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30. 7. 97
STRATEGY AND RESOURCES ANNUAL PLAN WORKING
PARTY
14-23 JULY 1997
Meetings of the Strategy and Resources
Annual Plan Working Party
were held on Monday 14, Tuesday 15, Wednesday 16, Thursday 17,
Friday 18, Saturday 19, Monday 21, Tuesday 22 and Wednesday 23
July 1997
PRESENT: Councillor David Close (Chairman), The Mayor, Councillors Carole Evans, Gordon Freeman, Pat Harrow, Ian Howell, Alister James, Garry Moore, Margaret Murray, Denis O'Rourke and Ron Wright.
APOLOGIES: Councillor Oscar Alpers (all meetings), Councillors Margaret Murray (17.7.97), Ian Howell (21.7.97), Garry Moore (21.7.97), Gordon Freeman (21, 22, 23.7.97) and Alister James (23.7.97).
The Working Party reports that:
PART A - MATTERS REQUIRING A COUNCIL DECISION
1. CCC DRAFT PLAN: 1997 EDITION ASSET MANAGEMENT PLAN "YOUR CITY, YOUR CHOICE" RR 5694
1. INTRODUCTION
The draft Council Plan and Asset Management Plan document "Your City, Your Choice" were released on 13 May 1997 and were available for public comment for a period of one month from 13 May to 16 June 1997.
The Asset Management Plan attracted 179 submissions while 372 people commented on the Council Plan. Collectively, the two documents generated 551 submissions raising a total of 884 different issues. This represents a huge increase on last year's Council Plan consultation when 179 submissions addressing 218 issues were received. Increased publicity in the newspapers and on radio and the user-friendly way in which "Your City, Your Choice" was produced are probably the main reasons for the heightened public interest in this year's plan. Also, many submitters took the opportunity to raise other issues when completing the Your City, Your Choice response form.
Your City, Your Choice generated a high level of public interest, with requests for copies of the document keeping the Hotline staff very busy in the first week after its release. Given the number of documents distributed in response to Hotline requests alone, the number of submissions (179) is surprisingly small.
A breakdown by topic of the draft Council Plan submissions is set out below:
| Air Pollution | 105 |
| Art Gallery | 10 |
| City Streets | 138 |
| Commercial/Business | 6 |
| Communications and Promotions | 15 |
| Employment Services | 34 |
| Environmental Issues | 47 |
| Cathedral Square | 11 |
| Financial/Rating | 46 |
| Grants | 19 |
| Heritage Buildings | 18 |
| Housing | 15 |
| Libraries | 62 |
| Miscellaneous (includes 4 on New Brighton) | 14 |
| Museum | 1 |
| Parking Operations | 20 |
| Parks | 77 |
| Recreation | 38 |
| Social Issues | 116 |
| Waste Management | 41 |
| Water Services | 51 |
| 884 |
The Community Board submissions were heard by the working party on the morning of Monday 14 July with the hearing of the public submissions commencing on the afternoon of 14 July and concluding on the afternoon of Thursday 17 July. Eighty individuals and organisations addressed the working party in support of their submissions. This represents a 100% increase on the number of submitters who were heard last year and is the reason the submissions took four, rather than the customary two, days to hear.
Many of the presentations were very polished and few submitters simply read their submission. Overheads, and in one case music and dancing, were used by submitters to make their point. It is interesting to note that in the last year or so the tone of submissions seems to have mellowed, with far fewer hostile responses being received. It is not uncommon for submitters to comment favourably on the draft plan and the work of the Council in general. The comments made by Mr and Mrs Rotchfort of Harman Courts are an example:
"As you see we are very happy with the Christchurch City Council and their amenities and as we are in a Council flat are also very happy with that also and please pass on our thanks to Mr Morrell and the pleasant staff in the Tuam Street office where nothing is a bother to them. We have been in Christchurch just on two years now. We came down from Cheviot and have never regretted the move. The Hurunui Council should take a leaf out of your book and all your staff from the street sweepers up to the Mayor. So keep up the good work. We have only one regret we could not bring our corgi but we realise living in a complex this would not have been possible. Also we love your library system and staff."
Social initiatives and air pollution were the two issues which dominated this year's submission process. Submissions in support of the social initiatives greatly outnumbered those in opposition. The air pollution submissions are dealt with in item 4.
2. SUBMISSIONS
The nine volumes of submissions, most accompanied by staff comments, were circulated to members of the working party prior to the hearings. The working party's recommendations on the submissions are contained in item 10 of this report.
3. CONSIDERATION OF SUBMISSIONS AND IN-HOUSE REQUESTS FOR ADDITIONAL FUNDING
The working party reconvened on Friday 18 July, the morning of Saturday 19 July, Monday 21 July and Tuesday 22 July to consider the business detailed below.
The Community Board and public submissions, together with additional staff reports further clarifying a number of issues raised by submitters.
Unit Managers' requests to carry forward project funds from the 1996/97 financial year. Details of the carry forwards supported by the working party are attached (blue paper).
