RESOLVED

THAT the apology of Cllr B T Wightman be received and sustained.

WC04/89 Troughton/Baker CARRIED

There were no late items.

MEETING HELD THURSDAY 12 AUGUST 2004

RESOLVED

THAT the minutes of the Works Committee held on Thursday 12 August 2004 be taken as read and confirmed.

WC04/90 Trembath/Dunn CARRIED

The District Engineer reported that the funding for the construction of the culvert will be confirmed this month.

It was reported early in the month that a number of signs and sight rails on both Local Authority and State Highway roads had been damaged by being pushed over with a vehicle.

Damaged signs and other hardware were reported on Bush, Hopai East, Pipiroa, Rawerawe West and Torehape East Roads. Some signs were straightened but a number required replacement through being damaged beyond repair.

It was reported that the Police have worked hard at apprehending the vandals who have caused the damage to the signs. The Police are seeking information from the community to assist with apprehending the vandals. It was suggested that approximate figures of the costs to repair the signs should be publicised to highlight the expense involved in replacing the signs.

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

RESOLVED

THAT the report be received.

WC04/91 Dunn/Trembath CARRIED

The Roading Manager outlined the construction of new kerb and channel along Adams Street, Waihi as an identified solution for ongoing drainage involving the road pavement and the surrounding properties. The cost of works is estimated to be approximately $63,000.

RESOLVED

THAT the new kerb and channel for Adams Street, Waihi proceed as described above at estimated cost of $63,000

WC04/92 Baker/Morrison CARRIED

Engine Braking Restriction

The Roading Manager outlined a request received from a Karangahake resident addressed to Transit to have signage installed on the approaches to the Karangahake Reserve on SH 2. Transit NZ have replied to this letter advising that this type of installation is under the jurisdiction of Hauraki District Council. He advised that there appears to be no previous history of this issue being raised as a problem by visitors to the area or the Department of Conservation staff that use this reserve.

The cost to supply and install engine braking signage similar to those at the entrance to Paeroa and Waihi would be approximately $1000 for both signs. In discussion with Transit NZ they have advised that if Hauraki District Council recommend and pay for the installation they would approve the application.

Discussion concluded that developments in truck braking systems had led to a significant reduction in noise levels. The request received from a Karangahake resident concerning the volume of noise from trucks using engine braking near the Karangahake carpark was much less justifiable than before and designation of SH2 as a "No Engine Braking" area for trucks was not seen to be necessary. It was advised that the Paeroa Ward Committee support this recommendation.

RESOLVED

THAT the installation for engine braking signage be declined.

WC04/93 Trembath/Baker CARRIED

School Lane Footpath Extension

The Roading Manager presented the proposal to extend the footpath on School Lane as part of the construction of Dillimore Service lane seal extension. It would consist of a conventional concrete path

cut into the grass berm behind a kerb and channel leaving the existing angle parking in place at a cost of $15,380.

Cllr Baker stated that the construction to extend the footpath will improve the safety and convenience for foot traffic and will be of particular benefit for people using mobility scooters.

THAT the proposal to extend the footpath on School Lane as part of the construction of Dillimore Service lane seal extension at an estimated cost of $15,380 be accepted.

WC04/94 Baker/Morrison CARRIED

The Drainage Manager reported on drainage matters for the Committee’s consideration. A copy of the report was attached.

RESOLVED

THAT the report be received.

WC04/95 Dunn/Morrison CARRIED

The owner of the property with frontages on Gladstone Road and Barry Road has requested Council to consider the piping of approximately 30m of a large open drain in the property.

The reach of drain is downstream from a 750mm diameter line which crosses Gladstone Road, and discharges into a 750mm diameter line parallel to Barry Road.

The site was the subject of a previous application from the then owners to pipe the reach. Council approved the works but the owner sold and did not pursue the matter. The owners of the property immediately downstream did proceed with piping the reach in the front of their lot. This current proposal will complete the piping of this section of the open drain. The owner of No 3 Gladstone Road has agreed to meet a one quarter share of the cost of the works.

RESOLVED

THAT 30m of open drain in No. 3 Gladstone Road be piped with 750mm diameter pipe, plus one manhole, at an estimated cost of $10,500, on the basis of the adjoining owner meeting a one quarter share.

WC04/96 Baker/Trembath CARRIED

EASTERN PLAINS DRAINAGE DISTRICT COMMITTEE (45.498.002)

Minutes of the Eastern Plains Drainage District Committee held on Tuesday 24 August 2004 are attached.

RESOLVED

THAT the minutes of the meeting of the Eastern Plains Drainage District Committee held on Tuesday 24 August 2004 be received and the recommendations contained therein adopted.

WC04/97 Dunn/Morrison CARRIED

The issue of the maintenance responsibility of the pumps in the Plains drainage district was raised. The Drainage Manager reported that maintenance of the pumps operating in the drainage district was the responsibility of Environment Waikato. Power outages have occurred resulting in pumps being inoperative and floodwater not being pumped away from farms. Outages have been caused by mechanical obstruction to the pumps and it is suspected that swans colliding with the overhead power lines could be a cause of power outages. The Drainage Manager commented that diesel pumps could be an effective alternative to the electrical pumps used although it would be a more expensive option. The matter has been taken up with Environment Waikato.

WESTERN PLAINS DRAINAGE DISTRICT COMMITTEE (45.499.999)

Minutes of the Western Plains Drainage District Committee held on Wednesday 25 August 2004 are attached.

RESOLVED

THAT the minutes of the meeting of the Western Plains Drainage District Committee held on Wednesday 25 August 2004 be received and the recommendations contained therein adopted.

WC04/98 Dunn/Morrison CARRIED

In the absence of the Utilities Manager, the District Engineer reported on the district utilities matters for the Committee’s consideration.

Details were outlined in the attached report.

RESOLVED

THAT the report be received.

WC04/99 Baker/Trembath CARRIED

NZ Drinking Water Amendment Bill

The District Engineer outlined the drinking water requirements in the Ministry of Health’s proposed amendment to the Health Act and advised that the Ministry considers all communities within an area when ascertaining the standard of the drinking water.

In consideration of the measures to be taken to meet the standard of drinking water as required by the Ministry of Health, His Worship commented that "all practicable steps" must be taken when considering the health of the public as to the standard of the drinking water supply.

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

Details are outlined in the attached report.

WC04/100 Dunn/Baker CARRIED

The Story of Your Septic Tank

The Utilities Manager outlined the information booklet "Your Septic Tank System" for the information of the members. The booklet has been produced to explain to the public the use and care of septic tanks. The booklet will be distributed to the public in the near future.

The members commented that the booklet is well presented and informative and will be of benefit for the maintenance and health regarding septic tanks. It was expressed that good maintenance practices of tanks is vital to keep costs down.

The District Engineer advised that Council is required to carry out a Water and Sanitary Services Assessment by 30 June 2005. This assessment requires public consultation. He recommended that development of an on-site waste water disposal policy be considered following on from this assessment. The meeting was satisfied with this approach.

A member raised a concern regarding the public dumping rubbish in the Transit NZ metal dump storage facilities. The Utilities Manager noted the concern.

NZ Packaging Accord 2004

The Utilities Manager outlined the strategy of the new NZ Packaging Accord which has been adopted by Local Government New Zealand to encourage and support the packaging industry to reduce the volume of packaging which is disposed in landfills. The strategy is aiming towards "zero waste" and a sustainable New Zealand.

No financial reports were produced this month as the reports would only cover one month's results. Staff effort is being directed at the production of the Annual Report.

There was no general business.

The meeting closed at 11.15am.

CONFIRMED

D E Challis

October 2004