AGENDA

 

Teviot Valley Community Board Meeting

Thursday, 21 January 2021

Date:

Thursday, 21 January 2021

Time:

2.00 pm

Location:

Roxburgh Service Centre,

120 Scotland Street, Roxburgh

Sanchia Jacobs

Chief Executive Officer

 


Teviot Valley Community Board Agenda

21 January 2021

 

Notice is hereby given that an ordinary meeting of the Teviot Valley Community Board will be held in Roxburgh Service Centre, 120 Scotland Street, Roxburgh on
Thursday, 21 January 2021 at 2.00 pm

Order Of Business

1          Apologies. 5

2          Public Forum.. 5

3          Confirmation of Minutes. 5

Teviot Valley Community Board meeting Meeting - 12 November 2020. 7

4          Declaration of Interest 12

21.1.1            Declarations of Interest Register 12

5          Reports for Decisions. 15

21.1.2            Request to Extend Rights Contained in Existing Easement Over the Roxburgh Recreation Reserve. 15

21.1.3            Local Government New Zealand Community Board Conference 2021. 22

21.1.4            Grants Programme 2021-22. 27

21.1.5            Draft 2021/31 Long-term Plan Community Board Budgets. 34

6          Reports for Information. 46

21.1.6            Governance Report 46

7          Mayor’s Report 52

21.1.7            Mayor's Report 52

8          Chair's Report 54

21.1.8            Chair's Report 54

9          Members' Reports. 55

21.1.9            Members' Reports. 55

10       Date of the Next Meeting. 56

 

 


Members           Mr R Gunn (Chair), Ms S Feinerman (Deputy Chair), Ms C Aitchison, Mr N Dalley, Cr S Jeffery

In Attendance  T Cadogan (Mayor), S Jacobs (Chief Executive Officer), L Macdonald (Executive Manager - Corporate Services), J Muir (Executive Manager - Infrastructure Services), L van der Voort (Executive Manager - Planning and Environment), S Righarts (Chief Advisor), R Williams (Governance Manager), W McEnteer (Governance Support Officer)

 

1                 Apologies

2                 Public Forum

3                 Confirmation of Minutes

Teviot Valley Community Board meeting - 12 November 2020


Teviot Valley Community Board Agenda

21 January 2021

 

CENTRAL OTAGO DISTRICT COUNCIL

 

TEVIOT VALLEY COMMUNITY BOARD

 

MINUTES of a meeting of the Teviot Valley Community Board held in Roxburgh Service Centre, 120 Scotland Street, Roxburgh on Thursday, 12 November 2020, commencing at 2.02 pm.

 

 

PRESENT:                             R Gunn (Chair), S Feinerman (Deputy Chair), C Aitchison, N Dalley and S Jeffery

 

 

IN ATTENDANCE:                L Macdonald (Executive Manager – Corporate Services), L van der Voort (Executive Manager – Planning and Environment), S Righarts (Chief Advisor), J Kasibante (Finance Manager), C Martin (Property and Facilities Officer – Vincent and Teviot Valley), L Stronach (Property Officer – Statutory), N Aaron (Community Development Officer) and W McEnteer (Governance Support Officer)

 

 

20.6.1              Public Forum

 

Julie Howard (Stakeholder Engagement Manager) and Roy Noble (Project Director) (Transpower - Clutha / Upper Waitaki Project)

 

Ms Howard and Mr Noble discussed the current Transpower project in the district. Transpower are refurbishing and upgrading lines from Roxburgh to Livingstone. Currently they are working on the stage from Roxburgh to Alexandra and hoped to be completed with this stage in mid to late March 2021.

Road covers placed for line work taking place overhead are planned to be installed by Christmas. They reported that there are about 70 workers currently and they were based in Alexandra. They then responded to questions from the Board.

 

 

20.6.2              Confirmation of Minutes

 

It was moved (Feinerman/Dalley):

 

That the Board confirms and receives the minutes of the meeting of the Teviot Valley Community Board held on 24 September 2020 as a true and correct record.

 

UnconfirmedMotion carried

 

 

20.6.3              Declaration of Interest

 

Members were reminded of their obligations in respect of declaring any interests. There were no declarations of interest and no changes to the interests noted in the agenda were declared.

 

 

Note:               Ms Sharleen Stirling-Lindsay from Alexandra and Districts Youth Trust joined the meeting for item 20.6.4.

 

 

 

 

20.6.4              Puna Rangatahi, Alexandra and Districts Youth Trust Lease (Doc ID 505301)

 

A report from the Property and Facilities Officer - Vincent and Teviot Valley to consider granting a ground lease to the Puna Rangatahi, Alexandra and Districts Youth Trust, over an area of the Roxburgh Recreation Reserve which is currently subject to a lease to the Scout Association of New Zealand had been circulated.

 

Ms Stirling-Lindsay spoke to the plans that the Trust have for the premises and mentioned that they are looking to employ another person for the Teviot Valley.

 

It was moved (Gunn/Jeffery)

 

That the Board:

 

A.   Receives the report and accepts the level of significance.

                                     

B.    Agrees to issue a ground lease of an area of 1280m2 of the Roxburgh Recreation Reserve, as outlined in the report, to the Puna Rangatahi, Alexandra and District Youth Trust.

 

UnconfirmedThis lease will be issued under Section 54 of the Reserves Act 1977 and is subject to the Community Leasing and Licensing Policy. General Terms and Conditions are as follows:

 

Start date

Upon the confirmation of the transfer of the Roxburgh Guide and Scout Hall to the Youth Trust

Term

15 years

Rights of renewal

One for a further term of 15 years

Final expiry

30 years

Rent

$3.70 per annum

Rent review

Five yearly. The rent review is based upon the most recent 5 yearly financial statements in which the formula of 2.5% of subscription income less any affiliation fees

Lessee’s outgoings

100% of all rates charges, utilities, and insurance

Improvements at termination of lease

At termination either improvements are surrendered to the landlord or if required to do so removed by way of the landlord giving three months’ notice

Special conditions

The landlord reserves the right to terminate an agreement with six months’ notice if it requires part or whole of the occupied area for other activities

 

              Motion carried

 

 

20.6.5              Proposed Road Stopping – Part Oven Hill Road, Millers Flat (Doc ID: 511037)

 

A report from the Property Officer - Statutory to consider a proposal to stop an unformed portion of Oven Hill Road in accordance with the Public Works Act 1981 had been circulated.

 

 

It was moved (Jeffery/Aitchison):

 

That the Board:

 

A.   Receives the report and accepts the level of significance.

                                     

B.   Recommends to Council to approve the proposal to stop an unformed portion of Oven Hill (legal) Road, being approximately 6,750 square metres, subject to the applicants:

 

-    meeting all costs;

-    purchasing the land at valuation, and;

-    the land being amalgamated with the adjoining record of title 278088.

                           

C.   Authorise the Chief Executive to do all that is necessary to give effect to the resolution.

 

Motion carried

 

 

20.6.6              2021 Meeting Schedule (Doc ID 510871)

 

A report from the Governance Manager to approve a schedule of Teviot Valley Community Board meetings for 2021 had been circulated.

