Motion to List Caucusing in the Introductory remarks in the Council papers
Cr. Lesslie moved a motion to include a commentary on Caucusing – which in my opinion was not inconsistent with what had been added into the Introduction of the Agenda by the Administration.
The motion was lost with:
For: Lesslie, Ring, Mahoney, Coleman
Against: Statham, Bryce, Goodwin, McGhie, O’Connor.
8.1 Mayoral Minute -23/10/2023 – Beatlesfest
I added an additional point to the recommendation to invite the organisers to a Council Information Session to debrief all Councillors.
The additional point was accepted and became the motion but not until after heated debate where I was accused of demanding the organisers attend a meeting.
But don’t mention Ironfest – even to compare any other event or you will be ruled out of order.
Councillor Lesslie voted for my additional point and in my opinion had he not been gagged after Clrs Bryce and Mahoney had referenced Ironfest I believe he would have voted in the affirmative
For –Bryce, Goodwin, Mahoney, O’Conner, McGhie, Ring, Coleman, Statham
Against – Lesslie
9.1. NOM – 23/10/2023 – Councillor S Lesslie – Closing Date for Notices of Motions and Questions on Notice
A simple motion to extend the dealing for Councillors to submit Notices of Motions for a Council meeting.
Apparently, it is acceptable for the Administration to submit late reports to Councillors but not the other way around.
The motion was lost:
For: Lesslie, Ring, Coleman, Mahoney
Against: Bryce, Goodwin, O’Conner, McGhie, Statham
9.2. NOM – 23/10/2023 – Councillor E Mahony – 23/10/2023 – Review of current council delegations.
Cr Mahoney wanted a report brought back to Council so that Councillors could review and endorse the delegations.
To legally perform its many operational activities, the General Manager must be delegated authority to act under approximately 32 different pieces of legislation.
I moved an additional point to the original motion which was accepted:
Point 2: That the Administration table a report outlining any potential consequences arising from the approximately 2 ½ month delay in seeking delegated authority from Council and any mitigating actions required.
The new motion was successful.
For: Lesslie, Ring, Coleman, Mahoney, McGhie
Against: Bryce, Goodwin, O’Conner, Statham
10. Administration Reports
10.1. Caring for Our Community
10.1.2. P&L – 23/10/2023 – Proposed Lease to Country Women’s Association of NSW (Portland branch)
The motion was moved, and the fees and rent waived for the lease.
I added an additional point that requires the Finance Committee to review the Leasing and Licensing Policy – specifically the rental categories for community.
The community groups that lease Councils Halls provide important community services and all have limited capacity to raise revenue. In my opinion all community groups should be on a level playing field.
For: Lesslie, Ring, Coleman, Mahoney, Bryce, Goodwin, O’Conner
Against: Statham, McGhie
10.2. Developing Our Built Environment
10.2.1. P&P – 23/10/2023 – Variations to Development Standards
I changed the Council recommendation but lost the vote – which was fair enough I should have been more specific in my wording.
I will deal with the issue of what Development Applications are referred to Council in a future notice of motion.
A motion was foreshadowed by Cr Godwin which was to adopt the original motion.
Adopted unanimously.
10.2.2. P&P – 23/10/2023 – DA227/22 Draft Planning Agreement, Proposed Subdivision, 10 Col Drewe Drive Bowenfels
Adopted unanimously.
10.2.3. P&P – 23/10/2023 DA154/23 Alterations and Additions to the Lithgow Basketball Stadium
Adopted unanimously.
10.2.4. P&P – 23/10/2023 – MODDA035/23, Community Centre, Wolgan Road, Wolgan Valley, Section 94A Fee-Exemption Request.
Adopted unanimously.
10.2.5. IS&E – 23/10/2023 – Tender – Peach Tree Road Capital Works Project
Adopted unanimously.
10.2.6. IS&E – 23/10/2023 – South Bowenfels Link Road – Tender.
Adopted unanimously.
10.3. Strengthening Our Economy
10.3.1. F&G – 23/10/2023 – Halloween Budget 2023 Undecided
On the previous Council I strongly supported Halloween as an item of Economic Development.
I went into this meeting with an open mind and no clear direction on how OI was going to vote.
I asked the following questions:
1. The Tourism Committee Minutes to be tabled for this report- failed to raise any concerns in relation to planning or funding for Halloween – why?
Last year when Council was claiming to have no money it had a grant of $140,000 but added an additional $40,000.
In what world could the administration believe that this event could be staged for $70,000 plus $30,000 for contract management.
2. What is the purpose of Halloween?
On page 37 of the agenda papers, it states:
The event is highly valued by the local community, and it does appeal to an audience beyond the city as a good community event. It is considered important to retain the value of an event with such appeal.
3. What is the 40000 going to be spent on?
Are we really to believe that one week before Halloween Traffic Control had not been funded?
As a direct consequence of the answers to the questions I could not in good conscience support the request for additional funding one week prior to the meeting. Watch the video and make your own conclusions.
For: Coleman, Mahoney, Bryce, Goodwin, O’Conner Statham, McGhie
Against: Lesslie, Ring
10.4. Enhancing Our Natural Environment
10.4.1. P&L – 23/10/2023 – Draft Plan of Management for Crown Land Managed by Council
Adopted unanimously.
10.5. Responsible Governance & Civic Leadership
10.5.1. F&G – 23/10/2023 – Service Management Framework Policy
Having service level agreements in pace will ensure that they community know what.
On page 9 of “Lithgow City Council Rating Review” it clearly states that
There is a structural annual shortfall in Council’s General Revenues of $6.018 million at existing agreed levels of service before adopting available productivity, savings and other measures.
Will this work build on those agreed service levels or is this new work? Apparently, this is new work.
Can all councilors be provided with copies of existing agreed service levels by COB tomorrow? – Still chasing this up
Adopted unanimously.
10.5.2. EXEC – 23/10/2023 – Returns of Disclosures of Designated Persons 2022-2023
Adopted unanimously.
10.5.3. P&P – 23/10/2023 – Changes to Fee Structure for Planning Proposals and Amendments to Development Control Plans
Adopted unanimously.
11. Council Committee Reports
11.1. FIN – 23/10/2023 – Audit Risk Improvement Committee (ARIC) Minutes – 12 September 2023
Adopted unanimously.
11.2. IS&E – 23/10/2023 – Seven Valleys Tourism Committee 25 September 2023
Adopted unanimously.
Its clear form the minutes that funding and planning for Halloween was not critically evaluated by this committee Support but why wasn’t Halloween critically evaluated.
11.3. IS&E – 23-10-2023 – Operations Committee Meeting Minutes 3 October 2023
Adopted unanimously.
11.4. COMM – 23/10/2023 – Community Development Minutes 10 October 2023
Adopted unanimously.
11.5. FIN – 23/10/2023 – Finance Committee Meeting Minutes 10 October 2023
Adopted unanimously.
11.6. IS&E – 23/10/2023 – Sports Advisory Committee Meeting Minutes 11 October 2023
Adopted unanimously.