Agenda of Howick Local Board

Howick Local Board

14 March 2016

Auckland Transport Update – March 2016

File No.: CP2016/03666

Purpose

1. Providing an update on transport matters for the information of the Howick Local Board and a register of transport issues in the Howick Local Board area currently being addressed by Auckland Transport’s Elected Member Relationship Manager (South).

Executive Summary

2. This report covers matters of specific application and interest to the Howick Local Board and its community; matters of general interest relating to Auckland Transport activities or the transport sector; and Auckland Transport media releases for the information of the Board and community.

3. In particular, this report provides information on:

· the Howick Local Board’s transport capital fund

· New Half Moon Bay ferry facility update

· Satellite ‘park and ride’ facility, Lloyd Elsmore Park.

Recommendation/s

That the Howick Local Board:

a) receives the report entitled ‘Auckland Transport Update – March 2016’ and the attached issues register from Auckland Transport’s Elected Member Relationship Manager (South).

Discussion

Howick Items

A1. Local board transport capital fund (LBTCF)

4. The Howick Local Board’s funding allocation under the LBTCF is $871,903 per annum.

5. The Board’s active projects are included in Table 1 below (NB: ROC = rough order of costs; FEC = firm estimate of cost):

Table 1:

ID#

Project Description

Progress/Current Status

009

Walkway and amenity improvements at Half Moon Bay (HMB) Marina

· Updated FEC of $477,000

· $27,000 already received from 2011/12 Local Board Discretionary budget

· Remaining budget of $450,000 approved from LBTCF

· On 8-Jun-15, the Board approved the project for construction based on a FEC estimate of $422,000, of which $395,000 would come from the LBTCF.

· On 16-Nov-15, the Board approved the increased allocation of $450,000 from the LBTCF.

· The physical works contract has been awarded and the contractor is preparing to begin in mid-March.

· All works including installation/upgrade of streetlights and bollards are expected to be finished by the end of May/start of June.

155

Burswood Business Area enhancements

· Updated firm estimate of $411,770

· $104,000 received from Council’s Business Area Planning Unit

· $307,770 balance required from LBTCF

· On 10-Nov-14, the Board approved the project for construction.

· Following project tender, on 16-Nov-15, the Board approved an increased allocation of $307,770 from the LBTCF.

· Construction commenced in Jan-16 and completion is expected by the end of March.

· The contractors are currently working on stormwater items and placing soil for the gardens. Seven of the small side islands have also been installed. As at 29-Feb-16, work was about to begin on the raised speed tables.

217

Pigeon Mountain Road metering signals

· FEC estimate of $418,000

· On 20-Apr-15, the Board resolved that AT should proceed to complete detailed design and costing.

· On 12-Oct-15, the Board approved construction based on the firm estimate of $418,000.

· TCC approval was received in Dec-15.

· The construction contract is currently out to tender, closing mid-March. Work is expected to start at the beginning of Apr-16.

272

Bucklands Beach walkway improvements

· ROCs for various sections (as per concept plans)

o A-B = $134,000

o B-C = $496,000

o C-D = $57,000

o D-E = $104,000

o E-F = $803,000 or $97,000*

o F-G = $324,000 or $115,000*

o G-H = $97,000

o H-I = $224,000

o I-J = $152,000

o J-K = $93,000

· Total ROC = either $2,484,000 or $1,569,000 with *alternate options

· On 14-Jul-14, the Board approved a Little Bucklands Beach walkway project to progress to detailed design and costing stage.

· On 8-Jun-15, the Board resolved to expand the scope of the project to include pedestrian improvements along the length of The Parade.

· On 13-Jul-15, concept plans showing the length of The Parade, itemising proposed pedestrian improvements in various sections and ROCs for each section were presented to the Board.

· The Board resolved to consult with the public and key stakeholders on the strategic vision for the proposed walkway improvements.

· AT and Council Parks are assisting with the Board’s planned consultation. Full traffic, cyclist and pedestrian counts were commissioned over the holiday period. A beach use survey was also conducted by Parks over Jan/Feb-16.

279

Chapel Road pedestrian signals

· FEC estimate of $261,282

· On 11-May-15, the Board approved this project for construction based on the FEC estimate of $261,282.

· TCC approval for the project was given on 3-Jul-15.

· Construction is complete with the exception of a power connection to the signals from Vector to enable them to be commissioned.

396

Half Moon Bay (HMB) new ferry facility

· Up to $2.5m originally allocated

· $1.25m confirmed as required from LBTCF following NZTA subsidy approval

· Further funding and NZTA subsidy application required for Stage 2 landside works

· On 13-Oct-14, the Board allocated up to $2.5m towards a new $4.3m ferry facility at HMB, subject to AT allocating at least $1m towards the project.

· NZTA subsidy approval for approximately 50% of the initial $4.3m project is confirmed.

· AT agreed that the Board’s proportion of funding for the initial $4.3m project should be abated by an equal proportion of the NZTA subsidy, meaning that $1.25m of the Board’s original allocation is definitely required. However, if the project runs over budget the Board will need to contribute to any shortfall on the same basis.

· A further NZTA funding application will be made for the proposed Stage 2 landside works once estimates are finalised.

· A progress update is included at item A2 below.

6. The Howick Local Board’s transport capital fund to date is summarised below:

Howick Local Board transport capital fund summary:

Total funding available ($871,903 p.a. across 5 FYs – 2012/13 to 2016/17)	$4,359,515
Actual costs reported for completed projects (3x driver feedback signs; Ti Rakau & Cockle Bay bus shelters; Pedestrian improvements at Meadowlands/Whitford/Millhouse; Crooks Road streetscape improvements; The Parade footpath; Highland Park Adshel double bus shelter; Point View Drive footpath; East Tamaki streetlighting upgrade)	-867,294
Firm estimates for projects given construction approval (Chapel Road pedestrian signals; Pigeon Mountain Road metering signals; HMB walkway/amenity improvements; Burswood Business Area enhancements)	-1,437,052
Confirmed LBTCF funding requirement towards initial Half Moon Bay ferry facility project (though further discussions required regarding funding of Stage 2 landside works)	-1,250,000
*Funding available to allocate* (assuming construction approval given to all projects excluding Bucklands Beach)	*$805,169*
Rough estimates on project requiring further direction (Bucklands Beach/The Parade walkway improvements - two alternate costings provided)	$2,848,000 or $1,569,000

A2. New Half Moon Bay ferry facility update

7. The re-manufacture of the Stage 1 pontoon and gangway items utilised for Pier 2 at Down Town Ferry Terminal (DTFT) has been coordinated with the main wharf construction programme and the manufacture is now complete.

