Minutes of Ordinary Meeting of Council - Monday, 12 April 2021

Minutes of the Ordinary Meeting of Council held on Monday 12 April 2021.

The Mayor, Councillor Greg Conkey OAM

Councillor Yvonne Braid OAM

Councillor Paul Funnell

Councillor Dan Hayes (Remote)

Councillor Vanessa Keenan (Remote)

Councillor Rod Kendall (Remote)

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 Finance (Mrs C Rodney)

Manager Community Services (Ms M Scully)

Manager Environmental & City Compliance (Mr M Gardiner)

Manager Corporate Strategy & Communications (Mr S Gray)

Manager Development Assessment & Building

Certification (Mr P O’Brien)

Visitor Economy & Events Coordinator (SCS066) (Mrs F Hamilton)

Corporate Governance Coordinator (Mrs N Johnson)

Strategic Recreation Officer (Mr P Cook)

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.

Confirmation of Minutes

CM-1 Ordinary Council Meeting - 22 March 2021

21/084 RESOLVED:

On the Motion of Councillors R Kendall and D Tout

That the Minutes of the proceedings of the Ordinary Council Meeting held on 22 March 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
P Funnell
D Hayes
V Keenan
R Kendall
T Koschel
K Pascoe
D Tout

Declarations Of Interest

Councillor D Hayes declared a Significant Non-Pecuniary Interest in RP-5 COVID-19 FAST TRACK EVENT SPONSORSHIP the reason being that he has a familial connection with one of the applicants and vacated the chamber during its consideration.

Councillor D Hayes declared a Non-Significant Non-Pecuniary Interest in M-1 TRAFFIC COMMITTEE - ELECTRONIC MEETING - 11 MARCH 2021 the reason being that an organisation mentioned in the report has received some funding from his employer and remained in the chamber during its consideration.

Councillor Y Braid declared a Non-Significant Non-Pecuniary Interest in RP-5 COVID-19 FAST TRACK EVENT SPONSORSHIP the reason being that she is a Councillor member of a Committee mentioned in the report and remained the chamber during its consideration.

Councillor P Funnell declared a Non-Significant Non-Pecuniary Interest in RP-3 Agritourism and small-scale agricultural development the reason being that he works in the agricultural industry and remained in the chamber during its consideration.

Councillor P Funnell declared a Non-Significant Non-Pecuniary Interest in RP-4 NET ZERO EMISSIONS TARGET the reason being that he is a Board member on Local Land Services (LLS) Riverina and LLS is mentioned in the report, he remained in the chamber during its consideration.

Councillor V Keenan declared a Non-Significant Non-Pecuniary Interest in RP-5 COVID-19 FAST TRACK EVENT SPONSORSHIP the reason being that she works in the arts industry and comes across a few of the applicants mentioned in the report and remained in the chamber during its consideration.

PROCEDURAL MOTION - CHANGE OF STANDING ORDERS

21/085 RESOLVED:

On the Motion of Councillors T Koschel and D Tout

That Council bring forward consideration of EnGlobo to precede the public discussion forum.

RECORD OF VOTING ON THE MOTION

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

PROCEDURAL MOTION - ENGLOBO

21/086 RESOLVED:

On the Motion of Councillors K Pascoe and T Koschel

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 CR-1, RP-1, RP-3, RP-6, RP-7, M-1, M-2, CONF-1 and CONF-2 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
P Funnell
D Hayes
V Keenan
R Kendall
T Koschel
K Pascoe
D Tout

PROCEDURAL MOTION - CHANGE OF STANDING ORDERS

21/087 RESOLVED:

On the Motion of Councillors T Koschel and P Funnell

That Council move RP-5 COVID-19 Fast Track Event Sponsorship to Closed Council to allow debate on Commercial in Confidence event proposals.

RECORD OF VOTING ON THE MOTION

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

Councillors T Koschel, P Funnell and V Keenan requested that Council rescind Council Resolution 21/087 to allow Councillor D Hayes to vacate the Chamber given his declared Significant Non Pecuniary Interest in RP-5 COVID-19 Fast Track Event Sponsorship and to allow the Motion to be put once Councillor D Hayes vacates the Chamber.

RESCISSION MOTION – PROCEDURAL MOTION

Councillor D Hayes declared a Significant Non Pecuniary Interest and vacated the Chamber the time being 6:06pm.

