Minutes of Council Meeting - Tuesday, 8 February 2022

Council Meeting

8 February 2022

Minutes of Ordinary Council Meeting held remotely and livestreamed on Council’s website on 8 February 2022

Meeting commenced at 6.33pm

Present:
Darcy Byrne Jessica D’Arienzo Liz Atkins Marghanita Da Cruz Mark Drury Dylan Griffiths Mathew Howard Justine Langford Pauline Lockie Philippa Scott Kobi Shetty Chloe Smith John Stamolis Timothy Stephens Zoi Tsardoulias Peter Gainsford Simone Plummer	Mayor Deputy Mayor Councillor Councillor Councillor Councillor Councillor Councillor Councillor Councillor Councillor Councillor Councillor Councillor Councillor General Manager Director Planning
Cathy Edwards-Davis	Director Infrastructure
Ruth Callaghan Peter Livanes Beau-Jane De Costa Daryl Jackson Matthew Pearce	Director Community Director Corporate Senior Manager Governance and Risk Chief Financial Officer General Counsel
Katherine Paixao	Governance Coordinator

APOLOGIES: Nil

DISCLOSURES OF INTERESTS:

Deputy Mayor, Clr D’Arienzo declared a non-significant, non-pecuniary interest in Item 5 Ending Period Poverty in the Inner West as her partner is a long-term hall hirer of Marrickville Youth and Resource Centre (MYRC), a site identified for the trial. Through her partner’s business she regularly engage in exercise classes at MYRC. She will remain in the meeting during discussion and voting of the item as the conflict will not influence her in taking out her public duty.

Clr Drury declared a significant, pecuniary interest in Item 4 Extension of Flood Controls under NSW Flood Prone Land Package as his house is in a 1:100 flood zone which will be affected by this. He will leave the meeting during discussion and voting of the item.

Clr Howard declared a non-significant, non-pecuniary interest in Item 5 Ending Period Poverty in the Inner West as his principal place of residence is adjacent to one of the trail sites. He will remain in the meeting during discussion and voting on the item as he will not access the trial and have no other conflict with the trail program or the community organisation.

Clr Howard declared a non-significant, non-pecuniary interest in Item 6 Councillor Representation on Committees and Item 10 Local Traffic Committee Meeting - November and December 2021 as he works in the Office of the State Member who has a representative on the Local Traffic Committee. He will remain in the meeting during discussion and voting on both items as the vote of the State Member is exercised through a representative.

Clr Atkins declared a non-significant, non-pecuniary interest in Item 20 Notice of Motion: Community Festivals as in the past they have been an participant and vaguely involved in the organisation of St. Anmore. They will remain in the meeting during discussion and voting of the item as the conflict is not sufficient enough to absent them from the item.

Motion: (Scott/Stephens)

THAT Council note the disclosures of interest.

Motion Carried

For Motion: Crs Atkins, Byrne, Da Cruz, D'Arienzo, Drury, Griffiths, Howard, Langford, Lockie, Scott, Shetty, Smith, Stamolis, Stephens and Tsardoulias

Against Motion: Nil

CONFIRMATION OF MINUTES

Motion: (Drury/Da Cruz)

That the Minutes of the Council Meeting held on Tuesday, 23 November 2021 and Wednesday, 29 December 2021 be confirmed as a correct record.

Motion Carried

For Motion: Crs Atkins, Byrne, Da Cruz, D'Arienzo, Drury, Griffiths, Howard, Langford, Lockie, Scott, Shetty, Smith, Stamolis, Stephens and Tsardoulias

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.

C0222(1) Item 1 Mayoral Minute: ULURU Statement

Motion: (Byrne)

That Council:

1. Reaffirm its support for the Uluṟu Statement from the Heart and Council’s commitment to enacting its principles;

2. Consult with the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Consultative Committee as to how to best incorporate the Uluru Statement from the Heart into Council's Community Strategic Plan;

3. Seek a briefing on the current status of the Inner West Council’s Reconciliation Action Plan;

4. Receive an update to the August 2018 Resolution to "THAT the General
Manager write to the CEO of the Metropolitan Local Aboriginal Land
Council with a view to commencing negotiations towards the signing a
Principles of Co-operation Agreement between Inner West Council and The
Metropolitan Local Aboriginal Land Council ('Metro').";

5. Seek to establish links with other First Nations organisations such as Boomalli and Deadly Connections which are based in the Local Government Area and regional organisations such as Jumbunna at University of Technology Sydney and Koori Radio/Yabun; and

6. Consult on supporting the creation of places and times for Truth Telling.

Motion Carried

For Motion: Crs Atkins, Byrne, Da Cruz, D'Arienzo, Drury, Griffiths, Howard, Langford, Lockie, Scott, Shetty, Smith, Stamolis, Stephens and Tsardoulias

Against Motion: Nil

C0222(1) Item 2 Mayoral Minute: Demerger Survey

Motion: (Byrne)

That Council:

1. Commences the preparation of a business case for demerger and notifies the NSW Government of the commencement of the development of a business case for demerger;

2. Notes the concerns expressed by Council officers through the resolution of the Joint Consultative Committee about the impact of demerger on morale and productivity within the organisation and commits to engaging with Council staff and their representatives throughout the development of the business case;

3. Notes the overwhelming majority vote of the Inner West Community to demerge; and

4. Involve the community in the preparation of the business case.

Motion Carried

For Motion: Crs Atkins, Byrne, Da Cruz, D'Arienzo, Drury, Griffiths, Howard, Langford, Lockie, Scott, Shetty, Smith, Stamolis, Stephens and Tsardoulias

Against Motion: Nil

Amendment (Langford/Shetty)

That Council:

1. Note that the proposal to de-amalgamate must be a proposal in support of the de-merger (Section 218CC point 3); and

2. Notes that the de-amalgamation process should be a whole of Council process and involve all 15 Councillors. All Councillors should be invited to all meetings with the Minister or her representatives.

