Council Meeting 12 May 2020

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

Meeting commenced at 6.32pm

Present:
Vittoria Raciti Victor Macri Marghanita Da Cruz Mark Drury Lucille McKenna OAM Colin Hesse Sam Iskandar Tom Kiat Pauline Lockie Julie Passas Rochelle Porteous John Stamolis Louise Steer Anna York Michael Deegan	Deputy Mayor Councillor (Acting Chairperson) Councillor Councillor Councillor Councillor Councillor Councillor Councillor Councillor Councillor (6.39pm) Councillor Councillor Councillor Chief Executive Officer
Cathy Edwards-Davis	Director Infrastructure
Ian Naylor	Manager Governance
Katherine Paixao	Governance Coordinator

APOLOGIES:    

Motion: (Hesse/Macri)

THAT apologies from Councillor Byrne be accepted.

Motion Carried

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

Against Motion:          Nil

DISCLOSURES OF INTERESTS:           Nil

CONFIRMATION OF MINUTES

Motion: (Kiat/Steer)

THAT the Minutes of the Council Meeting held on Tuesday, 28 April 2020 be confirmed as a correct record, subject to the following amendment:

a) Item 1 Delegation of Operational Traffic Matters – Councillor Passas voted against the motion.

Motion Carried

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

Against Motion:          Nil

The Deputy Mayor, Councillor Raciti requested that Councillor Macri chair the remainder of the meeting.

Motion: (Raciti/Passas)

THAT Councillor Macri take over as chairperson of the meeting.

Motion Carried

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

Against Motion:          Cr Steer

Councillor Porteous entered the Meeting at 6:39 pm.

C0520(1) Item 8  Mayoral Minute: Establishing the Inner West Recovery Taskforce

Motion: (Drury/McKenna OAM)

THAT Council establishes an Inner West Recovery Taskforce (IWRT), to be chaired by the Mayor, to plan and coordinate the economic recovery of the Inner West as well as maximise the local effect and delivery of State and Federal relief and stimulus measures, within the next 10 business days.

a) An Expression of Interest for people who are interested in participating as members on the IWRT be opened and promoted through all of Council’s communication channels;

b) That Taskforce contains a maximum of seven members and includes a representative of the Inner West Business Chamber, local business leaders from a variety of sectors;

c) The membership of the IWRT should include a mix of economic sectors, gender balance as well as diversity in geographical locations in the LGA;

d) The membership of the IWRT should have experiences and skill sets that extend beyond their own business interests, industries and suburbs, so that a whole of LGA approach can be taken to the economic recovery of the Inner West;

e) The results of the EOI be reported to the June 9 Ordinary Council;

f) The draft IWRT terms of reference (prepared by the CEO) in Attachment 1 be noted and considered for adoption at the June 9 Ordinary Council meeting;

g) Councillors are invited to attend and participate in the Taskforce;

h) There can be a larger number than 7 members if the council so determines; and

i) Recommendations of the taskforce must come to the council for consideration and adoption.

Motion Carried

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

Against Motion:          Nil

Amendment (Porteous/Da Cruz)

THAT the following points be added in the primary motion as additional points:

a) At least 5 of the 7 members need to be acknowledged representatives of each of the 5 ward areas;

Motion Tied

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

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

The Chairperson used his Casting Vote against the MOTION and the MOTION was lost.

b) Councillors are invited to attend and participate in the Taskforce;

Motion Carried

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

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

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

c) There can be a larger number than 7 members if the council so determines; and

Motion Carried

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

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

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

d) Recommendations of the taskforce must come to the Council for consideration and adoption.

Motion Carried

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

Against Motion:          Nil

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

Urgency Motion: Condolence Motion – Jack Mundey

Councillor Hesse requested that an Urgency Motion be considered regarding a condolence motion for Jack Mundey.

Motion: (Hesse/Raciti)

THAT the matter be considered urgently.

Motion Carried

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

Against Motion:          Nil

The Chair, Councillor Macri ruled this matter urgent.

Urgency Motion (Hesse/Lockie)

THAT Council recognises the passing of Croydon Park resident Jack Mundey and the contribution Jack Mundey made to the natural and built environment of Sydney, to democracy, unions and to local government and express our condolences.

Motion Carried

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

Against Motion:          Nil

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

Motion: (Drury/Macri)

THAT:

1. Council receive and note the report; and

2. Councillors receive a briefing on the Ashfield pool.

Motion Carried

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

Against Motion:          Nil

Amendment (Passas/Macri)

THAT Councillors receive a briefing on the Ashfield pool.

Motion Carried

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

Against Motion:          Crs Drury, Iskandar, Kiat, Lockie, McKenna OAM and York

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

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

Motion: (Da Cruz/Steer)

THAT Council:

1.   Bring back a report on the active transport plan incorporating a review of 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 writing 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

3. Staff to report back to the next Council meeting on any opportunities for grant funding to be sought under the new $15 million Streets and Shared Spaces program announced by the Minister for Planning and Public Spaces last week.

Motion Carried

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

Against Motion:           Nil

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

Motion: (Steer/Lockie)

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.

Motion Carried

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

Against Motion:           Nil

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

Motion: (Passas/Macri)

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

Motion Carried

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

Against Motion:           Crs Drury, Iskandar and McKenna OAM

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

Motion: (Passas/Stamolis)

THAT:

1. The minutes of 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; and

2. Council to review the level of senior management attendance at Council Meetings to enhance the effectiveness of Council meetings.

