NOTICE OF Council MEETING

 

 

 

The Meeting of Parramatta City Council will be held in the Council Chamber, Fourth Floor, 2 Civic Place, Parramatta on Monday,  15 December 2008 at  6:45 pm.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Dr. Robert Lang

Chief Executive Officer

 

 

 Parramatta – the leading city at the heart of Sydney

 

30 Darcy Street Parramatta NSW 2150

PO Box 32 Parramatta

 

Phone 02 9806 5050 Fax 02 9806 5917 DX 8279 Parramatta

ABN 49 907 174 773  www.parracity.nsw.gov.au

 

“Think Before You Print”



COUNCIL CHAMBERS

 

 

The Lord Mayor Clr Antoine (Tony) Issa, OAM – Woodville Ward

Dr. Robert Lang, Chief Executive Officer - Parramatta City Council

 

 

 

 

Sue Coleman – Group Manager City Services

 

 

 

Assistant Minutes Clerk – Michael Wearne

 

 

Geoff King  Acting Group Manager Corporate

 

 

Minutes Clerk – Grant Davies

 

Marcelo Occhuizzi – Acting Group Manager Outcomes & Development

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Clr Paul Barber – Caroline Chisholm Ward

 

 

Clr Lorraine Wearne - Lachlan Macquarie Ward

 

Clr Mark Lack – Elizabeth Macarthur Ward

 

 

Clr John Chedid – Elizabeth Macarthur Ward

 

Clr Glenn Elmore – Woodville Ward

 

 

Clr Andrew Wilson – Lachlan Macquarie Ward

 

Clr Pierre Esber– Lachlan Macquarie Ward

 

 

Clr Scott Lloyd – Caroline Chisholm Ward

 

Clr Prabir Maitra – Arthur Phillip Ward

 

 

Clr Andrew Bide – Caroline Chisholm Ward

 

Clr Julia Finn – Arthur Phillip Ward

Clr Michael McDermott - Elizabeth Macarthur Ward

Clr Paul Garrard, Deputy Lord Mayor – Woodville Ward

Clr Chiang Lim – Arthur Phillip Ward

Text Box:   Press

 

Staff

 

 

Staff

 

GALLERY

 


Ordinary Council

 15 December 2008

 

 

TABLE OF CONTENTS

 

ITEM                                                         SUBJECT                                              PAGE NO

 

1       CONFIRMATION OF MINUTES - Ordinary Council - 24 November 2008, Regulatory Council - 8 December 2008

2        APOLOGIES

3        DECLARATIONS OF INTEREST

4        Minutes of Lord Mayor

5        Public Forum  

6        PETITIONS

7        Rescission Motions

7.1     Proposed Additional Dog Off-Leash Areas

7.2     Demolition of Graffit Wall and Amphitheatre in Sturt Park, Telopea

7.3     Status Report of Implementation of ICAC Recommendations

7.4     Merrylands RDS Area (Further Report)  

8        COUNCIL MATTERS TO BE ADOPTED WITHOUT DISCUSSION

9        Regulatory Reports

9.1     Prince Alfred Park (Pk 15) 353D Church Street, Parramatta. (Lot 1 DP 724837) (Arthur Phillip Ward)(Location Map - Attachment 2)

9.2     Processing and Administration of Development Applications

10      City Development

10.1   Draft Parramatta Local Environmental Plan 2008 

11      Roads Paths Access and Flood Mitigation

11.1   State Floodplain Management Program - Acceptance of Minister's Grant Offer

11.2   Eastwood and Terrys Creek Floodplain Risk Study & Management Plan - Public Exhibition

11.3   9C Dobson Crescent Dundas Valley

11.4   Proposal for Renaming of Cooinda Place, Winston Hills to Coolaroo Place

11.5   Proposed Guidelines for the provision of Car Sharing in the Parramatta Local Government Area

11.6   Parramatta Traffic Committee meeting minutes held on 27 November 2008

11.7   Traffic Engineering Advisory Group meeting minutes held on 27 November 2008

12      Culture and Leisure

12.1   Naming of an Unnamed Public Reserve in Parramatta as Baludarri Wetland - Additional Historical Information 

13      City Leadership and Management

13.1   Floodplain Management Authorities (FMA) Joint Floodplain Management Conference, Albury-Wodonga, 17 - 20 February 2009

13.2   Legal Advice on Awnings

13.3   Investments Report for October 2008

13.4   Report of the Audit Committee Meeting held on 6 November 2008  

14      Notices of Motion

14.1   Full Construction and Maintenance of Footpaths for Residences Program across the Parramatta LGA

14.2   Reprioritise works proposed under the 2008/09 Pedestrian Access Management Program (PAMP) for the Elizabeth Macarthur Ward   

15      Closed Session

15.1   Tender No. 21/2008 Parramatta River Foreshores - Southside - Stage 3A - Construction of Concrete Footpath and Associated Civil and Landscape Works.

This report is confidential in accordance with section 10A (2) (d) of the Local Government act 1993 as the report contains commercial information of a confidential nature that would, if disclosed (i) prejudice the commercial position of the person who supplied it; or (ii) confer a commercial advantage on a competitor of the Council; or (iii) reveal a trade secret.

 

15.2   Tender No. 17/2008A Ground Improvements at Old Saleyards Reserve (Amended Design Proposal).

This report is confidential in accordance with section 10A (2) (d) of the Local Government act 1993 as the report contains commercial information of a confidential nature that would, if disclosed (i) prejudice the commercial position of the person who supplied it; or (ii) confer a commercial advantage on a competitor of the Council; or (iii) reveal a trade secret.

 

15.3   Tender No. 22/2008 - Construction of New Amenities Building at F.S. Garside Park, Alfred Street, Granville

This report is confidential in accordance with section 10A (2) (d) of the Local Government act 1993 as the report contains commercial information of a confidential nature that would, if disclosed (i) prejudice the commercial position of the person who supplied it; or (ii) confer a commercial advantage on a competitor of the Council; or (iii) reveal a trade secret.

 

15.4   WSROC - Tender for Asphalt Supply and Associated Services Tender No: 05/2008

This report is confidential in accordance with section 10A (2) (d) of the Local Government act 1993 as the report contains commercial information of a confidential nature that would, if disclosed (i) prejudice the commercial position of the person who supplied it; or (ii) confer a commercial advantage on a competitor of the Council; or (iii) reveal a trade secret.

 

15.5   Civic Place - December Update

This report is confidential in accordance with section 10A (2) (c) of the Local Government act 1993 as the report contains information that would, if disclosed, confer a commercial advantage on a person with whom the Council is conducting (or proposes to conduct) business.

16      DECISIONS FROM CLOSED SESSION

 

17      QUESTION TIME

 

 

 


Ordinary Council

 15 December 2008

 

 

 

Rescission Motions

 

15 December 2008

 

7.1    Proposed Additional Dog Off-Leash Areas

 

 

 

 

7.2    Demolition of Graffit Wall and Amphitheatre in Sturt Park, Telopea

 

 

 

 

7.3    Status Report of Implementation of ICAC Recommendations

 

 

 

 

7.4    Merrylands RDS Area (Further Report)


Ordinary Council 15 December 2008

Item 7.1

RESCISSION MOTION

ITEM NUMBER         7.1

SUBJECT                   Proposed Additional Dog Off-Leash Areas

REFERENCE            F2005/00856 - D01085626

REPORT OF              Supervisor Open Space       

 

To be Moved by Councillor A A Wilson and Seconded by Councillors J Chedid and S D Lloyd:-

 

 

RECOMMENDATION

“That the resolution of the Ordinary Council Meeting held on 24 November 2008, regarding Proposed Additional Dog Off-Leash Areas, namely:-

 

(a)     That Council approve additional dog leash free areas at Barnett Park, Dan Mahoney Reserve and George Kendall Reserve (east of Spofforth Street).

 

(b)     That the above sites be provided with appropriate disposal facilities for dog faeces and be signposted accordingly.

 

(c)     That Council adopt two additional dog leash free sites at Burlington Memorial Park (Northmead) and Scout Memorial Park (Granville) for the purpose of public exhibition.

 

(d)     That following the public exhibition period a further report regarding the sites be presented to Council for consideration.

 

(e)     That Council also investigate further the use of cycleway land immediately to the north of A’Becketts Creek fronting Alfred Street and other parcels of lands under the M4.

 

(f)      Further, that Rottweilers and Pit Bulls be defined as a dangerous breed

 

be and is hereby rescinded.”

 

 

Attachments:

1View

Copy of Previous Report considered by Council at its Council Meeting on 24 November 2008

19 Pages

 

 

 


Ordinary Council 15 December 2008

Item 7.2

RESCISSION MOTION

ITEM NUMBER         7.2

SUBJECT                   Demolition of Graffit Wall and Amphitheatre in Sturt Park, Telopea

REFERENCE            F2005/01893 - D01085675

REPORT OF              Councillor M D McDermott       

 

To be Moved by Councillor P B Barber and Seconded by Councillors J Chedid and S D Lloyd:-

 

 

RECOMMENDATION

 

“That the resolution of the Regulatory Council Meeting held on 10 November 2008 regarding the Demolition of Graffiti Wall and Amphitheatre in Sturt Park, Telopea, namely:-

 

(a)     That Council approve the immediate demolition and removal of the following structures in Sturt Park Telopea:-

1.      The Graffiti Wall between the tennis & basketball court;

2.      The Amphitheatre at the bottom of the park beside the creek.

 

(b)     That the Graffiti wall be replaced with a mesh fence to complete the remaining fence and the area from where the amphitheatre is removed be returfed to provided a visible open space.

 

(c)     That any earlier motions allowing any part of Sturt Park to be used as a legal Graffiti area be rescinded.

 

(d)     That appropriate signs be placed in the park detailing the illegality of graffiti in the park and immediate area.

 

(e)     That this work be funded immediately from either Section 94 or Elizabeth Macarthur Urgent Works funds.

 

(f)      Further, that a report be provided by Council officers on Safety by Design for all of Sturt Park

 

be and is hereby rescinded.”

 

 

Attachments:

1View

Copy of SOSO Minute considered at the Council Meeting on 24 November 2008 regarding Demolition of Graffit Wall and Amphitheatre in Sturt Park, Telopea

2 Pages

 

 

 


Ordinary Council 15 December 2008

Item 7.3

RESCISSION MOTION

ITEM NUMBER         7.3

SUBJECT                   Status Report of Implementation of ICAC Recommendations

REFERENCE            F2007/01985 - D01085748

REPORT OF              Manager Service Audit and Review       

 

To be Moved by Councillor A A Wilson and Seconded by Councillors A Bide and C X Lim:-

 

 

RECOMMENDATION

 

That the resolution of the Regulatory Council Meeting held on 24 November 2008 regarding the Status of the ICAC Recommendations, namely –

 

(a)       That Council receive and note this report.

 

(b)       Further, that Council refer this report together with the schedule at Attachment 1 to the ICAC for information.