Motion Lost

For Motion: Crs Atkins, Da Cruz, Griffiths, Langford, Lockie, Shetty and Stamolis

Against Motion: Crs Byrne, D'Arienzo, Drury, Howard, Scott, Smith, Stephens and Tsardoulias

C0222(1) Item 3 Mayoral Minute: Council's response to COVID-19 and the Omicron
wave

Motion: (Byrne)

That Council:

1. Receive a report to the March Ordinary meeting outlining the range of actions Council is taking to support local residents, staff, organisations and businesses through the pandemic and proposing any additional actions Council can take now to assist in the crisis and recovery phases; and

2. Continue to advise councillors on daily Inner West COVID numbers (positive cases, vaccination rates) and changes to the health order.

Motion Carried

For Motion: Crs Atkins, Byrne, Da Cruz, D'Arienzo, Drury, Griffiths, Howard, Langford, Lockie, Scott, Shetty, Smith, Stamolis, Stephens and Tsardoulias

Against Motion: Nil

Procedural Motion (Drury)

That the motion be put.

Motion Carried

For Motion: Crs Byrne, D'Arienzo, Drury, Howard, Scott, Smith, Stephens and Tsardoulias

Against Motion: Crs Atkins, Da Cruz, Griffiths, Langford, Lockie, Shetty and Stamolis

Amendment (Da Cruz/Atkins)

That Council consult with local mental health organisations such as Rough Patch Counselling, Summer Hill Safe Space, P&Cs etc. and receive recommendations on our role in providing the community with mental health support to emerge from COVID in a safe way and to recover from the isolation from work colleagues, separation from family and friends that we have all experienced with Covid.

Motion Lost

For Motion: Crs Atkins, Da Cruz, Griffiths, Langford, Lockie, Shetty and Stamolis

Against Motion: Crs Byrne, D'Arienzo, Drury, Howard, Scott, Smith, Stephens and Tsardoulias

Procedural motion (Scott/Griffiths)

That Items 4, 8, 9, 11 and 12 be moved in globo and the recommendations contained within the report adopted and that Council change the order of business to bring forward these items.

Motion Carried

For Motion: Crs Atkins, Byrne, Da Cruz, D'Arienzo, Drury, Griffiths, Howard, Langford, Lockie, Scott, Shetty, Smith, Stephens and Tsardoulias

Against Motion: Cr Stamolis

C0222(1) Item 4 Extension of Flood Controls under NSW Flood Prone Land
Package

Motion: (Scott/Griffiths)

That Council endorse the adoption of the proposed Special Flood Considerations clause in Section 5.22 of the NSW Standard Instrument (Local Environmental Plans) into the Inner West Local Environmental Plans.

Motion Carried

For Motion: Crs Atkins, Byrne, Da Cruz, D'Arienzo, Drury, Griffiths, Howard, Langford, Lockie, Scott, Shetty, Smith, Stephens and Tsardoulias

Against Motion: Cr Stamolis

C0222(1) Item 8 National General Assembly of Local Government 2022

Motion: (Scott/Griffiths)

That Council:

1. Give consideration to Councillors attending the National General Assembly of Local Government 2022; and

2. Put forward any proposed motions, that meet the National General Assembly’s criteria, for Council consideration, by 7 March 2022.

Motion Carried

For Motion: Crs Atkins, Byrne, Da Cruz, D'Arienzo, Drury, Griffiths, Howard, Langford, Lockie, Scott, Shetty, Smith, Stephens and Tsardoulias

Against Motion: Cr Stamolis

C0222(1) Item 9 Proposed Local Government Remuneration Tribunal Submission
2022

Motion: (Scott/Griffiths)

That Council endorse and submit the proposed Local Government Remuneration Tribunal Submission in Attachment 2, by Friday 11 February 2022.

Motion Carried

For Motion: Crs Atkins, Byrne, Da Cruz, D'Arienzo, Drury, Griffiths, Howard, Langford, Lockie, Scott, Shetty, Smith, Stephens and Tsardoulias

Against Motion: Cr Stamolis

C0222(1) Item 11 Investment Report at 30 November 2021

Motion: (Scott/Griffiths)

That Council receive and note the report.

Motion Carried

For Motion: Crs Atkins, Byrne, Da Cruz, D'Arienzo, Drury, Griffiths, Howard, Langford, Lockie, Scott, Shetty, Smith, Stephens and Tsardoulias

Against Motion: Cr Stamolis

C0222(1) Item 12 Investment Report at 31 December 2021

Motion: (Scott/Griffiths)

That Council receive and note the report.

