25. 6. 97

CITY SERVICES COMMITTEE

10 JUNE 1997

A meeting of the City Services Committee

was held on Tuesday 10 June 1997 at 2.00 pm

PRESENT: Councillor Denis O'Rourke (Chairman), Councillors Carole Anderton, David Close, Graham Condon, Ian Howell, Garry Moore and Ron Wright.

APOLOGIES: Apologies for absence were received and accepted from the Mayor and Councillors David Buist and Carole Evans.

Councillor Close arrived at 2.25 pm and was absent for part of clause 3.

Councillor Condon arrived at 2.32 pm, was absent from 3.55 pm until 4.30 pm, and retired from the meeting at 5.20 pm. Councillor Condon was present for part of clause 15 and clauses 2, 18 and 20.

Councillor Moore arrived at 3.10 pm and retired from the meeting at 4.06 pm, and was present for part of clause 15 and clauses 18 and 20.

Councillor Howell retired at 5.20 pm, and was present for clauses 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 15, 16, 18 and 20.

 

The Committee reports that:

PART A - MATTERS REQUIRING A COUNCIL DECISION

1. WATER CHARGES TO COMMERCIAL -

RESIDENTIAL PROPERTIES RR 5413

The purpose of this report is to advise regarding water charges to single owner, tenanted, multi-unit residential buildings. Currently three or more residential units on a single title under one ownership are charged for excess water, as for commercial water consumers. The Strategy and Resources Committee resolved to recommend at its meeting of 31 January 1997 that, subject to a report to this Committee, this practice be discontinued.

SUMMARY OF CURRENT WATER CHARGING POLICY

All ratepayers in Christchurch that are connected directly to the urban reticulated supply are charged a water rate. The current rate is $0.4534 cents per $1,000 of capital value, regardless of whether they are commercial, residential or rural.

In addition to the water rate, customers other than private residential consumers are charged for any water used above an allowance, at 28 cents for each cubic metre. The allowance is calculated as one cubic metre for every 28 cents of water rate paid.

Prior to 1989 all consumers in the former City Council area including residential were charged for water used above the capital-value-based allowance. On 18 September 1989 the City Council resolved that "excess" water charges for "domestic properties" be discontinued from September 1989, because private residential properties were not metered in other parts of the proposed new City Council. Later, on 23 February 1993, the new City Council resolved "that in the case of private residential consumers, no charge be made for water consumed in excess of the allowance until such time as water meters have been installed on all residential connections". Although the residential metering programme is now complete, the Council has not yet made a decision to charge private residential consumers on the basis of volume used.

CURRENT POLICY ON SINGLE OWNER, TENANTED, MULTI-UNIT RESIDENTIAL PROPERTIES

The definition of "domestic" and "private residential" in relation to this matter has already been debated in some depth. The Council has adopted the definition in the Rates Rebate Amendment Act 1974, as meaning "rateable property that is separately rated and is used as the usual place of residence of the ratepayer". Also relevant is Section 89(1) of the Rating Powers Act which defines "residential land" as meaning ..."land that is used solely or principally for residential purposes and is occupied or intended to be occupied exclusively as the home or residence of not more than two households".

The issue of water charges to single owner, tenanted, multi-unit residential properties was referred to the Ombudsman in relation to a complaint by a property owner regarding two blocks of eight and 12 flats in the central city. The Ombudsman concluded that the complaint that the water charges were unfair, could not be sustained. A copy of his statement is available.

The situation of landlords receiving water charges generally only arises in the older type of commercial-residential properties with a low capital value. The water charges serve to "top up" the combined water rates and charges to a level more consistent with the cost of supply.

In the case considered by the Ombudsman the average values for a unit were $41,000 and $34,000. A more recent complaint relates to a block of seven units with an average capital value of $65,000 per unit, resulting in average water rates of $29.47 per unit plus water charges averaging $14.28 per unit. Even with the water charges the total paid per residential unit is considerably less than the average residential water rate of $66.00 per consumer.

