AGENDA R

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Council Meeting

                            

TUESDAY 12 MAY 2020

 

6.30pm

 

 

 

 

In the spirit of open, accessible and transparent government, this meeting of the Inner West Council is being streamed live on Council’s website. Any part of this meeting that is held in closed session will not be recorded


Council Meeting

12 May 2020

 

 

 

 

PRECIS

 

 

1          Acknowledgement of Country

 

2          Apologies

 

3          Notice of Webcasting

 

4          Disclosures of Interest (Section 451 of the Local Government Act
and Council’s Code of Conduct)
 

 

5          Moment of Quiet Contemplation

 

6          Confirmation of Minutes                                                                                          Page

Minutes of 28 April 2020 Council Meeting                                                                        4

7          Condolence Motions

 

Nil at the time of printing.

8          Mayoral Minutes

 

Nil at the time of printing.

9          Reports with Strategic Implications

 

Nil at the time of printing.

10        Reports for Council Decision

 

Nil at the time of printing.

11        Reports for Noting

 

ITEM                                                                                                                                          Page

 

C0520(1) Item 1       Ashfield Aquatic Centre - Progress Update                                           15

 

12        Notices of Motion

 

ITEM                                                                                                                                          Page

 

C0520(1) Item 2       Notice of Motion: Safer Walking and Cycling in the Inner West            16

C0520(1) Item 3       Notice of Motion: Improve Pedestrian Safety On Stanmore Road        19

C0520(1) Item 4       Notice of Motion: Delegated Authority                                                   20

C0520(1) Item 5       Notice of Motion: Questions on Notice                                                  21

 

 

 

13        Questions From Councillors

 

ITEM                                                                                                                                          Page

 

C0520(1) Item 6       Question on Notice: The use of Glyphosate by Inner West Council     22

 

14        Reports with Confidential Information

 

Reports appearing in this section of the Business Paper contain confidential information in attachments.

 

The confidential information has been circulated separately.

 

ITEM                                                                                                                                          Page

 

C0520(1) Item 7       Tender for Haberfield Centre and Library Upgrade                               26

 


Council Meeting

12 May 2020

 

 

 

Minutes of Ordinary Council Meeting held on 28 April 2020 held remotely and livestreamed on Council’s website.

 

Meeting commenced at 6.30pm

 

 

 

 

Present:

Darcy Byrne

Vittoria Raciti

Marghanita Da Cruz Mark Drury

Lucille McKenna OAM

Colin Hesse

Sam Iskandar

Tom Kiat

Pauline Lockie

Victor Macri

Julie Passas

Rochelle Porteous

John Stamolis

Louise Steer

Anna York
Michael Deegan

Elizabeth Richardson

Mayor

Deputy Mayor

Councillor

Councillor

Councillor

Councillor

Councillor (7.11pm)

Councillor

Councillor

Councillor

Councillor

Councillor (6.33pm)

Councillor

Councillor

Councillor

Chief Executive Officer

Chief Operating Officer, Director Development and Recreation

Cathy Edwards-Davis

Director Infrastructure

Ian Naylor

Manager Governance

Katherine Paixao

Governance Coordinator

 

APOLOGIES:   Nil    

 

DISCLOSURES OF INTERESTS:                Nil

 

C0420(2) Item 13       Mayoral Minute: Anzac Day

Motion: (Byrne)

 

THAT Council thank the:

1.    Publicans from The Royal Hotel, Leichhardt, The Salisbury Hotel, Stanmore, and the Unity Hall Hotel, Balmain, who hosted three improvised ANZAC Day ceremonies on 25 April 2020;

2.    Three buglers, Louise Horwood, David Young and Sarah Brown, who played The Last Post at the three improvised ANZAC Day ceremonies on 25 April 2020; and

3.    Balmain-Rozelle RSL sub-Branch, RSL NSW and the Leichhardt Celebrity Brass Band for their assistance with the three improvised ANZAC Day ceremonies on 25 April 2020.

Motion Carried

For Motion:                 Crs Byrne, Da Cruz, Drury, Hesse, Kiat, Lockie, Macri, McKenna OAM, Passas, Raciti, Stamolis, Steer and York

Against Motion:          Nil

Councillor Porteous entered the meeting at 6.33pm

C0420(2) Item 1         Delegation of Operational Traffic Matters

Motion: (Byrne/Stamolis)

 

THAT:

 

1.    Council note the decision made under delegation by the Mayor;

 

2.    The impact of the decision made under delegation be reviewed in twelve months;

 

3.    Council note that Local Traffic Committee Minutes will continue to go to Council for adoption; and

 

4.    Council report back on its delegations to ensure these are consistent with other councils and also with regard to the Local Government Act.

 

Motion Carried

For Motion:                 Crs Byrne, Da Cruz, Drury, Hesse, Kiat, Lockie, Macri, McKenna OAM, Passas, Porteous, Raciti, Stamolis, Steer and York

Against Motion:          Nil

 

C0420(2) Item 2         Endorsement of Draft Plan of Management Leichhardt Park

Motion: (Byrne/York)

 

THAT Council as land manager of Leichhardt Park;

 

1.   Endorse the Draft Plan of Management (D500207) and refer this to the Minister for Water, Housing and Property for owners consent; and

 

2.   Note that on receipt of owners consent the Draft Plan of Management will be exhibited for 28 days and brought back to Council for adoption.

