Minutes of Communities Committee - Wednesday, 17 November 2021

0 17 November 2021

Komiti Hapori |Communities Committee

Minutes of a meeting held in the Council Chambers,

2nd Floor, 30 Laings Road, Lower Hutt on

Wednesday 17 November 2021 commencing at 2.00pm

PRESENT:	Deputy Mayor T Lewis (Chair)	Cr G Barratt (via audio-visual link until 4.27pm)
	Mayor C Barry	Cr J Briggs
	Cr B Dyer	Cr S Edwards
	Cr D Hislop	Cr A Mitchell
	Cr S Rasheed (until 3.56pm)	Cr N Shaw (Deputy Chair)
	Cr L Sutton

APOLOGIES: Cr Milne, Cr Brown

Cr Barratt and Cr Rasheed for early departure

IN ATTENDANCE: Ms A Blackshaw, Director Neighbourhoods and Communities

Mr B Cato, Chief Legal Officer (part meeting)

Ms M Laban, Head of Connected Communities (part meeting)

Mr T Kimbrell, Parks, Reserves and Recreation Planner (part meeting)

Mr A Quinn, Project Manager (Naenae) (part meeting)

Ms J Lawson, Asset Manager Reserves (part meeting)

Ms D Hunter, Community Advisor Funding and Community Contracts (part meeting)

Mrs A Doornebosch, Democracy Advisor

Ms T Lealofi, Democracy Advisor

PUBLIC BUSINESS

1. OPENING FORMALITIES - KARAKIA TĪMATANGA

Whakataka te hau ki te uru

Whakataka te hau ki te tonga

Kia mākinakina ki uta

Kia mātaratara ki tai

E hī ake ana te atakura

He tio, he huka, he hau hū

Tīhei mauri ora.

Cease the winds from the west
Cease the winds from the south
Let the breeze blow over the land
Let the breeze blow over the ocean
Let the red-tipped dawn come with a sharpened air.
A touch of frost, a promise of a glorious day.

2.	APOLOGIES Resolved: (Cr Lewis/Cr Dyer) Minute No. CCCCC 21501 “That the apologies received from Cr C Milne and Cr K Brown be accepted and leave of absence be granted and the apologies for early departure from Cr G Barratt and Cr S Rasheed be accepted.”

3. PUBLIC COMMENT

Comments are recorded under the item to which they relate.

Resolved: (Deputy Mayor Lewis/Cr Briggs) Minute No. CCCCC 21502

“That the time limit for public comment be extended.”

4. CONFLICT OF INTEREST DECLARATIONS

Cr Dyer declared a conflict of interest in relation to item 5 (a) Electricity Corporation of New Zealand Track – 166 Upper Fitzherbert Road and took no part in discussion or voting on the matter.

Cr Mitchell declared a conflict of interest in relation to item 9 – Community Funding 2021-2022 and took no part in discussion or voting on the matter.

PRECEDENCE OF BUSINESS

Resolved: (Cr Lewis/Cr Dyer) Minute No. CCCCC 21503

“That in accordance with Standing Order 10.4, precedence of business be accorded to item 6 Williams Park Management Plan”.

This item is recorded in the order in which it is listed on the order paper.

5. Recommendations to Te Kaunihera o Te Awa Kairangi |CounciL - 16 December 2021

Electricity Corporation of New Zealand Limited (ECNZ) Track- 166 Upper Fitzherbert Road (21/1664)

Cr Dyer declared a conflict of interest and took no part in discussion or voting on the matter.

The Parks, Reserves and Recreation Planner elaborated on the report. He advised the proposed purchase price outlined in recommendation (2) of his report should read: $78,000 + GST.

In response to a question from a member, the Parks, Reserves and Recreation Planner advised the recommendations contained in the report were based on feedback from a previous easement report for the track. He highlighted the landowner’s preference was to subdivide and for Council to purchase the 3ha of land at the north end of 166 Upper Fitzherbert Road.

Recommended: (Cr Mitchell/Cr Edwards) Minute No. CCCCC 21504

“That the Committee recommends that Council:

(1) notes that this proposal is consistent with Council Policy including the Reserves Acquisition and Disposal Policy and Private Use of Council Reserve Land Policy;

(2) agrees to purchase the 3ha of land that includes the track at the north end of 166 Upper Fitzherbert Road for $78,000 + GST;

(3) agrees to release public notice for the proposed easement over 171 Upper Fitzherbert Road in favour of the owners of 166 and 169 Upper Fitzherbert Road consistent with the requirements of s119 and s120 of the Reserves Act 1977; and

(4) notes that a follow-up report to the Committee will be submitted in the next meeting cycle presenting any submissions received regarding the proposed easement over 171 Upper Fitzherbert Road.”

