1                                          3 November 2020

HUTT CITY COUNCIL

 

Eastbourne Community Board

 

Minutes of a meeting held in the East Harbour Women's Clubrooms, 145 Muritai Road, Eastbourne on

 Tuesday 3 November 2020 commencing at 7.15pm

 

                                                                                                                                               

PRESENT:

Ms V Horrocks (Chair)

Mr M Gibbons

 

Ms B Moss (Deputy Chair)

Mr B Spedding

 

Mr F Vickers

Deputy Mayor T Lewis

                                          

APOLOGIES:                  There were no apologies.

 

IN ATTENDANCE:        Mayor C Barry (part meeting)

                                           Ms A Welanyk, Director, Transformation and Resources

                                           Mr K Puketapu-Dentice, Director, Economy and Development

                                           Mr S Cager, Senior Project Engineer (part meeting)

                                           Ms T Malki, Traffic Engineer (part meeting)

                                           Mr T Kimbrell, Parks, Reserves and Recreation Planner

                                           Ms H Clegg, Minute Taker

 

PUBLIC BUSINESS

 

1.       APOLOGIES 

There were no apologies.

2.

The Eastbourne Awards

The Eastbourne Awards was presented by Mayor Campbell Barry.

The following recipients had been selected for the Eastbourne Awards:

 

·   Jan Heine – for many decades of caring for Eastbourne’s beach and bush environment;

 

·   George Tuffin – for leading the Eastbourne-Bays Community Trust for 46 years and his service to many other Eastbourne community organisations as chair, treasurer, auditor, manager and volunteer;

 

·   Don Long – for enriching our lives by showing the fascinating and colourful history of Eastbourne; and

 

·   Ali Carew - for many years of editing, writing, collecting and sharing the stories of New Zealand and Eastbourne, to help better understand the past and imagine better futures.

 

 

3.       PUBLIC COMMENT

Comments are recorded under the item to which they relate.

 

4.

Mayor's Address

Mayor Barry read out his Mayoral Address attached as page 9 to the minutes.

5.       Presentation by Te Atiawa

This presentation was not discussed at the meeting.

a)

 

EASTERN SHARED PATHWAY, BY the Director ECONOMY AND DEVELOPMENT

Mr Jamie Povall, Civil Engineer from Stantec was in attendance for the item.

The Director Economy and Development provided an update on the Shared Pathway project. 

Mr Povall described the recent history of the project. He explained it was an important resilience project and provided a safer alternative transport path, improving amenity for the Bays, reconditioning the seawall, creating a community asset and positively responding to the effects of climate change.

The Director Economy and Development explained the pathway would vary in width from 2.5m to 3.5m and would extend for 4.4km. He advised of the relationships that Iwi and Mana Whenua had with the shoreline. He advised that the key partners of the project were Hutt City Council, Greater Wellington Regional Council, Waka Kotahi, Eastbourne and Bays communities and Taranaki Whanui. It was noted that National Institute of Water and Atmosphere Research (NIWA) scientists were also part of the project team.

In terms of environmental effects, Mr Povall explained that the pathway was located in a sensitive ecological environment which was protected through legislation of the District Plan, Regional Plan, Regional Policy Statement and National Policy Statement.  He added this was balanced with the need to provide a safe, integrated walking and cycling pathway, in a comfortable and attractive environment.

The Director Economy and Development explained the identity of the pathway, giving narrative to how the harbour was formed and using the word “Tupua” (phenomenon) rather than taniwha. He added that Mana Whenua were keen to connect the story with the Petone to Ngauranga shared pathway also and that the bridge at Ngauranga would pay homage to a prominent chief.  He hoped the opportunity to give identity to each of the Bays of the Eastern Harbour would be taken with both Maori and local histories. 

Mr Povall advised that existing seawalls protecting the Bays 5,000 residents were vulnerable and that a variety of construction methods would be implemented to provide a continuous reflective seawall with a life span of 100 years.  He noted it was predicted that the severity and frequency of storms would increase due to climate change and the proposed new seawall would help to alleviate the worst adverse effects. 

