Next step taken on water meters

Kāpiti Coast District Council took the next step in the process of introducing water meters today with approval in principle of the proposed Amendment to the Long Term Plan.

But councillors made it clear this was the start of a 12 month long process and councillors and the community needed a great deal more information and answers to questions and concerns raised by submitters on the proposal before a final decision in June 2012.

“It’s vital that the principles of equity and fairness are applied to the whole water programme,” Mayor Jenny Rowan said. 

“In passing this we’re entering into a very rigorous process on questions which need to be answered.  Our greatest challenge over the next 12 months will be keeping the community informed,” she said.

Staff were directed to prepare the amendment for confirmation at the next Council meeting on June 23 2011.

The next step will be to approve the terms of reference for the Charging Regime Advisory Group (CRAG) and then to appoint members to CRAG.  Members for the Group will come from organisations across the community.

Once the group has been formed, it will be tasked with developing charging models and will seek input from interested members of the community.  A recommendation on a preferred model will be made as part of the 2012 Long Term Plan and Council will undertake formal consultation on the model.

Detailed planning for the installation of meters will also be carried out.

“Today is the beginning of the next part of the process,” Mayor Rowan said. 

“There’s a great deal of work to be done and information to be provided to the community before we get to the final decision point,” she said.