For the reason to secure public access over the portion of Electricity Corporation of New Zealand Limited (ECNZ) track at 166 Upper Fitzherbert Road.

1 Tipperary Grove, Wainuiomata Consultation for Revocation (21/1747)

Speaking under public comment, Mr Jamie Stewart spoke to his letter, attached as pages 13 to 20 to the minutes. He asked if the reserve at Tipperary Grove could be preserved. He also asked if officers could reassess the options for the reserve and the potential to use it as a public space.

In response to questions from members, Mr Stewart said the only access to bush areas in the Arakura/Glendale area was a small track behind Arakura School. He highlighted the importance of the design of transition zones for outdoor community spaces such as parking facilities.

The Parks, Reserves and Recreation Planner elaborated on the report. He highlighted the report was to initiate consultation only on the reserve status. He said officers were not proposing to revoke the reserve status of the reserve at this time.

In response to questions from members, the Parks, Reserves and Recreation Planner said Mr Stewart’s assessment was based on the reserve achieving a high level of service afforded only a few reserves within the city. He noted budget restrictions could preclude this from being achieved. He said there was an opportunity on the south east corner of the site to allow for a bush accessway. He advised the amount of space in the area was limited and would not likely provide for both housing and gathering areas. He said Council managed a policy for the disposal of reserves but any proposals needed to go through a revocation process first. He said this included consultation with the local community board, iwi and the wider community. He stated that the revocation process also required any submissions be forwarded to the Department of Conservation. He highlighted that Council was assessing its entire track network to ensure current tracks were being maintained rather than considering the formation of new tracks.

Cr Dyer left the meeting at 3.18pm and rejoined the meeting at 3.20pm.

In response to a question from a member, the Asset Manager Reserves said the track behind Arakura School was not an endorsed Council track. She noted there was currently no public walking tracks immediately adjacent to the Tipperary Grove Reserve area.

In response to questions from members, the Director Neighbourhoods and Communities advised as part of Council’s Long Term Plan development, officers needed to identify community needs and what Council could afford in the long term. She highlighted that community conversations would become part of this process noting how this was completed was yet to be determined.

In response to a question from a member, the Chief Legal Officer said if an area of Tipperary Grove Reserve was considered for revocation, officers would consider the reserve on its own merits and whether it should still hold its reserve status. He noted officers would need to determine that the reserve was surplus to requirements and no longer held value that would make it a piece of land to be held as a reserve.

MOVED: (Deputy Mayor Lewis/Cr Shaw)

That the Committee recommends that Council:

(1) agrees to initiate the process to revoke the reserve status of land at 1 Tipperary Grove, Wainuiomata identified as Lot 118 DP 44658 Local Purpose Reserve (Community Building).

(2) notes that officers would commence the formal consultation process as required by the Reserves Act 1977 with consultation to close by 10 February 2022; and

(3) notes that a further report will be submitted following the consultation process likely in the second meeting cycle of 2022, to provide feedback on the consultation process and determine the next step for 1 Tipperary Grove, Wainuiomata.

The meeting adjourned at 3.54 and resumed at 3.59pm.

With the agreement of the mover and seconder the motion was amended to read:

ReCOMMENDED: (Deputy Mayor Lewis/Cr Shaw) Minute No. CCCCC 21505

“That the Committee recommends that Council:

(1) agrees to initiate community engagement on Tipperary Grove Reserve, Wainuiomata in order to come to a decision on its future use including possible revocation of Local Purpose Reserve (community building) status; and

(2) notes that a further report will be submitted following the engagement process likely in the second meeting cycle of 2022, to provide feedback on the consultation process and determine the next steps.”

Williams Park Management Plan (21/1686)

Report No. CCCCC2021/5/254 by the Parks, Reserves and Recreation Planner

Speaking under public comment, Ms Diane Cheyne spoke to her submission. She noted this was a good opportunity to remove the caretaker’s house from Williams Park. She considered the house had no redeeming features and no historic rating. She asked if the two bays at Wellesley Park for bus parking could be utilised for carparking for Williams Park.

Speaking under public comment, Ms Linda Mead spoke to her submission. She asked that the Management Plan for Williams Park be improved before it was accepted and the caretaker’s house be retained. She considered the key aspects of Williams Park were heritage, community and the environment which should be included in the policies.

