Minutes of Vincent Community Board - Tuesday, 3 December 2024

MINUTES OF A mEETING OF THE
Vincent Community Board
HELD IN THE Omakau Rugby Club Rooms, Omakau Reserve, 13 Alton Street, Omakau
AND LIVE STREAMED VIA MICROSOFT TEAMS ON Tuesday, 3 December 2024 COMMENCING AT 10.01 am

PRESENT: Mr J Cromb (Chair), Dr R Browne, Cr L Claridge, Mr T Hammington, Mr D Johns, Cr M McPherson, Cr T Paterson

IN ATTENDANCE: T Alley (Mayor), P Kelly (Chief Executive Officer), S Righarts (Group Manager - Business Support), D Rushbrook (Group Manager - Community Vision), D Scoones (Group Manager - Community Experience), L Webster (Acting Group Manager - Planning and Infrastructure), G Robinson (Property and Facilities Manager), D McKewen (Systems and Corporate Accountant), T Bates (Property Officer), J Remnant (Asset Management Team Leader) B Snape (Property and Facilities Officer), Q Penniall (Infrastructure Manager), P Fleet (Roading Manager) H Laverick (Roading Asset Engineer), A Crosbie (Senior Strategy Advisor), G Bailey (Parks and Recreation Manager), M Burnett (Parks Officer – Strategy/ Planning), M Tohill (Communications Officer), W McEnteer (Governance Manager), S Reynolds (Governance Support Officer)

1 Apologies

There were no apologies.

2 Public Forum

Carole Gillions and Helen Adair – Abbeyfield

Ms Gillions, the Alexandra Council of Social Services (ACSS) secretary spoke of the new Abbeyfield shared house proposal that they hoped to be able to build at the end of 2026, and noted they were still in negotiations with the landowner. She stated that the proposed facility would cost about $3.5million and offer 14 rooms and that they were considering a range of funding options. Funding for the development would be both on a local and national level, with each of the residents renting their own private space including an outdoor area.

Ms Gillions then responded to questions.

Sophie, Millie and Liliana - Omakau School Students – Manuherekia Hub

The students spoke of the expected benefits of the proposed Hub development, and the opportunities it would offer students at the school and other community groups and listed the sporting, musical and theatrical activities that could take place at the centre.

Pete Sleeman - Omakau Reserve Committee

Mr Sleeman spoke on behalf of Dave Cockburn the chair of the group and gave the board an update of the work underway on the reserve to form a walking track around the reserve.

Mr Sleeman also responded to questions and commented on the council proposal to relocate the waste water site to the reserve, and noted his disappointment the location is too close to the town and particularly the camp ground.

Andrew Paterson - Manuherekia Valleys Charitable Trust (MVCT)

Andrew Paterson, board chair for MVCT thanked the council for their current commitment to the project and noted that the detailed plans were ready for tender and building consent. He outlined where the funding to date had come from and noted that the shortfall would be reduced over the next six months as further fundraising initiatives were progressed by the MVCT but he requested that council would cover the expected deficit.

Mr Paterson then responded to questions.

Earl Harrex - Lauder water quality

Mr Harrex stated that he had resided in Lauder for 14 years and believed that the current lack of potable water in the area was limiting growth. He noted that a group of residents had requested that Otago Regional Council increased the allocation from the Lauder scheme, but that they had not been successful in securing this additional supply.

Mr Harrex then responded to questions.

3 Confirmation of Minutes

Committee Resolution

Moved: Browne

Seconded: Hammington

That the public minutes of the Vincent Community Board Meeting held on 29 October 2024 and the Extraordinary Vincent Community Board Meeting held on 7 November 2024 be confirmed as a true and correct record.

Carried

4 Declarations of Interest

Members were reminded of their obligations in respect of declaring any interests.

Mr Hammington noted that he is now a casual employee of ‘She Bikes He Bikes’.

Cr Paterson noted that she had a conflict with item 24.11.3 and that she would leave the table for this item and would not vote.

5 Reports

24.11.2 Declaration of Office

Cr Claridge will be required to take a declaration of office.