8. The majority of the fabricated Half Moon Bay pontoon units, whalers and fenders have been used to replace the existing pontoon structure at DTFT Pier 2 which is now operational.

9. All items utilised for DTFT Pier 2 are currently being manufactured and Auckland Transport is monitoring this to ensure there are no cost or time implications for the Half Moon Bay project.

10. The wharf design fire reports and the structural peer reports have been finalised and the building consent has now been submitted to Auckland Council for approval.

11. Overall costs estimates for the wharf construction and the proposed landside design works have been received and have been assessed against budget.

12. The RFT (request for tender) for the project was published on 29 February.

13. The project is continuing on-going engagement with Mana Whenua to confirm Te Aranga Design Principles in line with Council engagement policies.

14. The overall project is progressing as planned with completion scheduled for October 2016.

15. The high level programme for Half Moon Bay is:

· Marine resource consent period – June to December 2015 (completed)

· Wharf structure building consent period – December 2015 - February 2015 (completed)

· Landside resource consent – November to January 2016 (noting that landside works are subject to scope finalisation and associated funding approval) (on-going)

· Tender package release to market – February 2016 (published on 29-Feb)

· Physical works contractor established on site – April 2016

· Physical works – wharf and landside – April to September 2016

· Relocation of ferry service – October 2016.

A3. Satellite ‘park and ride’ facility, Lloyd Elsmore Park, from 21 March 2016

16. In conjunction with the Howick Local Board and Auckland Council Parks, Auckland Transport is proposing to trial a satellite ‘park and ride’ facility at Lloyd Elsmore Park, and a shuttle to the Half Moon Bay ferry terminal.

17. Highlights of the proposal include:

· The satellite park and ride facility will be restricted to a defined area of Lloyd Elsmore Park and operate Monday to Friday excluding public holidays

· Bus shuttle services will collect satellite park and ride users twice a day to meet the 8.15am and 10.15am departing ferries at Half Moon Bay Ferry Terminal. Subject to an interim review during the trial, an additional pick-up service may be added to meet the 7.30am departing ferry

· Bus shuttle services will meet the arriving ferries at Half Moon Bay at 5.45pm, 6.20pm and 7.05pm to return the satellite park and ride users back to Lloyd Elsmore Park

· The proposal is planned to be trialled for six months. Auckland Transport will review the trial to determine if the trial period can be extended.

18. The proposed park and ride area within Lloyd Elsmore Park has been amended slightly following consultation with park user groups, patrons and other relevant stakeholders undertaken prior to Christmas and further discussions with park user groups and Howick Local Board representatives.

19. The confirmed start date for the trial will be Monday 21 March. The shuttle to Half Moon Bay will be free for park and ride users until the introduction of simplified fares in July this year.

20. Signage for the designated park and ride area within Lloyd Elsmore Park, and a communications plan to advise the public of the introduction of the trial, are being prepared.

21. An information poster regarding the trial is included at Attachment A.

A4. Consultation documents on proposed improvements

22. Consultation documents for the following proposals have been provided to the Howick Local Board for its feedback. As the Board’s transport portfolio holders have been delegated to provide feedback on the Board’s behalf, the material below is included for general information purposes only.

23. Proposed Bus Stop Relocation, Kerwyn Avenue, East Tamaki – Auckland Council recently granted consent for new buildings at 15 Kerwyn Avenue, East Tamaki. The new development includes a new vehicle access onto Kerwyn Avenue to provide truck access to the rear of the new buildings. An existing bus stop is located in the same position as the proposed new access and, to avoid any conflicts with turning movements, it is proposed to relocate the bus stop approximately 100m to the east, as shown on the plan at Attachment B.

24. Proposed pedestrian refuge and ‘No Stopping At All Times’ (NSAAT) parking restrictions, Kerrykeel Drive, Flat Bush – Auckland Transport is currently working with Ormiston schools to implement a Safer Communities programme. Site investigations shown there is a demand for pedestrians to cross Kerrykeel Drive in the vicinity of Helianthus Avenue, particularly walking school bus and school children. It is therefore proposed to install a pedestrian refuge island and pram crossing on Kerrykeel Drive near the intersection with Helianthus Avenue, with new footpath to connect the crossing to the existing footpath on the corner of Helianthus Avenue. As part of the proposal, a flush median and NSAAT parking restrictions will be installed on Kerrykeel Drive. NSAATS will also be added to the corners of Sunglade Grove, Springside Drive, and Helianthus Avenue, as shown on the plan at Attachment C. The removal of parking is necessary to improve visibility of pedestrians at the new crossing facilities.

25. Proposed implementation of dual westbound traffic lanes using NSAAT parking restrictions, Accent Drive, East Tamaki – Auckland Transport has received concerns regarding traffic congestion on Accent Drive during the morning peak periods. Westbound vehicles are required to merge into a single lane and this frequently creates queues past the Chapel Road intersection due to the high volume of traffic. In order to improve traffic movements on Accent Drive, Auckland Transport is proposing to provide dual westbound traffic lanes by installing NSAAT parking restrictions on the southern side of Accent Drive, as shown on the plan at Attachment D.

26. Proposed pedestrian crossing upgrade and NSAAT parking restrictions, Fordyce Avenue, Sunnyhills – Concerns were raised with Auckland Transport by local residents regarding the safety of pedestrians using the existing zebra crossing on Fordyce Avenue, Sunnyhills. Auckland Transport is therefore proposing to install new pedestrian side islands on both sides of the existing zebra crossing outside #18 Fordyce Avenue, and improve visibility of the crossing facility by trimming trees and installing NSAATs as shown on the plan at Attachment E. The proposed side islands will provide a safer pedestrian crossing facility by shortening the crossing distance and encouraging lower traffic speeds. New street lighting will also be installed as required. The proposed changes will benefit all pedestrians using the crossing point, especially children walking to Sunnyhills Primary School.

