Ordinary Meeting Minutes

Held on Wednesday, 10 September 2014

at Council Chambers, Bega commencing at 2.00 pm

 


 Present

Cr Bill Taylor, Mayor

Cr Russell Fitzpatrick, Deputy Mayor

Cr Tony Allen

Cr Michael Britten

Cr Keith Hughes

Cr Kristy McBain

Cr Liz Seckold

Cr Sharon Tapscott

 In Attendance

General Manager, Ms Leanne Barnes

Acting Group Manager Transport and Utilities, Mr Graeme Williams

Group Manager Planning and Environment, Mr Andrew Woodley

Acting Group Manager Community Relations and Leisure, Mr Simon Schweitzer

Group Manager Strategy and Business Services, Mr Lucas Scarpin

Minute Secretary, Mrs Bec Jones

 

Acknowledgement of Traditional Custodians of Bega Valley Shire

I would like to commence by acknowledging, on behalf of Bega Valley Shire Council the Traditional Custodians of the lands and waters of the shire – the people of Yuin nation and show our respect to elders past and present.

1.

Confirmation of Minutes

191/14

RESOLVED on the motion of Crs Seckold and McBain

That the Minutes of the Ordinary Meeting held on 20 August 2014 as circulated, be taken as read and confirmed.

In favour:       Crs Taylor, Britten, McBain, Hughes, Tapscott, Seckold, Allen and Fitzpatrick

Against:           Nil

Absent:            Cr Mawhinney

 

 

2.

Apologies

192/14

RESOLVED on the motion of Crs Britten and Tapscott

That an apology from Cr Mawhinney be accepted for her inability to attend the meeting

In favour:       Crs Taylor, Britten, McBain, Hughes, Tapscott, Seckold, Allen and Fitzpatrick

Against:           Nil

Absent:            Cr Mawhinney

 

3.        Declarations

Pecuniary Interest

Cr Fitzpatrick declared a non-pecuniary interest regarding item 10.3 Financial Assistance on the basis that he is the Chairman of the Pambula AH&P Society.

Cr Fitzpatrick will depart the chamber, and will take no part in debate or voting on this item.

4.        Deputations (by prior arrangement)

There were no deputations

5.        Petitions

Cr Taylor tabled a petition regarding support for the Bemboka Pool which had 317 signatures.

6.        Mayoral Minutes

Cr Bill Taylor submitted a Mayoral Minute which will be dealt with under Item 17 Urgent Business

 

Children’s Services Merimbula

 

Council has very recently been made aware of the challenges facing Auswide in relation to the potential loss of programs in after school and vacation care operated in Merimbula

Council is aware of the importance of these programs to the families that access them and the impact that any loss of service, even a temporary one, will have.

Council has already shown it is keen to work with Auswide, the community and other providers to minimise the impact of any loss of these services and to find a resolution to this issue for those families.

The process of transferring licenses to operate after school and vacation care for children is a legislated one and involves processes with both state and federal government agencies that include minimum timeframes.  As well, Council is obliged to undertake due diligence, particularly when it relates to services for children.

It is regretted that Auswide is in a position that does not allow it to continue to provide these valuable community services in Merimbula.

 

7.

Adjournment into Standing Committees

193/14

RESOLVED on the motion of Crs Britten and Tapscott

That the Ordinary meeting of the Council be adjourned for the purpose of dealing with staff reports to Standing Committees.

In favour:       Crs Taylor, Britten, McBain, Hughes, Tapscott, Seckold, Allen and Fitzpatrick

Against:           Nil

Absent:            Cr Mawhinney

2:05 pm      The Ordinary meeting adjourned and formed in the committee.

8.        Staff Reports – Planning and Environment (Sustainability)

In accordance with Council’s Code of Meeting Practice, Councillor Britten assumed the chair for this section of the agenda.

8.1

Community Sharps Management Plan

194/14

RESOLVED on the motion of Crs Fitzpatrick and McBain

 

That Council supports the preparation of a draft Community Sharps Management Plan.

