MINUTES OF THE Meeting of Parramatta City Council HELD IN THE Council Chambers, CIVIC PLACE, PARRAMATTA ON Monday, 23 August 2010 AT 6:48 pm

PRESENT

The Lord Mayor, Councillor, P J Garrard in the Chair and Councillors P B Barber, A Bide, J Chedid, G J Elmore, P Esber, J D Finn, A Issa, OAM, M A Lack, C X Lim (Deputy Lord Mayor), S D Lloyd, P K Maitra, M D McDermott, L E Wearne and A A Wilson.

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT TO TRADITIONAL LAND OWNERS

The Lord Mayor, Councillor P J Garrard acknowledged the Burramatugal Clan of The Darug, the traditional land owners of Parramatta and paid respect to the elders both past and present.

MINUTES

	SUBJECT          Minutes of the Council (Development)  Meeting held on 9 August 2010
11693	RESOLVED      (Esber/Chedid) That the minutes be taken as read and be accepted as a true record of the Meeting.

DECLARATIONS OF INTEREST

1          Councillor L E Wearne declared an interest in relation to Item 1 of Lord Mayoral Minutes regarding Interim Heritage Order for former family  home of Mr Richie Benaud - 5 Sutherland Road, North Parramatta as Councillor Wearne was the solicitor involved in the property’s conveyancing.

2          Councillor P B Barber  declared an interest in relation to Item 1 of Lord Mayoral Minutes regarding Interim Heritage Order for former family home of Mr Richie Benaud - 5 Sutherland Road, North Parramatta as Councillor Barber was a previous part owner of the subject property.

MINUTES OF THE LORD MAYOR

1

SUBJECT          Interim Heritage Order for former family  home of Mr Richie Benaud - 5 Sutherland Road, North Parramatta REFERENCE    DA/533/2010 FROM                 The Lord Mayor, Councillor P J Garrard

11694

MOTION             (Garrard/Lim) (a)       That as a matter of urgency, the Council request the Minister for Planning prepare an Interim Heritage Order for 5 Sutherland Road North Parramatta, as it has local cultural significance. (b) That the Chief Executive Officer prepare all necessary documentation to support the Council’s request. (c)        That the feasibility of a fund being established where Australians and international fans can contribute to the maintenance of the building be investigated. (d)       That staff further investigate whether the property can be put forward for  national heritage status. (e)       That Council’s local Members of Parliament be asked to support the request for an Interim Heritage Order. (f)         Further, that the owner of the property, the Australian Cricket Board, the NSW Cricket Association and those persons who have made a submission be advised of the Council’s decision. AMENDMENT   (Issa) That Council purchase the subject property with a view to establishing a heritage cricket museum. The amendment lapsed through the want of a seconder. The motion was put and carried. NOTE:       1       Councillor L E Wearne declared an interest in this matter due to her involvement in the property’s conveyancing and temporarily retired from the meeting during discussion and voting on this issue.                     2       Councillor P B Barber declared an                              interest in this matter as Councillor Barber was a previous part owner of the property and temporarily retired from the meeting during discussion and voting on this issue.                     3       It be noted that paragraph 2 of the Lord Mayoral Minute should read “This property was the family home of Mr Richie Benaud.”

2

SUBJECT          Promoting Parramatta in the People's Republic of China REFERENCE    F2004/08796 FROM                 Councillor P J Garrard

11695

RESOLVED      (Garrard/Chedid) (a)      That Council ratify a Memorandum of Understanding between Parramatta City Council and Dongcheng District People’s Government, Beijing (Annex 1). (b)      Further, that Council endorse a proposed Memorandum of Understanding between Parramatta City Council and Yiwu Municipal People’s Government (Annex 2). NOTE:       Councillors J D Finn, L E Wearne and A A Wilson requested that their names be recorded as having voted against this decision.