27. Proposed new pedestrian facility and NSAAT parking restrictions, Bucklands Beach Road, Bucklands Beach – Concerns were raised with Auckland Transport by local residents regarding pedestrian safety at the Bucklands Beach Road and Wharf Road intersection. The existing crossing point is well utilised by pedestrians due to its proximity to the shops along Wharf Road and the access to the Bucklands Beach waterfront. Auckland Transport is therefore proposing to install new pedestrian side islands in front of the existing pram crossings in front of the walkway egress at #2 Bucklands Beach Road, and improve visibility of the new crossing facility by installing NSAATs and trimming trees as shown on the plan at Attachment F. The proposed side islands will provide a safer and more visible area for pedestrians to wait at the edge of the carriageway before proceeding to cross the road when the way is clear. The NSAATs are necessary to improve visibility of pedestrians at the crossing facility.

General Information Items

B1. Public Transport Patronage

28. The summary patronage performance for January 2016 is presented below:

29. For the 12-months to Jan-16, Auckland public transport patronage totalled 81.5 million passengers, an increase of +6.6% on the previous year. January monthly patronage was 5.3 million, a decrease of -0.7% on Jan-15 and -5.2% below Statement of Intent (SOI) target (Year to date YTD -1.3%).

30. Bus services totalled 60.3 million passenger trips for the 12-months to Jan-16, an increase of +3.2% on the previous year. Patronage for Dec-15 was 4.1 million, an increase of +1.7% on Dec-14, however -3.1% below SOI target (YTD -2.5%). Patronage for Jan-15 was 1.0 million, a decrease of -4.7% on Jan-15 and -10.0% below SOI target (YTD -3.3%)

31. Rail services totalled 15.5 million passengers for the 12-months to Jan-16, an increase of +21.6% on the previous year. Patronage for Dec-15 was 1.1 million, an increase of +32.6% on Dec-14 and +15% above SOI target (YTD +4.3%). Patronage for Jan-16 was 1.0 million, an increase of +19.4% on Jan-15 and +14.2% above SOI target (YTD +5.4%).

32. Ferry services totalled 5.7 million passenger trips for the 12-months to Jan-16, an increase of +8.3% on the previous year. Patronage for Dec-15 was 0.58 million – an increase of +9.6% on Dec-14 and 4.9% above SOI target (YTD +2.8%). Patronage for Jan-16 was 0.57 million, a decrease of -4.3% on Jan-15 and -8.9% below SOI target (YTD +0.8%). The January decrease occurred primarily in the first half of the month, which may anecdotally be a result of people returning to work later after extended leave with, in particular, an early Jan-16 downturn on the Waiheke sector, which aligned with the Waiheke bus downtown.

33. Rapid and Frequent services totalled 33.5 million passenger trips for the 12-months to Jan-16. Patronage for Jan-16 was 2.2 million, an increase of +8.7% on Jan-15 and +8.8% above SOI target (YTD +32.6%).

34. December increases occurred primarily towards the end of the month. The Jan-16 decrease in bus and ferry occurred primarily in the first half of the month as compared to Jan-15 and corresponded with the lower rate of growth for rail. Underlying trends are likely to be a result of holiday alignment between Christmas 2014 (main two week of holidays falling between 19-Dec to 5-Jan) and Christmas 2015 (24-Dec to 11-Jan); however there are specific areas of decrease in January year-on-year for bus and ferry above the underlying trend on Great North Road (-50,000), Manukau Road (-12,000) and Waiheke Bus (-12,000). A major decrease has been seen on the CityLINK (-77,000 or -33%), which is considered to be a result of removal of free travel from Mar-15.

Media Items

C1. New station to better connect public transport

35. Manukau is a step closer to getting a bus and train transport hub which will make it easier for people to connect between high frequency trains and buses.

36. An official sod-turning ceremony on 12 February led by Transport Minister Simon Bridges, Mayor Len Brown and Otara-Papatoetoe Local Board Chairperson Fa'anānā Efeso Collins heralded the beginning of construction on the new Manukau Bus Station, which when completed will be at the heart of a new public transport network for south Auckland. The new connected network is due for implementation in late 2016.

37. The Auckland Transport project, which will cost $26 million to construct, is funded by the Government through the New Zealand Transport Agency (NZTA) and Auckland Council. Construction will transform the Manukau civic offices car park on Putney Way into a 23-bay bus station, located right next to the Manukau train station, with the train and bus stations linked by a covered walkway. The new bus station will have all the amenities of a modern station – a ticket office, customer service area, a large passenger waiting area, convenience kiosks, a drop and ride area, 24-hour security and toilets. It will be pedestrian friendly and accessible for everyone. Construction is expected to be completed in the second half of 2017.

38. Auckland Transport also released the latest designs for the new station, which incorporate feedback from public consultation in November last year. New images of the bus station (including the one below) can be found at https://at.govt.nz/manukaustation.

C2. More bus services for less subsidy

39. South Aucklanders will get more bus services when new contracts, signed on 23 February, come into effect later this year.

40. The new contracts, between Auckland Transport and a number of bus companies, will also be delivered for $3.1 million less cost. In addition, a new fleet of state-of-the-art, low-emission buses and new standards of service will be introduced.

41. There was a lot of competition for the new contracts, which cover eight different clusters of routes. The contract was signed by Auckland Transport and the successful tenderers, Ritchies Transport Holdings/Murphy’s in a joint venture, Howick and Eastern Buses Ltd and Go Bus Transport Ltd. They are the first to be signed in Auckland under the Government’s Public Transport Operating Model (PTOM).

42. Go Bus, a company owned by Ngai Tahu and Tainui, has secured just over 50% of the new routes. A new player in the Auckland urban bus market, Go Bus operates urban services nationally. Ritchies/Murphy’s has secured a further 40% of the new routes, with Howick and Eastern operating the remaining 5% of routes.

43. The current public subsidy is $20.3 million each year. From October, when the new contracts come into effect, the contracts will cost $36.3 million resulting in $17.2 million public subsidy with about $19 million in passenger fare revenue being paid to Auckland Transport – thereby reducing the overall net cost by more than $3 million.

44. Bus customers will also see a 21% increase in hours of operation and a 15% increase in kilometres covered by the services. South Auckland buses travel around 25,000 kilometres each day and provide some 1,740 services a day. In total, the new services will operate 9.3 million kilometres a year. In Auckland bus patronage is increasing at about 4% every year.

45. Despite being provided by different companies, all buses will be presented in the AT Metro livery to ensure a uniform appearance and consistent customer experience.

46. Auckland Transport chairman, Dr Lester Levy, said Auckland Transport, the bus companies and the Government through the NZTA have brought about a new era in service provision and cost. Auckland Transport and bus companies, separately, have worked very hard and very imaginatively to identify opportunities and extract the best possible outcomes for the people of south Auckland.

