There were no apologies.

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.

- Grass Carp

- Ngatea Cess Pit

WPDD02/48 Hayward/Paterson CARRIED

RESOLVED

THAT the minutes of the meeting of the Western Plains Drainage District Committee held on Wednesday 24 July 2002 be taken as read and confirmed.

WPDD02/49 Spence/Cox CARRIED

There were no matters arising.

DRAINAGE REPORT (45.499.002)

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

RESOLVED

THAT the report be received.

WPDD02/50 Speedy/Hayward CARRIED

Mr Young attended the meeting at 10.40 am.

The Drainage Manager advised that the design brief for the two alternative remedial options had been prepared and quotes had been invited for the two options.

The Drainage Manager advised that the rate to provide for the depreciation and replacement of the pumps in the pumped areas of the drainage scheme area had been originally calculated at a rate of $13.50 per ha. This level of rate was agreed with the ratepayers in the area served by the pumps. This area included the three new stations, and the catchment of the Rawerawe Pump.

Refinement of the boundary of the area reduced the area slightly, and at the agreed rate of $13.50 would not produce the full total of DiSP required. In addition the pumped area straddled two separate classified rating areas, one being rated for drainage on an area basis (Pouarua-Patetonga) and on value (east of the Pouarua Canal). Council wished to confirm the legality of applying the required rate on this basis. It may be difficult to set the proposed rate under the current rating act. There was a new rating act due to become law next year which would give Councils much more flexibility in striking rates for separately identified purposes. The 2002-03 rate notice had been advertised without this ‘P’ rate being included.

There were two options available:

1. Strike the rate as proposed, and amend the ‘Notice of Intention to Make and Levy Rates’ so as to collect the rate for this year in the later two rate instalments.

2. Strike a double rate for the next year (2003-04) and revert to the single rate in subsequent years.

Mr Speedy attended the meeting at 10.50 am.

Members were concerned that the ‘P’ rate had not been included in the 2002-2003 rate instalments.

The Corporate Services Manager attended the meeting at 11.00 am. He gave members an update on the issue of the ‘P’ rate not being included in the 2002-2003 rate instalments.

After discussion it was agreed:

RESOLVED

THAT WPDD recommend to Council that they strike the rate as proposed, and amend the ‘Notice of Intention to Make and Levy Rates’ so as to collect the rate for this year in the latter two rate instalments.

WPDD02/51 Challis/Carter CARRIED

Member’s agreed that a letter should be sent out to the ratepayers concerned advising them of the situation.

The Drainage Manager advised that representatives met with the Miranda Shorebird Society at their headquarters on 6 August. It was apparent that the option of constructing a stopbank, or excavating on land that was not privately or Council owned would be strenuously opposed by DoC.

In the meantime the consent application would be pursued as lodged.

Preliminary investigating of the impact of urbanisation on the land drainage systems had been undertaken. The report from Opus was presented.

The findings of the initial investigation indicate that the two pumps serving the urban area did not meet Council’s urban stormwater design standards, as set out in the District Plan, and probably did not provide urban standards when installed. However there was no indication of problems to date.

The investigations had not taken into account the performance of the floodgates serving the town, or the storage capacity in the open drain system. Further investigation may be undertaken to provide a better appreciation of the performance of the existing system, and to identify future requirements.

Members were concerned that it needed to be determined how big the town was going to grow and that it was up to Council to plan for the future and provide for the growth of the town. They also agreed that it was up to the WPDD Committee to ensure that water was taken in the appropriate manner to the appropriate outlet.

The initial development of Lot 4 would not make a significant difference at this time and as a short term solution the drain that connects the two pumps could be upgraded, and that provision for additional emergency pump capacity could be constructed.

RESOLVED

THAT the Chairman and the Deputy Chairman of the WPDD Committee meet members of the Plains Ward Committee to discuss the future development of Ngatea and subdivisions.

WPDD02/52 Speedy/Hayward CARRIED

RESOLVED

THAT provision for ramps and outlets for mobile pumps be constructed at Ngatea Town Pump

AND THAT the provision of standby generator connections to the urban pumps be investigated in conjunction with Environment Waikato.

WPDD02/53 Challis/Speedy CARRIED

A plot of the Ngatea Monthly Rainfall depths since 1993 was presented. The rainfall total for July was 135mm.

There was no general business.

It was suggested that Drain B41 (Maukoro Outlet) might be suitable for a grass carp trial. The drain had a real problem with weed. Staff will investigate with the carp supplier.

Comment was made that investigations could be made into spraying some drains three times per year to help eradicate the weed.

The Drainage Overseer advised that a property at 33 Darlington Street, Ngatea required a cesspit.

Members agreed that a cesspit needed to be installed as had been done in the past.

RESOLVED

THAT a cesspit be installed at 33 Darlington Street, Ngatea.

WPDD02/54 Cox/Hayward CARRIED

The meeting closed at 12.30 pm.

CONFIRMED

R G Hicks

September 2002