Omaha Beach - Planning Forum November 2008

November 2008 Planning Forum Agenda (19/11/08)

OBC

22 NOVEMBER 2008 PLANNING FORUM FOR 2009
4pm at Community Centre, Northwest Anchorage, Omaha Beach

AGENDA

Welcome – OBC President, Graham Painter

Apologies

Opening address – Mayor Penny Webster

Councillor Comments

Status of previous meeting objectives

2008 initiatives

Items carried forward and new items

Suggestions for future - from the floor

Close of meeting

Happy Hour

OBC PLANNING FORUM 2008/9

1. STATUS OF PREVIOUS MEETING OBJECTIVES

1.1. Walkway / Cycleway Bridge
1.2. Seawall
1.3. Summer Security 2007/8
1.4. Vehicles on Walkways / Dunes / Beach
1.5. Builders Rubbish
1.6. Rabbits
1.7. Warkworth Medical Services
1.8. Boat Ramp
1.9. New Commercial Centre
1.10. Footpath Omaha Drive
1.11. Causeway Speed Limit
1.12. Stop Sign Meiklejohn Way

2. 0BC 2008 INITIATIVES

2.1. Public Property Maintenance
2.2. Signage
2.3. Emergency Power
2.4. Broadband
2.5. Omaha Taniko Wetlands Scientific Reserve Walkway
2.6. Matakana to Omaha Beach Walkway
2.7. Rates
2.8. Storm Water Rates
2.9. Street Lighting
2.10. Omaha Beach Golf Club Rental
2.11. Security
2.12. OBC Database
2.13. Inundation Issue
2.14. Christmas / New Year Rubbish Collections
2.15. Skate Board Facility
2.16. Jet Ski Lanes Proposed for Estuary
2.17. Omaha Park
2.18. ARC Whangateau Catchment Assessment Study

Minutes of the Planning Forum of Omaha Beach Community Inc. ("OBC") held at Omaha Beach Community Centre at 4.00pm on Saturday 22 November 2008

PRESENT

OBC Committee: Graham Painter (Chair), Chris Allan, Mike Campbell, Merv Dry, Kim Fisher, Glenys McBain, Nick Mantell, Steve Marshall, Judy O'Callahan
RDC Mayor, Penny Webster and Councillors Dave Parker and Grahame Powell; ARC Councillor Dianne Glenn and Team Leader Alexandra Wilson
Bede Haughey (Head of Station) - Police, Warkworth
Over 100 other OBC members and interested parties

APOLOGIES

Committee members Greg Stenbeck, Belinda Thomas; RDC Councillor June Turner; ARC Councillor Christine Rose; eleven others

WELCOME

The Chairman welcomed the Mayor, councillors and meeting attendees.

OPENING ADDRESS - MAYOR PENNY WEBSTER

The Mayor commented on her amazement at the number of people attending the meeting and on RDC's delight that the new Prime Minister and Speaker are both associated with Rodney which, together with existing associationswiththe both the Minister and the Associate Minister of Local Government, will be useful.
She noted that with the Council's new Chief Executive changes are underway, with everything under the microscope, the senior management team restructured, and the emphasis not on 'cutting' but on putting things together more logically eg having one infrastructure team. The Mayor and CE want council personnel attitude to be "The answers 'yes', what's the question?"
The Mayor outlined current council projects affecting longer term development for Rodney residents and ratepayers, noting that the Council is giving more opportunities for public submissions. She cautioned that for the remaining two years of the current term, recognising recession and stresses with regard to rates, spending would have to concentrate on essentials such as water and wastewater systems.

COUNCILLOR COMMENTS

Councillor Dave Parker referred to the LTCCP and rates, noting vigorous discussion at recent meetings as to alternative rating bases eg capital value vs land value, but no decision yet made.
He was pleased to have been able to secure additional funds for security this summer subject to a few conditions.
Commenting that recyclables are always an issue, he asked residents with any major concerns to contact OBC who will liaise with RDC, outlined options being considered for the summer period (including large collection bins at the boat ramp, surf club and on the side of Omaha Drive by the greenkeepers' shed) and noted that residents do have to take some personal responsibility.
He concluded by reiterating practical details for those attending the charity 'Dinner in the Tunnels' and by noting that the Jane Gifford restoration project still needs some $100k to get the boat back in the water.
Councillor Grahame Powell said it is clear that RDC's relationship with this community is something they're very proud of and noted a number of things we've achieved or are making progress on together.

