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MINUTES OF A MEETING OF THE
*COMBINED COMMITTEES
HELD ON THURSDAY, 18 JUNE 2009 AT 9:30AM
IN THE RECEPTION LOUNGE, LEVEL 2
TOWN HALL BUILDING
301 QUEEN STREET
AUCKLAND

PRESENT: Councillor Douglas Armstrong, QSO [Chairperson]
  His Worship the Mayor, Hon John Banks, QSO [until 10:05am, item 4; from 10:05am, item 4; until 12:10am, item 6E; from 12:50pm, item 6E; until 12:58pm, item 6E; from 1:04pm, item 6E; until 1:48pm, item 6E; from 2:30pm, item 8; until 2:35pm, item 8; from 2:40pm, item 12]
  Councillors Ken Baguley  
    Aaron Bhatnagar  
    Leila Boyle  
    Dr Cathy Casey  
    Bill Christian, JP  
    Mark Donnelly  
    Graeme Easte [until 10:10am, item 4; from 10:20am, item 4; until 12:40pm, item 6E; from 12:50pm, item 6E; until 1:50pm, item 6F; from 1:52pm, item 6F]
    Glenda Fryer [until 9:45am, item 2; from 10:31am, item 5; until 2:05pm, item 6F]
    Paul Goldsmith [Deputy Chairperson]
[until 2:43pm, item 8; from 2:45 pm, item 8]
  Deputy Mayor David Hay, JP [until 11:20am, item 6E; from 11:25am, item 6H; until 3:00pm, item 12; until 3:10pm, item 12]
    John Lister, OBE  
    Greg Moyle, ED [until 10:25am, item 4; from 11:27 am, item 5; until 11:15am, item 6; from 1:35pm, item 6E]
    Graeme Mulholland, JP [until 10:45am, item 6; from 10:47m, item 6]
    Richard Northey, ONZM  
    Noelene Raffills  
    Denise Roche [from 11:06 am, item 6]

* Combined Committees comprises the following committees of council: Arts Culture and Recreation; City Development; Transport; Finance and Strategy; Community Services.


  1. Top APOLOGIES

    That the apologies from Councillors Lotu-Iiga and Millar for non-attendance, and Councillor Roche for lateness be accepted.

    CARRIED

  2. Top CONFIRMATION OF MINUTES

    That the minutes of the Combined Committees meeting held on Wednesday, 4 March 2009 be confirmed as a true and correct record with the following amendment to item 12 as follows:

    1.  Statement of Proposal Ten-year Plan 2009 - 2019
      1. That the following amendments be made to the Statements of Proposal, Long-term Council Community Plan (LTCCP) and Annual Plan consultation documents:
        1. Volume 1 p48:

    From: The volcanic experience programme will design, develop and implement improved management and facilities on the volcanic features of Auckland.

    To: The volcanic experience programme will design, develop and implement improved management and facilities on Maungawhau-Mt Eden.

    Amendments C (a) were CARRIED subject to the Chief executive's checking that the above are factually correct.

    [Secretarial note: The Chief executive advised that the following wording is factually correct.]

    CORRECTION:

    The volcanic experience programme will design, develop and implement improved management and facilities on the volcanic features of Auckland.

    The resolution was put by a show of hands and declared CARRIED by 10 votes to 6.

  3. Top EXTRAORDINARY BUSINESS

    There was no extraordinary business.

  4. Top HEARINGS PROCESS FOR THE 2009-2019 DRAFT 10-Year Plan

    [ATTACHMENT 4A]

    The Chief Executive gave an overview of the 10-Year Plan.

    The Chairperson moved:

    That it be a recommendation to Council:

    That following consideration of both written and oral submissions on the 2009-2019 draft 10-Year Plan, Council believes due consideration has been given to the various requests over the deliberation period, and accordingly resolves:

    1. That the schedule of reports requested for committees contained within Appendix B of the report from the Democracy Advisor dated 9 June 2009 be confirmed.

    Councillor Northey moved the following amendment:

    That rows 2 and 13 be reports to committees, as follows:

    Row No. Topic Request Committee to be reported to Vote
    2 Road upgrades Report on further upgrade of Neilson Street due to SH20 improvements Transport Committee The vote was put by show of hands and declared LOST by 10 votes to 4.
    13 Onehunga foreshore Report on restoration of Onehunga foreshore and public access ACR Committee The vote was put by show of hands and declared LOST, by 11 votes to 3.

    Councillor Boyle moved the following amendment:

    That rows 6, 14 and 15 be reports to committees, as follows:

    Row No. Topic Request Committee to be reported to Vote
    6 Citizens Advice Bureau Report on funding options for the Citizen's Advice Bureau ACR Committee The vote was put by show of hands and declared LOST by 10 votes to 5.
    14 Auckland football Report on options that could be developed for adequately used sports fields, i.e. by sand-carpeting, to meet the Auckland Football Federation's need for more usable fields for football ACR Committee The vote was put by show of hands and declared LOST by 10 votes to 5.
    15 Stonefield Transport links Report on providing better transport links from and near Stonefields including Tamaki rail station and active bus routes Transport Committee The vote was put by show of hands and declared LOST, by 9 votes to 6 .

    Councillor Easte moved the following amendment:

    That row 21 be a report to committee, as follows:

    Row No. Topic Request Committee to be reported to Vote
    21 Waiheke - Integrated ticketing Report on what options could be taken to promote integrated ticketing on Waiheke Island with affordability criteria and any investment from central government Transport Committee The vote was put by show of hands and declared LOST by 10 votes to 4.

    The Chairperson put the following substantive resolution:

    That it be a recommendation to Council:

    That following consideration of both written and oral submissions on the 2009-2019 draft 10-Year Plan, Council believes due consideration has been given to the various requests over the deliberation period, and accordingly resolves:

    1. That the schedule of reports requested for committees contained within Appendix B of the report from the Democracy Advisor dated 9 June 2009 be confirmed.

    CARRIED

  5. Top ESTABLISHING A HOLDING COMPANY AND NEW CCO - POLICIES FOR INCLUSION IN 2009-2019 10-YEAR PLAN

    The Chairperson moved:

    That it be a recommendation to Council:

    1. That it be noted that only a very small proportion of submissions on the draft 2009-2019 10-Year Plan concerned the proposals to establish a holding company or a council-controlled organisation (CCO) to manage the council's commercial marina operations at Westhaven. The majority of relevant submissions opposed the establishment of a holding company or new CCO. Of the reasons given, the transition to the new Auckland Council was one of the most common.
    2. That it be agreed that a holding company with subsidiaries be established to govern some of the council's assets and activities that have commercial objectives, but that the implementation of this decision be deferred to allow the council and the Auckland Transition Agency to maintain flexibility during the transition to the new Auckland Council.
    3. That it be agreed that a council-controlled organisation (CCO) be established to operate the council's commercial marina operations at Westhaven, but that the implementation of this decision be deferred to allow the council and the Auckland Transition Agency to maintain flexibility during the transition to the new Auckland Council.
    4. That it be agreed that policies be included in the final 2009-2019 10-Year Plan that provide for the establishment of a holding company (with subsidiaries) and a council-controlled organisation (CCO) to manage the council's commercial marina operations at Westhaven.
    5. That it be noted that the decisions to establish a holding company, subsidiaries and/or a Westhaven marina council-controlled organisation (CCO) will need to be confirmed by the Auckland Transition Agency.

    Councillor Northey moved the following amendment to resolution B:

    1. That it be agreed that a holding company be established to govern our airport shareholding but that the implementation of this decision be deferred to allow the council and the Auckland Transition Agency to maintain flexibility during the transition to the new Auckland Council.

    Amendment B was put by a show of hands and declared LOST by 11 votes to 5.

