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Mrs Lambert
explained the intention of the paper, which is to seek Council’s decision
on whether to consult on the in principle decision from the 24 February 2016
meeting, related to entering into a Water User Agreement with the Ruataniwha
Limited Partnership, as an amendment to the 2015-25 Long Term Plan.
Discussion and queries traversed:
·
Audit suggested legal advice be sought,
however the CEO did not seek legal advice because: 1. with the need to Audit
Long Term Plan amendments and therefore the inclusion of those in the Annual
Plan consultation process there was insufficient time to wait for legal
advice; and 2. there appeared to be general consensus amongst councillors
that the decision is significant and should be consulted on, so staff
considered it prudent to recommend that Council goes straight to consultation
without delay thus making need to seek an opinion on whether it was necessary
irrelevant.
·
It was suggested that the projected cost
figures be provided per annum rather than one lump sum
·
the Chief Executive stated that HBRIC had
verbally advised that the figures provided in February were incorrect as they
included the variable energy charge which did not apply to the Environmental
Flows, and if the decision today is to go to consultation on an
‘Amendment to 2015-25 Long Term Plan’ then the figures will need
to be corrected prior to any submission to Audit
·
The possible environmental benefits to be
achieved, and where those investigations are proposed to be carried out, i.e.
use of enhancing ecological Lake Hatuma
·
Suggested that this amendment information
needs to ‘front’ the consultation document and there will be
public information/ consultation meetings
·
Because this is an amendment to the LTP, all
documentation supporting and including the changes will be subject to audit.
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