Ordinary  Meeting Minutes

Held on Wednesday 29 January 2020

At Council Chambers, Biamanga Room Bega Valley Commemorative Civic Centre Bega Commencing at 2.00 pm

 


To:

Cr Kristy McBain, Mayor

Cr Sharon Tapscott, Deputy Mayor

Cr Tony Allen

Cr Robyn Bain

Cr Jo Dodds

Cr Russell Fitzpatrick

Cr Cathy Griff

Cr Mitchell Nadin

Cr Liz Seckold

Copy:

General Manager, Ms Leanne Barnes

Director, Assets and Operations, Mr Anthony McMahon

Director,  Community, Environment and Planning, Dr Alice Howe

Director, Business and Governance, Mrs Iliada Bolton

Acting Manager, Communications and Events, Mr Ian Campbell

Minute Secretary, Mrs Bec Jones

 

 

Statement of Commencement of Live Streaming

The Mayor made an announcement about live streaming requirements noting that:

Council meetings are recorded and live streamed to the Internet for public viewing.  By entering the Chambers during an open session of Council, visitors consent to attendance and participation being recorded.

The recording is archived and made available on Council’s website www.begavalley.nsw.gov.au. All care is taken to maintain privacy; however as a visitor of the public gallery, presence may be recorded.

Acknowledgement of Traditional Custodians of Bega Valley Shire

The Mayor commenced 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, to show respect to elders past and present.

Minutes Silence

The Mayor held a Minutes Silence in commemoration and respect for those who lost their lives during the tragic fire event.

1.

Apologies

 

There were no apologies.

 

 

 

2.

Confirmation of Minutes

1/20

RESOLVED on the motion of Crs Tapscott and Bain

That the Minutes of the Ordinary Meeting held on 11 December 2019 as circulated, be taken as read and confirmed.          

In favour:             Crs Fitzpatrick, Bain, Nadin, Griff, McBain, Seckold, Tapscott, Dodds and Allen

Against:                  Nil        

 

3.        Declarations

                   There were no declarations of interest

 

4.              Public Forum

           Report by Mayor of deputations heard prior to the meeting

The following requests were heard prior to the meeting regarding:

Item 12.3 Special Rate Variation and draft Swimming Pool Strategy

•  Mr David Jesson

Item 12.4 Council response to drive recovery and rebuilding

•  Mr Nigel Ayling for Merimbula Chamber of Commerce

 

5.        Petitions

                   There were no petitions.

6.        Mayoral Minutes

 

6.1

2019/2020 Bega Valley Bushfire

 

RESOLVED on the motion of Mayor McBain

1.    That Council express our sympathy to all members of the directly impacted community         across the Shire for their substantial losses and note the extensive impacts of the 2019/20         Bega Valley Bushfires on the entire community of the Bega Valley and offer our thoughts to         those impacted and commitment to support the recovery effort in every way.

2.    That Council formally acknowledge and express our thanks to all groups and individuals for         the support and assistance in so many ways to so many.

In favour:             Crs Fitzpatrick, Bain, Nadin, Griff, McBain, Seckold, Tapscott, Dodds and Allen

Against:                  Nil

 

 

 

7.          Urgent Business

                      There was no urgent business.

 

8.          Staff Reports – Planning and Environment

                      There were no Planning and Environment reports.

 

9.          Staff Reports – Community, Culture and Leisure

                      There were no Community, Culture and Leisure reports.

 

10.        Staff Reports – Economic Development and Business Growth

                      There were no Economic Development and Business Growth reports.

 

11.        Staff Reports – Infrastructure Waste and Water

                      There were no Infrastructure Waste and Water reports.

 

12.        Staff Reports – Governance and Strategy

 

12.1

2018 - 2019 Audited Financial Statements

2/20

RESOLVED on the motion of Crs Nadin and Seckold

That Council note that the 2018-19 Audited Financial Statements have been further delayed due to the current bushfire impacts on Council and State resourcing.

In favour:             Crs Bain, Nadin, Griff, McBain, Seckold, Tapscott, Dodds and Allen

Against:                  Cr Fitzpatrick

 

 

12.2

Delayed adoption of strategic planning documents

3/20

RESOLVED on the motion of Crs Nadin and Seckold

 

1.         That the IP&R documents including the draft Revised Delivery Program 2017-2021 and              draft Operational Plan 2020-2021, including Council’s Budget and Revenue Policy, the              amended Financial Strategy and Long-Term Financial Plan (LTFP), the Swimming Pools              Asset Management Plan, and the draft Fees and Charges 2020-2021 that were placed on an        extended public exhibition over December 2019 and January 2020 be withdrawn so that              redrafting can be made to accommodate Councils revised focus on rebuilding and              recovery.