In favour:       Crs Taylor, Britten, McBain, Hughes, Tapscott, Seckold, Allen and Fitzpatrick

Against:           Nil

Absent:            Cr Mawhinney

 

8.2

Public Exhibition - Central Business District Landscape Masterplans

195/14

RESOLVED on the motion of Crs McBain and Seckold

 

1.       That the draft CBD landscape masterplans for Merimbula, Bega and Bermagui be placed on public exhibition for a period of six (6) weeks from Monday 15 September 2014 to Friday 24 October 2014.

2.       That a report be presented to Council following the public exhibition, detailing the results of the public exhibition and recommending any suggested amendments to the Masterplans, prior to their final adoption by Council.

In favour:       Crs Taylor, Britten, McBain, Hughes, Tapscott, Seckold, Allen and Fitzpatrick

Against:           Nil

Absent:            Cr Mawhinney

 

9.    Staff Reports – Community and Relationships (Liveability)

In accordance with Council’s Code of Meeting Practice, Councillor Seckold assumed the chair for this section of the agenda.

 

9.1

Bemboka and Eden Pools; hours of operation for the 2014/15 season

196/14

RESOLVED on the motion of Crs Hughes and Tapscott

 

That the hours of operations for Bemboka and Eden pools are adopted as follows;

Bemboka

2.00pm to 6.00pm Monday to Sunday.

10.00am to 6.00pm Monday to Sunday during January

Eden

Monday/Wednesday/Friday   10.00am – 6.00pm

Tuesday/Thursday                 6.00am – 9.00am & 2.00pm – 6.00pm

                                                6.00am- 6.00pm during January

Saturday/Sunday                             10.00am – 6.00pm

In favour:       Crs Taylor, Britten, McBain, Hughes, Tapscott, Seckold, Allen and Fitzpatrick

Against:           Nil

Absent:            Cr Mawhinney

 


 

10.      Staff Reports – Economic (Enterprising)

In accordance with Council’s Code of Meeting Practice, Councillor McBain assumed the chair for this section of the agenda.

 

10.1

Tourism Future14 - Tourism Industry Summit

197/14

RESOLVED on the motion of Crs Tapscott and Seckold

 

That Council note the Tourism Future14 Summit for information.

In favour:       Crs Taylor, Britten, McBain, Hughes, Tapscott, Seckold, Allen and Fitzpatrick

Against:           Nil

Absent:            Cr Mawhinney

 

 

10.2

Sapphire Coast Tourism Funding Agreement     

198/14

RESOLVED on the motion of Crs Tapscott and Seckold

1.       Council approve the activation of the three (3) year extension to the funding agreement as per the terms attached to this report.

2.       Council authorise the Mayor and General Manager to execute any necessary documents in order to action the resolution above.

In favour:       Crs Taylor, Britten, McBain, Hughes, Tapscott, Seckold, Allen and Fitzpatrick

Against:           Nil

Absent:            Cr Mawhinney

 

10.3

Applications for Financial Assistance - Section 356
First Quarter 2014/2015

199/14

02:22 pm    Cr Fitzpatrick left the meeting.

RESOLVED on the motion of Crs Britten and Allen

 

1.         That Council agree to fund items 1,2,3,4 and 6 of the conclusion as recommended          in  the confidential attachment.

In favour:       Crs Taylor, Britten, McBain, Hughes, Tapscott, Seckold, Allen and Fitzpatrick

Against:           Nil

Absent:             Cr Mawhinney

RESOLVED on the motion of Crs Britten and Seckold

 

2.       That Council support the following projects at the nominated level of support

·         Pambula AH&P Society                                            $1695.00

·         Bega Mens Shed                                                       $2000.00

·         Atlas of Life in the Coastal Wilderness (ALCW)        $5,000.00

·         Eden Whale Festival                                                  $7,000.00

·         Merimbula Chamber of Commerce                          $15,000.00

3.       That all successful applicants be advised accordingly

4.       That all unsuccessful applicants be contacted and provided feedback on their application

5.       That the confidential memo be declassified

In favour:       Crs Taylor, Britten, McBain, Hughes, Tapscott, Seckold, Allen and Fitzpatrick

Against:           Nil

Absent:             Cr Mawhinney

02:31 pm    Cr Fitzpatrick returned to the meeting.