EFFECT OF A CHANGE IN POLICY

The Council could make a further exception from water charges by exempting commercial residential properties as well as domestic properties. Neither the Funds Accounting Unit nor the Water Services Unit have the information to readily quantify the financial impact of this, but it is probably in the order of $10,000 ( $5,000) per year.

In considering tenanted multi-unit properties as commercial the Council is at least being consistent across all business activities. The Council has had occasional complaints from consumers other than domestic about the fairness of water charges, not only those in the business of renting residential units. Shorter stay accommodation like motels and hotels could also claim they were in the residential business if flats were exempt.

Water rates and water charges are a charge against the property and therefore to the ratepayer, not the individual tenants. If the charges for water used above the allowance were being passed on directly to tenants, it could be argued that the tenants in multi-unit flats were disadvantaged. Tenants would however be quite entitled to refuse to pay such accounts unless water charges and how they were to be divided were specifically covered in the tenancy agreement.

CONCLUSION

The current policy treats commercial residential properties in the same way as other commercial properties and has withstood challenge. While the Council is able to exempt certain categories of activities from water charges in addition to domestic use, the action must be carefully considered in relation to other classes of commercial activities.

Recommendation: That the current practice of considering three or more residential units under single ownership on a single title as non-domestic for water charging purposes be approved.

2. BUCHANANS/RACECOURSE ROAD INTERSECTION RR 5395

Officer responsible	Author
City Streets Manager	Mike Calvert
Corporate Plan Output: Road Network Planning

This report is additional to a report to the May City Services Committee meeting where further information was requested regarding the proposed safety improvements at the corner of Buchanans and Racecourse Roads. The safety problem at the intersection is outlined and the options for improving safety are considered. Vehicle speeds and the effect on the roading hierarchy of each option are also discussed.

ROADING HIERARCHY

The roading hierarchy, as defined in the City Plan, is shown on the attached plan (Attachment 1). The Council has continued to develop the roading hierarchy for over 25 years and has signalled its intention to continue to develop it in the proposed City Plan. This concept is captured in Policy 7.2.1 - Hierarchy of Roads.

"To continue to maintain and build a hierarchical network of roads by investing in arterial road improvements and the use of local area traffic management."

The Buchanans Road/Racecourse Road route is the minor arterial route and any improvements at the intersection need to support the hierarchy as well as improving safety.

EXISTING PROBLEMS

The intersection of Buchanans Road suffers a safety problem with vehicles travelling south from Buchanans Road not observing the existing priority and crashing into vehicles on Racecourse Road. A diagram showing the pattern of crashes taken from the LTSA listing of reported crashes is attached (Attachment 2). It can seen from the diagram that the majority of crashes involve vehicles travelling south on Buchanans Road failing to give way to traffic on Racecourse Road. It is obvious when observing driver behaviour at this intersection that they are expecting traffic travelling north along Racecourse Road to turn left into Buchanans Road as the majority of vehicles do.

There is also the issue which has been raised by local residents of the high speed of vehicles travelling along Buchanans Road and the speed of vehicles at the intersection of Buchanans/Racecourse Roads.

TRAFFIC FLOWS

Traffic flows at the intersection have been resurveyed as requested by the committee and the results of this survey are attached (Attachments 3(a) and 3(b)).

The percentage movements measured in this survey are consistent with those from the survey undertaken in July 1995. These show that the traffic patterns still reflect the road classification with the majority of vehicles using the Racecourse/Buchanans route. The traffic patterns at the intersection over the 3 hours surveyed are also reflected in the tube counts taken over the week of 16 to 23 May 1997.

INTERSECTION OPTIONS

Five options (Attachment 4, Figures 1-5) for the intersection of Buchanans and Racecourse Roads have been reviewed and preliminary Benefit/Cost Ratios have been calculated. It should be noted that costs are appropriate and do not include any major changes required for drainage that will lower the B/C.