Motion Lost

For Motion:                 Crs Da Cruz, Macri, Passas, Raciti and Stamolis

Against Motion:          Crs Drury, Hesse, Iskandar, Kiat, Lockie, McKenna OAM, Porteous, Steer and York

Foreshadowed Motion (Porteous/Steer)

THAT:

1. Council notes the Inner West Council Code of Meeting Practice which states that:

a) 9.17 A councillor or Council employee to whom a question is put is entitled to be given reasonable notice of the question and, in particular, sufficient notice to enable reference to be made to other persons or to documents. Where a councillor or Council employee to whom a question is put is unable to respond to the question at the meeting at which it is put, they may take it on notice and report the response to the next meeting of the Council.

2. Council further notes with concern that Questions from Councillors which have been submitted as Questions on Notice are not being answered at the next meeting of council nor within any reasonable timeframe. Council therefore directs the General Manager of IWC to respond to Questions on Notice submitted by Councillors by the next council meeting; and

3. In regard to questions staff are unable to answer during a Council meeting and therefore ask to take the question on notice. A record of these questions should be kept by the General Manager and the responses reported in a briefing paper before the next council meeting, with the briefing paper to be published on the council website alongside all other Councillor briefing papers.

Motion Carried

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

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

Suspension of Standing Orders

Motion: (Drury/Macri)

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

Motion Carried

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

Against Motion:          Nil

Urgency Motion: Sydney Airport Broken Curfew

Councillor Hesse requested that an Urgency Motion be considered regarding Sydney Airport Broken Curfew.

Motion: (Hesse/Macri)

THAT the matter be considered urgently.

Motion Carried

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

Against Motion:          Nil

The Chair, Councillor Macri ruled this matter urgent.

Urgency Motion: (Hesse/Macri)

THAT Council writes to the Minister for Infrastructure, Transport and Regional Development, The Hon. Michael McCormack, informing him that: 

1. Residents of the Inner West Council area suffer significant adverse impact from aircraft noise;

2. The curfew in place from 11.00pm to 6.00am is vital to the peaceful enjoyment of home and family to residents;

3. Council registers its unequivocal opposition to the change in the type of aircraft that have been allowed by The Australian Government to operate at Sydney airport during curfew hours;

4. Demands an immediate and long term phase out of anything other than emergency flights during curfew hours;

5. Notes that freight is not an emergency service, and that during Covid-19 restrictions freight services must be required to fly during the current non-curfew hours.

6. The government review the insulation program and see if it is still operational.

Motion Carried

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

Against Motion:           Cr Passas

Urgency Motion – Graham Green – Dulwich Hill

Councillors Drury and Iskandar requested that an Urgency Motion be considered regarding Graham Green, Dulwich Hill.

Motion: (Drury/Iskandar)

THAT the matter be considered urgently.

Motion Carried

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

Against Motion:          Nil

The Chair, Councillor Macri ruled this matter urgent.

Urgency Motion: (Drury/Iskandar)

THAT:

1. Writes to the NSW Minister for Education seeking assurance that there will be no change to the existing community access to Graham Green Park in Dulwich Hill;

2. Further, if Dulwich High School of Visual Arts and Design is to place a new demountable classroom on Graham Green Park, then we ask that any security arrangements around a new demountable not impede access to the Park or the ability of residents to walk through it to access the Dulwich Hill shopping precinct;

3. Council engage immediately with the school to re-establish the license.

Motion Carried

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

Against Motion:          Nil

Foreshadowed Motion (Stamolis)

1. Writes to the NSW Minister for Education seeking assurance that there will be no change to the existing community access to Graham Green Park in Dulwich Hill; and

2. All other options are considered before this location is chosen.

This Foreshadowed Motion lapsed.

Urgent Motion Refugees

Councillor Da Cruz requested that an Urgency Motion be considered regarding Refugees.

Motion: (Da Cruz/Macri)

THAT the matter be considered urgently.

Motion Carried

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

Against Motion:          Nil

The Chair, Councillor Macri ruled this matter urgent.

Urgency Motion: (Da Cruz/Steer)

THAT Council:

1. Co-sign:

a) The Refugee Council’s Open letter to Prime Minister Scott Morrison – Nobody Left Behind; and

b) The letter of support being co-ordinated by the Local Government Mayoral Taskforce Supporting People Seeking Asylum.

2. Add a link to Council’s website for the Asylum Seeker’s Centre’s media release of support for the open letter and Plea for the Government to provide a safety net for everyone – including people seeking asylum.

Motion Carried

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

Against Motion:          Nil

Reports with Confidential Information

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

Motion: (Drury/Macri)

THAT a contract be awarded to Patterson Building Group Pty Ltd for the lump sum price of $3,252,348  plus GST for the upgrade of the Haberfield Centre and Library including a contingency allowance of $340,000 plus GST.

Motion Carried

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

Against Motion:           Nil

Meeting closed at 9.32 pm.

The Minutes of the Ordinary Meeting of Council held on the 12^th day of May, 2020 were confirmed as a correct record on this 26^th day of May, 2020.

..............................................

CHAIRPERSON