SPECIFIC AGENDA ITEMS

The President went through the specific items on the agenda, inviting questions as matters arose.

1. STATUS OF PREVIOUS MEETING OBJECTIVES

1.1 Walkway / Cycleway Bridge
Completed. Rough surface noted.
Potential problem with parking over walkway/cycleway: we have asked for a couple of good 'No Parking' signs.

1.2 Seawall
First stage ("or is it stage 1.1?") completed. Improved beach area for windsurfers.
Speculation that cost to complete could be $1m, based on current progress. Additional dinghy launching ramp still to happen.

1.3 Summer Security 2007/8
OBC security $25 levy and $7,000 RDC contribution for Insite Security patrols for 10 week period greatly improved overall security for residents and other users; very successful.
Banning of beach fires largely eliminated broken bottle problem of past years and loutish behaviour substantially reduced.
New Years Eve attendance by seven police plus two Insite patrols ensured a trouble free night.

1.4 Vehicles on Walkways / Dunes / Beach
Insite Security now has RDC bylaw warrant to constrain this activity. Problem largely eliminated.
Stressed that we do have to keep vehicles off the beach and walkways.

1.5 Builders Rubbish
Building sites have been more tidy. Contact a committee member if not.

1.6 Rabbits
Thanks to Steve Marshall rabbits now largely under control in many areas, but some pockets still around. Noted that with the grass now on Southern end dunes the rabbit population has reduced tremendously.
Any resident needing bait station(s) and bait: contact Steve Marshall. Note: Committee contact details on OBC website.

1.7 Warkworth Medical Services
Mahurangi Matters reported in September that a day surgery operating centre with two operating theatres is to be established in Warkworth, with the first theatre planned to be operational by June 2009. It's a private facility, and its board hopes public surgical services will quickly become available - to service patients from Whangaparoa to the Brynderwyns. There's no indication that it would provide an A&E type service.

1.8 Boat Ramp
Additional parking area opened and blue P(arking) sign in place.
Chain there to be removed for this summer.
Do need to get boats and trailers off the road.

1.9 New Commercial Centre
Superette and Real Estate should be open before Christmas.
There is rumour of a liquor licence application but we understand no application yet lodged with RDC. In response to a request for feedback from residents as to whether we need a liquor outlet on the beach the meeting was unanimously opposed to take away liquor sales.

1.10. Footpath Omaha Drive
No progress and probably unlikely to be achievable, especially in current economic climate.

1.11. Causeway Speed Limit
No support from RDC officer and Transit say that Omaha is not a community therefore no need for reduced speed limit. OBC request for police to use radar particularly during busy summer period.

1.12. Stop Sign Meiklejohn Way
Visibility restricted and intersection may warrant a give way or stop sign for vehicles exiting Meiklejohn Way, under the national criteria on which RDC decisions are based. However, no sign probably warranted if vegetation on the north corner - a large oleander bush and an unidentified tree - removed. Visibility is the key - not traffic flow. We are getting this assessed. One resident requested this matter be taken off the agenda and was asked to get back to the committee if he felt strongly about it. Footnote: No sign warranted; oleander since removed; visibility noticeably improved.

2. 0BC 2008 INITIATIVES

2.1 Public Property Maintenance
Merv Dry and Steve Marshall have spent considerable amount of time with RDC and RDC's contractor City Care and have achieved a substantial improvement in the general maintenance of the area. Both RDC and the contractors have been very quick to respond to issues raised. One resident, confirming this, commented that when she had trees trimmed recently the contractor not only cleaned up but came back to see it was ok. Council representatives confirmed that any middens on public land would be Council's responsibility to tidy up.