Speaking under public comment, Ms Virginia Horrocks, Chair representing the Eastbourne Community Board (the Board) spoke to the Board’s submission. She noted the Board considered developments at Williams Park should be considered alongside the Eastern Shared Pathway to Days Bay. She advised that members of the Board would survey if any other community facilities could be repurposed.

Speaking under public comment, Ms Felicity Rashbrooke representing the East Harbour Environmental Association (the Association) spoke to the submission. She thanked Council for gazetting as scenic reserve the portion of forested area on the Days Bay hills. She said the draft Management Plan was not clear that this area was not included in the Management Plan. She advised the Zone 2 area description in the Management Plan would be better described as the bush or forested area to the east of the Pavilion. She asked that the draft Management Plan not be adopted as the only proposed addition was the removal of the caretaker’s house which the Association was opposed to. She said the Association considered the house had potential to become a community asset.

Speaking under public comment Mr Stan Swan spoke to his submission. He opposed extensive carparking at Williams Park. He acknowledged this needed to be catered for. He noted refurbishment of the caretaker’s house would incur large costs. He considered a new building should be erected within Williams Park.

In response to questions from members, Mr Swan advised that Wellesley College used to open its grounds for carparking over the summer.

Speaking under public comment, Ms Ali Carew representing the Historical Society of Eastbourne spoke to the submission. She asked that the caretaker’s house be retained. She noted the caretaker’s house was the original caretaker’s house built in 1895. She said little of the original Williams Park remained apart from the wharf. She noted there was local support to restore the caretaker’s house and make it a community facility.

The Parks, Reserves and Recreation Planner advised that he had nothing to add to his report.

In response to questions from members, the Parks, Reserves and Recreational Planner said there was no budget available if the caretaker’s house was retained. He advised ongoing operating costs would be needed to retain the caretaker’s house as well as the capital budget to improve it. He said officers had forwarded details of the caretaker’s house to heritage experts as part of the review of the Heritage Chapter of Council’s District Plan. He highlighted the caretaker’s house did not qualify for the list for assessment and officers were advised it would likely not be added to the heritage list. He said materials from demolition of the caretaker’s house could be offered to the community in a similar way to the Naenae Pool project. He said no concept plans were attached to the Management Plan as officers were waiting on development of the Eastern Shared Pathway and consultation with the Eastbourne Community Board and the community.

MOVED: (Cr Shaw/Cr Edwards)

“That the Committee:

(1) agrees to amend the Draft Williams Park Management Plan in line with the proposed changes attached as Appendix 6 to the report;

(2) agrees to adopt the Williams Park Management Plan as an official Hutt City Council Reserve Management Plan following amendments;

(3) agrees to classify Williams Park CT 49C/741 Pt Section 33 Harbour District as Recreation Reserve consistent with s17 of the Reserves Act 1977;

(4) agrees that no concept plan be attached to the Williams Park Management Plan at this stage;

(5) notes that officers will continue to work with the community, the Eastbourne Community Board and the Eastern Shared Pathway team to provide the most optimal outcome for Williams Park; and

(6) notes the current Long Term Plan includes $500k in 2021/22 which will fund removal of the caretaker’s house and other small improvements.”

AMENDMENT: (Cr Barratt/Cr Sutton)

“(7) That the removal of the caretaker’s house at Williams Park, Eastbourne be deferred until officers carry out a structural investigation as to the cost of repair and report back to the Eastbourne Community Board and Council.”

In response to a question from a member, the Parks, Reserves and Recreational Planner advised if the recommendation (7) was agreed by the committee then it would not delay the reserve status as long as recommendation (3) was adopted. He said an amendment could be made to the Management Plan to not include the removal of the caretaker’s house and this would not have an impact on the development of the rest of Williams Park.

The amendment was declared lost by division with the voting as follows:

For

Cr Rasheed

Cr Sutton

Cr Barratt

Against

Deputy Mayor Lewis

Mayor Barry

Cr Briggs

Cr Dyer

Cr Edwards

Cr Hislop

Cr Mitchell

Cr Shaw

Total: 3

Total: 8

Resolved: (Cr Shaw/Cr Edwards) Minute No. CCCCC 21506

“That the Committee:

(1) agrees to amend the Draft Williams Park Management Plan in line with the proposed changes attached as Appendix 6 to the report;

(2) agrees to adopt the Williams Park Management Plan as an official Hutt City Council reserve management plan following amendments;

(3) agrees to classify Williams Park CT 49C/741 Pt Section 33 Harbour District as Recreation Reserve consistent with s17 of the Reserves Act 1977;

(4) agrees that no concept plan be attached to the Williams Park Management Plan at this stage;

(5) notes that officers will continue to work with the community, the Eastbourne Community Board and the Eastern Shared Pathway team to provide the most optimal outcome for Williams Park; and

(6) notes the current Long Term Plan includes $500k in 2021/22 which will fund removal of the caretaker’s house and other small improvements.”

