On the Agenda
Council will tomorrow consider recommendations from the Strategy, Policy & Finance Committee on the proposed sale of reserve sites and enabling these to be used for housing.
It is proposed that any proceeds of sale be used for reserves network improvements.
Assessment of the city’s reserves was part of implementing the Open Space Levels of Service Policy adopted by Council last year and identified reserves and parts of reserves that did not meet the objectives of the policy.
Council approved work to be undertaken to assess whether these sites could potentially be viable for housing to contribute to solutions to Rotorua’s housing shortage.
A proposal was then developed, identifying 10 sites – 2 full reserves and 8 parts of reserves – that could potentially be sold and made available for housing. Revocation of reserve status would be required to enable the sale of the sites and a Local Bill was recommended as the fastest way to achieve revocation.
In May this year Council approved taking the proposal out to public consultation. This was followed by hearings before the Strategy, Policy & Finance Committee which subsequently deliberated on the feedback received and made recommendations for the Council’s consideration this week.
The committee recommends that Council adopt the decision for each identified reserve site as follows:
- Coulter Road Reserve (Part): Retain reserve. Staff to work with community to identify opportunities to improve reserve.
- Steeles Lane Reserve (Part): Retain reserve as likely unfeasible for development.
- Wrigley Road Reserve (Part): Revoke status of part of the reserve and partner with Ko Te Tuara Totara O Fordlands Incorporated Society (KTTToF) to progress housing development (noting this recommendation requires a Local Bill to progress).
- High Street Reserve (Part): Progress process for disposal and development of the reserve working with the kindergarten to explore options for the comprehensive redevelopment of the site that improves outcomes for the kindergarten and the function, quality and accessibility of the reserve, noting that any proceeds of sale will be required to improve the quality of the retained reserve area.
- 171 Clinkard Avenue: Direct sale to Kāinga Ora (noting this recommendation requires a Local Bill to progress). Noting that the proceeds of sale will be used to improve recreation provision on the reserve.
- Turner Drive Reserve (Part): Progress two stage process for disposal and development of part (reduced to 50%) of the site and direct reinvestment into Turner Drive Reserve and Western Heights (noting requires Local Bill to progress)
- Park Road Reserve (Part): Progress two stage process for disposal and development of part of the site (as proposed) and direct reinvestment into Park Road Reserve and Western Heights.
- Linton Park West (Part) – 16 Kamahi Road: Site to have reserve status revoked but decision on disposal or development parked while further investigation and discussions are undertaken with the Linton Park Community Centre, mana whenua and the wider community.
- Gallagher Street Reserve: Progress two stage process for disposal and development of the site with proceeds to be used to improve quality of other reserves in vicinity.
- Lee Road Reserve: Retain Reserve
The committee also recommends that:
Council direct the Chief Executive to pursue a draft local bill that achieves the recommendations for each of the identified reserve sites.
Council provides for a first right of refusal and subsequent expressions of interest process be adopted with criteria to be confirmed in subsequent Council meeting.
A report relating to the above recommendations was included in the agenda for the Strategy, Policy & Finance Committee meeting held 11 August 2022 and can be viewed via THIS LINK (go to p35). View the presentation to the Committee on 11 August HERE.
Development Contributions
The Council will tomorrow also consider recommendations from the Strategy, Policy & Finance Committee to adopt a proposed Development Contributions Policy and implement this from 1 December 2022.
The recommendation follows engagement and consultation on a proposed policy, which aims to help cover the cost of infrastructure needed to cater to growth. It was proposed that the developers who create and benefit from the growth should pay for this growth, rather than the cost being absorbed by ratepayers.
A report relating to the above recommendations was included in the agenda for the Strategy, Policy & Finance Committee meeting held 11 August 2022 and can be viewed via THIS LINK (go to p29).
Delegation of Authority sought for CE to approve contract for Tarawera Rd reservoir design and build
The delegation is being sought to address a timing issue to enable the work to be done this summer.
Construction of a new reservoir on Tarawera Rd is included in the 2021-31 Long-term Plan and Council’s asset management plan. The increased water storage will allow for further development in the city’s eastern suburbs and provide resilience to the water supply network.
The estimated value of the design and build for the new reservoir is $1.5m.
Tenders closed in June and it was expected a tender recommendation would be ready for the August Council meeting. However, further minor geotechnical investigations are required.
To give the successful tenderer time to finalise design, source materials and construct the reservoir during the productive summer period the contract needs to be awarded before the end of September but there will be no Council meetings that month so delegation to the CE for contract approval, once a preferred supplier is identified, is requested.
Under Council’s Financial Delegation Authority Policy awarding of contracts with an estimated value of over $1m must be approved by Council, unless specific approval is delegated to the CE.
View the full report regarding this matter on p18 of the Council meeting agenda HERE
Delegations to Chief Executive during Interim Election Period 2022
Council is being asked to delegate to the Chief Executive during the interim election period the responsibilities, duties and powers of the Council, except for certain powers as stated in the Local Government Act 2001, Schedule 7, 32 (1).
The delegation is subject to a requirement that the Chief Executive may only attend to those matters that cannot reasonably await the first meeting of the new Council. The Chief Executive is required to report any decisions to the first meeting of the new Council.
View the full report regarding this matter on p21 of the Council meeting agenda HERE