Minutes of Regional Transport Committee

1. WELCOME/APOLOGIES

Chairman Dick welcomed all present to the meeting and gave a special welcome to Mayor Arnott and Mayor Yule who had an interest in Agenda Item 9 and 13. Chairman Dick advised that both Mayors would have speaking rights for this meeting, but not voting rights.

RTC1/11 Resolution:

Apologies were received from Mr J Cox and Inspector C Wallace.

Kingston/Furlong

CARRIED

2. CONFLICT OF INTEREST DECLARATIONS

There were no conflicts of interest declared

Short Term Replacements for the Regional Transport Committee

RTC2/11

Resolution:

1. That Mr Aram Goes be appointed as a member of the Regional Transport Committee of the Hawke’s Bay Regional Council for the meeting of Thursday, 22 September 2011 as short term replacement on the Committee for Mr Jamie Cox.

Probert/Kingston

CARRIED

4. CONFIRMATION OF MINUTES OF the Regional Transport Committee held on 15 September 2011

RTC3/11

Resolution:

Minutes of the Regional Transport Committee held on Friday 8 July 2011, a copy having been circulated prior to the meeting, were taken as read and confirmed.

Kerr/Kingston

CARRIED.

5. Matters Arising from Minutes of the Regional Transport Committee held on Thursday 15 September 2011

There were no matters arising from the minutes.

Action Items from Previous Regional Transport Committee Meetings

Mr Hart updated the Committee on the Action items noting that IDS directional signs to Hawke’s bay Regional Hospital had been erected on arterial routes, discussions with Paki Paki school and stakeholders had been very successful regarding the speed limit in the area and NZTA had been unable to find outdated signs at the entrance to the Taihape Napier Road.

Mayor Probert also updated the Committee on progress to date on SH38 sealing project.

Councillor Remmerswaal requested that the planned presentation by Mr Martin Matthews, CEO of NZTA be included on the Action List.

RTC4/11

Resolution:

1. That the Regional Transport Committee receives the report “Action Items from Previous Regional Transport Committee Meetings”.

Chetwynd/Kingston

CARRIED

7.	Consideration of General Business Items
	There were no items of general business.

Adoption of the Wider Region Transportation Study Report

Mrs Gilbertson introduced Mr Murray Tonks from Environmental Management Services Ltd who had prepared the Wider Region Transport Study report.

Mr Tonks advised that the purpose of the study which commenced in February 2011 was to investigate future strategic transportation issues for the region. The study was broken into three distinct stages with stage one consisting of data acquisition and analysis phase, stage 2 requiring the analysis of the network issues and deficiencies identified and stage 3 is today’s presentation of the findings from the study.

Mr Tonks also noted that the results and recommendations from this study would be considered along results from a separately commissioned transportation study specific to the Heretaunga Plains.

Mr Tonks gave a powerpoint presentation which outlined the main findings from the report. These included:

The HPMV Routes on SH5 and SH2
HPMV Logging Routes
Passing Opportunities on SH2 North
Aging of local authority bridge stock
Upgrading of SH38 for Tourism benefits
Stock Effluent Facilities and
Inter-Regional Cycling Route

The Committee discussed the report findings and in particular the impact regional forestry would have on the transportation system. As there had been a large increase of private woodlots planted in the region, there would be a growth in logging traffic as woodlots came on stream in a large clump. A 50-75% increase in logging traffic was predicted throughout the region with 100% increase on SH2 Napier to Wairoa. However, with HPMV being introduced, this could reduce truck numbers.

Dr Jones joined the meeting at 10.35am

Responding to a question from Dr Jones, it was noted that with the introduction of HMPV vehicles which would decrease on road vehicles, there would potentially be safety benefits.

Mr Santer advised that Kiwi Rail was looking at key issues in the region including having ongoing discussions with forest companies but it was working in isolation from this study and it was now necessary for all concerned to take a holistic view. Following a request from Chairman Dick for clarification on points contained in the Study, discussions would take place between Mr Kim Santer of Kiwi Rail and Mr Tonks.

