Agenda of Nowra CBD Revitalisation Strategy Committee

Minutes of the Nowra CBD Revitalisation Strategy Committee

Meeting Date: Wednesday, 7 November 2018

Location: Jervis Bay Rooms, City Administrative Centre, Bridge Road, Nowra

Time: 4.06pm

The following members were present:

Mr James Caldwell - Chairperson

Clr Patricia White – left 5.45pm

Mr Phil Costello - Director, Planning Environment and Development

Mr Paul Keech - Director Assets and Works

Ms Annie Aldous

Mr Scott Baxter

Mr Brendan Goddard – 5.19pm

Mr Wesley Hindmarch

Others present:

Stephen Dunshea – Director Finance, Corporate and Community Services

Sara McMahon – Governance Unit Manager

Tom Dimec – Asset Manager

Apologies / Leave of Absence

A Leave of Absence has been approved for Lynnette Kearney.

Apologies were received from Clr Gash and Clr Cheyne.

Confirmation of the Minutes

RESOLVED (By consent)

That the Minutes of the Nowra CBD Revitalisation Strategy Committee held on Wednesday 10 October 2018 be confirmed.

CARRIED

Declarations of Interest

Nil

Reports

CBD18.81 Outstanding/Ongoing Actions Information Report

HPERM Ref: D18/375634

The following notes were made in relation to the items in the Action Report:

Staff addressed the meeting and advised due to the short turn around there aren’t as many updates and the following actions can remain or be removed from the next report:

· CBD18.36 – Budget Update – Winter Event – Funds Voted – Auditing / Management Promotional Funds - Completed and remove

· CBD18.43 – Continue Nowra CBD Access Improvement Financial Assistance Program 2018 / 2019 – Ongoing

· CBD18.58 – Commercial Property Leasing – Review – Contract & Lease Agreements – Ongoing

· CBD18.64 – Additional Item – Nowra CBD Accessible Businesses – The Chairperson advised that he had sent an email requesting to amend the handout to reflect that the funds are from the Nowra CBD Revitalisation Strategy Committee.

· CBD18.67 – Additional Item – Banners – Poles – Christmas Tree Locations – The Chairperson advised that the tree is going to the School of Arts and has purchased an additional 2 x 10ft trees – completed and remove

· CBD18.71 –Laneway Panel Project – Selection of Successful Proposal – Andre Braun – Note, there is an item on the agenda.

· CBD18.74 – Update – Report – Banners – Worrigee Street – Bannerconda – Ongoing

· CBD18.76 – Update – Report – Wayfinding Signage – Fund – Installation - James Caldwell advised that he would send Paul Keech an email the week of the 12/11/18 – ongoing

· CBD18.77 – Update – Report – Permanent Lighting Installations – Capital Works Budget – Berry Street Fig Trees – Ongoing

· CBD18.78 – Recognition of Committee – Project Designs – The Terms of Reference will need to be amended to reflect this.

· CBD18.79 – Verbal Update – Berry Street - Ongoing

Recommendation (Item to be determined under delegated authority)

1. That the Outstanding/Ongoing Action report be received for information.

2. The following items marked in the Action Listing attached to the report as completed be removed from the listing:

a. CBD18.36 – Budget Update – Winter Event – Funds Votes – Auditing/ Management promotional funds.

b. CBD18.79 – Verbal Update – Berry Street – Report Required.

RESOLVED (By consent)

That:

1. The Outstanding/Ongoing Action report be received for information.

2. The following items marked in the Action Listing attached to the report as completed be removed from the listing:

a. CBD18.36 – Budget Update – Winter Event – Funds Votes – Auditing/ Management promotional funds.

b. CBD18.67 – Christmas Tree Location – Berry Street

CARRIED

CBD18.82 Laneway panel project - request for additional funding

HPERM Ref: D18/379807

Recommendation (Item to be determined under delegated authority)

That an additional $564 (excl GST) is added to the project budget based on the costs presented within this report.

RESOLVED (Annie Aldous / Clr White)

That an additional $564 (excl GST) is added to the project budget based on the costs presented within this report (Total funds committed by the Nowra CBD Revitalisation Strategy Committee $5564 excluding GST).