 

Motion Tied

For Motion:                 Crs Byrne, Drury, Lockie, Macri, McKenna OAM, Raciti and York

Against Motion:          Crs Da Cruz, Hesse, Kiat, Passas, Porteous, Stamolis and Steer

 

The Chairperson used his Casting Vote for the MOTION and the MOTION was carried.

 

Foreshadowed Motion: (Porteous/Da Cruz)

 

THAT Council gives in principle support for the location of the Skate Plaza in Leichhardt Park however notes the many residents have concerns with the current identified location for the Skate Plaza and therefore that the consideration of the Draft Leichhardt Park Plan of Management be deferred and consultation extended until council is able to undertake face to face consultation in situ with residents and skate park users on the proposed site and other sites which have been nominated as alternate sites within the park for location of the Skate Park.

This Foreshadowed motion lapsed.

Councillor Iskandar entered the Meeting at 7:11 pm.

 

 

C0420(2) Item 3         Endorsement of Tempe Reserve & Tempe Lands Draft Plan of         Management

Motion: (Byrne/Macri)

 

THAT Council as land manager of Tempe reserve (D1000502 & D500215);

 

1.   Endorse the Draft Plan of Management and refer this to the Minister for Water, Housing and Property for owners consent; and

 

2.   On receipt of owners consent place the Draft Plan of Management on public exhibition for 28 days and the Plan be brought back to Council for adoption.

 

Motion Carried

For Motion:                 Crs Byrne, Drury, Iskandar, Lockie, Macri, McKenna OAM, Passas, Raciti, Steer and York

Against Motion:          Crs Da Cruz, Hesse, Kiat, Porteous and Stamolis

 

C0420(2) Item 4         Local Traffic Committee Meetings - March and April 2020

Motion: (Da Cruz/McKenna OAM)

 

THAT the Minutes of the Local Traffic Committee Meetings held in March and April 2020 be received and the recommendations be adopted.

 

Motion Carried

For Motion:                 Crs Byrne, Da Cruz, Drury, Hesse, Iskandar, Kiat, Lockie, Macri, McKenna OAM, Passas, Porteous, Raciti, Stamolis, Steer and York

Against Motion:          Nil

 

C0420(2) Item 5         Investment Report as at 31 March 2020.

Motion: (Da Cruz/Passas)

 

THAT Council:

 

  1. Receive and note the report; and

 

  1. Requests our investment advisers to include the charter of each of the “Socially Responsible Investments” in monthly reports.

 

Motion Lost

For Motion:                 Crs Da Cruz, Hesse, Kiat, Passas, Porteous, Stamolis and Steer

Against Motion:          Crs Byrne, Drury, Iskandar, Lockie, Macri, McKenna OAM, Raciti and York

 

Foreshadowed Motion (Drury/Byrne)

 

THAT the report be received and noted.

 

Motion Carried

For Motion:                 Crs Byrne, Da Cruz, Drury, Hesse, Iskandar, Kiat, Lockie, Macri, McKenna OAM, Porteous, Raciti, Stamolis, Steer and York

Against Motion:          Cr Passas

 

ADJOURNMENT

 

8.04pm - The Mayor, Clr Byrne adjourned the meeting for a short recess.

8.11pm– The Mayor, Clr Byrne resumed the meeting.

 

C0420(2) Item 6         Progress on Resolutions relating to the Impact of COVID-19

Motion: (Drury/Porteous)

1.            THAT Council:

  1. Notes the NSW Government has not provided direction to Councils in responding to residents who may struggle to pay rates because of hardship resulting from the COVID 19 crisis;
  1. Grant recipients of ‘Jobseeker’ and ‘Jobkeeper’ on application a deferral of their rates for an initial period of six months (until Nov 2020) during which time Council will not charge interest on the outstanding amount;
  1. Resolve to make use of the hardship policy of the former Leichhardt Council  for those residents who are not eligible for JobSeeker or JobKeeper but who are in financial hardship due to COVID 19, noting that this provides for deferral of rates without interest being incurred for up to 12 months;
  1. Receive a report no later than the May 26 Ordinary Council meeting on the  estimated benefits and costs of providing a one-off waste rebate of up to $400 as part of November 2020 rate instalment to those in receipt of ‘Jobseeker’ and ‘Jobkeeper’;

  2. Extend the adoption of the 2020-21 Operational Plan and Budget by one month noting that the Minister for Local Government has amended regulations to provide councils with a one month extension to adopt their 2020-21 operational plans and budgets and submit their 2019-20 audited financial statements and annual reports;

  3. Waives the health, hygiene, licensing and fire safety inspections fees for all businesses that have been closed or had their trading hours curtailed as a result of the crisis for a period of 6 months. Inspections will still be carried out;

  4. Notes that other Councils have continued to provide Council pick up services and requests Council officers to bring forward the reopening of booking for new pickups and the community recycling centres as a matter of urgency; and

  5. Notes the previous resolution for a report to be tabled on the redeployment of officers whose work has been affected by the closure of facilities, restates the importance of this resolution, and requires that a report on this be tabled at the next ordinary council meeting.