 

be and is hereby rescinded.”

 

 

Attachments:

1View

Copy of previous report considered at Council Meeting on 24 November 2008 regarding the Status Report of Implementation of ICAC Recommendations

19 Pages

 

 

 


Ordinary Council 15 December 2008

Item 7.4

RESCISSION MOTION

ITEM NUMBER         7.4

SUBJECT                   Merrylands RDS Area (Further Report)

REFERENCE            F2006/01198 - D01089519

REPORT OF              Acting Manager Land Use and Transport Planning       

 

To be Moved by Councillors L E Wearne and Seconded by Councillors A Bide and J Chedid:-

 

 

RECOMMENDATION

“That the resolution of the Regulatory Council Meeting held on 24 November 2008 regarding the Merrylands RDS Area (Further Report), namely:-

 

That Council adopt the draft planning controls for the RDS Centre of Merrylands as shown at Attachment 3 (Option 2), and that these be incorporated into the draft Parramatta Local Environmental Plan 2008 prior to its exhibition.

 

be and is hereby rescinded.”

 

 

Attachments:

1View

Previous Report regarding the Merrylands RDS Area considered at the Council Meeting on 24 November 2008

29 Pages

 

 

  


Ordinary Council

 15 December 2008

 

 

 

Regulatory

 

15 December 2008

 

9.1    Prince Alfred Park (Pk 15) 353D Church Street, Parramatta. (Lot 1 DP 724837) (Arthur Phillip Ward)(Location Map - Attachment 2)

 

 

 

 

9.2    Processing and Administration of Development Applications


Ordinary Council 15 December 2008

Item 9.1

REGULATORY

ITEM NUMBER         9.1

SUBJECT                   Prince Alfred Park (Pk 15) 353D Church Street, Parramatta. (Lot 1 DP 724837) (Arthur Phillip Ward)(Location Map - Attachment 2)

DESCRIPTION          Lunar New Year celebration and Twilight Noodle Market.

REFERENCE            DA/833/2008 - Submitted 4 November 2008

APPLICANT/S           Parramatta City Council Events Unit

OWNERS                    Parramatta City Council

REPORT OF              Manager Development Services       

 

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY:

 

The application seeks approval for a Lunar New Years celebration of a twilight noodles market to be held at Prince Alfred Park on Friday 6 February 2009 and Saturday 7 February 2009 and for one consecutive Friday and Saturday in February in 2010 and 2011. The application has been assessed by an independent consultant town planner and referred to Council due to Council being the owner and the applicant. No objections have been received in respect of this application.

 

The proposal is considered to be acceptable and of public benefit and is recommended for approval.

 

 

RECOMMENDATION

 

That Development Application No. 833/2008 be approved subject to standard conditions and the following extraordinary condition:

 

Restoration of Damage

 

1.         The applicant shall bear the cost of all necessary restoration works to Prince Alfred Park due to any damage caused during the event, its setup or dismantling, including revegetation of any damaged areas of landscaping. The applicant shall advise Council’s Park Section in writing, of any existing damage to Prince Alfred Park before commencement of the event. Any damage to Council assests that impact on public safety, that occurs during the erection/dismantling of the temporary structures, is to be rectified immediately by the applicant. Care is to be taken in the location of structures to ensure no damage occurs to infrastructure, landscaping or structures within the park. All costs are to be borne by the applicant.

Reason:          To ensure that any damage to the park is restored and To protect public safety.

 

Cigarette Butt Receptacles

 

2.         Provision is to be made for cigarette butt receptacles on site to minimise littering during the event. Cigarette butt receptacles must be removed at the end of the event.

Reason:        To ensure that adequate provision is made for the disposal of cigarette buts and prevent littering of the public domain.

 

 

Disabled Access

 

3.         Access for people with disabilities within Prince Alfred Park is to be maintained throughout the event and care is to be taken in the location and erection of the temporary structures and barricades to ensure current accessible paths are not blocked.

Reason:        To ensure the provision of equitable and dignified access for all people in accordance with disability discrimination legislation and relevant Australian Standards.

 

Amusement Rides

 

4.         Amusement rides for the event are to be limited to those targeted at small children (such as jumping castles and small children’s rides) and no rides targeted at teenagers or adults are to be provided.

Reason:        To ensure an appropriate level of amenity to surrounding properties.

 

Prior to the Event Occurring

 

Public Liability Insurance

 

5.         The event organiser submitting to Council a copy of its Public Liability Policy in an amount not less than $10,000,000 noting Council and the Roads and Traffic Authority as an interested parties on the Policy and that Policy to cover both on-road and off-road activity.

Reason:        To ensure an appropriate level of insurance for the event.

 

Approval for Road Closures

 

6.         The Lunar New Year Celebrations and Twilight Noodle Markets are to be held within the grounds of Prince Alfred Park and no road closures are to be implemented without prior approval of Council through Council’s Traffic Committee.

Reason:        To ensure no disruption to the traffic flow in the area.

 

Waste Management

 

7.         Prior to the event occurring the event organisers are to liaise with Council’s Public Health Protection Unit to ensure appropriate measures are provided and procedures followed in relation to waste/recyclable material removal from the site

Reason:        To ensure appropriate waste management facilities for the event.

 

During Construction or Works:

 

Vehicular Access

 

8.         Vehicular access for stall holders to be carried out at designated entry/exit access points at the corner of Marist Place and Marsden Street and in the loop section along Marsden Street within the park before and after the event at the approved times.  All access points are to be supervised and manned by Council Staff and/or security officers.

Reason:        To ensure no disruption to the traffic flow in the area.

 

Hours of Erection/Dismantling Structures

 

9.         All works for the erection, dismantling and removal of temporary structures may only be carried out between the hours of 6.00 am to 5.00 pm on the Friday of the event, between 6.00am and 10.00am and between 4.00pm and 8.00pm on the Saturday of the event and between 8.00am and 6.00pm on the Sunday immediately after the event. No trucks are to access the site or deliver/collect from the site prior to 7.00am on the Friday or the Saturday of the event.  All temporary structures and equipment must be removed from the park by 6.00pm on the Sunday immediately after the event.

Reason:                   To protect the amenity of the area.

 

Use of the Site:

 

Waste Removal

 

10.       The waste storage area shall be capable of accommodating all waste arising from the use of the park. All waste is to be removed from the site by 6.00pm on the Sunday immediately after the event.

Reason:                   To ensure a suitable waste storage facility.

 

Hours of Event

 

11.       The event is to occur only on Friday 6 February 2009 between the hours of 5.00pm and 10.00pm and on Saturday 7 February 2009 between 10.00am and 4.00pm and for the same hours on one consecutive Friday and Saturday in February of 2010 and 2011.

            Reason:          To minimise the impact on the amenity of the area.

 

Duration of Consent

 

12.       This consent applies to Lunar New Years celebrations in the years 2009 to 2011, inclusive, only.

            Reason:          To minimise the impact on the amenity of the area.

 

Security

 

13.       A minimum of three (3) security staff are to be on the site at all times between the hours of 5.00pm and 10.30pm on the Friday night and between 10am and 4.30pm on the Saturday. The security staff are to ensure that patrons displaying inappropriate behaviour are required to leave the site to ensure the safety and enjoyment of other patrons. At the end of the event, security staff are to ensure patrons leave the site in an orderly manner and in a timely fashion.

Reason:          To minimise the impact on the amenity of the area and ensure                           the safety of the event.

 

Food Premises

 

14.       The operation of any food business activity in association with the event is to be in accordance with the food safety standards adopted under the NSW Food Act. In complying with the above, the event organiser and all food businesses intending to operate as part of this event shall refer to the NSW Food Authority’s publication “Food handling guidelines for temporary events” (Version 1/06) prior to the setting up of any food stall or placement of any vehicle used to prepare or display food for sale. Any departures from this guide are to be directly negotiated with Council’s nominated Environmental Health Officer and a statement of clearance issued by Council prior to the commencement of the event.

 

All food businesses and the event organiser shall undertake prior notification of the event and their business activity to the NSW Food Authority.

            Reason:          To ensure a supply of safe and suitable food for the event.

 

Protection of the Environment

 

15.       The operation of the event not giving rise to environmental emissions of air impurities, liquids or solid matter in contravention of the Protection of the Environment Operations Act 1997. Any emissions from the event must not cause a nuisance from odours, nor be hazardous to human health or the environment.

Reason:          To prevent loss of amenity to the community.

 

Alcohol

 

16.       The sale of alcohol is prohibited for this event.

            Reason:           To comply with this consent.

 

SITE & LOCALITY

 

1.      The site is known as Lot 1 DP 724837, Prince Alfred Park (Pk 15) 353D Church Street, Parramatta and occupies the street block bound by Church Street, Victoria Road, Marist Place and Market Street. The site is surrounded by mainly retail, commercial and church uses, with some residential uses located at the upper level of some buildings.

 

2.      Alfred Square and the surrounds are a potential archaeological site and are listed as a Heritage Item of State significance under Schedule 5 of Parramatta City Centre Local Environmental Plan 2007.

 

BACKGROUND

 

3.      Council held the same Lunar New Years event in Prince Alfred Park last year.

 

PROPOSAL

 

4.      Approval is sought to use Prince Alfred Park for a Council Lunar New Year celebration and twilight noodle market to be held on consecutive days in February over the next 3 years (2009 – 2011). In 2009 the event is proposed to be held on Friday 6 February and Saturday 7 February and in subsequent years it is to be held on one Friday and Saturday in February each year. The twilight noodles market will be held on the Friday night each year commencing at 5pm and finishing at 10pm. The event will provide a range of activities on the stage, amusement rides for small children, an animal farm and a range of food and beverage stalls.

 

5.      The Saturday event will be a Lunar New Year celebration and will commence at 10am and finish at 4pm. This event will include cultural activities, stage entertainment, workshops, amusements, information stalls and a range of food and beverage stalls. The event is targeted as a family event. Stage entertainment may include such performers as Korean drumming, dragon and lion dancers, cultural performers and dancers. Traditional firecrackers will be set off during the event.

 

6.      Set up for the events will occur from 6am to 5pm on the Friday and between 6am and 10am on the Saturday and equipment/materials will be removed between 4pm and 8pm on the Saturday and between 8am and 6pm on the Sunday. It is anticipated that the events will attract an audience of between 2,000 and 5,000.

 

STATUTORY CONTROLS

 

State Environmental Planning Policy (Temporary Structures and Places of Public Entertainment) 2007

 

7.         SEPP (Temporary Structures and Places of Public Entertainment) sets a series of matters for consideration related to total occupancy, impacts on amenity, hours of use, crime risk, location of structures, provision of toilets, impact on heritage items, duration of occupation of temporary structures and whether any conditions are required in relation to the removal of the structures. The application has been assessed against these matters and is considered acceptable. Of particular note, the duration of the occupancy of the structures and length of time of the event are limited, appropriate provision is made for toilets and security and an appropriate waste management plan and structure removal timeframe is proposed. Further, any disruption to traffic and parking in the area that will result from the event is over a small timeframe and given the timing of the event will not unacceptably impact on accessibility and parking availability in the area.