47. NZTA Regional Director Ernst Zollner said it was pleasing to see positive results from the first bus tendering in Auckland carried out under the PTOM model, which will ultimately result in better quality services for customers, and better value for money.

48. Calum Haslop, Go Bus Managing Director, said his company will invest $40 million in new buses, equipment and depot facilities. It will commit 89 buses, mostly brand-new and built in New Zealand on European chassis.

49. Andrew Ritchie, a Director of Ritchies Transport Holdings said he is pleased at the opportunity to bring first class bus services to south Auckland. Ritchies is one of the biggest bus operators in New Zealand and already provides a range of bus services in other parts of Auckland.

50. Sheryll Otway, Managing Director of Howick and Eastern, said the company had recently committed to a new fleet of double-deckers.

51. The cost savings were achieved through a mix of economies of scale, greater efficiencies in the way routes are organised and a modern fleet that is fuel efficient and maximises the number of passengers per trip. A modern, comfortable, fleet getting people where they want to go faster and more conveniently will also contribute to attracting more passengers – which has the double advantage of increasing revenue share opportunity for the operators and reducing the cost in subsidies.

52. The new services have been designed to deliver Auckland Transport’s New Network model. The New Network will include all-day frequent routes in the south, connecting with trains at the new Otahuhu Interchange and Manukau Bus Station.

C3. Redoubt Road-Mill Road corridor upgrade

53. Auckland Transport announced on 23 February that it had received a recommendation from independent planning commissioners that gave the green light for the Redoubt Road-Mill Road corridor upgrade to go ahead.

54. The commissioners, who heard Auckland Transport’s planning application, recommended that the designation for the land be confirmed, subject to conditions that address issues raised by submitters.

55. The commissioners’ recommendation follows a public hearing in September last year, during which 286 submissions were considered and a number of submitters presented further evidence.

56. The commissioners concluded that upgrading the Redoubt Road-Mill Road corridor is necessary to relieve existing and forecast congestion, accommodate planned growth, provide for alternative modes of transport, and improve traffic safety and network efficiency. They also found that the effects of the project can be appropriately avoided, remedied or mitigated.

57. Auckland Transport will now consider the recommendation and related conditions before a decision is made to confirm, amend or withdraw the notices.

58. When a decision is made, all affected landowners and submitters will be informed of the result. Submitters will have 15 working days to appeal the decision to the Environment Court.

59. For more information on the project, visit www.at.govt.nz/projects-roadworks/redoubt-road-mill-road-corridor/

C4. Public feedback in for proposed new bus network

60. People living in the East and Central Suburbs of Auckland have had their say on Auckland Transport’s proposed New Network for their areas.

61. Consultation on the proposed new bus network for the East and Central Suburbs of Auckland took place from 1 October to 14 December 2015. It was an enormous logistical exercise which included the publication of detailed brochures and translations, distribution to thousands of households and hosting more than 60 public information events and stakeholder meetings. More than 4600 pieces of feedback were received for Central Suburbs, and over 1150 for East Auckland.

62. The next step for Auckland Transport is to analyse and evaluate the feedback. Depending on the feedback, where necessary, new network planners will carry out further investigations and make recommendations within operational and financial constraints. Once confirmed, the final decisions will be available at www.AT.govt.nz/NewNetwork

63. Implementation of the Central and East New Network is planned for late 2017/early 2018, subject to the completion of tendering for bus services and infrastructure changes.

64. The Eastern and Central new network consultation rounded off public consultation in the major urban areas of Auckland, which included South Auckland (including Pukekohe and Waiuku), Hibiscus Coast, West Auckland and the North Shore.

C5. Green Bay/Titirangi area heralds bright start for New Network

65. The number of people using the revamped Green Bay/Titirangi area bus services has grown dramatically by 35% in one year.

66. In August 2014, a new public transport network was introduced in Green Bay and the adjoining areas of Blockhouse Bay, Wood Bay, Tanekaha, Titirangi, Laingholm and Kaurilands.

67. It was an ideal opportunity to try out new bus routes applying the principles of the New Network. It was felt at the time that it would also provide useful indicators about the New Network when eventually rolled out throughout Auckland. Now, after the first full year of implementation, there has been an impressive increase in patronage.

68. The new network changes in Green Bay involved replacing up to 24 routes running infrequently in a complex network, with 9 routes in a much simpler and more consistent service pattern.

69. One of the most notable innovations was streamlining the bus service along Titirangi Road between Titirangi village and New Lynn. Previously a large number of different and infrequent services connected the two centres and also used different stops opposite one another in Titirangi village. This was replaced by a simple, consistent service pattern, running every 30 minutes for the entire span of service every day of the week (including weekends), direct from Titirangi village to New Lynn. Since its commencement, more services have been added to this network to cater for increased public demand.

70. The New Network costs a similar amount of money and uses about the same number of buses as the previous network but has delivered a much simpler and more customer-friendly network without needing significant additional public funding.

71. The Green Bay experience augurs well for the future. Auckland Transport looks forward to the results from the Hibiscus Coast new network implementation and getting on with the implementation of the South Auckland, Pukekohe and Waiuku new network later this year.

Issues Register

72. The regular monthly issues register is Attachment G to this report.

Consideration

Local Board Views

73. The Howick Local Board’s views will be incorporated during consultation on any proposed schemes.

Implementation Issues

74. All proposed schemes are subject to prioritisation, funding and consultation.

Signatories

Author	Jenni Wild – Elected Member Relationship Manager (South); Auckland Transport
Authoriser	Jonathan Anyon – Elected Member Relationship Team Manager; Auckland Transport

Attachments

No.	Title	Page
a View	Poster regarding new Park and Ride at Lloyd Elsmore Park and shuttle to Half Moon Bay ferry terminal	21
b View	Plan of proposed bus stop relocation, Kerwyn Avenue, East Tamaki	23
c View	Plan of proposed pedestrian refuge and 'No Stopping At All Times" parking restrictions, Kerrykeel Drive, Flat Bush	25
d View	Plan of proposed dual westbound traffic lanes using 'No Stopping At All Times' parking restrictions, Accent Drive, East Tamaki	27
e View	Plan of proposed pedestrian crossing upgrade and 'No Stopping At All Times' parking restrictions, Fordyce Avenue, Sunnyhills	29
f View	Plan of proposed new pedestrian facility and 'No Stopping At All Times' parking restrictions, Bucklands Beach Road, Bucklands Beach	31
g View	Issues Register - Howick Local Board - March 2016	33

Signatories

Authors	Lynda Pearson - Local Board Democracy Advisor
Authorisers	Angeline Barlow - Relationship Manager

Howick Local Board

14 March 2016

Howick Local Board Quick Response, Round Three, 2015/2016

File No.: CP2016/00699

Purpose

1. The purpose of this report is to present applications received for round three of the Howick Local Board Quick Response Grants. The local board is required to fund, part-fund or decline these applications.

