Waihi Beach Community Board Meeting Minutes

19 April 2021

 

   MINUTES OF Western Bay of Plenty District Council
Waihi Beach Community Board Meeting No. WB21-2
HELD IN THE Waihi Beach Community Centre
ON Monday, 19 April 2021 AT 6.30pm

 

1            Present

Member R Goudie (Chairperson), Member M Roberts, Member B Hulme, Member D Ryan,                 Cr J Denyer and Cr A Henry

2            In Attendance

G Allis (Deputy CEO/Group Manager Infrastructure Services), A Hall (Roading Engineer West) and P Osborne (Senior Governance Advisor)

15 members of the public, including Katikati Community Board Member Clements

3            Apologies

Nil

4            Consideration of Late Items

The Chairperson advised there was one late item for the Board to consider for inclusion in the open section of the agenda, being Waihi Beach Historical Trail Information Boards.

The reason that this item was not included on the agenda was due to the information not being available in time and it could not be delayed to the next scheduled Board meeting because the Waihi Beach Community Board wished to progress the project.

Resolution  WB21-2.1

Moved:       Cr A Henry

Seconded:  Cr J Denyer

That in accordance with Section 46A (7) of the Local Government Official Information and Meetings Act the following item be considered as a late item of open business:

9.7     Waihi Beach Historical Trail Information Boards

 

Carried

 

5            Declarations of Interest

The Chairperson reminded members of the need to be vigilant and to stand aside from decision making when a conflict arises between their role as an elected representative and any private or other external interest that they may have.

Members were advised that if they had an interest (actual, potential, perceived, pecuniary or non pecuniary interest) in any item on the agenda, then they must declare this interest and refrain from discussing or voting on this item and are advised to withdraw from the meeting table for the item.

(As per the Local Authorities (Members’ Interest) Act 1968)

·         Member Roberts declared an interest in item 9.7 Waihi Beach Historical Trail Information Boards.

6            Public Excluded Items

Nil

7            Public Forum

The Chairperson outlined the protocols relating to the Public Forum section of the meeting as set out in the Standing Orders for the Waihi Beach Community Board. Attending members of the public were invited to take part in the public forum.

Public Forum Adjourn Meeting

Resolution  WB21-2.2

Moved:       Cr A Henry

Seconded:  Member D Ryan

That the meeting adjourn for the purpose of holding a public forum.

Carried

 

Ruth Parsons – Broadlands Block Rejuvenation Committee

Ms Parsons provided the Board with the below updates:

·         Thanked Rachel Coll, principal of Waihi Beach Primary School, for undertaking discussions with local iwi and confirmed a new name for “Broadlands Block”. The Broadlands Block Rejuvenation Committee would like to put forward a request to Council for an official name change to “Te Mata”.

·         Approval from iwi to progress work had been sought.

·         Spraying was undertaken by Waihi Environmental Trust (W.E.T).

·         A quote had been received from W.E.T of $800 to undertake clearing of weeds for the area adjacent to the skate park.

·         First planting of close to a thousand native trees will start on 25 June 2021, to coincide with Matariki. An invite will go out to community members.

·         The Broadlands Block Rejuvenation Committee will be applying for Council’s Matching Fund Grant for this ongoing project.

Ms Parsons also asked Council why it was taking so long for Waihi Beach to get CCTV cameras, when other towns in the District already had them. The Deputy Chief Executive noted that if Council approved the $50,000 a year for CCTV cameras, there would be a prioritisation process to identify where the greatest demand was. This will initially be undertaken in conjunction with the Police, and review of the current crime statistics.

The Board noted that they have included this in their Long Term Plan (LTP) submission, and they will be submitting an application if the CCTV Policy is approved by Council.

 

Nicky Austin – Waihi Beach Events and Promotions

Ms Austin was in attendance on behalf of Waihi Beach Events and Promotions, noting the below updates:

·         A plan for the year had been produced, allowing the group to also create a strong funding plan.

·         The Eco-Walking Festival was in progress, and with the help of good promotion, a majority of the walks had been sold out. Due to rain the festival would most likely span across three weeks rather than two weeks.

·         TIDE Waihi Beach will be happening 28 April 2021.

·         Waihi Beach “Beach Clean Up Autumn” will be happening at the end of May 2021.

·         Events and Promotions are taking over the “Over the Top Fun Run”.

·         ANZAC Bay Event “Summer Kick Off” was in the works, with more information to come at the next Waihi Beach Community Board meeting.

·         The Autumn addition of the “It’s about time” magazine had been produced and the Winter addition was now underway.

·         The Walking and Cycleway brochure will be released shortly, following information on the new Trig Walkway being received.