    The Chairperson put the following substantive resolution:

    That it be a recommendation to Council:

    1. That it be noted that only a very small proportion of submissions on the draft 2009-2019 10-Year Plan concerned the proposals to establish a holding company or a council-controlled organisation (CCO) to manage the council's commercial marina operations at Westhaven. The majority of relevant submissions opposed the establishment of a holding company or new CCO. Of the reasons given, the transition to the new Auckland Council was one of the most common.
    2. That it be agreed that a holding company with subsidiaries be established to govern some of the council's assets and activities that have commercial objectives, but that the implementation of this decision be deferred to allow the council and the Auckland Transition Agency to maintain flexibility during the transition to the new Auckland Council.
    3. That it be agreed that a council-controlled organisation (CCO) be established to operate the council's commercial marina operations at Westhaven, but that the implementation of this decision be deferred to allow the council and the Auckland Transition Agency to maintain flexibility during the transition to the new Auckland Council.
    4. That it be agreed that policies be included in the final 2009-2019 10-Year Plan that provide for the establishment of a holding company (with subsidiaries) and a council-controlled organisation (CCO) to manage the council's commercial marina operations at Westhaven.
    5. That it be noted that the decisions to establish a holding company, subsidiaries and/or a Westhaven marina council-controlled organisation (CCO) will need to be confirmed by the Auckland Transition Agency.

    Resolutions A and E were put by a show of hands and declared CARRIED by 11 votes to 5.

    A division was called for resolutions B, C and D, voting on which was as follows:

    For the Resolution: Against the Resolution:
    Cr Ken Baguley

    Cr Aaron Bhatnagar

    Cr Bill Christian

    Cr Mark Donnelly

    Cr Paul Goldsmith

    Deputy Mayor David Hay

    Cr John Lister

    Cr Greg Moyle

    Cr Graeme Mulholland

    Cr Noelene Raffills

    Cr Douglas Armstrong

    		 Cr Leila Boyle

    Cr Dr Cathy Casey

    Cr Graeme Easte

    Cr Glenda Fryer

    Cr Richard Northey


    His Worship the Mayor, Councillor Lotu-Iiga, Councillor Millar and Councillor Roche were absent.

    Resolutions B, C and D were declared CARRIED by 11 votes to 5.

  6. Top PROPOSED BUDGET CHANGES 2009 - 2019 10-YEAR PLAN

    [ATTACHMENT 6A]

    The Chairperson moved:

    That it be a recommendation to Council:

    1. That it be agreed that the changes proposed to the 10-Year Plan's operating and capital budgets set out below, noting that as a result of these changes, council's average rate increases will still be maintained at or below the council's rate of inflation.
      2009/ 10 2010/ 11 2011/ 12 2012/ 13 2013/ 14 2014/ 15 2015/ 16 2016/ 17 2017/ 18 2018/ 19
    Opex
    Budget refresh opex increase
    (decreases) $M    		 2.7 1.1 -2.1 -2.2 -2.2 -2.3 -2.3 -2.4 -2.5 -2.5
    Savings
    Total savings identified $M
    Nothing there will be an appropriate reversal of savings provisions to the extent they have been found    		 -14.2 -12.9 -13.6 -13.7 -19.2 -19.6 -20.0 -21.4 -22.0 -22.6
    New-Capex programme
    Capex programme $M (uninflated)    		 456.9 430.5 284.4 279.7 269.8 262.1 294.6 246.5 271.3 243.7
    New-Development contributions
    Development contributions $M (inflated)    		 16.8 20.0 23.0 27.1 33.9 46.1 56.2 64.0 73.0 83.3

    1. That in agreeing to the changes noted above in resolution A, that it also provide specific approval for the following:
      1. That an additional allowance of $8.0 million dollars for the Art Gallery development project for unbudgeted costs attributable to Environment Court imposed costs of $3 million, escalation of $600,000 and heritage building conditions contingency of $4.4 million, be approved;
      2. That the resolution from the 6 May 2009 Community Services Committee meeting to provide a grant of $577,612 to the Citizens Advice Bureau Auckland City for the 2009/10 financial year, be approved;
      3. That a budget of $65,000 to progress with the import health standards and conceptualise the campaign to import elephants into the Zoo, noting that the Auckland Transition Agency will determine the future governance and related responsibilities of the Zoo, be approved;
      4. That an increase to the sponsorship budget of $200,000 a year to support events that improve the economic vitality of the Auckland region, be approved; and
      5. That the revised Central Business District Streetscape and open spaces programme, including the changes in timing of work, as detailed in section 10 of Appendix 6 of report 6, which are primarily funded by the Central Business District targeted rate, be approved.
    2. That the resolution from the 7 May 2009 Transport Committee meeting be approved as follows:
      1. That it be acknowledged that through the procurement of new footpath renewal contracts, savings of approximately $4,800,000 have been achieved, which will enable the delivery of an additional 40,000mē of footpaths, which represents an almost 30 per cent increase in quantity;
      2. That the current specification in relation to the depth of the footpath base be retained, as any initial construction saving is more than offset by the increased depreciation and maintenance costs;
      3. That the decision regarding a change to the footpath policy until June 2009 to enable officers to consult with community boards and other stakeholders to conclude negotiations with the footpath contractor, and confirm actual savings be delayed, and that the officers be requested to report back to both the Transport and the Arts, Culture and Recreation Committees; and
      4. That it be a recommendation to Council:
        • That savings generated from (i) above be reinvested to allow the delivery of an extra 40,000mē (approximately) of footpath renewals over the next three years;
        • That any savings resulting from (iii) above be retained to accelerate delivery of footpath renewals over the next three years;
        • That the total spend on footpath renewals be retained at $213,985,526 over the next ten years as indicated in the table below to accelerate the repair of condition 4 and 5 footpaths; and
        2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019 Total
        $22,513,458 $22,513,458 $22,513,458 $20,920,736 $20,920,736 $20,920,736 $20,920,736 $20,920,736 $20,920,736 $20,920,736 $213,985,526

         

        • That the actions of council officers in negotiating a contract that delivers 30 per cent more footpaths at the same price be commended.
    3. That the proposed change to the ASB theatre refurbishment programme bringing forward $4.7 million of capital expenditure into 2010/11 and factoring in additional revenues of $191,000 in 2011/12 and $468,000 from 2012/13 onwards, be approved, provided that the enhancement of the functionality of the seats for convention purposes is achieved in a way that ensures no loss of amenity or service levels for patrons of performing arts and entertainment events.
    4. That the $84 million (option 3) Queens Wharf heritage legacy development project be approved for inclusion in the 2009-2019 10-Year Plan, noting council's contribution will be $56 million dollars, of which $35 million is already budgeted in the draft 10-Year Plan, $10 million in 2009/10 and 2010/11, and $25 million to be brought forward from 2015/16; and that there will be further work and council decisions required, including negotiations with the wharf owners, further financial review and design decisions.

    The meeting adjourned for morning tea at 11:05am and reconvened at 11:20am.

    1. That a $500,000 grant to Mainstreet and Business Improvement Districts for CCTV and safety measures conditional on the districts, matching council's contribution dollar for dollar and paying for all ongoing operating and capital costs beyond the initial contribution, be approved.
    2. That an additional $50,000 annual grant be approved for community events, noting this will allow increased funding to three local events and provide an unallocated $20,000 budget for the Arts, Culture and Recreation Committee to assign as appropriate.
    3. That it be noted that on completion of the 2008/09 annual accounts, a review of the surplus required for debt repayment and targeted rate funding for capital expenditure or future operating costs will be undertaken. Any actual surplus in excess of this assessment may be applied by council to a reserve for a specified purpose. Council will consider and make appropriation when the audited accounts are adopted to the Facilities Partnerships Fund.
    4. The 2009/10 capital expenditure budget be increased by $1.45 million, with a corresponding decrease to the 2010/11 budget, to enable the Vale Road stormwater upgrade physical work to be completed in 2009/10, a year earlier than originally planned.

