Welcome to the Clutha District Council's online newsletter. It's distributed after council meetings and aims to keep our ratepayers and residents more informed about the decisions that were made during the meeting and any other timely information. If you haven't already subscribed, it's easy to sign up via our online newsletters webpage.
Petition about Footpaths
A petition was presented to Council on behalf of Holmdene residents about the state of the footpaths in the Balclutha township - particularly the routes from the rest home to Naish Park and the town centre. Following the presentation, Service Delivery Group Manager Jules Witt confirmed that a contract to do the foothpath work had now been awarded and it should begin in the next two weeks. The first part of the work to be carried out will be along Elizabeth St, which links Holmdene to the main street.
Annual Plan Feedback
Council heard verbal feedback on submissions to its 2017/18 Annual Plan. Eight people addressed the meeting on topics ranging from health education and healthy homes to a proposed cycle trail and community development funding. The 2017/18 Annual Plan will be formally adopted and the rates struck on 14 June 2017.
This year's plan indicates a 2.37% increase in rates, this is below what was forecast in the Long Term Plan for the 2017/18 year.
It also includes some changes to Council's work programme, mainly around the timing of projects.
However, some new projects have been identified, including a switch to LED street lighting. This follows confirmation that central government will fund 85% of the cost, so while converting the district's 1,500 streetlights would cost an estimated $1 million, Clutha District ratepayers will only pay $150,000 towards it.
Other projects are sewerage improvements to help meet resource consent requirements, money for projects in our parks and reserves and with confirmation of a funding contribution from NZTA, we will also be repairing the Hina Hina Bridge to keep it fully functioning.
Lawrence Swimming Pool Funds
At a meeting in April, the Lawrence-Tuapeka Community Board considered how to use the Lawrence Swimming Pool Reserves (funds of $143,000) for the future benefit of the community. Council has now approved the Community Board's recommendation that the money be applied to the loan for the Tuapeka Aquatic Centre, in particular the community services component of the loan. This will reduce the overall Lawrence Community Services rate by approximately $10,000 from 2017/18 and would mean a reduction of about $20 (incl. GST) for an average property in Lawrence and a reduction of about 35 cents to the Uniform Annual General Charge (UAGC) across the Clutha District.
Tahakopa Valley Road Bylaw
Consultation on a new bylaw for Tahakopa Valley Road was delayed until further information could be collated. The main reason a new bylaw was being considered was to give Council a mechanism for preventing damage to the road by stopping intensive periods of heavy traffic use in certain conditions - such as winter.
Tapanui Commonage Income
At the 18 May Council meeting, elected members agreed with the West Otago Community Board's recommendation that the $47,000 worth of income from commonage land be allocated for one year as follows: $15,000 to the West Otago Community Centre, $5,000 to the West Otago Swimming Pool and $27,000 to the fundraising committee for the pool. The allocation will be reviewed in 12 months time.
Beaumont Bridge Update
Council received an update from the NZ Transport Agency about the Beaumont Bridge replacement, and approved "in concept" the position of the new bridge and the associated realignment of State Highway 8. It also approved "in concept" the proposed changes to local roading infrastructure with the final designs to be approved at a later date.
Cameron Road Land Swap
Council agreed to the initiation of a land swap process for Cameron Road near Waipahi. This means a part stopping of the unformed section of the road and the creation of a new legal road reserve. There will be no change in public access and no financial implications for Council as the entire process is at the cost of the applicant who requested the land swap.
Growth Projections
A growth projections report was presented to Councillors as part of the planning process for the 2018/28 Long Term Plan. The report, prepared by consultants, looks ahead to 2048 and forecasts resident population, visitors, dwelling and rating units in the district - all key information for our future planning. Councillors agreed to adopt a medium growth scenario with projections that can be described as realistic and conservatively optimistic. In summary, it projects short-term population growth followed by a long-term decline but with steady growth in dwellings and rating units and a continued growth in visitors.
Section 17a Review
Section 17a of the Local Government Act requires all councils to undertake reviews to measure the cost-effectiveness of how they are delivering services. At this meeting, councillors approved our participation in detailed regional service reviews for solid waste, regulatory services, the three waters (water, wastewater and stormwater) and transportation.
Kaitangata Community Centre
Council confirmed its grant of $100,000 (+GST) towards the proposed community centre facility in Kaitangata. The Kaitangata Community Centre Charitable Trust was formed in 2015 and has now provided Council with all the necessary information and met the criteria for the grant to be awarded.
Contract Awarded
Contract 758 for the construction of a backwash treatment system at the Puerua Water Treatment Plant has been awarded to Roxburgh Excavation for $212,396. This work is being done to meet new resource consent requirements.
Staff Departure
The Chief Executive Steve Hill formally recorded his thanks on behalf of Council to Ingrid Keating - our receptionist for the past 23 years, who is resigning at the end of June. Ingrid has been the first face and voice of Council for many of our customers and has set the bar in customer service. We wish her all the best.
New Citizens
Council welcomed Mr and Mrs Natia from Samoa, the Garcia family from the Philippines and Mr Adams from Britain at the most recent citizenship ceremony. They are pictured below with Mayor Bryan Cadogan.