 

                  It was moved (Feinerman/Aitchison):

 

                  That the Board:

 

UnconfirmedA.   Receives the report and accepts the level of significance.

                           

B.   Adopts the proposed 2021 meeting schedule for the Teviot Valley Community Board.

 

                                Motion carried

 

 

20.6.7              Financial Reporting - Period Ending 30 September 2020 (Doc ID 510208)

 

A report from the Accountant to provide the financial performance overview as at 30 September 2020 had been circulated.

 

It was moved (Gunn/Feinerman):

 

That the Board receives the report.

 

Motion carried

 

 

20.6.8              Teviot Valley Values Survey Report and Analysis (Doc ID 512373)

 

A report from the Community Development Officer to present the results and analysis of the Teviot Valley Values Survey had been circulated.

 

 

 

 

It was moved (Dalley/Aitchison):

 

That the Board receives the report.

 

Motion carried

 

 

20.6.9              Mayor’s Report

 

His Worship the Mayor was not present at the meeting.

 

 

20.6.10            Chair’s Report

 

Mr Gunn reported on the following:

 

·    Attended a meeting of the Teviot Valley rest home.

·    Attended a meeting of the Medical Services Trust and attended the AGM.

·    Attended the pool redevelopment meeting.

·    Mentioned that a damaged picnic table had been taken but not replaced in Cheviot Street. Staff responded that it will be replaced shortly.

·    Mentioned the long grass along Branxholm Street, Roxburgh.

·    Discussed the trees along Cheviot Street, Roxburgh and mentioned that it can get quite icy in the winter. It was found that the trees belong to LINZ.

·    Reported on the spraying of broom around Roxburgh.

Unconfirmed

It was moved (Gunn/Feinerman):

 

That the Board receives the report.

 

Motion carried

 

 

20.6.11            Members’ Reports

 

Ms Feinerman reported on the following:

 

·    Attended the Teviot Prospects meeting.

·    Attended a swimming pool committee meeting.

·    Reported that she had walked Grovers Hill to do a signage plan.

·    Attended two business breakfast meeting.

·    Reported that all the walking trails are looking good at the moment.

·    Discussed a letter she received from two students planning a community project where a community could comment via a comment box and then that feedback could come to the Board. Members agreed that was a good initiative.

 

Mr Dalley reported on the following:

 

·    Attended the Teviot Valley Rest Home AGM.

·    Attended a Teviot Prospects meeting.

·    Attended the Medical Services Trust AGM.

·    Discussed the driveway crossings between the 50kph and 80kph zone on Scotland Street, Roxburgh. It has not yet been determined who is responsible, the District Council or Land Transport New Zealand.

·    Discussed some land in Roxburgh East that has been vested in Dunedin RSA and their plans for that land.

·    Reflected on events in the community and whether there was information on what economic benefit each event brought in.

 

Mrs Aitchison reported on the following:

 

·    Attended several Lions meetings.

·    Attended a business breakfast meeting where a Christmas street party was discussed and another where there was a presentation from Dylan Rushbrook, General Manager of Tourism Central Otago.

·    Attended the Roxburgh Entertainment Centre AGM.

 

Councillor Jeffery reported on the following:

 

·    Attended an Audit and Risk meeting.

·    Attended two Long-term Plan session as part of Council.

·    Attended a meeting of Council.

·    Attended several Hearings Panel meetings which included a meeting in Cromwell, a site visit to Tarras and the proposed dog control bylaw policy.

·    Attended a Roxburgh Medical Services Trust meeting and attended the AGM.

·    Attended a Central Otago Labour Market Governance Group meeting.

·    Attended a Teviot Prospects meeting.

·    Discussed with Alex Gordon the lowering of speed limits along some stretches of rural roads in the Teviot Valley.

 

UnconfirmedIt was moved (Feinerman/Aitchison):

 

That the Board receives the reports.

 

Motion carried

 

 

20.6.12            Status Report on Resolutions

 

A report from Governance Support Officer to provide an update on resolutions had been circulated.

 

It was moved (Dalley/Feinerman):

 

That the Board receives the report.

 

Motion carried

 

 

20.6.13            Date of the Next Meeting

 

The date of the next scheduled meeting is Thursday, 21 January 2021.

 

 

The meeting closed at 3.25 pm

 

 

...................................................

CHAIRPERSON

 


21 January 2021

 

4                 Declaration of Interest

21.1.1         Declarations of Interest Register

Doc ID:      519795

 

1.       Purpose

 

Members are reminded of the need to be vigilant to stand aside from decision making when a conflict arises between their role as a member and any private or other external interest they might have.

 

 

2.       Attachments

 

Appendix 1 - TVCB Declarations of Interest   


Teviot Valley Community Board meeting

21 January 2021

 

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21 January 2021

 

5                 Reports for Decisions

21.1.2         Request to Extend Rights Contained in Existing Easement Over the Roxburgh Recreation Reserve

Doc ID:      520025

 

1.       Purpose of Report

 

To consider an application to extend the rights contained in an existing easement held over part of the Roxburgh Recreation Reserve.

 

Recommendations

That the Teviot Valley Community Board

A.      Receives the report and accepts the level of significance.

B.      Recommends to Council to approve the application to extend the rights contained in the existing easement over Part Section 181 Block II Teviot Survey District (recreation reserve) in favour of Section 175 Block II Teviot Survey District and Lot 1 DP 450706 to include:

·        the right to drain sewerage; and,

·        the right to convey water, power, and telecommunications.

Subject to:

·        the Minister of Conservation’s consent.

·        the landowners paying all costs associated with preparing and registering the easement on record of title OT15C/974.

C.      Authorises the Chief Executive to do all that is necessary to give effect to the resolution.

 

 

2.       Background

 

The Roxburgh Recreation Reserve has an area of approximately 87.7654 hectares. It is made up of 5 parcels of land being Lot 13 Deposited Plan (DP) 6674 and Sections 179, 190, 191, and Part Section 181 Block II Teviot Survey District. The parcels are held together in Record of Title OT15C/974.

 

The majority of the land is contained in Part Section 181 Block II Teviot Survey District (Part Section 181). The northern end of Part Section 181, which is shown thatched in blue in Figure 1, is bounded by several streets including Berwick, Liddle, and Teviot Streets.

 

Figure 1 – The northern end of the Roxburgh Recreation Reserve
(Part Section 181 – thatched in blue)

 

A number of privately-owned properties which front Teviot Street are surrounded by Part Section 181. These include the Riders Rest Holiday Park, the old Roxburgh Children’s Health Camp, Section 175 Block II Teviot Survey District, and Lot 1 DP 450706.

 

Figure 2 – Privately owned properties fronting Teviot Street which are surrounded
by Part Section 181

 

Section 175 Block II Teviot Survey District and Lot 1 DP 450706 (labelled in green in Figure 2) are held together in Record of Title 573143. As well as being surrounded by part section 181 the two parcels are also physically separated by a narrow strip of part section 181.