 

Parramatta City Centre Local Environmental Plan 2007

 

8.         The site is zoned RE1 Public Recreation under the City Centre LEP and the use, which is ancillary to the use of a recreation area, is permissible with consent. The proposal satisfies the zone objectives and is consistent with the requirements of heritage conservation.

 

Draft Parramatta City Centre Development Control Plan 2006

 

9.         The Parramatta City Centre Development Control Plan provides provisions that relate to waste and recycling and special area controls for Prince Alfred Park. The proposal makes appropriate provision for disposal of waste and recycling and the special area controls are only relevant for the erection of permanent structures.

 

CONSULTATION

 

10.      In accordance with the requirements of the Notification DCP, the application was advertised between 12 November 2008 and 3 December 2008. No submissions were received. The proposed development is consistent with the public interest.

 

 

REFERRALS

 

11.      The application was referred to Council’s Landscaping, Traffic and Heritage branches and no objections were raised by any of the branches, subject to conditions which have been included in the recommendation.

 

ISSUES

 

Noise

 

12.      The use of the structures will generate noise due to the crowds of people attending, noise from patrons using the amusement rides and noise from amplification of music and a PA system. Noise will also occur when the firecrackers explode. Whilst the noise generated by the use, particularly the fireworks, will be of sufficient volume to potentially cause impacts on surrounding development, the majority of that development is non-residential development and all such noise would cease by 10.00pm on the Friday night and 4.00pm on the Saturday. As the event is to occur for only one Friday night and Saturday in the year, the community is generally more accepting of noise and given the early hour of the completion of the event, any noise impacts would be unlikely to significantly detrimentally impact upon the amenity of the area.

 

Traffic

 

13.      During the erection and removal of the structures and for the duration of the event there will be some disruption to traffic flow in the area and to the availability of parking in the general area. However, the disruption is for a relatively short period of time and is at a time when it is less likely to result in significant inconvenience.

 

Damage to the Park

 

14.      The only potential for detrimental impacts upon the future use of the park would be damage to the landscaping and a condition of consent will require the replacement of any damaged landscaping and the removal of all rubbish.

 

Crowd Behaviour

 

15.      The event is targeted towards families and the early hour of the finish will assist in minimising the likelihood of intoxicated persons causing problems. Crowd behaviour will be addressed by the proposed security guards and police presence.

 

Heritage

 

16.      As the structures to be erected are temporary, there will be no significant impact on the heritage significance of the park and its surrounds.

 

 

 

 

Kerry Gordon

Independent Planning Consultant

 

 

Attachments:

1View

Plan

1 Page

 

2View

Locality Map

1 Page

 

3View

Heritage Inventory Sheet

3 Pages

 

4View

DA History

1 Page

 

 

 

REFERENCE MATERIAL

 


Ordinary Council 15 December 2008

Item 9.2

REGULATORY

ITEM NUMBER         9.2

SUBJECT                   Processing and Administration of Development Applications

REFERENCE            F2004/06472 - D01092191

REPORT OF              Manager Land Use and Transport Planning       

 

PURPOSE:

 

The purpose of this report is to seek endorsement of strategies which will assist in improving processing times and customer service for development applications including delegations, site meeting processes and fast tracking of certain types of development applications.  This report also discusses various internal reforms that staff will commence in order to achieve these objectives.

 

 

RECOMMENDATION

 

1.         That Council note the following improvements to processes proposed within the Development Services Unit:

           a)        Fast tracking of minor DAs

           b)        Expediting internal referrals

           c)        Improving the “clearing house” process

          d)        Performing a “blitz” on determining DAs that have been in the        system for over 80 days

           e)       Improving responsiveness associated with pre lodgement meetings

           f)        Commencing a process of defining a policy position on how to  proceed with incomplete or deficient DAs.

 

2.         That the Chief Executive Officer be delegated the functions of Council to:

 

a)         Approve development applications (including section 96 applications) provided:

 

(i)         There are not more than 7 objections to the development; or

(ii)        The development application does not relate to land in which Council holds, or has recently held, a direct pecuniary interest; or

(iii)       The development application does not fall within the terms of reference of the Central Parramatta Planning Committee; or

(iv)       The development application is not known to have been made, or relate to a property owned by a member of staff or Councillor; or

(v)        The development application does not seek a variation of more than 10% to a standard under the Parramatta City Centre LEP 2007; or 

(vi)       The development application does not seek to demolish a heritage item; or

(vii)      The development application does not relate to a brothel, massage parlour, sex services premises, restricted premises, tattoo parlour or place of public worship; or

(viii)     The application does not seek a review of determination under section 82A. 

(ix)       The application is lodged as a “Fast Track DA” (i.e., swimming pools, garages, carports, awnings, decks, pergolas, change of use and similarly small scale DAs) even if 7 or more objections are received.

 

2.                     That Council reaffirm the following delegations to the Chief Executive Officer to:

 

i)          Approve complying development certificates.

 

ii)         Exercise the assumed concurrence of the Director-General in relation to objections made pursuant to State Environmental Planning Policy No.1 – Development Standards.

 

iii)        Refuse development applications and complying development certificates.

 

Note - Individual households are to represent only one objection to a development application irrespective of the number of individual objections received or signatures provided on behalf of that household for the purpose of determining 1(a)(i) above.

 

3.         That site meetings be held for the following Development Applications prior to a determination being made:

 

i)               Where 10 or more objections have been made.

ii)              For all other DAs where 2 Councillors request that a site meeting be held.

 

4.         That the current practice of referring proposed meeting dates and times for site meetings to Council for endorsement be replaced by such meetings being organised by staff in the Development Services Unit and notified to Councillors on a monthly basis.

 

5.         Council commence 6 monthly ‘Industry Forums’ commencing in early 2009. The purpose of the ‘Industry Forums’ is to receive feedback from regular customers on the Development Assessment Service and local planning issues including architects, designers and developers. 

 

6.         Council suspend the current practice of referring Development Applications for child care centres to the Local Engineering Advisory Committee and Traffic Committee for comment in cases where on-street car parking is not being relied upon to comply with the car parking controls.

 

7.         Amendments being made to the standard notification letter advising stakeholders that individual households are to represent only one objection to a development application irrespective of the number of individual objections received or signatures provided on behalf of that household.  In addition, advice being included indicating that if objections are received from a significant distance to the proposal, the objector should state their interest in objecting.

 

8.         That Council staff prepare a policy on how incomplete and deficient DAs should be dealt with by Development Assessment staff as a matter of policy having regard to balancing customer service and efficiency and timeliness of the of the process.

 

9.         That a report be presented to Council in 6 months which outlines the progress of the changes proposed in this report and improvements to processing times and identification of any further changes required.

 

10.       That monthly reports be prepared for Council identifying number of DAs in the system, median processing times, trends over time and other statistics that will keep Council informed of key statistics in DA processing and administration.

 

 

 

 BACKGROUND

 

1.      The Department of Planning (DoP) releases annual comparative data on the development assessment functions of Councils. The report titled ‘Local Government Development Performance Monitoring 2007-2008’ was released on 3 November 2008 and provides comparative data for the 2007/2008 financial year.

 

2.      The report showed that both the gross and net processing times for DAs at Parramatta City Council were well above the NSW state average. The NSW net mean processing time for DAs is 46 days compared with Parramatta City Council’s 75 days.  Clearly this is unacceptable and needs to be addressed.

 

3.      Council staff and Councillors participated in a workshop on 19 November 2008 to discuss development application processing and administration issues with the aim of identifying ways in which processing times and customer service could be improved.

 

4.      This report identifies some potential solutions as a package to improve both processing times and customer service.  This should be an ongoing process of refinement.  It should also be noted that paramount in the development assessment process is the imperative to ensure good governance.  Good governance of the process should not be compromised in the pursuit of reducing processing times. 

 

5.      This report is divided into internal reforms to improve processing times and customer service as well as amendments to existing delegations and site meetings criteria.

 

INTERNAL REFORMS

 

6.      This report identifies potential improvements that can be made to the development assessment process in regard to:

§  Review of the entire DA process, where time lags are occurring and strategies put in place to address them

§  Fast tracking of minor DAs

§  Expediting internal referrals

§  Improving the “clearing house” process

§  Performing a “blitz” on determining DAs that have been in the system for over 80 days

§  Improving responsiveness associated with pre lodgement meetings

§  Commencing a process of defining a policy position on how to proceed with incomplete or deficient DAs.

 

OBJECTIONS

 

7.      The issue of objections and when to consider whether they are legitimate, is a difficult one.  It is problematic to attempt to categorise types of objections that may be considered irrelevant or not valid as this may alienate genuine objectors and places too much discretion in staff to make quite subjective judgements. 

8.      This report recommends that further advice be contained in Council’s standard advice in notifying local residents of a development proposal advising that individual households will be considered as single objections regardless of the number of objections from occupants.  Further, advice will be included that requires objectors from a significant distance from a proposal, to articulate the nature and reason for their objection.

 

DELGATIONS AND SITE MEETINGS

 

9.      This report finds that significant processing time is spent in preparing reports to Council that may not need determination by Council.  Parramatta City Council determined 14.6% of all DAs received in the 2007/08 financial year.  This is much higher than all adjoining Councils and that vast majority of determinations are consistent with recommendations.  The statistics show that gross processing times of those DAs determined under delegated authority are about half those referred to Council for determination.

10.    An important component of improving processing times is the need to increase the number of applications determined under delegated authority.  Sensitive DAs and those that register significant public interest will still be referred to Council for determination.

11.    On site meetings, whilst often useful, are sometimes not well attended and therefore of questionable value.  This report recommends that the triggers for on site meetings be limited to significant public interest only as well as requests from 2 or more Councillors.  This as opposed to the list of types of applications which may not be controversial or complex. In addition, the practice of formally resolving to conduct on site meetings should be replaced by staff simply organising such meetings to save time.

 

INDUSTRY MEETINGS AND MONITORING

 

12.    Conducting regular industry meetings with frequent users of the development assessment process is a valuable way of both receiving feedback and disseminating information. This report recommends that such meetings be organised commencing in early 2009 on a 6 monthly basis.

13.    Staff will prepare regular monthly reports commencing in early 2009 to update Council on processing times, applications in the system and statistical trends in order that Council can be kept well informed of the periodic results and trends of the reform process.

 

 

 

 

 

Marcelo Occhiuzzi                                             Louise Kerr

Manager, Land Use                                          Manager, Development Services Unit

and Transport Planning

 

 

 

Attachments:

1View

Detailed Report

9 Pages

 

 

 

  


Ordinary Council

 15 December 2008

 

 

 

City Development

 

15 December 2008

 

10.1  Draft Parramatta Local Environmental Plan 2008

 

Note

 

Attachments 7 and 8 provided under separate cover to councillors at the workshop held on 1 December 2008.

