supported the officers in the work they had undertaken and requested they to continue to lobby and keep pressure on the government for assistance. She believed it was the key national housing provider and there was empty government owned residential land within the city. The Acting General Manager, City Transformation advised that Plan Change 43 was seeking to allow intensification in the city, which would provide for more houses to be built. Mayor Wallace thanked all involved with this issue, including Crs Barratt and Cousins, officers and members of the public. |
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Resolved: (Mayor Wallace/Cr Barratt) (BY DIVISION)(Unanimous) Minute No. CPC 19318 “That the Committee: (i) agrees the proposed strategic approach to homelessness in the city. This includes changing the wording of priority five from ‘Improving data on homelessness in Lower Hutt’ to ‘Improving the understanding of homelessness in Lower Hutt; (ii) agrees the three-year funding proposal in option one to contribute to implementing the Lower Hutt Homelessness Strategy, of Year One: $560,000; Year two: $520,000; and Year three: $520,000; (iii) agrees to review the action plan after the initial three-year period with further funding considered as part of the Long Term Plan; (iv) agrees to work with partners to implement the initial action plan for the strategy; (v) agrees that Council participates in the Governance of Housing First in the Hutt Valley and Wellington along with partners including Iwi, non-governmental organisations, local government and central government; (vi) agrees to request with some urgency the establishment of a Housing First initiative in the Hutt Valley.” |
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The motion was declared carried by division with the voting as follows:
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Resolved: (Deputy Mayor Bassett/Cr Cousins) Minute No. CPC 19319 “That the Committee agrees that Council make representations to government outlining the situation in Hutt City in terms of the high level of homelessness with a view to seeking the necessary resources to support the homeless residents in Hutt City.” |
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15. |
Council Contractors and the Living Wage (19/605) Report No. CPC2019/3/103 by the General Manager Corporate Services |
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Speaking under public comment, Ms M Tunoho, a representative of the Hutt Valley Living Wage Network, congratulated Council on previously adopting the living wage for its employees and considered it time to extend the living wage to its contractors. She added contractors were often the lowest paid strata of the workforce. She noted Council’s independent survey in 2018 showed that a significant percentage of the community supported the living wage for Council employees. She said a survey of business owners carried out by the Hutt Valley Chamber of Commerce had also supported the concept of a living wage. She noted that Mayor Wallace had already committed to extending the living wage to Council’s cleaners. She did not consider it was too late to complete the commitment made to contractors and guarantee them a living wage before the end of the current triennium. She urged members to support Option 1 as she believed the lowest paid would continue to struggle. Ms Tunoho read a statement from a Council contract cleaner, who described her struggle to live on a low wage. Ms Tunoho concluded the Hutt Valley Living Wage Network wanted to build a fairer society for all. Mayor Wallace noted that paying the living wage to contractors would increase rates by 0.5%. He believed engagement with the community would be needed before this could be agreed. He expressed doubt that previous engagement on the living wage had included the wages of contractors. In response to a question from a member, Mayor Wallace disagreed that funding proposed for the Petone Riverside Cricket club would also require consultation. He noted it would not add 0.5% to the rates as the living wage would. The General Manager Corporate Services elaborated on the report. Cr Briggs left the meeting at 4.48pm. Cr Barry left the meeting at 4.50pm. Crs Barry and Briggs rejoined the meeting at 4.52pm. In response to a question from a member, the General Manager, Corporate Services advised that he did not believe that contractors who paid the living wage were submitting higher than expected tender prices. In response to a question from a member, the General Manager, Corporate Services advised that contractors were not prepared to share information concerning the wages of their employees. He said that contractors included cleaning, ground maintenance, parking and security guard services. In response to a question from a member, the General Manager, Corporate Services agreed there was no way of checking if contractors stating they paid a living wage actually carried this out for subcontractors. He added that all contracts let had clauses providing for annual adjustments to take account of the Labour and the Producer Price Indexes. |
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The Chair invited representatives of the Living Wage Movement to join the table. Ms McIntyre, the Co-ordinator of the Living Wage Movement, Wellington explained that all workers were worth a living wage, and that in her experience, those companies who paid a living wage were not disadvantaged or undergoing financial hardship. She said that at Wellington City Council ensuring subcontractors were paid the living wage through the contractors had not been difficult. She said added that currently parking and security guard contractors to Hutt City Council were paid the living wage. In response to a question from a member, Ms McIntyre believed a survey to ascertain community support for payment of the living wage to contractors was necessary. She said that the Living Wage Movement would participate and engage in any public consultation Council deemed was required. She added that after three years of extensive campaigning, the movement believed enough discussion had already occurred and things should now be put into action. The General Manager, Corporate Services clarified that whilst there was no specific requirement to consult with the public over which option Council agreed to, if the chosen option required rates to be increased above Council’s Financial Strategy limits, then full consultation would be required. Cr Sutton expressed opposition to the motion as she believed that contractors were not Council employees and should not be bound by Council policy concerning the living wage. Cr Bridson expressed opposition to the motion and suggested instead a budgetary allocation of approximately $300,000 should be made for the living wage. She said that it should be assessed on a case by case basis, working with Living Wage Hutt Valley. Cr Lulich expressed support for the motion. The motion was taken in parts. Part (i) was declared CARRIED on the voices, parts (ii) and (iv) was declared CARRIED by a show of hands both with 9 votes for and 1 vote against and part (iii) was declared CARRIED by division. |
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Resolved: (Mayor Wallace/Cr Edwards) Minute No. CPC 19320 That the Committee: (i) receives and notes the contents of this report; and (ii) asks that the Living Wage Working Group, which consists of Hutt Valley Living Wage, Hutt Valley Chamber of Commerce and Hutt City Council, help construct a survey to engage the community to ascertain whether there is support for paying Council contractors the living wage, as soon as practicable; (iii) resolves that cleaners, as Council contractors, be paid the living wage as soon as practicable; and (iv) officers to allocate the necessary resources to ensure parts (i) to (iii) above can occur.” |
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Part (iii) above was declared carried by division with the voting as follows:
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Cr Edwards left the meeting at 5.42pm.
