Agenda of Ordinary Meeting of Council

Report submitted to the Ordinary Meeting of Council on Monday 27 February 2017. RP-1

Reports from Staff

RP-1 Responses to Questions/Business With Notice

Author: Hensley, Ingrid

General Manager: Eldridge, Alan

Analysis:

The following are Responses to Questions/Business with Notice arising from the Ordinary Council meeting on 30 January 2017.

Recommendation

That Council receive and note the report outlining responses to Questions/Business with Notice.

Key Reasons

The Report below addresses the Questions/Business with Notice raised during the Ordinary Council Meeting held Monday, 30 January 2017.

1. Councillor P Funnell made a statement regarding a complaint of potential illegal dumping at the former Gas works project site.

Response provided by Audit, Risk and Governance

Councillor Funnell withdrew this question in an email dated Friday, 3 February 2017.

2. Councillor D Hayes requested information on how the Complaint handling process works and why all staff can’t take the complaint.

Response provided by Audit, Risk and Governance

Formal complaint and investigation procedures currently exist across the organisation for various functions such as Governance Complaints, Protected Public Interest and Code of Conduct, Grievances, Staff Complaints and Customer Service Complaints. Although there is merit in a single procedure, it is not considered practical given the specific nature and legislative requirements in addressing each complaint.

Therefore, investigations are undertaken in accordance with relevant legislation, Council procedure, and industry practice guides from ICAC and NSW Ombudsman.

Council has a Complaints Handling Framework to consolidate and integrate the common aspects of managing a range of customer requests, complaints and reviews into an overarching corporate framework to establish a whole of Council approach. The relevant operating standard and responsible officer varies according to the complaint category.

3. Councillor D Hayes raised a query regarding what contact Council has had with the Defence Force at Forest Hill and whether there is a key contact person.

Response provided by Marketing and Communications

Past communications relating to the per- and poly-fluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) issue have been distributed to the Mayor along with the local Members of Parliament. City of Wagga Wagga officers have not received any formal updates since September 2016 which was also distributed through the Mayor’s office.

Although Council have no authority or responsibility in this matter City of Wagga Wagga officers are looking at creating links on Council’s website to the appropriate information defence websites such as the following:

· http://www.defence.gov.au/id/PFOSPFOA/DefenceSitesPending.asp

· http://www.defence.gov.au/id/PFOSPFOA/_master/docs/Wagga/PresentationCommunityWalkinSession7December2016.pdf

· http://www.defence.gov.au/id/PFOSPFOA/_master/docs/PSPFactSheets/PSPFactSheetWaggaFinal.pdf

4 Councillor D Hayes raised a query regarding where the answers to the Questions/Business with Notice are stored?

Response provided by Audit, Risk and Governance

To ensure that questions with notice are responded to in a consistent manner City of Wagga Wagga officers will prepare responses as per the Code of Meeting Practice.

The following is an extract from Council’s Code of Meeting Practice regarding the provisions for Questions/Business with Notice (Section 20 (d)):

(i) Questions with Notice are used to clarify points in relation to items that have been before the Council for Resolution or a question about an existing service or operational activity.

(ii) They are a mechanism for Councillors to be provided with more detail than already exists within the organisation.

(iii) Where the matter is a new item or requires Council to undertake research or provide a consultancy to answer the questions a Notice of Motion should be put forward.

(iv) Staff are required to provide a brief answer in the form of a Response to Question With Notice in the next available business paper, unless the General Manager advises at the meeting where the Question with Notice is requested, that the response will require further time and resources to prepare.

5. Councillor V Keenan raised a query regarding the General Manager’s recent visits to Nordlingen and Tamworth and asked when is the General Manager going to submit a report to Council on these visits?

Response provided by Audit, Risk and Governance

At its meeting 08 August 2016 Council resolved to:

a appoint the Mayor and the General Manager to lead a delegation from Wagga Wagga to Nӧrdlingen to attend a celebration of the 50th Anniversary of the twinning of our cities on 8 September 2016, and the Stadtmauerfest being held from 9 – 11 September 2016

b endorse paying all reasonable delegation related expenses for the Mayor and General Manager

A report was not required as per the resolution of Council.

The General Manager was requested by the Mayor to go to Tamworth during its busiest period to review the stadiums and facilities they have in place. Council is currently considering several critical decisions in relation to facilities and the observations ascertained by the General Manager on this visit will be utilised to form recommendations for the Council in the future.

6. Councillor V Keenan noted that several Councils across NSW provide detailed information relating to Tenders in the Ordinary meeting of Council. Albury City and Waverly City Council place information relating to tenders in the open meeting of Council. In the interests of transparency will Council staff commence reporting Tender recommendations to the Ordinary meeting of Council?

Response provided by Financial Sector

City of Wagga Wagga officers are currently reviewing this along with a broader review of the Procurement Policy and associated procedures. City of Wagga Wagga officers believe there are opportunities to make the reporting of tenders more open and transparent for both Councillors and the community (while retaining the commercial in confidence information where required).

7. Councillor V Keenan raised a query regarding the process for lodging Notice of Motions. Can Councillors see a final draft or alternatively receive a template report for Councillors to use?

Response provided by Audit, Risk and Governance

City of Wagga Wagga officers will develop a user-friendly template, incorporating headings, that is accessible from mobile devices (Ipads).

8. Councillor V Keenan acknowledged the Indian community of Wagga on Australia Day.

Nil response required.

9. Councillor T Koschel acknowledged the contribution of Council staff and the Australia day Committee for the Australia Day celebrations.

Nil response required.

10. Councillor T Koschel raised a query regarding a request for a donation from the Tolland cycling club. Why did this request not come back through to Councillors?

Response provided by Commercial Sector Operations

Tolland Cycling Club recently requested that City of Wagga Wagga officers assist with the provision of traffic controllers at the Club’s upcoming “Tolland Open” NSW Open Class Bicycle Road Race event to be held in Wagga on 4 and 5 March 2017.

As the request was for support of the event in the manner of traffic control and not an appeal for a monetary donation, this matter was not reported to Council. A response outlining Council’s inability to assist due to current budgetary limitations was provided to the Secretary of the Club accordingly.

City of Wagga Wagga officers are now reassessing this request.

11. Councillor K Pascoe raised a query regarding an application for units in Beckwith street. A response hasn’t been received back from Council regarding additional conditions. What response went back to the applicant?

Response provided by City Development

This application was approved and notification was provided to the applicant on 1 February 2017. Further information was provided to Councillors in the bulletin on 3 February 2017.

12. Councillor K Pascoe requested a status report on DA16/0526.

Response provided by Audit, Risk and Governance

Wagga Wagga Online Services provides the ability to access development application information, enabling members of the public to track the progress of applications from lodgement to determination online. This service applies to all development applications submitted since November 2002.

If members of the public require more detailed information on the status of their DA the Duty Planner is available on 1300 292 442 or (02) 6926 9100 or face-to-face at the Civic Centre from 8.30am to 5.00pm Monday to Friday.

13. The Mayor, Councillor G Conkey OAM acknowledged the contribution of Council staff and the Australia Day Committee for the Australia day celebrations.

Nil response required.

14. The Mayor, Councillor G Conkey OAM acknowledged a recent National Water Polo championship that he attended at the Oasis. He stated how good the Oasis is looking.

Nil response required.

15. The Mayor, Councillor G Conkey OAM thanked the Australia Day ambassador.

Nil response required.

Financial Implications

N/A

Policy

N/A

Link to Strategic Plan

1. We are an engaged and involved community

1.1 We are a community that is informed and involved in decisions impacting us

Risk Management Issues for Council

No specific issues identified.

Internal / External Consultation

N/A

Submission	Issues	Officer Response
1.	· This will give the planners more freedom to make decisions for those jobs that do not quite fit within the general scope of normal development. · There are many things that can fall outside the 10% rule because of block size, shape, block orientation, surrounding development and it is important when developers are trying to justify why a development doesn’t fit with the affected controls that staff have the power to either agree or compromise. At the moment everything is too black and white and there is no room to vary the controls. · This is a good step forward and will help development throughout the Wagga Wagga district.	· Noted. · Noted. · Noted
2.	· The HIA Wagga Wagga Branch supports the exhibited amendment.	· Noted
3.	· In support of the officers being able to exercise their professional judgement to recommend or approve a development exceeding development standards by 10%. · Concerned that in the interest of security and integrity of the officers that safeguards be put in place to keep a register of variations with public and council access to the justification given to ensure consistency in assessment and a public list of criteria used in achieving the outcomes required in the respective zones that required the variation of the development standard. Without some form of safeguard and transparency in this matter allegations can easily be made about perceived inconsistencies which lead to the conclusion that there are some inappropriate actions without full details being made public.	· Noted. · The City Development section will look at internal processes and reporting for variations.
4.	· The proposed changes are supported, although expanding the delegation could have included all DAs where the justification is deemed adequate by the Planning Director (or equivalent senior executive position).	· The proposed amendments will ensure that larger breaches of the DCP controls are still reported to Council for consideration. · We will monitor items approved by Council, which are recommended for approval by City staff.
5.	· We believe this can be a positive impact on certain minor controls for the benefit of expedited approvals and saving council resources on trivial matters. · We believe that this proposed amendment in its current form has the potential to undermine some certainties within the industry and strategic planning. Further clarification was sought on this comment with concerns being around poor outcomes, consistency in determinations and being able to accurately inform clients.	· Noted. · Noted. The City Development section will look at internal processes and reporting for variations to assist with the concerns.

Submission

Issues

Officer Response

· This will give the planners more freedom to make decisions for those jobs that do not quite fit within the general scope of normal development.

· There are many things that can fall outside the 10% rule because of block size, shape, block orientation, surrounding development and it is important when developers are trying to justify why a development doesn’t fit with the affected controls that staff have the power to either agree or compromise. At the moment everything is too black and white and there is no room to vary the controls.

· This is a good step forward and will help development throughout the Wagga Wagga district.

· Noted.

· Noted

· The HIA Wagga Wagga Branch supports the exhibited amendment.