21/088 RESOLVED:

On the Motion of Councillors T Koschel and P Funnell

That Council rescind Council Resolution 21/087 to allow Councillor D Hayes to vacate the Chamber.

RECORD OF VOTING ON THE MOTION

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

PROCEDURAL MOTION - CHANGE OF STANDING ORDERS

21/089 RESOLVED:

On the Motion of Councillors T Koschel and P Funnell

That Council move RP-5 COVID-19 fast track event sponsorship to Closed Council.

RECORD OF VOTING ON THE MOTION

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

Councillor D Hayes re-entered the Chamber the time being 6:08pm.

PUBLIC DISCUSSION FORUM

RP-4 NET ZERO EMISSIONS TARGET

· Dr Jennifer McKinnon - Speaking against the Report

· Dr Gordon Murray - Speaking in Favour of the Report

· Mr Benjamin Holt - Speaking in Favour of the Report

PROCEDURAL MOTION - CHANGE OF STANDING ORDERS

21/090 RESOLVED:

On the Motion of Councillors D Hayes and V Keenan

That Council bring forward consideration RP-4 NET ZERO EMISSIONS TARGET to follow the Public Discussion Forum.

RECORD OF VOTING ON THE MOTION

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

RP-4 Net Zero Emissions Target

A Motion was moved by Councillors R Kendall and V Keenan

That Council:

a note the outcomes of the previous overarching target and additional sub-targets set for 2020

b adopt a Community Target for Net Zero Emissions by 2050 in line with the NSW Government

c adopt a Corporate Target for Net Zero Emissions by 2040 and develop a strategy to achieve the Corporate Target

d rename the Sustainable Energy Reserve as a Net Zero Emissions Reserve to fund future programs for carbon offsets

e approve the budget variations as noted in the financial implications section of this report

An AMENDMENT was moved by Councillor T Koschel and seconded by Councillor P Funnell

That Council:

a note the outcomes of the previous overarching target and additional sub-targets set for 2020

b adopt a Community Target for Net Zero Emissions by 2050 in line with the NSW Government

Councillor D Hayes signalled a FORESHADOWED AMENDMENT to The Mayor.

RECORD OF VOTING ON THE MOTION

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

The Amendment on being put to the Meeting was LOST.

Councillor D Hayes advised that his FORESHADOWED AMENDMENT was the original Motion with the addition of item (f) i and ii.

Councillors R Kendall and V Keenan as the movers of the original Motion agreed to include this addition into the original Motion.

21/091 RESOLVED:

On the Motion of Councillors R Kendall and V Keenan

That Council:

a note the outcomes of the previous overarching target and additional sub-targets set for 2020

b adopt a Community Target for Net Zero Emissions by 2050 in line with the NSW Government

c adopt a Corporate Target for Net Zero Emissions by 2040 and develop a strategy to achieve the Corporate Target

d rename the Sustainable Energy Reserve as a Net Zero Emissions Reserve to fund future programs for carbon offsets

e approve the budget variations as noted in the financial implications section of this report

f write to relevant state and federal ministers and shadow ministers asking them to consider both

i. installing renewable energy onto social housing

ii. incentives for landlords to install renewable energy options on investment homes

RECORD OF VOTING ON THE MOTION

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

Councillor Report

CR-1 LOCAL GOVERNMENT NSW CONFERENCE - OUTCOMES - WAGGA WAGGA CITY COUNCIL MOTIONS

21/092 RESOLVED:

On the Motion of Councillors K Pascoe and T Koschel

That Council receive and note the report outlining the outcomes of Wagga Wagga City Council’s Motions to the 2020 Local Government NSW (LGNSW) Conference.

RECORD OF VOTING ON THE MOTION

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

Reports from Staff

RP-1 DA20/0673 - 24m x 8m shed, 2 x 10,000 litre water tanks and amendment to the building envelope at 6 Campaspe Close, Springvale

21/093 RESOLVED:

On the Motion of Councillors K Pascoe and T Koschel

That Council approve DA20/0673 for 24m x 8m shed, 2 x 10,000 litre water tanks and amendment to the building envelope at 6 Campaspe Close, Springvale NSW 2650 subject to the conditions outlined in the Section 4.15 Assessment Report.