Do Nothing - Figure 1

The option of leaving the intersection unchanged is not a realistic option as it does not resolve any of the safety problems associated with this intersection and does not support the roading hierarchy.

Large Roundabout - Figure 2

A large roundabout (20 metre diameter) at the intersection would reduce the number of crashes and reduce the speed of all vehicles negotiating the intersection. It would, however, require the purchase of land which is not designated in the Proposed City Plan. The cost of this option is high, $260,000, due to need to reconstruct the intersection entirely and the cost of the extra land required for this design. When the increase in vehicle operating costs is taken into account this option has a Benefit/Cost Ratio of less than 1.0. This option does not support, or reinforce the roading hierarchy.

Small Roundabout - Figure 3

The small roundabout (15 metre diameter) design does not require the purchase of as much land as the previous design, the only land required being on the north west corner, which is not designated. The costs are therefore lower and the cost of construction is also significantly lower resulting in a total cost of $193,000.

The safety records for small roundabouts are lower than for the larger radius roundabouts, but with reduced installation costs this design achieves a Benefit/Cost Ratio of about 1.8. This design would achieve safety savings but would also result in extra travel and vehicle operating costs and does not support , or reinforce the roading hierarchy.

Realign Intersection with Same Priority - Figure 4

The option of realigning the intersection and retaining the existing priority has been suggested by the residents. There are few safety benefits to be gained from this option and it would also result in increased vehicle operating costs. To achieve any safety benefits at all would require that the intersection be squared up as shown to improve visibility for vehicles approaching the Give Way on Buchanans Road. This would require land on the north west corner of the intersection (this is not designated for road widening). This would reduce the incidence of rear end collisions at the approach to this intersection. It would not, however, resolve the main problem at the intersection of drivers on Buchanans Road not observing the intersection priority. The cost of reconstruction would be $143,000 And would achieve a Benefit/Cost Ratio calculated of 0.5. this option does not support the roading hierarchy.

Realign Intersection with Changed Priority - Figure 5

This option involves the realignment of the northern leg of Racecourse Road changing the intersection priority to support the hierarchy and the major traffic movements. The crash savings result in a Benefit/Cost Ratio 4.9, not including savings in vehicle operating costs. The cost of reconstruction of the intersection would be $77,000.

The option of realigning the intersection, with changed priority, to support the arterial route is still supported as the best option for improving safety at this intersection. This is the only option which achieves a B/C of over 4.0 required to attract funding from Transfund through predicted reduction in crashes. It would also reduce vehicle operating costs, supports the roading hierarchy and costs the least to construct.

VEHICLE SPEEDS

The mid-block speed of vehicles along Buchanans Road has been of concern to residents for some time. This is a problem experienced along most roads in the city which have long, straight, wide roadways and open road reserves. There are several options for reducing vehicle speeds:

Enforcement

The problem of vehicles not observing the posted speed limits is one of enforcement. It is realised that there is a limited number of police and there cannot be a police presence on the road 24 hours/day. This is, however, one means of reducing the speed of vehicles.

Speed Camera

There are presently strict criteria as to where speed cameras may sited based on the incidence of speed related crashes. There have been no reported crashes involving speed along the section of Buchanans Road between Racecourse Road and Carmen Road. This stretch of road does not therefore qualify as a speed camera site at this time.

Speed Watch

This involves local residents observing vehicle speeds using speed measurement equipment supplied by the Council. Where measured speeds of vehicles are found to be excessive the registration number is taken and the owner of the vehicle notified. This method has worked very well in reducing vehicle speeds where it has been tried on local residential streets. Although this method has not been tried on an arterial road there appears to be no reason it could not be used successfully with the residents assistance.

Speed Limit Change

It has been shown with the speed limit changes on other roads in the city that by changing the speed limit the variability in the speeds of vehicles can be reduced so that the vehicles travel at more consistent speeds. In this instance it is unlikely vehicle speeds would be reduced to a level acceptable to residents.