· Noted

· In support of the officers being able to exercise their professional judgement to recommend or approve a development exceeding development standards by 10%.

· Concerned that in the interest of security and integrity of the officers that safeguards be put in place to keep a register of variations with public and council access to the justification given to ensure consistency in assessment and a public list of criteria used in achieving the outcomes required in the respective zones that required the variation of the development standard. Without some form of safeguard and transparency in this matter allegations can easily be made about perceived inconsistencies which lead to the conclusion that there are some inappropriate actions without full details being made public.

· Noted.

· The City Development section will look at internal processes and reporting for variations.

· The proposed changes are supported, although expanding the delegation could have included all DAs where the justification is deemed adequate by the Planning Director (or equivalent senior executive position).

· The proposed amendments will ensure that larger breaches of the DCP controls are still reported to Council for consideration.

· We will monitor items approved by Council, which are recommended for approval by City staff.

· We believe this can be a positive impact on certain minor controls for the benefit of expedited approvals and saving council resources on trivial matters.

· We believe that this proposed amendment in its current form has the potential to undermine some certainties within the industry and strategic planning.

Further clarification was sought on this comment with concerns being around poor outcomes, consistency in determinations and being able to accurately inform clients.

· Noted.

· Noted. The City Development section will look at internal processes and reporting for variations to assist with the concerns.

Submission	Issues	Council Officer response
1.	· Overall the proposed changes are supported, with the exception of section 5.2(5) where it is proposed that “Removal of dead trees must be undertaken between the month of January to March (inclusive) to protect nesting fauna”. Concerns are raised in relation to potential delay to construction works outside of the January to March period. Suggestion is to include contingency arrangements where an inspection is conducted by suitably trained experts to determine whether any nesting is evident and / or the significance of the potential impact, and what arrangements can be put in place to relocate nesting fauns or mitigate the situation.	· Noted. The wording “Removal of dead trees must be undertaken between the months of January to March (inclusive) to protect nesting fauna” will be removed from the control. · A note will be included in the section stating “Where practical and feasible it is preferable to remove any dead trees between the months of January to March (inclusive) to protect fauna that nest during the months of April to December (inclusive).
2.	· The HIA Wagga Wagga Branch support the proposal except the reference to “Removal of dead trees must be undertaken between the months of January to March (inclusive) to protect nesting fauna”. There is concern about the inclusion as is specifically precludes the months of April to December with no regard to a possible rehabilitation of nesting fauna. This could have an economic consequence if say a development application is approved on 1 April and requires the removal of a dead tree. The development would be burdened with a 9 month wait until removal could occur. The opinion is that the wording cannot be implemented, or at best be re-worded to meet the needs of development whilst protecting fauna.	· Noted. The wording “Removal of dead trees must be undertaken between the months of January to March (inclusive) to protect nesting fauna” will be removed from the control. · A note will be included in the section stating “Where practical and feasible it is preferable to remove any dead trees between the months of January to March (inclusive) to protect fauna that nest during the months of April to December (inclusive).

Submission

Issues

Council Officer response

· Overall the proposed changes are supported, with the exception of section 5.2(5) where it is proposed that “Removal of dead trees must be undertaken between the month of January to March (inclusive) to protect nesting fauna”. Concerns are raised in relation to potential delay to construction works outside of the January to March period. Suggestion is to include contingency arrangements where an inspection is conducted by suitably trained experts to determine whether any nesting is evident and / or the significance of the potential impact, and what arrangements can be put in place to relocate nesting fauns or mitigate the situation.

· Noted. The wording “Removal of dead trees must be undertaken between the months of January to March (inclusive) to protect nesting fauna” will be removed from the control.

· A note will be included in the section stating “Where practical and feasible it is preferable to remove any dead trees between the months of January to March (inclusive) to protect fauna that nest during the months of April to December (inclusive).

· The HIA Wagga Wagga Branch support the proposal except the reference to “Removal of dead trees must be undertaken between the months of January to March (inclusive) to protect nesting fauna”. There is concern about the inclusion as is specifically precludes the months of April to December with no regard to a possible rehabilitation of nesting fauna. This could have an economic consequence if say a development application is approved on 1 April and requires the removal of a dead tree. The development would be burdened with a 9 month wait until removal could occur. The opinion is that the wording cannot be implemented, or at best be re-worded to meet the needs of development whilst protecting fauna.

· Noted. The wording “Removal of dead trees must be undertaken between the months of January to March (inclusive) to protect nesting fauna” will be removed from the control.

Report submitted to the Ordinary Meeting of Council on Monday 27 February 2017. RP-9

RP-9 Livestreaming of Council Meetings

Author: Hensley, Ingrid

General Manager: Alan Eldridge

Analysis:

This Report is to provide options for Council on utilising alternate methods of communicating information by making recordings (visual and/or audio) of every Ordinary Meeting of Council available to the general public through streaming live video and audio of the Council Meetings.

Council must balance its commitment to open, transparent and accountable decision making and enhancing accessibility with the need to manage any risks associated with livestreaming Council Meetings, to meet the requirements of relevant legislation and to provide value for money.

It is proposed that Council undertake a trial of livestreaming its Council meetings so that the ongoing cost implications can be evaluated by Council against measures of success and in the context of other competing priorities for resources.

Recommendation

That Council:

a resolve to trial livestreaming (video and audio) of the Ordinary Meetings of Council for a period of not less than six (6) months

b authorise the General Manager or his delegate to undertake the necessary procurement, budget allocation and other steps necessary to undertake the livestreaming trial

c request the General Manager or his delegate provide a report to Council on the outcomes of the livestreaming trial

d approve the budget variations as mentioned in the report

Key Reasons

Background Information

Wagga Wagga City Council (“Council”) is committed to open, transparent and accountable decision making and providing access to Council meetings. Everyone is entitled to attend a public meeting of the Council, however there are instances where the timing and location of the meeting makes this difficult.

Livestreaming, also called webstreaming or webcasting, is the transmission over the internet of video and/or audio of an event as it happens.

It provides the opportunity to utilise the relevant technology as an alternate means for access and view Council Meetings at locations other than the Council Meeting Room (Civic Centre), via an internet website, either live or at a later time.

Livestreaming thus has the potential to provide greater access to Council decision-making and debate and encourage openness and transparency. It also overcomes geographical barriers, including for ratepayers who reside outside of the local government area, to be able to watch and listen to the meetings. There are benefits in relation to promoting and improving the democratic process at the local Council level, including improved communication to residents of forthcoming plans and projects.

Council currently communicates information on Council Meetings through a range of channels, including Council News, business papers and minutes and live twitter feeds during Council meetings.

In order to easily reach a wide viewership Council will seek to use a platform and process that increases ease of access for viewers. However, the availability and quality of a live stream and recording will depend on an individual’s own technology, including connection speed, the availability of a supported operating system, web browser and speakers and bandwidth restrictions. Livestreaming does not provide an opportunity for those viewing the meeting to interact with the participants, and those wishing to address Council would still need to attend in person to make a public address.

Trial Period

Meetings of Council which are held in the Council Meeting Room at the Civic Centre will be recorded and broadcast in a format that allows for livestreaming.

To ensure those attending the Meeting are aware it will be livestreamed and recorded, the Chair will make an announcement prior to each meeting and signage will be placed at the entrance to the Council Meeting Room. There will also be an additional statement on the Public Address Application Form.

Livestreaming the Council meetings on an ongoing basis will require upgraded and/or additional equipment and services. A trial period will enable Council to determine whether it has the adequate resources for the initial and ongoing costs associated with recording and publishing Council meetings, measured against stakeholder consultation to gauge the response to online access to the meetings. In addition, it enables Council to take into account the changing needs and expectations of the community whilst seeking to facilitate access to Council Meetings for all community members.

Therefore, an external provider would be engaged to attend each Council meeting during the trial period. This enables Council to test the required equipment and associated set-up on a hire basis, utilising the hardware and software of that provider, including a content delivery network service. Because of the size and configuration of the Council Meeting Room multiple cameras would be required, offering a split screen view of the meeting. The Trial may also include utilising a single camera.

Initial consultation has confirmed that Council’s existing internet connectivity would be sufficient for this proposal. Testing of Council equipment would be required in addition to the training of staff and development of procedures.

It is proposed the recorded meetings would also be archived, and available for viewing for a period of time after the meeting. This would, therefore, enable an accurate record to complement the formal minutes and assist with their preparation.

A trial period will further provide Council staff with the opportunity to monitor the effectiveness of the image and audio, thus providing the opportunity to refine its requirements and potentially minimise the cost implications of introducing livestreaming on a continuing basis.

Measures of success to be applied to the trial would be in the form of monitoring and reporting on the number of hits of access to the live webcasts and archives. This will help to refine the requirements on an ongoing basis and to make a more informed decision in relation to the most appropriate content delivery network. More broadly, it also enables the opportunity for review and to consider return on investment and whether, for example, it might be more efficient for audio streaming as opposed to installing fixed cameras in the Council Meeting Room.

Requirements and Options

Livestreaming of the Council meetings requires certain equipment and services. Streaming involves capturing the meeting proceedings through microphones and/or video camera(s), transferring the audio and/or video feed to a computer, compressing and encoding the file and making the audio and/or video available on a website designed to host such data.

The audio and images are automatically uploaded to a hosting service, such as Ustream, Interstream or Livestream. This would be embedded onto Council’s website.

There is the option of live streaming the meeting, with audio only, including in the form of a podcast. This would be a more cost-effective option, however this would limit the level of engagement with the community and the visibility of Councillors and members of the public speaking at the meetings. It would provide a limited view of the decision-making processes as it would not be possible to readily identify speakers.

Council does not currently have the necessary equipment, technology or licenses to provide audio and/or video streaming and would require Council to consider the purchasing camera(s), tripods/mounting equipment; testing existing microphones, possible upgrade of audio recording equipment, encoding software and subscription of a content delivery network where live and achieved streamed broadcasts are hosted.

Financial Implications

The cost implications of this project will depend on what is endorsed by Council. There is currently no budget allocation to upgrade and/or purchase the necessary equipment to either stream or podcast video and/or audio.