Executive Summary

2. The Howick Local Board has set a total community grants budget of $220,000 for the 2015/2016 financial year.

3. A total of $100,055.20 has been allocated to date leaving a balance of $119,944.80 for the remaining 2015/2016 financial year.

4. Sixteen applications were received in the third round of quick response, with a total amount requested of $28,616.

Recommendation/s

That the Howick Local Board:

a) consider the applications listed in Table One and agree to fund, part-fund or decline each application in this round.

Table One: Howick Local Board Round Three Quick Response Grant Applications

App number	Organisation Name	Focus	Project	Total Requested
QR1607-307	Uxbridge Community project Incorporated	Arts and culture	Uxbridge Live	$2,000
QR1607-308	Howick Brass Inc.	Arts and culture	Howick Brass - 'Waipiro' - The music of New Zealand and other major works for Brass Band	$327
QR1607-309	Uxbridge Community project Incorporated	Arts and culture	The Eastern Art Express	$2,000
QR1607-314	Cristina Beth	Arts and culture	The Peace Poppy Project Photographic Exhibition	$2,000
QR1607-303	The Sowers Trust	Community	Community Support	$2,000
QR1607-311	Youthline Auckland Charitable Trust	Community	Youth Resources to young people in Howick	$2,000
QR1607-315	Huntington Park Residents & Ratepayers Association	Community	Neighbours Day 2016	$400
QR1607-317	40 (Howick) Squadron ATC Trust	Community	Purchase of a laptop	$1,809
QR1607-319	Uxbridge Community project Incorporated	Community	“Not Over The Hill Yet”	$2,000
QR1607-321	UpsideDowns Education Trust	Community	Delivering the gift of speech to children with Down syndrome	$1,860
QR1607-320	Comfort Kidz	Community	Comfort Kidz	$1,000
QR1607-312	GeneNow Financial Literacy	Community	Financial Literacy Workshops	$1,720
QR1607-305	Uxbridge Community project Incorporated	Events	Soft opening of the new arts and culture centre	$2,000
QR1607-322	The New Zealand Hockey Federation (Inc.)	Events	International Hockey Test Series	$2,000
QR1607-310	Howick Historical Village	Events	Open Day for the historical village	$2,000
QR1607-304	Samadiana Fariz	Sport and recreation	Gymsports NZ (Gymnastics) Hawaiian Tour - January 2016	$3,500
			Total requested	$28,616

Comments

5. The implementation of the new Community Grants Policy commenced on 1 July 2015. The policy supports each local board to adopt a grants programme for 2015/2016 and the Howick Local Board adopted its grants programme on 20 April 2015 (see Attachment A).

6. The local board grants programme sets out:

· local board priorities

· lower priorities for funding

· exclusions

· grant types, the number of grant rounds and when these will open and close

· any additional accountability requirements.

7. The Howick Local Board will operate five quick response and two local grants rounds for this financial year.

8. The new community grant programmes have been extensively advertised through the new council grant webpage, local board webpages, local board e-newsletters and Facebook pages, council publications, radio, local newspapers and community networks. Staff have conducted a series of public workshops in local board areas, which have been attended by approximately 1000 people across the Auckland region.

9. The Howick Local Board has set a total community grants budget of $220,000 for the 2015/2016 financial year.

10. A total of $100,055.20 has been allocated to date leaving a balance of $119,944.80 for the remaining 2015/2016 financial year.

11. Sixteen applications were received in the third round of quick response, with a total amount requested of $28,616.

Consideration

Local Board views and implications

12. Local boards are responsible for the decision-making and allocation of local board community grants. The Howick Local Board is required to fund, part-fund or decline these grant applications against the local board priorities identified in the local board grant programme.

13. The board is requested to note that section 50 of the Community Grants Policy states “We will also provide feedback to unsuccessful grant applicants about why they have been declined, so they will know what they can do to increase their chances of success next time.”

Māori impact statement

14. The provision of community grants provides opportunities for all Aucklanders to undertake projects, programmes, activities that benefit a wider range of individuals and groups, including Maori. As a guide for decision-making, in the allocation of community grants, the new community grants policy supports the principle of delivering positive outcomes for Maori.

Implementation

15. The allocation of grants to community groups is within the adopted Long Term Plan 2015-2025 and local board agreements.

16. Following the Howick Local Board allocating funding for round three quick response, Commercial and Finance staff will notify the applicants of the local board’s decision.

Attachments

No.	Title	Page
a View	Howick Local Board Grants Programme 2015/2016	95
b View	Howick Quick Response Round Three Applications Summaries	97

Signatories

Authors

Fua Winterstein - Community Grants Advisor

Authorisers

Marion Davies - Community Grants Operations Manager

Jennifer Rose - Operations Support Manager

Howick Local Board

14 March 2016

Uxbridge Redevelopment : Allocation for Cafe Fit-out

File No.: CP2016/03807

Purpose

1. To request funding towards the initial fit-out of the new café, part of the Uxbridge Arts and Cultural Centre Redevelopment project in Howick.

Executive Summary

2. The Uxbridge Arts and Cultural Centre Redevelopment is a $6.4m project identified as a key priority in the 2011 and 2014 Howick Local Board Plans.

3. The project is within budget and the two-stage construction programme is due to be completed in September 2016.

4. A feature of the redevelopment is the new café space, located at the entrance of the new facility. The café space will be completed as part of stage one of the redevelopment project, due for completion in May 2016. A public opening is planned for 11 June 2016.

5. The café fit-out is not part of the redevelopment project.

6. An initial fit-out to meet generic functional requirements is estimated to cost between $50,000 and $67,000: this includes design and installation fees, counter joinery, benches, sinks, tap ware and mechanical services.