Motion Carried

For Motion:                 Crs Byrne, Da Cruz, Drury, Hesse, Iskandar, Kiat, Lockie, Macri, McKenna OAM, Passas, Porteous, Raciti, Stamolis, Steer and York

Against Motion:          Nil

 

 

 

Amendment (Porteous/Steer)

That Point 3 be replaced with:

 

3.    Resolve to make use of the hardship policy of the former Leichhardt Council  for those residents who are not eligible for JobSeeker or JobKeeper but who are in financial hardship due to COVID 19, noting that this provides for deferral of rates without interest being incurred for up to 12 months. Where evidence is required, Council will not require onerous forms of evidence and will accept a statutory declaration as sufficient.

 

Motion Lost

For Motion:                 Crs Da Cruz, Hesse, Kiat, Passas, Porteous, Stamolis and Steer

Against Motion:          Crs Byrne, Drury, Iskandar, Lockie, Macri, McKenna OAM, Raciti and York

 

Amendment (Passas)

THAT commercial businesses be afforded the same opportunity given to property owners.

The Mayor ruled this Out of Order as businesses cannot qualify for jobseeker and jobseeker payments.

 

C0420(2) Item 7         Notice of Motion: WestConnex and Western Harbour Tunnel    Community Liaison Forum

Motion: (Porteous/Lockie)

 

THAT:

 

1.    The WestConnex Community Liaison Forum be continued with the inclusion of the Western Harbour Tunnel and Beaches Link projects, and other infrastructure projects under state control in the Inner West as required;

 

2.    Meetings for this forum are to be:

 

a)    Held in the evening rather than during the day to enable more community members to attend;

 

b)    Open to the community, including representatives of community groups;

 

c)    Attended by Council's CEO, and senior members of Transport for NSW and the relevant projects.

 

3.    Councillors should also be invited to attend the forum meetings.

 

 

Motion Carried

For Motion:                 Crs Byrne, Da Cruz, Drury, Hesse, Iskandar, Kiat, Lockie, Macri, McKenna OAM, Porteous, Raciti, Stamolis, Steer and York

Against Motion:          Cr Passas

 

 

 

C0420(2) Item 8         Notice of Motion: Sydney Gateway

Motion: (Steer/Da Cruz)

 

THAT Council receive a report on the impact on the budget on signing the
agreement to sell the Tempe Industrial Lands to the Sydney Gateway
Project and the proposed or potential investments which could be made with
the funds.

 

Motion Carried

For Motion:                 Crs Byrne, Da Cruz, Drury, Hesse, Iskandar, Kiat, Lockie, Macri, McKenna OAM, Passas, Porteous, Raciti, Stamolis, Steer and York

Against Motion:          Nil

 

Suspension of Standing Orders

Motion: (Porteous/Steer)

THAT Council Suspend Standing Orders to deal with the two urgency motions at this time.

Motion Carried

For Motion:                 Crs Byrne, Da Cruz, Drury, Hesse, Iskandar, Kiat, Lockie, Macri, McKenna OAM, Passas, Porteous, Raciti, Stamolis, Steer and York

Against Motion:          Nil

 

Urgency Motion – Council Opposes Extended Powers of Planning Minister to Override Planning Decisions

 

Councillors Steer and Porteous requested that an Urgency Motion be considered on Council Opposing Extended Powers of Planning Minister to Override Planning Decisions

 

Motion: (Steer/Porteous)

 

THAT the matter be considered urgently.

 

Motion Carried

For Motion:                 Crs Byrne, Da Cruz, Drury, Hesse, Iskandar, Kiat, Lockie, Macri, McKenna OAM, Porteous, Stamolis, Steer and York

Against Motion:          Crs Passas and Raciti

 

The Mayor ruled this matter urgent.

 

Urgency Motion (Steer/Porteous)

 

 

THAT:

 

1.    The Mayor and CEO urgently write to the Minister for Planning Rob Stokes MP and the Premier Gladys Berejiklian to express its opposition to the recent changes to the Environmental Planning and Assessment Act which grant the Minister unprecedented powers to override planning decisions made by local councils.

 

2.    Council:

a)    Recognises that planning decisions should be community led and that local councils are best placed to make decisions about planning that is appropriate for their local area and constituents;

b)    Understands that even in times of economic and health crisis, planning approvals should consider the impact of development on the environment, local communities or neighbouring residents;

c)    Recognises that existing oversight powers are in place to make sure profit motivated property developers don’t impose undue costs on our community and environment; and

d)     Recognises that extending permissible construction hours has the potential to severely disrupt compulsory work and learn from home arrangements.   

3.    A report is brought to the next Council meeting outlining  the potential impacts on current and upcoming DAs and construction works in the Inner West Council LGA from the Planning Minister’s announced changes to the Environmental Planning and Assessment Act 1979 in response to the COVID crisis.

