Minutes of the Ordinary Meeting of Council held on Monday 25 March 2024.

 

 

Present

The Mayor, Councillor Dallas Tout

Councillor Georgie Davies

Councillor Michael Henderson

Councillor Richard Foley

Councillor Jenny McKinnon

Councillor Amelia Parkins

In Attendance

Chief Operating Officer                                                          (Mr S Gray)

Director Community                                                               (Ms J Summerhayes)

Director Infrastructure Services                                            (Mr W Faulkner)

Director Strategy and Projects                                              (Mr P McMurray)

Director Regional Activation                                                 (Mr J Sidgwick)

Chief Financial Officer                                                           (Mrs C Rodney)

Executive Director - People & Culture                                 (Mrs F Piltz)

Manager Community Services                                             (Ms M Scully)

Manager Corporate Governance & Performance             (Mr D Galloway)

Governance & Risk Co-Ordinator                                        (Mrs N Johnson)

Communications & Engagement Officer                             (Ms L Magrath)

Governance Officer                                                                (Ms K West)

 

 

NOTICE TO MEETING

 

The proceedings of all Council meetings in open session, including all debate and addresses by the public, are recorded (audio visual) and livestreamed on Council’s website including for the purpose of facilitating community access to meetings and accuracy of the Minutes.

 

In addition to webcasting council meetings, audio recordings of confidential sessions of Ordinary Meetings of Council are also recorded, but do not form part of the webcast.

 

Council Meetings are also subject to filming and photographing by media agencies which may form part of news and media broadcasts. Members of the gallery are also advised that recording the proceedings of the meeting of the council is prohibited without the prior authorisation of the council.

 

Acknowledgement Of Country

Wagga Wagga City Council acknowledges the traditional custodians of the land, the Wiradjuri people, and pays respect to Elders past, present and future and extends our respect to all First Nations Peoples in Wagga Wagga.

 

We recognise and respect their cultural heritage, beliefs and continuing connection with the land and rivers. We also recognise the resilience, strength and pride of the Wiradjuri and First Nations communities.

REFLECTION

Councillors, let us in silence reflect upon our responsibilities to the community which we represent, and to all future generations and faithfully, and impartially, carry out the functions, powers, authorities and discretions vested in us, to the best of our skill and judgement.

APOLOGIES

An apology for non-attendance was received and accepted for the General Manager, Mr P Thompson on the Motion of Councillors M Henderson and J McKinnon.

 

LEAVE OF ABSENCE

Council noted that Leave of Absence was granted to Councillor T Koschel and Councillor R Kendall for this Ordinary Council Meeting, 25 March 2024 at its meeting 12 February 2024.

 

 

 

 Confirmation of Minutes

 

CM-1         ORDINARY COUNCIL MEETING - 11 MARCH 2024

 

24/075       RESOLVED:

                   On the Motion of Councillors J McKinnon and G Davies

That the Minutes of the proceedings of the Ordinary Council Meeting held on 11 March 2024 be confirmed as a true and accurate record.

CARRIED

RECORD OF VOTING ON THE MOTION

For the Motion

Against the Motion

D Tout

 

G Davies

 

M Henderson

 

R Foley

 

J McKinnon

 

A Parkins

 

 

 

Declarations Of Interest

Councillor M Henderson declared a Non-Significant Non-Pecuniary Interest in RP-1 - DA23/0579 - TELECOMMUNICATIONS FACILITY – LOT 8 DP 716602, 13 SYCAMORE ROAD, LAKE ALBERT the reason being that he meet with a person onsite and vacated the chamber during its consideration.

 

Councillor M Henderson declared a Significant Non-Pecuniary Interest in RP-3 FINANCIAL PERFORMANCE REPORT AS AT 29 FEBRUARY 2024 the reason being he is the Commodore of the Boat Club and the report contained a budget variation for Lake Albert, he therefore vacated the chamber during its consideration.