PUBLIC FORUM

1

SUBJECT          Section 96 Application - 128 Bettington Road, Oatlands REFERENCE    DA/1536/2004/C FROM                 Josephine Alam

11696

Lord Mayor and Council Members, I would like to brief you on a Section 96 application relating to 128 Bettington Road, Oatlands. The Initial DA application was lodged more than seven years ago. Upon approval and after submitting numerous detailed objections, our neighbour took Parramatta Council and us to the Land and Environment Court. During the Court process, we tried on many occasions to reach and agreement without any success. The process ended by us winning the Court case and the start of construction of the house in 2008. During construction process we had numerous complaints from our neighbour to the Council, Sydney Electricity, and other governing bodies in an attempt to slow us down. After a month of numerous surveys and inspection of our property, a neighbour managed to find a few discrepancies between the approved DA and the house built which we acknowledged by lodging a Section 96 application. Most of the minor changes were made unintentionally and due to structural adequacy. We are now a few weeks from completion and already packed up for the last six months. We have been under a lot of pressure from our neighbour, the building process which included three robberies and serious malicious damage, not to mention the financial and emotional strain it has on our family. The Council addressed the neighbour’s complaints over the years and dealt with them extensively and fairly. The latest was the appointment, by the Council, of an independent town planner who recommended our plans for approval, and so did the Council’s Development Officer. So we ask you to be fair and agree with them and put an end to the most stressful seven years of my life, my husband’s and even my five kids.

PETITIONS

1	SUBJECT          Objection to DA/599/2010 - 8 Willoughby Street, Epping REFERENCE    DA/599/2010 FROM                 M Jin and others
11697	RESOLVED      (Wearne/Wilson) That the petition be received and considered in conjunction with the subject application and also with a view to Council investigating the controls for dual occupancy documents on corner allotments.

2	SUBJECT          Objection to Number of Buses using Victoria Street, Epping REFERENCE    F2008/03227 FROM                 G Cachia and others
11698	RESOLVED      (Wearne/Wilson) That the petition be received and referred to the Parramatta Traffic Committee with a view to the Committee considering a reduction in the number of buses utilising Victoria Street, Epping or removing the street for the use by buses altogether.

Economy and Development

8.1

SUBJECT          Christmas Activities REFERENCE    F2004/09855 - D01619670 REPORT OF      Acting Service Manager Events

11699

MOTION             (McDermott/Chedid) (a)       That Council select banner design options 2 and 5 to be the new Christmas banners to be erected in the Parramatta LGA during Christmas for the next three (3) years. (b)       That the Christmas decorations program be enhanced and a large outdoor Christmas tree be erected in Church Street Mall outside Parramatta Town Hall. (c)        That Council’s Christmas festivities for 2010 commence with the traditional lighting up of the Town Hall/Christmas tree by the Lord Mayor on Thursday 25 November. (d)       That Council provide in-kind support for the staging of a Christmas pageant by Community groups in Church Street Mall outside Parramatta Town Hall on Friday 26 November 2010. (e)        That Council stage Christmas concerts at Granville Town Hall and Dundas Community Centre, and either stage a concert or seek to support existing Christmas Celebrations in Winston Hills following consultation with the local community. (f)          That the Christmas “Bright Lights” competition continues in 2010. (g)        Further, that Council increase funding by $25,000 to fund additional Christmas activities and decorations including hiring a 9 metre outdoor tree. AMENDMENT   (Wilson) (a)       That Council select banner design options 2 and 5 to be the new Christmas banners to be erected in the Parramatta LGA during Christmas for the next three (3) years. (b)       That the Christmas decorations program be enhanced and a large outdoor Christmas tree be erected in Church Street Mall outside Parramatta Town Hall. (c)        That Council’s Christmas festivities for 2010 commence with the traditional lighting up of the Town Hall/Christmas tree by the Lord Mayor on Thursday 25 November. (d)       That Council provide in-kind support for the staging of a Christmas pageant by Community groups in Church Street Mall outside Parramatta Town Hall on Friday 26 November 2010. (e)        That Council stage Christmas concerts at Granville Town Hall and Dundas Community Centre, and either stage a concert or seek to support existing Christmas Celebrations in Winston Hills following consultation with the local community. (f)          That the Christmas “Bright Lights” competition continues in 2010. (g)        Further, that Council increase funding to $50,000 utilising $25,000 proposed in Acting Service Manager Events Report, $20,000 from the Parramatta Artists Fellowship Fund and $5,000 from ther Heritage and Stories Grant to fund additional Christmas activities and decorations including the purchase of a 9 metre outdoor tree. The amendment lapsed through the want or a seconder. The motion was put and carried.