Cr Claridge gave her oath of office which was witnessed by the Mayor.

Note: Cr Paterson left the table for item 24.11.3 and did not vote.

24.11.3 Manuherekia Valley Community Hub

To consider additional Council funding support for the Manuherekia Valley Community Hub project.

Committee Resolution

Moved: McPherson

Seconded: Johns

That the Vincent Community Board

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

B. Recommends to Council to support additional Council funding for the Manuherekia Valley Community Hub to cover the shortfall of up to $1,600,000 in order to complete the project. The shortfall to be funded either through debt or from reserves.

C. Recommends to Council that another report come back to the Board and Council in February 2025, once construction costs and shortfall for the Hub project have been confirmed, for approval of additional funding for the Manuherekia Valley Hub to be included in the Draft Long-term Plan 2025-34 with full details of funding options.

Carried

24.11.12 Level of Service - Vincent Community Buildings

To consider the level of service for Vincent community buildings as part of the Long-Term Plan 2025/34 process.

In preparing this report a detailed look was given to the usage of the buildings, and what expenditure might be required to ensure their future use and to comply with earthquake strengthening requirements. It was noted that no discussions had been had with the organisations who run the halls.

The board recognised the significance of this report and how it could affect community groups and requested that reports were circulated to the board with more notice in future.

Recommendations

That the Vincent Community Board

Committee Resolution

Moved: Paterson

Seconded: Cromb

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

Carried

Committee Resolution

Moved: Paterson

Seconded: McPherson

B. Recommends to Council that the following buildings are retained as budgeted in the draft Long-Term Plan 2025/34:

· Alexandra Community Centre

· Molyneux Stadium

· Central Stories Building

· Blyth Street Museum

Carried

Committee Resolution

Moved: Paterson

Seconded: McPherson

C. Recommends to Council that the following buildings are considered for divestment as part of the draft Long-Term Plan 2025/34 consultation document:

· Clyde Railway Station Building

· Poolburn Hall

· Becks Hall

· Ophir Hall

· Clyde Hall

· Vallance Cottage

· Clyde Police Lock Up

Carried with Dr Browne recording his vote against

Committee Resolution

Moved: Paterson

Seconded: McPherson

D. Recommends to Council that these buildings are divested.

· Former Riding for the Disabled Building

· Clyde Briar and Herb Museum

Carried

Committee Resolution

Moved: Paterson

Seconded: McPherson

E. The Board notes the challenging economic time and would support community retention and ownership of venues and encourages the community to get involved in the consultation process.

Carried

24.11.4 Update to the Register of Delegations for Community Boards

To consider changes to the Register of Delegations as they apply to community boards.

Committee Resolution

Moved: McPherson

Seconded: Paterson

That the report be received.

Carried

24.11.5 Grant Budget Recommendations

To consider the provision of Community Board grants and confirm the value of relevant grant budgets.

Committee Resolution

Moved: Paterson

Seconded: Johns

That the Vincent Community Board

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

B. Recommends to Council a total of $38,000 be allocated through the LTP budget process for Community Grants in 2025/26.

C. Recommends to Council a total of $50,000 be allocated through the LTP budget process for Promotions & Event Grants in 2025/26.

Carried

Note: Mr Hammington left at 11.47 am and returned at 11.49 pm.

24.11.6 Managing Unreasonable Complainant Conduct

To update the Board on the Unreasonable Complainant Conduct workstream and seek feedback before finalising the relevant policies in early 2025.

Committee Resolution

Moved: Hammington

Seconded: Browne

That the report be received.

Carried

Note: Cr McPherson left at 12.01 pm and returned at 12.03 pm.

24.11.7 Vincent Financial Report for the Period Ending 30 September 2024

To consider the financial performance overview as at 30 September 2024.

Committee Resolution

Moved: Johns

Seconded: Browne

That the report be received.

Carried

6 Mayor’s Report

Her Worship the Mayor noted the following in her report:

· Noted that she had enjoyed six weeks in the role.

· Attended a CODC Emergency Management exercise, and observed that it was an excellent opportunity to practise what council and external agencies might be required to undertake in a major event.