Indicative pricing for a six (6) month trial is approximately $6,600, as set out below. If the trial period commences for May 2017 Council meeting, then this will be a cost to Council for the 2016/17 financial year of $2,200, and will be funded from within the Governance area. Council officers will allocate a further $4,400 for the 2017/18 budget year for the remainder of the six month trial period.

If an additional staff resource(s) is required, then this would be an additional wage cost per meeting.

Livestreaming Trial Option A	$1,100 (including GST) per month
Equipment	4 x tripod mounted small form HD cameras
	TV production switcher
	Cabling
	Audio interface with existing audio
Content Delivery	Content Delivery Service with embedded code for Website
Content Delivery	Multi-bitrate for viewing on all devices and platforms
Storage	Video on demand and video archive
	Unlimited viewers
	Password protection if required
	Set-up and pack-up (evening or next morning)

Live streaming Trial Option B	$1,100 (including GST) per month – for up to 3 hours and then $250 per hour or part thereof
Equipment	Use of 1 x WWCC Camera
	Professional HD cameras
	HD500 Livestream Switcher
Content Delivery	Cellular internet connectivity and data usage
	Multi bit rate streaming to any device
	Unlimited viewers
	Embedded code

Council does not currently have the necessary equipment, technology or licenses to provide audio and/or video streaming on an ongoing basis. Indicative costings for livestreaming of Council meetings after any initial trial period would be approximately $15,000 to $44,000. There would also be an additional ongoing cost in the form of a subscription to a content delivery network, between $4,000 and $14,000 per annum. These options consider either a single camera, set near the middle of the room which would be controlled via a processor and touch screen or a multi camera system, which would have three to four cameras mounted in the ceiling.

The set-up of the Council Meeting Room for Council Meetings is unique and other internal stakeholders or external organisations hiring the room do not typically utilise this room configuration. Therefore, the additional benefit of a multi-camera system is that recording and livestreaming could be utilised for other events, such as Citizenship Ceremonies or external community events and charged out appropriately.

Policy

All persons attending a Council Meeting are required to act in a professional manner and in accordance with legislation, Council’s Code of Meeting Practice, Council’s Code of Conduct, relevant Policies and Office of Local Government (NSW) and Information Privacy Commissioner (IPC) Guidelines.

Council will need to review existing relevant policies to ensure adequate frameworks are in place and that there is consistency within existing Operating Standards. An additional Operating Standard or Policy would need to be considered.

Link to Strategic Plan

1. We are an engaged and involved community

1.1 We are a community that is informed and involved in decisions impacting us

Risk Management Issues for Council

There are a number of legal obligations, implications and exposures that should be taken into account by Council in considering whether to record and livestream Ordinary Meetings of Council.

Confidential sessions in which the media and the public are excluded by a resolution under 10A of the Local Government Act 1993 (NSW) will not be recorded. To mitigate the risk of potentially livestreaming a closed part of the Council Meeting, the Meeting will pause prior to commencing discussion of any confidential matter for the Chair to confirm with staff responsible for the management of the livestream that the livestream has been paused.

Public Council meetings are an open forum of statements, questions and answers. Occasionally, some things that are said may be regarded as offensive, defamatory or contrary to law. When such statements occur, and the meeting is not recorded, the potential for damage is generally confined to the audience in attendance. In contrast, when a recording of a meeting is published the audience is potentially far greater which may impact on the potential liability.

Legal Implications

Section 273 of the Local Government (General) Regulation (2005) (NSW) states that it is prohibited for any person to record a Council or Committee meeting without the authority of the Council or Committee.

The webcast would be subject to copyright under the Copyright Act 1968 (Cth) and could not be reused or reproduced without the consent of Council. However, there is the possibility to ‘re-share’ information and to edit clips without authorisation and which misrepresents the original intent of the statements made. If someone at a Council meeting reads material subject to copyright, without the consent of the copyright owner, the person may have violated the copyright owner’s exclusive right to reproduce the material.

The General Retention and disposal authority: local government records is approved under section 21(2)c of the State Records Act 1998 following prior approval by the Board of the State Records Authority of New South Wales in accordance with section 21(3) of the Act. The recording of the Council Meeting would be retained as required by that Authority.

Authority GA39 reference number 13.6.2 provides that records relating to the preparation of meetings and production of minutes include draft minutes, transcripts and audio-visual records must be retained until the minutes of the meeting have been confirmed and then they may be destroyed. Until this time the recording is classified as open access information under the Government Information (Public Access) Act 2009 (NSW).

Council will need to comply with the Privacy (Personal Information) Protection Act 1998 (NSW), which imposes obligations upon Council in relation to the collection, use and disclosure of personal information.

The Surveillance Devices Act 2007 (NSW) would require advice be provided to members of the public attending meetings that a recording of the meeting will be made. Therefore, attendees would need to be advised their voice may be recorded and their image transmitted. Members of the public gallery would be made aware, by a notice at the entrance to the Council Meeting Room and an announcement by the Chair that the meeting was to be recorded and published online and that if they addressed the Council, their name, voice and possibly their image would appear on that recording.

There is the potential for defamatory or inappropriate comments or statements to be made during livestreaming of a Council Meeting. There is also the potential for greater exposure to actions in defamation, given that what is said at Council meetings will be able to be more broadly and accurately disseminated. In addition, having the Council meetings recorded means there will be evidence of what transpired at the meetings which could then be used in proceedings. People who are defamed are more likely to be made aware of the defamatory statements as the content of the meeting will have the potential to reach a greater audience and will be stored in archives. This may have an impact on potential actions and the quantum of damages under the Defamation Act 2005 (NSW).

An issue to consider will be whether Council may, at the direction of the General Manager, edit or remove a recording if there is a concern that defamatory or inappropriate comments have been made. Some councils utilise a time delay to the broadcast feed. A meeting could also be pre-recorded and reviewed and signed off before it is made publically available, however this would require additional resources and expertise and would not enable ‘real time’ viewering. Council may consider accompanying the online content with a disclaimer, included as part of the broadcast or separately as a link to the webpage prior to opening the link to the meeting recording. Council would need to ensure the wording of the disclaimer meets Council’s specific requirements.

There is no absolute privilege in relation to Council proceedings of the kind which attaches to statements made in Parliamentary proceedings. However, the Councillor Handbook (Office of Local Government October 2016) offers the following guidance:

1.7.1 Limited legal protection

The Local Government Act 1993 provides councillors with a level of protection from civil liability action for undertaking council-related and council-endorsed activities as a councillor.

Protection from civil liability is only provided where a councillor’s actions are undertaken in the manner referred to in the relevant sections of the Local Government Act 1993, including in good faith and for purposes related to council activities.

Councillors must read and understand sections 731, 732 and 733 of the Local Government Act 1993, which provides protection. In the event that a councillor does not understand an issue, it is the obligation of that councillor to seek and be guided by their own legal advice.

In relation to defamation action, a council may be sued for defamation, although it cannot itself sue for defamation. Individual councillors and council employees may also be sued for defamation, whether in their private or public capacities.

Generally speaking, councillors at meetings of council (or council committees) are protected from defamation by the defence of ‘qualified privilege’, but only to enable them to speak freely and publicly in undertaking their duties in council meetings.

Any comment or statement a councillor makes at a council meeting must be relevant to the council business, made in good faith and without malice.

The Councillors and Officers Insurance Policy also provides coverage in relation to ‘defamation, libel and slander’ which is unintentional.

Livestreaming the audio content from the Council meeting, including podcasting and webcasting, will pick up all audio content, including content that may not be intended for public broadcast and which will form part of the public record through archived material.

Internal / External Consultation

There has been consultation with the Information Technology Division and with Media and Communications. Externally, Council has consulted with a number of Councils currently using live streaming and also with its insurers, Statewide Mutual. Further consultation would need to take place if this Recommendation is adopted in order to undertake testing and to ensure potential issues are addressed.

Report submitted to the Ordinary Meeting of Council on Monday 27 February 2017. RP-13

RP-13 Financial Performance Report as at 31 January 2017

Author: Rodney, Carolyn

Sector Manager: Te Pohe, Natalie

Analysis:

This report is for Council to consider and approve the proposed 2016/17 budget variations required to manage the 2016/17 budget and Long Term Financial Plan, and to detail the City’s external investments.

Recommendation

That Council:

a approve the proposed 2016/17 budget variations for the month ended 31 January 2017 and note the reduced deficit budget of ($14K) as presented in this report

b note the Responsible Accounting Officer’s reports, in accordance with the Local Government (General) Regulation 2005 (Part 9 Division 3: Clause 203) that the financial position of Council is satisfactory having regard to the original estimates of income and expenditure and the recommendations made above

c note details of the external investments as at 31 January 2017 in accordance with section 625 of the Local Government Act 1993

Key Reasons

An overall budget deficit of ($14K) is forecast as at 31 January 2017 which is a reduction to the deficit that was reported to the Council 30 January 2017 of ($72K).

The City of Wagga Wagga experienced a positive monthly investment performance for the month of January which is mainly attributable to the continued strong growth period for Council’s Floating Rate Note (FRN) portfolio, with many of these investments trading at a premium.

Financial Implications

OPERATING INCOME

Total operating income is 57% of approved budget which is tracking to budget for the end of January (this percentage excludes capital grants and contributions). An adjustment has been made to reflect the levy of rates which occurred at the start of the financial year. Excluding this adjustment, operating income received is 80%.

OPERATING EXPENSES

Total operating expenditure is 57% of approved budget and is tracking to budget for the full financial year.

CAPITAL INCOME

Total capital income is 17% of approved budget. It should be noted that the actual income from capital is influenced by the timing of the receipt of capital grants and contributions relating to projects.

CAPITAL EXPENDITURE

Total capital expenditure including commitments is 42% of approved budget. The RIFL Stage 1 contract commitment has been raised for $21M. Excluding this amount the total capital expenditure is 21% of approved budget.

