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23. 10. 96
COMMUNITY SERVICES COMMITTEE
11 OCTOBER 1996
A meeting of the Community Services Committee
was held on Friday 11 October 1996 at 12.30 pm
PRESENT: Councillor Garry Moore (Chairperson), Councillors Carole Anderton, Graham Condon, David Cox, Ishwar Ganda, Pat Harrow, Lesley Keast, Gail Sheriff and Barbara Stewart.
IN ATTENDANCE: Councillor Denis O'Rourke was in attendance
from 2.00 pm, retired at 2.15 pm and was present for clause 10 only.
APOLOGIES: Apologies for absence were received and accepted from the Mayor. and Councillor Anna Crighton.
Councillor Carole Anderton retired at 1.50 pm and was absent for clauses 2, 3, 7-11, 12.1 and 12.2.
Councillor Ishwar Ganda retired at 2.35 pm and was absent for part of clause 11.
Councillor Gail Sheriff arrived at 12.50 pm and was absent for clause 4 and part of clause 5.
The Committee reports that:
PART A - MATTERS REQUIRING A COUNCIL DECISION
1. COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT AND SOCIAL WELL BEING POLICY RR 3867
| Officer responsible | Author |
| Director of Policy | Jennifer Pitcher |
| Corporate Plan Output: Strategic Planning p.8.1.3 & Community Plans and Policies p.8.4.8 |
PURPOSE
The purpose of this report is to seek endorsement of the draft Community Development and Social Well-Being Policy.
BACKGROUND
The Council has made a commitment to developing policy for all areas of Council activity. One of the first of these was the Recreation and Sport Policy which is now in the process of being implemented.
This report proposes a draft Community Development and Social Well-Being Policy to achieve the Council's Strategic Objectives, City Plan and Corporate Plan Objectives. More recently, social cohesion, personal and social well-being have also been identified as priorities for the Council. The draft Community Development and Social Well-Being Policy represents a large component of the outcomes sought in this area and provides a framework by which they can be achieved.
The processes used to develop the policy were:
1. A Project Team to facilitate the development of the policy. The original team consisted of Mike Reid (Senior Policy Analyst/Team Facilitator), Martin Maguire (Senior Community Adviser) and Paul McOscar (Community Activities Officer). As of 1996 the team consisted of Garry Moore, Jan Francis (Employment Services Manager), Jan West (Ngai Tahu Group Management), Jennifer Pitcher (Senior Policy Analyst/Team Facilitator), Jenny Smith (Te Whare Roimata/ChCh City Mission), Julie Macdonald (Community Adviser - Youth), Martin Maguire (Senior Community Adviser), Rodney Routledge (Anglican Care Family Plus), Ruth Evans (Community Activities Officer).
2. Focus groups with Community Board representatives, Council staff, Social Service and Community Development Agencies, Voluntary Welfare Organisations and Academics to identify issues, roles, priorities and outcomes for the first draft.
3. Research on social trends locally and nationally.
4. Submissions to the first draft by Councillors, Community Boards, Social Service and Community Development Agencies, Voluntary Welfare Organisations and Academics.
5. Second draft written to take into account submissions received.
6. Seminar with Councillors and Community Board members to present the results of the consultations and the project team recommendations and to seek direction for the final draft. (Individual follow up with absent Committee members, including Mayor.)
7. Final draft taking into account direction by Community Boards and Councillors.
POLICY
BUDGET IMPLICATIONS
The draft policy identifies community development and social well-being outcomes and roles for the Council. Current services and associated budget allocations may not be the most appropriate to achieve these, hence a re-allocation of existing resources may be required. The review of the Council's structures, processes and services and the strategy will identify priorities in light of the policy.
IMPLEMENTATION
A service review and the development of strategy are proposed to follow the policy to ensure that it is implemented.
COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT AND SOCIAL WELL-BEING POLICY
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It is proposed to have some preliminary high priority proposals for consideration in the 1997/98 budget round. As stated earlier, these proposals could constitute a significant component of the initiatives relating to social cohesion, personal and social well-being.
Recommendation: 1. That the suggested outcomes of the policy be amended to include "self determination and self empowerment".
2. That subject to the above amendment the Council endorse the draft community development and social well-being policy.
3. That the timeframe for the completion of the service review and development of strategy be amended to 31 May 1997 and that as part of this review all Community Boards should undertake a review of their community development outputs.
