TE KAUNIHERA O TE AWA KAIRANGI | HUTT CITY COUNCIL
Minutes of an ordinary meeting of The Hutt City Council held in the Council Chambers, 2nd Floor, 30 Laings Road, Lower Hutt on
Wednesday 24 March 2021 commencing at 2.00pm
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PRESENT: |
Mayor C Barry (Chair) |
Deputy Mayor T Lewis |
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Cr D Bassett |
Cr J Briggs |
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Cr K Brown (from 2.12pm) |
Cr B Dyer |
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Cr S Edwards |
Cr D Hislop |
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Cr C Milne |
Cr A Mitchell |
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Cr S Rasheed |
Cr N Shaw (via audio-visual link) |
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Cr L Sutton (until 3.44pm) |
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APOLOGIES: Cr K Brown for lateness
IN ATTENDANCE: Ms J Miller, Chief Executive
Ms A Blackshaw, Director Neighbourhoods and Communities
Mr M Boggs, Director Strategy and Engagement
Ms H Oram, Director Environment and Sustainability
Mr K Puketapu-Dentice, Director Economy and Development (part meeting)
Ms J Livschitz, Group Chief Financial Officer
Mr B Cato, Chief Legal Officer
Mr B Hodgins, Strategic Advisor and Electoral Officer (part meeting)
Mr D Koenders, Manager Financial Strategy and Planning (part meeting)
Mr J Scherzer, Sustainability & Resilience Manager (part meeting)
Mr H Wesney, Divisional Manager, District Plan Policy (part meeting)
Mr S Davis, Policy Planner (part meeting)
Ms J Stevens, Contractor (part meeting)
Ms C Ellis, Head of Chief Executive’s Office (part meeting)
Mr D Scott-Jones, Solicitor (part meeting)
Ms K Stannard, Head of Democratic Services
Ms K Glanville, Senior Democracy Advisor
Ms H Clegg, Minute Taker
PUBLIC BUSINESS
1. OPENING FORMALITIES - Karakia Timatanga
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Kia hora te marino Kia whakapapa pounamu te moana He huarahi mā tātou i te rangi nei Aroha atu, aroha mai Tātou i a tātou katoa Hui e Tāiki e! |
May peace be wide spread May the sea be like greenstone A pathway for us all this day Let us show respect for each other For one another Bind us together! |
2. APOLOGIES
Resolved: (Mayor Barry/Cr Briggs) Minute No. C 20101(2)
“That the apology for lateness received from Cr Brown be accepted.”
3. PUBLIC COMMENT
Comments are recorded under the item to which they relate.
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4. |
Mayor Barry spoke to his Mayoral Statement, attached as pages 31-32 to the minutes. |
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The Chief Executive spoke to her Chief Executive’s Statement, attached as pages 33-36 to the minutes. |
Cr Brown joined the meeting at 2.12pm.
6. CONFLICT OF INTEREST DECLARATIONS
Cr Brown declared a conflict of interest as she was Council’s representative on the Board of Urban Plus Limited. She took no part in discussions or voting on matters concerning Urban Plus Limited.
Cr Hislop declared a conflict of interest as she was Council’s representative on the Board of Seaview Marina Limited. She took no part in discussions or voting on matters concerning Seaview Marina Limited.
Cr Sutton declared a conflict of interest in relation to Item 8e) Appointment of Members to Fill Vacancies.
7. Committee Minutes with Recommended Items
a) Komiti Ratonga Rangatōpū me te Rautaki |Policy, Finance and Strategy Committee
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Resolved: (Cr Edwards/Cr Dyer) Minute No. C 21102(2) “That the minutes of the meeting held on 23 February 2021 be adopted, excluding Items 4a-4d.”
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Recommended Items
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Item 4a) |
Seaview Marina Limited Draft Statement of Intent 2021/22 to 2023/24 (21/68) |
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Cr Hislop declared a conflict of interest and took no part in discussion or voting on the matter. In response to a question from a member, the Chief Financial Officer advised approval of the final Statement of Intent was required by 30 June 2021. |
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Resolved: (Mayor Barry/Cr Edwards) Minute No. C 21103(2) “That Council: (1) notes the Seaview Marina Board has submitted a draft Statement of Intent for the three years 2021/22 to 2023/24, attached as Appendix 1 to Report No. PFSC2021/1/18, in accordance with the Local Government Act 2002; (2) notes that officers have reviewed the draft Statement of Intent for compliance with the Local Government Act 2002 and provided their analysis; (3) receives the draft Statement of Intent; (4) reviews the draft Statement of Intent and considers if any modifications should be made; and (5) provides comment for the Seaview Marina Board to consider in finalising its Statement of Intent (including any modifications suggested by the Policy, Finance and Strategy Committee arising under recommendation (4) above).” |
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Item 4b) |
Urban Plus Group Draft Statement of Intent 2021/22 to 2023/24 (21/64) |
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Cr Brown declared a conflict of interest and took no part in discussion or voting on the matter. In response to a question from a member regarding the implications of the recent government announcement on the non-deductibility of interest, Mayor Barry asked officers to report back to the appropriate Committee about this matter. He noted in particular, the possible impacts on the financial outlook for the Urban Plus Group. |
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Resolved: (Mayor
Barry/Deputy Mayor Lewis) “That Council: (1) notes that the Urban Plus Group Board has submitted a draft Statement of Intent 2021/22 - 2023/24, attached as Appendix 1 to Report No. PFSC2021/1/20, in accordance with the Local Government Act 2002; (2) notes that officers have reviewed the draft Statement of Intent for compliance with the Local Government Act 2002 and provided their analysis; (3) receives the draft Statement of Intent; (4) reviews the draft Statement of Intent and considers if any modifications should be made; and (5) provides comment for the Urban Plus Group Board to consider in finalising its Statement of Intent (including any modifications suggested by the Policy, Finance and Strategy Committee arising under recommendation (4) above).” |
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Item 4c) |
Hutt City Community Facilities Trust Statement of Intent 2021/22 to 2023/24 (21/69) |
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Resolved: (Mayor Barry/Cr Dyer) Minute No. C 21105(2) “That Council: (1) notes the Hutt City Community Facilities Trust (CFT)Board has submitted a draft Statement of Intent (Statement of Intent) for the three years 2021/22 to 2023/24, attached as Appendix 1 to Report No. PFSC2021/1/24, in accordance with the Local Government Act 2002; (2) notes that officers have reviewed the draft Statement of Intent for compliance with the Local Government Act 2002 and provided their analysis; (3) receives the draft Statement of Intent; (4) reviews the draft Statement of Intent and considers if any modifications should be made; (5) notes the Long Term Plan process currently underway, pending a decision by Council, for CFT to be retained as a ‘non-active’ trust with the transfer of its assets to Council by 30 June 2021; and (6) provides comment for the CFT Board to consider in finalising its Statement of Intent (including any modifications suggested by the Policy, Finance and Strategy Committee arising under recommendation (4) above).” |
