MINUTES
Ordinary Council Meeting
28 March 2023
Ordinary Council Meeting Minutes 28 March 2023
MINUTES
OF Mackenzie District
Council
Ordinary
Council Meeting
HELD AT THE Council
Chambers, Fairlie
ON Tuesday, 28
March 2023 AT 9.30am
PRESENT: Mayor Anne Munro, Deputy Mayor Karen Morgan (on Teams), Cr Kerry Bellringer, Cr Scott Aronsen, Cr Phillipa Guerin, Cr Rit Fisher, Cr Matt Murphy
IN ATTENDANCE: Angela Oosthuizen (Chief Executive), David Adamson (Acting General Manager Operations), Alexis Kereikeepa (General Manager, People, Customer and Cultural Relationships), Chris Clarke (General Manager, Information, Engagement and Community Development), Murray Dickson (General Manager Finance, Property and Commercial), Isaac Ryall (IT Support), Arlene Goss (Governance Advisor), John Mackie (Engineering Manager), Geoff Horler (Utilities Manager), Leaine Rush (Mayor’s Taskforce for Jobs), James Leslie (Pukaki Airport Manager), Brian Milne (Community Facilities Officer), Martin Homisan (Economic Development Officer), plus guests Anne Thomson, Wayne Dixon and Maureen McColl.
1 Karakia
The Mayor opened the meeting with a karakia.
An apology was received from Cr Murray Cox.
At 10.30am the meeting adjourned to recognise two people for their service to the community.
• Anne Thomson who has recently retired from Heartlands, was thanked for 42 years of service to the Fairlie community.
• Rit Fisher who has recently retired from the council’s Rural Travel Fund Grants Committee was thanked for 33 years of service to sport in Mackenzie.
This was followed by morning tea.
There were no declarations of interest.
Douglas Francis (Doug) Webb : Formerly of Albury. Died peacefully at Elloughton Gardens Rest Home, Timaru, on Sunday, March 26, aged 92. Dearly loved husband of the late Elsa. Much loved father and father-in-law of Judy, Steven, Paul and Rayleen.
Toni Annis: Formerly of Nixon’s Road, Fairlie. Died surrounded by family at Strathallan Lifecare, on Sunday, March 26. Dearly loved wife of the late Bob. Mother and mother-in-law of Richard (deceased), Jane and Doug Marett, Sarah and Neville (deceased).
Roger Belton: A high country forester from Ben Ohau Station. Passed away on March 6. Father of Lucie, Sophie and Alexis. Partner of Toni.
Jim McConnell: Former Mackenzie District councillor in the 1960s. Also his wife, Florence McConnell. Parents of Alistair McConnell. They farmed at Ashwick.
Pauline Mary Gallagher: Passed away at home in Fairlie on March 10, in her 87th year. Dearly loved wife of the late Tom. Mother of Corrine and the late Ian Swann, and Bryan, Barbara and Brian Tiffen, Sonia Gallagher and Murray, Raewyn and Neil Baxter, Paul and Ngaire, Craig and Tessa. Cherished Nana of 16 grandchildren and 15 great-grandchildren.
Jean Laurette Fosbender (nee Austin): Passed away peacefully at home in Albury on February 8. A dearly loved and cherished mother, mother-in-law, nana, great-nana and youngest sister of Dorothy Moore (dec), and Lesley Cambus.