8.2

SUBJECT          Review of the SEPP 65 Design Review Panel for Parramatta City Council REFERENCE    F2004/10221 - D01619811 REPORT OF      Group Manager Outcomes and Development

11700

RESOLVED      (Esber/Elmore) (a)         That Council advise the NSW Department of Planning that it no longer wishes to have a SEPP 65 Design Review Panel operating within its local government area. (b)         That Council establish an independent Parramatta Design Advisory Panel to help improve the quality of private development and Council’s own urban design and public projects. (c)          That Council invite expressions of interest from suitably qualified design experts (that currently do not operate on a regular basis in the Parramatta LGA) and the members of the existing SEPP 65 Design Review Panel to be members of the Parramatta Design Advisory Panel. (d)         Further, that Council note the introduction of development application lodgement interviews (on a trial basis) and the establishment of an e-Planning portal (ICON).

8.3

SUBJECT          Telopea Urban Renewal Project REFERENCE    NCA/1/2010 - D01624391 REPORT OF      Acting Manager Land Use and Transport Planning

11701

RESOLVED      (Esber/Elmore) (a)       That Council endorse the letter to the NSW Minister for Housing as shown in Attachment 1 subject to the inclusion of an additional paragraph indicating that Parramatta City Council is not the consent authority nor is Council proposing the development. (b)       That the report be received and noted. (c)       Further, that Council’s local State Members of Parliament be advised in terms of the proposed letter.

8.4

SUBJECT          135 - 137 Spurway Street Ermington (Lots 102 and 103 DP 36536) (Lachlan Macquarie Ward) DESCRIPTION  Section 96(1A) modification to an approved seniors living development containing 6 apartments and 5 villas including increasing the size of the bin compound and the provision of additional windows within stair wells that front Spurway Street REFERENCE    DA/935/2008/A - 20 April 2010 APPLICANT/S   Dyldam Developments Pty Ltd OWNERS           Department of Housing REPORT OF      Manager Development Services REASON FOR REFERRAL TO COUNCIL                             The application is referred to Council as the original application DA/935/2008 was determined by Council on 13 July 2009.

11702

RESOLVED      (Issa OAM/Esber) That Council as the consent authority modify Development Consent No. 935/2008 under the provisions of Section 96(1A) of the Environmental Planning and Assessment Act as outlined in Attachment 1. DIVISION       The result being: AYES             The Lord Mayor, Councillor P J Garrard and Councillors P B Barber, A Bide, J Chedid, G J Elmore, P Esber, J D Finn, A Issa, OAM, M A Lack, C X Lim, S D Lloyd, P K Maitra, M D McDermott, L E Wearne and A A Wilson. NOES             None.

8.5

SUBJECT          128 Bettington Road, Oatlands (Lot 2 DP 207523) (Lachlan Macquarie Ward)

DESCRIPTION  Section 96 (1A) modification to the approved 2 storey dwelling over basement parking. Modifications include changes to the internal layout, increase in finished floor levels and height, changes to the external facade and boundary fences.

REFERENCE    DA/1536/2004/C 

APPLICANT/S   Dr E Alam

OWNERS           Dr E Alam

REPORT OF      Manager Development Services

REASON FOR REFERRAL TO COUNCIL

                            The original development application was determined by Council.    

11703

MOTION             (Bide/Wilson)

That the Section 96 (1A) modification be refused on the basis that such action would amount to a retrospective approval.

AMENDMENT   (Issa OAM/Maitra)

That Council as the consent authority modify development consent to Development Application No. 1536/2004/C to erect a 2 storey dwelling and inground pool on land at 128 Bettington Road, Oatlands, as follows:

Modification of Conditions 1 and 19 of the consent as follows:-

1.   The development is to be carried out in compliance with the following              plans and documentation listed below and endorsed with Council’s stamp,             except where amended by other conditions of this consent:

Drawing N^o	Dated
Previously Approved plans & Documents:
·    Site Plan detailed by M.M.F.	May 2007
·    Driveway & Basement Car access Details	May 2007
·    Statement of Environmental Effects	May 2007
Modification Plans & Documents:
·    Ground Floor and Basement Plan No. DA-A1g	22 March 2010
·    First Floor & Roof Plan No. DA-A2f	22 March 2010
·    Elevations & Sections Plan No. DA-A3f	22 March 2010
·    Landscaping Plan No. Da-A5f	22 March 2010
·    Statement of Environmental Effects	March 2010

19.    The proposed wall on the Northern Elevation of the front terrace shall be 1.8m high with details shown on the construction certificate plans.