CITY OF WAGGA WAGGA STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL PERFORMANCE 1 JULY 2016 TO 31 JANUARY 2017
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT
	ORIGINAL BUDGET 2016/17 $'000	BUDGET ADJ 2016/17 $'000	APPROVED BUDGET 2016/17 $'000	YTD ACTUAL EXCL COMMT'S 2016/17	COMMT'S 2016/17 $'000	YTD ACTUAL + COMMT'S 2016/17 $'000	YTD % OF BUD
Revenue
Rates & Annual Charges	(60,642,286)	0	(60,642,286)	(35,851,844)	0	(35,851,844)	59%
User Charges & Fees	(23,631,263)	57,916	(23,573,347)	(12,828,802)	33,454	(12,795,348)	54%
Interest & Investment Revenue	(3,406,597)	0	(3,406,597)	(2,457,239)	0	(2,457,239)	72%
Other Revenues	(3,123,096)	(14,584)	(3,137,680)	(1,792,233)	0	(1,792,233)	57%
Operating Grants & Contributions	(14,779,516)	(985,847)	(15,765,363)	(8,124,517)	0	(8,124,517)	52%
Capital Grants & Contributions	(34,768,294)	(21,014,990)	(55,783,284)	(11,627,153)	0	(11,627,153)	21%
Total Revenue	(140,351,052)	(21,957,505)	(162,308,557)	(72,681,788)	33,454	(72,648,334)	45%

Expenses
Employee Benefits & On-Costs	42,105,886	94,622	42,200,508	23,789,011	36,777	23,825,789	56%
Borrowing Costs	3,953,083	(157,682)	3,795,402	1,852,071	0	1,852,071	49%
Materials & Contracts	2,722,383	(2,120)	2,720,263	6,134,393	946,644	7,081,037	260%
Depreciation & Amortisation	32,405,375	0	32,405,375	18,903,135	0	18,903,135	58%
Other Expenses	37,493,005	3,182,696	40,675,701	15,937,429	1,602,905	17,540,334	43%
Total Expenses	118,679,732	3,117,517	121,797,249	66,616,039	2,586,326	69,202,366	57%

Net Operating (Profit)/Loss	(21,671,319)	(18,839,988)	(40,511,308)	(6,065,750)	2,619,780	(3,445,969)

Net Operating (Profit)/Loss before Capital Grants & Contributions	13,096,975	2,175,002	15,271,976	5,561,404	2,619,780	8,181,184

Cap/Reserve Movements
Capital Exp - Renewals	24,265,446	9,082,589	33,348,035	5,954,625	6,014,863	11,969,489	36%
Capital Exp - New Projects	45,730,456	9,002,223	54,732,679	6,812,319	21,951,288	28,763,607	53%
Capital Exp - Project Concepts	8,264,763	789,044	9,053,807	4,013	0	4,013	0%
Loan Repayments	2,603,821	(173,623)	2,430,198	1,417,615	0	1,417,615	58%
New Loan Borrowings	(13,859,917)	7,992,810	(5,867,108)	0	0	0	0%
Sale of Assets	(4,982,151)	2,968,619	(2,013,532)	(2,701,434)	0	(2,701,434)	134%
Net Movements Reserves	(7,945,724)	(10,750,078)	(18,695,801)	0	0	0	0%
Total Cap/Res Movements	54,076,694	18,911,583	72,988,277	11,487,138	27,966,151	39,453,289	54%

Net Result after Depreciation	32,405,375	71,595	32,476,970	5,421,389	30,585,931	36,007,320

Add back Depreciation Expense	32,405,375	0	32,405,375	18,903,135	0	18,903,135

Cash Budget (Surplus)/Deficit	(0)	71,595	71,595	(13,481,747)	30,585,931	17,104,184

Revised Budget Result - Surplus/(Deficit)

$’000s

Original 2016/17 Budget Result as adopted by Council

Total Budget Variations approved as reported to 30 January 2017 Council Meeting

Budget variations for January 2017

($72K)

$58K

Proposed revised budget result for 31 January 2017

($14K)

The proposed Budget Variations to 31 January 2017 are listed below:

*Budget Variation*	*Amount*	*Funding Source*		*Net Impact* *Fav/ (Unfav)*
*1 – We are an engaged and involved community*
Work Health and Safety Incentive Program	($54K)			$54K
The City has received a higher than budgeted financial incentive from State Cover (The City’s Work, Health and Safety Insurer) for successfully completing the three (3) key performance indicators which included the completion of the City’s WHS Self Audit and Action Plan.				$54K
*2 – We are a safe and healthy community*
Gobbagombalin Playground	$76K	Section 94 Reserve ($76K)		Nil
Gobbagombalin Playground is the last component of the central Estella Rise Park that was established by the developer and will include the installation of a playground, park furniture and trees. Community consultation was carried out for the playground. This installation is consistent with the Wagga Wagga Playground Strategy 2016-2036 and is to be funded from the Section 94 Reserve.				Nil
Cricket Pitch Facilities & Grassroots Cricket Reserve	$30K		Cricket NSW Contribution ($30K)	Nil
Contributions have been received from Cricket NSW with the funds to be used for cricket facilities at Duke of Kent Oval and Rawlings Park of $20K with the remaining amount of $10K to be transferred to the Grassroots Cricket Reserve at financial year end.				Nil
Indoor Stadium Rental Income	($18K)			$18K
Rental Income budgets for the Indoor Stadium at Bolton Park were removed due to the proposed future development at Bolton Park as part of Council’s 2016/17 Long Term Financial Plan. With the masterplan still currently being completed the Indoor Stadium has still remained in operation, meaning budgets are required for both Wagga Basketball and Royal Lifesaving rental income.				$18K
*4 – We have a sustainable natural and built environment*
Building Resilience to Climate Change	$47K	Grant Funding ($47K)		Nil
Council has been successful in securing grant funding under the Building Resilience to Climate Change Round 3 Program from Local Government NSW. The funds will be used to develop ‘Adaptation Action Plans for Priority Infrastructure and Vulnerable Communities Using Online Mapping’. 80% of the funds will be received in February 2017 with the remaining 20% in March 2018.				Nil
2 Galing Place Air Conditioner Upgrade	$14K
The Riverina Regional Library Administration Centre at 2 Galing Place requires an air conditioning upgrade due to the current evaporative cooling system not being sufficient to meet the needs of the building. Indoor temperatures regularly exceed 30 degrees on hot days which pose a WHS Issue to staff. The moist air is also having a detrimental effect on new book stocks. RRL has the potential to fund 50% of the project with the remaining $14K to be funded from the State Cover WHS Financial Incentive.				($14K)
Conservation and Cultural Burn Project	$17K	Grant Funding ($17K)		Nil
Council has been successful with a State Government Grant application from Local Land Services for a Conservation and Cultural Burns Project. The project involves first attack fire fighting, bush fire behaviour training, field work surveying and the knowledge of conducting cultural burns.				Nil
Regional Roads Sealed Maintenance	$199K	RMS Supplementary Block Grant Funding ($199K)		Nil
RMS annual funding has been received for the Supplementary Regional Roads Block Grant program which is currently allocated in the Long Term Financial Plan in the Concepts list. It is proposed to allocate this funding to the Regional Roads Sealed Maintenance program. This will include works on MR211-Mangoplah Road, MR384-Tumbarumba Road, MR240-Coolamon Road, MR543-Millwood Road and MR59-Lockhart Road.				Nil
Engineering Guidelines and Flood Operations Manual	$65K	Sewer Reserve ($4.5K) Sewer Systems Management ($10K) Design Forward Planning ($27K) Stormwater Maintenance ($13.5) Stormwater Drainage Reserve ($10K)		Nil
The City of Wagga Wagga’s Engineering Guidelines, Emergency Plan and Procedures and Flood Operations Manual were developed a number of years ago and do not contain current industry best practice standards and guidelines. The City has engaged a consultant to assist in the updating of these documents. It is proposed to fund these consultancy costs from existing Sewer, Stormwater and Engineering budgets.				Nil
*SURPLUS/(DEFICIT)*				$58K

Current Restrictions

CITY OF WAGGA WAGGA
RESERVES SUMMARY
31 JANUARY 2017
	Approved Changes
	CLOSING BALANCE 2015/16	ADOPTED RESERVE TRANSFERS 2016/17	BUDGET VARIATIONS APPROVED UP TO COUNCIL MEETING 30.01.2017	RECOMM CHANGES for Council Resolution	REVISED BALANCE

Externally Restricted
Developer Contributions	(19,387,519)	1,683,496	2,518,552	76,000	(15,109,470)
Sewer Fund Reserves	(21,286,523)	2,385,453	3,522,063	4,500	(15,374,507)
Solid Waste Reserves	(12,803,085)	751,764	271,273		(11,780,049)
Specific Purpose Unexpended Grants/Cont	(3,473,810)	0	3,473,810		0
Stormwater Levy Reserves	(2,537,418)	(228,466)	164,020		(2,601,864)
Total Externally Restricted	(59,488,355)	4,592,247	9,949,718	80,500	(44,865,890)