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There were no questions from councillors. |
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Resolution 2023/36 Moved: Cr Matt Murphy Seconded: Cr Kerry Bellringer Carried |
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The chief executive updated the Councillors on Three Waters. She was expecting an announcement in the next few weeks regarding the re-focusing of this change by government. A new priority for Council was the need for housing across the district. Council needed to meet with key stakeholders and determine its role in this. A new engineering manager has been appointed, and other roles have been filled. Cr Morgan asked about the test and tagging of electrical equipment in the council offices. This has been completed for the Fairlie office and was being booked for the Twizel office. Cr Aronsen asked about a Three Waters meeting the chief executive attended. The chief executive said the meeting went ok, although there was a need to reach common ground on reserve balances. It was a good productive meeting. Rates impacts would come back to council. Cr Bellringer asked about a staff member who had resigned. He was informed this person had taken another role at Mackenzie District Council. |
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Resolution 2023/37 Moved: Cr Phillipa Guerin Seconded: Cr Matt Murphy 1. That the report be received. Carried |
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The purpose of this report was to agree on which key strategic projects should be prioritised and progressed first. Some of these projects have been identified through the Te Manahuna Ki Uta (TMKU) Destination Management Plan and funded through tranche one of the DIA’s Three Waters reform better off support package. Cr Morgan asked if the iwi storytelling project would be done by council or by iwi. The chief executive said it would be done in partnership, but it would be manawhenua-led. Cr Guerin asked about resourcing for project management. She felt eight percent was a little high. The chief executive said she would go back to the contractor to negotiate this. The Mayor said the amount was at the top end, and this should be the messaging that goes forward. Cr Morgan asked about the scoping for Simpson Lane. Given the issue of worker accommodation was there any intention to include this in the scope? The chief executive said council was determining the status of the land and whether there was a reserve status over this land. This would come back to council. Cr Murphy asked for a firm timeline for the Simpson Lane scoping work. Murray Dickson he was investigating further. The Mayor said it was important to get an understanding of this. A master plan for the three townships has also been requested by the three community boards. |
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Resolution 2023/38 Moved: Cr Kerry Bellringer Seconded: Cr Rit Fisher 1. That the report be received. Carried |
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Resolution 2023/39 Moved: Cr Scott Aronsen Seconded: Cr Kerry Bellringer 2. That the following projects are prioritised: a) Destination Mackenzie Branding b) Iwi Storytelling / Pou Whenua c) A20 Improvements d) Climate Change Plan 3. That further scoping work to be undertaken on the following projects : a) Guidelines for Rural Development b) Simpson Lane Concept Plan 4. That the programme be managed by an external resource, funded from a portion of the project budgets and that Council approve this an exemption to the procurement policy. 5. That Council approve the attached draft scope of works and budgets for the projects. Carried |
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This report addressed the proposed extension of the Twizel Wastewater scheme to the Lyford Lane area. Engineering manager John Mackie joined the meeting. David Adamson said this project is not included in the Long Term Plan, but the need for this work came from a water safety audit. Legal advice was that, with permission from DIA and public consultation, this project could go ahead. John Mackie said the problem was that nine properties had septic tanks that sat on top of the drinking water protection zone. There was a risk of contamination if these tanks leaked, and this was not acceptable. He then outlined what was needed to fix it and how much it would cost. He would like council to approve this so it could be taken out for public consultation, and it would then come back to council at a later date with the feedback. This could be funded from reserves or loan-funded. Cr Aronsen said this needed to be done as quickly as possible. Would people with existing systems need new tanks? Yes they would need to put these in, with two options for their existing systems. Cr Morgan said if they retired their old system, staff would need to make sure the old one was retired empty. David Adamson said retired tanks would be filled with dirt to make them safe. Cr Morgan said it was important to make infrastructure in Twizel resilient, because it was a long way to truck water in the event of an emergency. |
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Resolution 2023/40 Moved: Cr Matt Murphy Seconded: Cr Scott Aronsen That the Mackenzie District Council: a) Receives the report on the wastewater extension for Lyford Lane. Carried |