·         Events and Promotions had been undertaking ‘Relationship Building’ with Council, Creative Bay of Plenty, Tourism Bay of Plenty and The Fox. It was also noted that the group had conversations with Dave MacCalman from Halberg Trust, regarding funding options for the disability beach mats.

The Board was informed of the opening hours for the Information Centre heading into Winter, noting that the reason this has been closed some days, is due to volunteers being unwell.

 

Doug Longdill – Waihi Beach Environment Society

Mr Longdill was in attendance to provide the Board with an update regarding trapping that the Waihi Beach Environment Society had undertaken over the last few months.

There were people trapping in the Athenree Wetlands, the Beach Road Gorge area, Orakawa Reservoir, Bowentown Reserve and 3 Mile Creek areas. There had been a lot of success over the last few months in the number of pests that had been caught due to the trapping that was undertaken.

The Society noted that they struggle to find volunteers to help with the trapping lines, and that despite the work that the Society was doing, there was still a lot of work that could be done, especially within the Orakawa Area.

The Society noted that, if there were any initiatives from Council in relation to pest control, they would like to collaborate. 

The Board noted that there was a Predator Free Hui being held 3 May 2021, and that on 5 May 2021, at the Waihi Beach Library, a Council Staff member would be available to discuss Matching Fund applications.

 

Mike Hickey – Various Items

Mr Hickey was in attendance to speak on the below items:

·         Thanked Council for the tarsealing that has been completed around town; and

·         Requested that the Community Board receive notification once the proposed new apartments consent was received. Mr Hickey was of the belief that this should be publicly notified.

Mr Hickey raised the on-going issue relating to dogs on beaches, asking Council how members of the public could recognise the monitors and community ambassadors, and why they were not patrolling the full hours that dogs were prohibited from the Beach i.e. weekends. Mr Hickey gave two examples of incidents that had occurred since the last meeting.

The Board noted that Cheryl Steiner had consulted with the Community Board following the last Community Board meeting.

 

John Clements – Smart Technologies Future Conference

Mr Clements was in attendance to inform the Board on the successful Smart Technologies Future Conference held for community members from Waihi Beach to Katikati, to enhance digital capability. Mr Clements also noted that there was an introduction for all residents, to the Katikati Hub, and that the Katikati Library will be offering digital courses for those interested. 


 

Bryce Bevin – Waihi Beach Action Plan

Mr Bevin was in attendance to speak to the Board about the Katikati-Waihi Beach Action Plan, noting that he was of the opinion that nothing on the action plan had been achieved.

Mr Bevin gave his opinion on what he believed could be done to help action some of the items.

The Board was advised that the speed signs are being installed throughout the district, and are currently working in the Te Puke/Paengaroa end of the District. The installation of the new speed signs has a goal end date of mid May 2021. 

The Board noted that they will discuss pedestrian crossings with the Roading Engineer (West) at their upcoming workshop.

 

Keith Hay – Katikati-Waihi Beach Residents and Ratepayers Association

Mr Hay was in attendance to highlight the below issues to the Board:

·         He was of the belief that the minutes from the 22 February 2021 meeting were incorrect, and that Mr Don Oliver did not represent the Waihi Beach Residents and Ratepayers Association;

·         He was of the belief that trucks carting rocks from The Crescent were overloaded, and was concerned that this would impact and cause damage to the new road seal; and

·         Wanted an update on the Waihi Beach Sewerage Plant, to which he was informed that this was operating fine, but was in a temporary mode at the moment until the permanent repairs were undertaken. The normal monitoring continues and was meeting compliance.

 

Jim Cowen – Various Items

Mr Cowen spoke to the Board about the Elizabeth Street Carpark and Reserve and sought the Boards support and recommendation for a clay bank to be made here. This would allow for some more planting to be made during Winter 2021.

Mr Cowen would also like to see a sign at the Skate Bowl behind the Community Centre to stop the users from leaving rubbish. Members of the public were in support of this, noting that this area needed to be looked after properly.

 

Anthony Thompson – Retirement Home proposed on an old Kiwifruit Orchard

Mr Thompson was in attendance to ask the Board how Council was planning on bringing the proposed retirement home to the attention of the public.

 

Public Forum Meeting Reconvened

Resolution  WB21-2.3

Moved:       Cr A Henry

Seconded:  Member B Hulme

That the meeting reconvene in formal session at 7.16pm.

Carried

 


 

8            Minutes for Confirmation

8.1         Minutes of the Waihi Beach Community Board Meeting held on 22 February 2021

The Board considered the minutes from the meeting held 22 February 2021, noting the point that Mr Hay made in Public Forum.

It was agreed that the Board would confirm the name of the association that Mr Oliver represented at the 22 February 2021 Waihi Beach Community Board meeting.

