Minutes of Ordinary Meeting of Council - Monday, 22 February 2021

Minutes of the Ordinary Meeting of Council held on Monday 22 February 2021.

The Mayor, Councillor Greg Conkey OAM

Councillor Yvonne Braid OAM

Councillor Dan Hayes

Councillor Vanessa Keenan

Councillor Rod Kendall

Councillor Tim Koschel

Councillor Kerry Pascoe

Councillor Dallas Tout

General Manager (Mr P Thompson)

Director Corporate Services (Mrs N Te Pohe)

Director Community (Mrs J Summerhayes)

Director Operations (Mr W Faulkner)

Director Projects & Strategy (Mr D Raeck)

Director Regional Activation (Mr M Keys)

Manager Audit, Risk & Governance (Ms I Hensley)

Manager Community Services (Ms M Scully)

Visitor Economy & Events Coordinator (Mrs F Hamilton)

Manager Council Businesses (Mr D Woods)

Manager Finance (Mrs C Rodney)

Manager Development Assessment & Building

Certification (Mr P O’Brien)

Corporate Governance Coordinator (Mrs N Johnson)

Communications & Engagement Officer (Mr S Shaw)

Governance Officer (Ms K West)

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.

No apologies were received.

Council noted that Councillor P Funnell was absent due to suspension under section 440K of the Local Government Act 1993.

Confirmation of Minutes

CM-1 Ordinary Council Meeting - 8 February 2021

21/032 RESOLVED:

On the Motion of Councillors T Koschel and K Pascoe

That the Minutes of the proceedings of the Ordinary Council Meeting held on 8 February 2021 be confirmed as a true and accurate record.

RECORD OF VOTING ON THE MOTION

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

Declarations Of Interest

Councillor R Kendall declared a Non-Significant, Non-Pecuniary Interest in CONF-2 AIRPORT SUB-LEASE HANGAR SITE 20 the reason being that the lessee are well known to him and remained in the chamber during its consideration.

Councillor R Kendall declared a Non-Significant, Non-Pecuniary Interest in CONF-3 AIRPORT SUB-LEASE HANGER SITE 13 the reason being that the lessee are well known to him and remained in the chamber during its consideration.

Councillor T Koschel declared a Significant, Non-Pecuniary Interest in NOM-1 Notice of Motion - Pedestrian access around Equex Centre the reason being that a family member’s business is named in the Report and vacated the chamber during its consideration.

Councillor T Koschel declared a Non-Significant, Non-Pecuniary Interest in RP-5 FINANCIAL PERFORMANCE REPORT AS AT 31 JANUARY 2021 the reason being that his workplace is named in the Report and remained in the chamber during its consideration.

Councillor D Tout declared a Significant Non-Pecuniary Interest in CONF-2 AIRPORT SUB-LEASE HANGAR SITE 20 the reason being that one of the parties is known to him and vacated the chamber during its consideration.

Councillor V Keenan declared a Non-Significant, Non-Pecuniary Interest in RP-2 COVID-19 Fast Track Events Sponsorship the reason being that she has previously worked and undertaken consultancy work for an organisation named in the Report and remained in the chamber during its consideration.

The Mayor Councillor G Conkey OAM declared a Non-Significant, Non-Pecuniary Interest in RP-6 Section 356 Requests for Financial Assistance the reason being that he is a senior active member of South Wagga Apex and remained in the chamber during its consideration.

PROCEDURAL MOTION - CHANGE IN STANDING ORDERS

21/033 RESOLVED:

On the Motion of Councillors K Pascoe and R Kendall

That Council bring forward consideration of ENGLOBO.

PROCEDURAL MOTION - ENGLOBO

21/034 RESOLVED:

On the Motion of Councillors R Kendall and K Pascoe

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-1, RP-2, RP-3, RP-6, RP-7, RP-9, M-1, CONF-1 and CONF-3 be adopted as recommended in the business papers.

RECORD OF VOTING ON THE MOTION

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

Motions Of Which Due Notice Has Been Given

NOM-1 Notice of Motion - Pedestrian access around Equex Centre

Councillor T Koschel declared a Significant Non-Pecuniary Interest and vacated the chamber, the time being 6.05pm.