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Resolution 2023/41 Moved: Cr Kerry Bellringer Seconded: Deputy Mayor Karen Morgan b) Recognises the urgency of these works in providing a further barrier to contamination of the Twizel water supply. c) Approves in principle the servicing of the Lyford Land properties by pressure sewerage and the works be funded from reserves. d) Approve engagement to be undertaken on the extension of the Twizel Wastewater network to service Lyford Lane, Twizel. e) Notes that this engagement and subsequent decisions will be reported back to Council by 30 June 2023. Carried |
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Resolution 2023/42 Moved: Cr Matt Murphy Seconded: Cr Rit Fisher 1. That the report on the adoption of Plan Change 20 be received. Carried |
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Resolution 2023/43 Moved: Cr Kerry Bellringer Seconded: Mayor Anne Munro 2. That Council approve Plan Change 20 pursuant to Clause 17(1) of the Resource Management Act 1991. Carried |
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This was to seek delegations for staff attending Environment Court Mediation, as it relates to Plan Change 18 of the Mackenzie District Plan. David Adamson outlined the reason for the mediation process, which relates to a disagreement over the definition of improved pasture as opposed to unimproved land. Mediation was planned for April 18 and those staff representing council needed to be delegated to make decisions on behalf of council at the hearing. Legal counsel would also be present. The hearing will be held in Twizel. Cr Fisher said the definitions of those terms were critical to ongoing primary production and biodiversity in Mackenzie. |
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Resolution 2023/44 Moved: Cr Matt Murphy Seconded: Cr Rit Fisher 1. That the report on delegations relating to mediation for Plan Change 18 be received. Carried |
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Resolution 2023/45 Moved: Cr Phillipa Guerin Seconded: Cr Matt Murphy 2. That Aaron Hakkaart – Manager Planning and David Adamson – General Manager Operation attend Environment Court Mediation in whole, and Mayor Munro and Angela Oosthuizen attend in part, representing Mackenzie District Council in relation to Mackenzie District Council Plan Change 18 – Indigenous Biodiversity. 3. That Aaron Hakkaart – Manager Planning and David Adamson – General Manager Operations be delegated authority to enter into agreement as part of the Environment Court Mediation in relation to Mackenzie District Council Plan Change 18 – Indigenous Biodiversity; subject to providing the Mayor and Chief Executive regular updates on proposed outcomes and decisions. Carried |
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This report informed the Council about current matters concerning Pukaki Airport. Airport manager James Leslie joined the meeting and an apology was given on behalf of Fiona McQuade. James Leslie asked for any questions from the councillors. Cr Bellringer was concerned about hangar security lights at the airport being bright and unshaded. Cr Leslie has spoken to hangar owners and two lights have been pointed downwards. There is another hangar with bright lights that comply with council requirements, and he could ask if these could go on a timer. Will take further action. Cr Morgan asked about an MOU regarding a parachute landing zone. Mr Leslie said this has been done and a new MOU drafted between the council and Inflight. Cr Aronsen asked about the contaminated landfill issue. Murray Dickson said staff were currently formalising agreements with other parties before approaching Tricorp. The Mayor said councillors felt this was dragging on, and Mr Dickson said it would be resolved as quickly as possible. The Mayor asked about the height of buildings on the airport. Mr Leslie explained the current rules regarding height above the runway. Mr Leslie was planning to visit Manapouri Airport in May to investigate airport navigation equipment improvements. He has also completed the user handbook for airport users. |
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1. That the report be received for information. |
The meeting adjourned for morning tea at 10.35am and reconvened at 11.07am.
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This report recommended to Council changes to the Delegations Manual to ensure alignment with Council’s building control processes and structure. The Mayor summarised the main points in this report. The full Delegations Manual needed to be updated and brought back to Council for full consideration. |
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Resolution 2023/46 Moved: Cr Kerry Bellringer Seconded: Cr Matt Murphy 1. That the report on changes to the delegations manual for Building Control be received. Carried |
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Resolution 2023/47 Moved: Cr Matt Murphy Seconded: Cr Kerry Bellringer 2. That Council approve the changes to the delegations manual as outlined in the attachment Carried |
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Leaine Rush joined the meeting. Since writing the report she had reached the “15 employment positions” target. She has also met with other coordinators to learn about what was happening in other areas. The councillors did not have any questions.