 

Resolution  WB21-2.4

Moved:       Cr J Denyer

Seconded:  Member M Roberts

That the Minutes of the Waihi Beach Community Board Meeting held on 22 February 2021, as circulated with the agenda, be confirmed as a true and accurate record, following confirmation of the association that Mr Oliver represented at this meeting.

Carried

 

9            Reports

9.1         Waihi Beach Community Board Chairpersons Report - April 2021

The Board considered a report from the Chairperson. The report was taken as read with further discussion on the below items.

Bike Racks

The Board noted that the Waihi Beach Community Centre Hall would like to have the bike racks reinstalled. There was a discussion around the types of bike racks and if it would be best for the Community Board to upgrade the racks to one of the new and improved options, to which the Board agreed would be most appropriate.

Welcome to Waihi Beach entranceway project

Member Hulme provided the Board with an update regarding the entranceway project, noting that they were still awaiting designs that could be taken out for consultation. There should be a further update available at the next meeting.

Cycleway/Walkway

Member Ryan highlighted a priorities, objective, requirements and decisions document to sit aside Resolution 2 within the Infrastructure Report.

The Roading Engineer (West) had a drive around with two Board members to discuss cycle and walkway signage options and requirements. From this it was noted that the Roading Engineer (West) would create a plan for the Community Board to consider at an upcoming workshop. This would allow the Board to create a comprehensive plan, highlighting easy to achieve areas, and priorities.

The Roading Engineer (West) noted that they could not paint a designated “cyclist only” lane on the road, as there was not enough width to maintain credible safe width, however it was noted that the Board could look into ‘Sharrow Markings’ to create further awareness on the roads.

 

The Chairperson noted that there had been some confusion around the pathway by ‘The Shake’, and whether this was private property or not. The Roading Engineer (West) noted that he believed this was private property, however would confirm this for the Board. 

Long Term Plan (LTP)

Councillor Henry acknowledged the effort from the Board on their LTP submission, including the presentation given at the formal ‘Have Your Say’ opportunity presented to Council on 6 April 2021.

 

Resolution  WB21-2.5

Moved:       Member R Goudie

Seconded:  Cr A Henry

That the Chairperson’s report dated 19 April 2021, titled ‘Waihi Beach Community Board Chairpersons Report – April 2021’, be received.

Carried

Resolution  WB21-2.6

Moved:       Member D Ryan

Seconded:  Member B Hulme

The Waihi Beach Community Board give approval for two new Bike Racks to be installed at the Waihi Beach Community Centre and two replacement racks to be installed outside of the Information Centre, following agreement with Waihi Beach Events and Promotions. This will be funded under the Urban Cycleways Improvement project.

Carried

 

9.2         Waihi Beach Community Board Councillor's Report - April 2021

The Board considered a report from Councillor Henry. The report was taken as read, with further discussion on the Kerbside Rubbish Collection.

The Deputy Chief Executive noted that the bins will start to be delivered in May 2021, and that there had been two main issues that arose from the communities around the District.

1.    There was now an agreement around the ‘Assisted Service’ which had a high criteria; and

2.    The ‘Put Back Service’ (which would be for areas like Waihi Beach and Pukehina Beach) would help those who do not permanently live at the beach. It was noted that there would be an extra cost for this service.

Member Ryan asked about the input that the Community Board had into the LTP key proposal for ‘Maintaining our Roading Network’. It was noted that the input sought through the community or Community Board was through Levels of Service, or the setting of the re-sealing policy.

 

Resolution  WB21-2.7

Moved:       Cr A Henry

Seconded:  Member R Goudie

That the Councillor’s report dated 19 April 2021, titled ‘Waihi Beach Community Board Councillor’s Report – April 2021, be received.

Carried

 

 

9.3         Live Well Waihi Beach - Extension of Term for Facilitator

The Board considered a report from the Senior Governance Advisor. The report was taken as read with the Board noting that the extension was to maintain the website and newsletter, as well as the relationships/connections that had already been established.

 

Resolution  WB21-2.8

Moved:       Cr J Denyer

Seconded:  Member D Ryan

1.    That the report dated 19 April 2021 titled ‘Live Well Waihi Beach – Extension of Term for Facilitator’, be received.

2.    That the report relates to an issue that is considered to be of low significance in terms of Council’s Significance and Engagement Policy.

3.    That Waihi Beach Community Board approves an extension to the contract term for the Live Well Waihi Beach facilitator up to 30 June 2021.

Carried

 

9.4         Infrastructure Services Report Waihi Beach Community Board April 2021

The Board considered a report from the Deputy Chief Executive. The report was taken as read with further discussion on the below items.

