There were no apologies.

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.

- Hugh Hayward Domain - Proposed Development of Passive Area

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 because the item required the consideration of the Committee before the next meeting.

PWC07/08 Gray/Gordon CARRIED

MEETING HELD ON TUESDAY 13^th FEBRUARY 2007

RESOLVED

THAT the minutes of the meeting of the Plains Ward Committee held on Tuesday 13^TH February 2007 be taken as read and confirmed.

PWC07/09 Challis/Gordon CARRIED

Cr Gordon asked if barbed wire at the top of the fence was going to be removed. Staff advised that the new security fence will be installed in the near future.

In response to a suggestion that the pool be heated over the Easter holiday period, due to member of the community showing interest in using the pool for swimming lessons, it was agreed that the pool be heated over the Easter period.

COMMUNITY SERVICES MONTHLY REPORT (01.002.021) (32KB)

The Community Services monthly report on activities was presented for the Committee’s consideration.

RESOLVED

THAT the Community Services monthly report be received.

PWC07/10 Gray/Tregidga CARRIED

A request for financial assistance has been received from the Secretary for the Hauraki Plains St. Johns Ambulance. The Hauraki Plains St Johns are launching a fundraising project to upgrade their ambulance station with a "dine and dance" evening in the Ngatea War Memorial hall during the week ending 21^st April 2007. The Secretary asks that the Ward consider financial assistance towards the hall hire cost.

RESOLVED

THAT the Ward grants $155.00 to St Johns Ambulance in support of their fundraising project.

PWC07/11 Gray/Troughton CARRIED

Vandalism – Toilets in Main Street of Ngatea

The members were advised of the continuing issues of vandalism at the Ngatea toilets.

The Parks and Reserves Manager advised that Thames Farm & Industrial has received a written statement from the supplier on the process to improve the covers.

Further discussion was held regarding the length of the pool season. It was agreed that the swimming pool be opened until the end of April following the school holidays.

Environment Waikato have been approached to find a solution to improve the steep grade of the road over the modified stopbank located by the Turua boat ramp. The Parks and Reserves Manager advised that Environment Waikato have advised that they do not wish to cover all the costs of improving the gradient of the stopbank and consider it is Councils responsibility to undertake the improvements.

It was agreed that the Parks and Reserves Manager organise the work required to improve the gradient of the stopbank.

A member advised staff of a further complaint received from the owner of an adjoining property to the soccer field concerned about the vulnerability of his glasshouses to damage when games are played on the Domain.

Cr Troughton presented a letter received from the Kerepehi Bowling Club complaining of a strong odour from the fish fertiliser operation being carried out at premises close by. The owner of the business is manufacturing fertiliser using fish material.

It was decided that the matter be referred to Environment Waikato as this is an environmental health issue which is their responsibility.

There was no general business.

Mr Alex Quinn from the Positively Promoting the Plains group was in attendance and presented a proposal and concept plan to the Ward Committee for the development of the open space area located between the Memorial Wall and the Ngatea Service Centre building.

The area is approximately 6500m2 (including the wall) and contains some significant trees, it is adjacent to the State Highway and therefore has a high level of exposure to the travelling public and is relatively central within the township. The group have made a proposal that a passive recreational area be developed in this area.

The PPP advises that the project can be carried out over a number of years depending on need and cash availability. The proposal is to install, into what presently is predominantly an active recreation environment, a passive area that can be enjoyed by local as well as visitors.

The Mayor suggested that the proposal be included for consideration in the LTCCP 2007/08 and commended the group on their concept plan for the area.

In consideration of whether the skate park should stay in its current location, it was agreed that it stay where it is for the time being.

Mr Quinn advised that initially the PPP Group will meet with the Hall and Domain Users Committee to consider the landscape design, an appropriate icon i.e. the Pukeko and the design of signage for the area, then will come back to Council for final approval.

RESOLVED

THAT the PPP proposal be adopted in general and be promoted to the community for construction in the 2007/08 year as a development project for the Hugh Hayward Domain as per the current Annual Plan

AND THAT the Ward Committee works in conjunction with the PPP as to the stylising and construction of an iconic Pukeko. Further that, if possible, funding is provided by the Plains Community Facilities Recreational Discretionary Fund with the exclusion of the public toilet.

PWC07/12 Troughton/Gray CARRIED

The meeting closed at 10.40am.

CONFIRMED

I D Troughton

April 2007