2.         That the redrafted  IP&R documents be presented to the 29 April 2020 Council meeting for       consideration followed by a standard public exhibition period.

3.          That the current 2019-2020 Revised Delivery Program and Operational Plan be reviewed              with   a report to the 19 February 2020 Council meeting outlining the progress made in the      first six months and a report be presented to the 8 April2020 Council meeting outlining the      activities and actions to be modified or reprioritised given the bushfire recovery focus.

 

In favour:             Crs Fitzpatrick, Bain, Nadin, Griff, McBain, Seckold, Tapscott, Dodds and Allen

Against:                  Nil

12.3

Special Rate Variation and draft Swimming Pool Strategy

4/20

RESOLVED on the motion of Crs Fitzpatrick and Nadin

 

1.    That Council notify the Independent Pricing and Regulatory Tribunal (IPART) that it will not be   submitting an application for a Special Rate Variation for the 2020-2021 financial year as a         result of the bushfire disaster declaration and continued campaign fires.

2.    That Council maintain the meeting scheduled for 5 February 2020 to consider the volume of         matters requiring attention in business as usual, which was originally scheduled for the         consideration of the SRV application.

3.    That Council abandon consideration of a Special Rate Variation.

In favour:             Crs Fitzpatrick, Bain, Nadin, Griff, McBain, Seckold, Tapscott, Dodds and Allen

Against:                  Nil

 

12.4

Council response to drive recovery and rebuilding

5/20

RESOLVED on the motion of Crs Fitzpatrick and Allen

1.    That Council note the report.

2.    That Council support the creation of a short term, up to two year, project team to focus on         recovery and rebuilding and the engagement of a contract project team leader.

3.    That a report be presented to Council, in March, outlining all available funding opportunities         and proposals for their allocation for resolution.

4.    That a report be provided to Council listing all Council projects that can be immediately put         out to tender or expressions of interest with an emphasis on creating local employment.

In favour:             Crs Fitzpatrick, Bain, Nadin, Griff, McBain, Seckold, Tapscott, Dodds and Allen

Against:                  Nil

 

12.5

2019/20 Bega Valley Bushfire Council rates, charges, fees update

6/20

RESOLVED on the motion of Crs Tapscott and Nadin

1.    That Council formally extend its support to the members of our community who have been         impacted by the 2019/20 Bega Valley Bushfire disaster and acknowledge the financial         hardships faced by many.

2.    That Council note that a full report outlining all proposed relief and waivers for rates, fees         and charges will be presented at the meeting on 5 February 2020.

3.    That Council provide appropriate communications to ensure the community is aware of the         commitment of the Council to supporting the community through support by way of rates,         fees and charges relief with details to be finalised in early February.

In favour:             Crs Fitzpatrick, Bain, Nadin, Griff, McBain, Seckold, Tapscott, Dodds and Allen

Against:                  Nil

 

13.        Staff Reports – Finance

                      There were no Finance reports.

 

14.      Councillor Reports

                   There were no Councillor Reports.

15.      Rescission/alteration Motions

                   There were no Rescission/alteration Motions.

16.      Notices of Motion

                   There were no Notices of Motion.

17.      Questions with Notice

                   There were no Questions with Notice.

18.      Confidential Business

                   There was no Confidential Business.

19.      Noting of Resolutions from Closed Session

                   There was no noting of Resolutions from Closed Session.

20.      Declassification of reports considered previously in closed session

                   There was no Declassification of reports considered previously in closed session.

 

 

Leave to make a statement – Cr Robyn Bain

7/20

RESOLVED on the motion of Crs Nadin and Fitzpatrick

That Cr Robyn Bain be permitted leave to make a statement

In favour:             Crs Fitzpatrick, Bain, Nadin, Griff, McBain, Seckold, Tapscott, Dodds and Allen

Against:                  Nil

Cr Bain thanked Mayor McBain for her leadership through the current Bushfire disaster, recognising this is the second time Mayor McBain has undertaken such a pivotal role.

 

 

Closure

There being no further business, the Chairperson closed the meeting at 3:04pm.

Confirmed

Chairperson of the meeting of the Bega Valley Shire Council held on Wednesday, 29 January 2020.