 

Motion Carried

For Motion:                 Crs Byrne, Da Cruz, Drury, Hesse, Iskandar, Kiat, Lockie, Macri, McKenna OAM, Porteous, Stamolis, Steer and York

Against Motion:          Crs Passas and Raciti

 

Urgency Motion – WestConnex Road Network Changes

 

Councillors McKenna OAM and Raciti requested that an Urgency Motion be considered on WestConnex Road Network Changes.

 

Motion: (McKenna OAM/Raciti)

 

THAT the matter be considered urgently.

 

Motion Carried

For Motion:                 Crs Byrne, Da Cruz, Drury, Hesse, Iskandar, Kiat, Lockie, Macri, McKenna OAM, Passas, Porteous, Raciti, Stamolis, Steer and York

Against Motion:          Nil

 

The Mayor ruled this matter urgent.

 

Urgency Motion: (McKenna OAM/Raciti)

 

THAT Council:

 

1.    Writes to the Premier of NSW and relevant ministers expressing Council’s total opposition to the proposed road network changes to key intersections in Haberfield, Ashfield and Leichhardt located at: City West Link, Norton Street and James Street; Dobroyd Parade and Waratah Street; City West Link, Mortley Avenue and Timbrell Drive and; Parramatta Road and Dalhousie Street.

a)    Seeks the cancellation of the proposed road network changes and the immediate implementation of local traffic calming measures as outlined in the 2018 independent study entitled WestConnex Local Area Improvement Strategy (LAIS).

b)    Insisting that the safety and traffic calming measures in Council’s  WestConnex Local Area Improvement Strategy by prioritised over the proposed network changes and be funded by the NSW Government immediately. 

c)    Requests an extension of the exhibition period until 15 June 2020

 

2.    Receive a briefing on this matter; and

 

3.    In preparing its Submission seek technical expertise if required.

 

 

Motion Carried

For Motion:                 Crs Byrne, Da Cruz, Drury, Hesse, Iskandar, Kiat, Lockie, Macri, McKenna OAM, Passas, Porteous, Raciti, Stamolis, Steer and York

Against Motion:          Nil

 

 

CONFIRMATION OF MINUTES

 

Motion: (Byrne/Passas)

THAT the Minutes of the Council Meeting held on Tuesday, 21 April 2020 be confirmed as a correct record.

Motion Carried

For Motion:                 Crs Byrne, Da Cruz, Drury, Hesse, Iskandar, Kiat, Lockie, Macri, McKenna OAM, Passas, Porteous, Raciti, Stamolis, Steer and York

Against Motion:          Nil

 

ADJOURNMENT

 

9.39pm - The Mayor, Clr Byrne adjourned the meeting for a short recess.

9.45pm– The Mayor, Clr Byrne resumed the meeting.

 

 

Confidential Session

 

Motion: (Macri/Drury)

 

THAT Council enter into Confidential session.

 

 

Motion Carried

For Motion:                 Crs Byrne, Da Cruz, Drury, Hesse, Iskandar, Lockie, Macri, McKenna OAM, Raciti, Stamolis, Steer and York

Against Motion:          Crs Kiat, Passas and Porteous

 

That in accordance with Section 10A(1) of the Local Government Act 1993, the following matters be considered in Closed Session of Council for the reasons provided:

 

C0420(2) Item 10 Balmain Leagues Site - Voluntary Planning Agreement (Section 10A(2)(d)(i) of the Local Government Act 1993) that would, if disclosed prejudice the commercial position of the person who supplied it.

 

C0420(2) Item 11 Precinct 75, St Peters – Voluntary Planning Agreement (Section 10A(2)(d)(i) of the Local Government Act 1993) that would, if disclosed prejudice the commercial position of the person who supplied it.

 

C0420(2) Item 12 Proposed Licencing at Tempe Reserve (Section 10A(2)(d)(i) of the Local Government Act 1993) that would, if disclosed prejudice the commercial position of the person who supplied it and (Section 10A(2)(d)(ii) of the Local Government Act 1993) that would, if disclosed confer a commercial advantage on a competitor of the Council.

 

Councillor Passas retired from the Meeting at 9:47 pm.

 

ADJOURNMENT

 

9.47pm - The Mayor, Clr Byrne adjourned the meeting for a short recess.

9.49pm– The Mayor, Clr Byrne resumed the meeting.

 

Motion: (Byrne/Drury)

 

THAT Council move back into the Open Session of the Council Meeting.

 

Motion Carried

For Motion:                 Crs Byrne, Da Cruz, Drury, Hesse, Iskandar, Kiat, Lockie, Macri, McKenna OAM, Porteous, Raciti, Stamolis, Steer and York

Against Motion:          Nil

Absent:                        Cr Passas

 

Reports with Confidential Information

 

C0420(2) Item 10       Balmain Leagues Site - Voluntary Planning Agreement

Motion: (Macri/McKenna OAM)

 

THAT the proposed Voluntary Planning Agreement for Balmain Leagues Site 138-152 Victoria Road, Rozelle be placed on public exhibition for a minimum of 28 days and be reported back to Council after public exhibition.

 

Motion Lost

For Motion:                 Crs Drury, Iskandar, Macri, McKenna OAM, Raciti and York

Against Motion:          Crs Byrne, Da Cruz, Hesse, Kiat, Lockie, Porteous, Stamolis and Steer

Absent:                        Cr Passas

 

Foreshadowed Motion (Stamolis/Byrne)

 

THAT Council defer the exhibition of the VPA until the resolution of the Development Application issues between the proponent and Council is achieved.

