RESOLVED

THAT the apology of Mr K Caddy and Mr I Troughton be received and sustained.

EPDD00/1 Reid/Speedy CARRIED

Pursuant to Section 46A(7) of the Local Government Official Information and Meetings Act 1987, the Chairman called for late items to be accepted.

RESOLVED

THAT pursuant to Section 46A(7) of the Local Government Official Information and Meetings Act 1987, the following late items be accepted for discussion.

- 2000/2001 Estimates

EPDD00/2 Hunter/Speedy CARRIED

RESOLVED

THAT the minutes of the meeting of the Eastern Plains Drainage District Committee held on Tuesday 23 November 1999 be taken as read and confirmed.

EPDD00/3 Speedy/Reid CARRIED

Members discussed the new rating system and the different categories that farms had been rated.

It was questioned how the different categories were arrived at.

The Drainage Manager advised that there were maps available at the Ngatea Service Centre that outlined the different areas and what the categories were. It was noted there had been very few complaints received regarding the new rates.

The Drainage Manager advised that he had made initial enquiries regarding the Archimedes screw type pump as discussed at the last meeting. Further investigations would be undertaken.

Discussion was held on the new legislation allowing ratepayers to take over land drainage schemes from Local Authorities.

The monthly report from the Drainage Manager was attached for the Committee’s consideration

RESOLVED

THAT the report be received

EPDD00/4 Schouten/Speedy CARRIED

The Drainage Manager presented a table of the drains sprayed until the end of January 2000.

Mr Clark (Drainage Overseer) advised that within another few days spraying of the whole of the Eastern Plains Drainage District would be finished.

The Drainage Manager advised of the drains that had been machine cleaned during the period.

Some slips in various drains in the area were noted.

The Drainage Manger advised that a report of dead fish at the southern end of Simpson’s Drain had been checked on Friday 28 January 2000. Water quality testing indicated very low DO levels and some fresh water was let into the system over the long weekend.

Mr Clark further advised that the digger had cleaned sections of the drain the contractor had undertaken an electric fish of the whole drain and some tributaries. Two fish were found at the Awaiti South pump end and a further 55 were found up a side drain, which had a spring coming into it with fresh water and oxygen. A total of 57 out of 400 fish were found.

After discussion it was concluded that the water DO levels were obviously unsuitable for the grass carp along with the peat acidity in the drains.

The contractor will be liable to machine clean the drain. It is evident that he is not keen to continue the trial.

Subdivisions commented on during the period were:

Dudding Properties, Orchard East Road, Ngatea

BH & LC Smith, Hauraki Road, Turua

Brunette & Tarver, Hauraki Road, Turua

Information on the current rate systems had been reviewed from the classification plans held by Valuation Management Services and rate data held by Hauraki District Council. The first meeting of the Rate Review Working Party would be held in March 2000.

A plot of the Ngatea Monthly Rainfall depths for the last 7 years was presented. The rainfall totals for November, December and January were 206.5, 109.5 and 60 mm respectively.

The financial report to 31 December 1999 was attached for members’ information.

RESOLVED

THAT the financial report on the operations of the Eastern Plains Drainage Committee for the 6 months to 31 December 1999 be received.

EPDD00/5 Martin/Speedy CARRIED

The Members were invited to comment on any general drainage issues of interest in their areas.

It was asked whether alterations were planned for the bend in the road on Orchard East Road by Hamilton’s Road. The Drainage Manager would look into this.

It was decided that as well as a tour of the Drainage District the Drainage Manager would organise a visit to view some Archimedes screw type pumps. The opportunity to check some other carp trial sites may also be taken.

Discussion was held regarding a new type of drain cleaner. It was thought that the drains belonging to the Committee were too big for this type of cleaner. It would be more suitable on smaller peat type drains. It was suggested that a demonstration of the cleaner be viewed in conjunction with the drainage tour.

The Eastern Plains Drainage District 2000/2001 estimates were tabled at the meeting for the Committee’s consideration.

The Drainage Manager took the Committee through the estimates and outlined the changes made.

RESOLVED

THAT the 2000/2001 estimates for the Eastern Plains Drainage District be accepted

AND THAT there be a zero percent rate increase.

EPDD00/6 Speedy/Hunter CARRIED

The meeting closed at 12.05 pm.

CONFIRMED

R C Darrah

March 2000