Motion Carried

For Motion: Crs Atkins, Byrne, Da Cruz, D'Arienzo, Drury, Griffiths, Howard, Langford, Lockie, Scott, Shetty, Smith, Stephens and Tsardoulias

Against Motion: Cr Stamolis

C0222(1) Item 5 Ending Period Poverty in the Inner West

Motion: (Scott/Smith)

That Council:

1. Supports the ending of period poverty and would like to initiate a 12-month trial of free period care product services using an End to End Servicing provider at the following locations across the Local Government Area:

a) Addison Road Community Centre;

b) Ashfield library/Ashfield Service Centre;

c) Marrickville Youth Resource Centre;

d) Summer Hill Neighbourhood Centre;

e) Ashfield Aquatic Centre;

f) Leichhardt Park Aquatic Centre;

g) Marrickville Library;

h) Balmain Library; and

i) Newtown Neighbourhood Centre after its move to new premises or other appropriate site in Newtown.

2. Endorse $225,000 funding for this trial to form part of the budget consideration for the 2022/23 financial year; and

3. Works on this project commencing in February 2022, with a report back at the April 2022 Ordinary meeting of Council.

Motion Carried

For Motion: Crs Atkins, Byrne, Da Cruz, D'Arienzo, Drury, Griffiths, Howard, Langford, Lockie, Scott, Shetty, Smith, Stamolis, Stephens and Tsardoulias

Against Motion: Nil

C0222(1) Item 6 Councillor Representation on Committees

Motion: (Scott/Drury)

THAT Council appoint the following Councillors as representatives on the identified Committees:

a) Audit, Risk and Improvement Committee – Councillors Scott and Atkins;

b) Flood Management Advisory Committee - Councillors Howard and Da Cruz;

c) Local Traffic Committee – Mayor Byrne and alternative Councillor Langford;

d) GM Performance Assessment Panel – Mayor Byrne and Councillors Howard and Langford;

e) Club Grants – Deputy Mayor D’Arienzo;

f) Cooks River Alliance Board –Deputy Mayor D’Arienzo and alternative Councillor Langford;

g) NSW Public Libraries Association – Councillors Howard and alternative Councillor Langford;

h) Parramatta River Catchment Group – Councillor Drury and alternative Councillor Scott;

i) Southern Sydney Regional Organisation of Councils - Mayor Byrne, Deputy Mayor D’Arienzo and alternative Councillors Da Cruz and Lockie;

j) Sydney Airport Community Forum – Mayor Byrne;

k) Sydney Coastal Council Group – Councillor Griffiths; and

l) Sydney Eastern City Planning Panel – Mayor Byrne and Councillor Scott.

Motion Carried

For Motion: Crs Atkins, Byrne, Da Cruz, D'Arienzo, Drury, Griffiths, Howard, Langford, Lockie, Scott, Shetty, Smith, Stephens and Tsardoulias

Against Motion: Cr Stamolis

Procedural Motion (Scott)

That the amendment be put.

Motion Carried

For Motion: Crs Byrne, D'Arienzo, Drury, Howard, Scott, Smith, Stephens and Tsardoulias

Against Motion: Crs Atkins, Da Cruz, Griffiths, Langford, Lockie, Shetty and Stamolis

Amendment (Griffiths/Langford)

That the General Manager’s Performance Review Panel have five representatives comprising Councillors Liz Atkins, Darcy Byrne, Justine Langford, Pauline Lockie and Philippa Scott.

Motion Lost

For Motion: Crs Atkins, Da Cruz, Griffiths, Langford, Lockie, Shetty and Stamolis

Against Motion: Crs Byrne, D'Arienzo, Drury, Howard, Scott, Smith, Stephens and Tsardoulias

Amendment (Stamolis)

That Clr Stamolis be appointed to the Audit, Risk and Improvement Committee.

This amendment lapsed for want of seconder.

C0222(1) Item 7 Local Government NSW Special Conference 2022

Motion: (Scott/Da Cruz)

That Council nominate the following Councillors to attend the Local Government NSW Special Conference 2022:

a) Atkins;

b) Da Cruz;

c) Shetty;

d) Lockie;

e) Byrne;

f) D'Arienzo;

g) Drury;

h) Stephens; and

i) Smith

Motion Carried

For Motion: Crs Atkins, Byrne, Da Cruz, D'Arienzo, Drury, Griffiths, Howard, Langford, Lockie, Scott, Shetty, Smith, Stamolis, Stephens and Tsardoulias

Against Motion: Nil

Amendment (Da Cruz/Atkins)

That Council put this motion forward to the LGNSW Special Conference:

That LGNSW advocate to the NSW government to assist councils to play a crucial to a Zero Waste Circular Economy, where there is no place for Incinerators including for Medical waste.

Motion Lost

For Motion: Crs Atkins, Da Cruz, Griffiths, Langford, Shetty and Stamolis

Against Motion: Crs Byrne, D'Arienzo, Drury, Howard, Lockie, Scott, Smith, Stephens and Tsardoulias

Procedural Motion (Scott)

That the amendment be put.