 

Please bring along to meeting.


Ordinary Council 15 December 2008

Item 10.1

CITY DEVELOPMENT

ITEM NUMBER         10.1

SUBJECT                   Draft Parramatta Local Environmental Plan 2008

REFERENCE            F2006/01198 - D01092144

REPORT OF              Acting Manager Land Use and Transport Planning       

 

PURPOSE:

 

This report seeks Council’s endorsement of a revised version of draft Parramatta Local Environmental Plan 2008 (draft LEP) for submission to the Department of Planning (DoP), seeking a section 65 certificate to enable the public exhibition of the draft plan.

 

The amendments to the draft LEP are in response to the DoP’s changes to the template or ‘standard instrument’ and directives on how draft LEPs must be prepared in order to be consistent with the standard instrument and corrections to minor mapping anomalies and updated mapping information.

 

RECOMMENDATION

 

Note: An application has been lodged with the Department of Local Government to issue pecuniary interest exemptions under section 458 of the Local Government Act to allow Councillors to vote on the draft LEP at this meeting of Council meeting. If the exemptions are received in time, it is recommended that Council adopt Recommendation A. If the exemptions are not received in time, it is recommended that Council adopt Recommendation B.

 

RECOMMENDATION A

 

1.      That Council endorse draft Parramatta Local Environmental Plan 2008 in Attachments 7 and 8 to this report and seek section 65 certification from the Department of Planning to enable the public exhibition of the draft plan.

 

2.      That Council be informed of the outcome of the certification process prior to the commencement of the exhibition and any significant changes be the subject of a further report.

 

3.      That any land reservations required for public transport corridors relating to SREP 18 – Public Transport Corridors be included in draft PLEP 2008 prior to exhibition if resolved by the relevant State Government authorities.

 

4.      That Council raise objection to the very late direction from the Department of Planning regarding the structure of the land use table in the draft LEP with regard to the specification of prohibited land uses, such that any unnamed land uses are automatically permissible with consent.

 

5.      That Council staff continue the process to further develop a voluntary planning agreement (VPA) for the No 2 Morton Street site with the proponent and the draft VPA be reported back to Council for endorsement with the aim of exhibiting the draft VPA concurrently with draft PLEP 2008.

 

6.      That Council express its concern to the Minister for Planning at the delay in the Department initiated joint planning work for Epping town centre.

 

7.      That Council agree in principle to the amalgamation of the City Centre LEP with the draft LEP 2008 and that a further report on the process of amalgamation be presented to Council.

 

8.      That, subject to advice to Council of those changes, should minor errors be discovered in the draft LEP maps or documentation, then those errors be rectified prior to exhibition of the draft LEP without being referred back to Council.

 

9.      That when the draft LEP is referred to the Department of Planning for certification, it includes Council’s adopted position for the Merrylands centre, which is the subject of separate consideration at tonight’s Council meeting.

 

Recommendation B

 

1.      That Council note this report and the Chief Executive Officer be granted delegated authority to refer the draft LEP in Attachments 7 and 8 to the Department of Planning (DoP) seeking a section 65 certificate.

 

2.      That the draft LEP be reported back to Council after it has been considered by the DoP prior to commencement of the public exhibition.

 

3.      That items 3 – 9 of Recommendation A be adopted.

 

BACKGROUND

 

1.      Council adopted draft Parramatta LEP 2008 at its meeting on 30 May 2007 for the purposes of commencing the section 65 certification process with the DoP, with further amendments adopted at the Council meetings on 23 July and 10 September 2007.

 

2.      In a report to Council on 29 October 2007, Council was advised that the DoP would not be issuing a s65 certificate due to a number of drafting and policy matters (refer to the detailed report in Attachment 1).

 

3.      In December 2007, the State Government’s template, referred to as the ‘Standard Instrument’ was amended and during 2008, a number of directives were issued by the DoP which added to the drafting and formatting changes to be addressed in the draft LEP.  Attachment 2 outlines these requirements and details of the work on the draft LEP to progress to the present point. Councillor workshops in April and December 2008 have provided updates on the status of the draft LEP.

 

Present Position

 

4.      In November 2008, a pre submission meeting was held between senior planning staff from the DoP and Council to determine if the DoP has any outstanding issues before Council submits the draft LEP and requests a s 65 certificate.

 

5.      A significant degree of compliance with DoP requirements has now been achieved in the draft LEP document and maps, presented as separate hard copy attachments 7 and 8 to this report. This report presents the updated draft LEP for Council’s consideration and endorsement, so that it can again be referred to the DoP seeking a s65 certificate to enable public exhibition of the draft plan. The report’s recommendations seek to progress the draft LEP and related aspects which are explained in the detailed report in Attachment 1.

 

6.      As outlined in Attachment 1, there are a few areas where differences may remain between Council and the DoP. These include some local clauses in part 6 of the draft LEP which ‘roll over’ Council’s existing provisions for sex services premises, child care centres, and places of public worship into the new draft LEP and the structure of the land use table.

 

7.      It is possible that the DoP may require amendments to the draft LEP, including the structure of the land use table prior to exhibition of the draft LEP. From discussions with senior officers from the DoP, it would appear likely that Council will be permitted to exhibit the draft LEP with the disputed local clauses that ‘roll over’ existing provisions from Council’s existing LEP. Council will, however, need to provide further information to address the DoP’s concerns relating to these provisions in further progressing the plan and where points of difference remain, Council can make a submission to the Minister.

 

Next Steps

 

8.      It is recommended that Council endorse the updated version of the draft LEP and refer it to the DoP seeking a s65 certificate. Any significant changes required before Council is able to proceed with the public exhibition of the draft plan will be reported to Council.  After the public exhibition, Council will have a further opportunity to review the draft LEP, in considering submissions received in response to the exhibition.

 

9.      A report on updates to the draft Parramatta Development Control Plan (DCP) 2008, which contains the more detailed planning controls and guidelines for development, will also be presented to Council prior to the public exhibition commencing, as it is intended that the draft LEP and DCP be exhibited together. Council has recently resolved to amend the DCP to incorporate provisions relating to boarding houses and places of public worship.

 

Timing

 

10.    The timing of the public exhibition is subject to the outcome of the DoP’s processing of and any further requirements for the draft LEP as part of the s65 certification as well as any further reports to Council necessary regarding the draft LEP and also the report on the updates to draft Parramatta DCP 2008. It is, however, anticipated that the exhibition could occur in the first half of 2009.

 

 

 

 

 

Neal McCarry                                             Sue Stewart

Project Officer                                          Senior Project Officer

Land Use Planning                                Land Use Planning

 

Attachments:

1View

Detailed report on draft Parramatta LEP 2008

16 Pages

 

2View

Work that has been undertaken to progress draft Parramatta LEP 2008

3 Pages

 

3View

New Properties Affected by road Widening

1 Page

 

4View

Additional Zoning Anomalies

2 Pages

 

5View

Local Provisions in Draft Parramatta Local Environment Plan 2008

17 Pages

 

6

Miscellaneous Changes to Draft Parramatta Local Environmental Plan 2008

6 Pages

 

7

Draft LEP Document (Hard copy provided separately)

130 Pages

 

8

Draft LEP maps (Hard and soft copy provided separately)

130 Pages

 

 

 

REFERENCE MATERIAL

None.   


Ordinary Council

 15 December 2008

 

 

 

Roads Paths Access and Flood Mitigation

 

15 December 2008

 

11.1  State Floodplain Management Program - Acceptance of Minister's Grant Offer

 

 

 

 

11.2  Eastwood and Terrys Creek Floodplain Risk Study & Management Plan - Public Exhibition

 

Note

......... Attachments 1 and 2 provided under separate cover to Councillors and Senior Staff.

 

 

11.3  9C Dobson Crescent Dundas Valley

 

 

 

 

11.4  Proposal for Renaming of Cooinda Place, Winston Hills to Coolaroo Place

 

 

 

 

11.5  Proposed Guidelines for the provision of Car Sharing in the Parramatta Local Government Area

 

 

 

 

11.6  Parramatta Traffic Committee meeting minutes held on 27 November 2008

 

 

 

 

11.7  Traffic Engineering Advisory Group meeting minutes held on 27 November 2008


Ordinary Council 15 December 2008

Item 11.1

ROADS PATHS ACCESS AND FLOOD MITIGATION

ITEM NUMBER         11.1

SUBJECT                   State Floodplain Management Program - Acceptance of Minister's Grant Offer

REFERENCE            F2005/01036 - D01085119

REPORT OF              Acting Waterways Systems Manager       

 

PURPOSE:

 

To seek Council’s approval for the offer of up to $45,000 granted under the State Floodplain Management Program for 2008/09.

 

 

RECOMMENDATION

 

(a)       That Council accept the Minister’s grant offer and conditions under the 2008/09 State Floodplain Management Program.

 

(b)       Further, that the Chief Executive Officer be given delegated authority to       execute and affix the Common Seal of Council to the necessary documents.

 

 

BACKGROUND

 

1.      On the 13th November 2008, Council received correspondence from the honourable Carmel Tebbutt MP, Deputy Premier (Minister for Climate Change and Minister for Commerce), advising that Council was successful in securing a grant of up to $45,000 from the State Floodplain Management Program.

2.      This particular program is administered by the Department of Environment and Climate Change (DECC) to assist Councils in the preparation of Floodplain Risk Management Plans and their implementation. The process is in accordance with the NSW Government’s Floodplain Development Manual – the management of flood liable land (2005).

3.      Parramatta City Council has been successful in securing funds under this Program for the previous five years.

 

ISSUES/OPTIONS/CONSEQUENCES

 

4.      A grant of up to $45,000 has been offered to Council subject to Council agreeing to Conditions for Financial Assistance. These conditions are the same as previous years and have been reviewed (and accepted) by council officers.

5.      The allocated funds may be distributed amongst the following projects at Council’s discretion, subject to specific expenditure on the individual projects being agreed upon by the DECC:

·    Preparation of the Duck River Floodplain Risk Study and Plan

·    Completion of the Lister Street Flood Levee extension, Winston Hills

·    Flood mitigation works on Pendle Hill Creek (Stage 3c) Toongabbie

6.      The Program funding ratio requires a 2:1 (State: Council) contribution. The required matching funds are already included within the current 2008/09 Council budget.

7.      The acceptance of the Minister’s grant offer requires the common Seal of the Council to be affixed to the return correspondence following a resolution of Council.

 

CONSULTATION & TIMING

 

8.      All relevant internal staff from Council’s strategic, financial and service units have been notified of the offer in relation to the approved projects.