Internally Restricted
Airport Reserve	(202,674)	(65,492)	(31,851)		(300,017)
Art Gallery Reserve	(48,490)	(3,500)	17,500		(34,490)
Ashmont Community Facility Reserve	(3,000)	(1,500)	0		(4,500)
Bridge Replacement Reserve	(646,667)	140,000	420,000		(86,667)
CBD Carparking Facilities Reserve	(936,300)	(94,195)	60,537		(969,958)
CCTV Reserve	(54,476)	(10,000)	0		(64,476)
Cemetery Perpetual Reserve	(123,860)	(89,661)	0		(213,521)
Cemetery Reserve	(308,649)	(136,637)	42,221		(403,065)
Civic Theatre Operating Reserve	0	(100,000)	0		(100,000)
Civic Theatre Technical Infrastructure Reserve	(55,450)	(50,000)	0		(105,450)
Civil Projects Reserve	(155,883)	0	0		(155,883)
Community Amenities Reserve	(5,685)	0	0		(5,685)
Council Election Reserve	(417,616)	236,558	0		(181,058)
Economic Development Incentives Reserve	(19,500)	0	0		(19,500)
Employee Leave Entitlements Gen Fund Reserve	(3,352,639)	0	0		(3,352,639)
Estella Community Centre Reserve	(230,992)	0	0		(230,992)
Family Day Care Reserve	(135,608)	14,606	0		(121,002)
Fit for the Future Reserve	(952,184)	388,225	(1,945,335)		(2,509,294)
Generic Projects Saving	(927,180)	(116,966)	103,039		(941,106)
Glenfield Community Centre Reserve	(15,704)	(2,000)	0		(17,704)
Grassroots Cricket Reserve	(45,942)	(15,000)	0		(60,942)
Gravel Pit Restoration Reserve	(738,010)	0	0		(738,010)
Gurwood Street Property Reserve	(50,454)	0	0		(50,454)
Industrial Land Development Reserve	(328,851)	0	0		(328,851)
Information Services / E-Business Reserve	(378,713)	0	0		(378,713)
Infrastructure Replacement Reserve	(77,488)	(887)	28,233		(50,142)
Insurance Variations Reserve	(28,644)	0	0		(28,644)
Internal Loans Reserve	(1,289,806)	(629,241)	444,842		(1,474,205)
Lake Albert Improvements Reserve	(113,972)	0	113,789		(182)
LEP Preparation Reserve	(38,665)	0	36,120		(2,545)
Livestock Marketing Centre Reserve	(8,095,560)	3,215,056	1,675,773		(3,204,732)
Lloyd Environmental Projects Reserve	(101,371)	0	0		(101,371)
Museum Acquisitions Reserve	(39,378)	0	0		(39,378)
Oasis Building Renewal Reserve	(122,000)	(50,000)	121,000		(51,000)
Oasis Plant Reserve	(1,005,347)	(110,000)	0		(1,115,347)
Parks & Recreation Projects	(91,288)	0	86,000		(5,288)
Pedestrian River Crossing (old Riverside) Reserve	(198,031)	150,000	0		(48,031)
Plant Replacement Reserve	(5,145,588)	(151,353)	158,636		(5,138,305)
Playground Equipment Replacement Reserve	0	(51,230)	0		(51,230)
Project Carryovers Reserve	(1,841,669)	0	1,841,669		(0)
Public Art Reserve	(199,713)	137,579	51,424		(10,711)
Robertson Oval Redevelopment Reserve	(86,697)	0	0		(86,697)
Senior Citizens Centre Reserve	(11,627)	(2,000)	0		(13,627)
Silverlite Reserve	(29,980)	0	0		(29,980)
Sister Cities Reserve	(30,914)	(10,000)	5,000		(35,914)
Stormwater Drainage Reserve	(473,996)	0	236,722	10,000	(227,274)
Strategic Real Property Reserve	(5,136)	0	(274,073)		(279,209)
Street Lighting Replacement Reserve	(44,755)	(30,000)	0		(74,755)
Subdivision Tree Planting Reserve	(195,795)	40,000	0		(155,795)
Sustainable Energy Reserve	(430,442)	(90,000)	0		(520,442)
Traffic Committee Reserve	0	(50,000)	0		(50,000)
Unexpended External Loans Reserve	(163,087)	0	0		(163,087)
Total Internally Restricted	(29,995,474)	2,462,361	3,191,247	10,000	(24,331,866)

Total Restricted	(89,483,829)	7,054,608	13,140,965	90,500	(69,197,756)

Investment Summary as at 31 January 2017

In accordance with Clause 212 of the Local Government (General) Regulation 2005, details of the City of Wagga Wagga’s external investments are detailed below:

Institution	Rating	Closing Balance Invested 31/12/2016 $	Closing Balance Invested 31/01/2017 $	January EOM Current Yield %	January EOM % of Portfolio	Investment Date	Maturity Date	Term (months)
*Short Term Deposits*
Police Credit Union	NR	1,000,000	1,000,000	2.87%	0.94%	6/12/2016	6/12/2017	12
BOQ	A-	2,000,000	2,000,000	2.75%	1.87%	2/09/2016	4/04/2017	7
NAB	AA-	1,000,000	0	0.00%	0.00%	2/06/2016	3/01/2017	7
NAB	AA-	1,000,000	0	0.00%	0.00%	25/07/2016	25/01/2017	6
BOQ	A-	2,000,000	2,000,000	2.80%	1.87%	7/12/2016	7/07/2017	12
Bank of Sydney	NR	2,000,000	2,000,000	2.75%	1.87%	30/09/2016	29/09/2017	12
CUA	BBB+	1,000,000	1,000,000	3.15%	0.94%	10/02/2016	9/02/2017	12
NAB	AA-	1,000,000	1,000,000	2.74%	0.94%	25/10/2016	25/05/2017	7
ME Bank	BBB+	1,000,000	1,000,000	3.10%	0.94%	23/02/2016	23/02/2017	12
AMP	A+	2,000,000	2,000,000	3.00%	1.87%	2/08/2016	2/08/2017	12
BOQ	A-	1,000,000	1,000,000	2.80%	0.94%	7/11/2016	8/05/2017	6
Bankwest	AA-	2,000,000	2,000,000	2.55%	1.87%	6/12/2016	3/02/2017	2
ME Bank	BBB+	2,000,000	2,000,000	2.80%	1.87%	16/12/2016	16/10/2017	10
*Total Short Term Deposits*		19,000,000	17,000,000	2.82%	15.93%
*At Call Accounts*
NAB	AA-	785,467	2,228,318	1.50%	2.09%	N/A	N/A	N/A
NAB	AA-	10,655,049	13,176,106	2.19%	12.34%	N/A	N/A	N/A
AMP	A+	0	0	0.00%	0.00%	N/A	N/A	N/A
AMP	A+	179,559	179,894	2.20%	0.17%	N/A	N/A	N/A
Beyond Bank	BBB+	74,323	74,386	1.00%	0.07%	N/A	N/A	N/A
CBA	AA-	30,830	30,781	0.00%	0.03%	N/A	N/A	N/A
*Total At Call Accounts*		11,725,228	15,689,485	2.08%	14.70%
*Medium Term Deposits*
RaboBank	A+	1,000,000	1,000,000	6.40%	0.94%	23/04/2012	24/04/2017	60
RaboBank	A+	1,000,000	1,000,000	5.90%	0.94%	4/06/2012	5/06/2017	60
BOQ	A-	1,000,000	1,000,000	6.30%	0.94%	22/08/2012	22/08/2017	60
ING Bank	A-	3,000,000	3,000,000	6.00%	2.81%	24/08/2012	24/08/2017	60
Hume Building Society	NR	1,009,123	1,009,123	4.10%	0.95%	21/08/2014	21/08/2017	36
Banana Coast CU	NR	1,000,000	1,000,000	4.25%	0.94%	3/06/2014	2/06/2017	36
ME Bank	BBB+	2,000,000	2,000,000	4.28%	1.87%	2/09/2014	2/09/2019	60
Rabobank	A+	1,000,000	1,000,000	4.10%	0.94%	5/12/2014	5/12/2019	60
Beyond Bank	BBB+	990,000	990,000	3.70%	0.93%	4/03/2015	4/03/2018	36
Beyond Bank	BBB+	990,000	990,000	3.70%	0.93%	11/03/2015	11/03/2018	36
AMP	A+	2,000,000	2,000,000	3.10%	1.87%	2/06/2015	2/06/2017	24
AMP	A+	1,000,000	1,000,000	3.10%	0.94%	13/07/2015	13/07/2017	24
Bendigo-Adelaide	A-	1,000,000	1,000,000	2.80%	0.94%	1/09/2015	3/03/2017	18
Newcastle Permanent	BBB+	1,000,000	1,000,000	3.00%	0.94%	12/08/2016	12/08/2019	36
Rabobank	A+	1,000,000	1,000,000	3.20%	0.94%	25/08/2016	25/08/2021	60
Institution	Rating	Closing Balance Invested 31/12/2016 $	Closing Balance Invested 31/01/2017 $	January EOM Current Yield %	January EOM % of Portfolio	Investment Date	Maturity Date	Term (months)
*Medium Term Deposits Continued*
Newcastle Permanent	BBB+	1,000,000	1,000,000	3.00%	0.94%	31/08/2016	30/08/2019	36
Police Credit Union	NR	1,000,000	1,000,000	2.90%	0.94%	8/09/2016	10/09/2018	24
*Total Medium Term Deposits*		20,989,123	20,989,123	4.25%	19.66%
*Floating Rate Notes - Senior Debt*
Macquarie Bank	A	3,012,678	3,007,389	BBSW + 290	2.82%	9/03/2012	9/03/2017	60
CUA	BBB+	1,002,019	1,004,742	BBSW + 130	0.94%	28/05/2014	20/03/2017	34
Bendigo-Adelaide	A-	998,132	1,002,475	BBSW + 93	0.94%	17/09/2014	17/09/2019	60
BOQ	A-	1,997,940	2,005,480	BBSW + 110	1.88%	5/08/2014	24/06/2019	58
BOQ	A-	998,203	1,000,039	BBSW + 107	0.94%	6/11/2014	6/11/2019	60
BOQ	A-	1,002,149	1,006,249	BBSW + 107	0.94%	10/11/2014	6/11/2019	60
ME Bank	BBB+	1,003,057	1,005,587	BBSW + 100	0.94%	17/11/2014	17/11/2017	36
ME Bank	BBB+	1,000,139	1,000,269	BBSW + 100	0.94%	17/11/2014	17/11/2017	36
Teachers Mutual	BBB+	1,002,353	1,004,669	BBSW + 105	0.94%	4/12/2014	4/12/2017	36
Newcastle Permanent	BBB+	1,002,460	1,006,160	BBSW + 110	0.94%	27/02/2015	27/02/2018	36
Macquarie Bank	A	2,000,589	2,008,181	BBSW + 110	1.88%	3/03/2015	3/03/2020	60
ANZ	AA-	751,673	750,110	BBSW + 82	0.70%	17/04/2015	17/04/2020	60
Heritage Bank	BBB+	1,001,610	998,220	BBSW + 115	0.94%	7/05/2015	7/05/2018	36
NAB	AA-	996,401	1,001,674	BBSW + 80	0.94%	3/06/2015	3/06/2020	60
Heritage Bank	BBB+	1,001,610	998,220	BBSW + 115	0.94%	9/06/2015	7/05/2018	35
CBA	AA-	1,003,805	1,002,884	BBSW + 90	0.94%	17/07/2015	17/07/2020	60
Westpac	AA-	1,003,830	1,001,700	BBSW + 90	0.94%	28/07/2015	28/07/2020	60
Bendigo-Adelaide	A-	1,002,050	1,006,200	BBSW + 110	0.94%	18/08/2015	18/08/2020	60
Credit Suisse	A	1,002,510	1,006,690	BBSW + 105	0.94%	24/08/2015	24/08/2018	36
Bendigo-Adelaide	A-	1,001,019	1,006,025	BBSW + 110	0.94%	28/09/2015	18/08/2020	59
Westpac	AA-	2,003,801	2,000,983	BBSW + 90	1.87%	30/09/2015	28/07/2020	58
Suncorp-Metway	A+	1,010,598	1,006,976	BBSW + 125	0.94%	20/10/2015	20/10/2020	60
Westpac	AA-	4,036,320	4,027,000	BBSW + 108	3.77%	28/10/2015	28/10/2020	60
AMP	A+	1,805,940	1,813,500	BBSW + 110	1.70%	11/12/2015	11/06/2019	42
CBA	AA-	1,010,406	1,009,813	BBSW + 115	0.95%	18/01/2016	18/01/2021	60
BOQ	A-	1,005,896	1,001,653	BBSW + 100	0.94%	5/02/2016	5/02/2018	24
Rabobank	A+	2,029,394	2,043,588	BBSW + 150	1.91%	4/03/2016	4/03/2021	60
Newcastle Permanent	BBB+	1,003,827	1,008,074	BBSW + 160	0.94%	22/03/2016	22/03/2019	36
CUA	BBB+	2,004,482	2,012,088	BBSW + 160	1.88%	1/04/2016	1/04/2019	36
ANZ	AA-	1,010,757	1,011,234	BBSW + 118	0.95%	7/04/2016	7/04/2021	60
Suncorp-Metway	A+	1,013,620	1,010,361	BBSW + 138	0.95%	21/04/2016	12/04/2021	60
AMP	A+	1,007,583	1,016,045	BBSW + 135	0.95%	24/05/2016	24/05/2021	60
Westpac	AA-	1,007,280	1,013,660	BBSW + 117	0.95%	3/06/2016	3/06/2021	60
CBA	AA-	1,011,442	1,010,877	BBSW + 121	0.95%	12/07/2016	12/07/2021	60
ANZ	AA-	2,007,286	2,022,255	BBSW + 113	1.89%	16/08/2016	16/08/2021	60
BOQ	A-	1,508,268	1,502,613	BBSW + 117	1.41%	26/10/2016	26/10/2020	48
NAB	AA-	1,000,667	1,001,188	BBSW + 105	0.94%	21/10/2016	21/10/2021	60
Teachers Mutual	BBB+	1,508,930	1,500,416	BBSW + 140	1.41%	28/10/2016	28/10/2019	36
Bendigo-Adelaide	A-	1,001,409	1,005,432	BBSW + 110	0.94%	21/11/2016	21/02/2020	39
Institution	Rating	Closing Balance Invested 31/12/2016 $	Closing Balance Invested 31/01/2017 $	January EOM Current Yield %	January EOM % of Portfolio	Investment Date	Maturity Date	Term (months)
*Total Floating Rate Notes - Senior Debt*		51,772,133	51,840,719		48.56%
*Managed Funds*
NSW TCorp	NR	1,238,765	1,228,958	-0.79%	1.15%	17/03/2014	1/01/2022	93
*Total Managed Funds*		1,238,765	1,228,958	-0.79%	1.15%
TOTAL CASH ASSETS, CASH EQUIVALENTS & INVESTMENTS		104,725,248	106,748,285	3.83%	100.00%
LESS: RIVERINA REGIONAL LIBRARY (RRL) CASH		2,051,129	3,194,978
TOTAL WWCC CASH ASSETS, CASH EQUIVALENTS & INVESTMENTS		102,674,119	103,553,308

