APOLOGIES

RESOLVED

THAT the apology of Cr B Wightman, B P Dunn and His Worship be received and sustained.

WC04/01 Troughton/Trembath CARRIED

There were no late items.

MEETING HELD THURSDAY, 11 DECEMBER 2003

RESOLVED

THAT the minutes of the Works Committee held on Thursday, 11 December 2003 be taken as read and confirmed.

WC04/02 Baker/Trembath CARRIED

Presently out to tender. The tender closing date is mid February and it is hopeful that approval be given by the end of February 2004 and to commence work in early March 2004.

ROADING MANAGER’S REPORT (01.011.026)

The Roading Manager reported on district roading matters for the Committee’s consideration. A copy of the report was attached.

RESOLVED

THAT the report be received.

WC04/03 BakerTrembath CARRIED

The usage of the road to Dickey’s Flat has increased. It was requested by Councillor that the car park and road be upgraded to cope with the increase of visitors to the area. The Chief Executive commented that Council would need to discuss the proposal of upgrading the road and car park with the Department of Conservation.

WC04/04 Baker/Trembath CARRIED

The engine breaking sign relocation issue on State Highway 2 has been dealt with. The sign has been moved south of Dean Crescent.

Speed limits on the southern approach are to be dealt with by Transit NZ. A previous warrant survey by LTSA found no justification for changing the speed limit.

Still awaiting a report from Opus to the Ward and Works Committee’s regarding this speed limit and engine braking issue.

DRAINAGE MANAGER’S REPORT (01.011.028)

The Drainage Manager has reported on drainage matters for the Committee’s consideration. The monthly report was attached.

WC04/05 Trembath/Troughton CARRIED

Waihi Stormwater

Discussion has taken place with the owner of property concerning the energy dissipation structure for the Adam Street discharge. The property owner is satisfied with the structure and timing of the works.

The Drainage Manager outlined the proposal of pipe part of the open drain through the George Street property. The owners contribution to the piping of the drain would be 25%.

WC04/06 Baker/Trembath CARRIED

EASTERN PLAINS DRAINAGE DISTRICT COMMITTEE (45.498.002)

Minutes of the Eastern Plains Drainage District Committee held on Tuesday 23 December 2003 were attached.

WC04/07 Trembath/Troughton CARRIED

Environment Waikato are doing an analysis of the event of recent rainfall. The Eastern Plains Drainage District Committee will be discussing with Environment Waikato the results from the analysis. Environment Waikato have been asked to comment regarding the floodgate action. It was commented that it would alleviate this problem if a pump was installed.

Correspondence has been received from Mr Timmo to the Chief Executive. The Drainage Manager informed the meeting that he has not yet received any information relating to the correspondence.

WESTERN PLAINS DRAINAGE DISTRICT COMMITTEE (45.499.999)

Minutes of the Western Plains Drainage District Committee held on Wednesday 28 January 2004 were attached.

WC04/08 Trembath/Troughton CARRIED

The Drainage Manager will be contacting Mr J Morrison regarding the storm water line in Hill Street.

UTILITIES MANAGER WATER SUPPLY REPORT (01.011.025)

The Utilities Manager reported on district utilities matters for the Committee’s consideration.

Details were outlined in the attached report.

WC04/09 Baker/Troughton CARRIED

It was reported that the clean water levels of the Plains Water have been low. There was a question whether there could be could be more clean water produced. The Chief Executive commented on the "on-site" treated water storage that each connection is required to have and the need to look at treated water storage management when water levels are low. Consumers are still receiving water but pressure will be low therefore the consumers still have a requirement to maintain and manage their 24 hour storage.

The members were informed that the Raw water tank at Kerepehi is presently having the external surface repaired.

It was commented that we need to produce a more clean water supply before justifying building more storage tanks.

Water Quality requirements from MAF for the use in the farm sheds was discussed and the possible need for the Council to upgrade the Plains East Supply to comply with this requirement. The suggestion then was raised that the farmers could disinfect their farm shed supply tank only rather than requiring the whole network to be brought to this level. This would then allow the upgrades that Council have programmed to be left where the where instead of bring those costs forward when Council has not budgeted for it.

The Utilities Manager to report back to the next Works Committee meeting with information regarding the raw water storage option at the Hikutaia Cut.

It was reported that there has been an increased algae build-up on the intake in the Waitawheta River but due to the installation of an air scour at the intake screen this build up has been substantially reduced.

The financial report on works and services activity accounts for the 6 months ended 31 December 2003 was presented by the Chief Executive.

WC04/10 Trembath/Baker CARRIED

It was noted that the Paeroa Transfer Station was over budget due to the erection of a fence to prevent people entering illegally.

Vegetation Growth along Public Footpaths

Complaints have been received by a Councillor from members of the public concerned with excessive growth of vegetation on public footpaths, restricting accessibility of mobility scooters and wheelchairs. It

was requested where the responsibility lay for the maintenance of the growth along footpaths. The Chief Executive reported that it is the property owners responsibility to maintain the area of vegetation at the frontage of the property, otherwise a Council officer should be contacted to inform the owner to maintain the area. The Chief Executive will speak to the Roading Manager to clarify this issue and report back to the next meeting.

The meeting closed at 11.50am.

CONFIRMED

D Challis

March 2004