RESOLVED

THAT the apology of J C Hayward and R D Young be received and sustained.

WPDD05/26 Bennett/Cox CARRIED

There were no late items.

MEETING HELD WEDNESDAY 29 JUNE 2005

RESOLVED

THAT the minutes of the meeting of the Western Plains Drainage District Committee held on Wednesday 29 June 2005 be taken as read and confirmed.

WPDD05/27 Speedy/Cox CARRIED

Discussion was held regarding the agreements which allow farmers to graze their cattle on stopbanks. The Drainage Manager stated that staff are presently preparing a pamphlet to inform landowners on the regulations for grazing on stopbanks. The pamphlet outlines a set of guidelines for grazing conditions and will be circulated to landowners in the near future.

In response to a question requesting if there is a documented record of all floodgates in the drainage district that could be abandoned due to redundancy, the Drainage Manager advised that a schedule of floodgates is presently being prepared.

DRAINAGE REPORT (45.499.002)  (14KB)

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

RESOLVED

THAT the report be received.

WPDD05/28 Spence/Speedy CARRIED

The Drainage Overseer updated the status of the tractors available for drain maintenance. The Committee was advised that when a new tractor is to be purchased, the older model would be retired, so the fleet was continually being updated. The Drainage Overseer also commented that there will be an increase in drain maintenance costs due to the price increase of diesel.

Long reach excavators allow the cleaning of the full reach of the drain from one bank, rather than each side being cleaned separately.

Roberts Hicks asked if the Pouarua Floodgate, which is Environment Waikato’s responsibility, has been de-silted as the water level in the canal is significantly high at present. He stated that these floodgates must be functional otherwise the pumps become the sole method of removing the water and are operating for much longer periods than is necessary which results in high electricity costs.

The Drainage Overseer and Drainage Manager advised they will speak with Environment Waikato staff about this matter.

It was also advised that the operation of the Central North pumps needs to be investigated due to a concern raised that they are not working to full capacity. There has appeared to be a power supply problem which will not allow both pump sets to run together on automatic start. The option of standby diesel generation was discussed. The Drainage Overseer stated that Council does own a generator. Compatible wiring is required to allow diesel generators to be connected.

RESOLVED

THAT the Drainage Manager and Drainage Overseer investigate options to provide standby generator capability for all Council pumps.

WPDD05/29 Challis/Paterson CARRIED

Robert Hicks requested that the Committee’s appreciation for the commendable work undertaken at the Pipiroa Roadside Drain be conveyed to Council staff.

Piping of the drain will need to be agreed with developers.

The owner of the property at 2 Paul Drive has approached Council with a request to consider the piping of the open drain in the rear of the property. The owner is prepared to meet the one quarter local share. The cost of installation of 18m of 600mm diameter pipe is estimated at $3,600.

RESOLVED

THAT the Committee approve the piping of 18m of open drain in No 2 Paul Drive, at an estimated cost of $3,600, on the basis the owner will contribute the one quarter local share.

WPDD05/30 Speedy/Cox CARRIED

It was advised that the drilling of and thrusting of the additional 450mm diameter pipe will commence no later than 8 August 2005.

The Drainage Manager tabled the Hauraki District Councils submission to Environment Waikato’s proposed Annual Plan for 2005/06 which in included a summary of evidence in support of the Piako River Scheme Funding Policy for the Committee’s information.

The Drainage Manager updated the members on the work being undertaken to reinstate the Waitakaruru Bridge following its collapse in June. The bridge will be removed and replaced. Robert Hicks suggested that the canal at the location of the bridge be cleaned once the bridge has been removed. The Drainage Overseer noted this suggestion.

The Drainage Manager advised that the Waitakaruru Culvert on SH25 has been completed. The Chairperson requested that the appreciation of the Committee be conveyed to the District Engineer for the final completion of this culvert.

FINANCIAL REPORT (45.499.003)

The financial report for the 12 months ended 30 June 2005 was presented for the members’ information.

RESOLVED

THAT the financial report on the operations of the Western Plains Drainage Committee for the 12 months ended 30 June 2005 be received.

WPDD05/31 Speedy/Carter CARRIED

The members requested that a more definitive breakdown of operating costs involved for all areas of maintenance and operation be reported. The Drainage Manager advised that he will endeavour to instigate improvements to the detail of the financial report and will present them to the next year’s meetings.

The meeting closed at 12.30pm.

There was no general business.

CONFIRMED

R G Hicks

August 2005