· Spoke with community members and groups on the proposed developments from Santana Minerals, and on the fast-track application process and encouraged all to be informed on the matter as the proposal progresses.

· Gave a report from the LGNZ conference in Wellington, noting there does seem to be more willingness from Central Government to listen to alternative ideas and promote collaboration. She also gave an update on the latest developments in water services delivery.

· Noted the big topics on the table for community boards, namely the potential divestment of halls and the consultation items for the Long-term plan.

· She thanked the board for their service to the community in 2024 in challenging economic times and wished all members and the Vincent community a Happy Christmas. She also encouraged everyone to complete their Christmas shopping locally this year!

Committee Resolution

Moved: Cromb

Seconded: Browne

That the Vincent Community Board receives the report.

Carried

7 Chair's Report

24.11.9 Chair's Report

The Chair gave an update on activities and issues since the last meeting.

· Attended the November Maniototo Community Board meeting.

· Attended a family reunion at Vallance Cottage and had discussions outlining how the community and council could come together to achieve a positive outcomes.

· Attended a meeting of the Alexandra Council of Social Services and the AGM for Community Networks Aotearoa.

· Had been in touch with businesses and organisations in the ward to get an understanding of the activities and issues and noted the positivity around despite challenging economic times.

· Had spent time with council finance officers to better understand the financial systems and the potential rates impact under the districtwide funding model.

· Thanked those who had come to speak at the meeting and noted his ambition to hold meetings in various locations around the ward.

· Noted that he is grateful for the responsibility to chair the board and that he looked forward to the next ten months in the role.

Committee Resolution

Moved: Cromb

Seconded: Browne

That the report be received.

Carried

8 Members' Reports

24.11.10 Members' Reports

Members gave an update on activities and issues since the last meeting.

Dr Browne reported on the following:

Attended the AGM of Last Chance Irrigation Company.
Attended a meeting of Keep Alexandra Clyde Beautiful.
Ran a meeting of the Creative Writers Circle.
Performed with the Central Otago Regional Orchestra in Wanaka and Roxburgh.
Attended a meeting of the Alexandra District Museum Inc.
Attended the AGM of the Central Otago Heritage Trust.
Met with Carole Gillions of Abbeyfield to discuss their plans for a housing facility.
Attended a meeting of the Central Otago REAP board.
With other trustees of the Jolendale Park Charitable Trust, met with Pete Oswald of the Central Otago Wilding Conifer Control Group to assess next steps for wilding control at Jolendale Park.
Chaired a meeting to plan sessions for 2025 U3A.

· Attended the refurbished library re-opening.

Mr Johns reported on the following:

· Attended AGMs for both the Alexandra Golf Club and the Alexandra Rugby Club.

· Ran a golf tournament for a local insurance group.

· Hosted over 200 visitors to the golf club.

· Talking with Otago Cricket regarding the upcoming ‘Super Smash’ series.

· Hosted an over-70s golf tournament.

Mr Hammington reported on the following:

· Attended the Blossom Festival AGM.

· Attended Clyde Museums AGM and Heritage Central Otago heritage talks.

Cr McPherson reported on the following:

· Noted the success of the library renovation and that he had received positive feedback on the improved facility.

Cr Claridge had nothing to report.

Cr Paterson reported on the following:

· Congratulated new Vincent Community Board Chair Jayden Cromb, deputy chair Dr Roger Browne and Cr Lynley Claridge on her appointment to the board.

· Attended a combined Central Otago Health Services Ltd. and Central Otago Health Inc. combined AGM, observing that this collaboration had synergies and helped reduce costs.

· Attended LGNZ Rural and Provincial combined sector meetings in Wellington, noting the focus on local collaboration.

· Attended a Central Otago A & P show meeting, and announced the date for the show is 8 February 2025.

Committee Resolution

Moved: Cromb

Seconded: Hammington

That the report be received.

Carried

9 Status Reports

24.11.11 December 2024 Governance Report

To report on items of general interest, receive minutes and updates from key organisations and consider the status report updates.

An update was given on the project to upgrade Little Valley Bridge.

Committee Resolution