2. ARTS AND CULTURE POLICY RR 3870
| Officer responsible | Author |
| Director of Policy | Kevin Roche |
| Corporate Plan Output: Information and advice to the Council |
The purpose of this report is to provide for the appointment of an additional elected representative to the working party established to review the existing arts and culture policy.
BACKGROUND
Members will recall that at the August meeting of the Committee a working party consisting of Councillors Anna Crighton, David Cox and Pat Harrow was appointed to work with appropriate staff to review the above policy.
The Chairperson of the Committee, Councillor Garry Moore, has indicated his wish to also serve on the working party and this report therefore seeks approval to the appointment of an additional member.
Recommendation: That Councillor Garry Moore be appointed as an additional member to the Arts and Culture Policy Review Working Party.
3. THE CHILDREN'S BOOK COUNCIL OF AUSTRALIA RR 3876
Third National Conference - Brisbane 3-6 May 1996
| Officer responsible | Author |
| Libraries Manager, Sue Sutherland | Susan Dodd and Vanessa Andrews |
| Corporate Plan Output: Children's Books and Non Books 8.2.6 |
The purpose of the report is to update members on the above conference which was attended by Susan Dodd and Vanessa Andrews. The following is extracts from their report:
CONFERENCE OBJECTIVES
Conference theme: Claiming a place
The objectives of the conference were:
The main aim was that the overall theme Claiming a place would stimulate lively discussion, debate and imaginative prospects for the future and that writers, illustrators, publishers and readers would explore their roles in the creation of literary experience.
SUMMARY
Vanessa Andrews
If I had to sum up the conference in one or two words, exhausting and exhilarating come immediately to mind.
The spare time between sessions, that is lunch hours, morning and afternoon teas, was spent gathering author information from the trade exhibits, buying copies of books and queuing up for ages to get them personally signed, attending launches of new books or series, and scurrying from one room to another early enough to get a seat for the next session. However, it was all so new and exciting for me that I really didn't notice how tired I was, until I came back to Christchurch.
Throughout the three days of the conference, the Sheraton was filled with a positive atmosphere. Everyone there was eager to get as much as they could, from listening to and participating with others interested in the importance of children's literature.
The whole experience has given me a better idea of what is involved in writing for children as a profession and has made me - in my work as a children's librarian - enthusiastic about promoting the books of the writers and illustrators who attended.
Canterbury Public Library should definitely aim to send more delegates to future conferences held by the Children's Book Council for Australia. We should also think about working with other organisations in New Zealand, to develop a similar event, so that our own authors, illustrators and publishers of children's literature can be encouraged and promoted.
Susan Dodd
The 1966 Children's Book Council of Australia Conference theme of Claiming a place explored the place of children's literature in today's world of changing cultures and technologies; which paths, now and in the future, writers, illustrators and publishers follow; what are the implications and how are these diverse needs being met.
Immediate impacts from attending this conference are:
Attending the conference was a wonderful, exhilarating and exhausting experience.
Three full-on days of listening to amazing speakers, desperately trying to absorb everything they said, visiting trade displays, collecting information, ideas, catalogues and posters, buying books and lining up like groupies to get them signed, taking photos and all the time whizzing from event to event to get a good seat and making sure you miss out on nothing. Even at the end of the day back at the hotel you sit up till all hours discussing who went to what, what it was like ...
The outstanding feature of the conference was the real enthusiasm that it generated for children's literature, Australian children's literature in particular and this is a marvellous thing to be able to pass on to borrowers, classes and teachers. A conference like this in New Zealand would be such a boost to our own authors, illustrators and publishers.
Meeting the authors was a bonus and recommending them to parents, children and classes I tend to do so with a more personal enthusiasm. Having listened to a lot of illustrators I find I am choosing books to read aloud with a stronger visual literacy component.
Canterbury Public Library is very privileged to have staff who are passionate about children's literature and service to children and to keep that passion or to top it up I would recommend we send as many people as possible to the next CBCA conference in Adelaide, May 1998.
My thanks to the library for their support in funding the registration component of what was a very productive experience with long term, beneficial effects, both professional and personal.
Recommendation: 1. That the information be received.
2. That the Christchurch City Winterbook Festival for 1997 should have a special emphasis on children.
3. That Council adopt a policy that staff attending conferences as part of their duties should endeavour to bid for subsequent conferences to be held in Christchurch.