 

Motion Carried

For Motion:                 Crs Byrne, Drury, Hesse, Iskandar, Lockie, Macri, McKenna OAM, Raciti, Stamolis, Steer and York

Against Motion:          Crs Da Cruz, Kiat and Porteous

Absent:                        Cr Passas

 

C0420(2) Item 11       Precinct 75, St Peters – Voluntary Planning Agreement

Motion: (Drury/Byrne)

 

THAT the proposed Voluntary Planning Agreement for Precinct 75, St Peters (Site 73-83 Mary, 50-52 Edith & 43 Roberts Streets, St Peters) be:

 

1.    Endorsed in principle, subject to JVM Holdings Pty Ltd (the proponent) providing:

 

a)    Dedication of fully fitted out Artist Studios of more than 239m2 in size;

 

b)    At least half of the monetary contribution of $2,000,000 to be used for affordable housing or public domain upgrades be used for affordable housing by way of contribution to the affordable housing fund;

 

c)    Central open public space of more than 600m2 in size; and

 

d)    Pocket Park open space on Roberts Street.

 

2.    Placed on public exhibition for a minimum of 28 days; and

 

3.    Reported back to Council after public exhibition.

 

 

Motion Carried

For Motion:                 Crs Byrne, Da Cruz, Drury, Hesse, Iskandar, Kiat, Lockie, Macri, McKenna OAM, Raciti, Stamolis, Steer and York

Against Motion:          Cr Porteous

Absent:                        Cr  Passas

 

Amendment (Kiat/Hesse)

THAT at least half of the monetary contribution of $2,000,000 to be used for affordable housing or public domain upgrades be used for affordable housing by way of contribution to the affordable housing fund.

 

Motion Carried

For Motion:                 Crs Da Cruz, Hesse, Iskandar, Kiat, Lockie, McKenna OAM, Porteous, Stamolis, Steer and York

Against Motion:          Crs Byrne, Drury, Macri and Raciti

Absent:                        Cr Passas

 

As the amendment was carried, it was incorporated into the Primary motion.

 

 

 

 

 

 

C0420(2) Item 12       Proposed Licencing at Tempe Reserve

Procedural Motion: (Porteous/Kiat)

 

THAT this matter be considered in open council and be deferred to the next meeting.

 

Motion Lost

For Motion:                 Crs Da Cruz, Hesse, Kiat, Lockie, Porteous and Steer

Against Motion:          Crs Byrne, Drury, Iskandar, Macri, McKenna OAM, Raciti, Stamolis and York

Absent:                        Cr Passas

 

Motion: (Drury/Byrne)

 

THAT Council:

 

1.    Approves signing of a non-binding Heads of Agreement with Newington College generally in the form provided at Attachment 1;

 

2.    In its capacity as land manager of Tempe Recreation Reserve, approves the subsequent entering into of an Agreement for Licence on the terms outlined in the Heads of Agreement once all legislative requirements have been completed;

 

3.    Endorses a Licence period of up to 30 years, subject to approval by the Minister for Local Government; and

 

4.    Nominate whether it wishes to pursue further partnering opportunities at Tempe Recreation Reserve, through an Expression of Interest process.

 

Motion Carried

For Motion:                 Crs Byrne, Drury, Iskandar, Lockie, Macri, McKenna OAM, Raciti, Stamolis and York

Against Motion:          Crs Da Cruz, Hesse, Kiat, Porteous and Steer

Absent:                        Cr Passas

 

Foreshadowed Motion (Kiat)

THAT Council:

  1. Protect access to Tempe Reserve for the whole community, including school children of other schools that are closer, by not entering into the Heads of Agreement with Newington College regarding their exclusive use during certain times; and

  2. In future not enter into confidential negotiations with private schools regarding agreements whereby Council would accept cash in exchange for preferential access to public parks.

This Foreshadowed Motion lapsed.

 

 

Meeting closed at  10.48pm.

 

 

 


Council Meeting

12 May 2020

 

 

Item No:         C0520(1) Item 1

Subject:         Ashfield Aquatic Centre - Progress Update           

Prepared By:      Cathy Edwards-Davis - Director Infrastructure  

Authorised By:  Michael Deegan - Chief Executive Officer

 

 

 

RECOMMENDATION

 

THAT Council receive and note the report.

 

 

DISCUSSION

The approved budget for the Ashfield Aquatic Centre redevelopment is $44,752,145.  As at the end of March 2020, expenditure was $28,792,533 (64.3%).  Subject to any approved extensions of time, practical completion is on-target for 1 September 2020.

 

Progress on-site is as follows:

 

Pools

·    Leisure pool - water testing has been completed with rendering due to commence.

·    Program pool – tiling is nearing completion.

·    50m pool – floor tiling is nearly complete with tiling to the walls nearing completion.

·    Spa - structure is currently curing and will undergo a water test once complete.

·    Indoor pools – are currently being tested for water leaks

 

Main Building

·    The window pods and glazing on the northern façade have been installed.

