MINUTES OF A Council Meeting OF THE Central Otago District Council
HELD AT
Ngā Hau e Whā, William Fraser Building, 1 Dunorling Street, Alexandra
AND LIVE STREAMED VIA MICROSOFT TEAMS ON
Wednesday, 8 March 2023 COMMENCING AT 10.30 am

 

PRESENT:              His Worship the Mayor T Cadogan (Chairperson), Cr N Gillespie, Cr T Alley, Cr S Browne, Cr L Claridge, Cr I Cooney, Cr S Duncan, Cr S Feinerman, Cr C Laws, Cr N McKinlay, Cr M McPherson, Cr T Paterson

IN ATTENDANCE: S Jacobs (Chief Executive Officer), L Fleck (General Manager - People and Culture), S Righarts (Group Manager - Business Support), D Rushbrook (Group Manager - Community Vision), D Scoones (Group Manager - Community Experience), L van der Voort (Group Manager - Planning and Infrastructure), S Finlay (Chief Financial Officer), R Williams (Community Development Advisor), A Crosbie (Senior Policy Advisor), L Stronach (Team Leader – Statutory Property), G Bailey (Parks and Recreation Manager), D McKewen (Accountant), M De Cort (Communications Coordinator), W McEnteer (Governance Manager) and S Reynolds (Customer Service Officer)

 

Note: Cr McPherson gave a karakia to start the meeting.

1                 Apologies

There were no apologies.

2                 Public Forum

Ken Churchill – Wilding Pines

Mr Churchill spoke of the relationship between council and community boards. He advocated for a staged approach to the removal of wilding pines and gave the Lower Manorburn Reserve as an example of this. He then responded to questions.

3                 Confirmation of Minutes

Resolution 

Moved:               Alley

Seconded:          Cooney

That the public minutes of the Ordinary Council Meeting held on 25 January 2023 be confirmed as a true and correct record.

Carried

 

4                 Declaration of Interest

Members were reminded of their obligations in respect of declaring any interests. There were no further declarations of interest.

5                 Reports

Note: Susan Freeman-Greene joined the meeting for item 23.2.2.

 

23.2.2         Presentation from Local Government New Zealand

Ms Freeman-Greene, CEO for Local Government New Zealand gave a presentation to Council on CouncilMARK and the work Local Government New Zealand does on behalf of its members. She then responded to questions from councillors.

 

Note: Cr Alley assumed the Chair as the Community Vision and Experience portfolio lead.

 

Note: Ian Griffin from Otago Museum joined the meeting for Item 23.2.3.

 

23.2.3         Otago Museum's Draft Annual Plan 2023-2024

To present the 2023/2024 Draft Annual Plan from the Otago Museum Trust Board for review and feedback, and to consider their request for a seven percent increase on the annual levy charged to Central Otago District Council.

Dr Griffin gave a presentation to Council describing the work of Tūhura Otago Museum and included commentary about visitor numbers from Central Otago and recent tightened budgets.

Resolution 

Moved:               Cadogan

Seconded:          Duncan

That the Council

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

B.      Considers the request to fund a proposed levy increase of seven percent in 2023/24 for the Otago Museum (an additional $2,249, which will increase the payment from $32,132 to $34,381).

C.      Notes that the existing budget allows for two percent increase of $642.

D.      Agrees to fund the additional five percent increase in the levy of $1,607 from general reserves.

Carried

 

Note: Cr Duncan left the meeting at 11.30 am.

 

23.2.4         Update on the District Funding Model for Museum Investment

To provide an update on the development of a District Funding Model for museum investment.

Resolution 

Moved:               Claridge

Seconded:          McKinlay

That the report be received.

Carried

 

Note: Cr Gillespie assumed the Chair as the Planning and Regulatory portfolio lead.

 

Note: His Worship the Mayor left the meeting at 11.44 am and returned at 11.46 am.

 

23.2.5         Request for an Easement over Section 111 Block III Cromwell Survey District (PRO: 3009-E1)

To consider granting an easement in gross, in favour of Aurora Energy Limited, over Section 111 Block III Cromwell Survey District, to facilitate the construction of a new water treatment plant at the Cromwell Water Reservoir.

Resolution 

Moved:               McPherson

Seconded:          Paterson

That the Council

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

B.      Agrees to grant an easement (in gross) to Aurora Energy Limited, for the purpose of conveying electricity over Section 111 Block III Cromwell Survey District, for $1, subject to:

-     Aurora Energy Limited (or their agents) obtaining all consents, permits, and other rights associated with installing the transformer and cable as shown in figure 2.

-     The final easement plan being approved by the Chief Executive Officer.