CARRIED

GENERAL BUSINESS

CBD18.83 Additional Item - Logo / Communications Sub Committee

James Caldwell advised the following in relation to recent discussions around the Logo for the Committee:

· James has sent Logo to members with mixed response.

· It is requested that when Plaques and/or signs are designed that the Committee Logo be included. James has asked Clr Digiglio to move forward with the Logo along with the Graphic Design Unit of Council and report Costs back to the Committee. Brendan advised that he will work with Clr Digiglio for collaboration of the Logo with Council.

· In future should the Committee consider communications material published by Council, that appropriate media communications be liaised through the Media Section of Council via the Chairperson.

· Paul Keech to report back on the listing of all sub committees and confirm the appointment of the staff supporting the logo/communications sub-committee.

RESOLVED (By consent)

That:

1. A Logo and Communications Sub Committee be established consisting of Clr Digiglio, Brendan Goddard, Wesley Hindmarch and appropriate Council Staff;

2. A report be submitted to the Committee on:

a. The listing of all its Sub-Committees members and

b. Confirm the appointment of the staff supporting the logo and Communications Sub-Committee.

CARRIED

CBD18.84 Additional Item - Christmas Promotions Update

The Committee discussed the following in relation to the Christmas Promotions:

· Annie needs more help with putting up the Christmas Wraps in the CBD

· There are 30 trees to deliver with 60 shops doing their Christmas trees

· Decorations and wreaths / garlands to be put up in the street

· James will look after the installation of the 2 main Christmas Trees

· There are still 140 signs to be put up in the CBD which will take a few hours.

CBD18.85 Additional item - Historical Walk - Funding

RESOLVED (By consent)

That the General Manager (Planning Environment and Development) provide an update be provided to the Committee regarding the Historical Walk Grant funding and project to date, noting that grant funds must be spent by April 2019.

CARRIED

Note: Scott Baxter advised that the Committee is waiting for Costings from Council for the historical walk and there is urgency as the Grant funding must be spent by April.

Phil Costello advised that he would follow up.

CBD18.86 Additional Item - Banner Systems

Scott Baxter made the following comments in relation to the proposed installation of the Bannerconda systems:

Its proposed that the Banner systems be placed from the Southern side of the Bridge to Moss Street (Approximately 18 poles).

If the Committee is funding the supply and install of the banners systems, the Committee should have authority to control / manage the banners going forward.

Clr White advised that a working party is still required and should meet and make recommendations back to the Committee.

RESOLVED (Clr White / Brendan Goddard)

That:

1. The Nowra CBD Revitalisation Strategy Committee rescind its resolution with respect to Item CBD18.74 – Update – Report – Banners – Worrigee Street - from the meeting of 10 October 2018; and

2. The General Manager (Assets and Works) provide a report to the Committee regarding the Policy on banners/flags, proposing a Management Strategy and costing and implications for installation of Bannerconda (from the southern side of the Bridge to Moss street)

3. Council seek assurance from RMS regarding the poles that have the Bannerconda® system in place, will they be replaced once works on the Nowra Bridge project are completed.

CARRIED

CBD18.87 Additional Item - Streetscape / Landscape Budget

Correspondence has been circulated to interested groups in relation to spending $500,000 on Streetscape/Landscape works in the CBD’s around the Shoalhaven.

RESOLVED (By consent)

That the General Manager (Assets and Works) distribute the Draft report to Council on the Streetscape Budget to the Committee.

CARRIED

CBD18.88 Additional Item - Maintenance - Planter Boxes

RESOLVED (By consent)

That the General Manager (Assets and Works) submit a report to the Committee in relation to the ongoing maintenance of the planter boxes installed in the Nowra CBD.

CARRIED

Notes:

James Caldwell asked the Committee and Staff present, who should be paying for the maintenance of the planter boxes?

There are approximately 17 boxes. The estimated maintenance is $31,000 and suggested to be paid by the Committee.

James Caldwell advise he will meet with the General Manager to discuss.

CBD18.89 Additional Item - Wayfinding signs - Engineering and Geotechnical Reports

James Caldwell advised that he has been advised that engineering drawings and Geotechnical reports are required prior to the signs being placed in/on the ground. This would be at a cost of approximately $1200 and $800.

He also advised that an additional charge of $200 per site will be added.

Staff advised that a report will be provided in relation to this matter.