 

Councillor J McKinnon declared a Non-Significant Non-Pecuniary Interest in RP-1 - DA23/0579 - TELECOMMUNICATIONS FACILITY – LOT 8 DP 716602, 13 SYCAMORE ROAD, LAKE ALBERT the reason being that she has had discussions with some community members about this development and vacated the chamber during its consideration.

 

 

PROCEDURAL MOTION - ENGLOBO

24/076       RESOLVED:

                   On the Motion of Councillors R Foley and J McKinnon

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, RP-5, RP-7, M-1 and CONF-1 be adopted as recommended in the business papers.

CARRIED

 

RECORD OF VOTING ON THE MOTION

For the Motion

Against the Motion

D Tout

 

G Davies

 

M Henderson

 

R Foley

 

J McKinnon

 

A Parkins

 


 

 

PUBLIC DISCUSSION FORUM

 

NOM-1 - NOTICE OF MOTION – CALLING ON THE FEDERAL GOVERNMENT TO IDENTFY WHAT WILL BE THE FUTURE BYPASS EASEMENT FOR THE INLAND RAIL AROUND THE CITY OF WAGGA WAGGA

·     Mr Steve Dale – Speaking in favour of the Recommendation

 

Motions Of Which Due Notice Has Been Given

NOM-1      NOTICE OF MOTION – CALLING ON THE FEDERAL GOVERNMENT TO IDENTFY WHAT WILL BE THE FUTURE BYPASS EASEMENT FOR THE INLAND RAIL AROUND THE CITY OF WAGGA WAGGA

 

24/077       RESOLVED:

                   On the Motion of Councillors R Foley and J McKinnon

That the Mayor writes to the Federal Minister for Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government, the Hon Catherine King MP and the State Minister for Regional Transport and Roads, the Hon Jenny Aitchison regarding the urgent need to identify and preserve an easement for a future Inland Rail bypass. The letter at a minimum is to include:

i         reference to Dr Kerry Schott’s review of the Inland Rail Project which stated “that an easement bypassing the town be preserved for future use”

ii        invokes upon the critical urgency for this easement for Inland Rail to be identified, declared, expedited and preserved for the future now and not buck passed to a future government in 10- or 20-years’ time if at all

iii       that the City of Wagga Wagga is a fast-growing regional city heading to be over 100,000+ population and needs planning certainty as to where its future housing developments will be situated and, on this basis, alone that the urgent identification of the easement is called for now in order to give this Council planning certainty

iv      that the NSW Government sets and announces a timeline down to commence this process which includes the Gazetting of the future Inland Rail Bypass for the City of Wagga Wagga

 CARRIED

RECORD OF VOTING ON THE MOTION

For the Motion

Against the Motion

D Tout

 

G Davies

 

M Henderson

 

R Foley

 

J McKinnon

 

A Parkins

 

 

Reports from Staff

RP-1          DA23/0579 - Telecommunications facility – Lot 8 DP 716602, 13 Sycamore Road, Lake Albert

Councillors M Henderson and J McKinnon declared a Non-Significant Non-Pecuniary Interest and vacated the chamber the time being 6.23pm. As a result  leading to a loss of quorum. In accordance with Council’s Code of Meeting Practice, once quorum is lost the matter must be adjourned. Therefore the matter was deferred to the next available Ordinary Council Meeting.  

Councillors M Henderson and J McKinnon returned to the chamber, the time being 6.24pm.

 

RP-2          RESPONSE TO MAYORAL MINUTE - 16 DAYS OF ACTIVISM IN WAGGA WAGGA

 

24/078       RESOLVED:

                   On the Motion of Councillors J McKinnon and A Parkins

That Council receive and note the report.

CARRIED

RECORD OF VOTING ON THE MOTION

For the Motion

Against the Motion

D Tout

 

G Davies

 

M Henderson

 

R Foley

 

J McKinnon

 

A Parkins

 

 


 

 

RP-3          FINANCIAL PERFORMANCE REPORT AS AT 29 FEBRUARY 2024

Councillor M Henderson declared a Significant Non-Pecuniary Interest and vacated the chamber, the time being 6:33pm.