Motion Carried

For Motion: Crs Byrne, D'Arienzo, Drury, Howard, Scott, Smith, Stephens and Tsardoulias

Against Motion: Crs Atkins, Da Cruz, Griffiths, Langford, Lockie, Shetty and Stamolis

Amendment (Atkins/Stamolis)

That Council insert the following clause:

Agrees to seek to move the following motion as a matter of urgency at the Local Government NSW Conference 2022:

That LGNSW:

1. Note the 2020 demerger proposals resulting from community petitions in Cootamundra-Gundagai Council and Snowy Rivers Council area;

2. Note the subsequent demerger proposal from Cootamundra-Gundagai Council;

3. Note the poll results from Inner West Council area at the 2021 Council elections with over 62% supporting a demerger;

4. Note the significant rate increases requested and approved by IPART for merged Councils (as attached);

5. Call on the Minister for Local Government, the Hon Wendy Tuckerman, and the NSW Government to show leadership by:

a) Conducting independent polls of all eligible voters in each of the 2016 merged Council areas to determine the support for a demerger versus staying merged;

b) Commit to conducting these polls by end of December 2022;

c) Commit to implementing the results of the poll within 12 months of the result of the poll; and

d) Commit to funding any Council demergers as determined by the polls

Motion Lost

For Motion: Crs Atkins, Da Cruz, Griffiths, Langford, Lockie, Shetty and Stamolis

Against Motion: Crs Byrne, D'Arienzo, Drury, Howard, Scott, Smith, Stephens and Tsardoulias

C0222(1) Item 10 Local Traffic Committee Meeting - November and December 2021

Motion: (Drury/Scott)

That the Minutes of the Local Traffic Committee meeting held on 15 November 2021 and 6 December 2021 be received and the recommendations be adopted subject to the following amendments:

a) That a briefing of ward Councillors be held on the Rozelle North Local Area Traffic Management Study following community engagement and prior to it being reported back to the Local Traffic Committee; and

b) That a briefing for all Councillors regarding Tempe Bunnings DA and traffic control issues and commit to a date for Council to hold a community forum in person, circumstances allowing, near Tempe Primary School.

Motion Carried

For Motion: Crs Atkins, Byrne, Da Cruz, D'Arienzo, Drury, Griffiths, Howard, Langford, Lockie, Scott, Shetty, Smith, Stamolis, Stephens and Tsardoulias

Against Motion: Nil

Procedural Motion (Byrne)

That the meeting be adjourned for 5 minutes.

Motion Carried

For Motion: Crs Atkins, Byrne, Da Cruz, D'Arienzo, Drury, Griffiths, Howard, Langford, Lockie, Scott, Shetty, Smith, Stamolis, Stephens and Tsardoulias

Against Motion: Nil

The meeting was adjourned at 8.47pm

The meeting resumed at 8.53pm

Councillor Da Cruz left the Meeting at 9:01 pm.

C0222(1) Item 13 Notice of Motion: Demerger of Inner West Council

Procedural Motion (Scott)

That the motion be put.

Motion Carried

For Motion: Crs Byrne, D'Arienzo, Drury, Howard, Scott, Smith, Stephens and Tsardoulias

Against Motion: Crs Atkins, Griffiths, Langford, Lockie, Shetty and Stamolis

Absent: Cr Da Cruz

Councillor Da Cruz returned to the Meeting at 9:05 pm.

Motion: (Langford/Stamolis)

That Council:

1. Acknowledge that the poll conducted by NSW Electoral Commission on 4 December 2021 showed that a significant majority of Inner West Council residents voted YES to de-amalgamate and return to the councils of Ashfield, Leichhardt and Marrickville;

2. Respect the results of the poll and commit to working with the community, Council staff and the State Government to ensure the decision to demerge is upheld and implemented by Council and the State Government;

3. Write to the Minister for Local Government, The Hon Wendy Tuckerman MP and the Premier, Dominic Perrottet asking them to respect and uphold the decision of inner west voters to de-amalgamate the Council and return to the three councils of Leichhardt, Marrickville and Ashfield;

4. Seeks the assurance from the Minister for Local Government and the Premier that they will honour the government’s commitment as set out in the NSW Local Government Act and will pay the full costs of the demerger;

5. Notes the procedure for the demerger of a Council is as outlined in Section 218CC of the Local Government Act 1993 as below:

Schedule 1 Amendment of Local Government Act 1993 No 30

1.1 Amendments concerning local government rating system

[1] Section 218CC

218CC Proposals for de-amalgamations

(1) The new council may, within 10 years of the constitution of the new area, submit a written business case to the Minister setting out—

(a) a proposal for the de-amalgamation of the new area, whether by reconstituting the former areas or constituting different areas, and

(b) the reasons in support of the proposal.

(2) The Minister must, within 28 days after the business case is submitted, refer the de-amalgamation proposal to the Boundaries Commission with a direction that it conduct an inquiry and report on the proposal.

(3) Without limiting subsection (2) or section 263, the Boundaries Commission may in its report recommend that—

(a) the de-amalgamation proposal be supported, or

(b) the de-amalgamation proposal be rejected, or

(c) a different de-amalgamation proposal be supported.

(4) The Minister must ensure that the report of the Boundaries Commission is publicly released within 48 hours after it is provided to the Minister.

(5) The Minister must, within 28 days after the report is provided to the Minister, provide a written response to the new council setting out—

(a) whether or not the Minister supports the de-amalgamation proposal or a different de-amalgamation proposal recommended by the Boundaries Commission, and

(b) the reasons for the Minister’s decision, and

(c) if the Minister supports the de-amalgamation proposal or the different de-amalgamation proposal—the anticipated time frame for giving effect to the proposal.

(6) The Minister is, by making grants under section 620 or using money otherwise appropriated by Parliament for the purpose, to ensure that the cost of any de-amalgamation of the new area resulting from a business case submitted under this section is fully funded.