Note: Brendan Goddard left the meeting at 5.19pm

RESOLVED (By consent)

That the General Manager (Assets and Works) provide a report to the committee regarding the required engineering drawings and geotechnical reports for the Wayfinding signs and provide options for way forward.

CARRIED

CBD18.98 Additional Item - All Day Parking Signs

Annie Aldous advised that there are limited All Day Parking (Directional) signs in the CBD.

Its requested that Council identify location signs for indicating where all day parking is available.

RESOLVED (By consent)

That the General Manager (Assets and Works) review the current All-Day Parking Signs and report back to the Committee on options for providing indication/location signs for All Day Parking in the CBD.

CARRIED

CBD18.99 Additional Item - Bin Covers CBD

Scott Baxter advised that there are 10 bins in the CBD without bin covers. Also, some bins with locks that are not locked.

Staff advised that if the members see any maintenance problems in the CBD, there is an App called ‘Snap Send Solve’ which will raise an action straight away.

Scott advised he would send a list of maintenance issues to Paul Keech.

CBD18.100 Additional Item - Trees at Stewarts Place Car Park

Scott Baxter advised that there is a lack of trees in Stewarts place Car Park

CBD18.101 Additional Item - Seats - Junction Street - Taxi Rank / Junction Court

The seats in Junction Street in the vicinity of the taxi Rank are damaged and a safety hazard.

Also noted was the cleanliness needs addressing at the taxi rank and the opposite side of junction Court to the Commonwealth Bank.

The awnings have perished near Rockmans and are a safety concern.

RESOLVED (By consent)

That the General Manager (Assets and Works) conduct a maintenance check of the seats located in the Taxi Rank (Junction Street) and review cleaning this area.

CARRIED

CBD18.102 Worrigee Street Roundabout

Scott Baxter advised that the Roundabout on Worrigee Street has been damaged and requires brick works.

CBD18.103 Additional Item - Claude Neon Seats - Agreement

Scott Baxter advised that he had reviewed the contract Agreements with Claude Neon and has found 2 issues.

1. Is there supposed to be a DA process for those Seats?

2. The seats are supposed to be where bus stops are located

The Agreement is not in Councils favour. There is a separate contract for convenience seats, as these seats are not where bus stops are, which is grounds to have them removed.

Scott Baxter advised he will email Paul Keech in relation to where the agreement is not reflective of where the seats were placed.

CBD18.107 Additional Item - Overview and Outcomes - Nowra CBD Workshop

The committee was advised this matter had been dropped off the Action list and required determination by the Committee.

REcommendation (Clr White / Scott Baxter)

That:

1. The Nowra CBD Revitalisation Strategy notes and receives for information the recommendations from the Workshop report of 1 August 2018.

2. The Nowra CBD Revitalisation Strategy be promoted and reviewed regularly

3. The Nowra CBD Revitalisation Strategy Action Plan be formalised, monitored and revisited annually.

4. The Nowra CBD Revitalisation Committee be consulted in the preparation of the Draft Capital Works Program in relation to works in the Nowra CBD

5. The Terms of Reference and delegations of the Nowra CBD Revitalisation Strategy Committee be clarified and amended to incorporate the outcomes of the workshop

6. The frequency of meetings of the Nowra CBD Revitalisation Committee be increased to monthly meetings until 31 March 2019 (excluding January 2019), after which meetings will be held bi-monthly meetings (6 per year).

CARRIED

Note: Clr White left 5.45pm

CBD18.106 Additional item - Seminar - Social Infrastructure

Wesley Hindmarch advised that a Seminar is being held in relation to Social Infrastructure (Pre-schools etc) on 23 November 2018 at 9.00am at the Berry School of Arts. There will be a series of lectures and is a ticketed event.

There being no further business, the meeting concluded, the time being 5.47pm.

Mr James Caldwell

CHAIRPERSON

Nowra CBD Revitalisation Strategy Committee – Wednesday 05 December 2018

Page 0

CBD18.109 Installation Wayfinding Signage - Update

HPERM Ref: D18/410240

Group: Assets & Works Group

Section: Asset Management

Purpose / Summary

To report to the Committee on the progress of engineering drawings, geotechnical investigation and options for a way forward to installation of wayfinding signage at the five agreed locations.

