2                                          15 February 2021

HUTT CITY COUNCIL

 

Petone Community Board | Poari Hapori o Pito-one

 

Minutes of a meeting held in the Petone Library, 7 Britannia Street, Petone on

 Monday 15 February 2021 commencing at 6.30pm

 

 

 PRESENT:                       Ms P Hanna (Chair)                    Mr M Fisher (Deputy Chair)

                                          Mr M Henderson                         Mr M Roberts           

Mr A Voutratzis                            Ms K Yung               

Deputy Mayor T Lewis               

 

APOLOGIES:                  There were no apologies.

 

IN ATTENDANCE:       Mayor Barry (part meeting)

                                          Ms T Malki, Traffic Engineer

Ms L Castle, Community Library and Heritage Services Manager - Petone

Ms K Stannard, Head of Democratic Services (part meeting)

                                          Ms H Clegg, Minute Taker

 

 

 

PUBLIC BUSINESS

 

 

1.       APOLOGIES 

There were no apologies.

2.

HE MIHI

Aio ke te Aorangi

Aroha ki te Aorangi

Koa ki te Aorangi

Pono ki te Aorangi

Peace to the universe

Love to the universe

Joy to the universe

Truth to the universe


Na Rangimarie Rose Pere

3.       PUBLIC COMMENT

There was no public comment.

 

4.

Mayor's Address

Mayor Barry read out his Mayoral Statement attached as pages 9-10 to the minutes.

In response to questions from members, Mayor Barry explained a proposed alliance approach to secure contractors.  Council officers were working with counterparts in other local authorities to pool projects together to enable contractors to work on similar projects across the region.  He gave the example of the Eastern Bays Shared Pathway project.  He acknowledged a similar approach may be possible for infrastructural projects, bearing in mind that all regional local authorities were members of the Wellington Water Committee.  He added that it was also proposed that the Riverlink project be undertaken using an alliance model with Waka Kotahi NZ Transport Agency and Greater Wellington Regional Council (GWRC).

In response to a question from a member regarding topics of discussion on Petone Fair day, Mayor Barry confirmed questions could be asked about an Airport Flyer bus service, as GWRC had already opened that conversation.  He added more information on this issue would be forthcoming in the coming days. He noted traffic congestion issues and that the public’s lack of patience with some bus routes being continually cancelled added to the congestion issues.

In response to a question from a member regarding the proposed Moera Library upgrade, Mayor Barry advised Council’s Facilitator Youth Council had been engaged to consult with the wider community.  He agreed to report back with a timeline for the proposed project.

5.       Presentations

a)

Presentation by Local Councillor from Greater Wellington Regional Council (GWRC)

Cr Prue Lamason was an apology for the meeting due to Alert Level 2.

b)

Presentation by Jackson Street Programme

Mr Robbie Schneider, Chair from Jackson Street Programme was an apology for the meeting due to Alert Level 2.

c)

Presentation by the Wellington Tenths Trust

Ms Vicki Holliwell, Operations Manager from Wellington Tenths Trust was an apology for the meeting due to Alert Level 2.

6.       CONFLICT OF INTEREST DECLARATIONS  

             There were no conflict of interest declarations.

 

7.       Minutes

Resolved(Ms Hanna/Mr Fisher)                                      Minute No. PCB 21101

“That the minutes of the meeting of the Petone Community Board held on
Monday, 2 November 2020, be confirmed as a true and correct record.”

8.       Reports referred for Board input before being considered by Subcommittee of Council

a)

Jackson Street, Petone - Proposed P60 Parking Restrictions (21/101)

Report No. PCB2021/1/11 by the Traffic Engineer

 

The Traffic Engineer elaborated on the report.  She added that consultation letters were delivered to seven businesses and the Jackson Street Programme and no responses had been received.

In response to questions from members, the Traffic Engineer explained that only vehicles delivering goods could utilise a loading zone for the limited timeframe specified.

 

Resolved(Ms Hanna/Ms Yung)                             Minute No. PCB 21102

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

For the reasons that the proposed restrictions would improve the level of service for nearby businesses and support Council’s Parking Policy (2017).

 

b)

Elizabeth Street, Petone - Proposed P15 Parking Restrictions (21/102)

Report No. PCB2021/1/12 by the Traffic Engineer

 

The Traffic Engineer elaborated on the report.

In response to questions from members, the Traffic Engineer confirmed it was policy to have a standard P15 time restriction outside education facilities.  She noted that the two formal objections to the proposal were residents concerned with the on-street parking pressure which could eventuate from the apartment development currently under construction. 

In response to questions from members, the Traffic Engineer believed that the child care facility had four exclusive-use carparks behind the premises, which were utilised by staff; and that she would investigate the exact number of childcare exclusive-use carparks available.   She advised WelTec owned the carpark behind the child care premises and that it was not easily accessible.  She added that the cross hatched area shown on the map attached to the officer’s report could be for emergency vehicles only.