Intersection Treatment

Westbound vehicles could be slowed at the intersection of Racecourse Road and Buchanans Road as suggested by the residents. This would not address the safety problem at the intersection and would have no effect on the mid-block speed of vehicles. A roundabout at the intersection would also effectively reduce speeds at the intersection, while addressing safety concerns, but is the costliest option to construct.

Landscaping

Sections of landscaping could be planted along Buchanans Road to visually narrow the road to reduce motorists speeds. This is a similar concept to rural thresholds where the open space around the roadway is reduced to give the impression the roadway itself has been narrowed.

Roadway Reduction

The installation of a painted median to reduce the roadway width for traffic is another method to slow vehicles, although it is doubtful this method would be effective without treatment to visually narrow the road as outlined above.

It is unlikely that physical measures alone will achieve the reductions in speed desired by the residents of Buchanans Road. To reduce speeds will also require some measure of enforcement. Although this work is the duty of the police, it is accepted that lack of manpower reduces the resources the police can assign to enforcement on any one road. Therefore, the use of other resources needs to be considered. In this, the cooperation and assistance of local residents could provide the necessary resources to monitor vehicle speeds on a regular basis in the form of a residents speed watch programme.

PUBLIC CONSULTATION

Discussions have been held between local residents and members of the Riccarton/Wigram Community Board regarding the options to improve the intersection. Both of these parties favour the retention of the existing priority at the intersection and the introduction of a kerb extension to slow westbound traffic. This option does not address the safety problem at the intersection, and does not support the roading hierarchy and for these reasons is not supported by Council staff.

Due to the arterial nature of the roads, and the city wide consequences of any changes made to the intersection, it would be appropriate for any public consultation to include the people who use this route, including the commercial firms. This wider coverage would give a more balanced input of concerns the wider community may have regarding projects on arterial routes. It is therefore recommended that future consultation should include these road users as well as local residents.

CONCLUSIONS

The realignment of the intersection with changed priority to reinforce the arterial route along Racecourse Road and Buchanans Road is the only option for reconstruction of the intersection which achieves the objectives of safety, efficiency and support of the roading hierarchy. None of the other options come close to achieving a B/C of 4.0 required to attract Transfund subsidy.

Physical works such as landscaping and road marking can be undertaken to reduce speeds along Buchanans Road. In themselves, however, they are unlikely to achieve the speed reductions desired by residents. It will require enforcement of the speed limit which could be assisted through the cooperation of local residents using Council speed measurement equipment.

Public consultation for this, and any arterial improvement, needs to be directed at the people who use the route as well as the local residents and business people.

Officer's

Recommendation:

1. That the proposed safety improvements to the intersection of Buchanans Road at Racecourse Road proceed in the 1997/98 financial year subject to the outcome of further public consultation.

2. That the Riccarton Park Residents' Association be approached to establish a Neighbourhood Speed Watch for Buchanans Road.

3. That public consultation process include commercial users and the general public using the Buchanans/Racecourse Roads intersection.

Chairman's Recommendation:

1. That the officer's recommendation be adopted.

2. That staff prepare a traffic calming landscape scheme for Buchanans Road.

3. That the Police be requested to conduct a speed blitz on Buchanans Road.

A show of hands was called for when the following recommendation was moved and carried by five votes to two.

Committee Recommendation: That the residents' option be trialed over a three month period to assess the benefits of that particular technique.

PART B - REPORTS FOR INFORMATION

3. DEPUTATION BY APPOINTMENT

RICCARTON HOUSE LANDSCAPE PLAN

A deputation from the Riccarton Bush Trust (comprising Messrs Graham Berry and Charles Dean) presented the landscaping plan as adopted by the Trust for Riccarton House. This plan impacts on the existing cycleway route, which passes between Riccarton House and the river. The Trust promoted an alternative cycle route on the south side of Riccarton House.

The Committee received the information, and debated the cycleway issues in conjunction with the "Cycle Projects" report (Part B, clause 15 of this report).

4. RECYCLED NEWSPAPER - UPDATE RR 5397

The purpose of this report is to provide an update on a previous report on recycled newspaper submitted to the Recovered Materials Special Committee in February 1997.