 

An easement in favour of section 175 and Lot 1 is registered as an encumbrance on record of title OT15C/974. The easement provides the owners of section 175 and Lot 1 with right of way over part of part section 181. The right of way is marked ‘A’ on the title plan extract below in Figure 3.

 

Figure 3 – Title Plan Extract: Easement (right of way) area marked “A”
(in favour of Section 175 and Lot 1)

 

In 2020 the owners of section 175 and Lot 1 applied to Council to cancel the amalgamation condition holding the two parcels together in one record of title. The application was approved subject to several conditions including Council agreeing to extend the rights contained in the existing easement to include the right to convey services.

 

Accordingly, the owners of section 175 and Lot 1 have now applied to Council to extend the existing easement to include the right to drain sewerage, and to convey water, power, and telecommunications.

 

A full-size plan of the proposed subdivision is attached as Appendix 1. A schedule detailing the existing and proposed easements are shown in the top right-hand corner of the plan.

 

 

3.       Discussion

 

Reserves Act

Section 48 of the Reserves Act 1977 states that in the case of reserves vested in an administering body, the administering body may, with the consent of the Minister of Conservation and on such conditions as the Minister thinks fit, grant rights of way and other easements over any part of a reserve.

 

The granting of an easement to drain sewerage, and to convey water, power, and telecommunications is consistent with section 48(1). However, any easement or other right granted under section 48 is granted subject to section 48(2) which states:

 

Before granting a right of way or an easement under subsection (1) over any part of a reserve vested in it, the administering body shall give public notice in accordance with section 119 specifying the right of way or other easement intended to be granted, and shall give full consideration, in accordance with section 120, to all objections and submissions received in respect of the proposal under that section.

 

Section 48(2) of the Act further requires the granting to be publicly notified unless:

 

(a)  The reserve is vested in the administering body and is not likely to be materially altered or permanently damaged; and

(b)  The rights of the public in respect of the reserve are not likely to be permanently affected.

 

The purpose of the Reserves Act 1977 is to provide for and to protect reserves for the benefit of the community. Therefore, the issuing of rights over a reserve is generally accepted as being a last resort in the absence of other practical alternatives, particularly where there is likely to be a material effect on the reserve.

 

Extending the existing easement agreement to include the additional rights will not materially alter the land, nor compromise its use. In fact, the rights of the public to walk and pass over the reserve will be less affected by the underground pipes and cables than the existing right of way.

 

Financial

All costs associated with preparing and registering the easement and with the resource consent lie with the property owner.

 

 

4.       Options

 

Option 1 – (Recommended)

 

To recommend to Council to approve the application to extend the rights contained in the existing easement over Part Section 181 Block II Teviot Survey District (recreation reserve) in favour of Section 175 Block II Teviot Survey District and Lot 1 DP 450706 to include:

·        the right to drain sewerage; and,

·        the right to convey water, power, and telecommunications.

Subject to:

 

·        the Minister of Conservation’s consent.

·        the landowners paying all costs associated with preparing and registering the easement on record of title OT15C/974.

 

Advantages:

 

·        The applicants will be able to give effect to the terms and conditions of their resource consent.

 

Disadvantages:

 

·        None, as extending the rights contained in the existing easement will not materially alter the land or compromise its use.

 

Option 2

 

To not recommend to Council to approve the application to extend the rights contained in the existing easement.

 

Advantages:

 

·        None, as extending the rights contained in the existing easement will not materially alter the land or compromise its use.

Disadvantages:

 

·        The applicants will be not be able to give effect to the terms and conditions of their resource consent

 

 

5.       Compliance

 

Local Government Act 2002 Purpose Provisions

While the decision does not relate to a Council service or activity, the extension of the rights contained in the existing easement would promote development within the district.

Financial implications – Is this decision consistent with proposed activities and budgets in long term plan/annual plan?

No negative financial implications are related to this decision.

 

The applicants are required to pay all costs associated with preparing and registering the easement.

Decision consistent with other Council plans and policies? Such as the District Plan, Economic Development Strategy etc.

Extending the rights contained in the existing easement is consistent with the provisions of section 48(1) of the Reserves Act 1977.

Considerations as to sustainability, the environment and climate change impacts

No sustainability, environmental or climate change impacts are related to the decision as the associated works will have no material effect on the land.

Risks Analysis

There are no risks to Council associated with the recommended option.

Significance, Consultation and Engagement (internal and external)

The Significance and Engagement Policy has been considered, with none of the criteria being met or exceeded.

 

 

6.       Next Steps

 

The following steps will be taken to implement the road stopping:

1.       Community Board approval                                                  21 January 2021

2.       Council approval                                                                   03 February 2021

3.       Applicant advised/works commence                                    February 2021

 

 

7.       Attachments

 

Appendix 1 - Full size subdivision plan  

 

Report author:

Reviewed and authorised by:

 

 

Linda Stronach

Louise van der Voort

Property Officer - Statutory

Executive Manager - Planning and Environment

11/12/2020

7/01/2021

 


Teviot Valley Community Board meeting

21 January 2021

 

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21 January 2021

 

21.1.3         Local Government New Zealand Community Board Conference 2021

Doc ID:      519626

 

1.       Purpose of Report

 

To consider whether the Board would like to send representatives to the Local Government New Zealand Community Board conference in Gore, 22 to 24 April 2021.

 

Recommendations

That the Teviot Valley Community Board

A.      Receives the report and accepts the level of significance.

B.      Approves up to two Teviot Valley Community Board members’ attendance at the Local Government New Zealand Community Board conference in Gore, 22 to 24 April 2021.

C.      Nominate up to two Teviot Valley Community Board members to attend.

 

 

2.       Background

 

The New Zealand Community Board Conference takes place every two years. The biennial conference was introduced in 1997 to bring together the Community Boards of New Zealand to share practice and to help improve the understanding and work of community boards.

 

The budget for 2020/21 includes up to $2,500 per community board to attend this conference. This will allow up to two representatives from each board to attend. The dates for the 2021 conference are Thursday, 22 April to Saturday, 24 April inclusive.

 

Annabel Blaikie from Cromwell Community Board, Sally Feinerman from Teviot Valley Community Board and Sharleen Stirling-Lindsay from the Vincent Community Board were nominated to attend the last conference in New Plymouth.

 

A copy of the programme is attached as appendix one and can be found at www.nzcbconference.nz.

 

 

3.       Options

 

Option 1 – (Recommended)

 

Send up to two community board members to the conference.

 

Advantages:

 

·        An opportunity to learn more about the challenges facing community boards now and in the future.

·        An opportunity to meet community board members from other parts of New Zealand and share ideas.

 

Disadvantages:

 

·        None

 

Option 2

 

Decline to send up to two community board members to the conference.

 

Advantages:

 

·        None.

 

Disadvantages:

 

·        The opportunities to learn and to network would be lost.