Transportation – Road Improvements LED Lighting

The Board noted that Tauranga City Council (TCC) may not be able to complete the LED lighting installation in time to qualify for the NZTA subsidy, and sought clarification from the Deputy Chief Executive as to whether this could be the same case for WBOPDC. Council has been assured that the $1.7 million approved for LED lighting at the 85% NZTA subsidy, would be spent by 30 June 2021.

 

Pio Shores and Bowentown Lighting Column Concerns

The Board asked if it was possible to get an update on when the Pio Shores lighting column pole replacements should take place.

 

Waihi Beach Cycle Path Signs and Markings Review

Member Ryan clarified that this work would not commence prior to discussions with the Community Board. The Board will discuss and review the draft plan with the Roading Engineer (West) at an upcoming workshop.

 

Trig Walkway Loop Track

The Deputy Chief Executive noted that this project will not be completed in May 2021. Due to delays with contractors and archaeological finds on the route, and it looked to be tracking about six weeks behind schedule.

 

Waihi Beach to Athenree Shared Path

The Board was informed that there was a hui last week to receive feedback from tangata whenua regarding a fourth potential route (as sent out to the Community Board 16 March 2021). There was an agreement of option four from tangata whenua. The Board requested that Member Ryan is kept ‘in the loop’ regarding the progress of this project and that this be an item on the next Community Board agenda.

 

Resolution  WB21-2.9

Moved:       Cr J Denyer

Seconded:  Member M Roberts

1.    That the Deputy Chief Executive’s Report, dated 19 April 2021 and titled ‘Infrastructure Services Report Waihi Beach Community Board April 2021’ be received.

2.    That the Waihi Beach Community Board, Council staff and the Waihi Beach Cycle Trails        Charitable Trust develop the Cycleway Masterplan for Waihi Beach.

Carried

 

9.5         Financial Report Waihi Beach - February 2021

The Board considered a report from the Management Accountant. The report was taken as read, with Board members noting that this Financial Report was a lot easier to follow than previous reports.

Broadlands Block Reserve Concept Plan

Following the public forum item from Ms Parsons, the Board noted that there was a formal naming process for Reserves, which included public consultation. It was noted that this would be unlikely to be completed by Matariki 2021.

 

Resolution  WB21-2.10

Moved:       Cr A Henry

Seconded:  Member D Ryan

That the Management Accountant’s report dated 19 April 2021 and titled “Financial Report Waihi Beach – February 2021” be received.

Carried

 

9.6         Council, Standing Committees and Community Board Meetings

Resolution  WB21-2.11

Moved:       Cr A Henry

Seconded:  Member M Roberts

That the draft meeting schedule for April, May and June 2021, be received.

Carried

 


 

 9.7        Waihi Beach Historical Trail Information Boards

Member Roberts declared an interest in this item and took no part in the voting.

The Board considered a report from the Senior Governance Advisor. The report was taken as read with further discussion regarding the wording of the steps, which was agreed to be amended as follows;

1.    The Board reaffirm their financial commitment of $10,000, as noted in resolution WB20-5.11.

2.    A letter updating mana whenua of the Historical Trail information project is to be sent to Te Whanau o Tauwhao ki Otawhiwhi, Ngati te Wai and Ngai te Rangi, following review by Council’s Māori Relationships and Engagement Advisor. A copy of the letter will be forwarded to Board members.

3.    That the content and design of the Historical Trail information also feature on the Waihi Beach Community Events and Promotions website.

4.    When the final Historical Trail content is finalised and confirmed by the Waihi Beach Community Board, the placement and installation of the Historical Trail QR Code Signs will be undertaken, under the guidance of Western Bay of Plenty District Council staff.

The Board also agreed that they would like to confirm/approve the content, as it would appear online to the user.

 

The Board thanked the Deputy Chairperson for her work on this project.

 

Resolution  WB21-2.12

Moved:       Cr J Denyer

Seconded:  Cr A Henry

1.      1.    That the Senior Governance Advisor’s report dated 19 April 2021, titled ‘Waihi Beach     Historical Trail Information Boards’, be received.

2.      2.    That the Waihi Beach Community Board reaffirm their financial commitment of $10,000 (approved in resolution WB20-5.11) towards the Waihi Beach Historical Trails project detailed          by Member Roberts in her proposal, to be funded from the Waihi Beach Community Board        Reserve Account.

3.      3.    That the steps 1-4 to progress the project as outlined in the ‘Waihi Beach Historical Trail        Information Boards’ report WB21-2, be implemented.

Carried

 

The Meeting closed at 8.35pm.

 

The minutes of this meeting were confirmed at the Waihi Beach Community Board held on 14 June 2021.

 

 

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

Member R Goudie

CHAIRPERSON