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14 AUGUST 1996
A meeting of the Parks and Recreation Committee
was held on Wednesday 14 August 1996 at 4.00 pm
The Mayor,
Councillors Graham Berry, David Buist,
Graham Condon, David Cox and Ishwar Ganda.
IN ATTENDANCE: Councillors David Close and Ron Wright.
APOLOGIES: Apologies for absence were received and
accepted from Councillors Carole Anderton
and Gail Sheriff.
The Mayor arrived at 4.20 pm, retired at
5.20 pm and was present for clauses 1, 2,
6, 9, 10, 14 and 16.
The Committee reports that:
PART A - MATTERS REQUIRING A COUNCIL DECISION
1. ASSIGNMENT OF LEASE FROM UNION ROWING CLUB INC
TO THE ARAWA CANOE CLUB INCORPORATED RR 3438
Officer responsible
|
Author
|
| Parks
Manager
|
John
Allen, Area Parks Officer
|
| Corporate
Plan Output: Consents and Applications
|
The purpose of this report is to seek Council approval to the assignment of the Union Rowing Club's lease over its original site at Porritt Park containing the building known as the Old Union Shed to the Arawa Canoe Club Incorporated.
The Applicant
The Arawa Canoe Club was incorporated in 1968, and recently has seen major growth. In 1991 the club had approximately 35 members, no premises and few craft. The club now has 104 members. The club has had possession of the Old Union Shed which is sited in the Union Rowing Club's lease area since 1 September 1991 under an informal agreement. The club has made substantial improvements to the building since taking possession. The building has been fitted out with 50 kayak storage racks, weights room, meeting room, storeroom, male and female ablutions. The club's principal assets include one touring K1 (a stable training boat), three K1s, three K2s, and two K4s, including the historic and magnificently crafted wooden K4 from the 1984 Olympic Games. The club also owns a
trailer for up to 20 boats and six paddles for learners. The clubrooms and craft are being utilised for the introduction of surf and multi-sports paddlers. It is hoped eventually to provide a full schools programme. The club organises local sprint racing, and is the host club when national events are held in the South Island, the last being in 1995.
History
The Union Rowing Club originally moved to the site when it vacated its town site in Oxford Terrace after the weir in the Avon River was removed. Since that time the Union and Canterbury Rowing Clubs have combined resources to build their present club rooms, and storage facilities on Porritt Park adjacent to Kerrs Reach which is commonly known as the Leander Club. The Union Rowing Club now finds that their original facility is redundant to their requirements, hence their willingness to sell their improvements and assign their lease to the Arawa Canoe Club.
Proposed Assignment
Both clubs have signed a sale and purchase agreement for the assignment of the lease from the Union Rowing Club Inc to the Arawa Canoe Club Inc subject to Council approval. The agreed price for the improvements on the lease area is $25,000 + GST. The Arawa Canoe Club is financing this cost by way of a $5,000 grant from Trustbank Canterbury Community Trust, a $12,500 loan from the Council's Metropolitan Funding Committee for a period of five years and the balance ($7,500) being made up of cash in hand. The club had fixed assets at 31 March 1996 balance date of approximately $21,000. Officers of the Council believe that the club is in a good financial position and therefore able to sustain the $12,500 loan.
All costs associated with the assignment of this lease to the Arawa Canoe Club Inc are to be paid for by the applicant.
Recommendation: 1. That the Council approve the assignment as outlined above, subject to the associated costs being met by the applicant.
2. That the Property Manager be authorised to complete the necessary documentation to facilitate the assignment.
2. WINDSOR PONY CLUB LEASE RR 3356
Officer responsible
Author
Parks
Manager
Anne
Cosson, Area Parks Support Officer
Corporate
Plan Output: Consents and Applications
The purpose of this report is to seek approval to renew the Windsor Pony Club's lease.
The Windsor Pony Club leased area is situated on Clare Park. The leased area is part of Lot 3 DP 39652 an area of 7.5630 ha. This area is zoned Open Space 2 (District Recreation and Open Space) in the Draft Christchurch City Plan.
The Windsor Pony Club signed its original lease in 1981. Since then it has been renewed a number of times. The pony club has established club rooms, storage sheds, dressage arena and various jumping equipment on its lease area.