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Item 4d) |
Wellington Regional Leadership Committee - a new Joint Committee (21/42) |
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Mayor Barry advised that the generic title of “Deputy Mayor” would be used rather than the name of the current Deputy Mayor. |
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Resolved: (Mayor Barry/Cr Edwards) Minute No. C 21106(2) “That Council: (1) receives and notes the report; (2) approves the Wellington Regional Leadership Committee Joint Committee Agreement (attached at Appendix 1 to Report No. PFSC2021/1/19) and the Council’s entry into it; (3) authorises the Mayor to sign, on behalf of the Council, the Joint Committee Agreement; (4) note that the Joint Committee will adopt a memorandum of understanding which will set out the principles that guide the Joint Committee’s work and the approach that the Joint Committee will take; (5) appoints and establishes the Wellington Regional Leadership Committee as a joint committee under clause 30(1)(b) of Schedule 7 of the Local Government Act 2002 on the terms set out in the Joint Committee Agreement and with effect from the date that the Joint Committee Agreement is signed by all local authority parties; (6) appoints the Mayor to the Joint Committee, with effect from the date that the Joint Committee is established; (7) appoints the Deputy Mayor as an alternate to be a member of the Joint Committee and attend meetings in exceptional circumstances where the Mayor is unable to attend; (8) note that the Joint Committee is a joint committee of all of the local authorities that are parties to the Wellington Regional Leadership Committee Joint Committee Agreement and includes members representing iwi and the Crown; (9) makes the following delegations to the Joint Committee: (a) approval of all plans and implementation programmes necessary to fulfil the specific responsibilities of the Joint Committee, including: 1) Wellington Regional Growth Framework and the Wellington Regional Growth Framework Implementation Plan 2) Regional Economic Development Plan 3) Regional Economic Recovery Implementation Plan (b) approval of all submissions and advocacy statements necessary to fulfil the specific responsibilities of the Joint Committee; and (10) notes that the Wellington Regional Strategy Committee is likely to be disestablished in the future, with the disestablishment process to be confirmed.” For the reasons: 1. To provide a formal governance forum so that the members can work together with central government on matters that are of regional importance, cross-boundary and inter-regional 2. To address regional matters across three responsibility spheres, as programme areas. They are: · the Wellington Regional Growth Framework, · regional economic development, and · regional economic recovery |
b) Komiti Iti Ara Waka | Traffic Subcommittee
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Cr Dyer acknowledged the resignation of Council’s Traffic Asset Manager. He wished him well for his future endeavours and noted his dedication to the role.
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Resolved: (Cr Dyer/Cr Brown) Minute No. C 21107(2) “That the minutes of the meeting held on 2 March 2021 be adopted, excluding Items 4b-4d.”
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Recommended Items
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Item 4b) |
Elizabeth Street, Petone - Proposed P15 Parking Restrictions (21/16) |
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Resolved: (Cr Dyer/Cr Brown) Minute No. C 21108(2) “That Council: (1) receives and notes the information; (2) approves the application of P15, 7.30 am to 5.30 pm, Monday-Friday (excluding Public Holidays), time limited parking restriction on Elizabeth Street, Petone, as attached in Appendix 1 to Report No. TSC2021/1/33; and (3) notes that these resolutions will take effect once the appropriate signage and/or road-markings have been installed.” 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). |
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Item 4c) |
Queen Street, Petone - Proposed P60 Parking Restrictions (21/17) |
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Resolved: (Cr Dyer/Cr Brown) Minute No. C 21109(2) “That Council: (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 attached as Appendix 1 to Report No. TSC2021/1/34; (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 these resolutions will take effect once the appropriate signage and/or road-markings have been installed.” For the reasons that the proposed restrictions would improve the level of service for nearby businesses and support Council’s Parking Policy (2017). |
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Item 4d) |
Greater Wellington Regional Council - High Street Bus Stop Modifications - Phase 1 (21/171) |
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Resolved: (Cr Dyer/Cr Brown) Minute No. C 21110(2) “That Council: (1) receives and notes the information; (2) approves the installation of the following bus stop modifications and/or associated parking restrictions; (a) High Street, Boulcott (773) - Stop #9225, as attached as Appendix 1, to Report No. TSC2021/1/35: 1) 15 metre ‘Bus Stop – At All Times’ class restriction; 2) 18 metres of ‘No Stopping At All Times’ (entry taper) parking restriction; and 3) 9 metres of ‘No Stopping At All Times’ (exit taper) parking restriction; (b) High Street, Boulcott (803-805) - Stop #9226, as attached as Appendix 2, to Report No. TSC2021/1/35: 1) 15 metre ‘Bus Stop – At All Times’ class restriction; 2) 8 metres of ‘No Stopping At All Times’ (entry taper) parking restriction; and 3) 3 metres of ‘No Stopping At All Times’ (exit taper) parking restriction; (c) High Street, Avalon (939-943) - Stop #9245, as attached as Appendix 3, to Report No. TSC2021/1/35: 1) 15 metre ‘Bus Stop – At All Times’ class restriction; and 2) 10 metres of ‘No Stopping At All Times’ (exit taper) parking restriction; (d) High Street, Taita (1139-1145) - Stop #9250, as attached as Appendix 4, to Report No. TSC2021/1/35: 1) 15 metre ‘Bus Stop – At All Times’ class restriction; 2) 9 metres of ‘No Stopping At All Times’ (entry taper) parking restriction; and 3) 9 metres of ‘No Stopping At All Times’ (exit taper) parking restriction; (e) High Street, Taita (opp 1381-1383) - Stop #9256, as attached as Appendix 5, to Report No. TSC2021/1/35: 1) 15 metre ‘Bus Stop – At All Times’ class restriction; 2) 9 metres of ‘No Stopping At All Times’ (entry taper) parking restriction; and 3) 9 metres of ‘No Stopping At All Times’ (exit taper) parking restriction; (f) High Street, Taita (opp 1399-1402) - Stop #9257, as attached as Appendix 6, to Report No. TSC2021/1/35: 1) 15 metre ‘Bus Stop – At All Times’ class restriction; 2) 9 metres of ‘No Stopping At All Times’ (entry taper) parking restriction; and 3) 9 metres of ‘No Stopping At All Times’ (exit taper) parking restriction; (g) High Street, Taita (1394-1396) - Stop #8256, as attached as Appendix 7, to Report No. TSC2021/1/35: 1) 15 metre ‘Bus Stop – At All Times’ class restriction; 2) 9 metres of ‘No Stopping At All Times’ (entry taper) parking restriction; and 3) 16 metres of ‘No Stopping At All Times’ (exit taper) parking restriction; (h) High Street, Taita (opp 1141-1145) - Stop #8250, as attached as Appendix 8, to Report No. TSC2021/1/35: 1) 15 metre ‘Bus Stop – At All Times’ class restriction; 2) 9 metres of ‘No Stopping At All Times’ (entry taper) parking restriction; and 3) 9 metres of ‘No Stopping At All Times’ (exit taper) parking restriction; (i) High Street, Avalon (1058-1062) - Stop #8247, as attached as Appendix 9, to Report No. TSC2021/1/35: 1) 15 metre ‘Bus Stop – At All Times’ class restriction; 2) 13 metres of ‘No Stopping At All Times’ (entry taper) parking restriction; and 3) 10 metres of ‘No Stopping At All Times’ (exit taper) parking restriction; (j) High Street, Avalon (1006) - Stop #8246, as attached as Appendix 10, to Report No. TSC2021/1/35: 1) 11 metre ‘Bus Stop – At All Times’ class restriction; 2) 4 metres of ‘No Stopping At All Times’ (entry taper) parking restriction; and 3) 9 metres of ‘No Stopping At All Times’ (exit taper) parking restriction; (k) High Street, Boulcott (814) - Stop #8227, as attached as Appendix 11, to Report No. TSC2021/1/35: 1) 15 metre ‘Bus Stop – At All Times’ class restriction; and 2) 10 metres of ‘No Stopping At All Times’ (entry taper) parking restriction; (l) High Street, Boulcott (776) - Stop #8226, as attached as Appendix 12, to Report No. TSC2021/1/35: 1) 15 metre ‘Bus Stop – At All Times’ class restriction; 2) 9 metres of ‘No Stopping At All Times’ (entry taper) parking restriction; and 3) 12 metres of P180 (Monday to Friday 8am to 6pm excludes Public Holidays) parking restriction; (m) High Street, Boulcott (736-740) - Stop #8225, as attached as Appendix 13, to Report No. TSC2021/1/35: 1) 15 metre ‘Bus Stop – At All Times’ class restriction; and 2) 9 metres of ‘No Stopping At All Times’ (entry taper) parking restriction; (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 these resolutions will take effect once the appropriate signage and/or road-markings have been installed.” For the reason that the proposed restrictions will reduce the risk of vehicle conflict at the listed on-road bus stop locations; improve visibility and safety for the benefit of all road users; promote compliance with the NZTA’s draft Guidelines for Public Transport Infrastructure and Facilities; reduce the instances of ‘pole strikes’; and meet the requirements as set out in Council’s Traffic Bylaw 2017. |
c) Komiti Hapori | Communities Committee
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Resolved: (Deputy Mayor Lewis/Cr Mitchell) Minute No. C 21111(2) “That the minutes of the meeting held on 4 March 2021 be adopted, excluding Item 4a.”
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Recommended Items
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Item 4a) |
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Resolved: (Mayor Barry/Cr Mitchell) Minute No. C 21112(2) “That Council agrees to the exchange of approximately 107m2 of encroached reserve land known as Lot 2 DP 549866 on CT 946488 (attached in red as Appendix 1 to the report) for approximately 140m2 of native bush land on Lot 16 DP 308 CT 40C/717 (attached in blue as Appendix 1 to Report No. CCCCC2021/1/42).” For the reason to resolve a long established encroachment and to protect native vegetation adjacent to a significant natural resource area. |
d) Komiti Hanganga | Infrastructure and Regulatory Committee
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Cr Hislop also acknowledged the work of Council’s Traffic Asset Manager. She wished him well for his future endeavours. |
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Resolved: (Cr Hislop/Cr Brown) Minute No. C 21113(2) “That the minutes of the meeting held on 9 March 2021 be adopted.”
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Recommended Item
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Item 4) |
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Resolved: (Mayor Barry/Cr Edwards) Minute No. C 21114(2) “That Council: (1) receives the half year report of Wellington Water Limited attached as Appendix 1 to Report No. IARCC2021/1/53; and (2) notes that the Infrastructure and Strategy Committee has performed the responsibilities of the Policy, Finance and Strategy Committee in accordance with its Terms of Reference so that the matter can be considered in a timely manner.” |
8. Miscellaneous
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a) |
Rates postponement policy - proposed changes to be included in the LTP public consultation process (21/380) Report No. HCC2021/1/64 (3) by the Manager Financial Strategy & Planning |
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The Manager Financial Strategy and Planning elaborated on the report. He advised the proposed changes to the Rates Postponement Policy (the Policy) would align Council with the joint regional approach to resolving wastewater inflow and infiltration issues. The Strategic Advisor explained that Wellington Water Limited’s (WWL) “Knowing Your Pipes” programme would commence shortly, beginning in Wainuiomata. He advised that a briefing explaining the programme would be held on 7 April 2021. He added that the proposed changes to the Policy were required to enable a rates postponement option to be available to ratepayers if needed. He said the maintenance of laterals on private property was the responsibility of the landowner and some repairs might be costly to the landowner. He explained that Council would pay for the cost of any repairs, if required, to the small portion of the lateral pipe lying within public land. He added this would not extend to the portion of pipe held in private ownership. He noted local authorities within the Wellington region dealt with these small portions of pipe in different ways. In response to a question from a member regarding the repayment timeframe, the Manager Financial Strategy and Planning advised there was no maximum time limit. He added that a minimum annual payment requirement would be in place. He said the Policy could only be invoked where Council had incurred the costs of any repairs. In response to a question from a member, the Strategic Advisor advised powers under the Local Government Act 2002 could be invoked if a landowner refused to carry out required repairs to pipes on their property. |
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Resolved: (Mayor Barry/Cr Edwards) Minute No. C 21115(2) “That Council: (1) notes the programme underway to improve our waterways by investigating contamination sources such as faulty residential cross-connections between wastewater and stormwater systems, breaks in pipes and infiltration inflow and infiltration issues; (2) agrees to a new proposed voluntary targeted rate “Wastewater and Stormwater Financial Assistance Targeted Rate” to be included in the draft Rates Funding Impact Statement and the draft Revenue and Financing Policy included in the draft Long Term Plan 2021-2031; (3) agrees to the amendment to the Rates Postponement Policy to incorporate relief for ratepayers who elect to utilise this new proposed voluntary targeted rate, as detailed in Appendix 1 to the report; and (4) agrees that the proposed changes be included in the draft Long Term Plan 2021-2031 public consultation process.” |
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b) |
Code of Conduct for Elected Members (21/285) Report No. HCC2021/1/65 (3) by the Contractor |