For the reason to manage Williams Park under a single site reserve management plan to ensure that its amenities are administered according to community identified outcomes.

City Safety Approach for 2021-2031 (21/1804)

Report No. CCCCC2021/5/256 by the Head of Community Hubs (Acting) and City and Community Services

The Head of Connected Communities elaborated on the report.

In response to questions from members, the Head of Connected Communities advised officers were completing a CCTV recruitment and retention plan for volunteers. She noted the high level of Police vetting required for this programme. She suggested that officers report back to the committee on how other cities of a similar size to Lower Hutt provide CCTV to support community safety and ideas on how to improve this service.

Resolved: (Deputy Mayor Lewis/Cr Mitchell) Minute No. CCCCC 21507

“That the Committee:

(1) notes and receives the information; and

(2) endorses the Work Programme and in particular:

a. the increased focus on Neighbourhood Support for the Connected Communities priority; and

b. officers continuing to work closely with Police to address illegal street driving.”

For the reason that officers have given careful consideration to the purpose of local government in Section 10 of the Local Government Act 2002. Officers believe that this recommendation falls within the purpose of the Local Government Act.

8.	Possible Alternative uses of Petone Wharf (21/1802) Report No. CCCCC2021/5/251 by the Reserves Asset Manager
	The Assets Manager Reserves elaborated on the report. In response to questions from members, the Assets Manager Reserves advised a more thorough scope for the development of the Petone wharf would require the services of an external consultant. She said as the design development progressed, lights beneath the Petone wharf could be considered. Mayor Barry asked officers to consider more extensive possibilities for the development of the Petone wharf whilst preserving its heritage.
	Resolved: (Deputy Mayor Lewis/Cr Hislop) Minute No. CCCCC 21508 “That the Committee receives and notes the information contained in the report.”
9.	Community Funding 2021-2022 (21/1638) Report No. CCCCC2021/5/255 by the Community Advisor Funding and Community Contracts
	Cr Mitchell declared a conflict of interest and took no part in discussions or voting on the matter. The Head of Connected Communities elaborated on the report. In response to a question from a member, the Head of Connected Communities advised the unallocated funds in recommendation (3) contained within the officer’s report had been held back until the implications of COVID-19 on the community were known.
	Resolved: (Deputy Mayor Lewis/Cr Edwards) Minute No. CCCCC 21509 “That the Committee: (1) notes that there is $633K available to be allocated under the Mauri Ora Fund 2021/2022; (2) agrees to the recommended allocations of $572,585 outlined in paragraph 12 of the report; and (3) agrees to the recommendation that the unallocated funds of $60,415 will be retained for allocation at a later date in line with COVID-19 recovery priorities once approved by the Mayor and Chair’s’ group.”

Cr Rasheed left the meeting at 3.56pm.

10.

Director's Report: Neighbourhoods and Communities Group (21/1792)

Report No. CCCCC2021/5/24 by the Head of Community Hubs (Acting) and City and Community Services

The Director, Neighbourhoods and Communities elaborated on the report.

In response to a question from a member, the Head of Connected Communities advised a few of the Community Panel projects were not included in the officer’s report as they had not yet been approved by Council’s Corporate Leadership Team. She advised these items would be included in the Director’s report for the next committee meeting.

Resolved: (Deputy Mayor Lewis/Mayor Barry) Minute No. CCCCC 21510

“That the report be received and noted.”

11. Information Items

a)	Naenae Projects Update (21/1779) Memorandum dated 27 Oct 2021 by the Project Manager (Naenae)
	Resolved: (Deputy Mayor Lewis/Mayor Barry) Minute No. CCCCC 21511 “That the Committee receives and notes the information.”
b)	Communities Committee Work Programme (21/1573) Report No. CCCCC2021/5/138 by the Democracy Advisor
	Resolved: (Deputy Mayor Lewis/Cr Edwards) Minute No. CCCCC 21512 “That the work programme be noted and received.”

Cr Barratt left the meeting at 4.27pm.

12. QUESTIONS

There were no questions.

The Chair noted that the questions raised by Cr Briggs relating to 1 Tipperary Grove, Wainuiomata - Consultation for Revocation, had been responded to by officers.

13.

CLOSING FORMALITIES - KARAKIA WHAKAMUTUNGA

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