(7) This section extends to new areas constituted before the commencement of this section.

(8) In this section—

new area means the area constituted by the amalgamation of areas (former areas) by the relevant proclamation.

new council means the council of a new area constituted by section 219.

relevant proclamation means the proclamation made pursuant to Chapter 9, Part 1 that amalgamates former areas into the new area and constitutes the new council.

6. Immediately commence preparation of a business case pursuant to Section 218CC of the Local Government Act for approval by Council and then submission to the Minister for Local Government setting out:

a) the proposal for the de-amalgamation of the Inner West Council, and reconstituting the former areas of Leichhardt, Marrickville and Ashfield Council areas, and

b) the reasons in support of the proposal.

7. Works with the community, staff and the State Government to ensure a strong business case FOR de-amalgamation is developed by Council.

a) The cost of the development of this business case to be funded from the 2022/23 Budget with reimbursement sought afterwards.

8. Prepare a report outlining the proposal for governance, process, timeline and community consultation with regards to the development of the YES business case for de-amalgamation for the first Council meeting in March;

9. Works with the community, staff and state government to ensure the business case for a demerger is developed and fully funded and delivered to the Minister for Local Government by 30 November 2022;

10. Work to ensure the business case is approved and implemented by the state government with a goal to have all three councils re-established by the start of the next term of council, being September 2024;

11. Keep the community informed about the project through Inner West Council News, social media and a webpage dedicated to the demerger project on the Council website;

12. In line with its commitment to provide protection for Council staff jobs, immediately commence proactive negotiations with the unions and the Joint Consultative Committee to enter into an Memorandum of Understanding which will confirm existing employment protections for non-senior staff as provided for in the Local Government (NSW) Act 1993 and seek to extend these employment protections by a further two years following the de-amalgamation;

13. Commits to no-forced redundancies of staff employed by Council during the demerger process and supports the right of staff to return to employment with their original Council, or express a preference to move to another local government area following the demerger; and

14. Form a Demerger Committee involving a minimum of 4 Councillors to meet every 4 weeks (and at other times as needed).

Motion Lost

For Motion: Crs Atkins, Da Cruz, Griffiths, Langford, Lockie, Shetty and Stamolis

Against Motion: Crs Byrne, D'Arienzo, Drury, Howard, Scott, Smith, Stephens and Tsardoulias

Councillor Stamolis left the Meeting at 09:15 pm.

C0222(1) Item 14 Notice of Motion: Inner West Labor Policy Platform

Procedural Motion (Scott)

That the motion be put.

Motion Carried

For Motion: Crs Byrne, D'Arienzo, Drury, Howard, Scott, Smith, Stephens and Tsardoulias

Against Motion: Crs Atkins, Da Cruz, Griffiths, Langford, Lockie and Shetty

Absent: Cr Stamolis

Motion: (Howard/Scott)

That Council:

1. Notes the policy objectives put forward by the Labor Councillors as detailed in Attachment 1;

2. Notes that these objectives enhance and support the Community Strategy Plan; and

3. Takes into consideration these policy objectives when drafting Council's four-year Delivery Plan and annual Operational Plan and Budget.

Motion Carried

For Motion: Crs Byrne, D'Arienzo, Drury, Howard, Scott, Smith, Stephens and Tsardoulias

Against Motion: Crs Atkins, Da Cruz, Griffiths, Langford, Lockie and Shetty

Absent: Cr Stamolis

Councillor Stamolis returned to the Meeting at 09:16 pm.

C0222(1) Item 15 Notice of Motion: Enhancing Democratic Participation

Procedural Motion (Scott)

That the motion be put.

Motion Carried

For Motion: Crs Byrne, D'Arienzo, Drury, Howard, Scott, Smith, Stephens and Tsardoulias

Against Motion: Crs Atkins, Da Cruz, Griffiths, Langford, Lockie, Shetty and Stamolis

Motion: (Scott/Drury)

That Council:

1. Amend the meeting schedule for 2022 to resume the practice of one Ordinary Council meeting per month to be held on the 2^nd Tuesday, with a recess in January and July each year;

2. Notes that these meetings will alternate with Councillor briefings;

3. Notes the terms of the current Local Democracy Groups conclude in June 2022 and commences planning to improve the current Committee system and strengthen the involvement of local citizens in policy development and decision making;

4. Prepares a report on this to be tabled at the April 2022 Ordinary meeting; and

5. Notes that the Council must adopt a Code of Meeting Practice, and requests that staff report back on amendments to the current Code of Meeting Practice Policy that would enhance the efficient management of Council meetings and more effectively respond to residents’ concerns.

Motion Carried

For Motion: Crs Byrne, D'Arienzo, Drury, Howard, Scott, Smith, Stephens and Tsardoulias

Against Motion: Crs Atkins, Da Cruz, Griffiths, Langford, Lockie, Shetty and Stamolis

Councillor Stamolis left the Meeting at 9:28 pm.