 

 

 

Alison Parr

Acting Waterways Systems Manager

 

 

Attachments:

1View

Letter from Minister Carmel Tebbutt re successful grant $45,000 from State Floodplain Management Program

 

 

 

 

REFERENCE MATERIAL

 


Ordinary Council 15 December 2008

Item 11.2

ROADS PATHS ACCESS AND FLOOD MITIGATION

ITEM NUMBER         11.2

SUBJECT                   Eastwood and Terrys Creek Floodplain Risk Study & Management Plan - Public Exhibition

REFERENCE            F2004/06096 - D01085120

REPORT OF              Acting Waterways Systems Manager       

 

PURPOSE:

 

To seek Council endorsement to publicly exhibit the draft Eastwood & Terry’s Creek Flood Study, and the draft Eastwood & Terry’s Creek Floodplain Risk Management Study and Plan.

 

 

RECOMMENDATION

 

(a)     That Council endorses the public exhibition of the draft Eastwood & Terry’s Creek Flood Study, and the draft Eastwood & Terry’s Creek Floodplain Risk Management Study and Plan for a period of 28 days, commencing on 1 February 2009 until 1 March 2009.

 

(b)     Further, that a report be brought back to Council with consideration of public submissions prior to adoption.

 

 

BACKGROUND

 

1.      The floodplain risk management program is being undertaken in accordance with process outlined in the NSW Government’s Floodplain Development Manual, gazetted in April 2005. The program is part funded by the Commonwealth and State Governments through their Floodplain Management Programs.

2.      The Eastwood & Terry’s Creek Floodplain Risk Management Study & Plan focuses on the Eastwood and Terry’s Creek stormwater drainage catchments (the study area). These have a combined area of approximately 495 hectares (4.95 square kilometres). Parramatta City Council only has a small portion of the upper catchment that drains into Terrys Creek. This covers parts of Epping and Eastwood bounded by Marsden Road (west), Blaxland Road (east), Terry Road (south) and Carlingford Road (north).

3.      The preparation of the Study and Plan has been coordinated by the City of Ryde in conjunction with Parramatta and Hornsby Shire Councils. The Committee includes Councillors and staff from the three councils as well as the Department of Environment and Climate Change (DECC), Sydney Water Corporation and the State Emergency Service (SES). A number of community representatives were also represented on the committee.

4.      Council’s Floodplain Management Committee (the Committee) has overseen the preparation of a flood model that simulates the historic November 1984 flood, as well as a draft Flood Study.  Significant flooding problems have been experienced in 1967, 1984 and 1989. It is estimated that over 70 houses or commercial properties around the Eastwood town centre experienced above floor flooding in the November 1984 flood.

5.      Bewsher Consulting was commissioned by the City of Ryde in 2006 to complete the Study and Plan. The consultants took into account work commissioned by Parramatta City Council in December 2005 (Cardno Willing) examining the Terrys Creek Sub-catchment within the Parramatta local government boundaries.

6.      At its meeting of 22 May 2008, the results of the detailed assessment of the preferred options, as well as the executive summary of the draft Management Study and Plan were presented to the Committee. Subsequent to this meeting and in response to the concerns raised by community representatives, an additional investigation into flood mitigation options for the Eastwood town centre was commissioned.

7.      From a list of potential options, the Committee determined a preferred list of potential flood mitigation options for detailed assessment, following the results of the preliminary assessment of an initial list of thirteen (13) options. Five of these have now been highly recommended for adoption based on cost-benefit assessment within the report.

 

ISSUES/OPTIONS/CONSEQUENCES

 

8.      A detailed assessment of all of the recommended flood mitigation options for the study area has now been completed, with the results summarised in the Table below. All of the options listed in the table have been included in the draft Management Study and Plan.

 

Summary of Recommended Flood Mitigation Options

Option No.

Description of Mitigation Measure

Approx.

Cost $

Benefit Cost Ratio

Determination

4

Mobbs Lane Detention Basin

Up to $1M (size dependent)

>1.0

Detention Basin Recommended

8

Abuklea Road and TG Milner Field.

Twin Φ1500mm pipes in Abuklea Road

$1.9 Million

=1.0

Abuklea Road Upgrade Recommended

9

Debris Control Structures at Railway Pde and upstream of Progress Ave

$1 Million

>1.0

Recommended

12

First Avenue to Rowe Street upgrade

(Stage 2 of First Ave to Railway Pde)

$1.3 Million

=0.5

Recommended

13

Eastwood Town Centre Drainage Augmentation

$8.5 Million

=0.5

Recommended

 

9.      From the table, it can be seen that only one of the preferred five mitigation options is located within Parramatta City Council’s boundaries (Option 4 – Mobbs Lane Detention Basin. This option was also recommended by Council’s own consultants in 2005, in conjunction with a culvert upgrade at Terrys Road (which would only benefit upstream properties within the Parramatta LGA).

10.    Further feasibility studies are recommended to determine the optimal storage volume (and cost) for the basin in terms of both site constraints and hydraulic performance. Pursuit of the basin would have to involve cost sharing arrangements between Ryde and Parramatta Councils and the DECC.

11.    A set of draft flood planning provisions for the study area have also been prepared to guide future development within the three flood risk precincts described in the Flood Study report (High, Medium and Low). The draft flood planning provisions provide a suite of performance based measures to address flood risk, according to land use and location in the study catchment.

12.    It should be noted that these proposed flood planning provisions will not apply to the Parramatta LGA. Whilst the benefits of this methodology are acknowledged, Council would be required to re-assess all existing / adopted floodplain risk management plans before moving towards such an approach.

 

CONSULTATION & TIMING

 

13.    Members of the Committee (Councillors and staff) have had ongoing input into the development of preferred options for the study area. Council’s Waterways Systems Manager (City Strategy Unit) has consulted with relevant internal staff in regard to both technical and planning proposals within the draft Plan.

14.    Community consultation will be undertaken through public exhibition of the documents at local libraries, the main Administration Building and on the websites of the three Councils. The City of Ryde will also organise a public meeting during the exhibition period, direct mail-out to local residents and advertisement within the relevant local newspapers covering the three council areas.

15.    The Draft Study and Report will be publicly exhibited for a period of 28 days, during which time the community will have the opportunity to provide comment. A further report will be brought back to Council following the Committee’s consideration of public submissions and recommendations for adoption.

 

 

 

Alison Parr

Acting Waterways Systems Manager

 

 

Due to the voluminous content of the following attachments, hard copies have been supplied to Councillors and managers only. Copies of the attachments will be available on Council’s website and allocated locations for viewing during the exhibition period.

 

Attachments:

1

Draft Eastwood and Terrys Creek Floodplain Risk Management Study and Plan - Main Report

124 Pages

 

2

Draft Eastwood and Terrys Creek Flood Study

89 Pages

 

 

 

REFERENCE MATERIAL

 


Ordinary Council 15 December 2008

Item 11.3

ROADS PATHS ACCESS AND FLOOD MITIGATION

ITEM NUMBER         11.3

SUBJECT                   9C Dobson Crescent Dundas Valley

REFERENCE            F2008/01296 - D01087648

REPORT OF              Property Program Manager       

 

PURPOSE:

 

The report recommends Council to accept dedication of drainage structure to be constructed at the public reserve at 9C Dobson Street Dundas Valley in connection with a development proposal for medium density residential development at 25 Carson Street Dundas Valley.

         

 

RECOMMENDATION

 

(a)       That Council resolve to accept dedication of the drainage structure at 9C Dobson Crescent Dundas Valley (Lot 35 DP 233076), as shown on the drawing at Attachment 3 on terms as stated in the report.

 

(b)       Further, that the Lord Mayor and General Manager be authorised to execute under seal the deed of agreement for dedication of the drainage structure

 

 

BACKGROUND

 

1.      In 2004, the Council approved a Development application (DA/994/2003) for a medium density residential development at 25 Carson Street Dundas Valley.  The approval included a proposal for storm water drainage over several adjoining private properties within a proposed drainage easement shown on DP 31179.

2.      It has been realised on subsequent investigation that this proposed drainage easement, shown on DP 31179, has never been legally created and no drainage pipe has been laid. 

3.      For information, the land for the development site at 25 Carson Street Dundas Valley falls from the road, which prevents normal discharge of storm water to Carson Street.  In the absence of use of the proposed drainage reserve shown on DP 31179, the discharge of storm water for the development by piping through the adjoining Council land to Dobson Crescent is the only practical solution.

 

4.      A detailed submission and a location plan are at Attachments 1 and 2

 

ISSUES/OPTIONS/CONSEQUENCES

 

5.      The Council land (Lot 35 DP 233076) was dedicated in 1967 for use as public reserve via DP 233076.  It is zoned Residential 2(b) and should be classified community on Council’s Local Environmental Plan 2001. 

6.      Currently the Council land is used as a public footpath between Carson Street and Dobson Crescent.  Over the years, this public footpath has shown signs of deterioration due to poor drainage.

7.      The developer has proposed to construct at no costs to the Council a 375 mm diameter concrete storm water pipe approximately 150 metres long for discharge of storm water for the development.  This storm water pipe will be laid within the subject Council land and extend eastward along Dobson Crescent before making a connection to an existing Council storm water pit near 1 Dobson Crescent shown on the drawing at Attachment 3.  Storm water pits will be provided on the way to collect surface run-off at the public footpath and Dobson Crescent.  The drainage pipe and pits will be constructed to the requirement of the Council and upon dedication will be maintained by the Council.

8.      The acceptance of dedication of this drainage structure is recommended, as its construction will provide public benefit by improving the drainage of the public footpath and Dobson Crescent.

 

CONSULTATION & TIMING

 

9.      The Council’s Catchment Management Unit has approved the design of the drainage structure and has no objection to the proposed dedication for Council ownership and future maintenance.

 

Kwok Leung

Property Program Manager

 

 

Attachments:

1View

Detailed Submission

1 Page

 

2View

Public Footpath at 9C Dobson Crescent Dundas Valley

1 Page

 

3View

Interlot Drainage Plan

1 Page

 

 

 

REFERENCE MATERIAL

 


Ordinary Council 15 December 2008

Item 11.4

ROADS PATHS ACCESS AND FLOOD MITIGATION

ITEM NUMBER         11.4

SUBJECT                   Proposal for Renaming of Cooinda Place, Winston Hills to Coolaroo Place

REFERENCE            F2006/00231 - D01087992

REPORT OF              Property Officer       

 

PURPOSE:

 

To present to Council a proposal to address ongoing property location problems by changing the name of Cooinda Place, Winston Hills to Coolaroo Place.

 

 

RECOMMENDATION

 

(a)       That Council undertake the formal exhibition and submission process for street re-naming, with the proposal that Cooinda Place be re-named to Coolaroo Place.

 

(b)       Further, that the affected residents be notified of Councils decision.

 

 

 

BACKGROUND

 

1.      Prior to the legal definition of Parramatta LGA suburbs by the Geographical Names Board (GNB), Cooinda Place was located and known as being within Council’s suburb of Northmead with a postcode of 2152. There were no address location or mail issues for residents. As a result of the suburbs in Parramatta LGA being gazetted, Cooinda Place now legally falls within Winston Hills.