    Councillor Casey moved the following amendments to resolution B(ii), B(iv), C(iv) and E, and by way of addition:

      1. That an annual grant of $742,000 to the Citizens Advice Bureau Auckland City, being the $642,000 consulted on in the 10-Year Plan together with an allowance for the increases in costs and in services provided incurred over the last three years.

    Amendment B(ii) was put by a show of hands and declared LOST by 10 votes to 6.

      1. That an increase to the sponsorship budget of $200,000 a year to support events that improve the economic vitality of the Auckland region with the proviso that this additional spending is allocated fairly and equitably to free community events across Auckland city; and

    Amendment B(iv) was put by a show of hands and declared LOST by 10 votes to 6.

      1.  third bullet point to read as follows:
        • That the total spend on footpath renewals be restored to $263,985,526 (being a restoration of $50 million of the original $83 million reduction) over the next ten years as indicated in the table below to accelerate the repair of condition 4 and 5 footpaths; and
    2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019 Total
    $27,513,458 $27,513,458 $27,513,458 $25,920,736 $25,920,736 $25,920,736 $25,920,736 $25,920,736 $25,920,736 $25,920,736 $263,985,526

    Amendment C(iv) was put by a show of hands and declared LOST by 11 votes to 5.

    1. That Council supports option 4, and congratulates the government and Auckland Regional Council on opening Queens Wharf, and adding to the celebrations of Rugby World Cup 2011 with the council funding of $34 million include reallocation of $12 million from the Rugby World Cup 2011 budget.

    A division was called for amendment E, voting on which was as follows:

    For the Amendment: Against the Amendment:
    Cr Leila Boyle

    Cr Dr Cathy Casey

    Cr Graeme Easte

    Cr Glenda Fryer

    		 Cr Ken Baguley

    Cr Aaron Bhatnagar

    Cr Bill Christian

    Cr Mark Donnelly

    Cr Paul Goldsmith

    Deputy Mayor David Hay

    Cr John Lister

    Cr Greg Moyle

    Cr Graeme Mulholland

    Cr Richard Northey

    Cr Noelene Raffills

    Cr Denise Roche

    Cr Douglas Armstrong

    His Worship the Mayor, Councillor Lotu-Iiga, and Councillor Millar were absent.

    Amendment E was declared LOST by 13 votes to 4.

    1. That $1 million per annum of the original $2 million reduction be reinstated for renewal of library collections.

    Amendment J was put by a show of hands and declared LOST by 10 votes to 6.

    The meeting adjourned at 1:00pm for Council to open. The meeting reconvened at 1:02pm.

    1. That $3.5 million (rather than the $5.5 million originally advised by officers) be budgeted for the undergrounding of overhead powerlines on Onslow Road, Dominion Road, Bellwood Avenue, Reimers Avenue, Rossmay Avenue, Altham Avenue and Sandringham Avenue through to Burnley Terrace by abandoning or reducing the realignment of Sandringham Road and the new link road, and reallocating a portion of the $22 million capital expenditure funding saved.

    Amendment K was put by a show of hands and declared LOST by 10 votes to 6.

    The meeting adjourned for lunch at 1:05pm and reconvened at 1:31pm.

    Councillor Boyle moved the following amendments by way of addition:

    J. That the expenditure for the Glen Innes Music and Arts Centre be reinstated to the 10-Year Plan at a cost of $5 million.

    K. That $15 million be reinstated for the Otahuhu swimming pool to the 10-Year Plan for 2015-2017.

    A division was called for amendments J and K, voting on which was as follows:

    For the Amendment:

    		 Against the Amendment:
    Cr Leila Boyle

    Cr Dr Cathy Casey

    Cr Bill Christian

    Cr Mark Donnelly

    Cr Graeme Easte

    Cr Glenda Fryer

    Cr Richard Northey

    Cr Denise Roche

    		 Cr Ken Baguley

    Cr Aaron Bhatnagar

    Cr Paul Goldsmith

    Deputy Mayor David Hay

    Cr John Lister

    Cr Greg Moyle

    Cr Graeme Mulholland

    Cr Noelene Raffills

    Cr Douglas Armstrong


    His Worship the Mayor, Councillor Lotu-Iiga and Councillor Millar were absent.

    Amendments J and K were declared LOST by 9 votes to 8.

    1. That the former funding of $414,000 per annum promoting diversity, migrant settlement and community development across the city be reinstated to provide community development workers in Glen Innes, Otahuhu and other appropriate projects.
    2. That the Glen Innes cycle funding capital expenditure be provided for at $500,000 in 2010/11.

    Amendments L and M were put by a show of hands and declared LOST by 10 votes to 7.

    1. That $2.5 million per annum be reinstated for the stage 2 of the Glen Innes Town Centre upgrade.

    Amendment N was put by a show of hands and declared LOST by 9 votes to 8.

    Councillor Northey moved the following amendments to resolution E and by way of addition:

    1. That the $68 million (option 3 less proposed surface treatment costs and a proportionate reduction in professional fees and contingency provision) Queens Wharf development project be approved for inclusion in the 10-Year Plan, noting council's contribution will be $50 million of which $35 million is already budgeted in the draft 10-Year Plan, $10 million in 2009/10 and 2010/11, and $25 million to be brought forward from 2015/16; and that there will be further work and council decisions required, including negotiations with the wharf owners, further financial review and design decisions, and in consequence council's planned capital spending associated with Rugby World Cup 2011 be reduced by $10 million.

    A division was called for amendment E, voting on which was as follows:

    For the Amendment: Against the Amendment:
    Cr Leila Boyle

    Cr Graeme Easte

    Cr Glenda Fryer

    Cr Richard Northey

    		 Cr Ken Baguley

    Cr Aaron Bhatnagar

    Cr Dr Cathy Casey

    Cr Bill Christian

    Cr Mark Donnelly

    Cr Paul Goldsmith

    Deputy Mayor David Hay

    Cr John Lister

    Cr Greg Moyle

    Cr Graeme Mulholland

    Cr Noelene Raffills

    Cr Denise Roche

    Cr Douglas Armstrong

    His Worship the Mayor, Counillor Lotu-Iiga and Councillor Millar were absent.

    Amendment E was declared LOST by 13 votes to 4.

    1. That an additional $3.5 million be provided for a park and ride facilities at railway stations particularly in Onehunga.

    Amendment J was put by a show of hands and declared LOST by 10 votes to 7.

    1. That an additional $10 million be provided for the purchase of Ann's Creek and further Onehunga foreshore development.

    Amendment K was put by a show of hands and declared LOST by 10 votes to 7.

    1. That $24,000 per annum be reinstated for the Onehunga festival annual events budget.

    Amendment L was put by a show of hands and declared LOST by 10 votes to 7.

    1. That the capital budget for the Marine Events Centre be reduced by $1.5 million by providing a flat roof rather than an iconic roof.

    Amendment M was put by a show of hands and declared LOST by 10 votes to 7.

    Councillor Easte moved the following amendments by way of addition:

    1. That each community board discretionary budget be increased by $10,000 per annum for each Board.

    Amendment J was put by a show of hands and declared LOST by 10 votes to 6.

    1. That the funding for Mt Roskill library be brought forward 2 years to 2015/16.

    Amendment K was put by a show of hands and declared LOST by 9 votes to 7.

    1. That $24 million be reinstated to the 2006-16 Long-term Council Community Plan (LTCCP) budget provision for walking and cycle ways.

    Amendment L was put by a show of hands and declared LOST by 11 votes to 6.

    1. That $300,000 be added to the 2010/11 capital expenditure budget for the redevelopment of Grey Lynn park.

    Amendment M was put by a show of hands and declared LOST by 10 votes to 7.

    1. That Coxs Bay be added to the schedule of beaches being tested on a regular basis for water quality.

    Amendment N was put by a show of hands and declared LOST by 10 votes to 7.