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

Carried

 

23.2.6         Request for an Easement over Section 1 SO 396407 (PRO: 3030-E1)

To consider granting an easement in gross, in favour of Aurora Energy Limited, over Lot 1 Deposited Plan 25036, to facilitate an upgrade of the Bannockburn Water Reservoir.

Resolution 

Moved:               Paterson

Seconded:          McKinlay

That the Council

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

B.      Agrees to grant an easement (in gross) over the area hatched pink in figure 3, to Aurora Energy Limited, for the purpose of conveying electricity over Section 1 SO 396407, for $1, subject to:

-     Aurora Energy Limited (or their agents) obtaining all consents, permits, and other rights associated with installing the cable in the area hatched pink in figure 3.

-     The final easement plan being approved by the Chief Executive Officer.

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

Carried

 

Note: His Worship the Mayor resumed the Chair.

 

Note: With the permission of the meeting the Mayor’s Report was moved forward.

 

Note: Cr McPherson left the meeting at 11.48 am and returned at 11.50 am.

 

6                 Mayor’s Report

23.2.12       Mayor's Report

His Worship the Mayor gave an update on his activities and issues of interest since the last meeting.

Resolution 

Moved:               Cadogan

Seconded:          Gillespie

That the Council receives the report.

Carried

 

Note: Cr McKinlay assumed the Chair as the Three Waters and Waste portfolio lead.

 

23.2.7         Offer to purchase private wastewater infrastructure.

To consider an offer to purchase and or take over the private wastewater infrastructure that services the development known as the Clyde Claim, from Clyde Claim Services Limited.

Resolution 

Moved:               Alley

Seconded:          Feinerman

That the Council

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

B.      Agrees to take over the ownership of the sewerage reticulation system (drain in common), as identified in pink and yellow in figure 3, (excluding the treatment plan on Lot 1), along with the associated easements which currently belong to Clyde Services Limited, subject to:

-        The sewerage reticulation system (drain in common) and all associated easements transferring to Council ownership at no cost.

-        Clyde Claim Services Limited agreeing to Council connecting additional properties to the system as and when required at Council’s own discretion.

-        Clyde Claim Services Limited agreeing to connect to the lateral identified in figure 6.

-        Each party paying its own costs as the relate to that transfer.

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

Carried

 

Note: His Worship the Mayor resumed the Chair.

 

Note: Cr Duncan returned to the meeting at 12.17 pm.

 

23.2.8         Wilding Conifer Control Policy

To consider whether a staged approach to the removal of wilding conifers from Council owned or managed land is consistent with Council’s Wilding Conifer Control Policy.

Resolution 

Moved:               Cadogan

Seconded:          Paterson

That the Council

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

Carried

After discussion it was agreed to recognise that not all sites could be cleared of wilding conifers at once and that the policy should apply to individual sites at their time of clearing.

The vote was split 6/6 on a show of hands and, in accordance with Standing Order 19.3, a casting vote was made by the Chair.

Resolution 

Moved:               Cadogan

Seconded:          Paterson

B.      Resolves that the staged removal of wilding conifers within individual identified sites is not permitted on Council owned or managed land.

C.      Agrees to amend the Council Wilding Conifer Control Policy as required to reflect the Council’s decision.

Carried with the Chair making the casting vote

 

Note: The meeting adjourned at 12.55 pm and returned at 1.35 pm.

 

Note: Cr Gillespie returned to the meeting at 1.40 pm.

 

23.2.9         Draft 2023-24 Annual Plan Budget

To approve the draft Council specific budgets for inclusion in the Council’s draft Annual Plan 2023-24 process.

Resolution 

Moved:               Duncan

Seconded:          Paterson

That the Council

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

B.      Agrees in principle, subject to further work, (around the phasing of rate funding the increase in Council waste management asset depreciation) that the Council specific budgets be included in the 2023-24 Annual Plan.

C.      Notes Appendix 1,2 & 3.

D.      Notes the community boards recommendations of budgets and fees and charges will be presented with the full draft 2023-24 annual plan and consultation document for approval by Council on 30 March 2023.

Carried

 

23.2.10       Financial Report for the Period Ending 31 December 2022

To consider the financial performance for the period ending 31 December 2022.

Resolution 

Moved:               Alley

Seconded:          Duncan

That the report be received.

Carried

 

23.2.11       Adoption of the Local Governance Statement

To consider adoption of the Local Governance Statement for the 2022-25 triennium.

Resolution 

Moved:               Gillespie

Seconded:          Laws

That the Council

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

B.      Adopts the Local Governance Statement for the 2022-25 triennium.

Carried

 

Note: Cr McPherson left the meeting at 1.54 pm and returned at 1.56 pm.