Mr Fisher advised that Elizabeth Street was already under parking pressure especially from WelTec patrons, and that removing two on-street carparking spaces would add to that pressure.  He also noted that if a van parked in the corner spaces on the street, vehicles using the road were often forced to cross the centre line, thus creating a traffic safety issue. 

Ms Yung advised that the Peel Street public carpark was close by with safe footpath access to the child care facility.  She suggested one P15 carpark be allocated initially with the situation being changed later if required.

 

Resolved(Ms Hanna/Mr Roberts)                                 Minute No. PCB 21103

“That the Board recommends that the Traffic Subcommittee:

(1)     receives and notes the information;

(2)     approves the application of one P15, 7.30 am to 5.30 pm, Monday-Friday (excluding Public Holidays), time limited parking restriction on Elizabeth Street, Petone; and

(3)     notes that this resolution will take effect when the traffic control devices that evidence the restrictions described in this resolution are in place.”

For the reasons that the proposed restrictions would improve accessibility and parking availability for parents and caregivers accessing the kindergarten and the proposed changes would support Council’s Parking Policy (2017).

 

Resolved(Deputy Mayor Lewis/Mr Henderson)         Minute No. PCB 21104

“That the Board:

(1)          requests officers to investigate the Thumbs Up facility carparking situation; and

 

(2)          requests officers to communicate with the Petone Community Board about when an overall Petone parking management review will occur.”

c)

Queen Street, Petone - Proposed P90 Parking Restrictions (21/103)

Report No. PCB2021/1/13 by the Traffic Engineer

 

The Traffic Engineer elaborated on the report. 

In response to questions from members, the Traffic Engineer explained the variety of parking restriction times was historical with Jackson Street traditionally having P60 time restricted parking.  She added individual business owners approached Council officers with parking restriction requests and that, providing the request was reasonable, officers usually accommodated.  She noted businesses in close proximity were always consulted and that for the current request, 16 businesses were consulted, with three reponses received.  She acknowledged the parking restrictions in the vicinity of the subject request consisted of a variety of time restrictions.

Deputy Mayor Lewis noted the Peel Street public carpark was in close proximity, and questioned why the requestee could not inform potential clients of the free parking area close by.

Mr Fisher advised that he had no objections to the proposed P90 restriction adding that he could see logic in the proposal.

Mr Roberts queried whether officers could promote a car-share programme for Petone.  The Chair reminded members of the Integrated Transport Plan which Council was beginning work on.  She highlighted that the Board could input into that process at the appropriate time.  She added she would support P15 and P60 time restrictions for consistency in the area. 

 

Resolved(Ms Hanna/Mr Voutratzis)                     Minute No. PCB 21105

“That the Board requests that the Traffic Subcommittee:

(1)     receives and notes the information;

(2)     approves the application of P60 (8 am to 6 pm, Monday to Sunday other than public holidays) time limited parking restriction over four parking spaces on Queen Street, outside no.284 Jackson Street, Petone, as shown in Appendix 1 of this report;

(3)     rescinds any previous resolutions pertaining to traffic controls made pursuant to any bylaw to the extent that they are in conflict with the traffic controls described in this resolution; and

(4)     notes that this resolution will take effect when the traffic control devices that evidence the restrictions described in this resolution are in place.”

For the reasons that the proposed restrictions would improve the level of service for nearby businesses and support Council’s Parking Policy (2017).

Mr Fisher requested that his vote be recorded against the above matter.

 

9.

2021 NZ Community Board Conference (21/41)

Memorandum dated 11 January 2021 by the Senior Democracy Advisor

 

The Chair advised she had not received any interest from members to attend this conference.   

 

Resolved(Ms Hanna/Deputy Mayor Lewis)                   Minute No. PCB 21106

“That the Board:

(1)   notes the Community Board’s Conference will be held in Gore from 22-24 April 2021, attached as Appendix 1 to the memorandum;

(2)   notes the estimated cost of attending the conference per Board member is approximately $2,000.00;

(3)   notes the Training Policy for Community Boards adopted by Council at its meeting held on 26 March 2019, attached as Appendix 2 to the memorandum; and

(4)   records that there will be no Board representative to the 2021 New Zealand Community Board Conference due to the difficulty of travel to and from Gore.”

 

10.

Submission to Hutt City Council's Heritage Policy (21/151)

Memorandum dated 3 February 2021 by the Senior Democracy Advisor

 

The Chair thanked Mr Voutratzis and Mr Roberts for the work they had undertaken on the submission.  She advised that the matter would be reported to the Policy, Finance and Strategy Committee meeting to be held on 27 April 2021.

 

Resolved(Ms Hanna/Mr Henderson)                             Minute No. PCB 21107

“That the Board:

(1)   notes that a submission in respect of Council’s Heritage Policy requires the Board’s retrospective endorsement; and

(2)   endorses its submission attached as Appendix 1 to the report.”

 

11.