Mr Povall detailed the connectivity aspects of the shared pathway as offering a critical link to all other walking and cycling paths in the region, to schools, shops and many activities within the Bays’ areas.  He advised that an Economist had been engaged to assess the potential economic benefits and had reported approximately 20 additional jobs, $1.5M in additional wages and $6.6M in additional annual expenditure as a result of visitors to the area using the shared pathway.  Long term benefits of additional tourism, travel savings and infrastructural and maintenance savings were also listed.

Mr Povall advised there would be 5,500m2 of encroachment into the coastal environment with approximately 3,000m2 of reclamation.  He noted this could affect a variety of animals and vegetation and that their protection was paramount.  In regard to the Little Blue Penguin and shorebirds, Mr Povall advised protection areas would be created with enhanced habitats at Whiorau Reserve, Bishops Point and Shortt Park. He added that restoration and planting would occur along with the monitoring and protection of seagrass. 

In addition, Mr Povall explained the innovative design of the seawall, which would provide habitat areas for intertidal creatures which lived on the existing seawalls.  He added that many beaches would be replenished with sand. 

The Director Economy and Development described the funding arrangement from the Shovel Ready Government Fund ($15M), Waka Kotahi ($7.5M) and Hutt City Council ($7.5M). He added there was a dedicated and focussed project team already established to enable the project to proceed within the legislative timeframes.  He further added that a Greater Wellington Regional Council resource consent hearing was scheduled for December 2020 with a decision expected in February 2021. He said it was planned that detailed design involving iwi and local communities would commence following the decision.  He anticipated construction would commence in June 2021.

In response to questions from members of the public and members of the Board, Mr Povall acknowledged the risks involved with the project.  He advised and that the construction was anticipated to take five years as there was a requirement to keep disruption to residents to a minimum and the penguin breeding season had to be respected. 

b)

Presentation by Local Councillor from Greater Wellington Regional Council.

Cr Prue Lamason was an apology for the meeting.

 6.      CONFLICT OF INTEREST DECLARATIONS  

The Chair and Mr Gibbons declared conflict of interests in relation to Item 10 – Community Engagement Fund 2020-2021, and took no part in discussions or voting on the matter.

 

7.       Minutes

RESOLVED: (Ms Horrocks/Mr Gibbons)                                      Minute No. ECB 20601                                                                                        

“That the minutes of the meeting of the Eastbourne Community Board held on
Tuesday, 25 August 2020, be confirmed as a true and correct record.”

   

8.       Reports referred for Board input before being considered by a subcommittee and committee of Council

a)

Eastbourne and Days Bay - Proposed P180 Electric Vehicle Parking Restrictions (20/1144)

Report No. ECB2020/6/221 by the Traffic Engineer

Mr Sigurd Magnusson, Consultant was in attendance for this item.

Speaking under public comment, Ms Libby George supported both proposed EV station locations adding that they would be an asset and an attraction for Eastbourne. She requested that at least one of the proposed chargers be changed to a quick charger as she did not believe the three hour chargers would be fully utilised.

The Traffic Engineer elaborated on the report. He advised that the proposed Oroura Street parks would result in the loss of one on-street carpark.

Mr Sigurd Magnusson thanked the community for their valued input.  He outlined the process to date, including the detailed analysis to arrive at the proposed EV charging park locations.

In response to a question from a member, Mr Magnusson advised he would discuss installing at least one fast charger for the convenience of local residents.

Ms Moss thanked the officers for a thorough report.

 

Resolved: (Ms Horrocks/Mr Gibbons)                        Minute No. ECB 20602

“That the Board:

(i)       endorses the recommendations contained in the report; and

 

(ii)     asks that officers liaise with Meridian Energy to install at least one fast charger.”

       For the reason that the proposed restrictions would facilitate the installation, effective operation of the proposed EV charging stations, improve parking turnover and availability of the EV parks, benefitting both local businesses and their customers. The proposed changes have garnered support from the community, and would support Council’s Parking Policy (2017).