 

11.      Staff Reports – Infrastructure Waste and Water (Accessibility)

In accordance with Council’s Code of Meeting Practice, Councillor Fitzpatrick assumed the chair for this section of the agenda.

 

11.1

Bega Valley Relay for Life

200/14

RESOLVED on the motion of Crs Allen and McBain

That Council support the Bega Valley Relay for Life event by providing in-kind support via loan of minor traffic equipment to be controlled and supervised by volunteers at no cost to Council.

In favour:       Crs Taylor, Britten, McBain, Hughes, Tapscott, Seckold, Allen and Fitzpatrick

Against:           Nil

Absent:            Cr Mawhinney

 

 

 

 

11.2

Electricity Supply Contracts

201/14

RESOLVED on the motion of Crs Allen and Taylor

 

1.       That Council endorse the electrical energy supply contract for large sites to ERM Energy from 1 July 2015 to 31 December 2017.

2.       That Council endorse the electrical energy supply contract for street lighting to ERM Energy from 1 January 2017 to 31 December 2017.

3.       That Council endorse the action taken by officers in securing the contract.

In favour:       Crs Taylor, Britten, McBain, Hughes, Tapscott, Seckold, Allen and Fitzpatrick

Against:           Nil

Absent:            Cr Mawhinney

 

11.3

Bega Valley Local Traffic Committee Meeting 6 August 2014

202/14

RESOLVED on the motion of Crs Britten and Allen

 

That Council note the advice of the Bega Valley Local Traffic Committee meeting held on 6 August 2014 and approve the following:

Reboot in Bermagui – 27 & 28 September 2014

1        That the proposed traffic arrangements involving the Fun Run and the temporary closure of Lamont Street and Wallaga Streets on Saturday, 27 September 2014, be deemed a Class 2 special event and it be conducted under an approved Traffic Control Plan, in accordance with the Roads and Maritime Services (RMS) Traffic Control Manual.

2        That persons involved in the preparation and implementation of the Traffic Control Plan must hold the appropriate RMS accreditation.

3        That organisers fully implement an approved Special Event Transport Management Plan with an amendment to be made to the submitted Event Transport Management Plan to include “No Through Road” & “Parking Only” signs at the intersection of Lamont and Montague Streets to avoid traffic congestion.

4        That organisers have approved public liability insurance of at least $20 million indemnifying Council, Police and Roads and Maritime Services by name for the event.

5       That organisers have written Police approval prior to conducting the event.

Extension to 2 hour time restricted parking – Main Street, Merimbula

That Council approves the installation of 2 hour time restricted parking (8.30am to 6pm Monday to Friday and 8.30am to 12.30pm on Saturdays) from the western edge of the existing No Stopping Zone adjacent to the Merimbula Woolworths to the eastern edge of the existing No Stopping Zone adjacent to the driveway to No. 88 Main Street, being a distance of approximately 100 metres.

That Council approves the installation of 2 hour time restricted parking (8.30am to 6pm Monday to Friday and 8.30am to 12.30pm on Saturdays) from the western edge of the existing No Stopping Zone adjacent to Club Sapphire to the existing No Stopping Zone adjacent to the Club Sapphire car park entrance, being a distance of approximately 70 metres.

No Stopping Zone corner Elizabeth Street and Fishpen Road, Merimbula

That Council approve the placement of No Stopping zone signs on the northern side of the intersection of Elizabeth Street and Fishpen Road and extending the Fishpen leg to a distance of 17 metres.

In favour:       Crs Taylor, Britten, McBain, Hughes, Tapscott, Seckold, Allen and Fitzpatrick

Against:           Nil

Absent:            Cr Mawhinney

 

11.4

Road Closure - section of unformed laneway between Auckland and Little Church Streets in Bega

203/14

RESOLVED on the motion of Crs Britten and McBain

 

1.       That Council approve the lodgement of a road closure application to formally close the section of unformed laneway between Auckland and Little Church Streets in Bega as indicated on the map attached to the report to Council of 10 September 2014.