The February report, RR 4592, outlined how a worldwide decline in newspaper over the past two years (and particularly the first six months of the 1996/97 financial year) was leading to the likelihood of substantially less revenue than expected from newspaper for this year. The bottom line was a possible over-expenditure of the Waste Management Unit budget for the year. As a result the Council approved, in February, an over-expenditure of the Waste Management Unit budget of up to $112,000.

Since December 1996 the price for newspaper has progressively increased from a low of $26/tonne (export price) to around $60/tonne in May 1997. In view of improving export prices the net "over-expenditure" for newspaper to the end of the 1996/97 financial year is now estimated at $97,000 which is below the approved figure of $112,000. Note that due to under-expenditure on other items (eg new landfill development) the end of June 1997 bottom line for the Waste Management Unit will be an under-expenditure not an over-expenditure.

The Committee received the information.

5. DISCHARGE CONSENT FOR EFFLUENT FROM CHRISTCHURCH WASTEWATER TREATMENT PLANT RR 5438

The purpose of this report, from the Liquid Waste Engineer, was to advise of progress with seeking a discharge consent for the Christchurch Wastewater Treatment Plant.

A report on the discharge consent process was presented at the City Services Committee meeting in May. The Committee passed the following resolution:

"That the Council delegate to Councillors O'Rourke, Close, Evans, and Wright the authority to recommend to the Council the brief for the discharge consent issues and options study, and the authority to approve the selection of consultants to do this study."

The Council approved this recommendation at its meeting on 28 May.

Since then the Working Party has reached agreement on the content of the Issues and Options brief and has recommended this to the Subcommittee set up by the Council resolution above.

(The Discharge Consent Sub-Committee has submitted a separate report to this meeting of the Council.)

The information was received by the Committee.

6. ROAD SAFETY AT SCHOOLS RR 5390

This report, prepared by the Traffic Operations Engineer, drew the Committee's attention to problems associated with parking, access and safety of pupils travelling to and from schools in the city.

In recent months, safety issues involving schools located on arterial roads in the city have been brought to the attention of the Council. Most are either primary or intermediate schools where a high percentage of children are transported by private motor car.

Parking is a number one problem at the school gate. Safe crossing facilities can usually be provided directly outside schools but are not so easy to establish at other points on the roading network. Speed has been cited as a problem on four lane arterial roads and in rural/semi-rural areas. Drivers on four lane arterials and travelling along rural roads are not as conscious of the need to slow down when passing schools en route to their destinations.

There is a need to co-ordinate activities that are aimed at improving safety for pupils travelling to and from schools in the city. A series of City Services Committee seminars is proposed along with the setting up of a steering group that will oversee the process and ensure that any Council policies and directions are followed.

The Committee decided that a series of City Services Committee seminars be held, commencing on Thursday 19 June at 4.00 pm. The topic will be safety issues relating to pupils travelling to and from schools in the city. Subsequent seminars will be held on Friday 25 July 1997 at 3.00 pm and Thursday 21 August 1997 at 4.00 pm.

7. SPEED LIMIT STRATEGY RR 5403

This report, prepared by the Traffic Operations Engineer, provided an update on the enforcement, monitoring and educational aspects of the speed limit strategy that was adopted by the Council and supported by the NZ Police, Transit NZ, LTSA and the NZ Automobile Association.

Concern was expressed by Councillor Anderton on the Brougham Street traffic speeds. This matter will be considered during the seminars on traffic safety.

The Committee decided:

1. That the letter of assurance from District Commander Warwick Nicholl concerning the speed limit strategy be received.

2. A report on the Brougham Street 60 km/h speed limit and safety for school pupils be presented to the Spreydon/Heathcote Community Board and the City Services Committee in July.

A report on the other speed limit changes and overall strategy will be presented to the Committee in November. It is proposed to continue to review the strategy and report to the Committee on a three monthly basis thereafter.