At present the club has a membership of 42, comprising:
- Senior members 7
- Junior members 15
- Life time members 8
- Adult members 12
At present the pony club has a standard parks lease over the area. It is recommended that the lease be amended to a Lease/Licence to Occupy. Discussions have been held with the Windsor Pony Club. The main reason for the change is that under a lease the pony club has exclusive rights to the area, which means members of the public may only have right of access with permission of the lessee. Under a Licence, members of the public would have access to the area. (A clause in the Licence, could limit public access during events, for which public notification would be required.) Area Parks staff have verbally discussed this with the Club President, who is satisfied with the change to the leasing arrangement.
The Hagley Park Horse Riding School and the Sumnervale Horse Riding School, have both had their leases altered to a Lease/Licence to Occupy.
It is recommended that the Windsor Pony Club be granted a lease over its present club rooms (50 m2) and dressage arena (800 m2). The Licence to Occupy would cover the balance of the area the club currently leases.
The above report was submitted to the August meeting of the Burwood/Pegasus Community Board. The Board referred the report to the Committee with the recommendation that the application be approved subject to the conditions recommended by the Parks Manager.
The Committee also supported the amended leasing arrangements. A request for a sign to be erected on the boundary of the equestrian area clarifying public access rights was noted by the staff.
Recommendation: That the Windsor Pony Club be granted a lease for five years for the area of 850 m2 on which the present club rooms and dressage arena are sited and a licence to occupy over the balance of the 7.4780 ha, subject to the following conditions:
1. All costs associated with this application, the resulting development and maintenance to be met by the club.
2. The area to be left in a clean and safe condition at all times, to the satisfaction of the Parks Manager.
3. Noxious weeds control to be the club's responsibility.
4. The club to give public notification of its calendar of events before the beginning of each season.
5. The terms of the lease and licence to be negotiated by the Property Manager, in association with the Parks Manager; the lease to include a clause giving the Council the right to resume the whole or any part of the land by giving the licensee three months' notice of its intention to determine the lease.
3. CHAMPION RESERVE RR 3358
Officer Responsible
Author
Parks
Manager
Rod
Whearty, Area Parks Officer
Gilbert Van Schaijik, Property Projects Manager
Corporate
Plan Output: Unspecified reserve purchases
The purpose of this report is to obtain Council approval to undertake a land exchange agreement with the owner of a property adjoining the Champion Reserve.
BACKGROUND
Shirley/Papanui Community Board members met on site recently with local residents to discuss a number of issues relating to Champion Reserve. The matter of security and safety for park users was raised at the meeting and staff were asked to investigate opportunities for resolving the problem.
The physical layout of the park is far from ideal and does not sit comfortably within the Council's "Safer Parks" policy due mainly to a very narrow street frontage. The reserve opens out into a much larger area at the rear of the site which is obscured by residential properties on the street frontage. This provides an area of potential entrapment and may lead to opportunities for undesirable activities that are not visible from the street.
The previous Shirley/Papanui Community Board was also aware that the current situation was highly undesirable and had visited the site on a previous occasion looking at the security aspect.
It was generally acknowledged that the only realistic solution to the problem would be the acquisition of adjacent residential properties to open the park up to the street frontage, thus removing the secluded rear portion.
CURRENT
Parks Unit Staff recently approached owners of two adjoining properties to establish if there were any potential opportunities for the Council to purchase at some point in the future.
The Parks Unit's initial intention was to negotiate a written agreement with the property owners whereby they would give the Council first option on their property if they decided to sell. Further to that the Council would agree to purchase their property in two or three years at the current market value for that time.
The time delay was necessary because some major reserve purchases have all but fully committed the funds for the next two financial years.
The initial discussions revealed that one of the property owners had a Certificate of Compliance to undertake a major development on the site and was due to commence work within a matter of days. The property owner was not in a position to wait that length of time for Council funds to become available.
On that basis the only other option was to negotiate a land exchange whereby the property owner would take land at the rear of the reserve and the Council would receive land at the front, effectively opening up the park frontage to the street.
LAND EXCHANGE
Negotiations and comparative valuations with the property owner have been undertaken by the Property Unit. The details are included in the Public excluded portion of this agenda.
The plan attached to the public excluded section of this agenda shows the area at the rear of the existing reserve which would be developed by the property owner. The Council in exchange receives the entire property at 132 Champion Street and a front portion of 134-136 Champion Street.
Although the net area of the existing reserve is reduced it is important to note that the actual usable area of the reserve has been significantly increased. The park now has a much wider street frontage with no secluded rear area.