 

 

4.       Compliance

 

Local Government Act 2002 Purpose Provisions

The LGA purpose provisions (s10) states, “The purpose of local government is to enable democratic local decision-making and action by, and on behalf of, communities”. If attendance at the conference is a useful learning experience, then it will strengthen the ability to perform that role of the community board member who attends. If that member then shares what they learned with the rest of the board, then it will enhance the whole board’s ability to support their communities.

 

Financial implications – Is this decision consistent with proposed activities and budgets in long term plan/annual plan?

 

Yes. Attendance at this conference is a budgeted item.

 

Decision consistent with other Council plans and policies? Such as the District Plan, Economic Development Strategy etc.

 

There are no plans of policies that relate directly to this topic.

 

Considerations as to sustainability, the environment and climate change impacts

 

There are no implications to sustainability, environmental and climate change.

 

Risks Analysis

 

There are no risks associated with this decision.

 

Significance, Consultation and Engagement (internal and external)

 

In terms of the Council’s Significance and Engagement Policy, this decision does not meet any of the thresholds for consultation identified in item 2.1. Therefore, it is not necessary to consult with the public on this matter.

 

 

 

5.       Next Steps

 

The Governance Support Officer will make the necessary travel arrangements for the nominated Members.

 

 

6.       Attachments

 

Appendix 1 - LGNZ Community Board Conference 2021 Programme  

 

Report author:

Reviewed and authorised by:

 

 

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Wayne McEnteer

Louise van der Voort

Governance Support Officer

Acting Chief Executive Officer

23/12/2020

8/01/2021

 


Teviot Valley Community Board meeting

21 January 2021

 

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21 January 2021

 

21.1.4         Grants Programme 2021-22

Doc ID:      519332

 

1.       Purpose of Report

 

To consider the process for grant applications following the adoption of the 2021-31 Long Term Plan, and to establish a one-off hardship grant.

 

Recommendations

That the Teviot Valley Community Board

A.      Receives the report and accepts the level of significance.

B.      Notes that the Grants Policy 2019 established that grant applications would no longer be accepted as submissions to the long-term plan process.

C.      Notes that transitioning to a fully contestable process may create a one-off funding gap for some groups, potentially causing financial hardship.

D.      Agrees to establish a temporary hardship fund for the first quarter of the 2021-22 financial year, to be funded from the agreed Teviot grant allocation for the 2021-31 Long-term Plan.

 

 

2.       Background

 

Council adopted a new grants policy in 2019. This policy had the endorsement of community boards and established a requirement for all grants to be awarded in a contestable manner.

 

Previously, the long-term plan process had provided an avenue for some groups to apply for funding by way of a submission made during the formal consultation process. Many of the funding arrangements that emerged from this resulted in funds being allocated on a recurring basis for several years.

 

In an effort to create a more transparent process and align the practices of the Council grants programme with other New Zealand councils, twice yearly contestable funding rounds in April and October were implemented following the policy.

 

This had the effect of ending the allocation of grants through Long Term Plan submissions and restricted the long-term plan process to setting the total amount of funding available for contestable grants in a given year.

 

 

3.       Discussion

 

Under a fully contestable grants programme, individual applications cannot be heard until after the final amount of funding available is confirmed. This would occur when the 2021-31 Long- term Plan is adopted in late June 2021.

 

To allow for grant applications to be called for and processed, decisions on applications for grants cannot be made until late August.

 

This may cause some groups, who have been receiving annual grants for critical operating costs such as staff wages, to experience financial hardship. This might occur for those groups who had been uplifting 12 months of funding in July of each year. These groups could see a gap in funding for the first quarter of the 2021-22 financial year (1 July – 30 September).

 

This issue was discussed with councillors at a workshop on 25 November where several options were considered. The preferred option was to establish a one-off hardship fund to cover the first quarter of the 2021-22 financial year.

 

This fund would be open to groups who received a grant from the Council or community boards in the 2020-21 financial year and applied it to critical operating costs such as staff wages. Groups would be expected to be able demonstrate financial hardship which threatens their ability to continue operating. A simple application form has been prepared (Appendix 1).

 

The fund would be available for costs a group expects to incur in the first quarter of the 2021-22 financial year. The rationale for this is that groups should be able to apply for the first funding round and access funds in September 2021.

 

It is proposed that this one-off hardship fund be made available from the agreed contestable grant allocation for Teviot and be available for uplift from 1 July 2021. It is anticipated that applications for these one-off grants would be called for in April 2021 to be decided before the end of the 2020-21 financial year. It is estimated that a maximum of $2,000 would be required for this fund based on the grants awarded in the 2020-21 financial year.

 

 

4.       Options

 

Option 1 (recommended)

 

Establish a one-off hardship fund to cover the first quarter of the 2021-22 financial year and fund it through offsetting the 2021-22 contestable grants budgets.

 

Advantages:

 

•        Reduces the risk of community groups facing financial hardship through changes to the grants programme

•        Provides a gesture of good faith for those groups who may have been unaware of the transition to a fully contestable process

•        Does not reduce the balance of the Teviot Valley General Reserves account.

 

Disadvantages:

 

•        Reduces the amount of contestable grants available in the 2021-22 financial year.

 

Option 2

 

Establish a one-off hardship fund to cover the first quarter of the 2021-22 financial year, with any money allocated through this fund to be drawn from Teviot Valley General Reserves.

 

Advantages:

 

·        Reduces the risk of community groups facing financial hardship through changes in the grants programme

·        Provides a gesture of good faith for those groups who may have been unaware of the transition to a fully contestable process

·        Does not reduce the amount of the 2021-22 contestable grant budget.

 

Disadvantages:

 

·        Reduces the balance of the Teviot Valley General Reserves account.

Option 3

 

Automatically extend all 2020-21 grants through the first quarter of the 2021-22 financial year, with the funds to be drawn from Teviot Valley General Reserves.

 

Advantages:

 

·        Provides greater financial security to current grant recipients

·        Ensures all groups currently receiving a grant have time to respond to the changes in grants following the implementation of the 2019 Grants Policy.

·        Does not reduce the 2021-22 contestable grants budget.

 

Disadvantages:

 

·        Reduces the balance of the Teviot Valley General Reserves account.

 

Option 4

 

Automatically extend all 2020-21 grants through the first quarter of the 2021-22 financial year and fund it through offsetting the 2021-22 contestable grants budgets.

 

Advantages:

 

·        Provides greater financial security to current grant recipients

·        Ensures all groups currently receiving a grant have time to respond to the changes in grants following the implementation of the 2019 Grants Policy.

·        Does not reduce the balance of the Teviot Valley General Reserves account.

 

Disadvantages:

 

·        Reduces the contestable grants budget in the 2021-22 financial year.

 

Option 5

 

Do not offer additional funding to manage the transition.

 

Advantages:

 

·        Would not reduce the contestable grants budget nor the Teviot Valley General Reserves account.

 

Disadvantages:

 

·        May result in some groups facing financial hardship

·        Job losses could result for those staff employed through grants.