3. That the Police be requested to commission the new speed detectors as soon as possible.

4. That the outcome of the new speed management strategy be reviewed at the seminars commencing in June.

8. MAIN NORTH/NORTHCOTE/QEII INTERSECTION RR 5394

This report advised of recommendations made by the Shirley/Papanui Community Board concerning the traffic speed and safety of this intersection.

The Committee decided:

1. That the report be forwarded to the Shirley/Papanui Community Board, Transit New Zealand and the New Zealand Police for information.

2. That no action beyond the installation of larger 50 km/h signs be taken.

3. That rumble strips be installed at the appropriate points of the intersection.

9. CO-ORDINATING COMMITTEE FOR TRAFFIC SAFETY RR 5389

This report provided information on the last meeting of the Traffic Safety Co-ordinating Committee and on the road safety awareness campaigns run by the Council. Updates were provided on facilities outside schools, the National Roads Safety Co-ordinators' conference, and the pedestrian safety programme.

The Committee received the information.

10. SAWYERS ARMS/LANGDONS ROAD LINK RR 5312

This report from the City Streets Unit advised of an approach made to the Council by Northland's representatives regarding the feasibility of constructing a road/service lane between the Northlands Shopping Centre and Papanui High School.

This report was referred to the Shirley/Papanui Community Board, who endorsed the discussion on, and concept of, a through road as referred to in the report.

The proposed link between Sawyers Arms Road and Langdons Road is at an early stage in the planning process. This link could improve traffic safety and efficiency along the Main North Road and the concept is therefore supported by Council staff.

The information was received by the Committee.

11. AVONSIDE DRIVE BARRIERS RR 4814

This report advised on the proposed safety barrier along the Avon riverbank side of Avonside Drive between Fitzgerald Avenue and Woodham Road. The safety barrier will replace the existing timber rail fence. Avonside Drive is a minor arterial therefore this report was submitted for the City Services Committee's consideration in terms of project timing and budget implications.

Comment was also made on three associated projects over the same length of Avonside Drive, namely the stabilisation of the Avon riverbank, the shape correction and surfacing with asphaltic mix of the carriageway and the provision of cycle lanes.

The Committee decided:

1. That provision be made in the draft 1998/99 Capital Works programme for the construction of the bank stabilisation, shape correction, surfacing and safety rail.

2. That the Gilby Residents' Association and appropriate road user groups be consulted on all aspects of the proposal.

3. That a report be produced on a preferred route for cyclists and the means of encouragement for cyclists to use this route.

4. That the outcomes of 2 and 3 be referred back to the City Services Committee.

12. ON-STREET LANDSCAPING RR 5435

This report discussed various issues relating to on-street landscaping and set out preliminary guidelines for landscaping practice. The draft guidelines seek to improve planting practices to provide a comprehensive planting strategy, with relevant policies, for Christchurch. When the planting strategy is completed the guidelines will be reviewed to ensure that they are consistent with this new strategy.

During discussion, the Committee agreed by consensus that the guidelines incorporate specifications for a minimum plant size and specify the planting time of year to avoid plant loss. It was also agreed that a higher grade of planting be undertaken in shopping precincts.

Reporting on the implementation of these guidelines and the overall standard of planted areas will be included in the City Streets Unit's Six Monthly Reports to provide an update on these issues.

The Committee received the information.

13. SUPPLEMENTARY ITEM:

OXFORD TERRACE - ONE-WAY RR 5462

The Chairman referred to a supplementary report on this issue which had been submitted for consideration at the meeting.

The Chairman advised that his recommendation attached to this report was withdrawn.

The Committee decided that the plan tabled by the officer be recommended to the Central City Committee and that the rule be that cyclists be required to give way to pedestrians.

14. SUPPLEMENTARY ITEM:

UPDATE ON WOOLSTON/BURWOOD EXPRESSWAY RR 5463

The Committee was referred to a supplementary report on this issue which was submitted for consideration at the meeting.