    Councillor Fryer moved the following amendments by way of addition:

    1. That the original budget for volcanic protection be restored by $1 million per annum which will enable restoration of Maungawhau-Mt Eden, Owairaka-Mt Albert and Maungarei-Mt Wellington.

    Amendment J was put by a show of hands and declared LOST by 11 votes to 7.

    1. That half of the $86 million reduction be restored ($4.3 million per annum) to the stormwater budget over the ten years to improve water quality in the city's harbours and urban streams, and reduce flooding.

    Amendment K was put by a show of hands and declared LOST by 11 votes to 7.

    1. That $2 million per annum be reinstated to the 10-Year Plan for the development of parks in the eight years where there is no budget, with priority given to Eden-Albert ward which has the least amount of open-space per head of population and will be impacted by State Highway 20.

    Amendment L was put by a show of hands and declared LOST by 11 votes to 7.

    1. That Auckland City provide funding of $40,000 for a low key community based opening event for Pasifika.

    Amendment M was put by a show of hands and declared LOST by 12 votes to 6.

    1. That the previous financial allocations for Maori and Pacific Island scholarships of $45,000 be reinstated.

    Amendment N was put by a show of hands and declared LOST by 12 votes to 6.

    1. That $7.5 million be reinstated for the Avondale pool at the end of the 10-Year Plan in 2018/19.

    Amendment O was put by a show of hands and declared LOST by 10 votes to 8.

    Councillor Roche moved the following amendments to resolution E and by way of addition:

    1. That $125,000 per annum be allocated for funding destination Great Barrier Tourism promotion and marketing.

    Amendment J was put by a show of hands and declared LOST by 13 votes to 5.

    1. That sufficient funds be allocated to match funding from central government for national cycleways on Waiheke Island.

    Amendment K was put by a show of hands and declared LOST by 11 votes to 5.

    1. That council continue with its original plan to build a full library at Oneroa and a separate service centre at Ostend at an additional cost of $2.1 million, recognising that $2.5 million has already been collected for the Waiheke waste transfer station upgrade which has been cancelled.

    A division was called for amendment L, voting on which was as follows:

    For the Amendment: Against the Amendment:
    Cr Leila Boyle

    Cr Dr Cathy Casey

    Cr Mark Donnelly

    Cr Graeme Easte

    Cr Richard Northey

    Cr Denise Roche

    		 Cr Ken Baguley

    Cr Aaron Bhatnagar

    Cr Bill Christian

    Cr Glenda Fryer

    Cr Paul Goldsmith

    Deputy Mayor David Hay

    Cr John Lister

    Cr Greg Moyle

    Cr Graeme Mulholland

    Cr Noelene Raffills

    His Worship the Mayor

    Cr Douglas Armstrong


    Councillor Lotu-Iiga and Councillor Millar were absent.

    Amendment L was declared LOST by 12 votes to 6.

    1. That the community grants fund be increased by $200,000 per annum.
    2. That the strategic partnerships funding be increased by $200,000 per annum.
    3. That the funds for children's playgrounds be increased by $1 million per annum.

    Amendments M, N and O were put by a show of hands and declared LOST by 10 votes to 4.

    Deputy Mayor Hay moved the following amendment:

      1. That the capital budget for 2009/10 be increased by $1.15 million by the addition of a project to the underground overhead powerlines in Walters Road, Cricket Avenue and Reimers Road adjacent to Eden Park.
      2. That it be noted undergrounding is an ongoing partnership between Vector Limited and Auckland City to improve the street amenity and it is expected Vector Energy Limited will contribute a further $800,000 towards the cost of this project.

    CARRIED

    The Chairperson put the substantive resolution:

    That it be a recommendation to Council:

    1. That it be agreed that the changes proposed to the 10-Year Plan's operating and capital budgets set out below, noting that as a result of these changes, council's average rate increases will still be maintained at or below the council's rate of inflation.
      2009/ 10 2010/ 11 2011/ 12 2012/ 13 2013/ 14 2014/ 15 2015/ 16 2016/ 17 2017/ 18 2018/ 19
    Opex
    Budget refresh opex increase
    (decreases) $M    		 2.7 1.1 -2.1 -2.2 -2.2 -2.3 -2.3 -2.4 -2.5 -2.5
    Savings
    Total savings identified $M
    Nothing there will be an appropriate reversal of savings provisions to the extent they have been found    		 -14.2 -12.9 -13.6 -13.7 -19.2 -19.6 -20.0 -21.4 -22.0 -22.6
    New-Capex programme
    Capex programme $M (uninflated)    		 456.9 430.5 284.4 279.7 269.8 262.1 294.6 246.5 271.3 243.7
    New-Development contributions
    Development contributions $M (inflated)    		 16.8 20.0 23.0 27.1 33.9 46.1 56.2 64.0 73.0 83.3

    1. That in agreeing to the changes noted above in resolution A, that it also provide specific approval for the following:
      1. That an additional allowance of $8.0 million dollars for the Art Gallery development project for unbudgeted costs attributable to Environment Court imposed costs of $3 million, escalation of $600,000 and heritage building conditions contingency of $4.4 million, be approved;
      2. That the resolution from the 6 May 2009 Community Services Committee meeting to provide a grant of $577,612 to the Citizens Advice Bureau Auckland City for the 2009/10 financial year, be approved;

    Resolution B(ii) was put by a show of hands and declared CARRIED by 12 votes to 5.

    1. That a budget of $65,000 to progress with the import health standards and conceptualise the campaign to import elephants into the Zoo, noting that the Auckland Transition Agency will determine the future governance and related responsibilities of the Zoo, be approved;

    A division was called for resolution B(iii), voting on which was as follows:

    For the Resolution: Against the Resolution:
    Cr Ken Baguley

    Cr Aaron Bhatnagar

    Cr Leila Boyle

    Cr Bill Christian

    Cr Graeme Easte

    Cr Paul Goldsmith

    Deputy Mayor David Hay

    Cr John Lister

    Cr Greg Moyle

    Cr Graeme Mulholland

    Cr Richard Northey

    Cr Noelene Raffills

    His Worship the Mayor

    Cr Douglas Armstrong

    		 Cr Dr Cathy Casey

    Cr Mark Donnelly

    Cr Denise Roche


    Councillor Fryer, Councillor Lotu-Iiga and Councillor Millar were absent.

    Resolution B(iii) was declared CARRIED by 14 votes to 3.

    1. That an increase to the sponsorship budget of $200,000 a year to support events that improve the economic vitality of the Auckland region, be approved; and
    2. That the revised Central Business District Streetscape and open spaces programme, including the changes in timing of work, as detailed in section 10 of Appendix 6 of report 6, which are primarily funded by the Central Business District targeted rate, be approved.
    1. That the resolution from the 7 May 2009 Transport Committee meeting be approved as follows:
      1. That it be acknowledged that through the procurement of new footpath renewal contracts, savings of approximately $4,800,000 have been achieved, which will enable the delivery of an additional 40,000mē of footpaths, which represents an almost 30 per cent increase in quantity;
      2. That the current specification in relation to the depth of the footpath base be retained, as any initial construction saving is more than offset by the increased depreciation and maintenance costs;
      3. That the decision regarding a change to the footpath policy until June 2009 to enable officers to consult with community boards and other stakeholders to conclude negotiations with the footpath contractor, and confirm actual savings be delayed, and that the officers be requested to report back to both the Transport and the Arts, Culture and Recreation Committees; and
      4. That it be a recommendation to Council:
        • That savings generated from (i) above be reinvested to allow the delivery of an extra 40,000mē (approximately) of footpath renewals over the next three years;
        • That any savings resulting from (iii) above be retained to accelerate delivery of footpath renewals over the next three years;
        • That the total spend on footpath renewals be retained at $213,985,526 over the next ten years as indicated in the table below to accelerate the repair of condition 4 and 5 footpaths; and
        2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019 Total
        $22,513,458 $22,513,458 $22,513,458 $20,920,736 $20,920,736 $20,920,736 $20,920,736 $20,920,736 $20,920,736 $20,920,736 $213,985,526

         

        • That the actions of council officers in negotiating a contract that delivers 30 per cent more footpaths at the same price be commended.
    2. That the proposed change to the ASB theatre refurbishment programme bringing forward $4.7 million of capital expenditure into 2010/11 and factoring in additional revenues of $191,000 in 2011/12 and $468,000 from 2012/13 onwards, be approved, provided that the enhancement of the functionality of the seats for convention purposes is achieved in a way that ensures no loss of amenity or service levels for patrons of performing arts and entertainment events.
    3. That the $84 million (option 3) Queens Wharf heritage legacy development project be approved for inclusion in the 2009-2019 10-Year Plan, noting council's contribution will be $56 million dollars, of which $35 million is already budgeted in the draft 10-Year Plan, $10 million in 2009/10 and 2010/11, and $25 million to be brought forward from 2015/16; and that there will be further work and council decisions required, including negotiations with the wharf owners, further financial review and design decisions.