LAND STATUS
The existing Champion Reserve is held by the Council for recreation grounds pursuant to Section 601 of the Local Government Act 1974 and therefore the disposal of that land will not require the Council to go through formal Reserve revocation procedures or obtain consent from the Minister of Conservation for the land exchange.
PLANNING CONSIDERATIONS
The Environmental Administration Unit has advised that the residential development proposal will require the applicant to obtain a Notified Resource Consent.
The Resource Consent is required due to the fact that the proposal is undertaking residential development on land currently zoned Open Space 1 in the Proposed Plan and Recreation 1 in the Christchurch Section of the Transitional District Plan.
Due to the fact that the Parks Unit is also promoting the proposal the Council is effectively a joint applicant. Therefore the Resource Consent will need to go before a Council appointed Commissioner as an independent third party. This process requires public notification and will take a minimum of three months.
CONCLUSION
The existing layout of Champion Reserve is far from satisfactory and is a major limiting factor on the usage of the reserve by local residents.
Property acquisition is the only effective solution to solving the problem. If the proposed development of the two adjacent residential properties were to proceed as planned, given that the existing owner already has a Certificate of Compliance to undertake the development, then the Council would be looking at a substantially larger cost to rectify the situation.
In reality the reserve layout would remain unchanged for the next 60-80 years short of the Council spending in excess of $1,000,000.
The Parks Unit believes that the current proposal is a very good alternative and will significantly increase the usability of Champion Reserve.
Champion Reserve is located in a Living 2 Zone which allows for medium density residential development. Combine this with the fact that the area is recognised as being deficient in Open Space then it is imperative that any existing reserves are utilised to their optimum potential.
In light of the above circumstances it is recommended that the Council approve the land exchange and that formal procedures for the exchange be initiated as soon as possible.
SECTION 230 REQUIREMENT
In order for disposal of the land to comply with the provision of Section 230 of the Local Government Act 1974 it is necessary that Council adopt the following resolution.
Pursuant to Section 230 of the Local Government Act 1974 the Christchurch City Council hereby resolves to dispose of the land described in the following Schedule.
Part of that parcel of land comprising 2920 square metres or thereabouts (subject to survey) being shown as part Lots 1 and 2 on Deposited Plan No 16838 and being part of the land contained in Certificate of Title 583/96.
The above report was considered by the Shirley/Papanui Community Board at its meeting on 7 August 1996. In view of the Board's commitment to the Safer Parks Policy and the Children's Strategy, the Board strongly supported the land exchange and resolved to recommend to this Committee that the officers' recommendation be adopted.
Recommendation: 1. That the land exchange as outlined in the Property Manager's report be approved.
2. That the formal procedures required for the resource consent application be initiated as soon as possible.
3. That the Council adopt the above resolution pursuant to Section 230 of the Local Government Act 1974.
4. That the staff work with the Community Board to bring an "adopt a park" scheme for the reserve to reality.
4. CEMETERY HEADSTONES RR 3449
Officer responsible
|
Author
|
| Parks
Manager
|
Richard
Holland, Parks Policy and Quality Control Manager
|
| Corporate
Plan Output: Cemeteries
|
The purpose of this report is to review the future use of rocks as headstones in Council cemeteries.
INTRODUCTION
From time to time families seek a waiver of the former Christchurch City Cemeteries Bylaw to enable rocks to be used as headstones in Council cemeteries, especially Memorial Park and Belfast. Generally, the Parks Unit has approved these applications subject to a registered Monumental Mason being employed to undertake the work. This is to ensure the rock is properly set in the base on the concrete beam and that the work is undertaken to a quality standard. The inscription usually consists of a small bronze plaque attached to the front of the rock.
BYLAW REQUIREMENTS
The Christchurch City Council Bylaw 110 Cemeteries states:
38(f) No erected memorial shall be made of any other material than granite or suitable material approved by the Council. Waimairi District Bylaw 1983 No 1, does not state the material to be used.
Both Bylaws specify heights and widths for headstones.
The New Zealand Standard 9201 for Cemetery Bylaws, Section 1429.6 states that:
`No erected memorial shall be of any other material than granite or similar suitable material approved by the local authority.'
PROBLEMS WITH NATURAL SOFTER ROCKS
The natural rocks often are very inferior, with many cracks and fissures and are prone to weathering in the short term and subject to moss and lichen growth.
Specifications for headstone widths, because of the layout of modern cemeteries requires the natural rocks to be thin and consequently they lose strength because of this.
