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. There were none.

WPDD03/01 Speedy/Hayward CARRIED

Environment Waikato, Piako River Scheme Otway Basin proposals. The Drainage Manager has had discussions with EW staff on the proposals to build stopbanks and floodgates to protect an area that currently ponds, adjacent to the Paeroa -Tahuna Road on the Waitoa River. The expectation is that the consents are unlikely to be notified, providing all affected parties are consulted. The hydraulic investigations have shown that effects of the loss of ponding are minimal, and there is no major raising of the flood profile due to the proposed works. The committee considered that the HDC drainage districts would be affected parties, and that they should be consulted. The drainage districts needed to be assured that there would be no costs to their ratepayers. The Drainage Manager was directed to advise EW that the HDC drainage districts wished to be consulted over the proposals.

DRAINAGE REPORT (45.499.002)

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

WPDD03/02 Paterson/Carter CARRIED

There was concern regarding the dumping of rubbish in roadside drains in the district. Efforts were made to identify the owner of the rubbish where possible.

The Drainage Manager advised that work on driving the two piles on the outlet headwall end had commenced. The station sump levels would continue to be monitored during the construction period.

Mr Carter attended the meeting at 10.50 am.

A preliminary meeting to review the southern stage proposals had been held. A report would be presented to the next meeting.

The Drainage Manager advised that Environment Waikato had requested further information on the consultation undertaken, prior to making a decision on the notification of the consent.

Mr Bennett attended the meeting at 10.55 am.

The Drainage Manager advised that two tender bids had been received and the tender would be awarded to Kerepehi Transport for the sum of $72,364.00.

A letter from DH Swales was attached to the report for member’s information.

Members discussed the formation of the Hot Springs banks. Design and consultation was still ongoing.

His Worship left the meeting at 11.05 am.

There was discussion regarding a ratepayer who was paying rates for land that could not be used. The ratepayer had been advised that the valuation of his property took into account the loss of land due to the location of the canal. There was concern that this issue needed to be resolved before work was undertaken on the Karito Canal which was on the property.

It was suggested that the Mayor and General Manager meet with the ratepayer and discuss the matter.

His Worship returned to the meeting at 11.20 am.

His Worship commented that a meeting could be arranged to obtain a better understanding of the situation by both parties.

His Worship left the meeting at 11.30 am.

A plot of the Ngatea Monthly Rainfall depths since 1993 was presented. The rainfall totals for November and December were 34.5 mm and 54 mm respectively. The 2002 total of 950 mm was nearly 200 mm less than average, i.e. 83% of the 10 year average.

Members advised of some drainage issues that required attention in their areas.

Mr Challis left the meeting at 11.35 am.

FINANCIAL REPORT (45.499.003)

The financial report to 31 December 2002 was attached for members’ information.

WPDD03/03 Carter/Speedy CARRIED

A drainage tour would be held on Tuesday 25^th February 2003 at 9.00 am leaving from the Ngatea Council Office.

There were no late items.

The meeting closed at 12.00 pm.

CONFIRMED

R G Hicks

February 2003