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Speaking under public comment, Mr Max Shierlaw expressed opposition to the proposed amendments to the Code of Conduct for Elected Members (the Code). He believed the Local Government New Zealand (LGNZ) Code of Conduct template was being misused. He requested that the amendments be rejected and Council’s Code of Conduct revert back to the pre-2020 document. The Chief Legal Officer elaborated on the report. He tabled a copy of an email he had sent to members (attached as pages 37-38 to the minutes). He spoke to the tabled email. In response to a question regarding point 6 of the tabled document, the Chief Legal Officer advised the intent of the Code was for clear and reasonable processes to be in place, with no opportunity for abuse of the process. He added there was wide discretion regarding the settlement process. In response to a question from a member regarding the use of an elected member’s Facebook page for electioneering purposes, the Electoral Officer advised that Council resources could not be utilised for electioneering purposes. He said an elected member could establish and fund their own Facebook page for campaign purposes. The Chief Legal Officer advised elected members should check with officers prior to establishing Twitter and Instagram pages, especially with campaigning. In response to a question from a member suggesting the Deputy Mayor should lead an investigation into a complaint regarding the Mayor rather than the Chief Executive, the Chief Legal Officer explained the proposed Code followed guidelines set out by LGNZ. He added that if the Mayor was party to a complaint, they could not be party to any ruling concerning dismissing that complaint before the formal process commenced. He said that decision would fall to the Chief Executive and the Chairs of the Standing Committees. He noted this was the current process. The Chief Legal Officer agreed to develop a flow chart for the complaint process. Cr Briggs reminded members the Code’s process was only enacted if certain behaviour warranted it. He supported the proposed amendments. Cr Sutton supported the proposed amendments except for the reintroduction of the ability for the Chief Executive to lay a complaint under the Code. She believed the Code was for elected members only. Cr Mitchell supported the proposed amendments. He stated the amendments encouraged early resolution. He commended officers for their work to clarify the Code. Cr Milne questioned the proposal to allow the Chief Executive to make a complaint under the Code when there was no ability for elected members to make a complaint concerning the Chief Executive. He also questioned the lack of a process to challenge a decision other than through a judicial review. Cr Rasheed supported the proposed amendments except for the consequence of the amendments that the Chief Executive would effectively manage the conduct of the elected members. She believed the amendments in totality provided for the Chief Executive to make a complaint, to be able to decide to dismiss or proceed with any complaint, to forward a complaint to an independent investigator and to decide on the process to follow upon receipt of the investigator’s report. She maintained that the role of management of elected members rested with the Mayor. She opposed fusing the powers of the political and executive areas of the organisation. She added that the timing of the circulated proposed amendments to the Code was poor. Cr Brown supported the proposed amendments. She said that all organisations required a Code to be able to function effectively. She believed all Councillors needed to be held to the same level of accountability and that a mechanism was required for when things did not operate correctly. Cr Edwards supported the proposed amendments. He said an independent investigator would ensure an unbiased and impartial investigation would occur. He believed the Chief Executive needed to have the ability to investigate poor behaviour of an elected member towards a staff member. Cr Dyer supported the proposed amendments. Cr Bassett expressed concern with the proposed amendments. He expressed concern that the Deputy Mayor was not the lead when a complaint concerning the Mayor was received. He also expressed concern that there were no provisions for a review of a decision. He said an individual subject of a complaint had no avenue for redress if the final decision went against them. Mayor Barry advised that ultimately a process would be carried out by an independent investigator who would present their findings to Council. He added the proposed Code followed best practice throughout New Zealand. He foreshadowed the motion to lie the matter on the table. He confirmed that Councillors would be given the opportunity to work through all the ramifications of all the proposed amendments to enable a fully informed decision to be made. |
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Resolved: (Mayor Barry/Cr Briggs)(by division) Minute No. C 21116(2) “That Item 8b) Code of Conduct for Elected Members lies on the table and officers present an updated report to a future Council meeting.” The amendment was declared carried by division with the voting as follows:
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c) |
Elected Member Remuneration (21/120) Report No. HCC2021/1/11 (3) by the Contractor |
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The Head of Democratic Services elaborated on the report. In response to questions from members, the Head of Democratic Services confirmed the Remuneration Authority set the base salary for all Councillors. She was unable to confirm whether the chairs of Standing Committees received an additional $8,000 for their additional responsibilities in the previous triennium. In response to a question from a member regarding the evaluation system, the Head of Democratic Services explained officers examined the additional responsibilities that chairs and deputy chairs were required to undertake with the revised committee structure. She said all Councillors were treated equally regardless of whether they were a city-wide or a ward Councillor. In response to a question from a member, the Contractor explained the starting point for the process had been Council’s December 2019 decision to approve the distribution of the remuneration pool. She added that due to the revised committee structure, the distribution needed to be revisited to take account of an additional standing committee. Cr Sutton expressed concern with Option 2. She believed it to be ‘constructive dismissal’. Mayor Barry asked Cr Sutton to withdraw her comment as it was disrespectful. Cr Sutton refused to withdraw the comment. Mayor Barry asked Cr Sutton to leave the meeting. Cr Sutton left the meeting at 3.44pm. Cr Rasheed expresed support for Option 1. She believed Option 2 disadvantaged three Councillors who undertook a large amount of work. Crs Brown, Dyer, and Briggs and Deputy Mayor Lewis expressed support for Option 2. They believed it reflected the workloads of Deputy Chairs and would assist in succession planning. They agreed Option 2 was a simple system and was based on the Councillor’s additional responsibilities. Cr Hislop expressed support for Option 2. She noted her awkwardness in supporting this option. Cr Mitchell expressed his awkwardness with the matter and stated his intention to abstain from voting. Mayor Barry acknowledged the awkwardness of the matter. He reminded members that a Council decision was required and the options were based on roles and Councillor’s additional responsibilities. He apologised to officers for the earlier comment made by a member. |
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Resolved: (Mayor Barry/Cr Briggs)(by division) Minute No. C 21117(2) “That Council approves the distribution of the remuneration pool from 1 July 2021 as attached in Appendix 2 to the report, for submission to the Remuneration Authority as follows: a. Councillor salary - $54,000 per annum; b. Deputy Mayor/Chair of Standing Committee – additional $46,519 per annum; c. Chair of Standing Committee – additional $26,519 per annum; d. Deputy Chair of Standing Committee – additional $9,908 per annum; and e. Chair of Traffic Subcommittee – additional $13,520 per annum.” The motion was declared carried by division with the voting as follows:
Crs Bassett, Milne and Mitchell abstained from voting on this matter. |
The meeting adjourned at 3.57pm and resumed at 4.08pm.