2.2 Signage
Dotterels - some vandalism - new signs up.
Dune protection – residents and general public need to be aware of need to preserve the dunes; if worn down, a big storm will erode them.
Dogs - signs now consistent extent of summer period; view was expressed that dogs are not a problem and as long as owners continue to act responsibly a dog ranger should not be necessary.
Walkways / beach – Vehicles are not permitted; contact OBC committee or Chris Martin / Insite Security if seen on the walkways or beach.

2.3 Emergency Power
Connections have now been installed at the Community Centre for a Vector provided generator in the event of a power failure in excess of 10 hours. For a failure in excess of 24 hours generators will be installed at both the north and south ends sufficient to power all of Omaha Beach. Noted that OBC president received call from Vector during one power failure of a few hours, letting him know they were aware of it.

2.4 Broadband
After considerable miscommunication from Telecom we are now assured by the Manager of Chorus, the network company, that there is and will be sufficient broadband capacity for both existing and new Omaha Beach residents.

2.5 Omaha Taniko Wetlands Scientific Reserve Walkway
Driven by Greg Stenbeck we now have DOC agreement on a new walkway along the north-eastern edge of the reserve on the inside of the predator fence. This will run from Broadlands Drive to connect with the hill walk at the southern end of the golf course and will enable a great circle walk of beach and bush.

DOC have now given us permission to take a small digger into the reserve and cut a walking track to delineate and mark the actual path. DOC have said they will give all possible assistance but can not provide funding. Responding to a question from the floor asking about timeline, the President noted that it won't happen overnight, but that it will be a fantastic asset – and an opportunity for community support (including for Mahurangi College students to undertake a planting programme).

2.6 Matakana to Omaha Beach Walkway
Through the efforts of the Matakana community we can now expect a 5.5km walkway from Matakana across the river connecting to Tongue Farm Road then heading across private property to Takatu Rd, through the wastewater disposal area towards Jones Rd and connecting with the causeway walk and cycleway.
They have paid for and are in the process of preparing a resource consent, and are finalising a scheme plan which they hope to submit very early in the New Year to RDC, who've been very supportive. The bulk of the funds will have to come from fundraising and the Matakana group are looking forward to a joint cooperative effort between our two groups.
Responding to comment from the floor it was noted that this will be a fantastic asset, we want it, and with the Matakana Community Group we will work out how to do it as cost effectively as possible.

2.7 Rates
An annual problem but one which has seen increases for most and some reductions for other residents, all driven by property values. Those with largest land value increases have seen some big increases in rates while some with smaller land value increases have seen some reductions.
To a comment from the floor that "Most people's concern is what you get back for what you pay for" the President noted that "this is a problem you have when rates are predicated on land value; we have to fight for our fair share, but don't ever think it will be an equitable share. It is a national issue". The Mayor commented that the rates anyone pays aren't going to be spent just in one's own community; we pay to help other communities too; RDC has done quite a bit here; and hopefully having the new Ministers in central government will help.

2.8 Storm Water Rates
Not as much progress as we'd hoped. We have been offered the Pro Bono services of law firm Bell Gully to further investigate the storm water rates levy. We doubt that this levy is lawful and have asked RDC to justify its collection. Bell Gully's letter has been sent but won't have reached the Mayor yet. We are working to get to a resolution.

2.9 Street Lighting
There have been problems with maintenance of street lighting; Works says a number are corroding. Vector are planning a progressive upgrade of the light standards with replacements which look very similar. If any lights are not working, or lights are on during the day, residents should call the RDC contact centre, 0800 426 5169. If the problem continues, contact an OBC committee member.

2.10. Omaha Golf Club Rental
The OBC, Belinda Thomas and Peter Jackson submitted to the RDC in regard to a proposal to increase the Golf Club rental to $70,000 over the next three years. As a consequence of our submissions and the help of the Mayor and Northern Ward councillors the rental has been retained at $5 per annum. It was noted that it is the Golf Club which has made the improvements to the land.

2.11 Security – and
2.12 OBC Database
The President introduced Bede Haughey and Chris Martin. Chris outlined the situation with a vagrant at the Southern end earlier in the week, explaining how Insite Security liaised with Bede and Warkworth Police, and with Glenys McBain, the OBC committee member managing the database, who emailed members advising them and "seeking their eyes and ears for a quick resolution".