          The addition of the following conditions:

76.         The block wall fence along the rear (eastern boundary) shall be stepped down to the top of the boundary fence on the southern boundary of the site.

Reason:          To minimise impact onto the adjoining premises.

77.         The block wall fence proposed along the southern boundary shall be no more than 1.8m high measured from the natural ground level of the adjoining property i.e. 126 Bettington Road. The joints and finish on the neighbours (southern side) of the fenced are to be finished in a tradesman and workman like manner.

Reason:          To minimise impact onto the adjoining premises.

The amendment was put and carried and on being put as the motion was again carried.

DIVISION       The result being:

AYES             The Lord Mayor, Councillor P J Garrard and Councillors P B Barber, J Chedid, G J Elmore, P Esber, J D Finn, A Issa, OAM, M A Lack, C X Lim, S D Lloyd, P K Maitra, M D McDermott and A A Wilson.

NOES            Councillors A Bide and L E Wearne.

Environment and Infrastructure

9.1	SUBJECT          Traffic Engineering Advisory Group Minutes held on 5 August 2010 REFERENCE    F2008/05096 - D01623244 REPORT OF      Service Manager Traffic and Transport
11704	RESOLVED      (Esber/Elmore) That the minutes of the Traffic Engineering Advisory Group held on 5 August 2010 be adopted.

9.2	SUBJECT          Parramatta Traffic Committee Minutes held on 5 August 2010 REFERENCE    F2008/05099 - D01623264 REPORT OF      Service Manager Traffic and Transport
11705	RESOLVED      (Esber/Finn) That the minutes of the Parramatta Traffic Committee held on 5 August 2010 be adopted.

9.3	SUBJECT          Parramatta Cycleway Advisory Committee REFERENCE    F2004/07952 - D01623886 REPORT OF      Project Officer
11706	RESOLVED      (Elmore/Chedid) That Council receive and note the minutes of the Parramatta Cycleway Advisory Committee of 3 August  2010.

Community and Neighbourhood

10.1

SUBJECT          Parramatta City Council Annual Community Grants 2011 REFERENCE    F2009/02342 - D01617971 REPORT OF      Grants Project Officer

11707 11707

MOTION             (Esber/Issa OAM) That Council establish an assessment panel of The Lord Mayor, Councillor P J Garrard and Councillors A Bide, J Chedid, G Elmore, J D Finn, A Issa, OAM, M D McDermott, P K Maitra and A A Wilson to be convened by the Lord Mayor as outlined in item 12 of the report. AMENDMENT   (Bide/Chedid) That Council establish an assessment panel of The Lord Mayor, Councillor P J Garrard and Councillors A Bide, J Chedid, M D McDermott and P K Maitra to be convened by the Lord Mayor as outlined in item 12 of the report. The amendment was put and lost. The motion was put and carried. RESOLVED       (Esber/Elmore) (a)        That the 2011 Parramatta City Council Community Grants open on 20 September 2010 and close on 3 December 2010 and run to the timetable outlined in the report. (b)        That Council incorporate I.T. capacity building into the Community Grants program from 2011 as outlined in item 7 of the report. (c)         Further, that Parramatta Community Service and Information Centre Inc receive ongoing subsidies at current levels with annual CPI increases subject to satisfactory annual performance reports. Note Councillor A Wilson requested that his name be recorded as having voted against this decision.

10.2	SUBJECT          Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Advisory Committee Meeting 27 July 2010 REFERENCE    F2005/01941 - D01619993 REPORT OF      Community Capacity Building Officer
11708	RESOLVED      (Lim/Wilson) (a)       That the minutes of the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Advisory Committee of 27 July 2010 be received and noted. (b)       That the application for Membership of the Committee received from Jay Anthony Palmer be endorsed by Council. (c)       Further, that Council note there is no request for additional expenditure.

10.3

SUBJECT          Paint Parra REaD Community Literacy Program REFERENCE    F2004/05949 - D01620437 REPORT OF      Service Manager. Library Service

11709

RESOLVED      (McDermott/Issa OAM) (a)       That Council launches the Paint Parra REaD campaign in September 2010 at an event bringing together business, service agencies, government, education and community representatives to plan for a Reading Day in November 2010. (b)       Further, that Councillors and staff from across the organisation, along with community members and businesses, be encouraged to participate in the November 2010 Reading Day to promote a whole of community message about reading.