2.      The Hills Shire Council (formally Baulkham Hills Shire Council) also has a Cooinda Place in Baulkham Hills. The suburbs of Winston Hills and Baulkham Hills share the same postcode of 2153. Consequently, there are two instances of Cooinda Place in close proximity, sharing the same postcode.

3.      Since the suburb gazettal, residents of Cooinda Place have contacted Council indicating that problems have arisen with mail misdirection. Despite contact with Australia Post to make them aware of the need for taking greater care with mail direction between the two streets, this has not improved.

 

ISSUES/OPTIONS/CONSEQUENCES

 

4.      The geographical location of Cooinda Place, combined with the feedback of residents who have contacted Council, indicated that a further boundary change would not be a suitable solution to this problem. The proposed amendment to this part of Winston Hills to revert back to Northmead was abandoned by the GNB at its meeting on 23 July 2008. The residents have unanimously been supportive of a street name change solution.

5.      To allow this duplication to remain poses a substantial risk to the effectiveness of emergency services responses to either street.

 

 

 

 

CONSULTATION & TIMING

 

6.      Conversations with residents resulted in a formal request to rename the street. The residents have put together a short list of Aboriginal names, in keeping with the names of streets within the area. The following options were provided: Coolaroo Place, Carinya Place, Coolarn Place, and Coomah Place.

7.      When checking the proposed street names against the GNB guidelines for the naming of roads, it was deemed that Coolaroo Place fitted all essential criteria in the road naming process. Carinya Place was ruled out due to a similar street name Carinyah Crescent in Castle Hill.

8.      Details of the submissions received is found at Attachment 1.

  

 

Attachments:

1View

Correspondence from Residents of Cooinda Place, Winston Hills

1 Page

 

 

 

REFERENCE MATERIAL

 


Ordinary Council 15 December 2008

Item 11.5

ROADS PATHS ACCESS AND FLOOD MITIGATION

ITEM NUMBER         11.5

SUBJECT                   Proposed Guidelines for the provision of Car Sharing in the Parramatta Local Government Area

REFERENCE            F2006/01242 - D01092169

REPORT OF              Project Officer       

 

PURPOSE:

 

To inform Council of the outcome of the carshare trial in Parramatta between Parramatta City Council and ‘Go Get’ and for Council to consider the Guidelines for the Provision of Car Sharing in future.

 

 

RECOMMENDATION

 

(a)       That Council adopt the proposed Guidelines for the Provision of Car Sharing.

 

(b)       That Council commence a process of inviting and assessing applications for carshare in Parramatta LGA using the guidelines in Attachment 2.

 

(c)       That the existing carshare arrangements with Go Get continue until the Car Sharing Guidelines are implemented.

 

(d)       That Council review the fee of $100 for car share parking authorizations in the next 12 months.

 

(e)       Further, that Council investigates the provision of car sharing in the DCP to include a requirement for all new medium to high developments to provide carshare parking privately.

 

 

 

BACKGROUND

 

1.         Car sharing is car rental by the hour available to members of carshare providers. The fee includes fuel, car maintenance, insurance and other associated on road costs. Car sharing is intended for occasional use to support car ownership and public transport use. Drivers book the car online or by telephone and pick it up and return it to the allocated parking space.

 

2.         There was a 12 month carshare trial in Parramatta city centre that ended on 31 October 2008. The trial was part of the Sustainable Movement Around Town Project funded by a Department of Environment and Climate Change grant. The grant provided $20,000 of credit to new users of carshare in Parramatta of which nearly $17,000 has been used during the 12 month trial. The balance has been absorbed by Go Get to cover the initial start up cost of providing carshare into Parramatta. During the trial, 72 carshare members made 410 trips (3637 hours) and traveled 13,120 km.

 

3.         This result indicates that the trial was successful and carshare is a viable alternative to car ownership in Parramatta and should be pursued.

 

4.         Car sharing schemes have been operating successfully in Sydney since 2003. Councils which provide facilities for carsharing are detailed in Attachment 3.

 

ISSUES/OPTIONS/CONSEQUENCES

 

5.         To continue providing carshare in the LGA, Guidelines for the Provision of Car Sharing have been prepared. (Attachment 2). These guidelines were endorsed by Council’s Traffic Engineering Advisory Group meeting on the 27 November 2008.

 

6.         These guidelines support the Parramatta City Council transport objectives and strategies as set out in Parramatta Twenty 25 Strategic Plan that aim to encourage the use of public transport, and reduce private motor vehicle use. This will decrease parking demands, congestion, fuel consumption and greenhouse gas emissions. Alternatives to private car ownership will be encouraged by providing parking opportunities for carshare vehicles, whilst maintaining a balance with competing parking demands.

 

7.         These Guidelines have been developed in accordance with RTA Technical Directions.

 

8.         It is proposed that carshare organisations may apply for carshare parking locations and authorisations through out the LGA on a first come first served basis. Carshare Locations and Carshare Authorisations will be submitted to the Councils Traffic Committee for approval. Successful applicants will gain dedicated car parking spaces marked clearly for car sharing purposes only. In assessing such applications, Council should avoid using parking metered spaces where possible.

 

9.         The operation of the carshare scheme is separate from the operation of Council’s resident or business parking schemes and carshare vehicles are not eligible for permits.

 

10.      Car share is included in some Sydney councils DCPs. It is recommended that Council investigates the inclusion of private car share schemes within the DCP to reduce the provision of off-street parking required in new developments.

 

CONSULTATION & TIMING

 

11.      The 12 month trial of Car Sharing in the Parramatta City centre ended on October 31, 2008. Subject to Council approval, applications for Carshare Locations and Permits are anticipated to be advertised in early 2009 and any applications considered by Council’s Traffic Committee approval in March 2009.

 

12.      In the interim, it is recommended that Council give permission to Go Get to continue operating in the two current locations until such time as Council has considered applications for these spaces as part of the above process.

 

FUNDING

 

13.      To encourage sustainable transport in the LGA it is proposed the Council continue to support and subsidise car sharing in a similar way to other Sydney Councils.   A fee of $250 is proposed for new car sharing locations which will cover a portion of the cost of investigation and sign installation of the of the Carshare Parking locations. An annual fee of $100 will be charged for Carshare Parking Authorisations. This should be reviewed within 12 months

 

 

 

 

Myfanwy Lawrence                                 

 Project Officer – Sustainable Transport

Land Use & Transport Planning

 

Attachments:

1View

Detailed Report - CarShare Scheme in Parramatta City Centre

5 Pages

 

2View

Guidelines for the Provision of Car Sharing in the Parramatta LGA

9 Pages

 

3View

Provision of Car Share in othe Local Government Areas

1 Page

 

 

 

REFERENCE MATERIAL

 


Ordinary Council 15 December 2008

Item 11.6

ROADS PATHS ACCESS AND FLOOD MITIGATION

ITEM NUMBER         11.6

SUBJECT                   Parramatta Traffic Committee meeting minutes held on 27 November 2008

REFERENCE            F2008/02659 - D01092323

REPORT OF              Manager Traffic and Transport       

 

PURPOSE:

 

That Council give consideration to the report of the Parramatta Traffic Committee meeting held on Thursday 27 November 2008.  Note that there was no consensus in the voting for Item 1 and Item 6.

 

 

RECOMMENDATION

 

(a)       That the report of the Parramatta Traffic Committee meeting held on 27 November 2008 be adopted with the exceptions of Item 1 and Item 6.

 

(b)       That in relation to Item 1 and Item 6 that the recommendations of Council’s representative on the Parramatta Traffic Committee be adopted.

 

 

 

 

Marcelo Occhiuzzi

Manager – Land use and Transport Planning

 

Attachments:

1View

Parramatta Traffic Committee Meeting Minutes held on 27 November 2008.

22 Pages

 

 

 

REFERENCE MATERIAL

 


Ordinary Council 15 December 2008

Item 11.7

ROADS PATHS ACCESS AND FLOOD MITIGATION

ITEM NUMBER         11.7

SUBJECT                   Traffic Engineering Advisory Group meeting minutes held on 27 November 2008

REFERENCE            F2008/02664 - D01092346

REPORT OF              Manager Traffic and Transport       

 

PURPOSE:

 

That the report of the Traffic Engineering Advisory Group meeting minutes held       on 27 November 2008.  Note that there was no consensus in the voting for Item 7.

 

 

RECOMMENDATION

 

(a)     That the report of the Traffic Engineering Advisory Group meeting minutes held       on 27 November 2008 be adopted with the exception of Item 7.

 

(b)     That in relation to Item 7 that the recommendation of Council’s representative          on the Traffic Engineering Advisory Group be adopted.

 

 

 

 

 

Marcelo Occhiuzzi

Manager – Land Use and Transport Planning

 

 

Attachments:

1View

Traffic Engineering Advisory Group Minutes held on 27 November 2008

35 Pages

 

 

 

REFERENCE MATERIAL

  


Ordinary Council

 15 December 2008

 

 

 

Culture and Leisure

 

15 December 2008

 

12.1  Naming of an Unnamed Public Reserve in Parramatta as Baludarri Wetland - Additional Historical Information


Ordinary Council 15 December 2008

Item 12.1

CULTURE AND LEISURE

ITEM NUMBER         12.1

SUBJECT                   Naming of an Unnamed Public Reserve in Parramatta as Baludarri Wetland - Additional Historical Information

REFERENCE            F2008/01223 - D01088854

REPORT OF              Recreation Planner       

 

PURPOSE:

 

To provide further information on the history of the unnamed public reserve located at the end of Pemberton and Broughton Streets in Parramatta for the purpose of determining a name for this public land.

 

 

RECOMMENDATION

 

(a)     That the unnamed public reserve at the end of Broughton and Pemberton       Streets in Parramatta be endorsed in principle as Baludarri Wetland, and it be         referred to the Geographical Names Board of NSW for formal assignment          under the Geographical Names Act 1966.

 

(b)     That if approval is granted by the Geographical Names Board, a park name sign be erected at the reserve, to be funded from Parks Improvement Project number 13535.

 

(c)     Further, that any persons who lodged a submission in relation to the proposed name be advised of Council’s decision.

 

 

BACKGROUND

 

1.      At the Council meeting held on 24 November 2008, Council considered a report recommending the currently unnamed reserve at the end of Broughton and Pemberton Streets in Parramatta be named Baludarri Wetland. (Attachment 1) Council resolved at this meeting ‘that consideration of this matter be deferred to the next Council meeting to enable officers to undertake research of the history of the area and those persons involved in the surrounds’.

2.      Council’s Open Space and Natural Resources section staff have now undertaken this further research as requested. This research was conducted in conjunction with staff from the Parramatta Heritage Centre, and involved investigations into historical land ownership and early settler records.