·    The timber ceiling on level 1 has commenced.

·    The raised timber flooring has commenced on level 2.

·    Glazing to the pool hall is progressing.

·    Framing for the timber cladding on the northern façade has been completed.

 

Other

·    The plant room structure is complete.

·    The mechanical plant and equipment have been lifted into position in the plant room.

·    The southern embankment retaining wall is currently curing.

·    The structural members of the grandstand shade structure have been installed.

 

The builder has established procedures to mitigate, where possible, the spread of COVID-19 onsite. There are no known cases amongst workers.

 

FINANCIAL IMPLICATIONS

The project is on-budget.

 

 

 

ATTACHMENTS

Nil.  


Council Meeting

12 May 2020

 

 

Item No:         C0520(1) Item 2

Subject:         Notice of Motion: Safer Walking and Cycling in the Inner West           

From:             Councillor Marghanita Da Cruz   

 

 

Motion:

 

THAT Council:

 

1.   Review and report on all outstanding items in the Pedestrian Access and Mobility Plans (PAMP) of the former councils (including along Holden and Queen Streets Ashfield and upgrading existing raised pedestrian crossings on Styles and Catherine Streets Leichhardt and elsewhere to incorporate gutter guards) with a view to including in future budgets and write to Transport for NSW seeking funding for any shortfall; and

 

2.   Write to Transport NSW requesting:

 

a)   they run a safety campaign including temporary COVID-19 exercise safety measures, signage at entry points to the LGA and an educational campaign aimed at drivers, cyclists and pedestrians including children on footpaths, shared paths, and the increasing number of 10kmph shared zones on roads. an active transport (pedestrian/cycling) safety infrastructure and campaign;

 

b)   the upgrade of the pedestrian refuge on Darley Road at Allen Street Leichhardt;

 

c)   The provision of a pedestrian/cyclist refuge safe crossing point on Johnston Street at Albion St Annandale (designated cycle route);

 

d)   Signage and Traffic Calming on Darley Road at the Charles Street Roundabout which is the intersection of two on road cycle routes; and

 

e)   Safe Crossing point on Old Canterbury Road at Henry Street, Lewisham.

 

Background

 

Women cyclists from Haberfield, Ashfield and Croydon have approached me about cycling infrastructure and motorists application of road rules. Carers grapple with prams, dogs and children sometimes on bicycles or scooters on footpaths which are interrupted by driveways, roads and laneways. Dogwalkers also need to get across roads safely.

 

Anecdotally many drivers and cyclists may not understand the road rules as they relate to cycling. Cyclists and Pedestrians are also unaware of rules or etiquette in relation to footpaths and shared paths. For example motorists may not be aware of where they are permitted to cross double lines in order to give cyclists 1m clearance on roads, or of cyclist turning signals, riding on shared paths, footpaths, etc. The good news is that it has been suggested that walkers and cyclists approach driving differently to those who do not walk or ride a

bicycle.

 

Those cycling and walking need to take great care to protect themselves at points along their journey. We need a safe network of well signposted and designed routes with safe crossing points catering for cyclists, walkers with dogs, prams and those who are less mobile . We also need to ensure that Google and Navigation systems to incorporate these safe routes.

During Covid-19 there has been a dramatic increase in cycling an walking. With some doing much more, enjoying the clean air and others discovering their neighbourhoods on foot and bicycles for the first time. Many residents across Australia are noticing and appreciating street trees, footpaths, front gardens and local shops for the first time.

 

“The coronavirus pandemic has dramatically shifted our lives and the ways we move about our cities. Despite tight restrictions on non-essential work and outings, and on social gatherings in every state and territory, governments have listed exercise as one of four essential activities. As a result, we have seen increases in the number of people walking and cycling, including children.

 

Physical activities such as walking and cycling are perfectly compatible with physical distancing – but only with the right infrastructure. More than 100 Australian health and transport experts have signed an open letter calling on governments to enact urgent measures to support safe walking and cycling and social distancing during the COVID-19 pandemic.“ - Physical distancing is here for a while – over 100 experts call for more safe walking and cycling space, April 29, 2020 https://theconversation.com/physical-distancing-is-here-for-a-whileover-100-experts-call-for-more-safe-walking-and-cycling-space-137374

 

There are economic benefits of good walking and cycling routes. Guided and Self-Guided Heritage, Art and Food Walks and Cycle Rides of the Inner West with are popular. Bicycle Couriers on their electric bicycles equipped with navigation equipment also make a significant contribution in employment and distribution services.

 

The Recreation Study has identified walking as the most popular activity for recreation and second most for transport. Each of the former council’s had PAMPs some items identified in these plans including on Holden and Queen Street Ashfield have not been implemented yet despite there being an ongoing need.

 

The PAMPs and Recreation Needs Study are published on Council’s Website:

• Marrickville Pedestrian Access and Mobility Plan Review November 2009,

• Ashfield ASHFIELD PEDESTRIAN ACCESS & MOBILITY 19/01/2016,

• Leichhardt Council Pedestrian Access and Mobility Plan (PAMP) January 2014

• Recreation needs study - A Healthier Inner West 16 October 2018

https://www.innerwest.nsw.gov.au/about/policies-plans-and-regulations/other-plans

 

Elderly Pedestrian and Cyclist crossing Johnston Street, Annandale on 1 May 2020

 

 

Officer’s Comments:

 

Comment from Traffic and Transport Manager:

Council will be consolidating and updating the legacy PAMPs into one document in the future (i.e. Active Transport Plan).