RTC5/11

Resolution:

That the Regional Transport Committee:

1. Agrees that the decisions to be made are not significant under the criteria contained in Council’s adopted policy on significance and that Council can exercise its discretion under Sections 79(1)(a) and 82(3) of the Local Government Act 2002 and make decisions on this issue without conferring directly with the community and persons likely to be affected by or to have an interest in the decision due to the nature and significance of the issue to be considered and decided.

2. Receive the presentation from Mr Murray Tonks, Environmental Management Services.

3. Adopts the Wider Region Transportation Study reports subject to the incorporation of any changes arising from feedback at the meeting and further discussions between Mr Tonks and Kiwi Rail.

Dick/Furlong

CARRIED

Presentation on Heretaunga Plains Transportation Study (HPTS)

Mrs Gilbertson introduced Mr Murray Buchanan (Project Manager) and Mr Tony Harrison (GHD) who are currently undertaking the Heretaunga Plains Transportation Study (HPTS).

Prior to giving a powerpoint presentation to update the Committee on progress to date, Mr Buchanan advised that this study, which focussed more on economic outcomes than the previous study undertaken in 2005, was not complete, it was a work in progress however the final report would be completed in November which would define the options to be considered.

The Committee sought clarification on points contained in the presentation and were advised that Mr Tony Brennan from NZTA would review the Study and further amendments could be made at this time.

The Committee agreed the study had to be finalised and adopted before the end of November, prior to the Regional Land Transport Programme being submitted to NZTA. A special RTC meeting was scheduled for 15 November to do this.

RTC6/11

Resolution:

1. That the Regional Transport Committee receives the report and presentation on the Heretaunga Plains Transportation Study.

2. Agrees that a special meeting be convened to discuss and adopt the report by the end of November 2011.

Kerr/Furlong

CARRIED.

13.

Proposed Project List - Regional Land Transport Programme

Chairman Dick explained that there had been difficulties encountered by TAG members in completing the priority list for input into the Regional Land Transport plan for the next 3 years which was to be completed by end of November. The Chairman advised that there was approximately $26m in R funds for this region, and little opportunity to achieve N funds.

Chairman Dick also advised that notification had been received this morning from NZTA that the funding worth for the Model Communities project in Hastings, was to come from R funds and not N funds as previously stated. This would have severe implications for the proposed project list.

Mayors Yule and Arnott expressed dismay at the announcement as both understood it was a contestable fund and would be funded by N funds and sought an immediate solution to the problem. Mayor Yule stated Hastings District Council would not have applied to be a Model Community if it was going to disadvantage the regional roading projects in Hawke’s Bay.

Ms Chetwynd advised that the project had not been sold as a separate fund – it was always a walking and cycling initiative, and clarified that there was only one national funding bucket and confirmed there would be an impact on R funds.

Ms Chetwynd also confirmed that all R funds had to be spent by 2016.

The meeting adjourned at 12.20pm and reconvened at 1.00pm.

The Committee noted that as a result of the announcement today that NZTA project rankings may need to be reviewed against the national criteria.

Mayors Arnott, Yule and Councillor Kingston left the meeting at 1.15pm

The Committee discussed the priority projects with Territorial Authority and NZTA representatives responding to questions from the Committee.

The Committee then agreed that TAG prepare a final priority list of no more than 12 projects by 15 November for the Committee’s consideration.

Mayor Probert stated that it was important that all projects should be discussed for their worthiness not only the top priority projects.

Mr Pannu left the meeting at 2.45pm

RTC7/11

Resolutions:

That the Regional Transport Committee:

1. Note that the adoption of the Regional Land Transport programme will be subject to a special consultative procedure as required by section 95(2) and 85 of the local government act 2002.

2. Agrees that the region’s Mayors approach the Minister of Transport and the Chief Executive of NZTA expressing the region’s concern that funding for the Model Communities project in Hastings will be funded from R funds.

3. Agrees that clarification be sought that R funds are to be used for the Model Communities project.

4. Request urgent consideration be given to funding the Model Communities project from another source.

Remmerswaal/Kerr

CARRIED

1 abstention – J Chetwynd

5. Notes the priority schedule attached to the agenda

6. Receive the schedule provided by NZTA

7. Request TAG members prepare a final priority list of projects for inclusion in the Regional Land Transport Programme by 15 November 2011.

