RESOLVED

THAT the apology of B A Keane and W Bennett be received and sustained.

WPDD07/01 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.

The item was not on the agenda because the item was unavailable at the time of the agenda deadline.

Discussion on the item could not be delayed due to the urgency of the matter which required the consideration of the Committee as soon as possible.

WPDD07/02 Speedy/Cox CARRIED

RESOLVED

THAT the minutes of the meeting of the Western Plains Drainage District Committee held on Wednesday 29 November 2006 be taken as read and confirmed.

WPDD07/03 Challis/Young CARRIED

Miranda Foreshore Stopbank North of Hot Springs Canal

The Drainage Overseer advised that the trimming and shaping of stopbank has been completed.

EW WVS-PRS Liaison Subcommittee Stopbank Stability Workshop

Robert Hicks advised of the discussions held at the Subcommittee workshop which he, Guy Speedy and the Drainage Manager attended the previous week.

Environment Waikato staff and consultants presented the results of investigations into the stability of the Piako River stopbanks. A series of possible remedial options and indicative costs were discussed. It was proposed that trial methods be established in reaches identified as high priority. It was noted that the recent surveys, hydraulic and geotechnical work had concluded that the stopbanks were relatively stable at present, although there are reaches where safety factors were less than desirable due to the minimal berm widths.

It is expected that the outcomes of the workshop would be presented to the next meeting of the Schemes Liaison subcommittee in March.

DRAINAGE REPORT (45.499.002)

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

RESOLVED

THAT the report be received.

WPDD07/04 Speedy/Carter CARRIED

The Drainage Manager presented a plan of the layout of the proposed retirement development in Factory Lane, Ngatea. The members were invited to comment on the proposed stormwater reticulation on the GIS plan shown. The Drainage Manager emphasised that this is a development and not a subdivision. This development is not covered by the District Plan in the way a subdivision does.

In conclusion, it was advised that discussions have been held with Council’s Construction and Maintenance Business Unit and the Trust regarding the services proposed which has now resulted in what is considered an ‘optimum’ layout for the development. The outcome is that an agreement has now been reached between the Trust and Council regarding the ownership of the infrastructural assets being built in conjunction with the development.

The Committee members stated that they preferred that the rainfall recorded show total rainfall from July to June (annually).

The Drainage Manager presented a verbal report on the status of the stopbank reconstruction contract, which was substantially complete at the time of the meeting. A full report, including the costs will be prepared for the February meeting. Indications were that the job has exceeded the Engineer’s estimate, but will still be within the Annual Plan approved budgets for both jobs on the Waitakaruru stopbank.

It was noted that there may be a requirement to modify the ramp access at the boat ramp adjacent to the piggery at the northern extension of Canal West Road.

There was no financial report available.

Drain Maintenance Reports

The Drainage Manager advised that he was considering rationalising the classification of drain maintenance types in an effort to reduce the number of General Ledger codes in use. Detailed physical works reporting will continue as at present and summary information will be presented to the committee in the financial reports as at present. More detailed information will still be possible at the Job Code level if required.

Ross Young raised a concern of the increase in growth of blackberries over the stopbank at Kade Farms on Mangawhero Road. It was requested that the landowners be approached and be requested to address the problem.

Drains Requiring Mechanical Cleaning

Balance drain from Torehape Road to Stitchbury’s requires mechanical cleaning. The Drainage Overseer advised he will investigate.

Robert Hicks presented a letter received from Doug Leonard regarding his concern of flooding on his property at Kaihere Road, Ngatea.

Robert Hicks requested the Committee consider what could be done to resolve the problem and that information be supplied as to what amount of funding is available for addressing the ponding problem, what is the rating of this property, and proposed that the Committee should meet with Mr Leonard at his property for discussions on how the problem of ponding can be effectively addressed.

RESOLVED

THAT more detailed information is requested from Council regarding funding and rating

AND THAT a meeting be held with Mr Leonard and the Committee at the location of the Leonard property for further discussion on measures to address the ponding problem

AND THAT the Drainage Manager writes to Mr Leonard advising him of the Committee’s proposal.

WPDD07/05 Challis/Speedy CARRIED

The meeting closed at 1.00pm.

CONFIRMED

R G Hicks

February 2007