7. The Uxbridge Community Projects Inc. (UCPI) is responsible for the fit out of the Uxbridge redevelopment project; this includes determining the scope and costs of the full fit-out of the café.

8. Engaging a café operator will have a positive and visible benefit on the successful launch of the new facility, which is a major project for the local board. By contributing to the initial fit-out, the local board will provide an incentive for UCPI to invest in making the café proposition more desirable for the future café operator.

9. It is recommended that the local board allocate funding towards items as part of the initial café fit-out. This will be focused on providing essential services and built-in hardware.

Recommendation/s

That the Howick Local Board:

a) approve $10,000 towards the Uxbridge redevelopment project for the initial fit-out of the café, from the Howick Local Board Community Response Fund.

Comments

Redevelopment project

10. The Uxbridge Arts and Cultural Centre Redevelopment project commenced on 2 June 2015. The project has a two-stage construction programme, due to be completed in September 2016.

11. A feature of the redevelopment is the new café space, located at the entrance of the new facility. The café space will be completed as part of stage one of the redevelopment project, due for completion in May 2016. A public opening is planned for 11 June 2016.

12. The purpose of the café is to enhance visitor satisfaction, lengthen visits to the facility and provide a welcoming space that encourages casual visitors and the community to utilise the facility. The café is an essential part of the business model of UCPI as it has the potential to create an income stream that will supplement the operational funding provided by the local board.

13. The café will have internal seating for around 50 people with external seating for at least another 20 people. The café will be well-located with a prominent frontage onto Uxbridge Road.

Café Fit-out

14. UCPI is responsible for the café space and negotiating with a café operator for the lease and future operations of the café.

15. In August 2015, UCPI commenced a call for expressions of interest. Despite several interested parties responding, to date UCPI has not been successful in securing a café operator. One of the barriers to securing a café operator is likely to be the costs to complete the initial fit-out.

16. The café fit-out is not part of the redevelopment project.

17. An initial level of fit-out to meet generic functional requirements is estimated to cost between $50,000 and $67,000: this includes design and installation fees, counter joinery, benches, sinks, tap ware and mechanical services.

18. Fit-out for the Uxbridge redevelopment project is the responsibility of UCPI; this includes determining the scope and costs of the full fit-out of the cafe. The future café operator will be responsible for providing equipment specific to the café’s operation.

19. Engaging a café operator will have a positive and visible benefit on the successful launch of the new facility, which is a major project for the local board. By contributing to the initial fit-out, the local board will provide an incentive for UCPI to invest in making the café proposition more desirable for the future café operator.

20. For this reason, it is recommended that the local board allocate funding towards items as part of the initial fit-out of the cafe. The initial fit-out will be focused on providing essential services and built-in hardware.

Consideration

Local Board views and implications

21. The Uxbridge Arts and Cultural Centre Redevelopment project is in line with the Howick Local Board Plan 2014 and is a key initiative that will deliver the ‘valuing cultural diversity’ outcome of the plan.

22. Staff attended arts and culture portfolio catch up meetings in November and December 2015, followed by a meeting on 4 February 2016 to discuss the proposed café fit-out. Feedback gathered from those meetings has informed this report.

Māori impact statement

23. Staff expects the facility and café operator to seek opportunities to support the celebration of matauranga Maori, the history of local iwi, and build upon relationships established through this project.

24. The Uxbridge redevelopment will provide opportunities for all Aucklanders to engage with arts and culture including Maori communities and stories.

Implementation

25. If approved, the local board’s funding allocation will be managed as part of the Uxbridge redevelopment project or alternatively, will be administered as a grant to UCPI.

Attachments

There are no attachments for this report.

Signatories

Authors

Naomi Singer - Arts and Culture Advisor

Authorisers

Graham Bodman - General Manager Arts, Community and Events

Angeline Barlow - Relationship Manager

Howick Local Board

14 March 2016

Feedback on the Draft Civil Defence and Emergency Management Group Plan

File No.: CP2016/02785

Purpose

1. To seek local board feedback on the draft Civil Defence and Emergency Management (CDEM) Group Plan 2016 -2021, noting that the draft CDEM Group Plan advocates for each local board to develop local emergency management plans.

Executive Summary

2. Auckland Council is required under the Civil Defence and Emergency Management Act (2002) to develop and review the direction for civil defence and emergency activities within Auckland through a five yearly review of the Civil Defence and Emergency Management (CDEM) Group Plan. The current CDEM Group Plan for Auckland is due to expire in June 2016.

3. A draft Auckland Civil Defence and Emergency Management (CDEM) Group Plan 2016-2021 (draft Group Plan) has been developed for consultation (a copy is appended as Attachment A). The draft Group Plan is primarily centred on community empowerment and resilience across all environments (social, economic, environmental and infrastructure).

4. This report asks the board to provide feedback on the draft Group Plan, with particular reference to the proposal for local boards to champion development of local emergency management plans, and the role of elected members in a civil defence emergency.

Recommendation/s

That the Howick Local Board:

a) Provides feedback on the draft Civil Defence and Emergency Management Group Plan 2016-2021, with particular reference to local priorities for emergency management.

Comments

5. The Auckland CDEM Group is a statutory committee of Auckland Council as required under section 12 of the CDEM Act. The CDEM Group has overall responsibility for the provision of CDEM within Auckland. It comprises five elected members of the Auckland Council and a number of co-opted observers from CDEM agencies invited by the committee to attend.

6. The CDEM Group has delegated authority to develop, approve, implement, and monitor the CDEM Group Plan. The purpose of the Group Plan is to enable the effective, efficient and coordinated delivery of CDEM across Auckland while building a resilient Auckland with our communities. All CDEM groups are required every five years to consult on the development of group plans under the CDEM Act (2002). The current Group Plan for Auckland expires at the end of 2016.

7. The draft Group Plan has been developed as a framework for action which will form the basis for more detailed business planning and development of civil defence and emergency management work programmes. The key framework areas for consultation are:

· Knowledge through education

· Volunteer participation

· Emergency Management planning

· Business and organisational resilience

· Strong partnerships

· Response capability and capacity

· Information and communications technologies

· Build Back better

· A safe city

· Research

· Building resilient communities

8. Local boards are well placed to help with leadership, championing resilience and local engagement in their respective communities. The draft Group Plan proposes that this role be formalised through the development of local CDEM plans. It is anticipated that the development of local CDEM plans will provide further opportunity for local boards to determine their role in a civil defence emergency.

