RESOLVED

THAT the apology of J C Hayward, D P Cox, P Paterson, R D Young and D B Spence be received and sustained.

WPDD05/01 Challis/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 items be accepted for discussion.

Phillips Drain

The item was not on the agenda because the item was not available by the agenda deadline.

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

The item was not on the agenda because the item was not available by the agenda deadline.

Discussion on the item could not be delayed because the item needed the consideration of the Committee as soon as practicable.

WPDD05/02 Challis/Speedy CARRIED

MEETING HELD WEDNESDAY 24 NOVEMBER 2004

RECOMMENDATION

THAT the minutes of the meeting of the Western Plains Drainage District Committee held on Wednesday 24 November 2004 be taken as read and confirmed.

WPDD05/03 Carter/Speedy CARRIED

Members’ Expenses

Discussion was held regarding the claiming of Drainage Committee members expenses for attending the Environment Waikato River Schemes Liaison Committee meetings as Council representatives. The Drainage Manager informed the members that the Regional Council has no obligation to pay Committee members representing Councils. All expenses incurred by the Drainage Committees must be covered by their own district council. It was commented that the Regional Council should meet the expenses of appointees from other Councils.

RESOLVED

THAT application be made to Council to reimburse Drainage Committee members for costs incurred for attendance at the Environment Waikato River Schemes Liaison Committee meetings.

WPDD05/04 Challis/Carter CARRIED

It was advised that the upgrade has been completed and the school have confirmed that they will accept the cost sharing of the upgrade.

It was asked when construction of the piping of this reach drain would proceed and if the affected residents have been notified of the commencement date and of the disruption it will cause. It was advised that work would commence in February 2005 and all affected residents will be kept informed as to the progress of the works.

The Drainage Manager advised that the Drainage Committee elections could be held later than April due to the process of recommending and gaining Council and ratepayer approval for the amalgamation of the three smaller committees.

It was reported that a meeting was held with affected landowners on Thursday 2 December. The outcome of the meeting was that it was agreed to monitor the system for a further 12 months including further improvements to the pump feeder drain. One landowner was not in agreement that the culvert be upgraded.

Discussion was held regarding how the rating of piped and open drains is evaluated. It was advised that piped drains are classified as utilities and unpiped drains are not. To clarify the process for the rating of these networks, it was requested that further information be provided to the drainage committees.

RESOLVED

THAT it be requested that Council provide clarification on the process for the rating of district drainage utilities.

WPDD05/05 Challis/Speedy CARRIED

The Mayor left the meeting at 11.15am.

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

RESOLVED

THAT the report be received.

WPDD05/06 Challis/Bennett CARRIED

Benner Drive Subdivision and Hauraki Plains College Renewal

The Drainage Manager outlined the proposed stormwater reticulation upgrade to connect the new reticulation from the Benner Drive subdivision, and upgrading of the line through the College field. This line was to be upgraded, and the additional capacity required was to be funded by the developer. Due to investigations to ascertain the most satisfactory outcome, it was decided that the new line be taken through the Education Ministry property on Hayward Road, across the road, then west to the open drain on the west boundary of the school ground. The existing substandard line through the grounds will be abandoned.

A site plan of the proposed upgrade was also presented.

RESOLVED

THAT the alternative proposal to renewing the existing line across the College grounds by constructing a line parallel to Hayward Road be approved.

WPDD05/07 Challis/Bennett CARRIED

The Drainage Manager outlined the proposed subdivision to be undertaken by Landcorp of the south west portion of the Pouarua Block. A concern was raised that to secure the flood protection provided by the existing high ground, that a reserve to accommodate a scheme stopbank should be established.

It was requested that the Drainage Manager seek clarification from Environment Waikato of the Region’s requirements for flood protection on the right bank of the Maukoro Canal.

The members asked the Drainage Manager if he was aware of any concerns raised by any parties regarding the introduction of the grass carp into the district drains. The Drainage Manager responded that comments were made by Iwi representatives at the Consultative Committee for Water and Wastes meeting of 6 December 2004, expressing their concern that they had not been informed satisfactorily on the proposal to introduce the grass carp. To gain a better understanding of the proposal, it was agreed that an opportunity be made available for Iwi representatives to meet with NZ Waterways Restoration Ltd where all aspects of the proposal could be presented to them.

The Drainage Manager advised of a letter which was sent from DoC to Mr Gray Jamieson of NZ Waterways Restoration Ltd regarding the processing of the consent application for the introduction of grass carp. The letter advised of an estimate of costs relating to the processing of the application which included an assessment report on the environmental impacts of the proposal.

The Drainage Manager requested direction from the Committee as to how they wished to proceed with the application. In response, the Committee advised that they agreed with the proposal to introduce the carp but did not wish to incur any further costs involved in the processing of the application.

RESOLVED

THAT the proposal to introduce grass carp into the drains is agreed but that the Committee does not wish incur any further costs for processing the application.

WPDD05/08 Bennett/Challis CARRIED

The failure of the Kaihere Road pavement in the vicinity of the Phillips Road floodgates was noted. It was queried whether this was an opportune time to relocate the drain and make improvements to the corner, and possibly provide room for future stopbank and berm stability. The meeting was informed that the Roading Manager was investigating remedial options at present.

FINANCIAL REPORT (45.499.003)

The financial report for the 6 months ended 31 December 2004 was presented for the members’ information.

RECOMMENDATION

THAT the financial report on the operations of the Western Plains Drainage Committee for the 6 months ended 31 December 2004 be received.

WPDD05/09 Challis/Bennett CARRIED

A question was raised regarding the performance of the existing spray tractor units, and their suitability for the job. The Drainage Manager will research the situation and report back to the Committee.

It was decided that discussion on the district tour of the Western Plains Drainage District be held over until after the next meeting in February. It was proposed that the tour be undertaken at the end of March.

Discussion was held as to the piping at this location, and the level of the culverts off Phillips Road. The invert levels of the Phillips Road culverts have been surveyed and found to be at an appropriate level.

The meeting closed at 12.40pm.

CONFIRMED

R G Hicks

February 2005