3.      It is recognised that the research undertaken has not been exhaustive due to the limited time between meetings. However, officers are confident that no other significant historical figures have a direct association with this reserve.

4.      The unnamed reserve is part of John Irving’s original 1792 land grant of 30 acres. John Irving (c. 1760 – 1795) was a convict on the first fleet, who had a surgical background and assisted the surgeons on the voyage to Australia. Due to his good conduct and meritorious behaviour, he was the first convict to be emancipated by the governor. Following his emancipation in 1791, Irving was granted 30 acres of land on the northern side of the river. He was posted to Rose Hill (Parramatta) as an assistant surgeon at the temporary hospital that had been erected in 1789, where he continued to work until his sudden death in 1795.

5.      Following John Irving’s passing, the property had various owners, until it was sold to John Palmer in 1810. John Palmer (1760 – 1833), was appointed as the commissary general for the First Fleet. From 1803 until 1824, he was a committee member of the Female Orphan Institution (also known as the Female Factory), which was located to the east of his property. He was also a magistrate in Parramatta for many years until shortly before his death in 1833.  His eldest son, George Thomas Palmer (1784 – 1854) lived next door on the property known as “Pemberton Grange”, which was named in recognition of his wife’s maiden name. George was also a magistrate and served on the managing committee of the nearby Female Factory.

6.      John Palmer retired to ‘Waddon Cottage’ on the property in 1819 where he died in 1833 as ‘the last surviving officer of the first fleet’. Following this, the property was subdivided and sold in the mid-1800s as ‘Keyes Estate’.

 

ISSUES/OPTIONS/CONSEQUENCES

 

7.      John Irving has already been recognised for his contribution to the local area, having both a street, Irving Street in Parramatta, and a park, John Irving Park in Rosehill, named in his honour. The adjoining Pemberton Street has also been named in recognition of George Palmer’s ‘Pemberton Grange’ property.

8.      The name, Baludarri Wetland, was supported in view of its connection to a significant Aboriginal figure, Baludarri. The historical details of Baludarri’s relationship with the site are outlined in Attachment 1. It also complies with the NSW Geographical Names Board’s ‘Guidelines for the Determination of Place Names’, which states that “Names of Aboriginal origin or with a historical background are preferred.”

9.      A number of parks and reserves within the Parramatta Local Government Area have been named in connection with significant Aboriginal people who originally inhabited the area. However, having conducted the additional research into the original landholders for this area of Parramatta, a possible alternative name for this reserve would be John Palmer Wetland in view of his connection with the land. Should Council wish to consider this, further consultation should be conducted with the local residents and the abovementioned interest groups.

 

CONSULTATION & TIMING

 

10.    Council staff have undertaken consultation with members of the Parramatta Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Advisory Committee, the Darug Peoples Advisory Committee (DPAC) and the local residents of adjoining streets in the area. DPAC has recommended the name Baludarri Wetland as appropriate for the reserve. This was discussed with Council’s Aboriginal staff, Pemberton Street Bushcare Group and all respondents who provided comments on the original Warrigal name. All of these people are supportive of the Baludarri Wetland name.

 

Attachments:

1View

Naming of an Unnamed Public Reserve in Parramatta as Warrigal Wetland

 

 

 

 

REFERENCE MATERIAL   


Ordinary Council

 15 December 2008

 

 

 

City Leadership and Management

 

15 December 2008

 

13.1  Floodplain Management Authorities (FMA) Joint Floodplain Management Conference, Albury-Wodonga, 17 - 20 February 2009

 

 

 

 

13.2  Legal Advice on Awnings

 

 

 

 

13.3  Investments Report for October 2008

 

 

 

 

13.4  Report of the Audit Committee Meeting held on 6 November 2008


Ordinary Council 15 December 2008

Item 13.1

CITY LEADERSHIP AND MANAGEMENT

ITEM NUMBER         13.1

SUBJECT                   Floodplain Management Authorities (FMA) Joint Floodplain Management Conference, Albury-Wodonga, 17 - 20 February 2009

REFERENCE            F2004/06958 - D01077786

REPORT OF              Service Manager - Council Support       

 

PURPOSE:

 

This report is placed before Council to seek the appointment of one (1) Councillor to attend the Floodplain Management Authorities (FMA) Joint Floodplain Management Conference to be held in Albury-Wodonga from 17 – 20 February 2009

 

 

RECOMMENDATION

 

(a)       That Council nominate one (1) Councillor to attend the Floodplain Management Authorities (FMA) Joint Floodplain Management Conference to be held in Albury-Wodonga from 17 – 20 February 2009.

 

(b)       Further, that Council nominate an alternate delegate to attend the Conference in the event that the delegate is unable to attend.

 

 

BACKGROUND

 

1.      The FMA is an association comprised of over ninety member organisations including local government bodies and catchment management authorities in NSW.

 

2.      The Floodplain Management Authorities are heavily involved in public education promoting awareness of flooding and floodplain management issues in the community.  The Authorities is involved in the delivery of education to practitioners and elected representatives championing merits based risk management policies which are at the cutting edge of world best practice.  The Authorities promotes the international exchange of information and shared experiences.

 

3.      Albury Wodonga will host the first joint New South Wales and Victorian Flood Management Conference – Bridging the States; one floodplain, one unified approach.

 

4.      Themes to be explored at the conference will be Mitigation, Planning, Climate change & changing standards, Risk management and Flooding for environmental values.

 

5.      Delegate registration, accommodation, flights and out-of-pocket expenses total the approximate amount of $2150.00 per delegate.

 

6.      This is a Category C Conference as outlined in Annexure 1 of the conference categories from the Civic office Expenses and Facilities Policy.  Category C of this policy permits the attendance of one (1) Councillor.  All reasonable expenses will be paid.

 

ISSUES/OPTIONS/CONSEQUENCES

 

7.      A copy of the Conference Program is appended as Attachment 1.

 

8.      A copy of a brochure on the Floodplain management Authorities is appended as Attachment 2.

 

CONSULTATION & TIMING

 

9.      This report has been put to this meeting to allow ample time to organise and pay for the conference prior to the end of this year.

 

 

 

Graeme Riddell

Service Manager – Council Support

 

 

Attachments:

1View

FMA 2008 Conference Program & Brochure

10 Pages

 

2View

Brochure on FMA background & covering letter

5 Pages

 

 

 

REFERENCE MATERIAL

 


Ordinary Council 15 December 2008

Item 13.2

CITY LEADERSHIP AND MANAGEMENT

ITEM NUMBER         13.2

SUBJECT                   Legal Advice on Awnings

REFERENCE            F2008/00309 - D01077140

REPORT OF              Service Manager Commercial and Risk

PREVIOUS ITEMS             8.3 - Audit of the Mall and City Centre. - Ordinary Council - 23 June 2008      

 

PURPOSE:

 

Response to resolution of Council that Council obtain a legal opinion on Council’s responsibility should an awning fall onto a public thoroughfare, such as a council footpath, whether awnings generally have a prescriptive easement and the best methodology to require building owners to obtain such an easement.

 

 

RECOMMENDATION

 

(a)       That the report be noted.

 

(b)       That the legal advice obtained be provided on request as it contains advice on a range of issues in addition to that requested by Council.

 

 

BACKGROUND

 

1.      Council at its meeting held on 23 June 2008 gave consideration to a report regarding an audit of the Mall and City Centre and resolved, in part, to obtain a legal opinion on Council’s responsibility should an awning fall on to a public thoroughfare. 

2.      Legal advice has now been received from DLA Phillips Fox on 12 September 2008.

ISSUES/OPTIONS/CONSEQUENCES

 

3.      The legal advice indicates that:-

a.   Liability for defective awnings.

If an awning erected over a public thoroughfare collapsed onto the street, Council would not be exposed to liability unless it:

·    approved the erection of the awning in circumstances it was unreasonable to grant such approval (e.g. the plans did not comply with the relevant standard)

·    Council had actual knowledge of the risk associated with the awnings and had not taken any action.

The extent of any liability on the part of Council would vary depending on the particular circumstances in any particular claim.

b.   Prescriptive easement.

The presence of the awnings does not create a prescriptive easement.

 

 

CONSULTATION & TIMING

 

4.      Council has consulted with Westpool on Councils insurance cover and DLA Phillips Fox for a legal advice on the concerns raised by Council.

 

Michael Maclean

Service Manager – Commercial and Risk

 

 

Attachments:

There are no attachments for this report.

 

 REFERENCE MATERIAL

 


Ordinary Council 15 December 2008

Item 13.3

CITY LEADERSHIP AND MANAGEMENT

ITEM NUMBER         13.3

SUBJECT                   Investments Report for October 2008

REFERENCE            F2008/01474 - D01088712

REPORT OF              Manager - Finance       

 

PURPOSE:

 

To inform Council of the investment portfolio performance for the month of October 2008.

 

 

RECOMMENDATION

That Council receive and note the investments report for October 2008.

 

 

BACKGROUND

 

1.         In accordance with clause 212 of the Local Government (General) Regulation 2005, a report setting out details of all money invested must be presented to Council on a monthly basis.

 

2.         The report must include a certificate as to whether or not the investments have been made in accordance with the Act, the Regulations and the investment policy of Council.

 

ISSUES/OPTIONS/CONSEQUENCES

 

3.         The Council’s investment portfolio stood at $77.5 Million as at 31st October 2008. (Previous month $89.2 Million) The weighted average portfolio held for October 2008 was $82.4 Million (See below paragraph 7 and 11 and Refer attachment 1).

 

4.         Council invests directly with Local Government Financial Services (LGFS), various term deposit providers and with funds managers utilising the services of Grove Financial Services. There are also investments with the Commonwealth Bank for loan offset funds.

 

5.         The average interest rate on Council’s investments for the month compared to the Bank Bill Index is as follows:

 

                                                                   Monthly      Annualised

 

                             Total Portfolio              -0.99%       -5.68%

                             Funds Managers         -2.05%      -14.35%

                             Bank Bill Index               0.71%        8.74%

           

NB: Annualised rates are calculated on a compounding basis assuming that the interest returns are added to the initial investment amount and reinvested.

 

 

 

 

 

 

6.         After allowing for Council’s loan offsets and at call funds, Council recorded a negative annualised return of -5.68% in the month for its total investment portfolio. The negative return recorded by Council was below the Bank Bill Index of 8.74%. Fund managers also recorded a negative annualised rate of

-14.35% for the month of October.

 

7.         The amount of funds invested at the end of October decreased from the previous month by 11.7 Million. This decrease was due to a minimal inflow of rates receipts with the second instalment being due only by 28th November 2008. Expenditure on services and planned projects however continued as normal.

 

8.         October was once again dominated by an environment of extreme volatility and bad news. There seems to be nowhere to hide as all asset classes have been affected by the credit squeeze and slowing down of every economy worldwide.

 

9.       Equity, Property and Debt markets have been adversely affected by major redemptions as investors seek to liquidate what they can, and predictably some institutions have frozen redemptions for the time being. 