    A division was called for resolution E, voting on which was as follows:

    For the Resolution: Against the Resolution:
    Cr Ken Baguley

    Cr Aaron Bhatnagar

    Cr Bill Christian

    Cr Mark Donnelly

    Cr Paul Goldsmith

    Deputy Mayor David Hay

    Cr John Lister

    Cr Greg Moyle

    Cr Graeme Mulholland

    Cr Richard Northey

    Cr Noelene Raffills

    His Worship the Mayor

    Cr Douglas Armstrong

    		 Cr Leila Boyle

    Cr Dr Cathy Casey

    Cr Graeme Easte

    Cr Glenda Fryer

    Cr Denise Roche


    Councillor Lotu-Iiga and Councillor Millar were absent.

    Resolution E was declared CARRIED by 13 votes to 5.

    1. That a $500,000 grant to Mainstreet and Business Improvement Districts for CCTV and safety measures conditional on the districts, matching council's contribution dollar for dollar and paying for all ongoing operating and capital costs beyond the initial contribution, be approved.

    Resolution F was put by a show of hands and declared CARRIED by 16 votes to 1.

    1. That an additional $50,000 annual grant be approved for community events, noting this will allow increased funding to three local events and provide an unallocated $20,000 budget for the Arts, Culture and Recreation Committee to assign as appropriate.
    2. That it be noted that on completion of the 2008/09 annual accounts, a review of the surplus required for debt repayment and targeted rate funding for capital expenditure or future operating costs will be undertaken. Any actual surplus in excess of this assessment may be applied by council to a reserve for a specified purpose. Council will consider and make appropriation when the audited accounts are adopted to the Facilities Partnerships Fund.
    3. The 2009/10 capital expenditure budget be increased by $1.45 million, with a corresponding decrease to the 2010/11 budget, to enable the Vale Road stormwater upgrade physical work to be completed in 2009/10, a year earlier than originally planned.

    Resolution I was put by a show of hands and declared CARRIED by 14 votes to 2.

      1. That the capital budget for 2009/10 be increased by $1.15 million by the addition of a project to the underground overhead powerlines in Walters Road, Cricket Avenue and Reimers Road adjacent to Eden Park.
      2. That it be noted undergrounding is an ongoing partnership between Vector Limited and Auckland City to improve the street amenity and it is expected Vector Energy Limited will contribute a further $800,000 towards the cost of this project.

    CARRIED

  7. Top MAINSTREET AND BUSINESS IMPROVEMENT DISTRICT BUDGETS 2009/2010

    That it be a recommendation to Council:

    A. That it be approved that the following Mainstreet and Business Improvement District (BID) budgets for inclusion in the 2009/10 Annual Plan and Budget, in order to continue supporting the improvement and success of Auckland city's business and town centres through the Mainstreet and BID programmes:

    Mainstreet / BID
    Proposed 2009/10
    Programme Budgets
    (excl GST)
    Avondale $100,000.00
    Blockhouse Bay $40,263.00
    Eden Valley $97,500.00
    Ellerslie $91,850.00
    Glen Innes $156,248.00
    Heart of the City $3,371,000.00
    Karangahape Road $294,840.00
    Mt Eden $68,035.00
    Newmarket $1,190,000.00
    Onehunga $367,416.00
    Otahuhu $370,000.00
    Panmure $366,025.00
    Parnell $281,416.00
    Ponsonby $220,000.00
    Remuera $235,587.00
    Rosebank $198,000.00
    St Heliers $131,890.00
    Total $7,580,070.00
    1. That it be agreed that the boundaries of all Mainstreet and Business Improvement District (BID) programmes remain the same as those for the 2008/09 financial year, except for Newmarket business association, Karangahape Road business association and Heart of the City.
    2. That it be noted that the Newmarket business association, voted to expand its boundary to better reflect the Newmarket business precinct. The Newmarket Business Improvement District (BID) area is extended to Carlton Gore and Khyber Pass roads and their side streets, George, Railway and Leek streets at the northern end of Broadway, and an extension on the southern end to Alpers Avenue and St Marks Road. (refer to map in Appendix 1 of report 7). This change follows the Newmarket boundary extension poll concluded successfully in December 2008 with a 50 per cent voter turnout and a 91.4 per cent in favour of extending the BID area.
    3. That the boundary map for Newmarket business association be approved for the 2009/10 financial year.
    4. That it be endorsed that the Karangahape Road business association and Heart of the City boundary change process with the Karangahape Road business association area extending north of the Queen Street entrance to Myers Parks down to Mayoral Drive and the Queen Street area north of Turner Street down to Mayoral Drive.
    5. That the boundary map for Karangahape Road business association for the 2009/10 financial year be approved, to provide an improved environment for residents, business owners and operators, and recognise the natural connection between Karangahape Road and the Myers Park area (refer to maps in Appendix 2 of report 7).
    6. That the boundary map for Heart of the City be approved for the 2009/10 financial year (refer to maps in Appendix 2 of report 7).
    7. That the submissions relating to the Mainstreet and Business Improvement Districts (BID) programmes, economic development and business growth be noted.

    CARRIED

  8. Top RATES RELATED POLICIES FOR 2009-10

    The Chairperson moved:

    That it be a recommendation to Council:

    1. That it be noted that submissions generally supported holding rates to council's rate of inflation (which meant changing the priority or timing of some of the projects), and disagreed with raising rates above council's level of inflation once the economy improves (even at the expense of completing some projects).
    2. That it be noted that the 2 per cent average rates (which is lower than Council's rate of inflation) increase is based on the proposed budget is under and therefore changing the budget may change the level of the proposed rates increase for 2009/10.
    3. That the following rates policies for 2009/10 be confirmed:

    General rates:

    1. That the Uniform Annual General Charge be increased from $162 to $250 per separately used and inhabited part of a property, as the council believes this provides a more equitable distribution of some costs when they are largely fixed, and lowers the proportion of value-based rates paid by the property.
    2. That the Rural 1, Rural 2 and Rural 3 rating differentials be renamed, Farming and open space, Limited access, and Remote islands respectively.
    3. That the Farming and open space definition be expanded to include all vacant land and residential land greater than 4ha on Waiheke, Great Barrier and Rakino islands, as these properties add to the open space character of the islands and the 4ha criteria reflects the historical minimum subdivision criteria for rural-like land and incorporates submission responses). (Note that all land on Waiheke, Great Barrier and Rakino islands, which is used exclusively or almost exclusively, for agricultural, horticultural, or pastoral purposes, or for the keeping of bees or poultry will continue to be rated Farming and open space, irrespective of size).
    4. That the residential rating definition be modified so that vacant land under 4ha on the islands is rated residential, as adding a residential unit is the most likely development for vacant land under the Hauraki Gulf District Plan.
    5. That the classification of vacant land on the isthmus be based on the likely development of that land in order to apply the rating definitions consistently across the city, and that vacant land on the isthmus be classified as residential, if it previously had a residential unit before the land was cleared, or the vacant land is in a residential area.
    6. That vacant land on the isthmus be classified as non-residential if the property previously had a non-residential use before the land was cleared, or the land is in either a mixed-use or commercial/industrial zone.
    7. That the residential definition includes hotels, motels, serviced apartments, boarding houses and hostels will be rated non-residential except when the property owner provides proof that the property is used exclusively or almost exclusively for residential purposes. Property owners must provide proof of long-term stay (at least 90 days) for over 50 per cent of the units, as at 30 June each year. Proof should be in the form of a residential tenancy agreement or similar documentation, as consulted on in the draft plan.
    8. That the next step of the long-term differential strategy be applied, which transfers around $2.7 million of revenue from the non-residential groups to residential ratepayers.
    9. That it be noted that recommendations (i) through (viii) do not affect council's budget as the difference in rates are redistributed across the other properties in the city.