 

 

ATTACHMENTS

Nil.


Council Meeting

12 May 2020

 

 

Item No:         C0520(1) Item 3

Subject:         Notice of Motion: Improve Pedestrian Safety On Stanmore Road           

From:             Councillor Louise Steer   

 

Motion:

 

THAT Council write to RMS and/or Transport for NSW:

 

1.   Noting the importance of the current pedestrian refuge on Stanmore Road at Maundrell Park to ensure the safety of local pedestrians and cyclists;

 

2.   Requesting an upgrade of the pedestrian refuge on Stanmore Road at Maundrell Park, Stanmore; and

 

3.   Requesting provision of an additional pedestrian/cycle refuge on Stanmore Road in a location between Holt Street and Marshall Street to allow access to the shopping strip between Middleton Street and Marshall Street and facilitate easier access to the shopping strip between Marshall Street and John Street.

 

Background

 

The motion aims at improving pedestrian and cyclist safety on Stanmore Road, by placing a pedestrian refuge to give pedestrians easier access to the small shopping strip on Stanmore Road between Middleton Street and Marshall Street, as well as allowing safer pedestrian access to the shopping strip between Marshall Street and John Street.

 

More needs to be done to improve pedestrian safety. Stanmore Road is an RMS controlled road, which runs from Enmore Road to Crystal Street. It has heavy traffic, including trucks and buses, particularly from major construction projects such as Westconnex and Sydney Metro. Drivers have a tendency to speed and refuse to slow down for pedestrians. There was a fatality outside the Greek Orthodox childcare centre a few years ago.

 

Since the Concordia Club moved, there has been little police presence on Stanmore Road to regulate traffic. It is an area of high pedestrian traffic, particularly from school children and parents. There are several schools and child care centres in the area including Stanmore Public School in Cavendish Street, Cavendish Street Child Care Centre (both 1 block away from Stanmore Road), Wyvern College on Cambridge Street (2 blocks away from Stanmore Road), Newington College and the Greek Orthodox Childcare Centre, both on Stanmore Road.

 

Current advice from RMS is they want less refuges on Stanmore Road. The current refuge at Maundrell Park was built at the request of residents. It is apparently under threat of removal by RMS. This would be detrimental to residents, pedestrians and cyclists by making it more difficult to cross Stanmore Road to access shops and residences.

 

 

Officer’s Comments:

 

Staff have no comment.

 

 

ATTACHMENTS

Nil.


Council Meeting

12 May 2020

 

 

Item No:         C0520(1) Item 4

Subject:         Notice of Motion: Delegated Authority           

From:             Councillor Julie Passas   

 

 

Motion:

 

THAT a report be brought back in June 2020 regarding funds available to the Mayor for donation without Council’s endorsement.

 

 

Background

 

The recent donation by the Mayor for a festival was made without the endorsement of the full council.

 

Council voted to endorse a donation after the monies were given. There was no formal request for the funds nor costings which is required in other instances.

 

Council has an obligation and responsibility to ensure that ratepayers’ money is spent with vigorous scrutiny in an open transparent manner.

 

 

Officer’s Comments:

 

Comment from Governance Manager:

The Local Government Act gives all NSW Mayors authority to make policy decisions under delegation between meetings. Council’s delegation to the Mayor requires that decisions made under delegation when Council is in recess is to be reported to the first available Ordinary Council meeting.

 

 

ATTACHMENTS

Nil.


Council Meeting

12 May 2020

 

 

Item No:         C0520(1) Item 5

Subject:         Notice of Motion: Questions on Notice           

From:             Councillor Julie Passas   

 

 

Motion:


THAT the minutes of the Ordinary Council meetings should show questions which are taken on notice, and that these questions are answered and places on record in the council minutes for the forthcoming agenda.

 

 

Background

 

The very small number of Council staff at Council meetings means that more questions asked by Councillors and not answered during the meetings. This affects the meeting and the Councillors ability to have full information when making decisions.

 

Councillors questions are important and it is imperative that questions are answered.

 

There have been numerous questions asked that remain unanswered.

 

 

Officer’s Comments:

 

Comment from Governance Manager:

The Code of Meeting Practice provides that staff and councillors are given sufficient notice to answer questions raised at meetings. Some question may take several weeks to provide a full response. The minutes of a council meeting record the proceedings of that meeting and therefore answers to questions taken on notice should not appear in the minutes as the answers were not given during the meeting.

 

 

 

ATTACHMENTS

Nil.  


Council Meeting

12 May 2020

 

 

Item No:         C0520(1) Item 6

Subject:         Question on Notice: The use of Glyphosate by Inner West Council           

From:             Councillor Rochelle Porteous  

 

 

 

Comment by the Chief Executive Officer:

 

Answers to all questions will be provided at an Ordinary Council meeting in August 2020.