In-house requests for adjustments/corrections to the draft plan. Most of these changes are of a minor nature and those supported by the Committee have been included in the attached schedule of changes (green paper).
Changes recommended by the working party on the basis of the submissions received. Details of these changes are attached (yellow paper). See also item 7.
In considering all the above these requests the working party was severely constrained by three factors, namely:
The Parks and Recreation Committee sought additional funding of $538,000 in years 1 and 2 on health and safety grounds to upgrade the filtration systems at Jellie Park and Wharenui Pools. In addition to the substitutions identified by the Parks and Recreation Committee, the working party is recommending that the replacement of the English Park stand be deferred for two years to accommodate this major expenditure. The Committee also sought operating funding of $50,370 and capital funding of $10,000 to enable the Leisure and Community Services Unit to take over the operation of Cowles Stadium following the Canterbury Basketball Association's decision to relinquish its lease.
The Acting City Streets Manager submitted a number of proposed changes to the City Streets capital works programme, including a request for additional funding for the consultation process for the Transport Vision. An additional $40,000 has been provided for this. The net cost to the Council of the proposed changes to the roading capital programme is $140,000.
Other significant requests for additional funding supported by the working party include:
| Festivals | |
| Buskers Festival | $20,000 |
| Showtime Canterbury | $10,000 |
| Cocoa Cola Christmas in the Park | $50,000 |
| World Disabled Swimming Association (events seeding fund) | $50,000 |
| Grants | |
| CSO | $80,000 |
| Theatre Royal (once the Aurora Centre funding is complete) | $200,000 |
| $165,000 | |
| Other (capital) | |
| Mona Vale (subject to lessee contributing $160,000) | $130,000 |
| Civic Offices Children's Play Area | $30,000 |
| Central Library Parenting Room | $33,000 |
At its final meeting the working party briefly discussed the format of the Council Plan and in particular the way in which the rate increase is presented. It was suggested that it would be helpful to city residents if in future the rate increase was broken into three parts:
The percentage required to maintain services at their current level.
The percentage required to fund increased services.
The percentage required to fund additional capital expenditure.
A staff project team has been formed to explore opportunities for improving the plan and this suggestion has been referred to the project team.
4. AIR POLLUTION
This issue attracted a significant number of submissions, with many submitters seeking a greater level of Council commitment to finding a solution to the city's most pressing environmental problem.
The Council is currently holding discussions with the Canterbury Regional Council, Southpower and other interested parties with a view to producing a package of incentives to encourage more city residents to convert to non-polluting forms of energy. The form of the financial incentives is yet to be determined, but the objective would be to provide assistance to roughly 15,000 householders over a three year period. It is possible that the scheme would be funded by Southpower with the result that the Christchurch City Council would receive a smaller dividend from Southpower. However as the scheme has not yet been defined it is proposed to make provision of the following amounts which will either be applied directly or recognise the possibility for lower dividend receipts.
Year 1 $140,000
Year 2 $400,000
Year 3 $670,000
Year 4 $670,000
Year 5 $400,000
Year 6 $140,000
The CRC propose to release a draft plan in December providing for the programme banning of open fires. It is envisaged the scheme would come on stream in early 1998 to coincide with the introduction of the new controls. The working party's recommendations on the air pollution submissions are contained in item 10.
5. "YOUR CITY, YOUR CHOICE" - ANALYSIS OF SUBMISSIONS
The Acting City Streets Manager reports:
The purpose of this report is to provide the Council with an assessment of the submissions received on the asset management levels of service consultation document, `Your City, Your Choice'.
Background
Over the last two years the Council has reviewed the levels of service to be provided in the following areas:
Parks
City Streets
Water Supply
Land Drainage
Liquid Waste
Recreation Facilities
Commercial Properties
Housing
This process resulted in the Council adopting `Minimum Acceptable Service Standards' for each of the asset areas.
The Council agreed to seek submissions on the levels of service in conjunction with the 1997 Annual Plan. A separate document, Your City, Your Choice, was prepared and distributed.
Submissions
A total of 179 separate submissions were received, a disappointing number given the publicity that accompanied the distribution of the document. Analysis of the submissions received is scheduled below, because of the small numbers received this analysis is not statistically valid and only provides an indication of community support.
There were a large number of positive comments regarding the format, layout and submission form in the document with the following being typical:
"Thank you for such a clearly laid out publication and response form" - Marjorie Manthie.
"This questionnaire (and book) was one of the best things the CCC has done in a while. It must continue" - G L Taylor
A number of people used the submission form in Your City, Your Choice to respond to the 1997 Plan.
Submission Analysis
Commentary and percentage responses are set out below for each of the asset areas, this is followed by a summary table which shows the impact of the submitters stated preferences. Attached is a graphical presentation of the submissions.
Water Supply
Pressure and Flow, Restrictions and Reliability - strong support for the status quo which in this case is the same as the Minimum Acceptable Service Standard.
Water Quality - the majority view (51%) was for the status quo/minimum acceptable but there was also support for the premium quality (47%). The premium quality involves halving the incidence of colouring, sand and positive bacteria tests with only a 15c/year rates increase.