The Committee decided:

1. That the matter lie on the table.

2. That a special meeting be arranged with the Chief Executive Officer of Transfund to discuss Transfund's approach to funding for Stage I and Stage II of the Woolston/Burwood expressway.

15. CYCLE PROJECTS RR 5409

The purpose of this report was to advise of the status of some current cycle projects and activities undertaken in support of cycle projects.

CYCLE STEERING GROUP

The Cycle Steering Group had its first meeting since the publication of the Cycle Strategy in late March. It will be recalled that the Steering Group is a group of cycle advocates and other people professionally involved in transport issues. The group has been formally acknowledged by the Council (from the October 1996 meeting) to act as an advisory group to the Council for cycle issues. Until now the specific role of the group had not been determined.

The March meeting of the Group agreed on the wording of the statement defining its role. It is:

To develop and monitor the implementation of the Cycle Strategy, and have a general role in relating cycling concerns to the Council, commenting on cycle aspects of Council projects, and making recommendations where the Council makes cycle policy decisions.

The process of how the Steering Group will be advised of projects, and how their response will be sought is being worked through with unit managers and will be reported back to the next meeting of the City Services Committee. It may be appropriate for the Steering Group to report to the City Services Committee through the cycling report each month.

Meanwhile, the issue of payment of a meeting allowance to the Steering Group members has not been resolved. Although the City Services Committee supported the payment of a meeting allowance, the decision was overturned at full Council, with the comment that the issue is under consideration.

CYCLE PROJECTS FOR 1996/97 YEAR

All specific projects identified in the 1996/97 capital works year, have either been completed, will be completed, or have work started by the end of the financial year. There is an exception of one project - the Waterloo Road cycle path which has been held over to 1997/98 to coincide with other work in the same area. The report went on to provide status details of the various projects.

A number of non-specific projects were allocated for the 1996/97 financial year. It was not possible to identify a full range of activities which would use the available money on the budget items (for example, it was not necessary to spend $70,000 on cycleway signing). These monies have been reallocated to other cycleways tasks. The budget items and projects which the funds have supported were listed.

RICCARTON BUSH CYCLEWAY

Deputation

Mr Graham Berry and Mr Charles Dean, representing the Riccarton Bush Trust, addressed the Committee concerning the Trust's adopted landscape plan for the Riccarton House grounds. The plan impacts upon the existing cycleway route. The Trust is promoting an alternative cycle route on the south side of Riccarton House, as they see cyclists using the current route being in conflict with the heritage aspect of Riccarton House, and the use of the building for educational and social functions.

Continued access for all other users will be taken into consideration through the consultation process.

Survey Results

Results of various surveys were presented the Committee, including these undertaken by Tony Francis (consultant), concerning cycle counts and cyclists' preferred cycle route options.

Legal Issues

A resident in Ngahere Street (the western connection of the Riccarton Bush cycle path) believes the Council may be acting illegally in designating the path through Riccarton Bush as a cycle path. He states the Council cannot legally designate a cycle path on private land. This point is correct. However, the cycle path through Riccarton Bush exists with the permission of the Riccarton Bush Trust Board. The Council is not legally forcing the existence of the path, so at first glance the Council does not see that a legal conflict exists. A report from the Office Solicitor is being prepared and will be reported to the next meeting.

1OTHER PROJECTS

A number of other projects are being worked on at the moment - two major projects are planned for the 1997/98 financial year, and others will be implemented when planning and design approval is obtained and finance is available. These include Shirley School's Cycle Safety Improvements; Hospital Corner Cycle Network Link; Railway Cycleway; Ferry Road Cycleway.

CYCLE PROMOTIONS AND SURVEYS

The meeting was advised that the "Cycling" page in The Press is published monthly. A major cycle planning survey, run in March, elicited 1,000 responses. Information will be available in June or July.

The appointment of a Promotions Adviser (Michael Inder) to the cycle planning desk was noted. He is completing an integrated programme to include promotion of cycling, a variety of approaches which may be taken through various media channels, promotion sponsorship and promotional activities. A summary of his project, and the recommended Council actions will be presented to the City Services Committee in either July or August.

