Council Meeting 14 May 2019

Minutes of Ordinary Council Meeting held on 14 May 2019

Meeting commenced at 6.31pm

Present:
Darcy Byrne Victor Macri Marghanita Da Cruz Mark Drury Lucille McKenna OAM Sam Iskandar Tom Kiat Pauline Lockie Julie Passas Rochelle Porteous John Stamolis Louise Steer Anna York Michael Deegan Elizabeth Richardson	Mayor Deputy Mayor Councillor Councillor Councillor Councillor Councillor Councillor Councillor Councillor Councillor Councillor (6.33pm) Councillor Chief Executive Officer Deputy General Manager Assets and Environment
Michael Tzimoulas	Deputy General Manager Chief Financial and Administration Officer
Nellette Kettle David Birds Cathy Edwards-Davis Ian Naylor Katherine Paixao	Group Manager Customer Service, Business Excellence and Civic Governance Group Manager Strategic Planning Group Manager Trees, Parks and Streetscapes Manager Civic Governance Governance Coordinator

APOLOGIES:    

Motion: (Macri/Passas)

THAT Apologies from Councillors Hesse and Raciti be accepted.

Motion Carried

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

Against Motion:          Nil

Councillor Steer entered the Meeting at 6:33 pm.

DISCLOSURES OF INTERESTS:         

During the meeting, Clr Porteous declared a non-significant, non-pecuniary interest in Item 10 Notice of Motion: National Disability Strategy Submission as she works in the Disability Advocacy sector. Please see page 9.

CONFIRMATION OF MINUTES

Motion: (Stamolis/McKenna OAM)

THAT the Minutes of the Council Meeting held on Tuesday, 30 April 2019 be confirmed as a correct record.

Motion Carried

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

Against Motion:          Nil

PUBLIC FORUM

The registered speakers were asked to address the meeting. The list of speakers is available on the last page of these minutes.

C0519(1) Item 12         Mayoral Minute: Condolence Motion Father John Pearce

Motion: (Byrne)

THAT Council write a letter of condolence to Father John Pearce’s brother, Peter Pearce and his family, expressing our sadness on the passing of his brother, Father John Pearce, and our thanks for his contribution to the Inner West community.

Motion Carried

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

Against Motion:          Nil

Councillor Kiat left the Meeting at 7:11 pm.

Councillor Kiat returned to the Meeting at 7:13 pm.

C0519(1) Item 13         Mayoral Minute: Pacific Test Invitational Support

Motion: (Byrne)

THAT Council:

1.   Endorse and welcome the sixth Pacific Test Invitational at Leichhardt Oval on 22 June 2019 and agree to work in partnership with the National Rugby League and Wests Tigers to promote the games and associated events;

2.   Make use of one of Council’s access days at the Actors Centre in the Leichhardt Italian Forum to allow the National Rugby League to host the Pacific Youth Summit if dates are available;

3.   Promote the invitational and associated events through Council’s communications channels such as social media, the Courier page and, if timely, the Community Newsletter; and

4.   Approach Palace Cinemas to request assistance in the screening of a mid-week screening of a pacific short movie evening.

Motion Carried

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

Against Motion:          Nil

C0519(1) Item 1            Public exhibition of draft Operational Plan and Budget 2019/20,     draft Fees and Charges 2019/20, draft updated Long-Term Financial Plan 2019-29 and draft revised Delivery Program 2018-       22

Motion: (Byrne/Macri)

THAT:

1.   Council endorse the drafts of the Operational Plan and Budget 2019/20, Fees and Charges 2019/20, updated Long-Term Financial Plan 2019-29 and revised Delivery Program 2018-22 for public exhibition for a minimum of 28 days;

2.   Council approves that a proposed Compliance & Enforcement Levy of 0.2% of the estimated cost of works of a development application over $100,000 and 0.25% of the estimated cost of works of a development application over $5,000,000 be included in the draft fees and charges placed on public exhibition for a minimum of 28 days;

3.   Noting the significant projected operating deficits outlined within the budget, Council officers:

a)   Work towards a minimum of $5 million per annum in savings against the budget through efficiency measures, to be reported quarterly through the quarterly budget review process;

b)   Continue to develop a consistent Inner West Council rating structure by July 2020, as required by the NSW Government;

c)   Continue analysis of the feasibility of greatly enhanced access for the community to Council services through consolidation of its administration buildings and depots; and

d)   Through the Land and Property Strategy, provide Council with additional information on the optimal use of its property and buildings to ensure benefits to the community are maximised.

4.   All Key Performance Indicators in the Operational Plan are comprehensively reviewed for the 2020/2021 Operational Plan and Budget, and that this forms part of the monthly meetings proposed by the CEO.