24/079       RESOLVED:

                   On the Motion of Councillors G Davies and R Foley

That Council:

a       approve the proposed 2023/24 budget variations for the month ended 29 February 2024 and note the balanced budget position as presented in this report

b       approve the proposed budget variations to the 2023/24 Long Term Financial Plan Capital Works Program including new projects and future year timing adjustments

c       note the Responsible Accounting Officer’s reports, in accordance with the Local Government (General) Regulation 2021 (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

d       note the details of the external investments as of 29 February 2024 in accordance with section 625 of the Local Government Act 1993

CARRIED

RECORD OF VOTING ON THE MOTION

For the Motion

Against the Motion

D Tout

 

G Davies

 

R Foley

 

J McKinnon

 

A Parkins

 

 

Councillor M Henderson re-entered the chamber, the time being 6:34pm.

 

 

RP-4          REQUESTS FOR FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE - SECTION 356

 

24/080       RESOLVED:

                   On the Motion of Councillors R Foley and J McKinnon

That Council:

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

i.          Benefolk Foundation - $305.00 (Request 1)

b       note the proposed budget available for financial assistance requests for the remainder of the 2023/24 financial year

CARRIED

RECORD OF VOTING ON THE MOTION

For the Motion

Against the Motion

D Tout

 

G Davies

 

M Henderson

 

R Foley

 

J McKinnon

 

A Parkins

 

 

 

RP-5          RECREATION AND COMMUNITY FACILITY FEES AND CHARGES

 

24/081       RESOLVED:

                   On the Motion of Councillors R Foley and J McKinnon

That Council:

a       note that there were no public submissions received during the exhibition period for the Recreation and Community Facility fees and charges

b       adopt the Recreation and Community Facility fees and charges

 

CARRIED

RECORD OF VOTING ON THE MOTION

For the Motion

Against the Motion

D Tout

 

G Davies

 

M Henderson

 

R Foley

 

J McKinnon

 

A Parkins

 

 


 

RP-6          PROPOSED LICENCES OF OFFICE SPACE WITHIN A COMMUNITY BUILDING - 26 SHAW STREET, WAGGA WAGGA

 

24/082       RESOLVED:

                   On the Motion of Councillors A Parkins and J McKinnon

That Council:

a       authorise the General Manager or their delegate to negotiate a Community Licence Agreement with Wagga Wagga Veteran and Vintage Motor Club Inc for part Lot 101 DP 1263792 on the terms outlined in this report

b       authorise the General Manager or their delegate to negotiate a Community Licence Agreement with U3A Wagga Wagga Inc for part Lot 101 DP 1263792 on the same terms as offered to the Wagga Wagga Veteran and Vintage Motor Club Inc for part Lot 101 DP 1263792 outlined in this report

c       authorise the affixing of Council’s common seal to any documents as required

CARRIED

 

RECORD OF VOTING ON THE MOTION

For the Motion

Against the Motion

D Tout

 

G Davies

 

M Henderson

 

R Foley

 

J McKinnon

 

A Parkins

 

 

 

RP-7          ADJUSTMENT TO COUNCIL MEETING DATES 2024

 

24/083       RESOLVED:

                   On the Motion of Councillors R Foley and J McKinnon

That Council:

a       note the 2024 Schedule of Ordinary Council Meeting dates adopted by Council on 23 October 2023 (Resolution 23/265)

b       reschedule the adopted date of 18 November 2024 to 11 November 2024

c       approve an additional Ordinary Council Meeting to be held 25 November 2024

CARRIED

RECORD OF VOTING ON THE MOTION

For the Motion

Against the Motion

D Tout

 

G Davies

 

M Henderson

 

R Foley

 

J McKinnon

 

A Parkins

 

 

RP-8          2024 LGNSW Water Management Conference

 