C0222(1) Item 16 Notice of Motion: Customer Service Review

Motion: (Scott/Drury)

That Council:

1. Initiates a Customer Service Review and reports to Council on what actions could be implemented to make the Council more responsive to the ratepayers;

2. Convenes a sub-committee comprising Councillors, staff, resident representatives and external advisors to assist with the scope and preparation of a report that will investigate initiatives designed to:

a) A timeline and implementation plan for developing a Customer Experience Plan including a Citizen Service Charter;

b) A timeline and implementation plan for reducing the time to assess development applications to 60 days;

c) Review Council’s complaints function including expansion of the functions of the Ombudsman to be more focused on customer service;

d) The review and adoption of new technologies to improve transparency around maintenance schedules so residents can know when and where maintenance is due to occur in their Neighbourhood;

e) The development of “Your Say” stalls directly in neighborhoods on key issues impacting the community;

f) The establishment of a citizen service point in every library and a mobile citizen service van to bring Council administration directly to ratepayers;

g) Improve interactions between residents and Council; and

h) Improve responsiveness of council to resident requests or complaints.

Motion Carried

For Motion: Crs Atkins, Byrne, Da Cruz, D'Arienzo, Drury, Griffiths, Howard, Langford, Lockie, Scott, Shetty, Smith, Stephens and Tsardoulias

Against Motion: Nil

Absent: Cr Stamolis

Councillor Stamolis returned to the Meeting at 9:33 pm.

C0222(1) Item 17 Notice of Motion: Expediting the Greenway Project

Procedural Motion (Scott)

That the motion be put.

Motion Carried

For Motion: Crs Byrne, D'Arienzo, Drury, Howard, Scott, Smith, Stephens and Tsardoulias

Against Motion: Crs Atkins, Da Cruz, Griffiths, Langford, Lockie, Shetty and Stamolis

Motion: (Stephens/Drury)

That Council:

1. Notes the vital importance of the GreenWay Project as an integrated active transport and environmental corridor for communities in the Inner West;

2. Notes that the suspension of services on the Inner West Light Rail may provide opportunities for expediting the construction of the Greenway Project; and

3. Reviews the timeline for the completion of the project and brings forward where possible the delivery of planned works within the Light Rail Corridor.

Motion Carried

For Motion: Crs Atkins, Byrne, Da Cruz, D'Arienzo, Drury, Griffiths, Howard, Langford, Lockie, Scott, Shetty, Smith, Stamolis, Stephens and Tsardoulias

Against Motion: Nil

C0222(1) Item 18 Notice of Motion: City West Link and Waratah Street

Motion: (Stephens/Howard)

That Council:

1. Acknowledges that the intersection of City West Link and Waratah Street is dangerous for pedestrians and cyclists;

2. Notes the intersection now requires a two-stage crossing, with inadequate storage in the middle of the busy road leaving pedestrians and cyclists at risk;

3. Notes there have been a number of accidents at the location and while Transport for NSW have proposed a future pedestrian and cyclist overpass, urgent action must be taken now;

4. Requests staff write to Transport for NSW to request that the crossing be changed to a single phase crossing as a matter of urgency while further safety plans are developed; and

5. Note and request an update on LTC1021(1) Item 15 in the Minutes of the 18 October Council meeting, subsequently adopted by Council on 9 November, that TfNSW will investigate this: "The IWBC representative requested a review of the intersection of the City West Link and Waratah Street to prevent vehicles from hitting the pedestrian refuge. The representative also requested that improvements be made to the pedestrian crossing signals on the City West Link at Waratah Street to prevent confusion where pedestrians are crossing the western section of the road on the red pedestrian phase when the green pedestrian phase is only active for the eastern section of the road. "

Motion Carried

For Motion: Crs Atkins, Byrne, Da Cruz, D'Arienzo, Drury, Griffiths, Howard, Langford, Lockie, Scott, Shetty, Smith, Stamolis, Stephens and Tsardoulias

Against Motion: Nil

C0222(1) Item 19 Notice of Motion: FOGO Food Recycling

Motion: (Howard/Atkins)

That Council:

1. Commits to provide food organics and organics waste recycling (FOGO) to every home in the Inner West in the current term of Council;

2. Requests Council staff report on progress to achieve this objective and on how FOGO expansion will be included in the 2022-2023 Council Budget;

2. Requests Council officers provide a briefing on the status of work being conducted with Southern Sydney Regional Organisation of Councils (SSROC) to establish a food recycling transfer station in the Inner West Local Government Area (LGA);

3. Thanks staff for the work to implement FOGO in apartment buildings in the Inner West;

4. Recommits to provide FOGO to every home in the Inner West in the current term of Council;

5. Requests Council staff report to Council in April on progress to achieve this objective and on how FOGO expansion will be included in the 2022-2023 Council Budget; and

6. Requests Council officers provide a briefing on the status of work being conducted with SSROC to establish a food recycling transfer station in the Inner West LGA.

