RESOLVED

THAT the apology of Messrs I D Troughton and P Schouten be received and sustained.

EPDD04/12 Hunter/Speedy CARRIED

Pursuant to Section 46A(7) of the Local Government Official Information and Meetings Act 1987, the Chairperson 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 item be accepted for discussion.

- Power Supply

The item was not on the agenda because the item was unavailable before the agenda deadline.

Discussion on the item could not be delayed because the item needed the attention of the Committee before the next meeting.

EPDD04/13 Hunter/Speedy CARRIED

MEETING HELD TUESDAY 27 APRIL 2004

RESOLVED

THAT the minutes of the meeting of the Eastern Plains Drainage District Committee held on Tuesday 27 April 2004 be taken as read and confirmed.

EPDD04/14 Caddy/Hunter CARRIED

It was requested that the Drainage Manager inspect the construction of the culvert and the blocking off of the old floodgate which is been undertaken under Bagnall Square.

It was noted in the minutes of the Eastern Plains Drainage District meeting that the drain mentioned in the minutes under matters arising, should read as, Piako Roadside Drain and not Pipiroa Roadside Drain. It was requested that this be altered.

It was asked if the Drainage Manager had received a response from Environment Waikato regarding the analysis of investigations undertaken relating to the levels of service provided by the Waihou Valley Scheme assets in the Orongo area. The Drainage Manager advised that he has not yet received a response.

The Drainage Manager reported he had not met with the landowner, Mr J K Deane to discuss the possible realignment of the drain north of Rata Street.

Roger Hunter commented on the problem of poor internal drainage maintenance in the Cox floodgate catchment to prevent ponding on neighbouring properties. He stressed the need for drains to be cleaned regularly to prevent this problem from constantly occurring.

It was advised that Council has had informal discussions with Environment Waikato regarding the reinstatement of the floodgate or modification to the No. 10 pump. As the stopbank, floodgate and pump are all Environment Waikato, Piako River Scheme assets, any decision on renewal or modification will rest with Environment Waikato.

DRAINAGE REPORT (45.498.002)

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

RESOLVED

THAT the report be received

EPDD04/15 Caddy/Hunter CARRIED

The Drainage Manager advised that a property owner does not wish Councils’ contractors to carry out mechanical cleaning of the drains on his property. The chemicals will be supplied for him to maintain the drains in conjunction with his on-farm network. Members commented that often contractors are widening drains rather than spraying them.

A concern was raised regarding the Cox’s Drain. It was commented that only half of the drain has been sprayed.

Guy Speedy commented on the expense of remedial action to resolve the problems with slumping of stopbanks. Discussion was held regarding the costs of the work involved to remedy these problems stating that the survey alone will require a 2% increase in scheme rates, with full repairs estimated in the order of $14M.

FINANCIAL REPORT (45.498.003)

The financial report for the 11 months ended 31 May 2004 was presented for the members’ information.

RESOLVED

THAT the financial report on the operations of the Eastern Plains Drainage Committee for the 11 months ended 31 May 2004 months be received.

EPDD04/16 Caddy/Speedy CARRIED

Discussion was held regarding the budgets set for the maintenance of the drains, pumps, floodgates. It was noted that overall, 60% of the budget has been spent.

MEMBERS’ COMMENTS

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

Roger Hunter reported that he has not received any comments of concern from farmers in his area. Generally, the spray programmes and maintenance have been successful at controlling weed growth.

Kevin Caddy commented that the problem of slumping of stopbanks is of concern to the farming community.

Guy Speedy advised he had not received any complaints from ratepayers. He stated that there was a slump in the vicinity of the Sloane floodgate.

Kim Reid reported that the old Paeroa Road drain had been cleaned and the culvert removed and commented that it was a great improvement and is working well.

Kevin Caddy outlined the issue of pumps stopping due to power outages and stated the length of response time regarding power supply outages is becoming an issue.

The Drainage Manager stated that a letter will be written to the Power Company, in conjunction with Environment Waikato, complaining about the length of response times. Documented evidence of dates and times of outages and responses is being collated.

The meeting closed at 11.35am.

CONFIRMED

K J Reid

August 2004