The New Zealand Master Monumental Masons Association recommends the use of granite because experience has proven it to be more weather resistant and better able to accept clearer inscription than any other single material. Granite is a plutonic rock consisting essentially of alkali felspar and quartz. It has incredible surface resistance to all normal corrosive elements and therefore requires minimal maintenance, and is one of the finest permanent materials of its kind.
Natural rocks of inferior quality will, unlike granite, not last or stand the test of time.
Therefore it is recommended that the headstone provisions of the Christchurch City Bylaw 110 be adopted for the former Waimairi Cemeteries.
A few customers prefer a natural looking rock, but this can be provided by rough hewn and unpolished granite rather than a crumbly self selected rock which will not last and will need to be replaced at some stage in the future.
Recommendation: 1. That the present Christchurch City Bylaw No 110, clause 38(f) be adopted for all cemeteries to ensure that unsuitable rocks are not used for headstones.
2. That all Monumental Masons be advised of the new policy relating to headstones.
3. That the policy be administered sensitively on a case by case basis.
5. CHRISTCHURCH KART CLUB: PROPOSED
PURCHASE OF RELOCATION SITE AT RUAPUNA RR 2910
Officer responsible
Author
Parks
Manager
Julie
Sadler
Corporate
Plan Output: New Assets: Reserve Purchases
The purpose of this report is to present the results of the investigations of the sub-committee appointed by the Committee to review the possibility of relocating the Christchurch Kart Club.
At its meeting on 12 June 1996 the Committee considered a report by the Parks Manager recommending that the Council consider the purchase of a 4 ha property next to Ruapuna Park to facilitate the eventual relocation of the Christchurch Kart Club from the Westlake suburb of Halswell.
This proposal stemmed from a resolution adopted by the Council on 22 March 1995 requesting staff to explore options for the relocation of the club, in the long term. The present review of the relocation issue was prompted by two factors:
* The availability of a site (considered suitable, but not found so)
adjacent to Ruapuna Park.
* A conditional offer from the residents of Halswell Junction Road to
contribute to the relocation costs.
In his report to the Committee the Parks Manager advised that since the March 1995 Council meeting the Parks Unit had been exploring options for resiting the Kart Club. The Ruapuna land was seen as an ideal location for this activity given the concentration of motor sport in this area and the surrounding land uses. It was considered that the site could offer long term security from an environmental perspective.
It was also advised that a number of Halswell Junction Road residents had offered to contribute up to $600,000 towards the relocation costs subject to a number of conditions, including the successful outcome of a scheme change application for the rezoning of their land as Living 1. The offer expires on 31 October 1996.
A sub-committee comprising the Chairman and Councillors Buist, Cox, Ganda and Wright was appointed to assess the implications of the relocation proposal and report back to the Committee. Meetings of the Sub-Committee were subsequently held on 24 June, 12 July and 9 August 1996.
At the 24 June meeting the residents' offer was reviewed and confirmation obtained from the Legal Services Manager that legally there was no problem in entering into an agreement with the residents provided certain procedures were followed. The members were also advised that given there were a number of major issues to be resolved before the plan change could be notified the residents' timetable was not realistic.
The 12 July meeting incorporated on site meetings with representatives of the Christchurch Car Club and the Christchurch Kart Club.
At the meeting with the Christchurch Kart Club, club officials pointed out that the club had been established on Carrs Road Reserve since the early 1960s and in terms of its present lease had the right to occupy the site for a further 50 years. The sport had increased in popularity over the years which had resulted in an increased level of activity on club days.
In addressing the noise issue the club officials, while accepting that noise was associated with club activities, pointed out that relatively few complaints were received about club activities. Furthermore, vehicles were quieter than they had been in the past. However further reductions in noise emission could not be achieved without major changes to the karts. It was confirmed that there were no other measures the club could take in terms of track modifications, planting etc to significantly reduce noise emissions.
Finally, it was confirmed that while the club would be happy to relocate to Ruapuna it would only be prepared to do so if the entire costs were met by the Council or some other party.
Later the same day the sub-committee met with representatives of the Canterbury Car Club and other Ruapuna user groups. The merits of concentrating all motor sports in the same area was acknowledged and generally supported by the meeting. The possibility of integrating the Kart Club into the Ruapuna complex was raised but not pursued because the complex was already heavily used by the four clubs domiciled at the park. An undertaking was also given that if the Kart Club relocation proposal eventuated then the Ruapuna based clubs would work co-operatively with the Kart Club in terms of the timetabling of activities.