Governance and Corporate

11.1

SUBJECT          Fees and Charges REFERENCE    F2009/02419 - D01606438 REPORT OF      Manager Finance

11710

MOTION             (Finn/Elmore) That Council adopt the following fees and charges for 2010/11 following a 28 day period of public exhibition: Monitoring compliance of restricted premises including brothels, massage parlours Fee for Council staff to undertake monitoring - $480.00 per hour being; $480.00 for first hour or part thereof and additional time charged at $480.00 per hour in 15 minute increments. Credit card payments usage fee Council take no further action to introduce a credit card usage fee. AMENDMENT   (Wearne/Lim) (a)      That Council adopt the following fees and charges for 2010/11 following a 28 day period of public exhibition: Monitoring compliance of restricted premises including brothels, massage parlours Fee for Council staff to undertake monitoring - $480.00 per hour being; $480.00 for first hour or part thereof and additional time charged at $480.00 per hour in 15 minute increments. Credit card payments usage fee 1% fee to apply to all credit card payments. Payment of the fee at some Council facilities will be subject to a determination of whether the additional costs required for computer system changes are financially justifiable. (b)      Further, that an additional report be provided to Council which discusses the issue of recovery of credit card fees on business applications and other usages of credit cards at Council. The amendment was put and lost. The motion was put and carried.

11.2	SUBJECT          2010/14 Delivery Program REFERENCE    F2009/02419 - D01606708 REPORT OF      Manager Finance
11711	RESOLVED      (Issa OAM/Esber) That Council notes the Minister for Local Government’s decision regarding Council’s application for a special variation to general income and confirm the adoption of the 2010/14 Delivery Program with the addendum as contained within this report.

11.3	SUBJECT          Voluntary Pensioner Rebate Policy - effect of rebate pro-rata REFERENCE    F2009/00963 - D01595958 REPORT OF      Service Manager Financial Operations
11712	RESOLVED      (Esber/Chedid) That the voluntary pensioner rebate policy continues in its current form with the pro-rata rebate due to the immaterial financial impact it has for Council.

11.4	SUBJECT          Investments Report for June 2010 REFERENCE    F2009/00971 - D01601854 REPORT OF      Manager Finance
11713	RESOLVED      (Esber/Elmore) That Council receive and note the investments report for June 2010.

ADJOURNMENT OF MEETING

In accordance with Council's decision of 23 October 2000 (Minute No 5712) the meeting adjourned at 8.37 pm for a period of 15 minutes.

RESUMPTION OF MEETING

The meeting resumed in the Council Chamber at 8.52 pm, there being in attendance The Lord Mayor, Councillor P J Garrard and Councillors P B Barber, A Bide, J Chedid, G J Elmore, P Esber, J D Finn, A Issa, OAM, M A Lack, C X Lim, S D Lloyd, M D McDermott, P K Maitra, L E Wearne and A A Wilson.

SUSPENSION OF STANDING ORDERS

11714       RESOLVED               (Esber/Chedid)

That Standing Orders be suspended to enable consideration to be given to an urgent motion in relation to the passing of George Khattar of Dyldam Properties.

The Chairperson ruled that the matter was one of urgency.

1	SUBJECT          Naming of Infrastructure After Mr George Khattar REFERENCE    F2008/04592 FROM                 Councillor P Esber
11715	RESOLVED      (Esber/Chedid) (a)      That a report be submitted to Council on the feasibility of an item of infrastructure (eg. street, park, laneway) being named after the Late Mr George Khattar. (b)      Further, that Councillors email the Group Manager City Services Ms Sue Coleman with any suggestions.

RESUMPTION OF STANDING ORDERS

11716        RESOLVED       (Wearne/Esber)

That Standing Orders be resumed.

11.5

SUBJECT          e-Parra Strategy - Update REFERENCE    F2008/02761 - D01619560 REPORT OF      Group Manager- Corporate

11717

RESOLVED      (Chedid/Elmore) (a)       That Council establish a ParraConnect Advisory Committee under section 355 of the Local Government Act for a period of 12 months and note that it will be supported by the Parramatta City Chief Information Office. (b)       That Council note the e-Parra Roadmap Scoping Project Final Draft report for review and comment. (c)        Further, that Council note the progress of the e-Parra (e-Government) program.