2.       That the Mayor and General Manager be authorised to execute the necessary documents and that if required, Council authorise its Seal to be affixed to any such document, under the signature of the Mayor and General Manager.

In favour:       Crs Taylor, Britten, McBain, Hughes, Tapscott, Seckold, Allen and Fitzpatrick

Against:           Nil

Absent:            Cr Mawhinney

 

 

 

 

 

12.      Staff Reports – Governance and Strategy (Leading Organisation)

In accordance with Council’s Code of Meeting Practice, in the absence of Councillor Mawhinney, Councillor Taylor assumed the chair for this section of the agenda.

 

12.1

Certificate of Investments made under Section 625 of the Local Government Act 1993

204/14

RESOLVED on the motion of Crs Allen and Tapscott

1.       That Council receive and note the attached report indicating Council’s Investment position.

2.       That Council note the Certificate of the Responsible Accounting Officer.

In favour:       Crs Taylor, Britten, McBain, Hughes, Tapscott, Seckold, Allen and Fitzpatrick

Against:           Nil

Absent:            Cr Mawhinney

 

2:37 pm      The Ordinary Meeting was reconvened.

13.

Adoption of reports from Standing Committees

205/14

RESOLVED on the motion of Crs Britten and McBain

That all motions recorded in the Standing Committees, including votes for and against and declarations be adopted in and by the Ordinary Council Meeting

In favour:       Crs Taylor, Britten, McBain, Hughes, Tapscott, Seckold, Allen and Fitzpatrick

Against:           Nil

Absent:            Cr Mawhinney

14.      Delegates Reports

14.1

SERAS

 

Cr Liz Seckold advised that a further report will be provided  to Council following her recent attendance at the SERAS meeting.

 

14.2

Access Committee

 

Cr Sharon Tapscott attended the Access Committee meeting where the Chairperson was re-elected. In addition, training was provided for the access committee which Cr Tapscott attended and advised it was very beneficial.

14.3

Bega Valley Business Forum

 

Cr Kristy McBain attended the Bega Valley Business Forum and advised that the members are attempting to arrange a “buy local” campaign to be rolled out prior to Christmas.

 

14.4

South Coast Tourism Awards

 

Cr Russel Fitzpatrick attended the South Coast Tourism Awards on 27 August 2014. The Shire was well represented with Cat Balou Cruises wining the Eco-Tourism Award and Sprout Café wining the best new café. Cr Fitzpatrick congratulated all recipients of awards.

 

15.      Rescission/alteration Motions

There were no rescission/alteration motions.

16.      Notices of Motion

 

16.1

Medicare GP co-payment

206/14

A motion was moved by  Crs Hughes and Seckold

1.       That Council write to the Federal Minister for Health, the Federal Leader of the Opposition, the Federal Leader of the Greens and the Federal Leader of the Palmer United Party to express Council’s opposition to the introduction of the proposed Medicare GP co-payment, for the reasons given above

2.       That Council write to “Save Medicare” to indicate support for its ongoing campaign to stop the introduction of the Medicare GP co-payment

In favour:       Crs McBain, Hughes, Tapscott and Seckold

Against:           Crs Taylor, Britten, Allen and Fitzpatrick

Absent:            Cr Mawhinney

Cr Taylor used his casting vote and the motion was lost.

 

 

 

 

 

17.      Urgent Business

S.1

Children's Services Merimbula - request for assistance

207/14

RESOLVED on the motion of Crs Taylor  

 

That Council staff continue to liaise with Auswide staff and prepare a report for the next Council meeting outlining the issues, social and financial impacts and alternative possible resolutions for consideration by Council.

In favour:       Crs Taylor, Britten, McBain, Hughes, Tapscott, Seckold, Allen and Fitzpatrick

Against:           Nil

Absent:            Cr Mawhinney

18.      Questions On Notice

18.1

Group Manager Transport and Utilities Responses

 

The General Manager advised that responses to Questions on Notice from the last meeting for the Group Manager Transport and Utilities Group had been distributed to Councillors.

 

18.2

Renew the Valley Model

 

Cr Russell Fitzpatrick noted that at the Council meeting of August 2013, Council resolved to establish a renew the valley model funded by salary savings with the program to commence in September 2013.