21/035 RESOLVED:

On the Motion of Councillors D Hayes and R Kendall

That Council:

a receive and acknowledge the accompanying letter from the Wagga Wagga Netball Association

b receive a report on improving pedestrian movements surrounding the Equex centre

RECORD OF VOTING ON THE MOTION

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

Councillor T Koschel re-entered the chamber, the time being 6.24pm.

NOM-2 NOTICE OF MOTION - Affordable Housing Models

21/036 RESOLVED:

On the Motion of Councillors D Hayes and R Kendall

That Council receive a report that:

a outlines any current strategies we have for providing and promoting affordable housing to meet the needs of the community

b outlines any further model/s of affordable housing suitable for Wagga Wagga

c informs Councillors of any relevant State or Federal Government strategy for social, affordable or community housing

RECORD OF VOTING ON THE MOTION

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

Reports from Staff

RP-1 DA20/0741 - Dwelling with attached garage and shed

21/037 RESOLVED:

On the Motion of Councillors R Kendall and K Pascoe

That Council approve DA20/0741 for construction of a single storey dwelling with attached garage and shed, at 5 Lakesend Place, Lake Albert, Lot 52 DP 1235752 as outlined in the attached Section 4.15 report and subject to the conditions of consent contained within the attached draft notice of determination.

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

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

RP-2 COVID-19 Fast Track Events Sponsorship

21/038 RESOLVED:

On the Motion of Councillors R Kendall and K Pascoe

That Council authorise the General Manager or their delegate to enter into an agreement to sponsor the following events through the 2020/21 Events Sponsorship budget:

a. Kylie Biltris, Art Starts Here (Murray Arts) to the amount of $7,818

b. Ladysmith Tourist Railway Inc. to the amount of $4,000

c. Catherine van der Rijt (Eastbourne Road Pty Ltd) to the amount of $10,000

RECORD OF VOTING ON THE MOTION

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

RP-3 AIRPORT HANGAR SITE 140

21/039 RESOLVED:

On the Motion of Councillors R Kendall and K Pascoe

That Council authorise the General Manager to execute documents regarding sub-lease on Airport Hangar Site 140, Wagga Wagga Airport subject to consent from the Commonwealth Government.

RECORD OF VOTING ON THE MOTION

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

RP-4 COMMUNITY WORKS RESERVE - ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA

21/040 RESOLVED:

On the Motion of Councillors T Koschel and K Pascoe

That Council approve the proposed eligibility criteria and process for the allocation of funds from the Community Works Reserve.

RECORD OF VOTING ON THE MOTION

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

RP-5 FINANCIAL PERFORMANCE REPORT AS AT 31 JANUARY 2021

21/041 RESOLVED:

On the Motion of Councillors V Keenan and T Koschel

That Council:

a approve the proposed 2020/21 budget variations for the month ended 31 January 2021 and note the continued forecast deficit budget position as a result of COVID‑19

b approve the Pending Projects budgets outlined within the report to be included in the 2020/21 Confirmed Capital Works Delivery Program

c approve the transfer of the remaining 2020/21 Pending Project Capital budgets to future financial years of the Long Term Financial Plan

d 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

e note the details of the external investments as at 31 January 2021 in accordance with section 625 of the Local Government Act 1993

RECORD OF VOTING ON THE MOTION

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

RP-6 Section 356 Requests for Financial Assistance

21/042 RESOLVED:

On the Motion of Councillors R Kendall and K Pascoe

That Council:

a in accordance with Section 356 of the Local Government Act 1993, provide financial assistance to the following:

i Tarcutta Soldiers Memorial Hall $414 (Request 1)

ii Cricket Wagga $497 (Request 2)

iii Claudia Barton $195 maximum (Request 3)

iv South Wagga Apex Club $100 (Request 4)

b note the proposed budget available for financial assistance requests for the remainder of the 2020/21 financial year

RECORD OF VOTING ON THE MOTION

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

RP-7 Oasis Gas Supply Contract

21/043 RESOLVED:

On the Motion of Councillors R Kendall and K Pascoe

That Council:

a note that the current contract for the supply of natural gas to the Oasis Regional Aquatic Centre expires on 31 March 2021

b note that suppliers of this type of commodity will generally only hold their prices firm for a period of five (5) days from the date of the Tender submission, which is insufficient time to then present a report to Council before the offer expires

c note and endorse the General Manager or their delegate, to enter into a contract with the successful Tenderer for the supply of natural gas to the Oasis Regional Aquatic Centre for a period of one (1) year plus 3 by 12-month extension options at Council’s sole discretion

d authorise the affixing of Council’s Common Seal to all relevant documents as required

RECORD OF VOTING ON THE MOTION

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

RP-8 RESOLUTIONS AND NOTICES OF MOTIONS REGISTERS

21/044 RESOLVED:

On the Motion of Councillors V Keenan and T Koschel

That Council defer consideration of the Council’s resolution registers until 22 March 2021.

RECORD OF VOTING ON THE MOTION

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

RP-9 RESPONSE TO QUESTIONS/BUSINESS WITH NOTICE

21/045 RESOLVED:

On the Motion of Councillors R Kendall and K Pascoe

That Council receive and note the report.

RECORD OF VOTING ON THE MOTION

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

Committee Minutes

M-1 FLOODPLAIN RISK MANAGEMENT ADVISORY COMMITTEE - MINUTES - 2 FEBRUARY 2021

21/046 RESOLVED:

On the Motion of Councillors R Kendall and K Pascoe

That Council receive and note the minutes of the Floodplain Risk Management Advisory Committee meeting held on 2 February 2021.

RECORD OF VOTING ON THE MOTION

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

QUESTIONS/BUSINESS WITH NOTICE

During the meeting the following matters were taken on notice requiring a response back to all Councillors:

· Councillor D Tout requested advice, if Council received any correspondence from Equex Centre user groups including Wagga Netball in relation to the expansion of the Equex Centre and pedestrian access around the centre.

· Councillor D Tout requested that Councillors be provided with a detailed plan of the Kooringal link of the Active Travel Plan.

· Councillor K Pascoe and V Keenan requested an update on the Botanic Gardens Museum Site Redevelopment project including design and construct and timeframes.

· Councillor K Pascoe requested an update on the Lake Albert Road upgrade including reasons for delay.

The following matters were raised by Councillors during Questions/Business with Notice.

· Councillor R Kendall requested advice on the accuracy of a Letter to the Editor published in the Daily Advertiser on Thursday 18 February 2021, stating “the water was being directed around the lake into the river and being sold”.

The General Manager, Mr Peter Thompson provided a response stating that the statement was incorrect that the water is not being directed around the lake and being sold.

· Councillor T Koschel requested information on the ultrasonic units/pontoons in Lake Albert. Particularly in response to safety concerns with the infrastructure for skiers and boat users given increased usage of the lake.

The General Manager, Mr Peter Thompson provided a response stating the pontoons will be removed at the request of the Wagga Boat Club.

In relation to the future of the ultrasonic units, Council will receive a future detailed report to consider an analysis of options for determination by Council such as purchasing the units.

· Councillor T Koschel thanked Director Operations, Warren Faulkner, for his quick response and reply, following his question relating to flooding in Best Street at the last Council meeting and his communication with residents in the area.

· Councillor K Pascoe requested Council investigate the condition of the footpath between Best Street and Fox Street on the Northern side of Edward Street.

· Councillor K Pascoe and Councillor V Keenan requested Council investigate the condition of the road surface in Fox Street / Little Fox Street.

· Councillor K Pascoe requested Council investigate the storage of a large quantity of rock on the South Eastern side of the rail line at the Pearson Street overpass and advise of works being undertaken by the ARTC.

· Councillor D Hayes acknowledged and congratulated residents of Wiradjuri who have beautified the laneway connecting Wiradjuri and Central. Noting this laneway could be a potential model for other laneways in the City.