9. Actions described in further detail on page 37 of the attached draft Group Plan respond to feedback received from local board workshops that local boards wanted a more formalised, simple mechanism to support their communities in planning and responding to emergencies.

10. Public consultation timelines on the draft Group Plan is from 15 February to 18 April 2016 with significant consultation as part of the Have your Say annual plan events. The final Group Plan is due to be formally adopted by the CDEM Committee in August 2016.

Consideration

Local Board views and implications

11. Local board portfolio holders have been briefed on issues relevant to the draft Group Plan and, on their recommendation, workshops were held with 20 of the local boards in October 2015. The results of these workshops helped formulate relevant sections of the draft Group Plan.

12. Local board views on the draft Group Plan are being sought in this report. Subject to consultation, the Group Plan indicates a wider role for local boards in emergency management.

Māori impact statement

13. Māori will have the opportunity to submit on the draft Group Plan during the statutory consultation phase.

14. In addition, the CDEM department are developing a Māori Responsiveness Plan to support a more proactive approach to engaging iwi and mataawaka in emergency management planning.

Implementation

15. The draft Group Plan is to be adopted by the CDEM Committee in August 2016. The Group Plan is also provided to the Ministry of Civil Defence and Emergency Management for review. The flow chart appended as Attachment B to this report provides further information on the process for developing and implementing the Group Plan.

Attachments

No.	Title	Page
a View	Draft Auckland Civil Defence and Emergency Management Group Plan 2016-2021	151
b View	Process for developing the draft Group Plan	215

Signatories

Authors

Janice Miller – Manager Logistics, Civil Defence and Emergency Management

Authorisers

John Dragicevich – Civil Defence and Emergency Management Manager

Relationship Manager

Karen Lyons – Manager Local Board Services

Howick Local Board

14 March 2016

Draft Business Improvement District Policy (2016) – local board feedback

File No.: CP2016/02788

Purpose

1. The purpose of this report is to invite local boards to provide formal feedback on the draft Business Improvement District (BID) Policy (2016).

Executive Summary

2. The May 2015 Budget Committee approved a review of the BID policy to be undertaken in collaboration with business improvement districts and local boards. The committee also approved a new service delivery model for Auckland Council’s BID programme team. Both need to be operational by 1 July 2016, as per resolution number BUD/2015/62.

3. The primary objective for reviewing the 2011 policy is to clarify and confirm the roles, responsibilities and accountability required for each of the partner groups that have a key role in delivering the Auckland BID Programme. The review is required, as there will be significant changes to the roles of the different partner groups, as part of the move to the new service delivery model. BID Policy (2016) project scope does not include a review of the principles of having a BID programme.

4. BID programmes are based on Auckland Council collecting a targeted rate for core funding – collected using powers under the Local Government (Rating) Act 2002. They are represented by business associations, which are independent incorporated societies sitting outside Auckland Council. Local boards have the primary relationship with business associations operating BID programmes in their area.

5. The December 2015 Regional Strategy and Policy Committee approved the draft policy for consultation (resolution number REG/2015/103).

6. The BID Policy (2016) includes two separate but linked parts:

· Part 1 – Policy – sets the rules “the what to do”

· Part 2 - Policy Operating Standards – “the how to do”

7. Business associations operating existing BID programmes, local boards and stakeholders have had opportunities to input into the development of BID Policy (2016).

8. Local boards are now being invited to provide formal feedback on a revised draft policy (attachment A the policy and attachment B the operating standards).

9. Feedback from local boards will help shape the further development of BID Policy (2016). It would be, however, particularly useful to get local board views on a number of matters outlined below:

i. Are local boards’ roles and responsibilities clear in respect of BID programmes?

ii. Do you agree that BID programmes below $100k target rate income per annum should (normally) have audited financial accounts every two financial years to reduce costs for smaller BID programmes?

iii. Do you consider that the processes outlined to handle problems, issues and serious concerns are fair to all parties and provide enough clarity?

10. Officers are working to ensure that the policy aligns with Auckland Council’s Māori Responsiveness Framework and are in contact with the Independent Maori Statutory Board to discuss relevant opportunities to leverage the Auckland BID Programme.

Recommendation/s

That the Howick Local Board:

a) Provides feedback on the draft Business Improvement District Policy (2016) or,

b) Delegates to the chair and member(s) to provide feedback on the draft Business Improvement District Policy (2016) before the feedback deadline of 31 March 2016.

Comments

BID programmes

11. BID programmes are based on Auckland Council collecting a targeted rate to provide core funding to business associations using powers under the Local Government (Rating) Act 2002. The business associations, which are independent incorporated societies sitting outside Auckland Council, deliver the BID programmes.

12. BID programmes are established to develop local business prosperity and local economic development. They are defined by a partnership agreement between each business association and Auckland Council, in which both parties agree to operate within the BID Policy.

13. Local boards have the primary relationship with business associations operating BID programmes in their area including:

i. As collaboration partners – local boards and business associations have a vested interest in a particular place and share similar goals. Working collaboratively will achieve greater outcomes.

ii. As governors – local boards have significant decision-making responsibly for BID programmes, including recommending to the governing body to strike a BID programme target rate and around BID programme establishments, expansions amalgamations and disputes.

BID Policy (2016)

14. The May 2015 Budget Committee approved a review of the BID policy to be undertaken in collaboration with business improvement districts and local boards. The committee also approved a new service delivery model for the Auckland Council BID programme team. Both need to be operational by 1 July 2016, as per resolution number BUD/2015/62.

15. The primary objective for reviewing the 2011 policy is to clarify and confirm the roles, responsibilities and accountability required for each of the partner groups that have a key role in delivering the Auckland BID Programme. The review is required, as there will be significant changes to the roles of the different partner groups, as part of the move to the new service delivery model. BID Policy (2016) project scope does not include a review of the principles of having a BID programme.

16. The BID Policy (2016) establishes the rules and responsibilities of the Auckland BID Programme. It will replace the Auckland Region Business Improvement District Policy (2011), from the date of adoption by Auckland Council.

17. The BID Policy (2016) includes two separate but linked parts:

· Part 1 – Policy – sets the rules “the what to do”

· Part 2 - Policy Operating Standards – “the how to do”.

18. The December 2015 Regional Strategy and Policy Committee approved the draft policy for consultation (resolution number REG/2015/103). Business associations operating BID programmes were invited to provide feedback on the draft policy by 18 December 2015.