 

10.       Domestically the Reserve Bank of Australia cut interest rates by 100 basis points to 6% which was double the cut expected by local markets.

 

11.       Parramatta City Council suffered negative returns for the month of October which equated to a $690K loss in current market value to its portfolio. The major reason for this outcome was the poor result of the Blackrock Diversified Credit fund which is currently liquidating and the CFS Global Income Fund. These funds had a combined mark to market loss for October of approximately $1.1M.

           

12.       Councils portfolio is valued to market on a monthly basis and all (net) interest income or loss is posted through Profit & Loss. It is important to note although Council has realigned its portfolio with approximately 77% of fixed returns & cash products, the other 23% of Funds managers and long term growth products can still adversely affect Councils monthly returns during the current global volatility.

 

13.       Grove Investment and Advisory (Council Advisors) maintain that the CFS Global fund and other longer term Equity linked products should be maintained with a view to longer term recovery, however council will continue to review this with Grove on a monthly basis.

 

14.       The following details are provided on the attachments for information:

 

                   Graph – Comparison of average funds invested with loans balance

                   Graph – Average interest rate comparison to Bank Bill Index

                   Graphs – Investments and loans interest compared to budget

                   Summary of investment portfolio

 

 

 

 

 

 

15.       The Certificate of Investments for October 2008 is provided below:

 

 

Certificate of Investments

 

I hereby certify that the investments for the month of September 2008 have been made in accordance with the Act, the Regulations and Council’s Investment Policy.

 

16.       There is no standard report attachment - detailed submission - attached to this report.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Jenny Fett

Finance Manager

 

 

Attachments:

1View

Investments & Loans - Performance

1 Page

 

2View

Summary of Investments Portfolio

2 Pages

 

 

 

REFERENCE MATERIAL

 


Ordinary Council 15 December 2008

Item 13.4

CITY LEADERSHIP AND MANAGEMENT

ITEM NUMBER         13.4

SUBJECT                   Report of the Audit Committee Meeting held on 6 November 2008

REFERENCE            F2008/02951 - D01092189

REPORT OF              Manager Service Audit and Review       

 

PURPOSE:

 

The Audit Committee held its first meeting on 22 April 2008 and more recently met  on 6 November 2008. This report provides a summary of the discussions at the most recent meeting for Council consideration.

 

 

 

RECOMMENDATION

 

That the Minutes of the Audit Committee Meeting held on 6 November 2008 (Attachment 1) be received and noted.

 

 

 

BACKGROUND

 

1.      Following a Resolution of Council on 25 February 2008 an Audit Committee was established comprising three Councillors and two Independent Community Representatives.

 

2.      At its meeting of 25 March 2008 Council resolved (Minute 9797) to appoint three Councillors to the Audit Committee together with Ms Pamela Fay Fynan and Mr Frank Mersal as the Independent Community Representatives.  At its meeting of 7 October Council resolved (Minute 10210) to appoint Councillors J D Finn, M D McDermott and A A Wilson to the Audit Committee.

 

3.      The inaugural meeting of the Audit Committee took place on 22 April 2008 with subsequent meetings held on 26 June, 31 July and 6 November 2008.  This report provides a summary of the main discussion points of the 6 November meeting for Council’s consideration.

 

MAIN DISCUSSION POINTS

 

4.      The main issues discussed at the meeting of 6 November 2008 include:

a.   The schedule of meetings of the Audit Committee allow for a meeting to consider Council’s audited financial reports prior to submission to Council in 2009.

b.   A report of Internal Audit Activities raised a number of issues for further improvement in reporting and consideration of controls over cash handling.

c.   A report on the Analysis of Legal Services and Consultant expenditure raised issues relating to the need for improved performance indicators over the quality of advice provided.

d.   A status report of activities in procurement, risk and insurance provided detail of improvements in policy and processes which are currently being implemented.

e.   A briefing on the projects funded by the economic development special rate discussed how the funds were being used and of options for future strategies and performance indicators in funding projects

 

Michael Quirk

Manager Service Audit and Review

 

Attachments:

1View

Audit Committee Minutes November 2008

 

 

 

 

REFERENCE MATERIAL

  


Ordinary Council

 15 December 2008

 

 

 

Notices of Motion

 

15 December 2008

 

14.1  Full Construction and Maintenance of Footpaths for Residences Program across the Parramatta LGA

 

 

 

 

14.2  Reprioritise works proposed under the 2008/09 Pedestrian Access Management Program (PAMP) for the Elizabeth Macarthur Ward


Ordinary Council 15 December 2008

Item 14.1

NOTICE OF MOTION

ITEM NUMBER         14.1

SUBJECT                   Full Construction and Maintenance of Footpaths for Residences Program across the Parramatta LGA

REFERENCE            F2004/06838 - D01092409

REPORT OF              Councillor C X Lim       

 

To be moved by Councillor C X Lim and Councillor A Bide:-

 

 

(a)      That Council prepare a report outlining a new annual program and budget proposal for the

          2009/2010 year and then annually such that the Council will:

 

          (i)       ensure that a footpath is constructed on every street/road for residences across the             Parramatta LGA to be completed by 2019/2020 (eg a 10 year program);

          (ii)      maintain all footpaths for residences during 2009/2010 to 2019/2020 (assuming a 10            year program);

          (iii)     provide different yet appropriate options for footpath constructions and maintenance to                   suit each prevailing conditions and also budget;

          (iv)      prioritise and show the projected list in order of when these footpaths will be constructed;               and

          (v)      update a public list at least every quarter on the Council's website, via Council's                            Customer Call Centre as well as over the front counter advising residents this projected                    list of when their footpath will be constructed.

 

(b)      That Council outlines in this report how much it will cost Council to fund this new program out of    ordinary recurrent revenue, and give alternate options by way of extensions beyond the      proposed 10 year program so that the funding is manageable for Council.

 

(c)      That Council recommends in this report other potential sources of revenue and policy reforms,      for example Section 94 contributions.

 

(d)      Further, that Council prepares this report as a separate program from the existing footpath construction and maintenance programs for the Parramatta City Centre.

 

 

 

BACKGROUND

 

The total area of footpaths currently in each ward is as follows:

Arthur Phillip          245,446 m2

Caroline Chisholm  131,140 m2

Lachlan Macquarie 95,152 m2

Elizabeth Macarthur         117,272 m2

Woodville               162,360 m2

 

The total length of each ward that does not have any footpath on either side;

Arthur Phillip          25.84 km

Caroline Chisholm  21.17 km

Lachlan Macquarie 61.11 km

Elizabeth Macarthur         49.17 km

Woodville               35.95 km

 

Assuming average width of 1.2 m at cost of $100/m2 costs for each ward would be

Arthur Phillip          $3,100,800

Caroline Chisholm  $2,540,400

Lachlan Macquarie $7,333,200

Elizabeth Macarthur         $5,900,400

Woodville               $4,314,000

 

Total of 2004 estimate  $23,188,800. (Note: this is for one side of the road to have a footpath.)

 

These figures do not include extra costs such as traffic control, pit adjustments, design, etc.

 

According to staff, the conservative estimate to achieve full construction of all footpaths would be 40-50 years at a cost of $40m to $50m (and probably assuming nett present value). This does not include the cost of maintenance.

 

This notice of motion requests for a report recommending options for Council's consideration in order to primarily achieve:

 

(i) a shorter timeframe for full construction and maintenance of footpaths

(ii) an economically viable way to achieve this objective, including harnessing alternate existing and new sources of revenue instead of relying solely on rates

(iii) a communications program so that our ratepayers can predict when their footpath will be constructed based on priority and needs, especially in order to manage public expectations

 

 

 

 

 

Attachments:

There are no attachments for this report.

 


Ordinary Council 15 December 2008

Item 14.2

NOTICE OF MOTION

ITEM NUMBER         14.2

SUBJECT                   Reprioritise works proposed under the 2008/09 Pedestrian Access Management Program (PAMP) for the Elizabeth Macarthur Ward

REFERENCE            F2004/07402 - D01093271

REPORT OF              Councillor J Chedid       

 

To be Moved by Councillor J Chedid

 

That Council reprioritise the works proposed under the 2008/09 Pedestrian Access Management Program (PAMP) for the Elizabeth Macarthur Ward in order to proceed immediately with construction of new  footpaths along one side of Alice Street, Harris Park (between Harris Street and Alfred Street) and Arthur Street, Rosehill (between Watson Street and 90 Arthur Street).

 

 

 

Background Comments from Councillor Chedid

 

Both these sites have existing asphalt footpaths that are cracked and in places lifting.  Both areas are also in close proximity to schools with the Alice Street footpath also used by people attending the shops, church, and heritage properties along this block.   While further maintenance could improve the condition temporarily, it is proposed that the existing asphalt path be replaced with concrete footpaths and the necessary pram ramps etc to improve pedestrian access.   I first put forward these project proposals for Urgent Ward Works funding in the middle of this year and again following the recent Council elections.

 

Comment from Manager City Assets and Environment

 

Cost estimates to replace the bitumen footpaths in Alice and Arthur Street with concrete footpath are;

 

Alice Street

Excavate and re-construct 315m2 of footpath and dispose of waste bitumen       

          $ 56,250

Arthur Street

Excavate and re-construct 260m2 of footpath and dispose of waste bitumen

          $ 47,300

 

 

          $103,550

 

The PAMP program identifies Alice Street between Harris and Alfred Streets as a Senior and School route but this section does not appear in the PAMP construction schedule. A small section of Alice Street near Arthur Street was identified in the schedule and was constructed as part of the 07/08 Pamp program. The remainder of Alice Street and Arthur Street are not rated as high priorities under the PAMP as there are existing pathways on both sides of the streets are generally in sound condition and can be improved further with asphalt patching.

 

As the budget for 2008/09 PAMP program is currently fully committed, undertaking of these works will require that a number of other projects in the Elizabeth Macarthur ward be delayed until 2009/10.  Works under the PAMP program which have not yet commenced and could be delayed are;

 

 

 

In most cases there is a community expectation that these PAMP works will be undertaken in this financial year, so delays may cause community disquiet. 

 

Should Council proceed with the motion to replace the footpath in Alice Street, Council officers recommend that bitumen be preferred over concrete because of tree root activity. Where tree roots are affecting a pathway, bitumen is the preferred treatment as it bends in response to root pressure and can be easily patched. Concrete paths respond to root pressure by lifting at the joints between slabs, causing trip points. Further, as Alice Street is undulating, there will be some difficulty in marrying a new footpath with existing driveways.  This can be achieved with bitumen as it can be rolled but will pose a construction challenge with concrete footpaths as the concrete is rigid.  Neither situation applies in Arthur Street so concrete would be a suitable pavement there.

 

At the time of writing, the Elizabeth Macarthur Ward Councillors are still considering these projects for possible funding under Urgent Ward Works and this Ward currently has approximately $180,000 available.   

 

 

 

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