Parks
Turf - the majority support was for the status quo (49%) with 29% supporting the Council's Minimum Acceptable Standard which included an additional 3 hectares per year of irrigation in the dry areas of Christchurch above the status quo. This equated to an increase of 60 cents/year on rates.
Urban Sports Grounds - 56% supported the status quo and lowest possible (which were the same). 28% supported the Council's Minimum Acceptable which increases the rate of renewal for sports ground from the current 1%/yr to 1.5%, an increase that equates to 70 cents/year on rates.
Gardens - the largest support was for the status quo at 41% with 30% for the premium option and 22% for the Council's Minimum Acceptable Standard. The premium standard includes additional planting in high profile areas and equates to an increase of 10 cents/year above the Minimum Acceptable. The Minimum Acceptable applies a more consistent standard of maintenance and upgrading for shelter and safety above the status quo. This equates to an increase of 60 cents/year above the status quo.
Trees - There was equal support for both the status quo and for the Council's Minimum Acceptable Standard (32% each) with a slightly less number supporting the premium standard (28%). The Council's Minimum Acceptable Standard maintained the existing service and funded the replacement of aging woodlots and avenue plantings, this equates to an increase of 85 cents/year on rates above the status quo.
Natural Areas Maintenance - There was equal support for the status quo (and lowest possible which is the same in this case) and the premium standard with each receiving 39% support. The Council's Minimum Acceptable received 22% support. The premium option increases rates costs by $4.80/year and involves an immediate start on maintaining and developing Travis Wetlands and other natural areas.
Toilets - There was similar levels of support for the status quo (and lowest possible which is the same in this case) and the Council's Minimum Acceptable Standard, 40% and 37% respectively. The premium option was supported by 23%. The Council's Minimum Acceptable Standard equates to an increase of 60 cents/year above the status quo and involves speeding up the rate of renewal of the older style toilets.
Playgrounds - the status quo (and lowest possible which is the same in this case) was supported by 51% of submitters with the Council's Minimum Acceptable Standard receiving 33% support. The Council's Minimum Acceptable Standard equates to an increase of $2/year above the status quo and involves speeding up the rate of renewal of playgrounds and providing six district playgrounds and facilities for teenagers.
Sealed Surfaces - 54% supported the status quo (and lowest possible which is the same in this case) with 35% supporting the Council's Minimum Acceptable Standard. The Council's Minimum Acceptable Standard equates to an increase of 5 cents/year above the status quo and involves speeding up the rate of resurfacing and resealing.
Furniture - 72% supported the status quo and the Council's Minimum Acceptable Service Standard which in this case are the same.
Structures - 66% supported the Council's Minimum Acceptable Standard and the premium standard which in this case are the same.
Land Acquisition - there was a reasonably even spread of opinion for this area with 33% supporting the Council's Minimum Acceptable Standard, 29% supporting the status quo and 23% supporting the premium standard. The Council's Minimum Acceptable Standard increases rates by $3.40/year above the status quo with additional purchases of neighbourhood parks, wetlands and district parks. The premium standard increases this by a further $15.30/year for a faster rate of purchase.
City Streets
For the following areas there was significant support for the status quo and the Council's Minimum Acceptable Standards, which in these cases are the same. The support ranged from 61% to 76%:
Footpaths
Streetlighting
Undergrounding
Road Markings and Signs
Traffic Signals
Major Construction Works
Neighbourhood Improvement Works
Safety Works
Carriageways - the majority of support was for the Council's Minimum Acceptable Standard (40%) with 36% supporting the status quo. The Council's Minimum Acceptable Standard increases rates by 65 cents/year above the status quo and involves the use of `best quality' materials on busy roads.
Kerbs and Channels - 43% supported the status quo with 30% supporting the Council's Minimum Acceptable Standard. The major difference between the two standards is that the Council's Minimum Acceptable Standard provides for a graduated programme of kerb and channel renewal which reduces costs for the first five years and then allows for a slight increase of costs for the next 19 years hence reducing rates by $15/year for the first five years from the status quo.
Wastewater
Treatment Plant - majority support was for the Council's Minimum Acceptable Standard (48%) with the status quo receiving 31% support. Surprisingly, given the cost of the programme, there was 24% support for the premium option which increases rates costs by $197/year. The Council's Minimum Acceptable Standard of a more thorough treatment of wastewater equates to an increase of $19/year on rates above the status quo, this figure includes the cost of the plant expansion.
Overflows - majority support was for the Council's Minimum Acceptable Standard (47%) with the status quo receiving 31% support. This equates to an increase of $1/year on rates above the status quo.
Reticulation Odours - majority support was for the Council's Minimum Acceptable Standard and the premium standard, which in this case are the same, with 66% support. This equates to an increase of $1/year on rates above the status quo.
Land Drainage
Waterways and Wetlands - majority support was for the Council's Minimum Acceptable Standard and the premium standard, which in this case are the same, with 59% support. This equates to an increase of $4.20/year on rates above the status quo.
Water Quality - the lowest possible, status quo and the Council's Minimum Acceptable Standard are all the same for this option, receiving in total 73% support.