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The report gives the Council an overview of activities within the parks and community facilities area. Brian Milne joined the table and updated the councillors on the main points in his report. David Adamson said a meeting was held regarding the verandas in Twizel. Only four of the 14 building owners turned up, but it was a positive meeting. A follow up letter has been sent and owners have been asked to reply. Brian Milne updated the councillors on progress with the Fairlie Campervan Dump Station. The current site being explored was next to the sewage pond. Might need to widen the road. This would need resource consent. Cr Aronsen asked about the Ohau Road Reserve landscaping plan. He did not see any provision for irrigation. Without water the trees would die. Mr Milne said the trees would be installed with tree buckets that would be manually watered. There were concerns about putting in drip irrigation, which was only needed for 2-3 years, as the trees would be self-sufficient after that. Cr Aronsen expressed concern that if the trees died the council would be in the firing line. The Mayor asked about the new Fairlie and Pukaki public toilets. Mr Milne updated her on some contract difficulties with these projects. Other matters in the report were also discussed. The Mayor asked for information about North West Arch and fire breaks, as she would be meeting with a group to discuss this later in the week. There were plans to continue lifting the branches to reduce fire risk. There was no plan at the moment to remove trees. Cr Guerin asked about the cycleway being built under the Peace Trees in Fairlie. There was a discussion on tree maintenance and finishing the cycleway. |
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Resolution 2023/48 Moved: Cr Kerry Bellringer Seconded: Cr Matt Murphy 1. That the Community Facilities and Services Operations report be received. Carried |
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The Mayor noted the main points in the report from the Emergency Management Officer. Chris Clarke then updated the councillors on the AF8 training event that was planned for Fairlie. |
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John Mackie and Geoff Horler joined the meeting. John Mackie went through the highlights of his report. Contractors were due to start on site at the new Fairlie water treatment plant any day now. And he was about to award the smart metering contract for Twizel. It was noted that the attachment was difficult to read and would need to have a different format to make it readable. The Mayor and chief executive expressed their appreciation for all the work carried out by staff to meet the requirements of the Three Waters Project. Cr Fisher said it was good to see a third road grader put into the Albury area. David Adamson updated on the need to improve the western carpark in Tekapo and outlined the difficulties with grit, which was removing paint from the road surface. A long-term solution was needed. The Mayor asked if larger culverts were being installed at Haldon Road. Yes, in the medium term. It was a capital programme. A new engineering manager would be starting at the council on Monday. John Mackie was thanked for his work as acting engineering manager in the interim. |
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Martin Homisan joined the meeting. Murray Dickson said he attended a tourism industry meeting and everyone noted the need for worker accommodation in the district. The Infometrics report showed improvements in key indicators. This represented an increase in international tourism. Markets were re-opening and Asia was coming back to New Zealand. Further arrivals from China would “take us back to a pre-covid situation”. The tourism team would report to council next month on the ‘end of March’ data. The Mayor noted that Mackenzie housing remained among the country’s least affordable. |
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Murray Dickson apologised for this report being late. He walked the councillors through the financial results and the reasons for variances. Questions on the financials included the following matters: · The emergency reinstatement of roads following recent flooding would change how the financial results looked. · Costs incurred around vandalism. What was this? This related to the destruction of road signs that occurred last year. This appeared to be a one-off event, but there were always signs needing to be replaced. · The cost of consultants would drop with more new salaried staff coming on board. |
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Resolution 2023/49 Moved: Cr Phillipa Guerin Seconded: Cr Kerry Bellringer Carried |
8 Community Board Recommendations
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8.1 Minutes of Twizel Community Board Meeting - 1 February 2023 |