 

5.       Compliance

 

Local Government Act 2002 Purpose Provisions

This decision promotes the social and cultural wellbeing of the community, in the present and for the future. It does this by assisting groups who are likely to face financial hardship following the transition to a different way of allocating grants.

 

Financial implications – Is this decision consistent with proposed activities and budgets in long term plan/annual plan?

 

The recommended option is inconsistent with current budgets. Staff estimate that it could require as much as $2,000 used from Teviot Valley Reserves to finance the one-off fund.

 

Decision consistent with other Council plans and policies? Such as the District Plan, Economic Development Strategy etc.

 

Yes. Decision is consistent with the new Grants Policy introduced in 2019 which signalled this change was to occur.

 

Considerations as to sustainability, the environment and climate change impacts

 

Nil.

 

Risks Analysis

 

There is a reputational risk to Council if groups are allowed to fail or face serious hardship because of this change.

 

Significance, Consultation and Engagement (internal and external)

This decision is an implication of the Grants Policy 2019. The Significance and Engagement Policy has been considered and the matter does not need further consultation.

 

 

 

6.       Next Steps

 

·    February 2021 – Applications called for

·    1 April 2021 – Applications close

·    May – June 2021 – Applications decided by Community Board.

 

 

7.       Attachments

 

Appendix 1 - Hardship Grant Application  

 

Report author:

Reviewed and authorised by:

 

 

Matthew Adamson

Saskia Righarts

Policy Advisor

Chief Advisor

21/12/2020

8/01/2021

 


Teviot Valley Community Board meeting

21 January 2021

 

Hardship Grant Application

The Central Otago District Council is transitioning its grants programme to a fully contestable process. This ends the practice of allowing grants to be awarded through submissions to the Long Term Plan. Instead, grant applications, including those for multi-year funding arrangements will be considered after the 2021-31 Long Term Plan is adopted. This means that normal applications will not be decided until late August 2021.

This grant is only open to groups who have been receiving a grant from the Council on an annual basis and who use their grant to cover staffing or other critical costs. This grant will be available for costs a group expects to incur the first quarter of the 2021/22 financial year (1 July 2021 – 30 September 2021). Grants will be awarded based on demonstrated financial need where it is clear that the gap in funding will severely threaten the applicant’s ability to operate.

Applications close 1 April 2021

Name of organisation:

Contact person:

Phone number:

 

Email:

Address:

 

Please provide a brief description of the activities or services your group has organised in the last 12 months:

 

Please provide a brief description of the activities or services your group has planned in the first quarter of the 2021/22 financial year (1 July 2021 – 30 September 2021)?

What is your budget for the first quarter of the 2021/22 financial year (1 July 2021 – 30 September 2021)?

How much grant funding has your group received from other funders in the last 12 months?

$

How much are you applying for?

 

Please attach your groups most recent financial statement as evidence of financial hardship to this application.

Declaration:

By completing this application, you acknowledge that:

·    All information you have provided is true and correct

·    You have read and acknowledged the standard Central Otago Terms and Conditions of Grant Funding

·    You acknowledge that your application will be assessed in accordance with the principles and objectives of the Grants Policy 2019 as well as on demonstrated financial need. The decision of the Council or the relevant Community Board decision is final.

·    Information about your application and any approved funding may be made publicly available by the Council.

Name:        Date:

Signature:

 


21 January 2021

 

21.1.5         Draft 2021/31 Long-term Plan Community Board Budgets

Doc ID:      519386

 

1.       Purpose of Report

 

To approve the draft budgets for inclusion in Council’s 2021/31 Long-term Plan Consultation Document and supporting documentation.

 

Recommendations

That the Teviot Valley Community Board

A.      Receives the report and accepts the level of significance.

B.      Adopts the draft 2021/31 Long-term Plan budgets

C.      Recommends to Council that the draft 2021/31 Long-term Plan budgets be accepted.

 

 

2.       Background

 

The 2021/31 draft budgets for the Teviot Valley Ward have been finalised after council staff met with the Board to present provisional figures in November 2020. Council staff advised the Board of an any factors affecting the budgets and made adjustments to the budgets based on the Boards recommendations. The key changes were:

·    Reviewing the funding calculation for the proposed Roxburgh Pool

·    Reviewed the timing of the Roxburgh Entertainment Centre

·    Reviewed the funding arrangements between the Community and Promotional Grant allocations.

 

The 2021/31 Long-term Plan draft budget figures result in a total increase to the Teviot Valley Ward rates of $201,319 (48.3%).

 

i.    Details of the changes to income and expenditure comparing the current 2020/21 Annual Plan to year one of the proposed Teviot Valley Community Board 2021/31 Long-term Plan budgets can be found in Appendix One;

ii.    Details of the capital expenditure programme can be found in Appendix Two;

iii.   Sample rate payers for the Teviot Valley community can be found in Appendix Three.

 

 

3.       Discussion

 

Council staff are presenting draft budgets to each community board for consideration at their January 2021 meetings. Once adopted, the community board budgets will be provided to Council to include in the proposed 2021/31 Consultation Document and supporting documentation for community consultation during March/April 2021.

 

 

 

4.       Options

 

Option 1 – (Recommended)

 

To accept the draft budget and recommend it to Council for inclusion in the 2021/31 Long-term Plan Consultation Documents and supporting documentation.

 

Advantages:

 

 

·    Meets statutory requirements

·    Demonstrates financially prudent budgets to the community

·    The Teviot Valley proposed budget will feed into Council’s proposed 2021/31 Long-term Plan budgets

·    Meets the ratepayers’ expectations

 

Disadvantages:

 

·    None

 

Option 2

 

    Decline the draft budget and do not recommend it to Council for inclusion in the proposed
   2021/31 Long-term Plan budgets.

 

Advantages:

 

·        None

 

Disadvantages:

 

·    Delay in the 2021/31 Long-term Plan process

·    Unable to set rates for 2021/22

·    Run the risk of not meeting legislative deadlines

·    Potential exposure to legal challenges.

 

 

5.       Compliance

 

Local Government Act 2002 Purpose Provisions

This decision enables democratic local decision making and action by, and on behalf of the community by involving community board members in robust and transparent financial decision making.

 

Financial implications – Is this decision consistent with proposed activities and budgets in long term plan/annual plan?

Yes, the community ward budgets, if accepted by Council, will form part of the public consultation.   If accepted by the community and adopted into the 2021/31 Long-term Plan in June 2021, it will be used as the basis for financial management during 2021/22 and as a basis to be considered upon the preparation of subsequent annual plans.

Decision consistent with other Council plans and policies? Such as the District Plan, Economic Development Strategy etc.

Yes, consistent with all council plans and policies.

Considerations as to sustainability, the environment and climate change impacts

The community board budgets do not feed into the sustainability and climate change as such however, the overall 2021/31 Long-term Plan assumptions and strategies consider the impact of climate change.