    Targeted rates:

    1. That the refuse collection targeted rate be reduced to $183 per service (which is lower than $193 consulted on in the draft 10-Year Plan) to reflect the cost of providing the service and recent efficiency savings.
    2. That a new targeted rate be introduced for an additional recycling collection service of $63 per service per year to reflect the cost of providing the service.
    3. That the targeted rate for residential units in the CBD be increased to $57 per unit, which is based on council's rate of inflation.
    4. That the CBD non-residential targeted rate be increased by $2.3 million (excluding GST) in line with the next step of the differential strategy, which will generate around $13.4 million (excluding GST) in revenue in 2009/10.
    5. That the mainstreet budgets as outlined in Appendix 2 of report 8, and the boundary changes to Newmarket, Karangahape Road, and Heart of the City mainstreets be approved based on the officer's recommendations outlined in this agenda under Item 7: Mainstreet and Business Improvement District Budgets for 2009/2010.

    Assistance schemes:

    1. That the discount for full payment of rates before the first instalment date be decreased to 1.5 per cent to reflect interest rate changes, noting that having a higher discount would mean other ratepayers would be subsidising those that paid in full.
    2. That a remission of $115 be confirmed for an approved alternative refuse service and $63 for an approved alternative recycling service, in line with changes to the refuse collection targeted rate.
    3. That the extended rates rebate scheme be changed to a remission policy and adjusting the maximum rebate to $550 and the income threshold to $21,910 to reflect central government's changes.
    4. That the word "voluntary" be removed from the remission for private land voluntarily covenanted and adding the following to improve clarity: However, if a conservation covenant has been issued as part of a subdivision, property owners may still be eligible for a rates remission if the property owner has a management plan meeting council's conservation criteria and the property is maintained to that standard.
    5. That the remission for Maori freehold land be modified so that council can apply on landowners' behalf, making application of the policy easier.
    6. That the following assistance schemes be retained as consulted in the draft 2009-2019 10-Year Plan:
      1. Remission of rates penalties;
      2. Remission of rates on car parks;
      3. Remission of rates on remote island properties;
      4. Postponement of rates for commercial farmland;
      5. Postponement of rates for GBI businesses; and
      6. Postponement of rates for residential properties.

    Councillor Northey moved the following amendments to resolution A, B and C(i):

    1. That it be noted that submissions were divided about holding rates to council's rate of inflation (which meant changing the priority or timing of some of the projects), and raising rates above council's level of inflation once the economy improves (even at the expense of completing some projects) but generally opposed to raising the Uniform Annual General Charge.

    Amendment A was put by a show of hands and declared LOST by 12 votes to 5.

    1. That it be noted that the 3.9 per cent average rates increase has been achieved through careful spending decisions while ensuring the infrastructure, environmental, cultural, employment and community needs of Aucklanders continue to be met.

    A division was called for amendment B, voting on which was as follows:

    For the Amendment: Against the Amendment:
    Cr Leila Boyle

    Cr Dr Cathy Casey

    Cr Graeme Easte

    Cr Richard Northey

    Cr Denise Roche

    		 Cr Ken Baguley

    Cr Aaron Bhatnagar

    Cr Bill Christian

    Cr Mark Donnelly

    Cr Paul Goldsmith

    Deputy Mayor David Hay

    Cr John Lister

    Cr Greg Moyle

    Cr Graeme Mulholland

    Cr Noelene Raffills

    His Worship the Mayor

    Cr Douglas Armstrong

    Councillor Fryer, Councillor Lotu-Iiga and Councillor Millar were absent.

    Amendment B was declared LOST by 12 votes to 5.

    1. That the following rates policies for 2009/10 be confirmed:

    General rates:

    1. That the Uniform Annual General Charge be maintained at $162 per separately used or inhabited part of a property, as the council believes this provides a more equitable distribution of costs and maintains the current balance of payments between higher value and lower value properties.

    A division was called for amendment C(i), voting on which was as follows:

    For the Amendment: Against the Amendment:
    Cr Leila Boyle

    Cr Dr Cathy Casey

    Cr Graeme Easte

    Cr Richard Northey

    Cr Denise Roche

    		 Cr Ken Baguley

    Cr Aaron Bhatnagar

    Cr Bill Christian

    Cr Mark Donnelly

    Cr Paul Goldsmith

    Deputy Mayor David Hay

    Cr John Lister

    Cr Greg Moyle

    Cr Graeme Mulholland

    Cr Noelene Raffills

    His Worship the Mayor

    Cr Douglas Armstrong


    Councillor Fryer, Councillor Lotu-Iiga and Councillor Millar were absent.

    Amendment C(i) was declared LOST by 12 votes to 5.

    Councillor Boyle moved the following amendment to C (i):

    1. That the following rates policies for 2009/10 be adopted:

    General rates:

    1. That the Uniform Annual General Charge be restored to $95 per separately used or inhabited part of a property, as the council believes this provides a more equitable distribution of costs and provides a fairer balance of payments between higher value and lower value properties.

    A division was called for amendment C(i), voting on which was as follows:

    For the Amendment: Against the Amendment:
    Cr Leila Boyle

    Cr Dr Cathy Casey

    Cr Graeme Easte

    Cr Richard Northey

    Cr Denise Roche

    		 Cr Ken Baguley

    Cr Aaron Bhatnagar

    Cr Bill Christian

    Cr Mark Donnelly

    Cr Paul Goldsmith

    Deputy Mayor David Hay

    Cr John Lister

    Cr Greg Moyle

    Cr Graeme Mulholland

    Cr Noelene Raffills

    His Worship the Mayor

    Cr Douglas Armstrong


    Councillor Fryer, Councillor Lotu-Iiga and Councillor Millar were absent.

    Amendment C(i) was declared LOST by 12 votes to 5.

    The meeting adjourned at 2:31pm for Council to open. The meeting reconvened at 2:40pm.

    Councillor Casey moved the following amendment by way of addition:

    1. That the proposed 2011/12 citywide targeted rate on residential properties for the 2011 Rugby World Cup not be proceeded with and the operating expenditure budget for the Rugby World Cup be reduced by $6.9 million accordingly.

    A division was called for amendment D, voting on which was as follows:

    For the Amendment: Against the Amendment:
    Cr Leila Boyle

    Cr Dr Cathy Casey

    Cr Mark Donnelly

    Cr Graeme Easte

    Cr Richard Northey

    Cr Denise Roche

    		 Cr Ken Baguley

    Cr Aaron Bhatnagar

    Cr Bill Christian

    Cr Paul Goldsmith

    Deputy Mayor David Hay

    Cr John Lister

    Cr Greg Moyle

    Cr Graeme Mulholland

    Cr Noelene Raffills

    Cr Douglas Armstrong


    His Worship the Mayor, Councillor Fryer, Councillor Lotu-Iiga, and Councillor Millar were absent.