Motion Carried

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

Against Motion:          Nil

Amendment (Porteous/Kiat)

THAT Council:

1. Delete recommendation 3(c).

Motion Lost

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

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

2. Place on public exhibition a draft fees and charges for 2019/20, with proposed increases to be capped at CPI, except for new or proposed increases greater than CPI that have previously been approved by Council. Councillors to receive a briefing on staff proposals to increase fees beyond CPI or to introduce new fees.

Motion Lost

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

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

Amendment (Kiat/Porteous)

THAT:

1. The CEO focus efficiency measures on reducing the use of consultants and contractors to achieve savings and increase Council’s operational capacity;

Motion Lost

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

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

2. Ongoing work toward a consistent rating structure identify areas where Council’s rating structure can be reformed to be more progressive, focusing the burden of rates away from low value properties and low income pensioners;

Motion Lost

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

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

3. The CEO de-prioritise investigations into savings measures that would require the sell-off of essential council infrastructure such as administration and service centres and town halls;

Motion Lost

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

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

4. Noting that Council resolved on 24 July 2018 to “receive further advice on how cash obtained for the purpose of Council affordable housing could be managed under an affordable housing fund in accordance with Council’s Affordable Housing Policy”, that Council receive this advice so that the establishment of the fund can be included as part of the budget and operational plan 2019/20; and

Motion Lost

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

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

5. Council receive advice on the inclusion/amendment of the following KPIs/Key Actions for the Operational Plan 2019/20:

a. Environment and Sustainability - New KPIs for carbon neutrality, increasing urban forest tree canopy, Council’s contribution to community renewable energy investment. KPI for investment in fossil fuels is to remain at 0%. KPI for percentage of operational energy from renewable sources to reflect Pathway to a Carbon Neutral Council plan; and

b. Community Services and Culture - New KPI for increasing Council’s affordable housing stock. New Key Action to incorporate actions under the Affordable Housing Policy.

Motion Lost

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

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

Amendment (Stamolis/Steer)

THAT Council establish three budget briefings for residents over coming weeks and an additional briefing for councillors.

Motion Lost

For Motion:                 Crs Da Cruz, Porteous, Stamolis and Steer

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

C0519(1) Item 2            Outdoor Advertising and Signage in Transport Corridors Policy

Motion: (Macri/Drury)

THAT Council adopts the proposed Outdoor Advertising and Signage in Transport Corridors Policy (Attachment 1) as an interim policy to guide development assessment and related matters with a further report to be provided addressing policy implications in terms of driver safety, public space amenity, and impacts on local flora and fauna.

Motion Carried

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

Against Motion:           Nil

C0519(1) Item 3            Elliot Park and Balmain Cove-Companion Animal Access Review

Motion: (Macri/Stamolis)

THAT:

1.   Council endorse the establishment of a full time companion animal off-leash zone at Elliott Park and Balmain Cove;

2.   Council write to the Secretary of the Balmain Cove Body Corporate to advise of the new off-leash area and provide clarification on the legal responsibilities of dog owners with respect to the use of this area; and

3.   New educational signage be installed in Elliott Park and Balmain Cove to designate the off-leash areas and educate dog owners of their responsibilities when utilising these parks for companion animal exercise.

Motion Carried

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

Against Motion:          Cr Da Cruz

C0519(1) Item 4            2018/19 Third Quarter Budget Review

Motion: (Drury/Stamolis)

THAT the report be received, noted and approved.

Motion Carried

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

Against Motion:          Nil

C0519(1) Item 5            Local Government Remuneration Tribunal Determination 2019

Motion: (Porteous/Da Cruz)

THAT the Mayor and Councillor Fees for 1 July 2019 to 20 June 2020 be set at the maximum level for a Metropolitan Medium Council.  

Motion Carried

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

Against Motion:          Cr Stamolis

C0519(1) Item 6            Notice of Motion: Measles

Motion: (York/ Steer)

THAT Council:

1.   Notes the growing concern in the Inner West community in response to increased reports of measles in NSW, with 33 cases reported in the State since Christmas, and in particular the concern for children under 1 year old who are too young to be vaccinated. This is in the context of reports of the promotion of the ill-informed and dangerous anti-vaxxer ideology;

2.   Reminds and promotes to the community the existing free immunisation service offered in the Inner West LGA through existing publications and signage at appropriate Children and Family services events or locations;

3.   Writes to the NSW Department of Health seeking an update on best practices for Councils in promoting and incentivising immunisations in the local community, noting the role the Inner West Council plays in Family & Children’s Services; and

4.   Reiterates the position previously taken that known anti-vax campaigners will not be permitted to participate in Council-run events, and further, the Inner West Council will prohibit known anti-vax campaigners from hiring or accessing Council venues for the purposes of anti-vaccination promotion.

Motion Carried

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

Against Motion:           Nil

Councillor Passas left the Meeting at 8:20 pm.