Urban Drains - the lowest possible, status quo and the Council's Minimum Acceptable Standard are all the same for this option, receiving in total 83% support.
Maintenance Standards - majority support was for the status quo and the Council's Minimum Acceptable Standard, which in this case are the same, with 72% support.
Recreation Facilities
Swimming Pools - there was a slight majority in favour of the status quo in comparison to the Council's Minimum Acceptable Standard (52-48%) with a $1/year premium on the Council's standard. The status quo option will result in a worsening service standard over time as it is below the optimum funding level.
Stadia - there was a majority in favour of the status quo in comparison to the Council's Minimum Acceptable Standard (58-42%) with a 55 cents/year premium on the Council's standard. The status quo option will result in a worsening service standard over time as it is below the optimum funding level.
QEII Park - there was a large majority in favour of the status quo in comparison to the Council's Minimum Acceptable Standard (77-23%) with a $3.10/year premium on the Council's standard. There were also a number of specific comments made regarding the need for this facility to be `self-supporting'.
The status quo option will result in a worsening service standard over time as it is below the optimum funding level.
Financial Impact
The following table summarises the financial impact, in rates dollars, of the majority supported submissions:
| Asset Area | Council Minimum | Submission Preference | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Water Supply | |||
| Pressure and Flow | $47.90 | $47.90 | $0 |
| Restrictions | $10 | $10 | $0 |
| Reliability | $4 | $4 | $0 |
| Water Quality | $2 | $2 | $0 |
| Parks | |||
| Turf | $19.30 | $18.70 | -$0.60 |
| Urban Sports Grounds | $7.10 | $6.40 | -$0.70 |
| Gardens | $15.20 | $14.60 | -$0.60 |
| Trees | $9.65 | $9.65/$8.80 | -$0.85 |
| Natural Areas | $17 | $17/$18.50 | +$1.50 |
| Toilets | $6.80 | $6.20 | -$0.60 |
| Playgrounds | $7.80 | $5.80 | -$2.00 |
| Sealed Surfaces | $1.60 | $1.55 | -$0.05 |
| Furniture | $5.80 | $5.80 | $0 |
| Structures | $1.50 | $1.50 | $0 |
| Land Acquisition | $15 | $15 | $0 |
| City Streets | |||
| Carriageways | $28.75 | $28.75 | $0 |
| Kerbs and Channels | $63 | $78 | +$15 |
| Footpaths | $16 | $16 | $0 |
| Street Lighting | $24.50 | $24.50 | $0 |
| Undergrounding | $11.80 | $11.80 | $0 |
| Road Markings and Signs | $5 | $5 | $0 |
| Traffic Signals | $4.60 | $4.60 | $0 |
| Major Construction Works | $16.90 | $16.90 | $0 |
| Neighbourhood Improvement Works | $6.80 | $6.80 | $0 |
| Safety Works | $4.23 | $4.23 | $0 |
| Wastewater | |||
| Treatment Plant | $52 | $52 | $0 |
| Overflows | $99 | $99 | $0 |
| Reticulation Odours | $2 | $2 | $0 |
| Land Drainage | |||
| Waterways and Wetlands | $31.30 | $31.30 | $0 |
| Water Quality | $0.20 | $0.20 | $0 |
| Urban Drains | $5 | $5 | $0 |
| Maintenance Standards | $6.50 | $6.50 | $0 |
| Recreation Facilities | |||
| Swimming Pools | $7 | $6 | -$1.00 |
| Stadia | $4.10 | $3.55 | -$0.55 |
| QEII Park | $16 | $12.90 | -$3.10 |
| TOTALS | $582.30 | $588.95 | +$6.65 |
Discussion
The total in the above financial summary table indicates a ratepayer willingness to overall increase the rates spend on these assets, this may be misleading. The `Difference' total is dominated by the +$15.00 rates for kerb and channel renewal, if this figure is removed from the total then the net result is an overall reduction in rates spend of $8.35 (a reduction of 1.1% rates). This result is consistent with the general direction of the submissions which tended to favour the `status quo' rather than the Council preferred Minimum Acceptable Service Standard.
It would be fair to say that the amount of information made available to the public, through Your City, Your Choice, was not sufficient for the submitters to make an in-depth analysis of each issue such as the Council carried out in determining the Minimum Acceptable Service Standards. The preference for the status quo is therefore understandable and probably indicates a level of satisfaction with the current state of affairs.
The appendices referred to in the above report are attached (white paper).
In considering the results of the Your City, Your Choice consultation, the working party felt it would be reasonable to assume that the low response rate was indicative of general public acceptance of the service standards proposed and that there was no need to make any major changes to current policy. With one exception the working party recommends that the Council minimum standard be adopted for each asset area. The one exception is in the Gardens area and in this case the working party recommends that a further $10,000 pa be allocated for the enhancement of high profile garden areas to maintain Christchurch's "Garden City" image.