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d) |
Appointment of Directors - Urban Plus Limited and Seaview Marina Limited (21/389) Report No. HCC2021/1/12 (3) by the Contractor |
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Resolved: (Mayor Barry/Deputy Mayor Lewis) Minute No. C 21118(2) “That Council: (1) approves the appointment of Peter Fa’afiu and Cameron Madgwick to the Board of Urban Plus Limited (UPL) for a term of three years until 30 June 2024, on the grounds that they have the necessary skills and experience to assist the Board to guide UPL and achieve the company’s objectives; and (2) approves the appointment of Pamela Bell and Rick Wells to the Board of Seaview Marina Limited (SML) for a term of three years until 30 June 2024, on the grounds that they have the necessary skills and experience to assist the Board to guide SML and achieve the company’s objectives.” For the reasons that appropriately skilled and experienced independent directors will assist UPL and SML to achieve their strategic objectives. |
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e) |
Appointment of Members to Fill Vacancies (21/316) Report No. HCC2021/1/4 (3) by the Contractor |
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Mayor Barry elaborated on the report. Cr Edwards asked for an amendment to the Wellington Regional Waste Minimisation and Management Joint Committee membership. He said he was the member of the Committee and Cr Mitchell was the alternate member. Cr Dyer acknowledged Cr Sutton’s work as Chair of the Traffic Subcommittee. He requested the spelling of Ms Karen Yung’s name be corrected under the membership of the Petone Community Board. |
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Resolved: (Mayor Barry/Cr Mitchell) Minute No. C 21119(2) “That Council: (1) appoints Mayor Barry as a member of Council to the Wellington Water Committee; (2) appoints Cr Dyer as a member of Council to Hutt Minoh House Friendship Trust; and (3) appoints Cr Briggs as Deputy Chair of the Traffic Subcommittee for the remainder of the triennium.” |
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f) |
Private Plan Change Request 54 - Boulcott's Farm Heritage Golf Club, Inc. (21/286) Report No. HCC2021/1/63 (3) by the Policy Planner |
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The Divisional Manager, District Plan Policy elaborated on the report. In response to a question from a member, the Divisional Manager, District Plan Policy explained the plan change process could take between six to 12 months or longer. This was dependent on the number of submissions and whether a decision was appealed. He said the plan change could be undertaken at the same time as the current District Plan review. He added a decision on the zoning of the subject parcel of land would be available prior to the District Plan Review being advertised. He noted if a decision was delayed, the current zoning would remain in place and another process would be required to change the zoning. In response to questions from a member regarding the level of public consultation being undertaken, the Divisional Manager, District Plan Policy explained that Boulcott’s Farm Heritage Golf Club had already consulted with the adjoining property owners. He said officers were intending to write to residents in the area however the extent of that notification was yet to be determined. He acknowledged possible traffic effects might result in a wider area being notified. Cr Bassett stressed the importance of widespread and transparent consultation. Cr Dyer requested the residents be informed that this consultation was specific to the application and that further consultation on the wider District Plan review was also occurring. |
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Resolved: (Mayor Barry/Cr Dyer) Minute No. C 21120(2) “That Council: (1) notes that Urban Perspectives Ltd. has requested a change to the operative district plan on behalf of Boulcott’s Farm Heritage Golf Club, Inc., to alter the zoning of a part of their site of approximately 1.6 hectares near Kingston and Allen Streets, from General Recreation to General Residential; and (2) accepts the private plan change request in whole, and proceeds with the private plan change notification and hearing process under the Resource Management Act at the requester’s expense.” For the reasons that Council is obliged to act on the request; there is no reason to reject the request, deal with the request in parts, or convert it to a resource consent; adopting the request would incur a cost to the Council, does not substantially advance any existing Council strategy and would imply endorsement of the plan change and its supporting material; and accepting the request allows the merits of the plan change to be consulted on and assessed using the statutory due process. |
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g) |
Plan Change 47: Major Drive, Kelson - Final approval to make Plan Change 47 operative (21/207) Report No. HCC2021/1/62 (3) by the Senior Environmental Policy Analyst |
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Resolved: (Mayor Barry/Cr Dyer) Minute No. C 21121(2) “That Council: (1) resolves, in accordance with clause 17 of the First Schedule of the Resource Management Act 1991, to approve Plan Change 47 to the City of Lower Hutt District Plan; (2) approves the affixing of the Common Seal to Plan Change 47 in accordance with Standing Order 8.2; and (3) notes that a public notice will be included in the Hutt News on 30 March 2021 advising the operative date of Plan Change 47, in accordance with clause 20 of the First Schedule of the Resource Management Act 1991.” |
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h) |
Submission to Climate Change Commission (21/310) Memorandum dated 11 March 2021 by the Manager, Sustainability and Resilience |
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The Manager, Sustainability and Resilience elaborated on the report. Cr Mitchell asked that a copy of the submission be provided to Councillors at Greater Wellington Regional Council. |
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Resolved: (Mayor Barry/Cr Briggs) Minute No. C 21122(2) “That Council: (1) approves the submission to the Climate Change Commission as shown in Appendix 1 attached to the report; and (2) asks officers to distribute Council’s submission to the Climate Change Commission to the local members of Parliament and to Councillors at Greater Wellington Regional Council.” |
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i) |
2021 Local Government New Zealand Conference (21/274) Memorandum dated 26 February 2021 by the Elected Members Support Advisor |
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Mayor Barry elaborated on the report. |
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Resolved: (Mayor Barry/Cr Rasheed) Minute No. C 21123(2) “That Council: (1) notes the 2021 Local Government Conference programme attached as Appendix 1 to the memorandum; and (2) nominates the Mayor, Deputy Mayor Lewis and Councillor Keri Brown to represent Hutt City Council at the 2021 Local Government New Zealand Conference to be held in Blenheim from 15-17 July 2021.” |
9. Minutes
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Resolved: (Mayor Barry/Deputy Mayor Lewis) Minute No. C 21124(2) “That the minutes of the meeting of the Hutt City Council held on Tuesday 8 December 2020, be confirmed as a true and correct record.” |
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Resolved: (Mayor Barry/Cr Brown) Minute No. C 21125(2) “That the minutes of the meeting of the Hutt City Council held on Monday 21 December 2020, be confirmed as a true and correct record.” |
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Resolved: (Mayor Barry/Cr Brown) Minute No. C 21126(2) “That the minutes of the meeting of the Hutt City Council held on Wednesday 10 February 2021, be confirmed as a true and correct record.” |
10. Committee Minutes without Recommended Items
a) Komiti Iti Mahere ā-Ngahurutanga / Mahere ā-Tau | Long Term Plan/Annual Plan Subcommittee
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Resolved: (Mayor Barry/Deputy Mayor Lewis) Minute No. C 21127(2) “That the minutes of the meeting held on 21 December 2020 be adopted.”
