Monday night was the Howick Local Board meeting for July with discussions on bikes, dogs and bylaws. I always try to attend to see what’s happening in the community and at Council.
There were three members of the public speaking - local BMX Club Mountain Raiders are asking for an asphalt pump track (similar to what was built in Grey Lynn a few years ago).
There were two separate speakers on dog parks - one asking for an off-lead area in Mangemangeroa and another speaking against the proposed off-lead park in Macleans Park (public consultation closes 25 July)
Councillor Paul Young provided an update on the governing body (Councillor Sharon Stewart wasn't available) with a focus on the Eastern Busway. He said he and Sharon were both surprised by the delays and continued to work to bring the project forward (although I'm unsure how this would be possible now). Paul also noted that while Auckland Council broadly supported the need for reform of water infrastructure (especially funding), there was concern that the government's proposed solution would mean less accountability.
It was interesting to see that Auckland Transport had a monthly report again - these had stopped while they reviewed the reporting process, apparently they're resuming them while the review continues. Unfortunately the AT representative was sick and unable to present anyway which was a shame because I'm sure the local board would have wanted to ask about the delays to the Eastern Busway.
Auckland Council is proposing a new sign bylaw and the local board provided their feedback, generally supporting the document. They asked for greater enforcement of the rules. The Board also asked for consideration of a cap on the number of signs per candidate or party in each ward to help reduce the clutter and even the playing field. This wasn't supported by all members and only passed 6 to 3 with Members Spiller, Turinsky and Bungard voting against it. One of those opposed noted that they weren't sure that a limit was possible under freedom of expression laws and we'll have to wait and see how far this goes within council.
The Board also supplied input into Auckland Council's submission on the government's planned RMA reform. The Board asked to ensure that the public would still be consulted on consents in their area and there was concerns that the new legislation would make it more difficult for the public to have their say. There seems to be agreement from most political parties that there should be some reform although with a majority, Labour won't need consensus to pass their bills through Parliament. The draft legislation isn't due until early 2022 so we will have to wait and see what they propose.
Full agenda for the meeting is available online and the minutes are normally up within a week or two (although they only capture the resolutions, not the discussion).