RESOLVED

THAT the apology for the absence of P Paterson and J Hayward and for the lateness of B Carter be received and sustained.

WPDD06/03 Speedy/Cox CARRIED

There were no late items.

Duncan Peddie, Finance Manager was in attendance at the meeting and presented details on the estimates as part of the Long Term Council Community Plan 2006-16. He highlighted the issue of an annual rate rise and stated that the rate may need further adjustment as the rate of inflation will determine the increase required.

The proposed 3% increase to the drainage rates will still create a healthy surplus for the WPDD in future years.

Discussion was held regarding the rate charged for pump operation.

RESOLVED

THAT the pump rate be changed to cover the cost of the current rate of depreciation.

WPDD06/04 Challis/Cox CARRIED

Cr Challis commented that the rates charged to the town should not be significantly increased and that the wider district, (rural ratepayers), should contribute to the cost of urban services. It was requested that a guideline be reached to set a rate of increase for the annual town rate. After discussion on the proposed rate of increase, it was agreed that there be flexibility to increase the Ngatea town rate by up to 20% per annum. It was noted that there is a 15% district contribution to the rural drainage rates to reflect the value of the towns as rural service centres.

RESOLVED

THAT the Committee approve that the Ngatea town rate be increased by up to 20% per annum.

WPDD06/05 Speedy/Cox CARRIED

Environment Waikato Presentation by (Guy Russell and Ian Sara) - Muggeridge Pump Construction

Guy Russell and Ian Sara from Environment Waikato attended the meeting to update members on the progress on the design and construction of the pumps for the Pouarua Maukoro Drainage scheme southern stage.

Mr Russell advised that there had been preliminary work only done on the project, and expenditure was programmed for the 2007/08 financial year. This financial programming matched the provisions that had been made in providing Council’s share of the costs of the project.

Final location, and the timing of the various phases of the project were yet to be confirmed, and ongoing consultation with the committee and local ratepayers would be undertaken.

The Committee wished to see parity of rates between the various compartments of the scheme. There will need to be an adjustment to the Piako River scheme rates to reflect the cost of additional scheme assets.

MEETING HELD WEDNESDAY 25 JANUARY 2006

RESOLVED

THAT the minutes of the meeting of the Western Plains Drainage District Committee held on Wednesday 25 January 2006 be taken as read and confirmed.

WPDD06/06 Speedy/Cox CARRIED

DRAINAGE REPORT (45.499.002) (25KB)

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

RESOLVED

THAT the report be received.

WPDD06/07 Challis/Speedy CARRIED

The Drainage Manager commented on rural subdivisions requiring drainage easements. He outlined that in some cases owners of small lots do not have the means or inclination to maintain rural drains. He requested the Committee consider the best future options for providing these drainage connections.

Over the past five years there have been more than 20 subdivisions in the rural area, with approximately half requiring an easement to connect to the Council drain. The total length of drains within these easements was 5km. Maintenance of this additional length of drain will cause an increase in spray and machine cleaning costs.

Council may be able to charge a development levy to cover this additional cost for a period.

The matter will be raised with the other drainage committees, and a recommendation will be developed.

Stopbank Toe Drain Maintenance

The Drainage Manager requested the Committee consider where the responsibility for the maintenance of some of the river scheme stopbank toe drains lay.

There appears to be different agreements in place in different parts of the district, or between the Piako and Waihou schemes.

It was suggested that the EPDD and WPDD meet with the Environment Waikato representatives to resolve this issue.

It was decided that the annual tour of the drainage district will be organised at the March meeting. It was proposed that a tentative date be set for the week before Anzac Day.

FINANCIAL REPORT (45.499.003)

The financial report for the 7 months ended 31 January 2006 was presented for the members’ information.

RESOLVED

THAT the financial report on the operations of the Western Plains Drainage Committee for the 7months ended 31 January 2006 be received.

WPDD06/08 Spence/Carter CARRIED

A request has been received from the Co-operating Parish representative regarding the possibility of piping a section of the Town Drain east of Darlington Street, between the church and the empty lot where the hall had been demolished.

A meeting will be arranged with the church representative and local members on site to discuss the issues.

The meeting closed at 12.45pm.

CONFIRMED

R G Hicks

March 2006