At the 12 July meeting the members also received an indicative costing for the relocation of the Kart Club. Excluding land purchase, the total cost was estimated to be $893,000, made up as follows:
Buildings 330,000
Services 66,000
Demolitions 41,000
Security Fence 25,000
Contingencies 38,000
Design Fees 10% 50,000
-----------
$550,000
Track $343,000
-----------
Total $893,000
======
At its meeting on 9 August the Sub-Committee reviewed the proposed purchase bearing in mind the information gained during the on site meetings with the above organisations, plus a report by the Property Services Officer on valuations of the properties in Hasketts Road and Leggett Road, and a report by the Environmental Health Officer on recorded noise complaints regarding the Kart Club's activities. A letter from the Templeton Residents' Association objecting to the relocation proposal was also tabled at the meeting. The Property Services Officer's report is contained in the public excluded section of the agenda.
The Environmental Health Officer's report disclosed that in the past five years nine complaints had been received regarding noise from Kart Club activities. In addition, 11 submissions have been received opposing the proposed exemption to the noise rules of the City Plan in respect of the club's activities.
Details of the noise monitoring undertaken by Environmental Health staff were also made available to the Sub-committee.
Members of the Sub-Committee unanimously concluded:
* The Christchurch Kart Club's present lease of the site should be
respected.
* The club's activities were not creating a sufficient nuisance to justify
relocating the activity to another site at the present time.
* As the residential development moved closer to the raceway, the club's
activities could possibly become a greater problem to the local community, and
the relocation issue could be revisited at that stage.
* Land purchase, relocation and reserve reinstatement costs could be of
the order of $1.2 million.
* If the Halswell Junction Road residents wish to pursue the relocation
proposal at the present time then it should be the subject of negotiations
between the residents and the club with the relocation costs being at the land
owners'/developer's expense. The Council should not become involved in these
negotiations.
* It was noted that the club could be persuaded to relocate but at no cost
to the club.
* It would be difficult to justify the Council spending large sums on the
sport given the greater needs of other codes.
* The issues impinging on the plan change application were complex and
would take some time to work through. For this reason the residents' time
frame was unrealistic.
A further impediment to progressing the proposal at this time is that the funding source identified by the Parks Unit for the purchase of the Ruapuna land is no longer available as the Council, on the recommendation of the Annual Plan Working Party, has allocated the fund concerned to Port Hills strategic reserve purchases. If the Council wishes to purchase the properties the funding would have to be sourced from elsewhere within the Parks sub-budget. Priorities have been established for reserve purchases in 1996/97 and beyond to match the resources provided. While priorities can be re-ordered at any time to respond to new initiatives or changed circumstances it is not considered that the Ruapuna proposal warrants this.
Recommendation: 1. That the club's lease of its existing site granted by the former Paparua County Council be left undisturbed, to allow the club to remain on its present site.
2. That no action be taken in the meantime by the Council to purchase the properties in Hasketts Road and/or Leggett Road.
3. That the submitters expressing an opinion on the possible relocation of the Kart Club be acquainted with the associated property information supplied to the Sub-Committee by Council officers.
4. That the Templeton Residents' Association be advised of the Council's current position on the proposed relocation of the Kart Club, and invited to meet with the Sub-Committee if necessary to discuss the background to the Council's decision.
6. HILLARY COMMISSION -
a policy for junior sport in new zealand RR 3445
Officer responsible
|
Author
|
| Leisure
& Community Services Manager
|
Rex
Cosgrove/Julie Sadler
|
| Corporate
Plan Output: Sports Liaison and Development
|
The purpose of this report is to give the Council the opportunity to respond to the Hillary Commission's Draft Policy for Junior Sport in New Zealand. The draft policy has been circulated to all Councillors.
BACKGROUND
The Draft Policy for Junior Sport was compiled by the Hillary Commission following a National Seminar on this topic held in November 1995. The Seminar was attended by two Council sports staff.
The Hillary Commission has forwarded the Draft Policy to individuals, groups and organisations with an interest in junior sport in New Zealand. It is timely that the Hillary Commission has taken the initiative in formulating the document and in doing so acknowledges the importance of sport for children and young people.
The staff report contained a summary of the comments on the draft Policy made by a selection of Council staff whose work often involves them in some aspect of junior sport.
