RESOLVED

THAT the apology of R Young and W Bennett be received and sustained.

WPDD06/09 Cox/Speedy CARRIED

The Chairman welcomed Brian Keane to the meeting as a newly appointed member to the Committee.

The Committee was advised that as a result of the drainage committee nominations, the Western Plains Drainage District had sufficient nominations for all positions, and no election would be necessary.

There were no late items.

MEETING HELD WEDNESDAY 22 FEBRUARY 2006

WPDD06/10 Speedy/Cox CARRIED

Ngatea Town Rate

Discussion was held regarding the Ngatea town rate. Cr Challis commented that there were a number of properties in the urban area that benefited from the drainage and stormwater systems, but that don’t pay a drainage rate. It was noted that there is a benefit to the wider community, and that some subsidy from the

rural area was appropriate. This could be provided by the main drains remaining under drainage district control. It was also noted that there was a district contribution of 15% of total drainage rates funded from the whole district.

Discussion was held as to options to decide how the project would be progressed. It was suggested that options for the outlet be investigated, as the proposed stopbanked channel will have a large footprint, and that piping could release land for sale or other use. The outlet structure could also be modified. Options will be discussed with Environment Waikato.

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

WPDD06/11 Challis/Carter CARRIED

Subdivisions Commented On

Discussion was held on the easement and drain from the severed lot to the Pouarua Roadside drain.

Discussion was held regarding the selected contractors with suitable plant and experience to undertake the sourcing, transport, dumping, compaction and shaping of approximately 6,000 cubic metres of fill to reconstruct the right bank of the Waitakaruru Stream from the Maukoro Canal Bridge to the state highway bridge over the stream.

It was advised that the proprietor has confirmed that he will be proceeding with the purchase, and will require the work to be done in the next financial year.

Discussion was held regarding the request received from the Ngatea Church regarding the possibility for piping a section of drain between the church and the empty lot where the hall had been demolished.

To consider the issue, it was agreed that the Chairperson, the Drainage Manager and the local member of the Committee meet at the Church on 30 March at 3.00pm for discussions with the Church representative.

FINANCIAL REPORT (45.499.003)

The financial report for the 8 months ended 28 February 2006 was presented for the members’ information.

WPDD06/12 Carter/Cox CARRIED

It was decided that the annual tour of the drainage district will be held on Thursday 20 April 2006, starting from Ngatea Office at 9.30. Members are to consider items of interest to include in the itinerary.

The floodgate at the intersection of Hopai West and Pouarua North Roads needs some rock protection to prevent erosion.

The proposal for installing the last culvert in the Pouarua Maukoro Northern Stage, under Hopai Road West was raised. The Drainage Manager will investigate and provide an estimate.

The resolution of ownership and maintenance responsibility for stopbank toe drains will be discussed with Environment Waikato staff. Responsibility for the access culverts will also be confirmed.

The Drainage Foreman raised the issue of maintenance of the balance drain between the Stitchbury and Torehape pumps. The situation will be checked on the district tour.

The meeting closed at 12.10pm.

CONFIRMED

R G Hicks

April 2006