· Councillor D Hayes thanked and noted appreciation to Council’s Development Services staff in particular Paul O’Brien and Cameron Collins on their support and briefings to the Southern Joint Regional Planning Panel in relation to the significant hospital development.

· Councillor D Hayes requested an update on the upgrade of Gregadoo Road, in particular pedestrian access from Mater Dei to Plumpton Road.

· Councillor V Keenan requested an indication of costs associated with the damage and vandalism at Lake Albert.

The General Manager, Mr Peter Thompson advised there was no cost associated with the removal of the shutters. The cost associated with the destruction of the gates on the weir that keeps the lake full including engineering design, age of the concrete and replacement gates is $6060.

· Councillor V Keenan and The Mayor, G Conkey OAM acknowledged and congratulated staff of the Wagga Wagga Art Gallery on the highly successful launch on Saturday night, noting it was wonderful to see so many people supporting arts and culture in our community.

· Councillor V Keenan acknowledged and congratulated staff of the Wagga Wagga Civic Theatre for their upcoming launch this week, noting their significant effort, given the previous tough year for the arts and performing arts industry.

· The Mayor, Councillor G Conkey OAM noted the previous Question with Notice from Councillor P Funnell, regarding the installation of lighting at the Old Narrandera / Pine Gully Road intersection. Noting the response and length of time for permanent lighting to be installed. He requested that Council investigate the installation of portable solar lights as a quick and cost effective temporary solution.

· The Mayor, Councillor G Conkey OAM congratulated organisers and staff involved in the upcoming Junior State Touch Congress to be held over the weekend. The Mayor, Councillor G Conkey OAM passed on his congratulations to Council staff for the quality of the grounds. He also noted concerns raised by event organisers relating to some accommodation price gauging.

· The Mayor, Councillor G Conkey OAM requested Council consider the purchase of a portable PA System for the Wagga Wagga Art Gallery.

closed COUNCIL

Recommendation

That the Council now resolve itself into a Closed Council, the time being 7.43pm.

AT THIS STAGE OF THE MEETING THE PRESS AND PUBLIC GALLERY RETIRED FROM THE COUNCIL MEETING.

Confidential Reports

CONF-1 AIRPORT - EQUIPMENT GRANT OFFER NEW SECURITY SCREENING

21/047 RESOLVED:

On the Motion of Councillors R Kendall and K Pascoe

That Council authorise the General Manager or their delegate to sign the Commonwealth Standard Grant Agreement No RASSF000020, as modified by management, to extend the timeframes for installing and bringing into operation the new security screening equipment, allowing Council time to negotiate and consider the outcomes of the Infrastructure Terminal Expansion grant.

RECORD OF VOTING ON THE MOTION

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

CONF-2 AIRPORT SUB-LEASE HANGAR SITE 20

Councillor D Tout declared a Significant Non-Pecuniary Interest and vacated the chamber, the time being 7.43pm.

21/048 RESOLVED:

On the Motion of Councillors T Koschel and K Pascoe

That Council:

a consent to the assignment of the sub-lease between Wagga Wagga City Council and Intellifleet Pty Ltd for Hangar site 20

b delegate authority to the General Manager or their delegate to execute any necessary documents on behalf of Council

RECORD OF VOTING ON THE MOTION

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

Councillor D Tout re-entered the chamber, the time being 7.44pm.

CONF-3 AIRPORT SUB-LEASE HANGER SITE 13

21/049 RESOLVED:

On the Motion of Councillors R Kendall and K Pascoe

That Council:

a consent to the assignment of the sub-lease between Wagga Wagga City Council and Anthony Middleton for Hangar site 13

b delegate authority to the General Manager or their delegate to execute any necessary documents on behalf of Council

RECORD OF VOTING ON THE MOTION

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

Reversion to open COUNCIL

21/050 RESOLVED:

On the Motion of Councillors T Koschel and K Pascoe

That this meeting of the Closed Council revert to an open meeting of the Council, the time being 7.45pm.

THIS COMPLETED THE BUSINESS OF THE COUNCIL MEETING WHICH ROSE AT 7.48pm.

…………………………………………………..

MAYOR