The City’s portfolio is dominated by Floating Rate Notes (FRN’s) at approximately 49% across a broad range of counterparties. Cash equates to 15% of the City’s portfolio with Term Deposits around 35% and growth funds around 1% of the portfolio.

The City’s investment portfolio is well diversified in complying assets across the entire credit spectrum. It is also well diversified from a rating perspective. Credit quality is diversified and is predominately invested amongst the investment grade ADIs (BBB- or higher), with a smaller allocation to unrated ADIs.

All investments are well within the defined Policy limits, as outlined in the Rating Allocation chart below:

Investment Portfolio Balance

The City’s investment portfolio balance has increased slightly from the previous month’s balance, up from $102.7M to $103.6M.

MONTHLY INVESTMENT MOVEMENTS

Redemptions/Sales – The City redeemed the following investment securities during January 2017:

Institution and Type

Amount

Investment

Term

Interest

Rate

Comments

NAB Term Deposit

$1M

7 months

2.96%

This term deposit was redeemed for cashflow purposes.

NAB Term Deposit

$1M

6 months

2.90%

This term deposit was redeemed and used to purchase a $1M parcel of a Westpac 5yr FRN at BBSW + 111bps.

New Investments – The City of Wagga Wagga did not purchase any new investment securities during January 2017.

Rollovers – The City of Wagga Wagga did not roll over any investment securities during January 2017.

MONTHLY PERFORMANCE

Interest/growth/capital gains for the month totaled $346,892 which compares favourably with the budget for the period of $257,250 – out performing budget for the January month by $89,642. This is mainly attributable to the continued strong growth period for Council’s Floating Rate Note (FRN) portfolio with many of these investments continuing to trade at a premium.

It should be noted that the capital market value of these FRN investments will fluctuate from month to month and that the City continues to receive the coupon payments and the face value of the investment security when sold or at maturity.

It is also important to note that the City’s investment portfolio balance is currently over $103M, which is tracking above what was originally predicted. This is mainly due to timing of some of the City’s major projects, either not yet commenced or not as advanced as originally predicted. It is anticipated that over the coming months the portfolio balance will reduce with the construction of major projects.

The City’s portfolio performance continues to be anchored by the longer-dated deposits in the portfolio, particularly those locked in above 4% yields. It is to be noted that the average deposit yield will inevitably fall as some of the longer-dated deposits mature throughout the 2017 calendar year.

In comparison to the AusBond Bank Bill Index* (+2.04%pa), the City’s investment portfolio in total returned 3.83% for January. Short term deposits returned 2.82%. These funds are utilised for daily cash flow management and need to be available to meet operating and contractual payments as they come due.

* The AusBond Bank Bill Index is the leading benchmark for the Australian fixed income market. It is interpolated from the RBA Cash rate, 1 month and 3 month Bank Bill Swap rates.

Report by Responsible Accounting Officer

I hereby certify that all of the above investments have been made in accordance with the provision of Section 625 of the Local Government Act 1993 and the regulations there under, and in accordance with the WWCC Investments Policy adopted by Council on 26 August 2013.

Carolyn Rodney

Responsible Accounting Officer

Policy

Budget Variations are reported in accordance with Council’s POL 052 Budget Policy.

Investments are reported in accordance with Council’s POL 075 Investment Policy.

Link to Strategic Plan

1. We are an engaged and involved community

1.1 We are a community that is informed and involved in decisions impacting us

Risk Management Issues for Council

No specific issues identified.

Internal / External Consultation

All relevant areas within the City of Wagga Wagga have consulted with the Finance Division in regards to the budget variations listed in this report.

The Finance Division has consulted with relevant external parties to confirm the City’s investment portfolio balances.

Report submitted to the Ordinary Meeting of Council on Monday 27 February 2017. RP-15

RP-15 Revalution of Land Values Base Date 1 July 2016

Author: Katsoolis, Craig

Sector Manager: Te Pohe, Natalie

Analysis:

The purpose of this report is to detail the results of the recent General Revaluation that has occurred on all land within the City of Wagga Wagga Local Government area, and the likely impact on ratepayers.

The City of Wagga Wagga’s rates income for 2017/18 is only permitted to be increased by 1.5% (IPART rate peg). The receipt of the 2016 land values from the Valuer General which are to be applied from 01/07/17 will have no effect on the City’s total rates income.

Recommendation

That Council:

a receive and note the contents of the report on the 2016 Revaluation for the City of Wagga Wagga

b note that the recently received Revaluation of Land Values supplied by the NSW Valuer General with a base date 1 July 2016 and to be applied from 2017/18 rating year, will have no effect on the City’s total rates income for 2017/18 which will only increase by the 1.5% IPART set rate peg

Key Reasons

The Valuer General of NSW has advised that a general revaluation of all land within the City of Wagga Wagga has been undertaken with a base date of 01/07/2016.

On average land values have risen approximately 7% in the three (3) years since the last general revaluation.

The following table summarises the changes in total land values for each City of Wagga Wagga rating category as a result of the base date 01/07/2016 General Revaluation.

Rating Category	2013 Land Valuations	2016 Land Valuations	% Variation
Residential – City and Suburbs	2,599,251,111	2,791,718,636	7.4%
Residential – Other	257,388,600	290,244,970	12.8%
Residential – Villages	71,290,420	78,609,400	10.3%
Business – City and Suburbs	724,688,174	721,219,306	-0.5%
Business – Villages and Rural	13,097,440	14,364,820	9.7%
Farmland	1,214,291,520	1,331,822,510	9.7%
Totals and Average %	4,880,007,265	5,227,979,642	7.1%

The 1 July 2016 land values are effective for rating purposes from 1 July 2017 i.e. they will be applied from the 2017/18 rating year. The City’s currently using land values supplied by the Valuer General with a base date of 1 July 2013.

General revaluations occur every three (3) years and Council must, in conjunction with the preparation of the Draft Management Plan determine the rating structure on an annual basis in accordance with section 494 of the Local Government Act 1993.