C0519(1) Item 7            Notice of Motion: Declaration of Climate Emergency

Motion: (Da Cruz/Kiat)

THAT Council:

1.   Publicly acknowledges that we are in a state of climate emergency that requires urgent action by all levels of government; that human induced climate change represents one of the greatest threats to humanity, civilisation, and other species; and that it is still possible to prevent the most catastrophic outcomes if societies take emergency action, including local councils;

2. Include references to this emergency in the CEO’s performance agreement and Council adjust his key performance indicators accordingly to include:

a. 100% divestment of Council’s investment portfolio from fossil fuels;

b. Achieving 100% carbon neutrality AND 100% renewable energy targets by 2025;

c. Making the Inner West a leader in renewable energy for our community by:

i. Establishing the Office of Renewable Energy Innovation;

ii. Expediting the retrofit of Council buildings with solar PV;

iii. Providing a brokerage service to help organisations looking to invest in community energy projects to identify potential partners with suitable roof space in the LGA;

iv. Supporting the Solar Schools program for installation of solar PV on school rooftops across the LGA;

v. Sourcing Council’s daytime power load through a solar PPA, and establishing a second PPA to cover Council’s daytime power load;

vi. Replacing fluorescent street lighting with LED lighting; and

vii. Delivering a ‘zero waste’ strategy; and

viii. Any other relative initiatives approved by Council.

3.   Review the annual budget key performance indicators and policies over the course of the next twelve months to focus Council expenditure and revenue on this issue.

Motion Carried

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

Against Motion:          Nil

Absent:                        Cr Passas

Councillor Passas returned to the Meeting at 8:25 pm.

C0519(1) Item 8            Notice of Motion: - Local Democracy Groups: Reporting and         Meeting Frequency

Motion: (Stamolis/Da Cruz)

THAT Council review information and reporting requirements and the frequency of meetings in relation to the Local Democracy Groups as part of the interim review of the Local Democracy Groups in late 2019.

Motion Carried

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

Against Motion:          Cr Passas

Amendment (Porteous/Stamolis)

THAT Council consider creating a Climate Emergency sub-committee.

Motion Lost

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

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

C0519(1) Item 9            Notice of Motion: Councillor Executive Briefing

Motion: (Stamolis/Passas)

THAT Council holds a monthly Councillor Executive Briefing involving the CEO and three Deputy CEOs.

Motion Carried

For Motion:                 Crs Da Cruz, Iskandar, Lockie, Macri, Passas, Porteous, Stamolis and Steer

Against Motion:          Crs Byrne, Drury, Kiat, McKenna OAM and York

Councillors Macri and Passas retired from the Meeting at 8:39 pm.

Councillor Porteous declared a non-significant, non-pecuniary interest in Item 10 Notice of Motion: National Disability Strategy Submission as she works in the Disability Advocacy sector.

Motion: (Lockie/Kiat)

THAT the disclosure of interest be noted.

Motion Carried

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

Against Motion:          Nil

Absent:                        Crs Macri and Passas

C0519(1) Item 10         Notice of Motion: National Disability Strategy Submission

Motion: (Porteous/Steer)

THAT Council makes a submission to the current review of the National Disability Strategy 2010-2020.

Motion Carried

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

Against Motion:          Nil

Absent:                        Crs Macri and Passas

C0519(1) Item 11         Notice of Motion: Newstart Raise the Rate Campaign

Motion: (Kiat/Lockie)

THAT Council:

1.   Supports the Australian Council for Social Service (ACOSS) campaign to ‘Raise the Rate’ of Newstart and thank Addison Road Community Centre and ACOSS for hosting a Raise the Rate community and candidate forum at Addison Road Community Centre on 30 April 2019; 

2.   Acknowledges the current rate of Newstart and Youth Allowance falls well below the poverty line, and has not been raised in real terms since 1994, causing immense hardship for unemployed people and students;

3.   Notes the Department of Social Services data from 2018 showing that 7213 residents in our LGA are either on Newstart or Youth Allowance, and that according to research by Deloitte Access Economics commissioned by ACOSS, a raise to Newstart would generate an additional $17.46 million in local spending in our LGA;

4.   Commits to recognising and responding to the fact that many in our community may be living in poverty when developing and implementing policies and services, especially those that include fees, charges and fines (e.g. by including hardship clauses, concessionary rates etc); and

5.   Write to the relevant minister and shadow minister to call on the Federal government to immediately raise the rate of Newstart and Youth Allowance by at least $75 per week. 

Motion Carried

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

Against Motion:          Nil

Absent:                        Crs Macri and Passas

Meeting closed at  8.55pm.

Public Speakers:

Item #	Speaker	Suburb
Item 3:	Mike Maher Ron Glew	Rozelle Rozelle
Item 6:	Carolyn O'Loughlin	Balmain
Item 7:	Reid Pierce Dominic Case Gillian Reffell	Enmore Balmain East Summer Hill
Item 11:	Thomas Studans Rosanna Barbero	Carlton Newtown