Recommendation (Item to be determined under delegated authority)

That the Committee receives the Installation Wayfinding Signage Update report for information

Options

1. The committee accepts the report for information.

Implications:

The report is noted.

2. The committee could request additional information and resubmission of the report to the next meeting.

Implications:

More detail will be provided.

Background

At the October 2018 meeting, the Committee resolved to fund a maximum of $35,000 (including GST) for the supply and installation of wayfinding signs at the following agreed locations:

· Jelly Bean Park

· Junction Court

· Stewart Place

· Post Office corner

· Stocklands Nowra (subject to consultation with Stocklands on the location of that sign.

The final detail design and fabrication of the sign is pending structural input.

Financial Implications

The budget required for structural engineering design is $1200 plus GST. This will include certification of the design by a structural engineer. Service location and geotechnical investigation will be procured once the location of the five sites has been finalised. The location of the sites is expected to be finalised by mid-February 2019.

CBD18.110 Progress Update - Nowra CBD Historical Walk Interpretive Signage and Heritage Near Me App Grant Funding Project

HPERM Ref: D18/413784

Group: Planning Environment & Development Group

Section: Strategic Planning

Purpose / Summary

Provide a progress update on this project.

Recommendation:

That the Committee:

1. Receive this update report for information

2. Select the preferred location of the five (5) larger interpretive signs and the concept of smaller plaques/pavement plaques to identify individual items on the Nowra CBD Historical Walk. i.e.

a. Support the 5 sites discussed in the report; or

b. Select one or more alternate sites.

3. Advise Council staff if communication with relevant shop/building owners has commenced and provide any feedback to Council staff

4. Council staff write to landowners and tenants of relevant properties/buildings to provide information about the project and the possible signage locations.

Background

The Committee considered a report at its meeting of 5 September 2018 on the Successful heritage grant – Nowra CBD Historical Walk – Historical interpretive signage and app content development

At this meeting, the Committee resolved (CBD18.55) to support Council accepting the grant funding offer of $30,751 from NSW Office of Environment and Heritage (OEH) under the Heritage Near Me Activations Grant 2018-19 for the Nowra CBD Historical Walk – interpretative signage and digital content development to create a physical and interactive trail.

The Grant funding complements the Committee’s previous resolution of 15 March 2017 (CBD17.9) to allocate $4,053 to the Nowra Laneway Historical Interpretive Plaques, plus installation costs.

At its meeting of 7 November 2018, the Committee resolved (CBD18.85) that the General Manager (Planning, Environment and Development Group) provide an update regarding the Historical Walk Grant funding and project to date. Noting that the grant funds must be spent by April 2019.

This report provides the requested update on this project.

Progress Update

The following table responds to the various parts of the Committee’s resolution of 5 September 2018.

1. Supports Council accepting the grant offer of $30, 751 from NSW Office of Environment and Heritage under the Heritage Near Me Activations Grant 2018-19 for the Nowra CBD Historical Walk – interpretative signage and digital content development to create a physical and interactive trail.

The grant has been accepted. The funding agreement has been signed by Council and provided to OEH. An invoice has been provided to OEH for the funding amount. Council received the Grant funding on 9/11/2018 and the funds of $30,751 (ex GST) are available for expenditure.

2. Given the limited timeframe required for project completion, Council staff commence the project working with the Shoalhaven Historical Society and nominated members of the Committee to prepare digital content for the Heritage Near Me app and designs for the interpretative signage to create a physical and interactive trail for the Nowra CBD historical walk.

Council staff met with sub-committee member Scott Baxter on 26 September 2018 and in the CBD on 18 October 2018 to discuss the project program and walk through the proposed Nowra CBD Historical Walk to discuss signage location options for each item. No definitive resolution was reached; however, opportunities and constraints was established. The concept has been further developed by Council staff and forms the basis of a ‘request for quotes’ to engage a suitable designer and signage manufacturer. The concept is as follows:

1. Five larger signs, roughly 900x600 (actual dimensions to be determined in conjunction with designer/manufacturer) that tell a story about the history of Nowra CBD, commenting on the specific area that each sign is located. They will be located*:

i. Near Bridge Hotel/Batts Folly

ii. Near Hyper Hyper Coffee

iii. In Junction Court near seats/planter boxes

iv. Historical Society/Museum

v. Near School of Arts/ In the vicinity of Corner Junction and Berry Streets.