Recommendation:
1. That the Council minimum standard be adopted for each asset area apart from parks/gardens.
2. That an additional $10,000 pa be provided for the enhancement of high profile garden areas.
3. That the Council minimum standard be adopted for kerb and channel for the years 1 and 2 and a stepped programme for kerb and channel renewal be considered in 1999/2000.
6. CANTERBURY MUSEUM
As part of the approval of the draft Council Plan, the Council agreed to increase its levy for 1997/98 to $2,281,809. This additional expenditure was to enable the Museum to carry out a programme of improvements, especially in relation to the displays within the Museum.
As the other local authority contributors to the Museum are not prepared to approve an increase in the levy above a 2.6% adjustment for inflation it will be necessary for this Council to make its additional payment as an ex gratia payment. The amount payable to the Museum will therefore form two components being a levy of $1,806,947 and an ex gratia payment of $474,862.00.
Recommendation:
1. That the funding provided in the draft Plan for the Museum be paid in two parts as follows:
2. That the Council write to the other contributing authorities expressing disappointment regarding their decision not to support the request for additional funding for the Museum and expressing the hope that all contributing authorities can work together in the future in the interests of the Canterbury Museum; the letters to note the significant use made of the Museum by schools in both the metropolitan and rural areas of the province.
3. That discussions be initiated with the Museum Trust Board and the other contributing authorities on the future governance of the museum.
7. SCHEDULE OF COUNCIL PLAN CHANGES
A schedule listing the adjustments to the draft plan supported by the working party is attached (yellow paper).
Councillors will note from the attached schedule that the working party is recommending revenue from sale of assets/capital repatriation be reduced by $15 million to a more realistic level based on interim professional advice. Unless compensating savings are made in the capital programme this adjustment will result in an unacceptably high rate increase in years 2 and 3 and breach one of the financial management ratios in later years. The working party therefore recommends that a review of capital expenditure be undertaken immediately with a view to achieving at least a $15m reduction over the next five years. In tandem with this the working party also believes that in-house operational practices should be reviewed to identify further efficiency gains.
The budget has been changed to reflect this $15m reduction in capital expenditure by a blanket provisional reduction as follows:
| 1997/98 |
1998/99 |
1999/00 |
2000/01 |
| $4M |
$4M |
$4M |
$3M |
Recommendation: 1. That the rate increase in 1997/98 be limited to 2.96% by:
(a) Reducing base level borrowing by application of an additional dividend from CCHL for 1996/97;
(b) An immediate capital expenditure review requiring a reduction of a minimum of $15 million over five years;
(c) An immediate efficiency and effectiveness drive carried out aimed at maximising efficiency gains, in advance of the next budget round.
2. That from year 1 consideration be given to spreading the waterways enhancements programme; the implications on the operating account of the capital expenditure to be reported.
8. SCHEDULE OF CARRY FORWARDS
The Unit Managers' requests for carry forward project funds to the 1997/98 financial year are detailed in the attached schedule (blue paper).
Recommendation: That the schedule of carry forwards as attached be approved subject to the Director of Finance being authorised to vary the amounts actually carried forward for internal reporting purposes provided the total is less than the overall total.
9. SUMMARY OF LONG TERM FINANCIAL PROJECTIONS
A paper summarising the long term operating and capital projections is attached (pink paper).
10. SPECIFIC WORKING PARTY RECOMMENDATIONS
The working party makes the following recommendations in respect of the in-house requests for adjustments to the Council Plan and the major issues raised in the submissions:
1. That the $750,000 provision in 2000/01 for the refurbishment of the Council Chamber be deleted.
2. That provision of $350,000 for the Centennial Pool Park and the adjacent river precinct be made in 1998/99 (rather than 1997/98) subject to staff confirming that this fits the timetable for the opening of the new pool.
3. That provisional funding of $450,000 and $300,000 be made in years 1 and 2 for the Westpac Centre. The $450,000 to be funded from the unspecified capital provision and the $300,000 to be treated as additional funding in year 2; such funding to be confirmed by the Council following the receipt of a staff report in August.
4. That a note be included in the Council Plan to the effect that at the time the plan was being finalised discussions were being held with the Victory Park Board relating to the future development of Lancaster Park and the Council's involvement in such developments.
5. That funding of $500,000 be allocated from the unspecified capital sum for the Convention Centre for the installation of a catwalk and a number of other operational items; confirmation of the funding to be subject to the presentation of a report from the Major Projects Co-ordinator to the present meeting.
6. That a shortfall in depreciation of $850,000 to be funded as far as possible from any unit savings, with the balance being adjusted against the deficit.
7. That, in view of the uncertainties surrounding the commencement date of the project, no provision be made in 1997/98 for the operational costs of the Stewart Fountain and that $30,000 be provided in 1998/99 and subsequent years.
8. (a) That provision of $260,000 and $278,000 be made in years 1 and 2 for the Jellie Park and Wharenui Pools filtration upgrade.
(b) That the English Park grandstand replacement be deferred for two years.
9. That capital provision of $10,000 and operating provision of $50,370 be made in 1997/98 for the operation of Cowles Stadium.
10. That $50,000 be provided from the seeding fund for the World Paraplegic Games and that the Council agree to match the Hillary Commission's contribution of $50,000 to underwrite the games.