Risks Analysis

The risk of not accepting this report is that the Council may form a budget and consultation document that does not reflect the views of the community. Council may also lose the ability to adopt the 2021/31 Long-term Plan and set the rates for the income required to meet the activities Council is required to carry out.  Furthermore, Council will not meet legislative requirements and may be exposed to legal challenges.

Significance, Consultation and Engagement (internal and external)

As per Council will carry out a one-month consultation period to the public, scheduled to commence in March 2021.

This is a significant step in the 2021/31 Long-term Plan process, as it ensures the Community Board is across its ward-specific budget and is part of the consultation process.

 

 

6.       Next Steps

Once this report is accepted and changes made (if necessary), it will be submitted to Council in January 2021.  This will form part of the overall Council proposed budgets for recommendation to agree to go to Audit New Zealand to audit during the month of February 2021.  Once an audit opinion has been granted, Council will adopt in March 2021, the proposed Long-term Plan Consultation Document, budgets, and any supporting information to go to the community for consultation.

 

 

7.       Attachments

 

Appendix 1 - Appendix 1 - Draft 2021-31 LTP Budget – Income and Expenditure

Appendix 2 - Appendix 2 - Draft 2021-31 LTP Budget – Capital Expenditure

Appendix 3 - Appendix 3 - Draft 2021-31 LTP Budget – Sample Rates  

 

Report author:

Reviewed and authorised by:

 

 

A picture containing insect

Description automatically generated

Leanne Macdonald

Louise van der Voort

Executive Manager - Corporate Services

Acting Chief Executive Officer

21/12/2020

8/01/2021

 


Teviot Valley Community Board meeting

21 January 2021

 

Teviot Valley Community Board

21 January 2021

 

Appendix One

 

Teviot Valley Community Board – Draft 2021-31 LTP Budget - Income and Expenditure

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Income

 

The main variances are:

·    User fees have dropped due to low income from the Roxburgh Entertainment Centre.

·    Interest revenue has decreased due to the drop in interest rate percentages as seen across the country. This drop will also be reflected in interest expenses.

 

 

Expenditure

 

The main variances are:

·    Resourcing costs have decreased by $23k as costs have been more evenly spread across the four wards.

·    Insurance costs have decreased overall, however these costs have been moved to overhead costs in order to better manage insurance premiums.

·    Interest expense have decreased as a result of a drop in interest rate percentages as seen across the country.

·    Grants budget has increased compared to 2020/21 Annual Plan. The Grants budget has been reinstated to its original amount, before COVID-19 budget changes.

·    Contract costs increased for maintenance work as a result of growth in areas to maintenance in the Teviot Valley Ward. This increase in costs is slightly offset by the drop in Building repair and maintenance costs and other costs.

·    Professional fees have increase by $43k due to the asbestos work done to the Halls across the Ward. These costs have no impact on rate as Council agreed to fund one-time costs from the income from District land sales.

·    Depreciation costs have increased, in particular the parks and reserves area, as a result of the 2019/2020 parks and reserve revaluation which showed an increase in our green reserve assets resulting in higher depreciation costs.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Rates for the 2021-31 Long-term Plan comparison to Annual Plan 2020-21

 

 

 

 



 



 

 

 

Effect on the Rates for Year 1 of the 2021-31 LTP

 

The LTP draft figures result in a rate increase for the community board rates of $201k compared to Annual Plan 2020/21. The main increase is due to higher contract costs and depreciation. This graph shows the total rates increase in brown and the major contributors to the increase/decrease of rates. Lines in grey show factors that reduce the rates required while the green lines show factors that will increase the rate requirement.

 

 

 

10 Year Rates Increase

 

This graph shows the makeup of rates that will be collected in the Teviot Valley Ward over a 10-year period.

 

 

 

Teviot Valley Rates Collected

 

This graph shows the makeup of rates collected in the Teviot Valley Ward in terms of the Community Board rates and Districtwide rates. The Community Board rates make up 1.8% of the rates collected in the district. The main driver of the rate movements comes from the District-wide rates.

 

 


Teviot Valley Community Board meeting

21 January 2021

 

Teviot Valley Community Board

21 January 2021

Appendix Two

 

Teviot Valley Community Board – Draft 2021-31 LTP Budget – Capital Expenditure

 

 

 

Capital Expenditure

 

A total cost of $521k for year one has been included in the capital expenditure programme.

 

The largest cost being attributed to the upgrades to the Roxburgh Pool of $500k. In Year 2 there is $494k for the Roxburgh Entertainment Centre for earthquake strengthening and fire alarm upgrade.


Project Grouping

Project Description

LTP Year 1
2021/22

LTP Year 2
2022/23

LTP Year 3 2023/24

LTP Years 4 - 10

Pools Parks and Cemeteries

 

 

 

 

 

Roxburgh Pool

Roxburgh Pool - capital contribution

    500,000

             -  

             -  

                 -  

Millers Flat Recreation Reserve

Millers Flat - Cenotaph repairs

        3,000

        1,500

        1,500

           1,500

Roxburgh Reserves

Replace round about at King George Park

             -  

      25,000

             -  

                 -  

King George Park - Free standing older children's slide

             -  

             -  

      25,000

                 -  

King George Park - Replace junior swing set

             -  

             -  

             -  

         17,000

Lake Roxburgh Village - Yellow and red fulcrum see-saw

             -  

             -  

             -  

         17,000

Underground services data collection and mapping

        1,500

        1,000

             -  

                 -  

Replace fence and posts around the tennis courts at Lake Roxburgh Village

             -  

             -  

             -  

         10,000

Signs bins and structures Roxburgh reserves

        4,000

        4,500

             -  

         18,200

Install new picnic tables

        6,050

             -  

             -  

                 -  

Street Banners

             -  

             -  

             -  

           3,000

Reserve garden Renewals

        5,000

             -  

        5,000

           5,000

Teviot Valley Walkways

Walkway trail markers

        1,500

        1,500

        1,500

         10,500

Total Pools Parks and Cemeteries

     521,050

       33,500

      33,000

         82,200

Property and Community Facilities

 

 

 

 

Community Halls Teviot

Millers Flat - lighting replacement

             -  

             -  

             -  

         10,000

Millers Flat Hall - double glazing

             -  

             -  

             -  

         20,000

Millers Flat Hall - Bi-fold door replacement

             -  

       15,000

             -  

                 -  

Millers Flat Hall - Carpet and vinyl replacement

             -  

             -  

             -  

         12,500

Millers Flat Hall - heating upgrade

             -  

40,000

             -  

                 -  

Millers Flat Hall - EQ Strengthening

             -  

             -  

      50,000

                 -  

Roxburgh Entertainment Centre

Roxburgh Entertainment Centre - lighting upgrade

             -  

             -  

             -  

         12,500

Roxburgh Entertainment Centre - EQ strengthening

             -  

     362,000

             -  

                 -  

Roxburgh Entertainment Centre - fire alarm upgrade

             -  

     132,000

             -  

                 -  

Roxburgh Entertainment Centre - theatre seat replacement

             -  

             -  

             -  

       150,000

Roxburgh Entertainment Centre - LED lighting upgrade

             -  

             -  

             -  

         30,000

Total Property and Community Facilities

             -  

     549,000

      50,000

       235,000

TOTAL CAPITAL EXPENDITURE

 

     521,050

     582,500

      83,000

       317,200

 


Teviot Valley Community Board meeting

21 January 2021

 

Teviot Valley Community Board

21 January 2021

Appendix Three

 

Teviot Valley Community Board – Draft 2021-31 LTP Budget – Sample Rates

 

 

 

 

 

 

Swings in the district rate have a major impact on the rural sector rates which is apparent when we look at the last three years.  In the Annual Plan 2020/21, to help alleviate the impact of COVID-19, Council funded from reserves $2.2m of the district rates which caused the dip in rates for rural rate payers from 2019/2020 to 2020/21. This has been removed in 2021/22 causing a bow wave and bringing the rural rate payers in line with 2019/20 rates.