7                 Status Reports

23.2.13       March 2023 Governance Report

To report on items of general interest, receive minutes and updates from key organisations, consider Council’s forward work programme, business plan and status report updates.

Resolution 

Moved:               Alley

Seconded:          Cadogan

That Council

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

B.     Ratifies the Future for Local Government submission in Appendix 2 of the report.

Carried

8                 Community Board Minutes

23.2.14       Minutes of the Vincent Community Board Meeting held on 31 January 2023

Resolution 

Moved:               Alley

Seconded:          Feinerman

That the unconfirmed Minutes of the Vincent Community Board Meeting held on 31 January 2023 be noted.

Carried

 

23.2.15       Minutes of the Teviot Valley Community Board Meeting held on 2 February 2023

Resolution 

Moved:               Alley

Seconded:          Feinerman

That the unconfirmed Minutes of the Teviot Valley Community Board Meeting held on 2 February 2023 be noted.

Carried

 

23.2.16       Minutes of the Cromwell Community Board Meeting held on 9 February 2023

Resolution 

Moved:               Alley

Seconded:          Feinerman

That the unconfirmed Minutes of the Cromwell Community Board Meeting held on 9 February 2023 be noted.

Carried

   

9                 Date of Next Meeting

The date of the next scheduled meeting is 30 March 2023.

 

 

 

 

10               Resolution to Exclude the Public

Resolution 

Moved:               Cadogan

Seconded:          Browne

That the public be excluded from the following parts of the proceedings of this meeting.

The general subject matter of each matter to be considered while the public is excluded, the reason for passing this resolution in relation to each matter, and the specific grounds under section 48 of the Local Government Official Information and Meetings Act 1987 for the passing of this resolution are as follows:

General subject of each matter to be considered

Reason for passing this resolution in relation to each matter

Ground(s) under section 48 for the passing of this resolution

Confidential Minutes of Ordinary Board Meeting

s7(2)(i) - the withholding of the information is necessary to enable Council to carry on, without prejudice or disadvantage, negotiations (including commercial and industrial negotiations)

s48(1)(a)(i) - the public conduct of the relevant part of the proceedings of the meeting would be likely to result in the disclosure of information for which good reason for withholding would exist under section 6 or section 7

23.2.17 - Strategic Risk Register Report

s7(2)(i) - the withholding of the information is necessary to enable Council to carry on, without prejudice or disadvantage, negotiations (including commercial and industrial negotiations)

s48(1)(a)(i) - the public conduct of the relevant part of the proceedings of the meeting would be likely to result in the disclosure of information for which good reason for withholding would exist under section 6 or section 7

23.2.18 - Offer to purchase 5 Holloway Street

s7(2)(i) - the withholding of the information is necessary to enable Council to carry on, without prejudice or disadvantage, negotiations (including commercial and industrial negotiations)

s48(1)(a)(i) - the public conduct of the relevant part of the proceedings of the meeting would be likely to result in the disclosure of information for which good reason for withholding would exist under section 6 or section 7

23.2.19 - March 2023 Confidential Governance Report

s7(2)(i) - the withholding of the information is necessary to enable Council to carry on, without prejudice or disadvantage, negotiations (including commercial and industrial negotiations)

s48(1)(a)(i) - the public conduct of the relevant part of the proceedings of the meeting would be likely to result in the disclosure of information for which good reason for withholding would exist under section 6 or section 7

23.2.20 - Confidential Minutes of the Vincent Community Board Meeting held on 31 January 2023

s7(2)(i) - the withholding of the information is necessary to enable Council to carry on, without prejudice or disadvantage, negotiations (including commercial and industrial negotiations)

s48(1)(a)(i) - the public conduct of the relevant part of the proceedings of the meeting would be likely to result in the disclosure of information for which good reason for withholding would exist under section 6 or section 7

23.2.21 - Confidential Minutes of the Teviot Valley Community Board Meeting held on 2 February 2023

s7(2)(i) - the withholding of the information is necessary to enable Council to carry on, without prejudice or disadvantage, negotiations (including commercial and industrial negotiations)

s48(1)(a)(i) - the public conduct of the relevant part of the proceedings of the meeting would be likely to result in the disclosure of information for which good reason for withholding would exist under section 6 or section 7

23.2.22 - Confidential Minutes of the Cromwell Community Board Meeting held on 9 February 2023

s7(2)(i) - the withholding of the information is necessary to enable Council to carry on, without prejudice or disadvantage, negotiations (including commercial and industrial negotiations)

s48(1)(a)(i) - the public conduct of the relevant part of the proceedings of the meeting would be likely to result in the disclosure of information for which good reason for withholding would exist under section 6 or section 7

 

Carried

 

The public were excluded at 1.57 and the meeting closed at 2.21 pm.