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
P Funnell
D Hayes
V Keenan
R Kendall
T Koschel
K Pascoe
D Tout

RP-2 Wagga Wagga Integrated Transport Strategy and Implementation Plan 2040 - Progress Update

21/094 RESOLVED:

On the Motion of Councillors P Funnell and D Hayes

That Council receive and note the Wagga Wagga Integrated Transport Strategy and Implementation Plan 2040 progress report.

RECORD OF VOTING ON THE MOTION

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

RP-3 Agritourism and small-scale agricultural development

21/095 RESOLVED:

On the Motion of Councillors K Pascoe and T Koschel

That Council:

a endorse the inclusion of optional local environmental plan clauses for farm stay accommodation and farm gate activities

b notify NSW Government of council’s decision

RECORD OF VOTING ON THE MOTION

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

RP-4 NET ZERO EMISSIONS TARGET was moved forward to follow the Public Discussion Forum.

RP-5 COVID-19 FAST TRACK EVENT SPONSORSHIP was moved into Closed Council to allow debate on Commercial in Confidence event proposals.

RP-6 NAMING OF JUBILEE PARK ATHLETICS FACILITY

21/096 RESOLVED:

On the Motion of Councillors K Pascoe and T Koschel

That Council:

a note that no public submissions were received during the public exhibition period

b adopt the name change of the Athletics track at Jubilee Park to the Bill Jacobs Athletics Centre

RECORD OF VOTING ON THE MOTION

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

RP-7 RESPONSE TO QUESTIONS/BUSINESS WITH NOTICE

21/097 RESOLVED:

On the Motion of Councillors K Pascoe and T Koschel

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
P Funnell
D Hayes
V Keenan
R Kendall
T Koschel
K Pascoe
D Tout

Committee Minutes

M-1 TRAFFIC COMMITTEE – ELECTRONIC MEETING – 11 MARCH 2021

21/098 RESOLVED:

On the Motion of Councillors K Pascoe and T Koschel

That Council:

a receive the minutes of the Local Traffic Committee e-meeting held on 11 March 2021

b convert three existing angled parking spaces on the southern kerb of Gurwood Street at the front of property number 36-40 (adjacent to the Woolworths laneway) to two angled mobility parking spaces

c install a section of half hour, time restricted parking approximately 42 metres in length, on the western kerb in front of 12-16 Mortimer Place, Wagga Wagga

RECORD OF VOTING ON THE MOTION

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

M-2 CONFIRMATION OF MINUTES AUDIT, RISK AND IMPROVEMENT COMMITTEE - 25 FEBRUARY 2021

21/099 RESOLVED:

On the Motion of Councillors K Pascoe and T Koschel

That Council:

a endorses the recommendations contained in the minutes of the Audit, Risk and Improvement Committee Meeting held on 25 February 2021

b send a letter to the Minister of Local Government advocating for broader consultation on future releases of The Code of Accounting Practices and financial reporting

RECORD OF VOTING ON THE MOTION

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

QUESTIONS/BUSINESS WITH NOTICE

Councillor V Keenan requested a thorough review of Council’s resolution registers in particular active notice of motions. This review is to provide Councillors and the community with timely accurate detail of the status of each resolution (active and completed) and include estimated timeframes for reports to be reported back to Council.

Councillor D Tout thanked staff for their significant contribution to the recent successful judgement in the Supreme Court, in particular those staff that gave evidence, acknowledging the Judge’s comments regarding accuracy and the manner they held themselves.

Councillor T Koschel requested an update on the request by a resident on 21 March 2021 in relation to safety concerns on Lake Albert Road as he has not yet received a response from Council.

Councillor T Koschel thanked Tarcutta & District Progress Association for having him as a guest at their recent meeting.

Councillor T Koschel tabled a letter from the Tarcutta & District Progress Association that he supplied to the General Manager regarding opposing a petition that was submitted to Council relating to moving some parking bays on Sydney Street and the Old Hume Highway.

Councillor T Koschel on behalf of the Tarcutta & District Progress Association requested that Council inspect and replace the sign as you come out of Tarcutta directing traffic to the highway, providing clearer directions e.g. Sydney/Melbourne as the current signage is causing confusion for motorists not familiar with the area.