The Committee referred the draft policy and staff comments to a sub-committee comprising the Chairman, Councillors Buist, Condon and Cox for analysis. As the closing date for submissions is 31 August the sub-committee was requested to report direct to the Council.
The sub-committee met on 16 August 1996 and gave detailed consideration to each section of the policy. A schedule summarising the changes recommended by the sub-committee is attached.
Philosophically, the sub-committee's principal concern with the policy was the emphasis placed throughout the document on successful participation and high achievement. Relatively few sportspeople reach the higher echelons of their particular sport so for most people sport is a recreational activity pursued for enjoyment, relaxation and to maintain physical fitness. Given this and the benefits people of all ages obtain from active involvement in sport, the sub-committee unanimously agreed that the policy's main focus should be on encouraging participation and having fun. This approach is more likely to attract young people to active sport and retain their interest in the long term. It was considered the policy's guiding principle should be the Olympic Creed:
"The most significant thing in the Olympic Games is not to win but to take part. Just as the most important thing in life is not the triumph but the struggle."
Many young people drop out of sport on leaving school and strategies to arrest this trend were considered equally important. A number of the changes recommended by the sub-committee are aimed at strengthening this section of the policy.
Policies relating to the development of skills to enhance children's enjoyment of sport and to assist young people make the transition from junior sport to higher grades were also supported subject to the amendments outlined in the schedule.
Likewise policies for strengthening the role schools play in junior sport and physical education were endorsed, subject to the changes detailed.
Other issues the members considered important were equity and cost, the importance of role models and the need to recognise those with special needs as individuals not as groups.
Recommendation: That the attached summary form the basis of the Council's submission to the Hillary Commission on the draft Policy for Junior Sport in New Zealand.
7. NEW ZEALAND RECREATION ASSOCIATION RR 3264
CONFERENCE - APPOINTMENT OF COUNCILLOR DELEGATES
Officer responsible
|
Author
|
| Director
of Policy
|
Julie
Sadler
|
| Corporate
Plan Output: page 3.1.3 Elected Member Representation
|
The purpose of this report is to seek the appointment of the elected members to represent the Council at the above conference.
The New Zealand Recreation Association Conference - Making a Difference - will take place at Massey University, Palmerston North, between 14-17 November 1996. The conference has an international dimension as it is also acting as the Asia-Pacific meeting of the International Federation of Parks and Recreation Administration. As a result there will be a number of overseas delegates and speakers, particularly from Australia, China and Japan, focusing on the cultural aspects of recreation.
The NZRA Conference has traditionally attracted Councillors as well as parks and recreation professionals. The 1995 conference was marked by the low level of attendance by elected representatives, primarily due to its timing during the run up to the local body elections. The New Zealand Recreation Association and the conference organising committee in particular, are keen to retain the involvement of Councillors and have consequently put together a programme designed to attract decision makers both staff and Councillors. The conference programme is tabled.
In the past, the Chairman or his nominee and one other Councillor have represented the Council at this conference. It should be noted that this year's conference, which is later than usual, falls in Showtime Canterbury (formerly Cup Carnival) Week.
Recommendation: That Councillor Graham Condon represent the Council at the 1996 New Zealand Recreation Association Conference.
PART B - ITEMS DEALT WITH BY THE COMMITTEE AND
REPORTED FOR INFORMATION ONLY
8. SUPPLEMENTARY ITEM
CHRISTCHURCH KART CLUB: PROPOSED
PURCHASE OF RELOCATION SITE AT RUAPUNA RR 2910
The Chairman sought the Committee's approval to introduce a report on the above topic. The reasons why the report was not on the main agenda and why the report cannot wait for the next meeting of the Committee were explained in the report.
It was resolved that the report be received for consideration at the present meeting.
9. DEPUTATIONS BY APPOINTMENT
CHAMPION STREET RESERVE
Mesdames Yvonne Palmer and Judith Bruce addressed the Committee on behalf of the Shirley/Papanui Community Board and sought the Committee's approval for the proposed land exchange at the Champion Street Reserve on safety grounds. The deputation advised that interest had been shown by local residents in the Council's adopt a park scheme to enable them to assist in a positive way in maintaining this reserve.
10. REVISED PLANTING PLAN FOR BURNSIDE PARK RR 3437
The Parks Manager reported back to the Committee with a revised planting plan for Burnside Park, providing for planting of a limited number of flowering cherry trees within the park. The planting plan had previously been considered at the August meeting of the Fendalton/Waimairi Community Board. At that meeting the Board resolved to recommend to the Committee as follows:
1. That a single row of flowering cherry trees (at 10 metre spacings) be planted on the Memorial Avenue and Roydvale Avenue frontages of the Park.