WITHDRAWAL OF RECOMMENDATION

The Chairman had advised the Committee of the withdrawal of his recommendation no 3 to this report, prior to the meeting. Following discussion and debate this recommendation was subsequently adopted unanimously by the Committee.

Councillor Anderton requested that her vote against resolution no 2 be noted.

The Committee decided:

1. That the role of the Cycle Steering Group be approved.

2. That the matter of a meeting allowance being paid to the members of the Cycle Steering Group be referred to the Strategy and Resources Committee for favourable consideration.

3. That the cycle route around the south side of Riccarton House be adopted, provided that the Riccarton Bush Trust Board work together with the Transport Projects Officer to produce a plan which will optimise the use and safety of the route for cyclists.

PART C - REPORT ON DELEGATED DECISIONS

TAKEN BY THE COMMITTEE

16. CONSULTANTS FOR WASTEWATER TREATMENT PLANT UPGRADE RR 5426

The purpose of this report was to seek approval to continue to engage BECA Consultants for the programmed upgrade work at the Christchurch Wastewater Treatment Plant.

BECA was engaged to prepare the contract documents for the recently let odour improvement works associated with the trickling filters, screen room, grit washing area and headworks.

The next stage of the upgrade programme addresses capacity needs and involves the installation of fine screens and bypass channel part/flow improvements.

BECA has provided a fee proposal of $86,000 for all the work associated with the fine screen installation (total capital cost estimated at $860,000) and $80,000 for all bypass channel/flow improvement works (total capital cost of $750,000). The total capital costs shown include the fees above.

The fee proposal is approximately 10% of the total capital cost and is considered reasonable given the number of different work areas involved in the hydraulic improvements and the need to ensure the designs are fully integrated into the overall upgrade. BECA certainly has the detailed knowledge of the plant and in the preliminary work carried out so far has shown an innovative approach to the technical problems and a willingness to address the operational concerns that staff raise. The question of involving engineering consultants for other detailed aspects of the upgrade work has not been finally decided, and can be considered by the City Services Committee on an annual basis based on advice from the Waste Management Unit.

The Committee resolved:

1. That BECA Consultants be engaged for the 1997/98 programmed work for the fees outlined above or to a maximum of 10% of the total cost of the work, whichever is the lesser amount.

2. That the engagement of consultants for future works or individual projects associated with the Christchurch Wastewater Treatment Plant upgrade be approved by this Committee on a year by year or project basis.

17. RESOLUTION TO EXCLUDE THE PUBLIC

The Committee resolved that the public be excluded from the following part of the proceedings of the meeting, to deal with item 4 on the agenda, Burwood Landfill resource consent/appeal by Waste Management Limited. The grounds under section 48(1)(a) for the passing of this resolution are as follows:

Section 7(2)(c)(ii) Prevent Damage to the Public Interest

18. SUPPLEMENTARY:

OXFORD TERRACE - ONE-WAY RR 5462

The Chairman advised that this item had not been circulated with the main agenda for the reason that the issue arose after the agenda of the City Services Committee was prepared and circulated, and that the matter could not wait for the next meeting as commencement of the Special Order procedure to amend the Traffic and Parking Bylaw 1991 had been approved by the Central City Committee on 5 May 1997.

It was resolved that the above item be received and considered at the present meeting.

19. SUPPLEMENTARY: UPDATE ON WOOLSTON/BURWOOD EXPRESSWAY RR 5463

The Committee was advised by the Chairman that this item had not been circulated with the main agenda for the reason that due to unforeseen circumstances the report was not available when the agenda was prepared and circulated, and that the matter could not wait for the next meeting, as the Committee needed to be brought up to date on this matter.

It was resolved that the above item be received and considered at the present meeting.

The meeting concluded at 6.30 pm

CONSIDERED THIS 25TH DAY OF JUNE 1997

MAYOR

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