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16. |
Annual Plan 2019-2020: Approval of Non-Financial Content (19/543) Report No. CPC2019/3/99 by the Contractor |
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Crs Briggs, Lewis and Milne left the meeting at 5.44pm. The Contractor elaborated on the report. Cr Edwards rejoined the meeting at 5.46pm. In response to a question from a member, Cr Edwards advised that the amount of water each household should store to use after a major event had been updated to be seven to 10 days from three days. Cr Barry left the meeting at 5.47pm. Crs Lewis and Milne rejoined the meeting at 5.47pm. Cr Barry rejoined the meeting at 5.48pm. |
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Resolved: (Mayor Wallace/Cr Barratt) Minute No. CPC 19321 “That the Committee: (i) approves the non-financial content of the Annual Plan 2019-2020 attached as Appendix 1 to the report; and (ii) notes that the text of the document will be updated as necessary, and financial text and tables added, to reflect the decisions made by Council at its 11 June 2019 meeting.” |
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17. |
Further Information Requested by Community Plan Committee 8 May 2019 (19/589) Report No. CPC2019/3/102 by the Contractor |
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The Contractor elaborated on the report. Cr Barry left the meeting at 5.49pm. In response to a question from a member, the Acting Chief Executive/General Manager, City and Community Services confirmed that the Recycling collection contract was due to end at the end of 2019. He added that officers were investigating extending the contract to allow time for longer term alternatives to be properly considered. In response to a question from a member, Mayor Wallace outlined the process for sporting facilities, that clubs should initially approach Council officers to assess the project and report to the appropriate committee. The committee would make a recommendation to Council to makes the final decision. He added that all projects discussed today had been through the process. The Acting Chief Executive/General Manager, City and Community Services added that officers worked with clubs that collaborated together. Cr Barry rejoined the meeting at 5.54pm. |
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Resolved: (Mayor Wallace/Deputy Mayor Bassett) Minute No. CPC 19322 “That the Committee receives and notes the information presented in the report.” |
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18. |
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RECOMMENDED: (Mayor Wallace/Cr Sutton) Minute No. CPC 19323 “That the Committee recommends that Council approves the content of the Annual Plan 2019-2020 incorporating the budget and other changes agreed to by the Community Plan Committee at its meeting held on 11 June 2019, including decisions made on the following: (a) Budget Updates - Report CPC2019/3/101 (b) Naenae Pool – Report CPC2019/3/100 (c) Jackson Street Programme – Extension of Area Subject to Targeted Rate – Report CPC2019/3/108 (d) Hutt Valley Tennis – Report CPC2019/3/58 (e) Petone Recreation Ground – Report CPC2019/3/59 (f) Southend Business Group – Report CPC2019/3/60 (g) Bell Park – Report CPC2019/3/104 (h) Te Whiti Park Proposed Extension – Report CPC2019/3/107 (i) Accessibility and Inclusiveness – Report CPC2019/3/110 (j) Homelessness in the City – Report CPC2019/3/109 (k) Council Contractors and the Living Wage – Report CPC2019/3/103 (l) Approval of Non-Financial Content – Report CPC2019/3/99 (m) Further Information Requested by Community Plan Committee – Report CPC2019/3/102” |
19. QUESTIONS
There were no questions.
Mayor Wallace thanked everyone for all the contributions to the meeting. He acknowledged the attendance of Cr McDonald. He thanked the officers from all divisions who had put in tireless effort into the Annual Plan.
20. EXCLUSION OF THE PUBLIC
In response to a question from a member, Mayor Wallace and the General Counsel explained that there were still negotiations occurring in relation to the potential commercial underwrite.
The General Counsel suggested an additional reason for the matter to be considered while the public was excluded, of negotiations, as to discuss the matter in public could prejudice and disadvantage the ability of Council to negotiate.
Cr Briggs left the meeting at 8.27pm.
In response to a request from a member, Mayor Wallace asked each member to confirm that no recording devices would be used in the public excluded part of the meeting.
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Resolved: (Mayor Wallace/Deputy Mayor Bassett)(BY DIVISION) Minute No. CPC 19324 “That the public be excluded from the following parts of the proceedings of this meeting, namely: 21. Budget Updates 2019/20 - Commercial Underwrite (19/705) The general subject of each matter to be considered while the public is excluded, the reason for passing this resolution in relation to each matter, and the specific grounds under section 48(1) of the Local Government Official Information and Meetings Act 1987 for the passing of this resolution are as follows:
This resolution is made in reliance on section 48(1) of the Local Government Official Information and Meetings Act 1987 and the particular interest or interests protected by section 6 or 7 of that Act which would be prejudiced by the holding of the whole or the relevant part of the proceedings of the meeting in public are as specified in Column (B) above.” |
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The motion was declared carried by division with the voting as follows:
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Mayor WR Wallace
CHAIR
CONFIRMED as a true and correct record
Dated this 30th day of July 2019