Furlong/Probert

CARRIED

10.

Adoption of Draft Annual Report 2010/11

This agenda item Adoption of Draft Annual Report 2010/11 was taken as read.

RTC8/11

Resolution:

That the Committee:

2. Receives the 2010/11 Annual Report on the Regional Land Transport Programme and the Regional Land Transport Strategy.

That the Committee recommends to Council:

3. That Council approves the 2010/11 Annual Report on the Regional Land Transport Programme and the Regional Land Transport Strategy.

Kerr/Chetwynd

CARRIED

Dr Jones left the meeting at 2.50pm

11.

Endorsement of the Regional Public Transport Plan

Mrs Gilbertson updated the Committee on the submission process for the Regional Public Transport Plan and noted that following the hearing and consideration of submissions the draft RPTP was revised to incorporate any agreed amendments.

Mrs Gilbertson advised that the Regional Public Transport Plan had been approved by Council at its meeting on 21 September 2011.

Committee members of the sub committee agreed that all submissions had been well received with several offering excellent ideas for future planning of public transport.

RTC9/11

Resolution:

That the Regional Transport Committee:

2. Endorses the final Regional Public Transport Plan for 2011-2014 noting the public consultation process undertaken.

Kerr/Furlong

CARRIED

12.

Stock Truck Effluent Facility - Proposal for Funding

The Committee took the Stock Truck effluent facility proposal for funding as read.

RTC10/11

Resolution:

That the Regional Transport Committee:

2. Request the Hawke’s Bay Regional Council include a provision of $200,000 to build a stock effluent facility between Napier and Wairoa, in Council’s 10 Year Plan; and

3. Includes provision for maintenance of the proposed facility between Napier and Wairoa and the Glengarry site in their annual budgets in the 10 Year Plan. Noting that the local authority will pay for this cost and invoice HBRC for the local share component.

Furlong/Chetwynd

CARRIED

14.

Transport Manager's Report

Mrs Gilbertson outlined the achievements since the last Regional Transport meeting on 8 July 2011 and acknowledged NCC’s assistance with the trial service to Ahuriri and Westshore commencing 10 October.

Councillor Furlong advised NCC had adopted the revised route along Napier Terrace at its recent Council meeting and hoped that the service would be well supported.

Acknowledgement was given to Mrs Gilbertson and her staff for the excellent work that continues to be undertaken with public transport.

RTC11/11

Resolution:

1. That the Committee receives the Transport Manager’s report.

Remmerswaal/Chetwynd

CARRIED

15.

NZTA Regional Director's Report

Mr Hart updated the Committee on the HPMV routes and advised that once maintenance work had been undertaken on the Mohaka and Waione Bridges had been completed SH5 would have approval for HPMV up to 62 tonnes.

The Waitangi-Tutaekuri bridge was still be used by cyclists and a BMS sensor sign had been erected to warn motorists that cyclists would be on the bridge. It was hoped that cyclists would also now feel safer while traversing the bridge.

Mr Bain congratulated NZTA for their work on the Mohaka and Waione Bridges as this highway was a link from the Port of Napier to other ports north

Mr Bain left the meeting at 3.05pm

RTC12/11

Resolution:

1. That the Committee receives the Regional Director’s Report.

Kerr/Probert

CARRIED

16.

Verbal Reports from Objective Representatives

A Bramley – Environmental Sustainability

Mr Bramley enquired as to whether a similar sign erected on the Tutaekui bridge warning of cyclists could also be considered for the Chesterhope Bridge.

D Murray – Access and Mobility

Mr Murray updated the Committee on concerns of several Havelock North residents in regard to the development of the HB Expressway and access to Omahu Road.

A request was noted that adequate directional signage to Havelock North be considered.

J Emmerson – Advisory – Road

Acknowledged NZTA advice regarding speed limits at Whakatu and Paki Paki

RTC13/11

Resolution:

That the verbal reports from the Objective Representatives be received

Dick/Remmerswaal

CARRIED

Closure:

There being no further business the Chairman declared the meeting closed at 3.15pm on Wednesday, 22 September 2011.

Signed as a true and correct record.

DATE: ................................................ CHAIRMAN: ...............................................