RESOLVED

THAT the apology of R Hicks be received and sustained.

WPDD04/05 Speedy/Bennett CARRIED

There were no late items.

CONFIRMATION OF MINUTES

RESOLVED

THAT the minutes of the meeting of the Western Plains Drainage District Committee held on Wednesday 28 January 2004 be taken as read and confirmed.

WPDD04/06 Paterson/Spence CARRIED

The Drainage Manager will further speak to the Roading Manager concerning clarification of this issue.

The Drainage Manager reported that he had spoken with the Community Services Manager and it was reported that Council is covered by insurance to cover incidences resulting from negligence in the case of agents but is not covered where individual contractors have been employed therefore a claim has to be taken out directly with them.

The Drainage Overseer spoke to the meeting regarding the comment made at the previous meeting relating to the hiring of certain contractors for maintenance work. He felt that it is not up to the Committee to decide which contractors should be used. Contractors that are not reliable are notified and are not contracted by Council.

The progress on the introduction of grass carp into the Maukoro Feeder was requested. The Drainage overseer reported that an operational plan is to be finalised.

WPDD04/07 Paterson/Speedy CARRIED

The Drainage Overseer reported that the maintenance of this stream is presently being attended to.

The Drainage Manager reported that the drain is still to be inspected.

B Carter has spoken with the Chairman. The Drainage Manager has spoken with EW and had been advised that the majority of the water taken was from the canal and the river. He reported that 15 cu metres can be taken from a property per day without resource consent as provided for in the District Plan.

Mr Cox queried the status of the issue regarding the valuation of the property. The Drainage Manager reported that the concern the owner has with the valuation of the property considering the canal is on the property and has not been noted on their valuation. The Drainage Manager informed the meeting that this is an issue with the Valuation Authority and the owner and not Council, as information on the property is collected by the Valuation Authority.

The Drainage Manager will prepare correspondence to the owner informing them of the process. A letter to the Valuation Authority will also be sent.

DRAINAGE REPORT (45.499.002)

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

RESOLVED

THAT the report be received

WPDD04/08 Cox/Spence CARRIED

Spraying

The Drainage Overseer reported that he has employed a part-time person for spraying and also have employed another spray unit to cope with the increase need for spraying. Work has slowed down due to the windy conditions.

The issue of a house being located beside a silage stack was commented on.

The Drainage Manager has received the plan from the consultant. Documents should be out to tenderers shortly. The contractors capable to do this work were discussed and local contractors will be considered.

The School is satisfied with the proposal of completion of works.

The Chairman, local members and staff met with the residents of Pipiroa Road at Ngatea to discuss the proposal and options for the completion of works at Pipiroa Road was held on Monday 16. The residents informed the members that they are satisfied with the proposals.

The Drainage Overseer has met with landowner at Pipiroa Road and reported that they wish for the hedge to be removed from beside the drain so as access can be improved for piping work to be completed.

Report has been received from the registered engineer, from the investigation undertaken on 10 February. The Drainage Manager outlined the report of the investigation stating the remedial action to resolve the ongoing problems that would be necessary.

The Drainage Manager reported that he will discuss the matter of insurance with regards to buildings with the Community Services Manager.

The Drainage Manager will discuss the liability of Council to rectify damage to the building with the Chief Executive and the District Engineer and report back to the meeting.

The month of January has shown a high rainfall reading.

The Drainage Overseer reported a problem with the pump at Flaxmill due to a car tyre obstructing the pump which has now been removed.

FINANCIAL REPORT (45.499.003)

The financial report for the 7 months ended 31 January 2004 is attached for members’ information.

RESOLVED

THAT the financial report on the operations of the Western Plains Drainage Committee for the 7 months ended 31 January 2004 be received.

WPDD04/09 Bennett/Speedy CARRIED

Letter from T G & R M Aitchison – Flooding of Farm

A letter has been received from property owner regarding a flooding problem and request that the Committee consider remedies to resolve this issue.

P Paterson suggested that the levels be surveyed as to ascertain what is causing the problem. The Drainage Overseer agreed that action needs to be taken to investigate the cause of the flooding.

RESOLVED

THAT the correspondence be received

AND THAT the Drainage Overseer will do the survey and that the Committee inspect the property when on tour in the area next month.

WPDD04/10 Paterson/Spence CARRIED

Comments from Members re Mechanical Cleaning Programme

Members advised of drains requiring cleaning.

The Drainage Manager reported that he has been approached by the Community Services Manager to present information to the Committee regarding the storm water drainage from Lot 4.

Meeting closed at 12.15pm

CONFIRMED

B A Carter

March 2004