COVID-19 - summary Council notes
During Alert Level 2 COVID-19 restrictions, there are number restrictions in the Council Chamber. This means that meetings are restricted to the public. A summary needs to be made available to the public. Please read on below.
Thursday 10 September 2020
The Carry Over report was tabled to Council; to request for hold over funding from the 19-20 year funding to the 20-21 financial year. Crs had several queries as to why funding wasn’t spent and enquired as to why funding is still required to progress the projects. There were some specific queries including office utilisation project, wastewater projects, bus shelters. Crs were generally pleased with the carry overs, even though they are slightly higher than normal; but taking COVID-19 impacts into account, Crs were comfortable with the progress and the plans going forward.
The LGNZ remits report was tabled to Council. Crs queried the remits regarding water bottling and rates rebates.
LTP was tabled from the decisions and direction made from the second LTP workshop; with a focus on retaining the vision, key strategic focus areas, and a story byline Secure Today. Shape Tomorrow. Stronger Future. Crs queried a few specific words for relevance and subsequent discussion. Overall most were accepted as tabled. Some discussion around reserve spaces, too much, not utilised, etc.
The Te Waka six monthly report was tabled. No discussion. Te Waka will be presenting to Council in coming months.
The Executive Report was tabled. There was a couple of queries around who the additional funders for the new trades training centre, liability for budget management and ownership. There was a compliment around the work that Wright Communications is doing in terms of profiling the district and council.
The Corporate and Community Group Report was tabled. Crs queried community leases, earthquake prone building policy.
The Regulatory Group report was tabled. Highlighted was the joint biodiversity projects, large number of legislation changes that staff need to stay across and prepare for, noise contract transition has gone very well, civil defence and EOC set up specifically around iwi integration and rural community groups, an update on the Glenview Holiday Park compliance issues and SNA involvement.
Thursday 20 August 2020
The Representation Review report was tabled. Council resolved to keep representation the same as current. A consultation document will be developed and public consultation within appropriate timeframes.
The Water Reform funding report was tabled. Council resolved to sign an MoU with Central Government to secure the $1.9m funding; along with a portion of regional funding. Council acknowledged that we are in in a good position and have managed our waters well, a need to ensure we continue to serve our communities well, the opt out clause and transfer of assets.
Three reports discussed in Public Excluded at previous meetings were released into public – these included Road Naming Policy, naming of a new road – Lancewood Road and Procurement Policy. Essentially the two policies were adopted and a new road Lancewood Road approved.
Staff tabled a report about removing community halls for community use. This is due to consistent poor behaviour that is resulting in considerable damage to these facilities. Councillors raised concerns about the community not being able to access halls that they pay for through rates; suggesting that stricter rules be applied, perhaps a larger bond; but keep it in community use. Council wants another report to come back from staff with further options that include security being required (and costs absorbed by the user), increased bonds and some analysis of non-payment of bills.
The petition for speed bumps in Prospect Street was tabled. The speed indication device data indicates that speed is within limits. Speed bumps will not be installed, however relevant signage was suggested and will be installed. A letter will go to the Petition lead.
The SW Indoor Pools Master Plan was approved for ongoing capital improvement projects.
A report on the recycling drop off zone changes was approved by Council with small changes to days and times for Tīrau (now being Mon, Wed, Sat – 1pm to 5pm). Putāruru, once all the site changes are made (including fences, gates access etc), will be behind gates and open during the current Putāruru Transfer Station opening hours. Kuranui and Te Waotu will have signage installed referring to facility closure in mid-October if these two facilities continue to be abused and used as rubbish dumps.
Community Group Report – raised and discussed events and numbers due to COVID-19 Alert Level restrictions and after hours call centre providing 24/7 hours contact for our community.
Assets Group Report – discussed was the two new poles for the Talking Pole Forest and ongoing maintenance and replacement programme as poles reach the end of their natural life; NZTA funding, compliance/notification issues sadly at water, wastewater and landfill and the new CBD rubbish bins.