Councillor T Koschel on behalf of the Tarcutta & District Progress Association requested community event signs similar to those around Wagga Wagga be erected in Tarcutta to replace damaged notice boards, with consideration also to be given to establishing community event boards for all villages within the Local Government Area.

Councillor T Koschel requested feedback on options to take the mobile pump track to our villages particularly on long weekends and times where there is high traffic in those areas.

Councillor T Koschel requested a condolence book be put at Customer Service for community members to sign and express their condolences to the Royal Family after the passing of Prince Phillip. He also requested a letter with the condolence book be sent to the Royal Family from the City of Wagga Wagga.

Councillor P Funnell requested that the General Manager make contact with the Tarcutta Truck Museum to discuss any issues relating to Council.

Councillor P Funnell extended an invitation to the General Manager and Council’s engineers to join him in a drive around the local government area in a truck to experience conditions in driving heavy vehicles on our road network including inspection of the condition of these roads including required maintenance on shoulders on these rural roads.

Councillor P Funnell requested that Council consider re-commencing Council’s previous village consultation program where Councillors and staff can meet and engage with village residents at an evening session.

Councillor P Funnell requested advice on what Council’s plans are in relation to development or sale of Council owned prime industrial land inside the levee bank.

Councillor Y Braid identified vandalism, crime and safety concerns in residential areas and that regular inspections be undertaken.

The Mayor, Councillor G Conkey OAM, acknowledged and thanked organisers, musicians and Council staff in particular Victoria Lowe, for their efforts in delivering the successful 33.3 RPM live events in the amphitheatre over the weekend.

The Mayor, Councillor G Conkey OAM acknowledged and thanked in particular the General Manager, Peter Thompson for his tireless efforts and Councillor R Kendall for their contribution leading to the successful Lake Albert announcement (pipeline River to Lake Albert).

The Mayor, Councillor G Conkey OAM, acknowledged and thanked staff and relevant Councillors for their significant contribution to the recent successful judgement in the Supreme Court, sincerely thanking all involved, in particular the General Manager, Peter Thompson for his outstanding knowledge and contribution to the successful result.

closed COUNCIL

21/100 RESOLVED:

On the Motion of Councillors T Koschel and K Pascoe

That the Council now resolve itself into a Closed Council, the time being 8.03pm.

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

Councillor D Hayes vacated the Chamber the time being 8:02pm.

Confidential Reports

CONF-1 MAJOR EVENT OPPORTUNITY

21/101 RESOLVED:

On the Motion of Councillors R Kendall and P Funnell

That Council:

a authorise the General Manager or their delegate to enter into an agreement with the Southern Sports Academy for the hosting of the Academy Games in 2022, 2023 and 2024 on the commercial terms discussed within the body of the report

b approve the budget variation/s as detailed in the Financial Implications section of the report

RECORD OF VOTING ON THE MOTION

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

CONF-2 RIVERSIDE BASKETBALL COURT UPGRADE

21/102 RESOLVED:

On the Motion of Councillors R Kendall and P Funnell

That Council:

a engage Champions League Basketball to undertake Option Two of the court redevelopment proposal

b approve the budget variation/s as detailed in the Financial Implications section of the report

RECORD OF VOTING ON THE MOTION

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

RP-5 COVID-19 FAST TRACK EVENT SPONSORSHIP

Councillor D Hayes declared a Significant Non-Pecuniary Interest and vacated the chamber the time being 8.02pm and did not return to the Chamber.

21/103 RESOLVED:

On the Motion of Councillors T Koschel and P Funnell

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:

i Pinnock Watts Family Trust for FitzFest to the amount of $20,000

ii Greg Pritchard (Eastern Riverina Arts) for The Marrambidya River Festival to the amount of $6,990

iii Scott Howie (Eastern Riverina Arts) for INTERESTING to the amount of $10,000

iv Riverina Conservatorium of Music for Live at Lunch to the amount of $10,000

RECORD OF VOTING ON THE MOTION

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

Reversion to open COUNCIL

21/104 RESOLVED:

On the Motion of Councillors P Funnell and D Tout

That this meeting of the Closed Council revert to an open meeting of the Council, the time being 8.17pm.

THIS COMPLETED THE BUSINESS OF THE COUNCIL MEETING WHICH ROSE AT 8.19pm.

…………………………………………………..

MAYOR