Given that overall land values have risen on average 7%, Council will have to adjust the amounts levied per dollar (known as the Ad Valorem rate in the dollar), so that total income does not increase by more than the rate peg percentage increase of 1.5%, and incorporate this adjustment into the Long Term Financial Plan.

The 2016/17 and 2017/18 rates in the dollar (Ad Valorem amount) and minimum rates are shown in the table below:

Rating Category	2016/17		2017/18
Rating Category	Ad Valorem Amount	Minimum Rate	Ad Valorem Amount	Minimum Rate
Residential - City and Suburbs	0.0083710	$656.00	0.0078380	$665.00
Residential - Other	0.0065490	$295.00	0.0059020	$299.00
Residential – Villages	0.0056570	$248.00	0.0052450	$251.00
Business - City and Suburbs	0.0144310	$629.00	0.0147300	$638.00
Business - Villages and Rural	0.0071280	$106.00	0.0066070	$107.00
Farmland	0.0038750	$285.00	0.0035850	$289.00
SRV-Levee Special Rate
Residential - City and Suburbs Special Rate - Levee upgrade	0.0003370	N/A	0.0003182	N/A
Residential–Other Special Rate - Levee upgrade	0.0002640	N/A	0.0002370	N/A
Residential – Villages Special Rate - Levee upgrade	0.0002280	N/A	0.0002098	N/A
Business - City and Suburbs Special Rate - Levee upgrade	0.0005810	N/A	0.0005925	N/A
Business - Villages and Rural Special Rate - Levee upgrade	0.0002870	N/A	0.0002650	N/A
Farmland - Special Rate - Levee upgrade	0.0000729	N/A	0.0000675	N/A

Impact on rate payers

Whilst Council is only permitted to increase its total rate income by 1.5% for 2017/18 the application of the 1 July 2016 Land Value Revaluation will impact on rate payers whose land values have moved either greater than or less than the average for the respective rate category.

For example, Residential Wagga land values have increased on average by 7.4% from the 2013 base date land values. The Valuer General notes that some suburbs as detailed below have experienced land values increases and decreases greater than the overall average increase.

Excerpt from Valuer General’s Contractors report QV Australia:

http://www.valuergeneral.nsw.gov.au/land_value_summaries/reports/Wagga_Wagga.pdf

“SIGNIFICANT VALUE CHANGES – FROM PRIOR TO CURRENT ANNUAL VALUATION

There have not been any significant value changes from the prior to current annual valuation.

Value changes have occurred more consistently over the past 3 years since the previous General Valuation, as outlined below.

Since the last Annual Valuation in 2015, rural values have shown a resurgence with land values showing a moderate increase. Residential values are overall showing a moderate increase, following the same overall trend from the previous valuation year and demonstrating that the current market levels are slowly rising. Industrial and industrial influenced business areas along

the highway and the Dobney Avenue area are steady whereas central and suburban business areas show a slight to strong increase.

Residential property in certain suburbs within the LGA have overall increased and decreased at differing rates:

· Bourkelands and Tatton have shown strong increases.

· South West Tolland – pocket of low value/quality dwellings, and Kooringal around parts of Ziegler/Edney/Tichbourne have shown a strong decrease.

Since the last local government council rating valuation year, values overall in Wagga Wagga have moderately increased and there have been few significant changes. The following property types and/or locations had notable changes:

· Tatton, Bourkelands, the original part of Estella, Boorooma East, Central and Outer Wagga, Lake Albert have all had strong increases.

· Springvale, Lake Albert, and Glenoak hobby blocks have had strong increases.

· Low value/quality pockets of Ashmont, Tolland and Kooringal have had very strong decreases in values.

· Village of Mangoplah – a very strong increase off a low value base.

· Industrial values overall have had a moderate decrease.

· Rural primary production lands have had a moderate increase”.

Overall as noted earlier the movement in land values does not net the City any additional income. The rate in dollar for each rating category has been adjusted to ensure that only a 1.5% increase in total rates income will be received by the City in 2017/18.

Rate payers whose land values have increased significantly over the respective rating category average land value movement will experience an increase in rates greater than the average rate increase.

Conversely rate payers whose land values have not increased at or greater than the average movement for their respective rate category will experience a reduction in rates payable compared to the category average.

The table below is example of the variations of residential land value movements over the City noting the average residential land value increase was 7.4%.

Suburb – example property (variations occur throughout Localities)	2013 Land Value –example property	2016 Land Value example property	% change	Locality/Suburb Average
Central Wagga Wagga	251,000	280,000	11.55%	10.3%
Bourkelands	108,000	150,000	38.8%	19%
Tatton	149,000	180,000	20.80%	22%
Estella	107,000	125,000	16.82%	12.8%
Glenfield	104,000	109,000	4.8%	4.9%
Ashmont	75,000	80,000	6.6%	-8.5%
Tolland	85,800	86,000	0.23%	-6.7%
Turvey Park	145,000	149,000	2.75%	4.7%
Forest Hill	94,500	115,000	21.69%	10.7%
Lake Albert	149,000	165,000	10.73%	11.3%
Lloyd	115,000	130,000	13.04%	4.7%
North Wagga	79,800	88,000	10.27%	10.5%
Kooringal	136,000	142,000	4.41%	3.4%

A rates calculator of the draft 2017/18 rates structure will be placed on the City’s website during the 2017/18 Delivery Plan exhibition period to allow rate payers to forecast their 2017/18 rates.

Attached to this report is a summary of the average land value movements for each locality by rating category.

Financial Implications

Overall as noted earlier the increase in land values applicable to 01/07/2016 revaluation does not net the City any additional income. The rate in dollar for each rating category has been adjusted to ensure that there is overall only a 1.5% increase in total rates income to be received by Council in 2017/18.

The rates income which would be generated based on the 1/07/2016 land values and 1.5% IPART rate peg follows:

Proposed Rates Structure 2017/18

Policy

This will have an impact on Council’s Revenue and Pricing Policy for 2017/18.

Link to Strategic Plan

1. We are an engaged and involved community

1.1 We are a community that is informed and involved in decisions impacting us

Risk Management Issues for Council

No specific issues identified.

Internal / External Consultation

The Valuer General website provides a summary of the 2016 Revaluation for the City of Wagga Wagga (from 2015 to 2016).

http://www.valuergeneral.nsw.gov.au/land_value_summaries/lga.php?lga=575

Attachments

1 ⇩.

Average Land Valuation Movement by Rate Category

Report submitted to the Confidential Meeting of Council on Monday 27 February 2017.

Minutes of the Ordinary Meeting of Council held on Monday 30 January 2017.

Present

The Mayor, Councillor Greg Conkey OAM

Councillor Yvonne Braid

Councillor Paul Funnell

Councillor Dan Hayes

Councillor Vanessa Keenan

Councillor Rod Kendall

Councillor Tim Koschel

Councillor Kerry Pascoe

Councillor Dallas Tout

In Attendance

General Manager (Mr A Eldridge)

Financial Sector Manager (Mrs N Te Pohe)

Community Sector Manager (Mrs J Summerhayes)

Commercial Operations Sector Manager (Mrs C Angel)

Commercial Development Sector Manager (Mr P Somerville)

Manager Audit, Risk & Governance (Mrs I Hensley)

Manager Finance (Mrs C Rodney)

Manager Project Operations (Mr S Postma)

Manager Executive Support (Mr S Gray)

Senior Town Planner (Mrs C Rocks)

Project Manager (Mr D Woods)

Project Advisor (Mr C Richardson)

Strategic Partner – Corporate Governance & Risk (Mrs N Johnson)

Project Communications Officer (Miss S Post)

Governance Officer (Miss B King)

Acting Manager Community Services (Mrs C Campbell)

Technical and Production Coordinator (Mrs L Collins)

Prayer

Almighty God,

Help protect our Mayor, elected Councillors and staff.

Help Councillors to govern with justice, integrity, and respect for equality, to preserve rights and liberties, to be guided by wisdom when making decisions and settling priorities, and not least of all to preserve harmony.

Amen.

Acknowledgement Of Country

I would like to acknowledge the Wiradjuri people who are the Traditional Custodians of this Land. I would also like to pay respect to the Elders both past and present of the Wiradjuri Nation and extend that respect to other Community members present.

APOLOGIES

No apologies received.

CONFIRMATION OF MINUTES

CM-1 ORDINARY COUNCIL MEETING - 12 DECEMBER 2016

17/001 RESOLVED:

On the Motion of Councillors T Koschel and R Kendall

That the Minutes of the proceedings of the Ordinary Council Meeting held on 12 December 2016 be confirmed as a true and accurate record.

CARRIED

RECORD OF VOTING ON THE MOTION

For the Motion	Against the Motion
Y Braid
G Conkey OAM
P Funnell
D Hayes
V Keenan
R Kendall
T Koschel
K Pascoe
D Tout

DECLARATIONS OF INTEREST

Councillor R Kendall declared a Pecuniary Interest in RP-2 DA16/0660 - ALTERATIONS AND ADDITIONS INCLUDING THIRD STOREY AND SECONDARY DWELLING - 58 LAKEHAVEN DRIVE, LAKE ALBERT, Lot 16 DP 775377 the reason being that the property abuts the rear property boundary of his residence and vacated the chamber during its consideration.

Councillor D Tout declared a Significant, Non Pecuniary Interest in CONF-4 RFT2017/12 HIRED PLANT, FLEET AND EQUIPMENT the reason being that one of his direct staff and her husband were one of the companies who expressed an interest in that tender and were successful in being added to the list of suppliers and vacated the chamber during its consideration.

Councillor G Conkey declared a Significant, Pecuniary Interest in RP-3 DA16/0364 – SHOP TOP HOUSING 2 BEDROOM DWELLING the reason being that his son and daughter in law are part owners of Romanos and vacated the chamber during its consideration.

The General Manager, Mr Alan Eldridge declared a Non-Pecuniary Interest in RP-2 DA16/0660 - ALTERATIONS AND ADDITIONS INCLUDING THIRD STOREY AND SECONDARY DWELLING - 58 LAKEHAVEN DRIVE, LAKE ALBERT, Lot 16 DP 775377 the reason being that he lives in Lakehaven Drive and vacated the chamber during its consideration.