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Resolved: (Mayor Barry/Cr Briggs) Minute No. C 21128(2) “That the minutes of the meeting held on 10 February 2021 be adopted.”
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b) Komiti Iti Ahumoni I Tūraru | Audit and Risk Subcommittee
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Resolved: (Mayor Barry/Cr Rasheed) Minute No. C 21129(2) “That the minutes of the meeting held on 25 February 2021 be adopted.”
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c) Komiti Kaupapa Taiao | Climate Change and Sustainability Committee
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Resolved: (Cr Briggs/Cr Rasheed) Minute No. C 21130(2) “That the minutes of the meeting held on 1 March 2021 be adopted.”
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d) Komiti Ratonga o Te Awa Kairangi | Hutt Valley Services Committee
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Resolved: (Cr Briggs/Cr Brown) Minute No. C 21131 “That the minutes of the meeting held on 5 March 2021 be adopted.”
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11. |
Report No. HCC2021/1/13 (3) by the Legal Assistant |
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Resolved: (Mayor Barry/Deputy Mayor Lewis) Minute No. C 21132(2) “That Council: (1) approves the affixing of the Common Seal to all relevant documents in connection with the items set out in Schedule 1 contained in the report; and
(2) approves the deeds executed under Power of Attorney set out in Schedule 2, contained in the report; and
(3) approves the warrants set out in Schedule 3 of the report. SCHEDULE 1 - General Sealing Authority
Subdivision related documents – including Easements to Council Standard easements and related requirements granting rights to Council as part of the subdivision process: a) Hutt City Council and RV2 Limited 38 Tyndall Street, Waiwhetu, Lower Hutt, L20/183
b) Hutt City Council and RLAC Residential Limited 68 Copeland Street, Epuni, Lower Hutt, L20/181 c) Hutt City Council and Upenyu Dzapasi and Faith Dzapasi 20 Fraser Street, Wainuiomata, Lower Hutt, L20/186 d) Hutt City Council and Mills Street Developments Limited 48 & 50 Mills Street, Boulcott, Lower Hutt, L20/189 e) Hutt City Council and Kamahi Ventures Limited 1-11 Kamahi Street, Stokes Valley, Lower Hutt, L20/198 f) Hutt City Council and Kelly Lesley Nicholls 15 Langford Street, Naenae, Lower Hutt, L21/21 g) Hut City Council and Colin Graham and Suzanne Margaret Willis 23A Korau Grove, Stokes Valley, Lower Hutt, L20/165 h) Hutt City Council and Mircon Limited 209 Wise Street, Wainuiomata, Lower Hutt, L20/197 i) Hutt City Council and Malcolm Elder Alexander 164-166 Normandale Road, Lower Hutt, L21/2 j) Hutt City Council and Kevin Maurice Cottle and Sandra Knight 26 Petherick Street, Taita, Lower Hutt, L21/4
k) Hutt City Council and Dylan Trevor Alan Thomas 181 Wainuiomata Road, Wainuiomata, Lower Hutt, L21/5 l) Hutt City Council and Genesis 76 Limited 76 Antrim Crescent, Wainuiomata, Lower Hutt, L21/11 m) Hutt City Council and Mega Investments Limited 931 High Street, Avalon, Lower Hutt, L21/13 n) Hutt City Council and Julie Ann Beck 37 Main Road, Wainuiomata, Lower Hutt, L21/12 o) Hutt City Council and Roscoe Robert Price Moore and Charlotte Elsie Moffat 392 Cambridge Terrace, Naenae, Lower Hutt, L21/17 Surrender of easement p) Hutt City Council and RV2 Limited 38 Tyndall Street, Waiwhetu, Lower Hutt, L20/187 Land Transfer Tax Statement q) Hutt City Council and Lisa Michelle Evans and Matthew Bryan Evans 171 Tirohanga Road, Tirohanga, Lower Hutt, L20/127 Sale and Purchase Agreement
r) Hutt City Council and Wellington Institute of Technology 10 Udy Street, Petone, Lower Hutt, DOC/21/25692
Building Line Restriction Removal
s) Hutt City Council 2 Cheviot Road, Lowry Bay, Lower Hutt, L20/170
SCHEDULE 3 - WARRANTS
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12. QUESTIONS
There were no questions.
13. EXCLUSION OF THE PUBLIC
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Resolved: (Mayor Barry/Deputy Mayor Lewis) Minute No. C 21133(2) “That the public be excluded from the following parts of the proceedings of this meeting, namely: 14. 2021 Civic Honours Awards (21/132) 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.” |
There being no further business the Chair declared the meeting closed at 4.43 pm.
C Barry
MAYOR
CONFIRMED as a true and correct record
Dated this 1st day of June 2021
Mayoral Statement – 24 March 2021
Kia ora koutou katoa,
Before we go into Council business today I just want to make a brief statement, and touch on some of the key highlights from the last six weeks.