 


21 January 2021

 

6                 Reports for Information

21.1.6         Governance Report

Doc ID:      519800

 

1.       Purpose

 

To report on items of general interest and receive minutes and updates from key

organisations.

 

Recommendations

A.      That the report be received.

B.      That the changes to the 2021 Meeting Schedule be noted.

 

2.       Discussion

 

Changes to the Meeting Schedule

The meeting schedule for 2021 has had to be amended due to changes to the dates that Audit New Zealand are able to schedule site visit for the Central Otago District Council.

 

This means that the Community Board hearings and deliberations, scheduled for 11-14 May will now take place the following week, with Cromwell on 18 May, Vincent on 19 May and both Teviot Valley and Maniototo to be held on 20 May.  Calendar appointments will be updated following the January Community Board meeting round.

 

Legacy Status Reports

The legacy status reports have been updated with any actions since the previous meeting.

 

 

3.       Attachments

 

Appendix 1 - Teviot Valley Community Board Legacy Status Report  

 

Report author:

Reviewed and authorised by:

 

 

A picture containing insect

Description automatically generated

Wayne McEnteer

Louise van der Voort

Governance Support Officer

Acting Chief Executive Officer

5/01/2021

8/01/2021

 


Teviot Valley Community Board meeting

21 January 2021

 

 


Teviot Valley Community Board Legacy Status Report on Resolutions

Planning and Environment

Resolution 20.6.4

Puna Rangatahi, Alexandra and Districts Youth Trust Lease (Doc ID 505301)

 

That the Board:

 

A.     Receives the report and accepts the level of significance.

                                     

B.     Agrees to issue a ground lease of an area of 1280m2 of the Roxburgh Recreation Reserve, as outlined in the report, to the Puna Rangatahi, Alexandra and District Youth Trust.

 

This lease will be issued under Section 54 of the Reserves Act 1977 and is subject to the Community Leasing and Licensing Policy. General Terms and Conditions are as follows:

 

Start date

Upon the confirmation of the transfer of the Roxburgh Guide and Scout Hall to the Youth Trust

Term

15 years

Rights of renewal

One for a further term of 15 years

Final expiry

30 years

Rent

$3.70 per annum

Rent review

Five yearly. The rent review is based upon the most recent 5 yearly financial statements in

which the formula of 2.5% of subscription

income less any affiliation fees

Lessee’s outgoings

100% of all rates charges, utilities, and

insurance

Improvements at termination of lease

At termination either improvements are surrendered to the landlord or if required to

do so removed by way of the landlord giving three months’ notice

Special conditions

The landlord reserves the right to terminate

an agreement with six months’ notice if it

requires part or whole of the occupied area

for other activities

 

STATUS                                                                                                                CLOSED

 

December 2020 – Public consultation completed. No submissions received. Report to Council due 3 February for delegated consent on behalf of the Minister of Conservation.

 

November 2020 – Action memo sent to the Property and Facilities Officer – Vincent and Teviot Valley.

 

Resolution 20.6.5 – November 2020

Proposed Road Stopping – Part Oven Hill Road, Millers Flat (Doc ID: 511037)

 

That the Board:

 

A.     Receives the report and accepts the level of significance.

                                     

B.     Recommends to Council to approve the proposal to stop an unformed portion of Oven Hill (legal) Road, being approximately 6,750 square metres, subject to the applicants:

 

-     meeting all costs;

-     purchasing the land at valuation, and;

-     the land being amalgamated with the adjoining record of title 278088.

                           

C.     Authorise the Chief Executive to do all that is necessary to give effect to the resolution.

 

STATUS                                                                                                                CLOSED

 

December 2020 – Applicants notified of outcome and terms & conditions. Works will be managed by suppliers.

 

November 2020 – Action memo sent to the Property Officer - Statutory

Resolution 20.4.4 – August 2020

Community Leasing and Licensing Policy (Doc ID 450822)

That the Board:

A.       Receives the report and accepts the level of significance.

 

B.        Recommends to Council that the draft Community Leasing and Licensing Policy be approved for public consultation.

 

STATUS

 

December 2020 - Following Council direction on 18 November, further feedback is being gathered on the definition of subscription income. Feedback is due 5 January 2021 and will be reported to the 3 February Council meeting.

 

November 2020 – Submissions have now closed. Submissions are being analysed and will be presented at the 18 November Council meeting.

 

September 2020 – The draft Policy was presented to Council on 26 August who authorised public consultation. The consultation period is open until 30 September.

 

August 2020 – Action memo sent to the Policy Advisor

 

Resolution 20.3.4 – June 2020

King George Park Cedar Trees (Doc ID 440460)

 

That the Board:

 

A.    Receives the report and accepts the level of significance.

B.    Notes the petition included in the report from the Cedar Tree Savers.

C.   The Board reaffirms the decision of the 28 Nov 2019 meeting noting that there are four Cedar trees.

 

STATUS                                                                                                                CLOSED

 

December 2020 – Logs sold and removed in November 2020. 

 

November 2020 – Tree removal is completed.  The logs are being auctioned online for removal from the site during November.

 

September 2020 – Trees to be removed 28-30 September 2020. Skate park outline plan application being processed and site safety plans assessed.

 

July 2020 – Quotes are being sought to remove the trees by 30 September 2020.

 

July 2020 – Action memo sent to Parks Officer – Projects

20.2.7 – May 2020

Roxburgh Entertainment Centre – Stage Upgrade Project (Doc ID 440754)

That the Board:

A.     Receives the report and accepts the level of significance.

 

B.     Approves proceeding with the Roxburgh Entertainment Centre Stage Upgrade Project for the upgrade of the front stage area only. The project cost estimate of $85,000 to be funded from a combination of:

 

·  $20,000 Annual Plan 2019/20 budget

·  $20,000 Roxburgh Entertainment Centre Improvement and Promotions group

·  $45,000 Roxburgh Entertainment Centre’s depreciated reserves account

 

STATUS                                                                                                                                 

December 2020 – Quote received. It is higher than anticipated so a second quote is being sought.