    Amendment D was declared LOST by 10 votes to 6.

    The Chairperson put the substantive resolution:

    That it be a recommendation to Council:

    1. That it be noted that submissions generally supported holding rates to council's rate of inflation (which meant changing the priority or timing of some of the projects), and disagreed with raising rates above council's level of inflation once the economy improves (even at the expense of completing some projects).
    2. That it be noted that the 2 per cent average rates (which is lower than Council's rate of inflation) increase is based on the proposed budget is under and therefore changing the budget may change the level of the proposed rates increase for 2009/10.
    3. That the following rates policies for 2009/10 be confirmed:

    General rates:

    1. That the Uniform Annual General Charge be increased from $162 to $250 per separately used or inhabited part of a property, as the council believes this provides a more equitable distribution of some costs when they are largely fixed, and lowers the proportion of value-based rates paid by the property.
    2. That the Rural 1, Rural 2 and Rural 3 rating differentials be renamed, Farming and open space, Limited access, and Remote islands respectively.
    3. That the Farming and open space definition be expanded to include all vacant land and residential land greater than 4ha on Waiheke, Great Barrier and Rakino islands, as these properties add to the open space character of the islands and the 4ha criteria reflects the historical minimum subdivision criteria for rural-like land and incorporates submission responses). (Note that all land on Waiheke, Great Barrier and Rakino islands, which is used exclusively or almost exclusively, for agricultural, horticultural, or pastoral purposes, or for the keeping of bees or poultry will continue to be rated Farming and open space, irrespective of size).
    4. That the residential rating definition be modified so that vacant land under 4ha on the islands is rated residential, as adding a residential unit is the most likely development for vacant land under the Hauraki Gulf District Plan.
    5. That the classification of vacant land on the isthmus be based on the likely development of that land in order to apply the rating definitions consistently across the city, and that vacant land on the isthmus be classified as residential, if it previously had a residential unit before the land was cleared, or the vacant land is in a residential area.
    6. That vacant land on the isthmus be classified as non-residential if the property previously had a non-residential use before the land was cleared, or the land is in either a mixed-use or commercial/industrial zone.
    7. That the residential definition includes hotels, motels, serviced apartments, boarding houses and hostels will be rated non-residential except when the property owner provides proof that the property is used exclusively or almost exclusively for residential purposes. Property owners must provide proof of long-term stay (at least 90 days) for over 50 per cent of the units, as at 30 June each year. Proof should be in the form of a residential tenancy agreement or similar documentation, as consulted on in the draft plan.
    8. That the next step of the long-term differential strategy be applied, which transfers around $2.7 million of revenue from the non-residential groups to residential ratepayers.
    9. That it be noted that recommendations (i) through (viii) do not affect council's budget as the difference in rates are redistributed across the other properties in the city.

    Targeted rates:

    1. That the refuse collection targeted rate be reduced to $183 per service (which is lower than $193 consulted on in the draft 10-Year Plan) to reflect the cost of providing the service and recent efficiency savings.
    2. That a new targeted rate be introduced for an additional recycling collection service of $63 per service per year to reflect the cost of providing the service.
    3. That the targeted rate for residential units in the CBD be increased to $57 per unit, which is based on council's rate of inflation.
    4. That the CBD non-residential targeted rate be increased by $2.3 million (excluding GST) in line with the next step of the differential strategy, which will generate around $13.4 million (excluding GST) in revenue in 2009/10.
    5. That the mainstreet budgets as outlined in Appendix 2 of report 8, and the boundary changes to Newmarket, Karangahape Road, and Heart of the City mainstreets be approved based on the officer's recommendations outlined in this agenda under Item 7: Mainstreet and Business Improvement District Budgets for 2009/2010.

    Assistance schemes:

    1. That the discount for full payment of rates before the first instalment date be decreased to 1.5 per cent to reflect interest rate changes, noting that having a higher discount would mean other ratepayers would be subsidising those that paid in full.
    2. That a remission of $115 be confirmed for an approved alternative refuse service and $63 for an approved alternative recycling service, in line with changes to the refuse collection targeted rate.
    3. That the extended rates rebate scheme be changed to a remission policy and adjusting the maximum rebate to $550 and the income threshold to $21,910 to reflect central government's changes.
    4. That the word "voluntary" be removed from the remission for private land voluntarily covenanted and adding the following to improve clarity: However, if a conservation covenant has been issued as part of a subdivision, property owners may still be eligible for a rates remission if the property owner has a management plan meeting council's conservation criteria and the property is maintained to that standard.
    5. That the remission for Maori freehold land be modified so that council can apply on landowners' behalf, making application of the policy easier.
    6. That the following assistance schemes be retained as consulted in the draft 2009-2019 10-Year Plan:
      1. Remission of rates penalties;
      2. Remission of rates on car parks;
      3. Remission of rates on remote island properties;
      4. Postponement of rates for commercial farmland;
      5. Postponement of rates for GBI businesses; and
      6. Postponement of rates for residential properties.
    1. That Farming and Open Space rating differential applying to properties affected by sites of ecological significance, sensitive areas or heritage designations under the Haruaki Gulf Islands District Plan be referred to the Heritage Policy Review Working Party of the City Development Committee for consideration.

    The motion was put by a show of hands and declared CARRIED by 11 votes to 5.

  9. Top RATES POLICY FOR 2009/2010 - RATES RESOLUTION

    That it be a recommendation to Council:

    1. That the four rates instalment dates be confirmed for the 2009/10 financial year will be:
      1. 20 August 2009
      2. 20 November 2009
      3. 22 February 2010
      4. 20 May 2010

    The instalment dates are included in section G of the rates resolution in Appendix 1 of report 9.

    1. That a 10 per cent penalty be approved for late rates payments for the 2009/10 financial year as follows:
      1. That a penalty of 10 per cent of the rates assessed in the 2009/10 financial year that are unpaid after the due date for each instalment may be added on the day following the due date;
      2. That a penalty of 10 per cent of the amount of all rates assessed in any financial year that are unpaid on 1 July 2009 may be added on the day following that date; and
      3. That a penalty of 10 per cent of the amount of all rates to which a penalty has been added under (ii) and which are unpaid on 5 January 2010 may be added on the day following that date.

    That the rates penalty regime for the 2009/10 financial year is included in section H of the rates resolution in Appendix 1 of this report.

    1. That the rates resolution be adopted for the 2009/10 financial year, which is attached as Appendix 1 of report 9.
    2. That it be noted that the maps for the Karangahape Road and Heart of the City mainstreet areas will be updated should the 18 June 2009 Combined Committees not approve the changes to the boundaries for these mainstreet areas recommended in this agenda under Item 7: Mainstreet and Business Development District Budgets for 2009/2010.

    CARRIED

  10. Top DEVELOPMENT CONTRIBUTIONS POLICY 2009: SUBMISSIONS AND POLICY FOR ADOPTION

    That it be a recommendation to Council:

    1. That it be noted that the final 2009 Development Contributions Policy recommended for adoption has had the following changes from the draft policy that was subject to public consultation:
      1. That changes to the per-unit charges as outlined in section 3.5 of this document; and
      2. That various minor changes to clarify issues raised by submitters and further legal advice.
    2. That it be agreed that the continued use of development contributions and some financial contributions is appropriate for funding the costs of growth, following consideration of the relevant community outcomes, the benefits arising from and the reasons behind that spend and the overall wellbeing of the community now and in the future.
    3. That it be agreed that the 2009 Development Contributions Policy as set out in attachment 1 be adopted by council effective from 1 July 2009, subject to any amendments from resolutions D.
    4. That the Chairperson of the Finance and Strategy Committee, the General Manager Finance and the General Manager City Development be delegated to make any minor amendments to the policy following the meeting, including consequential changes required because of other decisions made at the meeting.

