Wrap of May Council Meeting

Published on 30 May 2019

A man sitting at a desk behind a stack of folders

NOTICES OF MOTION

Money stays put

Councillor Tom Kennedy again lodged three notices of motion calling for $3.2 million to be transferred from Council's $10 million loan, or the reserve fund for the new library project. The motions called for the money to be spent on lighting for the Alma Oval, and upgrades for Queen Elizabeth Park and Norm Fox Oval. All three were voted down.

Water idea redirected

Cr Kennedy also lodged a fourth motion calling for Council to help provide closed loop water recycling systems by Cyclowater Global to Menindee and Wilcannia. The Central Darling Shire advised Council it knows nothing of the proposed plan, and advised Cr Kennedy to direct his idea to the Urban Water Commissioner. Councillors voted to refer the whole matter to the Central Darling Shire.

 

GENERAL BUSINESS

Small increase for Councillors

Councillors voted in favour of a 2.5% increase in fees for elected representatives. Councillors will now receive $17,982 annually, while the mayor will receive $39,234. The fees conform to guidelines set by the Local Government Remuneration Tribunal.

No change to VIC Hours

Councillors voted to retain the current opening hours of the Visitor Information Centre.

Alcohol-free zone expands

Councillors voted to expand the current CBD alcohol-free zone from Wills Street to include Gypsum and Gaffney Streets, and South Roads to incorporate establishments supplying alcohol.

Changes to Capital Budget

The quarterly budget review for the period ending in March projects an increase in capital income of $1.176m, and an expenditure increase of $1.926m. The majority of the expenditure increase comes from Council's contribution to the Australia's Heritage Perfectly Highlighted project, and a boost to the budget for the construction of a new pound.

Community shares in money

15 community groups received funding under the first round of Council's Community Assistance Grants program for 2019/20. $51,104 was distributed, with the remaining $23,895 in the funding pool to be rolled into Round 2 of the grants scheme.

Jubilee Oval upgrade gets green light

Councillors approved a development application for the redevelopment of the Jubilee Oval, providing the works comply with various conditions including works meeting the Building Code of Australia. Works can only be carried out between 7am-6pm, Monday to Saturday, with no work to be done on Sundays or public holidays. Dust control measures will be required, and a developer contribution of 1% of total project cost must also be paid to Council.

Public forums to accompany meetings

Councillors adopted a new code of meeting practice, that will introduce a 15-minute public forum at 6.15pm before monthly meetings begin. Priority will be given to those who have registered to speak, while remaining time will be given to those who have not registered.

 

CONFIDENTIAL MATTERS

Room to roam

Councillors granted a licence to John and Leanne Ray for the keeping of horses on a lot on the Willyama Common.

Leases new and old

Council transferred the lease of the North Mine Hall from Far West HACC to LiveBetter Services. All lease conditions will remain the same, as will the rent of $1 per year. Council also renewed the existing lease of the Aero Club for a further five years.

Helping hand for LiveBetter

Council varied LiveBetter's lease for their offices at 72-72 Gypsum Street. The variation will reduce rent by approximately $41,000 per year for the next two years, and provide some relief as service providers continue to face financial pressure under the National Disablity Insurance Scheme.

More money for pound

Council increased the budget for the new animal pound to $400,000. The Developer Contributions Plan was also adjusted to reflect this change.

Committees welcome new faces

The Friends of the Flora and Fauna of the Barrier Ranges Community Committee farewelled Sandra Havan after accepting her resignation, but welcomed Merran Coombe onto the Committee. Silver City Pastoralist Association's Alan Titcombe also joined the Memorial Oval Community Community as a user group representative.