PART B - ITEMS DEALT WITH BY THE COMMITTEE AND
REPORTED FOR INFORMATION ONLY
4. DEPUTATIONS BY APPOINTMENT
LYNETTE NEILL, PSYCHIATRIC SURVIVORS TRUST
Ms Lynette Neill of the Psychiatric Survivors Trust addressed the Committee regarding the representations the Trust had made that the disabled borrower exemption be extended to include psychiatric consumers because of the nature of their illness.
Ms Neill gave the background to the reasons why psychiatric consumers suffered impaired reading ability, due to the nature of the illness and the drugs used in treatment, and related this to the objectives of the Library's Annual Plan in terms of providing access by the public.
The material supplied by Dr Don Quick, of the Community Mental Health Service, Healthlink South, was also discussed together with the report from the Libraries Manager on the application from the Trust.
Members were supportive of the submission from the Psychiatric Survivors Trust and noted the intention of the Library to undertake a service review in 1997, which would review the exemptions granted to particular categories of borrowers.
It was resolved
1. That the Libraries Manager provide a report to the November meeting of the Committee on the suggestion from Healthlink South regarding identification of Library consumers who would experience reading difficulties as a result of psychiatric illness.
2. That a review of special membership category be included as part of the review of service levels in 1997.
5. FUNDING FOR SEMINARS ON LEGAL STATUS OPTIONS FOR COMMUNITY GROUPS RR 3672
The Committee considered a report from the Community Adviser - Childcare on the costs involved in funding seminars on the legal status options available for community groups.
The report arose from the April meeting of the Committee when members were advised of the increase in registration fees for incorporated societies by the Ministry of Commerce. As a result of that meeting representations were made to the Minister of Commerce seeking a reduction in the fees and a reply was only recently received from the Minister indicating fees would remain at the increased level.
Discussions had therefore been held with the Community Law Centre on the provision of additional monthly seminars for community groups.
Costings for 24 seminars per annum, consisting of up to 10 to 15 people per seminar, were provided in the report. Funding for the estimated costs of $2,247, GST inclusive, could be provided from the 1996/97 community development section budget.
It was resolved that the Community Law Centre be given a one-off grant of $2,247 for the provision of legal status options seminars for community groups.
6. PITCAITHLY HOUSE RR 3865
The Acting Employment Services Manager provided information on the request from Pitcaithly House for assistance with the costs of operation of the centre for the next two years.
The report arose from the representations made to the August meeting of the Committee by representatives of Pitcaithly House and provided background and comment on the application together with an indication of likely sources of funding.
Currently Pitcaithly House has made applications for financial assistance from a number of sources and the report proposed a co-ordinated approach between the Council and other organisations involved.
It was resolved that the Canterbury Development Corporation facilitate such an approach, and that the level of user charges and possible grants from the Council, Trustbank Community Trust, and the Canterbury Employers' Chamber of Commerce be subject to negotiations aimed at covering the predicted 1997 deficit of $52,000. Further support in 1998 (predicted deficit $28,000) should be dependent on satisfactory operating and financial performance in 1997.
7. CONSULTATION WITH SOUTHERN REGIONAL HEALTH AUTHORITY RR 3868
The report by the Senior Policy Analyst informed Councillors of the new and improved consultation methods being adopted by the Southern Regional Health Authority and sought elected member representative input into their proposals for breast cancer screening and primary health care services.
The report arose from the dissatisfaction previous expressed with the consultation methods used by the Southern Regional Health Authority whereby written submissions only were made and advised that the SRHA had now introduced discussion forums with a variety of stakeholder groups.
Details of proposed forums on breast cancer screening and the future directions for primary care were advised in the report.
It was resolved that Councillors Carole Anderton and Lesley Keast and appropriate staff attend the forums on breast cancer screening and future directions for primary health care.
8. FERRYMEAD HISTORIC PARK RR 3866
The report provided details of the changes in the composition of the Ferrymead Development Group together with a final report from the previous Chairman, Sir Allan Wright.
The new Development Group consists of:
It was resolved:
1. That the information be received.
2. That the members of the former development group consisting of:
be thanked for their work on behalf of Ferrymead over the last nine months.
3. That a seminar on Ferrymead should be arranged for late January 1997.
9. ELDERLY PERSONS' HOUSING ENERGY CONSERVATION RR 3835
MEASURES
The Committee considered a report from the Housing Manager on a grant received from the Energy Efficiency and Conservation Authority (EECA) to carry out energy efficient measures in the Council's Elderly Persons' Housing units.