The President introduced Glenys McBain and provided a further example of the very valuable member database managed by Glenys. Chris Martin recently noticed water flowing down the driveway of a residence on Broadlands Drive; within an hour Chris, as well as turning off the water, had contacted Glenys, the owners had been identified and the information had been conveyed to them.

There have been other examples of break-ins, etc, when the ability to communicate with an owner has been of real benefit. A very simple assistance would be for all residents to put their street number clearly on their property.

Glenys reminded residents they need to be financial members to receive newsletters and emails, and need to provide an email address in order to get security alerts. She reiterated OBC's assurance that all information is retained in confidence - we do not let anyone else use or obtain information from the database - but there is real benefit from being able to communicate in an emergency.

Security – Summer 2008/9
As a consequence of the 07/08 summer security success RDC have agreed to a subsidy up to a maximum $10,000, matching OBC on a dollar for dollar basis for the amount raised by our members, and the OBC committee propose to continue the $25 levy on residents. This will enable a slightly enhanced patrol and the additional subsidy will reduce the funding shortfall of last summer.

We also understand that the District Police Commander has allocated a additional officer for the greater Omaha area 27 December 2008 – 18 January 2009, which reinstates previous years' arrangements.

We did have adequate coverage and a 'pretty trouble-free New Year' last year. We will however need all the security this New Year as there is to be a New Year party at Matakana Country Park for which we understand 8,000 tickets have been presold. No doubt some of these party goers will be wanting to visit Omaha Beach during some of the time they are in residence.

Bede Haughey explained he has met with the organisers, who have previous experience, and evidence suggests it is a well-run event. The organisers have gone to RDC for liquor licensing and resource consent. Current plans are for two squads of police and for two security guards to be based at the Surf Club carpark from 3pm New Year's Eve to 5am New Year's Day.

Bede stated that he considers RDC's support the "best initiative he's seen in his ten years here"and described the council-plus-community effort as "the best product the police and Chris (Martin / Insight Security) have been involved in, providing a deterrent to crime". Chris Martin reinforced this: "it's good for everyone" with the police, the Council and community support.

The OBC President thanked the Mayor for RDC's support, which is certainly appreciated.

2.13. Inundation Issue
After initial progress the work plan agreed with RDC in July 2007 was stopped by a unilateral decision of the RDC officer responsible. The officer has now left, and the project is now 'back on the rails again' thanks to the Mayor's support.

After submissions to a recent public hearing* the matter is now back on track with Tonkin and Taylor being requested to review their report on the matter. This should have been available at the beginning of the month, but now the private sector has let us down. (*A resident, speaking from the floor noted that some residents submitted, but since then have heard nothing.)

It would appear that there will be some good news, but we don't know how much. We are also advised by our Consulting Engineer that Murray Noone (new Director, Infrastructure, RDC) has been involved and "has been terrific".

2.14. Christmas / New Year Rubbish Collections
This issue generated considerable discussion.

Committee member, Merv Dry, noted that

The onus is on us as residents, if we have extra bottles, to put them in bins.

Extra bins can be obtained from RDC in Orewa.

Masons have agreed to take recyclables in a large rigid plastic container (not cardboard).

Orange bags should be hung up, not left on the ground for others to pick up scattered rubbish the seagulls have scattered.

From the floor:

'Renters' can be a problem; people who rent places out should ensure they know what to do.

Q: Will Council grant permanent residents a free tip pass once or twice a year? All over Rodney? A: Council knows it is an issue and is talking about it.

Q: Disposal of paint tins? A: Take them to Resenes, Silverdale; they then give Council paint for graffiti removal etc.

Christmas / New Year collection days will be in the December newsletter, on the OBC website www.omahabeach.co.nz and in an email to OBC members who have supplied an email address.

2.15 Skate Board Facility
RDC have offered to build a skate board ramp as a means of providing an activity for our younger community. A similar ramp has been built at Snells Beach and is proving a "fantastic success" and a great way to keep the skate boarders of the streets.

The issue is, where?