November 2020 – Procurement of this project will be via a direct source rather than tender. The contractor who has already provided a quote as part of the provincial growth fund application has been asked to requote without the fire upgrade included.

September 2020 – Preperation of tender documents is underway.

July 2020 – Awaiting outcome of the Provincial Grant Funding application.

June 2020 – This project, along with the building’s fire upgrade (which was postponed due to COVID-19) is being combined and put forward for consideration for the Provincial Grant Funding for community halls.

May 2020 – Preperation of tender documents is underway.

May 2020 – Action memo sent to the Property and Facilities Officer – Vincent and Teviot Valley.

Resolution 19.9.6 – November 2019

Otago Fish and Game Council Proposal to Construct a Jetty and Walking Track at Pinders Pond, Roxburgh. (COM 07-65-006)

That the Board:

A.    Receives the report and accepts the level of significance.

B.  Agrees in principle to the proposal to construct a floating pontoon and associated walking track on Pinders Pond Reserve, and to initiate community engagement on the proposal.

C.   Notes that a further report will be presented that conveys the findings from the community engagement process and informs a final decision.

STATUS

December 2020 – Awaiting detail design material. 

November 2020 – Awaiting detail design material.  The planned consultation process is likely to be rescheduled into 2021.

September 2020 – Design detail work is progressing.

July 2020 – Design detail has not yet been received. 

June 2020 – Initial scoping of the site and advice on the track detail has been completed by Contact Energy Ltd. Awaiting design detail from Otago Fish and Game Council and Contact Energy so that pubic consultation can be carried out.

April 2020 – Plans have not yet been made available to plan the community engagement process.

January 2020 – Otago Fish and Game Council and Contact Energy are to provide Council with design drawings for the community engagement process.

December 2019 – Action memo sent to the Parks Officer Projects

 

 

 


21 January 2021

 

7                 Mayor’s Report

21.1.7         Mayor's Report

Doc ID:      520242

 

1.       Purpose

 

To consider an update from His Worship the Mayor.

 

Recommendations

That the Teviot Valley Community Board receives the report.

 

 

2021 shapes up to be the biggest and busiest year in recent local government history.  It is going to be a challenging time for those of us elected to serve our communities, so I want to start the new year with a personal message to Board members.  It’s pretty simple.  Please look after yourself.  You all have busy lives outside of your Board role and the challenges that this year is going to bring will just add to that.  It is crucially important that we all check in with ourselves from time to time to make sure we are going OK and not letting life get on top of us.

So, what do we have in store together this year?

Firstly, the Long-Term Plan.  LTP years on their own are big beasts to deal with but this time around, the LTP is just one of a number of big things coming our way.  This LTP is going to be a particularly difficult one as elected members wrestle with cost increases we have no control over, the wishes of some in the community and the difficulties others will have to pay in these difficult times.  Coupled on to that will be the catch-up that will need to be made for increased costs last year that were covered by using reserves, something that cannot continue. 

In the Teviot, the LTP will centre on funding for the new Roxburgh Pool making it a very significant LTP for this Ward.  All in all; there will need to be difficult decisions made mid-year by us all.

Secondly of course, COVID-19 has not gone away.  If anything, the threat has increased with two new, more virulent strains coming to our shores.  Frankly, I think it will be a miracle if these strains are able to be contained in our quarantine facilities and at some stage in the not too distant future, they are going to get loose somewhere in New Zealand.  Which leads me to something I am extremely passionate (actually “angry” might be the better word) about.  When a variant does get out, one of the things that will decide whether we go back into full lock-down or not will be how quickly the health authorities can track down contacts of those affected.  And that will come down in large part to people using the tracing app.  This is not rocket science and yet I watch every day as the vast majority of people wander in and out of shops and cafes without taking the few seconds required to sign in.  This is complacency, laziness and stupidity of the highest order in my view so can I please ask that all of you make sure you use your tracer app every time you go into a public space that requires it.  You are all community leaders and we all need to be seen to be leading by example on this.  The life of our people and our economy depends on it.

Thirdly we have the 3 waters reforms to guide our community through.  This will be a Council, not a Board decision but it is still crucial that all elected members have a good understanding of what is happening in order to be able to assist the community in its understanding. 

Under the current timeframe of the Government, at some stage of this year our people are going to be asked whether a significant part of the water infrastructure that they have paid for over generations will go into the hands of some form of conglomeration.  There is a huge amount to consider in this decision and at this stage, so much that is unclear.  At this time the best I can say in simple terms is that the Government default position will be a that we do join the conglomeration so if we don’t, there will be a deliberate one to not join.  It also appears at this stage that the conglomeration in this part of the world will be one that encompasses most of the South Island (excluding the top part).  It remains unclear how local communities would retain influence or any form of control under this plan although some concept of shareholding based on value of assets going into the pool is being looked at.  Given our small size (asset-value speaking), that would be of little consolation to us in my view.

For many there will be a knee-jerk reaction that handing over these assets would be the wrong thing to do, and that is entirely understandable.  Our communities have spent significant sums on these assets so why would we voluntarily divest ourselves of them?  Another fair question being asked is how would it possibly benefit small-town Central Otago to have its water assets managed by a big conglomeration based afar, most likely in Christchurch?  In relation to that, I have had not unreasonable comparisons made to the debacle we face with our power transmission infrastructure in most of the district being managed out of Dunedin.  We have all seen how well that has gone.

On the flipside though is what the consequences will be of not joining the conglomeration, and these are significant and cannot be ignored.

The biggest one of these is currently before Parliament in the form of the Water Services Bill.  Under its current form, some failures by drinking water suppliers invoke fines of up to $600,000.  Plainly, that is not a small consequence.  We also need to consider how difficult and expensive it may be to find and employ suitably qualified and experienced staff if we do not join the conglomeration, especially if we are an outlier with most others going in.

What I have just written is not meant to be a thorough discussion of what might lie ahead in this space; just a “starter for ten” to get everyone thinking about what lies ahead.  The state-of-play is a moving feast as discussions continue in Wellington as to what the final makeup of the decision will look like but whatever it is, it will be the biggest one for local government in New Zealand in the modern era.

So, there we have it, 2021 in a nutshell.   But of course, if we learnt anything from 2020, it is to expect the unexpected.

 

 

 

2.       Attachments

 

Nil

 

Report author:

 

Tim Cadogan

Mayor

11/01/2021

 


21 January 2021

 

8                 Chair's Report

21.1.8         Chair's Report

Doc ID:      519793

 

1.       Purpose

 

To consider an update from the Chair on activities and issues since the last meeting.

 

Recommendations

That the report be received.

 

 

2.       Attachments

 

Nil


21 January 2021

 

9                 Members' Reports

21.1.9         Members' Reports

Doc ID:      519792

 

1.       Purpose

 

To consider updates from Members on activities and issues since the last meeting.

 

Recommendations

That the report be received.

 

 

2.       Attachments

 

Nil


Teviot Valley Community Board Agenda

21 January 2021

 

10               Date of the Next Meeting

     The date of the next scheduled meeting is 11 March 2021.