 

Question

 

1.   In what form are records kept on the use of glyphosate to control weeks on IWC lands?

 

Question

 

 

2.   Who is responsible for checking these records and how often are they checked?

 

 

Question

 

 

3.   What oversight occurs to ensure the accuracy of these records?

 

Question

 

 

4.   What is the procedure where a breach of relevant policies occurs?

 

Question

 

 

5.   From the records kept by IWC, how often has glyphosate been used on IWC lands in the last 6 months?

 

 

Question

 

 

6.   Please provide details of each use of glyphosate for December and January by IWC.

 

 

Question

 

7.   The IWC Pesticide Notification Plan only requires one of the following notification methods to be used to notify the use of glyphosate:

·    Signs

·    Notice within a local community newspaper

·    Letters

·    Phone contact and/or Fax/email

·    Letterbox drops and/or door knocking

·    Inner West Council's web page

 

As part of the record keeping procedures, are records kept on the notification methods used for each use of glyphosate?

 

Question

 

8.   According to the IWC Pesticide Notification Plan council staff are not required to inform the public that they are spraying glyphosate locally if the application is

Spraying of glyphosate using a hand spray bottle, wand, or spray lance

 

As part of the record keeping procedures, are records kept where glyphosate has been used and the public has not been informed?

 

 

Question

 

9.   Feb 26 2019 Council adopted as part of the adoption of the Weed Management Policy to go out on exhibition the following:

Council engage a consultant to review existing herbicide use and make recommendations on improved risk mitigation as outlined in the report

a)   Has Council engaged a consultant to do this work? If not why not?

Question

 

b)   Assuming council has engaged this consultant, what recommendations has the consultant brought to council to improve risk mitigation?

 

Question

 

10. May 28 2019 Council as part of the adoption of the Weed Management Policy, the following was adopted:

Only use glyphosate as a matter of last resort where other methods cannot be applied and spot control of persistent weeds that resist other treatments occur.

a)   What decision-making process do council staff undertake to ensure Glyphosate is only used as a last resort?

 

Question

 

b)   Where is it clearly outlined in the current policies that glyphosate must only be used as a last resort?

 

 

 

 

 

Question

 

11. May 28 2019 also adopted was the following:

Any use of glyphosate must be done in a way that avoids it running off into stormwater drains and our waterways.

a)   What steps are council staff taking to ensure that when glyphosate is used, it is not running off into stormwater, drains and our waterways?

Question

b)   Where is this wording for this found in the current policies?

 

Question

 

c)   Have there been any breaches regarding this directive from council in the last 6 months?

Question

 

12. In Leichhardt Council most weed control was undertaken by non-chemical means with use of steam weeding, snipping the weeds and hand weeding. Glyphosate was only used for spot control of weeds where all other methods were not effective. It was reported at the February 2019 council meeting that the Leichhardt Council weed management contract would end in September 2019.

Question

 

a)   Has the Leichhardt Council contract with most of the weed control being undertaken by non-chemical means been renewed with the same frequency of non-chemical weed removal and assurances regarding glyphosate only being used as a last resort?

Question

 

b)   Has the use of glyphosate increased in the Leichhardt Council area since September 2019? If it has please provide details.

Question

c)   Has the use of glyphosate increased in the Inner West Council area over the last 12 months? If it has please provide details.

Question

 

 

13. The General Secretary of the United Services Union, the industrial body representing Council’s staff, wrote to Councillors in May last year to notify Council that the USU has recently engaged with Safework NSW to further discuss the potential risks of Glyphosate to their workers. What work has the CEO done to follow up with the USU on this matter and to implement any worker safety recommendations?

 

 

ATTACHMENTS

Nil.   


Council Meeting

12 May 2020

 

 

Item No:         C0520(1) Item 7

Subject:         TENDER FOR Haberfield Centre and Library Upgrade           

Prepared By:      Stephen Iacono - Propoerty Project Manager  

Authorised By:  Cathy Edwards-Davis - Director Infrastructure

 

 

 

RECOMMENDATION

 

THAT Council adopt the recommendation contained in the Confidential Attachment 1.

 

 

 

 

 

DISCUSSION

On 24 July 2018, Council resolved to approve $2.5M funding from Sydney Motorway Corporation to significantly upgrade the Haberfield Centre and Library.

 

A development application was approved by the Inner West Local Planning Panel on 11 February 2020. Council called for tenders from a panel of 5 pre-qualified companies, with tenders closing on 19 February 2020.

 

The scope of works includes part demolition, alterations and additions, new solar panels, fit out and associated landscaping of the existing Haberfield Centre and Library.

 

Tenders were evaluated in accordance with Council’s Purchasing Policy and Procedures and the Local Government Act 1993 and General Regulations 2005. A Summary of the Tender Evaluation Committee’s report is attached as Confidential Attachment 1.

 

Pending Council approval, the works are expected to commence in June 2020 with completion by April 2021.

 

FINANCIAL IMPLICATIONS

 

Sydney Motorway Corporation is contributing $2.5m fundiong towards the project.  The balance of the project cost will be funded from Council’s Capital Works Budget.

 

 

 

ATTACHMENTS

1.

RFT 45-19 Evaluation Report - Confidential