Motion Carried

For Motion: Crs Atkins, Byrne, Da Cruz, D'Arienzo, Drury, Griffiths, Howard, Langford, Lockie, Scott, Shetty, Smith, Stamolis, Stephens and Tsardoulias

Against Motion: Nil

C0222(1) Item 20 Notice of Motion: Community Festivals

Motion: (Smith/D’Arienzo)

That Council:

1. Notes that many residents are seeking entertainment in outdoor venues as per public health advice that outdoor gatherings reduce risk of COVID-19 transmission;

2. Notes the detrimental impact that ongoing COVID-19 outbreaks have on the arts and culture sector in the form of lost revenue and employment;

3. Notes the imperative for Council to provide immediate and ongoing support to the arts and culture sector and prioritise local community engagement, including holding community events which can be enjoyed safely;

4. Notes the success of the St.Anmore music festival in supporting live music events in outdoor public spaces;

5. Notes the intention of festival organisers to run St.Anmore in November 2022, and the support of organisers for expansion of the festival;

6. Commences immediate planning work with festival organisers to support St.Anmore to proceed in November 2022, in a COVID-safe manner as per public health advice, and be included in the 2022-23 budget;

7. Commences immediate planning work with festival organisers to facilitate expansion of St.Anmore across all five wards of the Local Government Area (LGA) during this term of Council;

8. Commences immediate planning work to support and budget for a series of outdoor film screenings, to be held when feasible as per public health advice, in local parks across the LGA on a rotating basis; and

9. Commences immediate planning work to support and budget for an Inner West Film Festival to be established in partnership with local cinemas, theatres, and filmmakers, to take place in summer 2022-23.

Motion Carried

For Motion: Crs Atkins, Byrne, Da Cruz, D'Arienzo, Drury, Griffiths, Howard, Langford, Lockie, Scott, Shetty, Smith, Stamolis, Stephens and Tsardoulias

Against Motion: Nil

Procedural Motion (Scott)

That the motion be put.

Motion Carried

For Motion: Crs Byrne, D'Arienzo, Drury, Howard, Scott, Smith, Stephens and Tsardoulias

Against Motion: Crs Atkins, Da Cruz, Griffiths, Langford, Lockie, Shetty and Stamolis

Amendment (Atkins/Griffiths)

That Council:

1. Amends Clause 6 to:

Seeks a report from Council staff about the funding and resources necessary to support festivals similar to St.Anmore across all five wards of the Local Government Area (LGA) during this term of Council, including an analysis of the effect of this expansion on currently resourced festivals and events across the Inner West;

2. Inserts the following clause:

Consult the community across the LGA about the types of festivals they would like to see in their ward;

3. Amends Clause 9 to:

Seeks a report from staff about support and budget for an Inner West Film Festival to be established in partnership with local cinemas, theatres, and filmmakers, to take place in summer 2022-23.

Motion Lost

For Motion: Crs Atkins, Da Cruz, Griffiths, Langford, Lockie, Shetty and Stamolis

Against Motion: Crs Byrne, D'Arienzo, Drury, Howard, Scott, Smith, Stephens and Tsardoulias

Councillor Griffiths left the Meeting at 10:26 pm.

C0222(1) Item 21 Notice of Motion: Tree Development Control Plan

Procedural Motion (Scott)

That the motion be put.

Motion Carried

For Motion: Crs Byrne, D'Arienzo, Drury, Howard, Scott, Smith, Stephens and Tsardoulias

Against Motion: Crs Atkins, Da Cruz, Langford, Lockie, Shetty and Stamolis

Absent: Cr Griffiths

Councillor Griffiths returned to the Meeting at 10:27 pm.

Motion: (Smith/Drury)

That Council:

1. Notes the many benefits tree plantings provide to our suburbs, including street cooling, beautification, carbon dioxide absorption, and wildlife habitation;

2. Notes Council’s support for a record $3m budget commitment for new tree planting in the 2021-22 financial year, and the more than 4,000 trees planted across the Inner West between 2020-2022;

3. Notes Council’s support for an amendment to the four year operating plan to include a minimum $2m investment in tree planting each year;

4. Notes that the Tree Management Development Control Plan (DCP) is scheduled for review in this term of Council;

5. Notes that plantings of ‘micro forests’ are being trialed in cities across the world and in Australia, with research showing they have the potential to exponentially increase biodiversity and carbon reduction in dense urban environments;

6. Supports a commitment to allocate funding of no less than $2m for new tree planting in the next Council budget for the 2022-23 financial year; and

7. Supports in principle Council staff’s amendments to the Tree Management DCP. Commences immediate planning work to support a trial of ‘micro forests’ planted across the Local Government Area.

Motion Carried

For Motion: Crs Byrne, D'Arienzo, Drury, Howard, Scott, Smith, Stephens and Tsardoulias

Against Motion: Crs Atkins, Da Cruz, Griffiths, Langford, Lockie, Shetty and Stamolis

C0222(1) Item 22 Notice of Motion: Local Environmental Plan

Procedural Motion (Scott)

That the motion be put.

Motion Carried

For Motion: Crs Byrne, D'Arienzo, Drury, Howard, Scott, Smith, Stephens and Tsardoulias

Against Motion: Crs Atkins, Da Cruz, Griffiths, Langford, Lockie, Shetty and Stamolis

Motion: (D’Arienzo/Griffiths)

That Council:

1. Upon completion publishes the place based and heritage studies that will be informing the Comprehensive Local Environmental Plan;

2. Develops a community consultation plan demonstrating broad community and stakeholder engagement; and

3. Provides a briefing on the timeline and strategies of the consultation plan.

Motion Carried

For Motion: Crs Atkins, Byrne, Da Cruz, D'Arienzo, Drury, Griffiths, Howard, Langford, Lockie, Scott, Shetty, Smith, Stamolis, Stephens and Tsardoulias

Against Motion: Nil

Confidential Session

Motion: (Drury/Lockie)

That Council enter into Confidential session.