* These locations have been strategically selected to define different aspects of the CBD and will be located on Council land where possible. If the Committee wishes to propose alternate locations it is imperative there is a decision made at this meeting or as soon as possible, so content can be tailored to those alternate locations.

The textual component of the signs will be overlayed on historical photos relevant to that particular location.

The reverse side of these signs will contain a directional map of the walk.

Examples of what these signs could look like are included below:

CULTURE AND CRIME: Western Plains Cultural Centre manager Andrew Glassop and Macquarie Regional Library local studies officer Simone Taylor with one of the signs. Photo: CONTRIBUTED

Note: these are examples only. Council staff will work with the selected designer to tailor an aesthetic unique and complementary to Nowra CBD consistent with the colour palette used in other Nowra CBD Revitalisation Strategy Committee projects.

2. Small individual plaques/In pavement plaques for each item. The text on these will include identifying information for each item. These plaques will also include direction arrows/compass points guiding people to the next item.

The preferred option is to embed these plaques in the pavement to minimise clutter/avoid trip hazards in the CBD and to ensure there is minimal material impact on the heritage item they relate to. A secondary option, where this cannot be achieved, will be in the form of a plaque on a pole stand secured to the pavement.

It is noted that all large signs will include the logos of the relevant groups involved in this collaboration project, including:

· Nowra CBD Revitalisation Strategy Committee

· Council

· Shoalhaven Historical Society (as per the agreement with the Society to provide historic images and information free of charge)

· NSW Office of Environment and Heritage (requirement of the grant of acceptance)

EXAMPLES OF IN PAVEMENT SIGNS (INDICATIVE ONLY)

Council staff are currently drafting the content for the signs – good basic information on each site currently exists. However, work is underway to ensure that an interesting and engaging story about the emergence of Nowra CBD is told through the signage. The content draws upon the existing information and other publications endorsed by the Historical Society. The final content will be provided to the Historical Society for checking.

Indicative examples of such signs:

Consistent with Council’s policies and procedures, a ‘request for quotes’ process is required to select a designer/manufacturer to develop the signs and related information. Council staff have had informal discussions with three potential providers, outlining the general scope of the project and time frame for delivery. Each prospective designer/manufacturer has confirmed their capability to undertake the project.

Formal ‘request for quotes’ have been provided, with a closing date of 30^th November 2018.

The selected designer/manufacturer will also design hard copy maps and associated promotional material relating to the project. It is noted that current maps exist, but the design must be updated to ensure all related content (signs/plaques/maps/digital content/promotional material) is consistent and includes the required logos (CBD Committee, Council, Historic Society and OEH).

Digital content required for the Heritage Near Me App is at approximately 50% completion. This includes professional photos for most items. It is noted that a requirement of the Heritage Near Me app that contemporary photos of the items are used. Council was able to find a cost saving for this part of the project by having the photographs taken by the in-house contract photographer who works for Councils Tourism Section.

3. That Scott Baxter, Ros Holmes and Wesley Hindmarch as the existing Nowra CBD Heritage Walk Working Party, consider the design of the signage and promotional material and to assist with research and delivery of this project including discussions with shop and building owners where plaques and signs are proposed to be located.

The final designs will be provided to sub-committee for review prior to manufacture.

Further to the resolution, advice was received from the Chairperson that the Working Party includes:

· Scott Baxter

· Clr Joanna Gash

· James Caldwell

Council staff are not aware of any discussions that the sub-committee may have had with business/shop owners. Notwithstanding this, Council staff will consult with the shop/business owners prior to installation. It is requested that the Committee/sub-committee provide any advice of the progress of this and Council staff can continue the conversation with the relevant owners/operators.

4. The Nowra CBD Historical Walk project be completed by 30 April 2019 in accordance with the grant requirements.

The potential signage providers/designers are all aware of the time frame and can meet the requirements.

Shoalhaven Tourism has been engaged and understand the promotional parameters and project timeline – A professional photographer via Shoalhaven Tourism has been engaged and the photos supplied to Council staff. These have been reviewed and some updated photos for a small number of items will be requested.

CONCLUSION

The project is on track to be completed in the required timeframe (30 April 2019) and ongoing consultation and involvement will occur with the Committee and the Nowra CBD Historical Walk Working Party.