RESOLVED

THAT the apology of B Flint and P Schouten be received and sustained.

EPDD05/05 Speedy/Reid 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.

EPDD05/06 Caddy/Reid CARRIED

MEETING HELD TUESDAY 22 FEBRUARY 2005

RESOLVED

THAT the minutes of the meeting of the Eastern Plains Drainage District Committee held on Tuesday 22 February 2005 be taken as read and confirmed.

EPDD05/07 Martin/Speedy CARRIED

It was asked if the culvert in the Green Drain in the McCallum property had been completed. The Drainage Manager advised he would clarify whether the culvert had been completed, and report back to the next meeting.

DRAINAGE REPORT (45.498.002) (17KB)

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

RESOLVED

THAT the report be received.

EPDD05/08 Caddy/Reid CARRIED

Drain Construction – Turua

Members inquired as to the progress of the construction of a drain south of Raratuna Street. The Drainage Manager stated that the construction of the drain would commence when suitable weather allowed. It was noted that there may be a water main in the vicinity.

Drain Maintenance

Roger Hunter raised an observation he had made that the Cox Drain had been reported in the Drain Maintenance report incorrectly. He stated that the Cox Drain had not been sprayed in January as was reported.

Kim Reid stated that he was dissatisfied with the quality of the spraying being undertaken on his property by the spraying contractor. He stated that the boom of the spray unit was not sitting over the centre of the drain resulting in a substandard spray. The Drainage Manager advised he will check with the Drainage Overseer regarding this matter.

The Drainage Manager reported that discussions had been had with Environment Waikato staff regarding switching pumps off over the summer. Several already are, and as long as all parties were aware, there should be no problems.

The Drainage Manager reported that the piping of the reach of open drain from Bagnall Square to Awa Street has been completed. The as-built survey of the pipeline is being undertaken. The members commented that Council staff have done a commendable job of the piping.

It was suggested that mechanical cleaning be delayed due to the dry weather as weed growth is low, to save unnecessary expenditure. Some drains may be able to be deferred until next season.

Cr Troughton indicated that generally the Committee is satisfied with the present format of reporting. He commented that as long as the state of the accounts included enough information to consider the needs of the Drainage areas, the Committee members would be satisfied.

FINANCIAL REPORT (45.498.003)

The financial report for the 9 months ended 31 March 2005 was presented for members’ information.

RESOLVED

THAT the financial report of the Eastern Plains Drainage Committee for the 9 months ended 31 March 2005 be received.

EPDD05/09 Caddy/Martin CARRIED

The Drainage Manager advised that the Environment Waikato Waihou/Piako River Schemes Liaison Committee meeting is to be held on Friday 6 May at 10.00am at Ngatea. Guy Speedy will be attending on behalf of the EPDD.

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

The division of responsibility between Hauraki District and Environment Waikato for maintenance of drains along the toe of scheme stopbanks needs to be clarified and formalised.

Kevin Caddy – drains between Sanford’s, O’Neill’s and Rayner’s needs attention.

The members were advised that the Drainage Bylaw has provisions for regulating activities in or near Council drains. Approval for dispensation from the Bylaws is delegated to the District Engineer.

Roger Hunter advised that Kelvyn Flynn has informed him that water on his property is being held up at the culvert on drain C95 which he considers is because the road culvert is too high.

Kim Reid stated that water is moving well on his property. Drains are not in need of spraying due to low rainfall.

The Drainage Manager updated the members on the status of the election process. It has been decided that the election for all Committees be held over until the structure of the Opukeko, Tirohia-Rotokohu and Komata North Drainage Districts has been finalised.

Kevin Caddy raised a concern he has regarding recent helicopter spraying on the Harris Caddy Drain. He considered the spraying was unnecessary as the drain was going to be cleaned anyway. He was also concerned with the time in which the spraying took place.

It was decided that Cr Troughton and the Drainage Overseer will investigate Kevin Caddy’s concerns and report back at the next meeting of the Committee.

The meeting closed at 11.55am.

CONFIRMED

I D Troughton

June 2005