Key Highlights
Council received some incredibly positive news recently with the resource consent for the Eastern Bays Shared Path being granted. This is a key milestone in this project’s history, and I’m really happy for Eastern Bays residents who are now one step closer to having a safer and attractive pathway in and out of the area. This is also part of a wider “Great Harbour Way” project, and will provide resilience for the existing access road.
We have also taken steps to cutting our emissions by installing a flare at Silverstream Landfill. The flare burns off methane created by the breakdown of organic waste before it reaches the atmosphere, and significantly reduces our liability under the Emissions Trading Scheme, as well as the unpleasant smell which can impact residents in parts of Stokes Valley.
Council has formally kicked off the development of the integrated transport strategy. This is about looking at all transport modes in an effort to tackle our city’s congestion problems. This strategy will take us one step closer to this, and we will be engaging with the public on this too.
10 year plan
Next week we will sign off our draft ten year plan, and following that we are able to take it to the public for consultation. At its heart, this plan is about getting the basics right.
We are proposing to double your capital investment in infrastructure over the next ten years - because we know we can’t afford to kick the can down the road any longer.
Once we sign off the draft plan, we will be able to hear from our residents through a vast engagement programme that has been organised. This will enable us to hear a wide range of views before making final decisions in June.
Visits
Over the past 6 weeks I have been fortunate to be able to do a number of visits across our city.
I popped in to see the newly renovated Queens Arcade which has really provided a new lease on life for the area, and shows the potential Lower Hutt has for small businesses.
I was also fortunate enough to get out to Wesley Rātā Village in Naenae, and see the impact new affordable rental homes in the city is having for those who have struggled to find a roof over their head.
Last week I hosted an event to acknowledge the Lower Hutt arts community and thank them for the amazing work they do in our city. We have some many amazing artists here, and I’m excited to see what the future of our city holds in the arts space.
And today I visited the COVID-19 Vaccine rollout at Walter Nash centre. This is the first of its kind to be set up in the region, and I want to give a massive shout out to our council staff at Walter Nash who have made it easier for our amazing health workers to vaccinate our local health workers on the front line.
Fight for the Flyer
Lastly, a plug for the fight for the flyer campaign that gathered over 2000 submissions! Virtually all the submissions supported asking the regional council to keep the Lower Hutt leg on the airport bus when it is brought into the public network next year. We’re a growing city and region, and it’s vital for the people of Lower Hutt that we have a direct route to the airport.
24 March 2021
Chief Executive’s statement
COVID-19
Hutt City Council is proud to be supporting the Ministry of Health’s efforts to roll out the Covid-19 vaccine. This involves vaccinations being provided at one of our centres (Walter Nash) to border workers’ household contacts and frontline health and emergency workers. Five community centres are now in operation across the region.
NZ went into lockdown a year ago tomorrow (25 March). It’s incredible that one year later we are able to assist in the health effort to protect our community. Thank you to all of the Council staff involved and to local our health partners for making this happen.
RMA Reforms
On 10 February 2021 the Government announced more details about this reform, including the process and some high-level direction. Next week CLT will consider a paper on the reform of New Zealand’s resource management system, which includes repealing the Resource Management Act (RMA) and replacing it with three new pieces of legislation. This reform will directly affect Council functions and decisions, and our communities. CLT will identify the potential opportunities and implications for Council and our communities. A presentation on the reforms will be made to the District Plan Subcommittee and there will also be a presentation to all elected members.
Housing announcement
Yesterday the Government announced a new package of initiatives to help address housing supply. We will unpack the details behind the announcement and see what opportunities there are for Council and UPL. The announcements include a $3.8 billion Housing Acceleration Fund designed to speed up the pace and scale of house building and jumpstart developments by funding infrastructure like pipes and transport links needed for new housing. There are also incentives for investment in new builds that aim to help drive demand and ensure more houses are built. More information will be provided on this.
Water Reform
Last Friday the Mayor and Councillors Lewis, Briggs, Mitchell and Dyer, along with senior officers, attended the regional water reform workshop run by the Department of Internal Affairs
This workshop is an important step in the reform process enabling iwi and local government to provide feedback on options being considered by Government.
The discussions are extremely important in testing the reform proposals and refining DIA’s thinking ahead of providing advice to Cabinet later in the year.
Callaghan Innovation
Last Friday, we were one of seven organisations that gathered to discuss a shared vision for innovation across the Wellington region and beyond.
Leaders from Callaghan Innovation, ESR, GNS, Hutt City Council, Victoria University of Wellington and Wellington New Zealand were delighted to discover that there appeared to be far more similarities than differences in our individual visions for the future.
We all pledged to move forward as quickly as possible to craft a shared vision statement and present a united front for how we innovate together to address significant issues our city, region and country faces into the future.
One project Hutt City Council and Callaghan Innovation are keenly exploring how we may work together in application and integration of new green and innovative technologies in the rebuild, design, management and operation of the new Naenae Pool.
Rubbish and recycling rollout
The go live date for the new service is 1 July and good progress is being made towards this. Key points are noted below.
· We are working hard to see if we can decrease the cost of the 80 litre rubbish bin so we can reduce costs to lowest waste users. We will know more about this in the next month.
· Kerbside green waste options for the future – looking at a shared model (Waste Management runs a weekly service with the same resources as will be used for the Council 4 weekly service. The overall aim is to reduce the amount of green waste to landfill. This is a co-operative model that would start on 1 July 2021. Further refinements to this service will be looked at in the coming 12 months particularly focused on a fortnightly collection service.
· MUDs –following up on these – focus is on those that didn’t respond to us.
· 622 requests for assisted service/difficult access issues. We’re phoning people and visiting these homes if needed.
· The centre where the bins will be assembled and distributed to people will be operative from early April. First deliveries are scheduled for 19 April start with a gradual rollout across the city. This will take 5 or 6 weeks and up to 10 weeks has been allowed.
· All EV trucks won’t start on day one. Some will start a month later due to battery delivery held up overseas due to the pandemic.
You would have seen a flyer on the LTP consultation and rubbish and recycling starting on 1 July have just been sent out with the rates invoice this week. This is one element of our communications activities in support of the rollout of the new rubbish and recycling service.
The new microsite to support the initiative, “toogoodtowaste.nz”, will go live on March 30 and will feature a number of areas to navigate for information including what to do when your bins arrive (storage options) and a reminder of what to put in each bin. The microsite functionality will be ‘mobile-friendly’ with features that quickly and easily direct users to useful information such as suburb-specific bin pick up days.