Committee Advisor's Report (21/39)

Report No. PCB2021/1/2 by the Senior Democracy Advisor

 

Resolved(Ms Hanna/Mr Fisher)                                      Minute No. PCB 21108

“That the Board notes and receives the report including the updated financials attached as page 11 to the minutes.”

 

12.

Chairperson's Report (21/40)

Report No. PCB2021/1/3 by the Chair, Petone Community Board

 

The Chair elaborated on the report.  She highlighted the Board’s desire for the budget for the Petone Wharf refurbishment works to be brought forward. She noted portions of the wharf may not last until 2032. 

With regard to the Great Petone Beach Dig, the Chair advised KiwiRail had recently donated two $200 Interisland Ferry vouchers.

 

Resolved(Ms Hanna/Ms Yung)                                       Minute No. PCB 21109

“That the Board notes and receives the report.”

 

13.

Verbal update from Ms Yung and Mr Voutratzis - 2020 LGNZ Young Elected Members' (YEM) Hui

Ms Yung advised there was a national increase in the number of elected members under the age of 40 (up to 13.9% of all members) and she appreciated being able to talk with many YEM from throughout New Zealand.   She explained the panels on the Maori perspective, media awareness and on climate change were a highlight for her along with the dinner with guest speaker Dr Ashley Bloomfield.  She stated that visiting local areas of interest had opened her eyes to the wide range of facilities the city offered.  She expressed her gratitude to members for providing the funding to enable her to attend the Hui, and that it was a reaffirming, open and safe space to “thrash out ideas”.  She thanked the organising committee, especially Cr Briggs, for the work involved in arranging the Hui.

Mr Voutratzis agreed with the comments raised by Ms Yung.  He added the Hui was a great opportunity to speak with other like-minded young elected members and to make connections.  He admired the sense of passion and drive that young people had for their communities.  He highlighted the challenges facing the future generation (climate change, waste, transport and housing unaffordability).  He also highlighted the ways members utilised their own skills in working for their communities.  He advised he was interested in the Maori co-governance models being set up around the country adding these could be worth considering for the city.  He also thanked Cr Briggs and Mayor Barry.

The Chair noted it was important to note that Lower Hutt had hosted the event.

14.     QUESTIONS   

            There were no questions.

 

 

There being no further business the Chair declared the meeting closed at 7.29pm.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

P Hanna

CHAIR

 

 

CONFIRMED as a true and correct record

Dated this 12th day of April 2021

 


 

Mayor’s Address

Community Board Statement - February 2021

 

Kia ora koutou katoa.  Firstly can I extend a bit of a late public Happy New Year to everyone.

 

As everyone knows, 2020 was a tough year on many fronts.  Everyone thoroughly deserved a restful and relaxing break over summer.

 

COVID-19

 

In light of yesterday's news, there is potential that the tough times may continue in our city. 

 

It is important that as community leaders we set a good example of public health behaviour and encourage others to do the same. 

 

Please use your networks to encourage our residents to scan QR codes, wash and sanitise hands, and maintain social distancing. 

 

And as always, check on your friends and family, and encourage ‘local’. These are stressful times, particularly for our small businesses, and it’s important that we all have each other’s back. 

 

10 year plan 

 

With the uncertainty we live in at the moment, this makes this year’s 10 year plan so important for our city. 

 

The growth Lower Hutt is experiencing is exciting and creates enormous potential for our city, but we have to be honest and confront the significant challenges that come with that.

 

Growth is putting pressure on our transport infrastructure with more people sitting in traffic. More homes means more pressure on our already ageing water infrastructure, and increases the risks of pipes failing.  

 

That’s why this 10 year plan is all about getting the basics right for all of our people -- we’re doubling our capital investment over the next ten years, with a major focus on our city’s infrastructure. 

 

We simply cannot wind up investment in infrastructure and kick the can down the road. Having an infrastructure network under pressure, coupled with the effects COVID-19, could seriously put our city at risk. 

 

Pre-engagement 

 

I’m happy to say that the focus of investing in our infrastructure got the support in our 10 year plan pre-engagement phase, with the community agreeing that this is a major priority for Lower Hutt. 

 

The community also provided feedback on our other priorities: housing, the environment, an innovative economy, connected communities, and financial sustainability. 

 

Financial sustainability

 

The latter is vital to this plan. Affordability is front of mind, as we recognise that COVID-19 has been tough on our community, and made the economic outlook more uncertain.

 

To achieve this necessary investment, we are proposing an overall 5.9% increase in rates revenue for 2021/22 – this equates to $2.50 per week per residential household.  Over half of this will be invested directly back into our critical three waters infrastructure.   

 

Conclusion

 

This 10 year plan is for our people here in Lower Hutt, and we will be seeking their feedback. On March 22, Council will meet to check off the consultation document for the 10 year plan, and will then put that out to the public on March 29 till May 3. 

 

As community board members, I encourage you to use your networks to get the consultation document out to as many people in our city.