Motion Carried

For Motion: Crs Atkins, Byrne, Da Cruz, D'Arienzo, Drury, Griffiths, Howard, Langford, Lockie, Scott, Shetty, Smith, Stamolis, Stephens and Tsardoulias

Against Motion: Nil

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:

C0222(1) Item 23 RFT 06-21 Greenway In-Corridor Works Design and Construction Tender (Section 10A(2)(c) of the Local Government Act 1993) that would, if disclosed, confer a commercial advantage on a person with whom the council is conducting (or proposes to conduct) business.

C0222(1) Item 24 Paramatta Road Urban Amenity Improvement Program - Dot Lane Project Acquisition by agreement of an easement at the rear of 343-345 Parramatta Road, Leichhardt (Section 10A(2)(c) of the Local Government Act 1993) that would, if disclosed, confer a commercial advantage on a person with whom the council is conducting (or proposes to conduct) business.

Motion: (Lockie/Atkins)

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

Motion Carried

For Motion: Crs Atkins, Byrne, Da Cruz, D'Arienzo, Drury, Griffiths, Howard, Langford, Lockie, Scott, Shetty, Smith, Stamolis, Stephens and Tsardoulias

Against Motion: Nil

Reports with Confidential Information

C0222(1) Item 23 RFT 06-21 Greenway In-Corridor Works Design and Construction
Tender

Motion: (Drury/Griffiths)

That Council note the report and commit to completing the Greenway in this term of Council. However, Council defer consideration of the Tender to be considered at the next Council meeting after we have more advice on:

a) Alternative funding sources if the state and federal government do not provide adequate financial grants to support the project;

b) Councils current budget and debt position;

c) Whether it was possible to get support from Sydney Water or any other source for the wetlands;

d) How the Arts program will be funded; and

e) On what additional steps Council could afford take to maximise the biodiversity and ecological value of the Greenway.

Motion Carried

For Motion: Crs Atkins, Byrne, Da Cruz, D'Arienzo, Drury, Griffiths, Howard, Langford, Lockie, Scott, Shetty, Smith, Stamolis, Stephens and Tsardoulias

Against Motion: Nil

C0222(1) Item 24         Paramatta Road Urban Amenity Improvement Program - Dot
         Lane Project Acquisition by agreement of an easement at the
         rear of 343-345 Parramatta Road, Leichhardt

Motion: (Drury/Scott)

That:

1. Confidential Attachments 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7 and 8 to the report be treated as confidential in accordance with section 10A of the Local Government Act, 1993 as they relate to a matter or matters specified in sections 10A(2)(c) and (d)(ii) of that Act;

2. Council resolves to:

a) acquire by agreement an easement being a right of carriageway at the rear of 343-345 Parramatta Road, Leichhardt in accordance with the Draft Deposited Plan prepared by D Singh of Total Surveying Solutions Pty Ltd, dated 19 November 2021 and the S88B instrument setting out the terms of the easement (Easement) at Confidential Attachment 5 to the Report;

b) pay compensation to Western Prestige Pty Ltd of $260,000 for the Easement and the additional associated costs of fencing, creating and registering the Easement, Western Prestige’s legal and valuation fees and bank costs and Council’s valuation fees;

3. Authorise the General Manager to sign all documents to acquire the Easement by agreement, any deeds setting out the terms and obligations of the parties, and register the Easement; and

4. Authorise the General Manager to negotiate a compensation amount up to $50,000 for any other persons establishing an interest in the land as defined by the Land Acquisition (Just Terms Compensation) Act 1991.

Motion Carried

For Motion: Crs Atkins, Byrne, Da Cruz, D'Arienzo, Drury, Griffiths, Howard, Langford, Lockie, Scott, Shetty, Smith, Stamolis, Stephens and Tsardoulias

Against Motion: Nil

Procedural Motion (Lockie/Scott)

That the Second Quarter Budget Review for 2021/22 matter be considered urgently.

Motion Carried

For Motion: Crs Atkins, Byrne, Da Cruz, D'Arienzo, Drury, Griffiths, Howard, Langford, Lockie, Scott, Shetty, Smith, Stamolis, Stephens and Tsardoulias

Against Motion: Nil

The Chair, Councillor Byrne ruled this matter urgent.

Motion: (Drury/Da Cruz)

That the Second Quarter Budget Review for 2021/22 as attached to the minutes of the Council meeting 8 February 2022 be noted and determine whether it be adopted at the next Council meeting.

Motion Carried

For Motion: Crs Atkins, Byrne, Da Cruz, D'Arienzo, Drury, Griffiths, Howard, Langford, Lockie, Scott, Shetty, Smith, Stamolis, Stephens and Tsardoulias

Against Motion: Nil

Meeting closed at 10.46pm.

Public Speakers:

Item #	Speaker	Suburb
Item 1:	Pat Anderson AO	Carlton
Item 2:	Brian Halstead	Spit Junction
Item 7:	Grantley Ingram	Bombala
Item 13:	Pip Hinman Markela Panegyres Brian Halstead	Newtown Newtown Spit Junction
Item 16:	Liz Locksley	Dulwich Hill
Item 22:	Liz Locksley	Dulwich Hill
Item 23:	Alex Lofts	Summer Hill

Tabling of Urgency Motion 2021/22 Second Quarter Budget Review

Subject: 2021/22 Second Quarter Budget Review

Prepared By: Daryl Jackson - Chief Financial Officer

Authorised By: Peter Livanes - Director Corporate