11. That provision of $130,000 be made in 1997/98 for improvements to Mona Vale subject to the lessee agreeing to contribute $160,000 for upgrading and accepting responsibility for future internal refurbishment.
12. That the sum of $30,000 be allocated from the contingency sum for a children's play area in the Civic Offices and that the contingency be adjusted accordingly.
13. That additional provision of $30,000 be made in 1997/98 for the shortfall for the Civic Offices Maori artwork.
14. (a) That $50,000 be provided in 1997/98 for "Coca Cola Christmas in the Park" subject to suitable mechanisms being put in place to ensure that health and safety requirements are complied with.
(b) That additional funding of $20,000 be provided from the central city marketing vote for the Buskers Festival.
15. That the provision for the safe routes to school programme remain at the level provided in the draft plan.
16. (a) That the Council agree to use New Zealand made recycled paper for photocopying and letterhead stationery, subject to confirmation of the feasibility of so doing, and the success of a pilot scheme.
(b) That an additional $15,000 be set aside to allow the Council to purchase recycled paper for the next financial year if this is found to be practicable.
(c) That Waste Management and Inventory Unit staff continue to investigate further the practicality of using recycled paper and to develop a draft policy on the use of recycled paper and report this to the September meeting of the Environmental Committee.
17. That the City Manager be authorised to implement the Spreydon/Heathcote Community Board's request for a vehicle turning area in View Terrace provided the project is cost neutral, i.e. that expenditure is offset by the revenue from the sale of adjacent land.
18. That the City Streets Manager, in consultation with the Spreydon/Heathcote Community Board, explore the possibility of a substitution in order to advance the Birmingham Drive/Magdala Place roading project.
19. That staff report to the City Services Committee on the implementation of traffic safety programmes outside schools in the 1998/99 year; the report to explore the possibility of the Council contracting certain traffic safety education work from the Police.
20. That the safety remedial works at the Gardiners/Sawyers Arms Road intersection be evaluated in March 1998 with a view to providing funding in the 1998/99 and 1999/2000 years for a round-about, if required.
21. That the Riccarton/Wigram Community Board and the submitters seeking an allocation of funds from the field workers in schools project be advised that provided the funding is confirmed by the Council, the distribution of funds will be determined following a staff report to the Community Services Committee.
22. That the recommendations of the Riccarton/Wigram and Fendalton/Waimairi Community Boards relating to the undergrounding of services be referred to the City Services Committee for consideration in conjunction with the 1998/99 undergrounding programme.
23. That the Hagley/Ferrymead Community Board's request for the funding for the Nicholson Park toilets to be brought forward be referred to the Parks and Recreation Committee for consideration for inclusion in the 1998/99 draft plan.
24. That, in response to the request of the Hagley/Ferrymead Community Board the City Streets Unit prepare design options for Main Road east of Shag Rock, with special attention being given to safety and environment considerations.
25. That design work for Taylors Mistake Road improvements be undertaken in 1997/98 and that the associated safety work be undertaken in conjunction with the main project.
26. That the City Streets Manager, in consultation with the Hagley/Ferrymead Community Board, explore the possibility of a substitution in order to advance the Torlesse Street threshold treatment project.
27. That staff report to the City Services Committee on the proposal to retain and develop the Council owned land at the Tuam Street/Stanmore Road intersection as a roadside enhancement to improve the visual amenity of the area.
28. That the funding provided for the Taylors Mistake car park be reallocated as follows:
29. That approval be given to the Fendalton/Waimairi Community Board's requests for traffic calming measures in Truman Road to be substituted for Mansfield Avenue; and the Garden Road traffic calming project to be substituted for the Wairarapa/Garden intersection work.
30. That the Greers Road/Memorial Avenue project be brought forward to the 1998/99 year and be programmed early in that year.
31. That the Burwood/Pegasus Community Board and the other submitters seeking a review of the funding for the New Brighton commercial area be advised that in view of the funds already expended by the Council in New Brighton the Council has resolved to maintain the budget provision at its existing level.
32. That the Community Boards seeking an additional allocation of discretionary/project funding be advised that Community Managers have been requested to analyse the current expenditure and to report back to the Strategy and Resources Committee with a view to reviewing the current levels of funding in the current financial year.
33. (a) That the submitters raising concerns regarding the air pollution problem be informed that the Council has initiated discussions with Southpower, the Canterbury Regional Council and other interested parties with a view to producing a package of initiatives for encouraging a change to non-polluting forms of heating.
(b) That this programme be conducted in tandem with the Canterbury Regional Council's plans to reduce air pollution by regulation.
(c) That, subject to the satisfactory outcome of discussions with Southpower, the Council budget to receive a lower dividend in exchange for their agreeing to provide financial incentives for the conversion of domestic heating to non-polluting appliances.
34. That the following action be taken in response to the submission from Dr Neil Cherry seeking the allocation of funding to undertake a survey of residents living in the vicinity of high tension power lines and a survey of residents living in the vicinity of the Ouruhia radio transmitter:
(a) The City Manager to investigate a preliminary study of the effects on human health of radiation from cell phone transmitters, radio transmitters and other sources of radiation.