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Resolution 2023/50 Moved: Cr Kerry Bellringer Seconded: Cr Scott Aronsen 1. That the Minutes of the Twizel Community Board Meeting held on Wednesday 1 February 2023 be received. 2. That Council notes the following resolutions passed by the Twizel Community Board: a) That a grant of $500 be approved to the Swim Ruataniwha towards a spot prize for the public swimming event on February 23. b) That the Man-Made Hill Development and Maintenance plan be updated to implement the project over a three-year period from 2023 to 2026, subject to annual plan approval. c) That funding of $3,500 be approved from the Township Project fund, for the planting of 7 Totaras. d) That the addition of the machinery and future area as proposed at the Machinery Display on Wairepo Rd, in the letter of 16 January 2023, from the Twizel Heritage Group, be approved. e) That the Twizel Community Board requests that staff call for expressions of interest across South Canterbury and North Otago for organisations interested in the lease of Greta Lodge. Carried |
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8.2 Minutes of Twizel Community Board Meeting - 27 February 2023 |
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Resolution 2023/51 Moved: Cr Kerry Bellringer Seconded: Cr Scott Aronsen 1. That the Minutes of the Twizel Community Board Meeting held on Monday 27 February 2023 be received. 2. That Council notes the following resolutions passed by the Twizel Community Board: a) That a grant of $500 be approved to Twizel Early Learning Centre towards improving the sandpit area. b) That a grant of $500 be approved to the Twizel Little Movers group towards meeting room hire. Carried |
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8.3 Minutes of Tekapo Community Board Meeting - 30 January 2023 |
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Resolution 2023/52 Moved: Cr Matt Murphy Seconded: Cr Kerry Bellringer 1. That the Minutes of the Tekapo Community Board Meeting held on Monday 30 January 2023 be received. 2. That Council notes the following resolutions passed by the Tekapo Community Board: a) That Caroll Simcox be elected deputy chairperson of the Tekapo Community Board. b) That the Tekapo Community Board puts on hold plans to purchase a bike repair stand for the A2O Start, $4,452. The installation is estimated at $500. c) That the Tekapo Community Board puts on hold plans to purchase 8 Planter Boxes at $500 each and cover the costs of their planting. d) That the Tekapo Community Board approves the purchase and installation of 4 new picnic tables, previously quoted at $2,780, with an estimated installation cost of $500 each. e) That the Tekapo Community Board approves the purchase and installation of a new drinking fountain to be placed at the entrance to the domain playground $2800, the estimated installation and water connection cost is $1500 f) That the Tekapo Community Board agrees to workshop a policy for the future naming of roads in Tekapo, for council consideration. g) That a draft brief for the engagement of landscape design services for the enhancement of the lakefront reserve areas from the hot pools to the outlet river bridge be prepared for the Tekapo Community Board’s consideration. Carried |
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8.4 Minutes of Fairlie Community Board Meeting - 9 February 2023 |
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Resolution 2023/53 Moved: Cr Matt Murphy Seconded: Cr Kerry Bellringer 1. That the Minutes of the Fairlie Community Board Meeting held on Thursday 9 February 2023 be received. 2. That Council notes the following resolutions passed by the Fairlie Community Board: a) That the Fairlie dog park area be named “Fairlie Dog Park”, with a plaque to recognise Les Blacklock at the gate. b) That the Community Board supports the purchase of land adjoining the cemetery to extend its capacity, with acquisition of the maximum area available. c) That a grant of $250 be approved to the Fairlie Golf Club towards updating a toilet block and clubhouse renovation. d) That a grant of $250 be approved to John Anderson Arboretum to erect an information board at the entrance of both arboretums. Carried |
The Mayor asked for more information about the purchase of cemetery land in Fairlie.
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Resolution 2023/54 Moved: Cr Kerry Bellringer Seconded: Cr Matt Murphy That the Minutes of the Council Meeting held on Tuesday 28 February 2023 be received and confirmed as an accurate record of the meeting. Carried |
Action for Mayor Anne to write a letter to the Minister of Conservation.
Cr Bellringer noted that the abbreviation for Department of Conservation is DOC and Department of Corrections is DoC.
The meeting adjourned for lunch at 12.28pm and reconvened at 12.55pm.
RESOLUTION TO EXCLUDE THE PUBLIC
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Resolution 2023/55 Moved: Cr Phillipa Guerin Seconded: Cr Kerry Bellringer 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:
Carried |
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Resolution 2023/56 Moved: Cr Phillipa Guerin Seconded: Cr Kerry Bellringer That Council moves out of Closed Council into Open Council. Carried |
The Meeting closed at 1.20pm with a karakia from the Mayor.
The minutes of this meeting were confirmed at the Ordinary Council Meeting held on 2 May 2023.
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CHAIRPERSON