Cost was estimated at $20,000.00 plus travel costs.

Cr Fitzpatrick asked could Council be provided with a staff report listing outcomes achieved from the program and also a detailed listing of costs expended by Council.

The question was taken on notice by the Group Manager Strategy and Business Services.

 

18.3

Deep Water Ocean Outfall Effluent Disposal System

 

Cr Russell Fitzpatrick noted that at the Council meeting of 3 July 2013, Council resolved to pursue ways over the next 12 months to meet capital funding shortfall for a deep water ocean outfall effluent disposal system with State and Federal Governments.

Item 3 and 4 of the resolution was that should State and Federal funding not be forthcoming then Council proceed to constructing a dunal exfiltration system.

Cr Fitzpatrick asked could Councillors receive an update of this position in view of the offer from the State Government in regards to infrastructure projects, and additionally a costing of the construction of a dunal exfiltration system.

The question was taken on notice by the Acting Group Manager Transport and Utilities.

 

18.4

Pambula Squash Courts

 

Cr Russell Fitzpatrick noted that Council resolved in May 2014 that Council consider construction of sporting facilities including Squash Courts at Pambula after receiving a report on the Pambula Sporting Complex in terms of resolution 146/12  of the Council meeting held on 1 May 2012.

Last month Council adopted such plans for the seven regional and district sportsgrounds that he believes satisfies the above resolution.

Cr Fitzpatrick asked could Councillors be advised  will construction of the Pambula Squash Courts proceed and if so, when will the Community Partnership Funds  be utilised.

The question was taken on notice by the Acting Group Manager Community, Relations and Leisure.

 

18.5

Establishment of Tech Park

 

Following the public forum of 10 September 2014, Cr Kristy McBain asked could Council receive a report on the ability to establish  a steering committee for a Tech Park within the Shire.

The question was taken on notice by the Group Manager Strategy and Business Services.

 

18.6

Portrait of the Queen

 

Cr Keith Hughes asked Councillors would they object to the removal of the portrait of the Queen from the Council Chambers.

 

19.      Questions for the Next Meeting

There were no questions for the next meeting.

 

2:52pm       The chairperson approved a brief adjournment to allow the media to ask questions.

2:53pm       The meeting was reconvened.

20.      Confidential Business

 

Adjournment Into Closed Session

 

 

1.      That Council resolve to adjourn into Closed Session to discuss the following confidential items:

20.1   Merimbula Land Redevelopment Options

Reason for Confidentiality

This item is classified CONFIDENTIAL under the provisions of Section 10A(2) of the Local Government Act, which permits the meeting to be closed to the public for business relating to (d) the report contains commercial information of a confidential nature that would, if disclosed (i) prejudice the commercial position of the person who supplied it; or (ii) confer a commercial advantage on a competitor of the Council; or (iii) reveal a trade secret.

2.      That pursuant to Section 10A of the Local Government 1993, the press and public be excluded from the proceedings on the basis that the business to be considered is classified confidential under the provisions of Section 10A(2) of the Act as outlined above.

3.       That the correspondence and reports relevant to the subject business be withheld from access to the press and public as required by the Local Government Act 1993, Section 11(2).

In favour:       Crs Taylor, Britten, McBain, Hughes, Tapscott, Seckold, Allen and Fitzpatrick

Against:           Nil

Absent:            Cr Mawhinney

 

21.      Adoption of reports from Closed Session

RESOLVED on the motion of Crs Britten and McBain

That the matter resolved in the closed session be adopted

In favour:            Crs Taylor, Britten, McBain, Hughes, Tapscott, Seckold and Fitzpatrick

Against:                Cr Allen

Absent:                  Cr Mawhinney

 

 

22.      Resolutions to declassify reports considered in closed session

There were no resolutions to declassify reports considered in closed session

Closure

There being no further business, the Chairperson closed the meeting at 3:18 pm.

 

CONFIRMED .......................................................................................................

Chairperson of the meeting of the Bega Valley Shire Council held on Wednesday, 10 September 2014.