(b) That advice be sought from Local Government New Zealand and appropriate schools of medicine.
(c) That $20,000 be allocated for this work in 1997/98.
35. That $12,000 be provided in the Communications and Promotions budget for the official opening ceremony for the New Brighton Pier.
36. (a) That the Mt Vernon Trust be permitted to use the $15,000 proposed for landscaping in the 1997/98 draft plan for the completion of car park.
(b) That the Council grant $20,000 to the Trust in 1998/99 for car park landscaping.
37. That the City Streets Unit investigate the possibility of undertaking channel repair work in Ruskin Street, as an interim measure, until the major upgrading can be completed.
38. (a) That the City Services Committee be requested to review the policy relating to "children" warning signs in the vicinity of kindergartens and pre-schools.
(b) That the submission be referred to the Area Traffic Engineer for report to the relevant Community Boards on traffic calming measures for Rutland Street between Mays Road and Tomes Road.
39. That the request for the funding for the kerb and channel replacements in Fairfield Avenue to be brought forward to the 1999/2000 year be referred to the Spreydon/Heathcote Community Board with the request that the priorities for kerb and channel replacements in the Addington area be reviewed.
40. That the Northlands Retail Precinct Association be advised that funding provision for a new road between Langdons Road and Sawyers Arms Road will be considered when consultation is further advanced.
41. That the Shirley Residents' Association's request for the installation of right-hand turning lights at the Marshland/Shirley Roads intersection be declined because of the delays the additional phase will cause.
42. That the remaining requests for roading projects to be brought forward be considered in conjunction with the 1998/99 Council Plan process.
43. That the submitters seeking the review of the Council's weed spraying regimes be advised that this issue will be the subject of a report to the City Services Committee.
44. That the Pete Street Housing Co-op be invited to prepare a proposal for a joint venture housing development, along the lines of the housing co-operative model, for the Council's consideration.
45. That the submitters seeking the provision of Council housing in the inner city be thanked for their interest and be advised that the Council is implementing a housing programme for this part of the city.
46. That the submissions seeking the reinstatement of funding for the restoration of the Roses Chapel be referred to the Environmental Committee with the request that funding for essential strengthening and window protection work be made available from the Heritage Buildings Fund.
47. That the submission from the Christchurch Civic Trust seeking the allocation of an additional $500,000 for the protection of heritage buildings be declined in view of the substantial sums already being expended by the Council on historic buildings.
48. That the Parklands Toy Library be advised that provision has been made in 1997/98 for the integrated planning for facilities in the Parklands area.
49. That the submission from the North-West Rural Residents' Association be referred to the Water Services Manager and that he report to the August meeting of the City Services Committee on the possible project substitutions to enable a pure water supply to be provided to Johns Road at the earliest possibility opportunity.
50. (a) That, given it is eight years since admission charges were last reviewed, Recreation Management Services be permitted to raise adult admission charges by $1.00, subject to children's and pre-schoolers charges remaining at their current level.
(b) That RMS be advised that the approved schedule of charges does not allow the lessee to charge spectators accompanying children for admission for the complex.
51. (a) That the application from the Festival of Japan Organising Committee for funding of $30,000 be declined.
(b) That staff be requested to report on the feasibility of staging a multi-cultural festival.
52. That the application from the Latin American Cultural Group for funding of $20,000 for a Latin American Festival be referred to the Communications and Promotions Manager for consideration for inclusion in a multi-cultural festival.
53. That the Winter Festival funding remain at the current level and that consideration be given to allocating additional funding in 1998/99 following a review of this year's festival.
54. That the grant to the Christchurch Symphony Orchestra be increased from $120,000 to $200,000.
55. That the application from the Nurse Maude Centenary project for a grant of $50,000 be declined.
56. That the Theatre Royal Trust Board be advised:
That the Council will not be in a position to allocate a grant towards the earthquake strengthening work until after its obligations to the Aurora Centre have been discharged.
That grants of $200,000 and $165,000 will be made in 1999/2000 and 2000/01 respectively.
57. That the application from the Christchurch Music Centre for a further grant of $40,000 be referred to the Heritage Fund for consideration.
58. (a) That an additional $10,000 be added to the Director of Operations sub-budget for the next five years for the payment of the Council's membership of the Centre for Advanced Engineering.
(b) That senior engineering staff work with the centre with a view to developing projects of assistance to the city.
59. That the grant of $25,000 to the promoters of "Aida" be withdrawn in view of the fact that the event is no longer proceeding.
60. That a further grant of $15,000 be made to Canterbury Opera subject to:
The additional funding being used for the purposes outlined in the application ie additional Children's Chorus performances, lunchtime concerts in Cathedral Square.
Canterbury Opera liaising with the Central City Promotions staff regarding the staging of these events.
61. That the application from the Arts Centre of Christchurch for an additional grant of $20,000 towards the Artist in Residence Scheme, be declined.
62. That additional provision of $7,500 be made in the Leisure and Community Services Unit's sub-budget for a grant to the Belfast Pool Management Committee.