Application had been made for a total of $500,000 to carry out energy saving measures on bedsit units and advice had been recently received that the Council had been successful in obtaining a total grant of $300,000 over three years ie: $60,000 in the 1996/97 year and $120,000 in each of the following two years which would be for the following work:
The report noted that a total of 225 units could be upgraded with this funding and work would start immediately to ensure funding was spent in the 1996/97 financial year.
It was resolved that the information be received and the EECA be written to and thanked for the grant.
10. SECURITY AT ELDERLY PERSONS' HOUSING UNITS RR 3833
The Housing Manager provided a report on the implementation of the Confident Living Programme and on security at Elderly Persons' Housing complexes.
The report provided details of the background to the Confident Living Programme and activities undertaken during the previous month which included:
1. Liaising with other key participants in the programme, ie: NZ Police, Fire Service, Neighbourhood Watch, Age Concern and Red Cross.
2. Presenting three seminars.
3. Reviewing elements of the existing programme and modifying, as required.
4. Liaising with the Police in the production of a video to use within the programme.
5. Informing staff of the role they will be playing in the programme.
6. Planning a programme to provide for the maximum number of tenants to attend the programme as soon as possible.
It is intended that the Committee would be updated on progress in the future.
In addition the report provided details of the written report from Kyne Security Ltd, as reported verbally at the August meeting of the Committee, and this provided a number of recommendations for improvements in security at the Council's EPH housing complexes. Discussions are continuing with the Council's security consultants and a focus group set up to review, report and prioritise the measures identified with a view to preparing a detailed costed management plan for report to the Committee.
It was resolved that the information be received and that the positive action continue.
11. REVIEW OF IMPLEMENTATION OF THE 1995/96 CORPORATE PLAN
Reports on the following units for the year ended 30 June 1996 were considered as follows:
Canterbury Tourism Council
Ms Jeanette Elliott presented the report and answered questions from members.
It was pointed out that on page 14 of the report 11 not 7 bid proposals were prepared against a target of 12.
The topic of signage within the city boundaries as mentioned on page 5 of the report was discussed further.
It was resolved that the report be accepted.
Canterbury Development Corporation Ltd
The Chief Executive, Mr Chris Pickerell, spoke to the report and indicated his concern at the inappropriateness of a number of the current performance indicators for the Corporation. It was his intention that these be tightened up with particular emphasis placed on areas under the direct control of the Corporation.
Mr Pickerell then answered questions from members relating to the Canterbury promotion kits, economic development with sister cities and funding for company rebuilders which he considered should be funded on a metropolitan rather than Community Board basis.
In response to questions concerning the role of the corporation in relation to the Canterbury Employers' Chamber of Commerce Mr Pickerell provided details of the different areas serviced by the two organisations.
It was resolved that the report be received.
Robert McDougall Art Gallery
The Director, Tony Preston, spoke to the report. The operating costs for the gallery was 4.8% above the budget provision caused by additional wage costs with exhibition installation, maintenance associated with the fire safety upgrading and an increase in the allocation of corporate overheads. The resulting consequence was an increase in the cost per visit from $6.88 in the previous year to $7.04.
Mr Preston reported that the installation of the goods lift had been delayed but he expected this to be completed within three weeks time.
It was resolved that the report be received.
12. ITEMS RECEIVED
The Committee received the following reports:
12.1 Songpa-Gu Sister City Visit RR 3869
The Committee received a report from Mr Clyde Sugden, Chairman of the Christchurch Songpa-Gu Sister City Committee on the official visit to Songpa-Gu, Seoul, Korea from 8 to 12 July 1996.
12.2 Elderly Persons' Housing Activities Co-ordinators RR 3834
The Housing Manager reported on the progress in improving social interaction within the elderly persons' housing complexes in relation to the appointment from July 1996 of two Activities Co-ordinators. The appointment of the co-ordinators was firstly to assist tenants in complexes with residents' lounges to function more successfully, secondly to provide organised outings for those tenants of complexes that did not have a residents' lounge provided.
The report provided details and progress to date in this area.
Tenants in the complexes had been surveyed by questionnaire to ascertain the level and type of activities they would like to see operate. Two mini buses have been leased to allow for outings.
The meeting concluded at 2.45 pm on the basis that monitoring reports for those units not discussed would be considered at the next monthly meeting.
CONSIDERED THIS 23RD DAY OF OCTOBER 1996
MAYOR