Councillor R Kendall declared a Pecuniary Interest in CONF-4 RFT2017/12 HIRED PLANT, FLEET AND EQUIPMENT the reason being that one of the tenderers is a business associate and vacated the chamber during its consideration.

MOTIONS OF WHICH DUE NOTICE HAS BEEN GIVEN

NOM-1 NOTICE OF MOTION - RIVER SAFETY PROGRAM

17/002 RESOLVED:

On the Motion of Councillors V Keenan and P Funnell

That Council, in consultation with Royal Lifesaving Australia and other relevant stakeholders, investigate options for improving river safety within the Wagga Local Government Area as part of the 2017/18 budget process that includes:

a review of safety signage and costed recommendations

b review of potential costs and funding sources as well as investigating the effectiveness of reinstating a lifeguard program at Wagga Beach

c development and implementation of an annual river safety communications campaign through social media and existing Council communication platforms

CARRIED

RECORD OF VOTING ON THE MOTION

For the Motion	Against the Motion
Y Braid
G Conkey OAM
P Funnell
D Hayes
V Keenan
R Kendall
T Koschel
K Pascoe
D Tout

NOM-2 NOTICE OF MOTION - CONFERENCE CENTRE PROJECT

17/003 RESOLVED:

On the Motion of Councillors D Hayes and V Keenan

That Council receives:

a a Councillor workshop on the impact of the proposed clay target building to the current plans for a multi-purpose stadium at Equex, masterplan for Bolton Park, and the recently approved PCYC building, as well as any other future plans impacting upon a conference centre

b a report that examines strategies on how to work closer with State and Federal members to avoid replication of facilities and allow planning to occur that can factor in all options

CARRIED

RECORD OF VOTING ON THE MOTION

For the Motion	Against the Motion
Y Braid
G Conkey OAM
P Funnell
D Hayes
V Keenan
R Kendall
T Koschel
K Pascoe
D Tout

PROCEDURAL MOTION - ENGLOBO

17/004 RESOLVED:

On the Motion of Councillors P Funnell and R Kendall

That the standing orders be varied for the meeting as set out hereunder:

· Items where councillors wish to speak

· Items where no councillors wish to speak

· Confidential

· Matter of urgency

· Closure of Meeting

That RP-4 be adopted as recommended in the business papers.

CARRIED

REPORTS FROM STAFF

RP-1 DA16/0585 - MULTI-DWELLING HOUSING - 2 x 3 BED DWELLINGS (EXISTING DWELLING RETAINED) - 16B BROAD STREET WAGGA WAGGA NSW 2650

17/005 RESOLVED:

On the Motion of Councillors D Hayes and T Koschel

That Council approve DA16/0585 for multi-unit development at 16B Broad Street Wagga Wagga NSW 2650, subject to the conditions outlined in the Section 79C Assessment Report for DA16/0585 with the addition of the following conditions:

2 (a) Prior to the release of a Construction Certificate, plans shall be submitted to the satisfaction of the Commercial Sector Manager or their delegate, showing the existing gravel laneway to be upgraded to provide a consistent cross fall to a kerb or dish drain and adequate stormwater works for discharge into Broad Street/laneway.

Prior to occupation of the site, the laneway shall be sealed with a two-coat bitumen seal in accordance with Council’s Engineering Guidelines including any preparation of the pavement base layers. The plans shall identify existing services in the laneway and any service adjustments required as a result of the works. Levels in the laneway shall match all existing driveways currently serviced by the laneway. All works are at full cost to the developer.

REASON: To provide for the drainage of stormwater and increase the capacity of the road system in the locality of the proposed development. Sections 79C(1)(b) of the Environmental Planning and Assessment Act 1979, as amended.

30 (a) All laneway works shall be completed in accordance with Condition 2 (a) and to the satisfaction of Council prior to occupation of the development.

CARRIED

Click here for DA Adopted Conditions

RECORD OF VOTING ON DEVELOPMENT OR PLANNING MATTERS - SECTION 375A(3) LOCAL GOVERNMENT ACT 1993

For the Motion	Against the Motion
Y Braid
G Conkey OAM
P Funnell
D Hayes
V Keenan
R Kendall
T Koschel
K Pascoe
D Tout

RP-2 DA16/0660 - ALTERATIONS AND ADDITIONS INCLUDING THIRD STOREY AND SECONDARY DWELLING - 58 LAKEHAVEN DRIVE, LAKE ALBERT, Lot 16 DP 775377

Councillor R Kendall declared a Pecuniary Interest and vacated the chamber, the time being 6:39pm.

The General Manager, Mr Alan Eldridge declared a Pecuniary Interest and vacated the chamber, the time being 6.39pm.

17/006 RESOLVED:

On the Motion of Councillors T Koschel and K Pascoe

That Council approve DA16/0660 for alterations and additions including a third storey and secondary dwelling at 58 Lakehaven Drive, Lake Albert, Wagga Wagga NSW Lot 16 DP 775377, subject to conditions outlined in the Section 79C Assessment Report attached.

CARRIED

Click here for DA16/0660 Adopted Conditions

RECORD OF VOTING ON DEVELOPMENT OR PLANNING MATTERS - SECTION 375A(3) LOCAL GOVERNMENT ACT 1993

For the Motion	Against the Motion
Y Braid
G Conkey OAM
P Funnell
D Hayes
V Keenan
T Koschel
K Pascoe
D Tout

Councillor R Kendall re-entered the chamber at 6:40pm.

General Manager, Mr Alan Eldridge re-entered the chamber , the time being 6.40pm

RP-3 DA16/0364 - SHOP TOP HOUSING 2 BEDROOM DWELLING

The Mayor, Councillor G Conkey OAM declared a Pecuniary Interest and vacated the chair and the chamber, the time being 6:40pm.

The Deputy Mayor, Councillor D Tout assumed the chair, the time being 6.40pm.

17/007 RESOLVED:

On the Motion of Councillors P Funnell and T Koschel

That Council approve DA16/0364 for Shop Top Housing development at 80 Fitzmaurice Street Wagga Wagga NSW 2650, subject to conditions outlined in the Section 79C Assessment Report for DA16/0364.

CARRIED

Click here for DA16/0364 Adopted Conditions

RECORD OF VOTING ON DEVELOPMENT OR PLANNING MATTERS - SECTION 375A(3) LOCAL GOVERNMENT ACT 1993

For the Motion	Against the Motion
Y Braid
P Funnell
D Hayes
V Keenan
R Kendall
T Koschel
K Pascoe
D Tout

Councillor D Tout vacated the chair, the time being 6.54pm.

The Mayor, Councillor G Conkey OAM re-entered the chamber and assumed the chair, the time being 6:54pm.

RP-4 ANNUAL DISCLOSURE OF PECUNIARY INTEREST RETURNS - NEW COUNCILLORS AND DESIGNATED STAFF

17/008 RESOLVED:

On the Motion of Councillors P Funnell and R Kendall

That the Register of Disclosure of Interest Returns, as tabled at the meeting, and containing returns for newly elected Councillors and newly appointed staff who are Designated Persons, be received by Council.

CARRIED

RECORD OF VOTING ON THE MOTION

For the Motion	Against the Motion
Y Braid
G Conkey OAM
P Funnell
D Hayes
V Keenan
R Kendall
T Koschel
K Pascoe
D Tout

RP-5 PROPOSED ESTABLISHMENT OF A DETENTION BASIN ON LOT 2 DP 702330 AT BOOROOMA

17/009 RESOLVED:

On the Motion of Councillors P Funnell and T Koschel

That Council defer PROPOSED ESTABLISHMENT OF A DETENTION BASIN ON LOT 2 DP 702330 AT BOOROOMA pending further information from the General Manager.

CARRIED

RECORD OF VOTING ON THE MOTION

For the Motion	Against the Motion
Y Braid
G Conkey OAM
P Funnell
D Hayes
V Keenan
R Kendall
T Koschel
K Pascoe
D Tout

RP-6 FINANCIAL PERFORMANCE REPORT AND QUARTERLY BUDGET REVIEW AS AT 31 DECEMBER 2016

17/010 RESOLVED:

On the Motion of Councillors R Kendall and D Tout

That Council:

a approve the proposed 2016/17 budget variations for the month ended 31 December 2016 and note the deficit budget of ($72K) as presented in this report

b note the Responsible Accounting Officer’s reports, in accordance with the Local Government (General) Regulation 2005 (Part 9 Division 3: Clause 203) that the financial position of Council is satisfactory having regard to the original estimates of income and expenditure and the recommendations made above

c note details of the external investments as at 31 December 2016 in accordance with Section 625 of the Local Government Act 1993

CARRIED

RECORD OF VOTING ON THE MOTION

For the Motion	Against the Motion
Y Braid
G Conkey OAM
P Funnell
D Hayes
V Keenan
R Kendall
T Koschel
K Pascoe
D Tout

COMMITTEE MINUTES

M-1 RIVERINA REGIONAL LIBRARY ADVISORY COMMITTEE MINUTES - 30 NOVEMBER 2016

17/011 RESOLVED:

On the Motion of Councillors K Pascoe and P Funnell

That Council:

a receive and note the minutes of the Riverina Regional Library Advisory Committee Meeting held on 30 November 2016

b endorse the inclusion of $20,000 additional funding for the Mobile Library collection in the 2017-18 budget

c endorse the cost of this funding increase to be divided amongst the member Councils that use the mobile library on the same basis that existing mobile costs are allocated, that being on a percentage of use basis

d endorse the Mobile Library collections allocation to be subject to the agreed RRL funding model, which applies the annual rate pegging variation to operational costs

CARRIED

RECORD OF VOTING ON THE MOTION

For the Motion	Against the Motion
Y Braid
G Conkey OAM
P Funnell
D Hayes
V Keenan
R Kendall
T Koschel
K Pascoe
D Tout

QUESTIONS/BUSINESS WITH NOTICE

The following Questions/Business with Notice were raised to be addressed in the next available Business Paper.