Consultation to date

19. The consultation process commenced in September 2015 and partners and stakeholders have had a number of opportunities to provide feedback.

20. Business associations (operating BID programmes) have been invited to attend a number of workshops in September and November to discuss the key themes for policy change and the draft policy. Sixteen separate written submissions on the draft policy were received by business associations by the 18 December deadline.

21. Key sector and industry groups that are represented in BID programme areas and subject matter experts have been asked for feedback on the draft policy. Feedback has been received from Independent Election Services and The Property Institute.

22. Other stakeholders have indicated that they will provide feedback in the next few weeks. Feedback from stakeholders will be incorporated into the revised draft policy.

Differences between BID Policy 2011 and 2016 and feedback received

23. There are a number of key themes for policy change that have helped shape the development of the draft BID Policy (2016). The themes have been discussed as part of the consultation process with local boards, business associations operating BID programmes and key stakeholders. The table below provides details of the key themes for change between the 2011 and 2016 policies, feedback received and the draft policy response to this feedback.

Key themes for change, feedback received and draft policy response

Key themes for change	Differences between 2011 and 2016	Feedback received and response
Clarify and confirm partner roles	Clearer definitions of the roles of each of the key Auckland BID Programme partners	Feedback: · Business associations concerned about the stated local board delegations Draft policy response: Added wording to clarify the overall intent of these delegations - there should be a focus on creating a collaborative and aspirational relationship between a local board and a business association operating a BID programme · Feedback from local boards and local board services team that some of the draft responsibilities of local board representatives on BID programme boards were not appropriate Draft policy response: Draft roles amended to reflect feedback received.
Accountability - keep full financial audits or proportional relating to size of BID (target rate)	Audits for all BID programmes must report on areas of financial control	Feedback: Business associations were overall in favour of keeping audits. Mixed feedback from local boards - a majority keen to keep audits but others requesting a financial review or proportional requirement to BID programme size. Draft policy response: keep audits but: · BID programmes with target rate income of $100,000 per annum or greater - audits every financial year · BID programmes with a target rate income under $100,000 per annum – audits every two financial years - subject to no serious concerns from previous audit.
Resolution of issues	Clearer definition of issues, concerns and the processes to resolve	Feedback: Concern from a number of business associations that the policy steps too soon into intervention by Auckland Council Draft policy response: Relevant sections in both parts of the policy have been re-written to provide a staged response with a significant number of steps before Auckland Council would consider intervention in the management of the BID programme.
Rating mechanisms -Increasing baseline for new BID programmes	The minimum required for a new BID programme establishment is increased from $50,000 to $120,000 (target rate only)	Feedback: BID programmes were overall in favour of increasing the baseline. Mixed feedback from local boards - some agreed with increasing the minimum but others thought that it would disadvantage smaller and/or less prosperous business areas. Draft policy response: Ideal minimum changed to $120,000 but still with the option to explore new BID programme establishment for proposed target rates less than this on a case-by-case basis (subject to the BID programme proponents meeting establishment criteria outlined in Policy Operating Standards).

Local board feedback on BID Policy (2016)

24. Local boards have provided some feedback at the 19 workshops during September and October 2015 on the key themes of accountability, new BID programme establishment and programme leverage.

25. Local boards are now being asked to provide formal feedback on a revised draft policy (attachment A the policy and attachment B the operating standards).

26. Feedback from local boards will help shape the further development of BID Policy (2016). It would be, however, particularly useful to get local board views on a number of matters outlined below:

i. Are local boards’ roles and responsibilities clear in respect of BID programmes?

ii. Do you agree that BID programmes below $100k target rate income per annum should (normally) have audited financial accounts every two financial years to reduce costs for smaller BID programmes?

iii. Do you consider that the processes outlined to handle problems, issues and serious concerns are fair to all parties and provide enough clarity?

Next steps

27. Feedback from local boards, external stakeholders and any further feedback from business associations (operating BID programmes) will be reviewed by officers and this will help inform the further development of the policy. Officers will then hold a second joint workshop with Regional Strategy and Policy Committee members and local board chairs and/or ED portfolio holders in mid-April, before seeking approval of the final draft version of the policy at the 5 May 2016 committee meeting.

Consideration

Local Board views and implications

28. The consultation process commenced in September 2015 and local boards have had a number of opportunities to provide feedback including:

· A memo was sent to local board members and councillors on 16 September 2015 outlining the purpose and proposed process for developing the policy.

· Following the memo, officers provided a briefing to the Local Board Chair’s Forum on 28 September 2015

· During September and October 2015, officers attended 19 local board workshops to seek feedback on the proposed key themes for policy change

· The draft BID Policy (2016) was work-shopped with members of the Regional Strategy and Policy Committee, local board chairs and local board economic development portfolio holders on 5 November 2015. This workshop provided a progress update and outlined the feedback received from both BID programmes and local boards to date

· A second memo was sent to local board members on 1 December 2015, providing an update on the policy development process, attaching the draft BID Policy (2016) and a summary of local board and business association feedback to date.

Māori impact statement

29. Officers are working with Auckland Council’s Te Waka Angamua Department to ensure that the BID Policy (2016) aligns with the Auckland Council’s Māori Responsiveness Framework.

30. Officers are in contact with the Independent Māori Statutory Board to discuss the policy and opportunities to leverage the Auckland BID Programme.

31. Paragraph 1.9 of the BID Policy 2016 (part 1) outlines the potential to leverage the Auckland BID Programme under the new operational model, working initially within Auckland Council to identify potential opportunities. For example, this could include working closely with key stakeholders and business associations to investigate and pilot opportunities to provide assistance to Māori businesses or facilitate Māori economic development.

Implementation

32. The BID (Policy) 2016 and the new BID Programme Team service delivery model are intended to become operational on 1 July 2016.

Attachments

No.	Title	Page
a View	Draft Business Improvement District (BID) Policy 2016 - Part 1	223
b View	Draft Business Improvement District (BID) Policy 2016 - Part 2	265

Signatories

Authors

Stephen Cavanagh - BID Partnership Advisor

Authorisers

Alastair Cameron - Manager,CCO/External Partnerships team

Karen Lyons – Manager Local Board Services

Chairperson	David Collings
Deputy Chairperson	Adele White
Members	Garry Boles
	Katrina Bungard
	Jim Donald
	Lucy Schwaner
	John Spiller
	Steve Udy
	Bob Wichman