Sample bins have arrived and are being featured in promotional video shoots that are being filmed this week. Bins will begin to be delivered on 19 April. The videos will be run across all of our channels and be complementary to the suite of rubbish and recycling promotional activities that are being run in the lead up to the service commencing on 1 July. Newspaper and radio advertisements will begin shortly, centred on bin arrival, suburb-by-suburb delivery dates and storage tips, as well as messaging around the importance of not using the bins until the service commences.
RiverLink
Engagement has ramped up with many opportunities for the community to hear about progress on RiverLink. This includes:
Hutt Valley Chamber of Commerce - RiverLink presentation to local businesses at the Hutt Valley Chamber of Commerce last week. There was some good discussion at the end and question topics covered: flood protection, consent risk and mitigation, Western Hills connection, extending the Melling line, parking impacts, economic benefits to the region (in regards to the cycleway into Wellington) and procurement opportunities for NZ contractors. The Chamber would like the team back to present on RiverLink related transport plans for Lower Hutt.
Eastern Hutt School - 200 Year 5&6 children were at the engagement container last week and this week (two visits). There was a RiverLink scavenger hunt and a talk by Martin White RiverLink Director.
RiverLink Open Day at Te Tatau o Te Po Marae - this is going to be held on 25 March.
Social Pinpoint – Have Your Say: Reports are being run on all the online comments (about 2,300 visitors to the site and over 420 comments from the community).
Hutt Citizens Panel Survey - Initial results show overall awareness of the project has increased from 83% to 90%.
Engagement container – RiverLink will be at the container on Saturdays. The numbers of people going to the market have increased and as a result more people are visiting the container. After Easter RiverLink will move the container into the city (with consent and potentially into Andrews Ave) for more engagement opportunities during the week.
We’re exploring construction procurement approaches. The RiverLink Board is considering procurement models and the preferred model is a hybrid alliance. This means that the 3 project partners will sit within a project delivery team with the design consultant and construction contractor and be collectively tasked with delivering the combined project. A joint briefing on the alliance to elected members of both HCC and GWRC was held on 9 March.
Costings for RiverLink are being updated and this will inform the Long Term Plan 2021-2013. This costing information is being reviewed by a Quantity Surveyor and some elements have been updated There is a further full review by the project team to be completed before the numbers will be ready to provide to elected members to support decisions. We have not changed any of the RiverLink budgets in the draft LTP but have rather left them as is for now, i.e. same as per 10 February LTP Subcommittee agenda papers with capex cost of $121M and assumed offsetting revenue from NZTA and surplus land sales.
Organisational Design
As you know I have been leading an organisational design programme to ensure we have people in the right place with the right skills to drive a strategy-led organisation and to provide services to the highest possible standard.
Hutt City Council is an organisation of around 500 FTEs and over the past 18 months we have been re-organising our structure to align our resource with priorities. This started with the Corporate Leadership Team in December 2019 and now we’re looking across the wider organisation and into each of the newly established directorates.
We are currently in phase 2 of this work with meetings on Thursday 25 March to let all staff know about the decisions that have been made following our full consultation process. As we reorganise we will be moving to make the changes needed to re-position our organisation to meet our strategic objectives and the challenges ahead including delivering on the significant capital programme outlined in the draft LTP. Via this phase of the organisational design programme we will remain in a net growth situation where the vast majority of people will find a home in the new structure.
I want to acknowledge the support and professionalism of our people leaders during this process. Staff who are in roles that are impacted are receiving wrap-around support at this time.
From: Bradley Cato
Sent: Wednesday, 24 March 2021 1:38 PM
To: Mayor.Councillors
Subject: Code of Conduct - further amendments
Dear Mayor and Councillors
I’m just writing to advise some further ideas that have been sent through on the Code of Conduct paper, which I will present today:
1. Clause 12.2 and Appendix C, Step 1– Add the words “With the agreement of the complainant and respondent” before the words “informal dispute resolution” and “If the Mayor” to make it clear that informal dispute resolution will only start if both the complainant and respondent agree to it.
This would be a change from what is currently proposed and would allow either party to a complaint to force the issue to bypass informal dispute resolution. At the moment, both parties do not have to be involved in the informal dispute resolution and it could be one or the other, dealing with the Mayor or other appropriate people.
My recommendation is not to make this amendment.
2. Clause 12.2 and Appendix C, Step 1 – When considering the use of an external mediator make it not just at the Mayor’s discretion but also “at the request of the respondent”
This would allow the respondent to a complaint to request external mediation rather than informal dispute resolution undertaken by the Mayor or CEO and could result in a better outcome by involving an external and independent person. There would be external cost but of a much less significant level than what an investigator might charge.
My recommendation is to make this amendment.
3. Change of Appendix C headings for greater clarity – change of Step One to “Informal Resolution” and Step 2 to “Complaint Referred to Independent Investigator”.
The headings currently refer to the Mayor or CEO receiving the complaint. This suggested change makes sense as the headings are misleading if either the Mayor or CEO was a party to the complaint because the process changes.
Recommend making this amendment.
4. Clause 12.2 – add the words in bold for clarity: All complaints made under this Code must be made in writing and forwarded to the Mayor, unless the Mayor is a party to the complaint in which case they should be forwarded to the Chief Executive.
Recommend making this amendment
5. Step 1 – splitting apart the two scenarios where either the Mayor is or is not a party to the complaint, for more clarity.
As more moving parts have been added to the process, these 2 scenarios have had more added to them, resulting in chopping and change between them in Step 1. The suggestion is to split them apart in this step for added clarity (not substantial change to process).
Recommend making this amendment.
6. There was the suggestion of adding another mediation phase instead of just opportunity for settlement, once the preliminary assessment is received.
My recommendation is not to make that amendment as I think it may just have the result of adding more external cost and greater delay to the process at that stage. An added and explicit opportunity for a settlement offer strikes a better balance in my view.
7. Added Appendix A – Media Guidelines – our number 4 has combined numbers 4 and 5 of the LGNZ template. This appears to just be a typographical error and I suggest going back to having these points split into 2 numbers.
8. Added point 5 to media guidelines – this was added I think by our Comms staff a year ago when this paper was originally going to come to Council. My understanding is it was designed to protect members from getting into the situation where they were leveraging Council related pages to promote personal business financial matters.
Feedback from members is it is too broad as it reads Council related pages are not to be used for “personal or non-Council business purposes”.
My suggested amendment is to change the restriction to “non-Council business or financial purposes”.
Happy to discuss at the meeting.
Regards
Brad