    CARRIED

  11. Top POLICIES FOR INCLUSION IN THE 2009-2019 10-YEAR PLAN

    The Chairperson moved:

    That it be a recommendation to Council:

    1. That the Treasury Management Policy (TMP) (Appendix 1 of report 11) be approved for inclusion in the 2009-2019 10-Year Plan, which includes the following changes consulted draft 10-Year Plan:
      1. Discontinuing the use of the interest expense to total income ratio;
      2. Allowing the council to borrow to fund the renewal of assets for commercially focussed activities gives council greater flexibility to consider options for funding these activities in a more commercial manner while still ensuring that the council remains financially prudent overall;
      3. Allowing the council to borrow to fund the impacts on ratepayer equity from payments associated with discovered liabilities (e.g. weathertightness payments, remediation of closed landfills, remediation of other contaminated sites), as funding the impacts of these payments directly from rates would impose a significant burden on current ratepayers; and
      4. Transferring the detailed liquidity policy limit from the Treasury Management Policy to the Treasury Operating Manual (TOM) with the other detailed treasury limits.
    2. That the Policy on Significance (Appendix 2 of report 11) be approved for inclusion in the 2009-2019 10-Year Plan, as it improves the relevance of the policy and reduces the risk of council decisions being subject to review due to ambiguity.
    3. That the Policy on Auckland Airport Shares (Appendix 3 of report 11) be approved for inclusion in the 2009-2019 10-Year Plan, as the option to purchase additional shares provides flexibility to enhance its strategic position through increasing its voting power and mitigate threats to its strategic position, while still retaining the requirement to maintain its 12.75 per cent shareholding.
    4. That it be noted that any council decision affecting the level of council's shareholding will require approval by the Auckland Transition Agency.
    5. That the Policy on Partnerships with the private sector (Appendix 4 of report 11) be approved for inclusion in the 2009-2019 10-Year Plan because it remains relevant and appropriate.

    Councillor Easte moved the following amendment to resolution A(iii):

      1. Allowing the council to borrow to fund the impacts on ratepayer equity from payments associated with discovered liabilities (e.g. weathertightness payments, remediation of closed landfills, remediation of other contaminated sites, remediation due to the release of genetically modified organisms), as funding the impacts of these payments directly from rates would impose a significant burden on current ratepayers; and

    Amendment A(iii) was put by a show of hands and declared LOST by 11 votes to 5.

    The Chairperson put the substantive resolution:

    That it be a recommendation to Council:

    1. That the Treasury Management Policy (TMP) (Appendix 1 of report 11) be approved for inclusion in the 2009-2019 10-Year Plan, which includes the following changes consulted draft 10-Year Plan:
      1. Discontinuing the use of the interest expense to total income ratio;
      2. Allowing the council to borrow to fund the renewal of assets for commercially focussed activities gives council greater flexibility to consider options for funding these activities in a more commercial manner while still ensuring that the council remains financially prudent overall;
      3. Allowing the council to borrow to fund the impacts on ratepayer equity from payments associated with discovered liabilities (e.g. weathertightness payments, remediation of closed landfills, remediation of other contaminated sites), as funding the impacts of these payments directly from rates would impose a significant burden on current ratepayers; and
      4. Transferring the detailed liquidity policy limit from the Treasury Management Policy to the Treasury Operating Manual (TOM) with the other detailed treasury limits.
    2. That the Policy on Significance (Appendix 2 of report 11) be approved for inclusion in the 2009-2019 10-Year Plan, as it improves the relevance of the policy and reduces the risk of council decisions being subject to review due to ambiguity.
    3. That the Policy on Auckland Airport Shares (Appendix 3 of report 11) be approved for inclusion in the 2009-2019 10-Year Plan, as the option to purchase additional shares provides flexibility to enhance its strategic position through increasing its voting power and mitigate threats to its strategic position, while still retaining the requirement to maintain its 12.75 per cent shareholding.
    4. That it be noted that any council decision affecting the level of council's shareholding will require approval by the Auckland Transition Agency.
    5. That the Policy on Partnerships with the private sector (Appendix 4 of report 11) be approved for inclusion in the 2009-2019 10-Year Plan because it remains relevant and appropriate.

    CARRIED

  12. Top 2009 - 2019 10-YEAR PLAN

    The Chairperson moved:

    That it be a recommendation to the 25 June 2009 Council meeting:

    1. That the updated 2009-2019 10-Year Plan, subject to any approved changes that came out of the submission process or any other changes recommended by 18 June 2009 Combined Committees, be approved.
    2. That Council delegates authority to the Chairperson of the Finance and Strategy Committee, General Manager Finance and the Chairperson of the Audit and Risk Committee to make changes to the document that reflects decisions from this meeting, any Audit New Zealand or Auckland Transition Agency requirements and any other minor editorial changes.
    3. That the wording on pg 161 and 162 be changed to "The council offers a free graffiti removal service for residential and small business owners and other initiatives such as graffiti awareness education and a volunteer programme".
    4. That on page 43 of Volume 2, information on estimated attendance at local events be added to measures.
    5. That page 182 Volume 2 be amended specifically to mention walking school buses, carpooling, liveable streets and education institution travel plans.
    6. That the 10-Year Plan contains specific reference to the Hauraki Gulf Marine Park.

    Councillor Northey moved the following amendment by way of addition:

    1. That the 10-Year Plan policy on the Maungawhau volcanic experience be changed to one of protecting the site and facilitating conservation values of Maungawhau.

    The amendment G was put by a show of hands and declared LOST by 10 votes to 6.

    Councillor Roche moved the following amendments by way of addition:

    1. That reference be made in the 10-Year Plan to supporting the regional mana whenua forum, noting that in future years consideration will be given to resourcing the Mana Whenua plan, if needed.

    A division was called for amendment G, voting on which was as follows:

    For the Amendment:

    		 Against the Amendment:
    Cr Leila Boyle

    Cr Dr Cathy Casey

    Cr Graeme Easte

    Cr Richard Northey

    Cr Denise Roche

    		 Cr Ken Baguley

    Cr Aaron Bhatnagar

    Cr Bill Christian

    Cr Mark Donnelly

    Cr Paul Goldsmith

    Cr John Lister

    Cr Greg Moyle

    Cr Graeme Mulholland

    Cr Noelene Raffills

    His Worship the Mayor

    Cr Douglas Armstrong

    Deputy Mayor Hay, Councillor Fryer, Councillor Lotu-Iiga and Councillor Millar were absent.

    The amendment G was declared LOST by 11 votes to 5.

    The Chairperson put the substantive resolution:

    That it be a recommendation to the 25 June 2009 Council:

    1. That the updated 2009-2019 10-Year Plan, subject to any approved changes that came out of the submission process or any other changes recommended by 18 June 2009 Combined Committees, be approved.
    2. That Council delegates authority to the Chairperson of the Finance and Strategy Committee, General Manager Finance and the Chairperson of the Audit and Risk Committee to make changes to the document that reflects decisions from this meeting, any Audit New Zealand or Auckland Transition Agency requirements and any other minor editorial changes.
    3. That the wording on page 161 and 162 volume 2 of the draft 10-Year Plan be changed to "The council offers a free graffiti removal service for residential and small business owners and other initiatives such as graffiti awareness education and a volunteer programme".
    4. That on page 43 of Volume 2 of the draft 10-Year Plan, information on estimated attendance at local events be added to measures.
    5. That page 182 Volume 2 of the draft 10-Year Plan be amended specifically to mention walking school buses, carpooling, liveable streets and education institution travel plans.
    6. That the 10-Year Plan contains specific reference to the Hauraki Gulf Marine Park.

    CARRIED

    [Secretarial Note: Item 13 was not taken as the reports listed in the agenda were considered as part of item 6.]

    There being no further business the Chairperson declared the meeting closed at 3:10pm and moved that staff be warmly thanked for their efforts during the Combined Committees process.

    UNANIMOUSLY CARRIED WITH ACCLAMATION