24/084       RESOLVED:

                   On the Motion of Councillors J McKinnon and A Parkins

That Council:

a       endorse sending a Council delegate to the 2024 LGNSW Water Management Conference to be held in Goulburn from 23-25 July 2024

b       appoint one Councillor as Council’s delegate to attend the LGNSW Water Management Conference

CARRIED

RECORD OF VOTING ON THE MOTION

For the Motion

Against the Motion

D Tout

 

G Davies

 

M Henderson

 

R Foley

 

J McKinnon

 

A Parkins

 

 

Councillor J McKinnon nominated Councillor R Foley.

Councillor R Foley accepted the nomination.

Councillor R Foley was duly appointed to represent Council at the 2024 LGNSW Water Management Conference to be held 23-25 July 2024.

 


 

RP-9          2024 NATIONAL GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF LOCAL GOVERNMENT ANNUAL CONFERENCE

 

24/085       RESOLVED:

                   On the Motion of Councillors A Parkins and G Davies

That Council:

a       nominate one Councillor and one alternate Councillor to attend the 2024 National General Assembly of Local Government Annual Conference with the Mayor in Canberra from 2 to 4 July 2024

b       consider submitting motion/s to the National General Assembly of Local Government Annual Conference as outlined in the Report

c       receive a further report at an April 2024 Council meeting, to consider and adopt any received motions

CARRIED

RECORD OF VOTING ON THE MOTION

For the Motion

Against the Motion

D Tout

 

G Davies

 

M Henderson

 

R Foley

 

J McKinnon

 

A Parkins

 

Councillor R Foley self-nominated as council’s representative.

Councillor M Henderson self-nominated as council’s alternate representative.

Councillor R Foley was duly appointed to represent Council at the 2024 National General Assembly of Local Government Annual Conference with the Mayor in Canberra from 2 to 4 July 2024.

Councillor M Henderson was duly appointed as council’s alternate representative.

 

RP-10        QUESTIONS WITH NOTICE

 

24/086       RESOLVED:

                   On the Motion of Councillors J McKinnon and A Parkins

That Council receive and note the report.

CARRIED

 

 

RECORD OF VOTING ON THE MOTION

For the Motion

Against the Motion

D Tout

 

G Davies

 

M Henderson

 

R Foley

 

J McKinnon

 

A Parkins

 

 

Committee Minutes

M-1            CONFIRMATION OF MINUTES AUDIT, RISK AND IMPROVEMENT COMMITTEE - 22 FEBRUARY 2024

 

24/087       RESOLVED:

                   On the Motion of Councillors R Foley and J McKinnon

That Council endorse the recommendations contained in the minutes of the Audit, Risk and Improvement Committee Meeting held on 22 February 2024.

CARRIED

RECORD OF VOTING ON THE MOTION

For the Motion

Against the Motion

D Tout

 

G Davies

 

M Henderson

 

R Foley

 

J McKinnon

 

A Parkins

 

 


 

 

Confidential Reports

CONF-1    REQUEST FOR QUOTATION RFQ2024-537 - Emergency Works Floodgate 15A

 

24/088       RESOLVED:

                   On the Motion of Councillors R Foley and J McKinnon

That Council:

a       in accordance with S55(3) of the Local Government Act 1993, authorise the emergency repairs to floodgate 15A which is located adjacent to the main city levee in Tarcutta Street Wagga Wagga

b       accept the offer of Huon Contractors Pty Ltd (ABN: 33 094 145 409) for repairs to floodgate 15A in the lump sum amount of $261,080 excluding GST

c       authorise the General Manager or their delegate to enter a contract with Huon Contractors Pty Ltd (ABN: 33 094 145 409)  for the repairs at floodgate 15A

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

CARRIED

 

 

THIS COMPLETED THE BUSINESS OF THE COUNCIL MEETING WHICH ROSE AT 6.46pm.

 

 

…………………………………………………..

                                                                                                      MAYOR