63. (a) That staff be requested to confer with Kim Paton of PRYDE in New Zealand regarding the issues raised in her submission.
(b) That the Leisure and Community Services Manager develop a specific policy for dealing with drug abuse amongst youth, as part of the Youth Strategy.
(c) That this issue be the subject of a report to the Community Services Committee.
64. That the Children's Advocate convene a meeting with appropriate groups to advance the proposal submitted by Michelle Mooar to produce a series of educational books on Canterbury.
65. That, with regard to the submission raising concerns relating to Port Hills development and afforestation, Environmental Policy and Planning Unit staff be requested to make contact with the submitter to obtain the research material referred to in the submission.
66. That the submitters seeking the relocation of the Christchurch Kart Club to Ruapuna Park be advised:
(a) That the Council has noted that there are many activities around the city which have been established for many years and have existing use rights.
(b) Staff will continue to monitor the noise levels from Kart Club activities to ensure they comply with the requirements of the City Plan.
(c) The Council would not attempt to frustrate the relocation of the Kart Club but it is not prepared to fund it.
67. That the submitters seeking the allocation of additional funding for the establishment of mountain bike tracks on the Port Hills be advised that consideration will be given to allocating additional funding in the 1998 Plan.
68. That the Travis Wetland Trust be advised that consideration will be given to allocating funding for the development of the wetland after the development plan has been approved.
68. That the Harewood Hockey Club be advised that funding has been allocated by the Fendalton/Waimairi Community Board for a study on the parking needs for Nunweek Park.
69. (a) That discussions be initiated with the Canterbury Tourism Council with a view to the Council putting a case to the New Zealand Tourism Board seeking an improvement of its overseas marketing activities.
(b) That the Canterbury Tourism Council report on a six monthly basis on the achievement of performance indicators.
70. That the submission on the Canterbury Museum be referred to the Museum Trust Board.
71. That the suggested changes to the strategic objectives proposed by Tim Barnett be referred to the relevant Standing Committees for report to the September meeting of the Council.
72. That the submitters raising issues which come within the province of Community Boards be advised that their submissions have been referred to the relevant Community Board for consideration.
73. That the submissions seeking the allocation of additional funding (other than those referred to above) be dealt with as part of the 1998/99 City Plan process.
74. That responses be forwarded to the remaining submitters along the lines of the comments provided by staff.
Recommendation: That the foregoing recommendations be adopted and where appropriate incorporated in the Christchurch City Council's Plan: 1997 Edition.
2. UNSPECIFIED OPERATING PROVISION PROPOSED AMENDMENT
Since the working party completed its deliberations the Chairman has held discussions with staff on the unspecified operating sum of $850,000 which is currently in year 2.
As the projected rate rises in years 2 and 3 exceed the previous projections it is suggested that it would be sensible to remove this from year 2 and year 3. The impact of this proposal and variations on this proposal would be as follows:
| 1998/99 |
1999/2000 |
2000/01 |
2001/02 |
|
| Existing Rate Increases | 3.57% | 5.19% | 3.40% | 3.46% |
| Reduction of Unspecified Sum to | ||||
| -0- | 2.85% | 5.21% | 3.41% | 3.47% |
| $150,000 | 2.98% | 5.21% | 3.41% | 3.47% |
| $250,000 | 3.06% | 5.21% | 3.41% | 3.47% |
| $500,000 | 3.27% | 5.20% | 3.41% | 3.47% |
An alternative would be to vary the amount of the unspecified sum for each year.
| 1998/99 | 1999/2000 | 2000/01 | 2001/02 | |
| Unspecified Amount | $250,000 | $550,000 | $850,000 | |
| Rate Increase | 3.06% | 5.45% | 3.64% | |
| Unspecified Amount | $350,000 | $350,000 | $550,000 | $850,000 |
| Rate Increase | 3.14% | 5.20% | 3.56% | 3.68% |
| Unspecified Amount | $550,000 | 0 | $550,000 | $850,000 |
| Rate Increase | 3.31% | 4.75% | 3.83% | 3.68% |
Recommendation: That the unspecified operating sum in years 2 and 3 be altered using any of the options outlined above.
3. NET REQUIREMENT FROM RATES
Net rate requirement, including the changes recommended by the working party, is 2.96%.
This represents a rate requirement of $115.1 million GST exclusive.
Recommendation:
1. That the Council adopt a 2.96% rate increase and approve borrowing of $50.50 million to finance the 1997/98 capital programme.
(Note: Special Order proceedings will be commenced at the Council meeting on 27 August to raise works development loan no 1 1997 for the above amount.)
2. That the Christchurch City Council Plan: 1997 Edition, as amended, be adopted.
3. That the Christchurch City Council Corporate Plan: 1997 Edition, as amended, be adopted.
4. That public notice be given that at its meeting on 27 August 1997 the Council will consider a resolution to make and levy rates in accordance with the approved Christchurch City Council Plan: 1997 Edition.
CONSIDERED THIS 30TH DAY OF JULY 1997
MAYOR