After discussion of possible locations the view of the meeting was that the most logical location is on the reserve land near the Surf Club. It is public; there is lighting; there are adjacent toilets; and the surf club has First Aid facilities(!)

We will need to speak with the immediate neighbours.

2.16. Jet Ski Lanes Proposed for Estuary
(Background: Earlier this year the ARC passed a Navigation Safety Bylaw which, among other matters, designates the Whangateau Estuary - from the causeway to approximately a line running due west of the northern end of the tennis courts by the Community Centre - as an area "reserved for the use of vessels towing water skiers, or other motorised watersport." Under the bylaw as it stands, if anyone is using any of this reserved area for water skiing or other motorised water sport, the whole area is off limits to anyone else.)

RDC has a transfer of powers from ARC and the Rodney harbourmaster has assured us it's not going to happen. Limited public consultation had taken place, none of it in Rodney District, and at least one local resident will challenge the matter in the High Court if necessary.

ARC Councillor Dianne Glenn assured the meeting that the issue will go to the committee she chairs, with the recommendation that the bylaw be withdrawn.

2.17. Omaha Park
OBC was granted Section 274 status by the Environment Court.
The full Environment Court Appeal Hearing is still pending. Omaha Park's application will be the last of the objections to the RDC District Plan to be heard.
Proceedings have now been now filed in the High Court to declare that covenants on southern properties have no effect.
There will be further developments / other proceedings which, if successful, could eliminate the development, but these proceedings could take five to six years, and in the meantime we must continue with our actions in the Environment Court.

2.18. ARC Whangateau Catchment Assessment Study
As a consequence of OBC member Kerry Connelly submitting to the ARC Annual Plan the ARC has allocated $100,000 for a Whangateau Assessment Study. In a nutshell this is to initiate a study and subsequent action plan to ensure that the Whangateau Harbour and Estuary are not allowed to deteriorate in the same way as the Mahurangi. We need to know how pristine the Whangateau Harbour is and what we have to do to keep it that way.

ARC Councillor Dianne Glenn, Chair of the Environmental Management Committee addressed the meeting, introducing ARC Team Leader Alexandra Wilson and explaining how the project has come about. She described the scoping style project, which will investigate whether there is a problem causing a decline in the environmental health of the harbour. If this is the case the report will also give a good idea of what is causing the decline.

The study has five main areas:

Collating and reviewing existing information on freshwater life in the Whangateau catchment, including tributary streams and land uses;

Looking at the harbour and estuarine environment;

Getting community views on the value of the harbour, issues of concern, recreational activities and possibly future uses;

Ascertaining the community's capacity for participating in the care of the harbour and its catchment. (Whangateau Harbour Care Group and a number of Omaha residents are among those community members with whom ARC has already met.)

Finding out what economic, social and cultural activities occur in the harbour and catchment and what influence or impact they presently have on the harbour's health.

The study outcome will be a scoping plan which would be the foundation for any action plan which may follow. The scoping plan is due to be completed June 2009, after which they will come back and report to us.

Councillor Glenn referred to existing ARC-funded projects in our area through grant programmes such as the Environmental Initiatives Fund and the Coastal Enhancement Fund.

Councillor Glenn concluded by thanking us for our interest and concerns and Kerry Connelly for bringing the matter to their attention. Thanking her, the President urged residents to be involved and to look out for updates on this important issue.

FROM THE FLOOR

Footpath on Omaha Drive: Disappointment was expressed that nothing had been done to get a footpath on Omaha Drive and a "passionate plea" made that OBC pursue this. The Mayor, commenting that RDC sometimes gets mixed messages, observed that they had been told some years ago that this was not a priority. The OBC committee will get more feedback on this.
Peter Jackson, on behalf of the meeting, thanked the President for the work put in, described the partnership forged between OBC, the Mayor and the local Councillors as an "iconic arrangement", and thanked all for our efforts.

CLOSE OF MEETING - DIARY DATES
The President drew the meeting's attention to the OBC AGM on 3 January, 2009 and to upcoming functions for the Golf and Surf Lifesaving Clubs, and thanked everyone for their attendance.

Meeting closed 6pm