 

b)

Williams Park Management Plan- Process and Engagement Strategy (20/1193)

Report No. ECB2020/6/222 by the Parks, Reserves and Recreation Planner

The Parks, Reserves and Recreation Planner elaborated on the report. He  explained that currently Williams Park was governed by a suite of Parks and Reserves Management Plans and that it was proposed to have one specific plan for the Williams Park, given its importance to the city and region.  He stressed that public consultation and engagement were extremely important in the development of the plan.

In response to a question from a member, the Parks, Reserves and Recreation Planner advised that no decisions had yet been made on any aspect of the Park’s management including the future of the Caretaker’s Cottage.

The Parks, Reserves and Recreation Planner advised pre consultation would commence shortly to garner the community’s vision for the Park.  He added a draft management plan would then be created based on the feedback received and the second phase of consultation would see the draft document taken to the community for further feedback.  He anticipated the public consultation phase would take approximately two to three months. He confirmed advertising of the public consultation exercises would be on the Community Board Facebook, Eastbourne Herald and Council’s website. 

 

ReSOLVED: (Ms Horrocks/Deputy Mayor Lewis)       Minute No. ECB 20603

“That the Board endorses the recommendations contained in the report.”

For the reasons outlined in the objectives in the engagement strategy and work plan.

 

9.

Community Engagement Fund 2020-2021 (20/1243)

Memorandum dated 15 October 2020 by the Community Advisor Funding and Community Contracts

The Chair and Mr Gibbons declared conflicts of interest and took no part in discussions or voting on this matter.

The Chair vacated the chair.  Ms Moss took the Chair for the duration of the item. 

 

Resolved: (Deputy Mayor Lewis/Mr Spedding)                         Minute No. ECB 20604

“That the Board:

(i)    notes that the Community Engagement Fund closed on 14 October 2020 and three applications had been received;

(ii)   agrees that the applications were considered according to the merits of the application criteria and priorities of the fund;

(iii)  agrees that $300.00 be granted to Nourish Trust as a contribution to their Christmas hampers for Eastbourne families in need;

(iv) agrees that the remaining $2066.00 be available for the second round of the Community Engagement Fund with decisions to be made at its June 2021 meeting; and

(v)   requests the recipient of the Eastbourne Community Engagement fund be invited to attend a Community Board meeting in 2021 to introduce themselves, particularly to the newly elected members and to give feedback on the use of the grant.”

 

10.

2021-2022 Meeting Schedules (20/1192)

Memorandum dated 5 October 2020 by the Committee Advisor.

 

Resolved: (Ms Horrocks/Ms Moss)                                            Minute No. ECB 20605

“That the Board:

(i)    agrees to the meeting dates for 2021 and 2022 in respect of its own meetings attached as Appendix 2 and 3 to the memorandum;

(ii)   determines 7.15pm as the start time for its meetings;

(iii)  determines East Harbour Women’s Clubrooms, 145 Muritai Road, Eastbourne as the venue for its meetings;

(iv)  notes that the Chair will set dates for informal meetings of the Board as the need arises; and

(v)   delegates authority to the Chief Executive in consultation with the Board Chair to alter the date, time or venue of a meeting, or cancel a meeting, should circumstances require this.”

 

11.

Committee Advisor's Report (20/1194)

Report No. ECB2020/6/103 by the Committee Advisor

The Chair tabled an amendment to the Actual Expenditure 2020/2021 Financial Year, attached as page 11 to the minutes. 

 

Resolved: (Ms Horrocks/Deputy Mayor Lewis)                         Minute No. ECB 20606

“That the Board:

 

(i)    notes and receives the report, with an amendment to paragraph 3, second sentence:  “The cost      for the Council’s website does not come out of the Board’s Miscellaneous Administration            Budget”; 

 

(ii)   determines there will be no catering requirements for its 2021 meetings, unless there was a     special event;

 

(iii)  determines the advertising requirements for its 2021 meetings will continue as for previous           years; and

 

(iv) receives the Board’s updated budget expenditure, attached as page 13 to the minutes.”

12.

Chair's Report (20/1188)

Report No. ECB2020/6/104 by the Chairperson.

The Chair elaborated on the report. She said that officers were in negotiations with Wellesley School concerning the net curtain and would report back in due course.  She noted officers had already advised the school that any curtain would not be installed until at least February/March 2021.

