DEBATE IS NOT A DIRTY WORD
Everyone is now aware of the vote for Mayor and Deputy Mayor and as such I will not pass any comment.
10.5.2 Vale of Clwydd Hall
When I saw the post by the Vale Ladies I contacted them and arranged to meet them on Tuesday 19 September, and I invited Councillors Coleman and Lesslie to attend.
I listened to their concerns about how they had been treated, I advised them that I had been approached by businesses who were willing to assist them. I then asked what can I do to assist you and this is why I move the following amendment:
That the Administration negotiate a fair price for the purchase of all fixtures and furnishings owned by the Vale Ladies. The funds for said purchase be paid to a charity nominated by the Vale ladies.
The amendment was unanimously supported.
The Vale Ladies will be missed in the years to come but their legacy will last for an eternity.
9.1 Notice of Motion by Cr Lesslie to allow Councils to ask for reports on issues at Council meetings was voted down by 5 votes to 4.
10.1.1 Delegations to the Mayor and Deputy Mayor
I was successful in moving an amendment to delete an item in this report that would have had only the Mayor and Deputy Mayor review the performance of the General Manager. It’s the role of all Councillors to review the performance of the General Manger – a function that I stated has not been done well to date.
10.2.1. DA245/13 Modification (MOD DA 052022) for Bowenfels.
I moved an amendment to defer this to allow all Councillors an opportunity to be properly briefed on a DA that had not been before Council since 2015. Of concern was whether or the DA has lapsed.
Voted down 5 – 4
10.2.2.1 Six Month Progress Report
At the commencement of the previous Council a Mayoral Task Force on Mental Health was established due to high number of youth suicides in our community.
So I was surprised to read that the Task Force had been inactive for the past 12 months. I will edit the discussion on this issue and post it in a day or two. You can make your own minds, but I will personally continue to advocate for better mental health services for our community.
I noted a number of items that had not been started due to a lack of resources (most notably staff) and as Council approves both the staffing structure and associate budget, I thought that it was appropriate to request the following:
That the Administration bring back a report to Council on the implementation of the current staffing strategy, identify vacant positions and what strategies are in place to fill critical vacancies.
Had there been an informed debate where sound reasons were offered as to why this was not required, I would have accepted it defeated.
However, no real debate was had, and the amendment was lost 5 – 4. Regrettably debate is a dirty word.
10.5.1. Investment Report August 2023
I asked if this report could be expanded to include information on what funds are restricted, the amounts and what they are for.
The Administration to their credit agreed to modify this report.
This information is important for both Councillors and our community.
10.5.3 Appointment of Independent Audit Risk and Improvement Committee member and Chair
The role of this committee is legislated and has a vital role in reviewing Councils procedures, policies and risk but soon there will not be voting Councilors as part of the Committee (changed by the last government)
I successfully moved an amendment to have the matter raised at the Local Government Conference this year so that the Local Government Association can lobby the current government to reverse this poorly made legislation.
This amendment got up.