2. That the remaining cherry trees be planted at Avonhead Park.
The Committee resolved that the recommendation of the Community Board be adopted.
11. DOG CONTROL IN PARKS RR 3447
The Parks Manager submitted for the Committee's consideration a number of proposals for improved dog control in Council reserves and recreational facilities.
Following the enactment of the Dog Control Act 1966 a Council working party was appointed to review the policy relating to dogs in public places and the present Council bylaws relating to the control of dogs. To assist the working party in its task the Parks Unit has reviewed the current dog control measures for parks and reserves and is proposing that the present prohibition on dogs at the Botanic Gardens and Victoria Square be extended to a number of similar environmentally sensitive parks and reserves and to certain recreational facilities. In addition the Parks Manager is proposing that dogs be prohibited from certain other parks, reserves and recreation facilities unless controlled by means of a leash. Again this control measure is not new, existing examples being Mona Vale, Riccarton Bush and the city cemeteries.
The Committee considered that the proposed control measures represented a reasonable balance between the needs of dog owners and their dogs and the proper management of the city's parks and reserves. The total area of parkland where the restrictions proposed would apply represents little more than 10% of the parks and reserves administered by the Council.
The Committee resolved:
1. That the Schedule of parks, reserves and recreation facilities where dogs are proposed to be prohibited be endorsed.
2. That the Schedule of parks, reserves and recreation facilities where dogs are proposed to be prohibited unless kept under continuous and effective control by means of a leash or chain securely attached to a collar on such dog be endorsed.
3. That the report be referred to the Council's Dog Control Working Party for consideration as part of the review of dog control policy and the provision of any new dog control bylaw.
12. CENTRAL CITY GARDEN DISPLAYS RR 3439
The Parks Manager submitted a report recommending that new floral garden displays be established at the following central city sites:
* Cathedral Square.
* Corner of Colombo and Kilmore Streets.
* Corner of Montreal and Armagh Streets - near Cranmer Square.
* Armagh Street reserve.
* Friendship Corner.
* Civic Offices.
Additional funding of $20,000 has been provided in the current year's budget for the development of new garden displays in the central city.
The Committee resolved:
1. That the sites recommended by the Parks Manager for development as additional central city floral garden displays be approved.
2. That in the event of a funding shortfall because of irrigation costs the Cathedral Square site not be developed, due to pending redevelopment.
13. CEMETERY CLOSURES RR 3476
The Parks Manager reported, outlining the reasons for the recent closures of Memorial Park and Sydenham Cemeteries. Because of exceptional weather conditions during July, with twice the average rainfall, the water tables in these cemeteries were unusually high making grave digging impossible.
In an endeavour to find an interim solution to the problem the Parks Unit trialed the use of an aluminium shell, which is placed inside the graves to prevent them from subsiding as they are dug. The trial was successful and will be used in the meantime to clear the backlog of funerals at the Memorial Park Cemetery.
The Committee resolved that urgency be given to resolving the drainage problems at Memorial Park and Sydenham Cemeteries and that the staff report back with options for overcoming these problems.
14. SPECIAL MEETING OF COMMITTEE - SUMMERTIMES
The Committee resolved that a special meeting of the Committee be held at 12 noon on Friday 20 September 1996 to consider the 1996/97 SummerTimes programme, including details of Showtime Canterbury Week and to receive the report on the 1995/96 programme.
15. THE 1995 GOLDEN OLDIES RUGBY FESTIVAL RR 3444
The Committee received a report from the Leisure and Community Services Manager detailing the ongoing economic benefits to the city of the above festival.
16. APPLICATION TO OPERATE A PORTABLE ELECTRONIC
CLAYBIRD SHOOTING SYSTEM ON CITY PARKS RR 3440
The Committee deferred consideration of an application to operate the above system on city parks on an occasional basis during special events to enable possible modifications to the system to be investigated and comment to be obtained from the Children's Advocate on the likely effect of the activity on young people.
17. RESOLUTION TO EXCLUDE THE PUBLIC
The Committee resolved that the draft resolution to exclude the public set out on page 26 of the agenda be adopted.
CONSIDERED THIS 28TH DAY OF AUGUST 1996 MAYOR