 

Resolved: (Ms Horrocks/Mr Gibbons)                                         Minute No. ECB 20607

“That the report be noted and received.”


13.     Reports from representatives on local organisations

a)

Okiwi Trust (20/1182)

The Chair advised the Trust was operating well, with less demand for its services as people moved into retirement village homes.

b)

Eastbourne Youth Workers Trust (20/1183)

Mr Spedding advised there was nothing to report.

c)

Community Emergency Response Group (20/1184)

Mr Spedding advised the Community Emergency Response Group was operating well.

d)

Eastbourne and Bays Community Trust (20/1185)

Mr Gibbons advised the Eastbourne and Bays Community Trust had not met since the last Community Board meeting.

e)

Vibrant Village (20/1186)

Mr Gibbons advised the new Greenwood Park signage incorporated wharf timbers from the Days Bay Wharf refurbishment and would include historical photographs plus information written by Ms Ali Carew.  He added the Eastbourne Historical Society would pay for the signage and Hutt City Council would install it.

Ms Horrocks advised the opening of the refurbished Days Bay Wharf had been delayed until March 2021 due to restrictions of the construction phase.

f)

MIRO (20/1265)

Mr Vickers advised MIRO had submitted to the Regional Parks 10 year Network Plan. He said the submission included supporting the eradication of pests (deer, pigs and goats) to allow for replacement of fauna, the replacement of some fences and the renewal of picnic facilities at Butterfly Creek.

The Chair advised that works were ongoing with dune restoration.

14.     QUESTIONS   

          There were no questions.

 

There being no further business the Chair declared the meeting closed at 9.14 pm.

 

 

 

 

 

 

V Horrocks

CHAIR

 

 

 

CONFIRMED as a true and correct record

Dated this 6th day of February 2021

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

November community board meetings: 

 

Kia ora everyone, 

 

It’s been a year since we were all elected, so I want to congratulate you on all the amazing work you’ve done so far. 

 

To say 2020 has been a year like no other is certainly an understatement. You should all be proud of yourselves for leading your communities through some incredibly tough times this year. 

 

I believe that Council has stepped up strong in the face of COVID-19, but the work doesn’t stop  here. There will be a lot of challenges ahead, and it’s important that we all continue to ensure our communities are safe, and do our best to help those in need.

 

Recent business and community visits 

 

I’ve been making an effort to visit our local businesses and community organisations to see how they are faring in the effects of COVID-19. These visits have helped paint a picture of how we will face up to the challenges in our city in the years ahead. 

 

My message to you as community leaders is to reach out to these groups and businesses and offer a hand in any way you can. It’s absolutely vital that Council and community have a strong relationship as we progress through the wave of challenges COVID-19 presents. 

 

Changes to rubbish and recycling 

 

Since we last met, we have formally signed off on changes to our rubbish and recycling services. Our people made it very clear that our current recycling services were not up to scratch, and this need for change presented an opportunity to create a whole new system for our city. 

 

Recycling and waste collection are inherently connected. Our rates funded system will result in consistency across our city, and incentivise people to maximise recycling and dispose of their waste in a responsible way.

 

The changes help reduce cost for the majority of residents, improves our recycling process to avoid contamination, and brings our services into the 21st century. 

 

I want to thank everyone who took part in the extensive consultation process.  It was clear that the overwhelming majority of participants support the changes we’ve adopted. 

 

LTP 

 

As you know, public consultation on the Long term plan begins soon. This sets out our vision for our city for the next ten years.  

 

What is clear is that we need to find a balance between significantly investing in our infrastructure and ensuring that affordability is at the heart of any decision we make. 

 

In particular, our three waters infrastructure needs immediate attention. We have a trifecta of issues in ageing infrastructure, significant urban growth, and historic underinvestment. We can’t afford to kick this down the road any longer - the time to invest is now. 

 

I implore all of you here to encourage those in your communities to take part in this engagement and consultation. In the face of COVID-19, this will be one of the most important long term plans Hutt City Council has ever had to produce. 

 

Specifics

 

Petone 

 

Eastbourne

 

Wainuiomata