11.6

SUBJECT          Neighbourhood Centre Upgrades REFERENCE    F2005/01563 - D01620898 REPORT OF      Acting Manager Place Strategy

11718

RESOLVED      (Esber/Lloyd) (a)     That upgrades of Dundas Station, Ermington, Telopea, Epping and Midson/Boronia (Epping) centres be undertaken, subject to consultation with Councillors, as per the schedule in Attachment 1 subject to the following changes:-           1.      Funding in the amount of $290,000 as allocated to the   Telopea (Waratah) be deferred and frozen pending   discussions with the          State Government in conjunction with   possible funding available in association with the Telopea      Urban Renewal Project.           2.      Funding in the amount of $180,000 as proposed for           Midson/Boronia shops be reduced to $100,000 with the           excess funding of $80,000 being allocated to the completion           of the laneway project and to footpath improvements in Epping.          (b)     Further, that a comprehensive review be undertaken of all Neighbourhood Centres to establish a long term prioritised and costed schedule.  The schedule should include asset condition, future intensification and demographic changes and community and Councillor feedback.  This review is to be finalised and endorsed by Council prior to the finalisation of the 2011-12 Management Plan.

11.7

SUBJECT          Quarterly Review June 2010 REFERENCE    F2010/00524 - D01622237 REPORT OF      Manager Finance

11719

RESOLVED      (Wearne/Chedid) (a)       That Council adopt the Chief Executive Officer’s June 2010 Quarterly Review of the 2009/10 Management Plan and Budget. (Attachment 1) subject to unexpended Urgent Works Funds in the amount of $100,000 remaining in the Urgent Works Budget. (b)       That Council adopt the Responsible Accounting Officer’s report on the financial Position of the Council as detailed in Attachment 1. (c)        Further, that Council approve the revote of funds totalling $1,465,400 into the 2010/11 Budget for the Projects as detailed in Attachment 1.

11.8	SUBJECT          Services Review Implementation REFERENCE    F2010/00455 - D01626323 REPORT OF      Chief Executive Officer
11720	RESOLVED      (Lim/Chedid) That discussion of the Services Review Implementation be considered in Closed Session (see Minute No. 11724).

11.9

SUBJECT          Annual Aboriginal Local Government (LGAN) Network Conference - 14 - 16 September 2010 - Parramatta REFERENCE    F2010/00133 REPORT OF      Manager Council Support

11721

RESOLVED      (Chedid/Wilson) (a)       That Councillors P B Barber, A Bide and P K Maitra and any other interested Councillors attend the Annual Aboriginal Local Government (LGAN) Network Conference being held at Parramatta, 14 – 16 September 2010. (b)       Further, that delegate registration, travel and out of pocket expenses be paid from account number 10.1260.712.644405 in accordance with Council Policy on Civic Office Expenses and Facilities for a Category ‘B’ conference.

CLOSED SESSION
11722	RESOLVED      (Esber/Maitra) Members of the press and public be excluded from the meeting of the Closed Session and access to the correspondence and reports relating to the items considered during the course of the Closed Session be withheld. This action is taken in accordance with Section 10A(2) of the Local Government Act, 1993 as the items listed come within the following provisions:-

1       Services Review Implementation – - This report is confidential in accordance with section 10A (2) (a) of the Local Government Act 1993 as the report contains personnel matters.

2       Tender 21/2010 Construction of a New Amenities Building at Old Saleyards Reserve, Gladstone Street, North Parramatta.. (D01607847) - 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.

3       Report on documentation submitted by Planning Direction Ltd. (D01616019) - This report is confidential in accordance with section 10A (2) (a) of the Local Government Act 1993 as the report contains personnel matters concerning particular individuals.

RESUMPTION OF MEETING

That the decisions of Closed Session be noted as follows:-

12.1

SUBJECT          Services Review Implementation REFERENCE    F2010/00455 - D01626323 REPORT OF      Chief Executive Officer

11723

RESOLVED      (Wearne/Bide) (a)      That Council acknowledges the time & effort commitment from Dr Lang and his management team in producing this important Services Review.  The objective of this review is to ensure the more efficient and effective delivery of front-line services whilst creating an enjoyable and rewarding working environment for all staff of PCC. (b)     That the major focus of this review has been on twin objectives of:-           1       Better service provision to ratepayers & residents; and           2       The improved long term financially sustainability of PCC. (c)       That prior to the CEO Dr Lang commencing the necessary actions, the Service Review is to be presented to the Consultative Committee for comment and report back within 2 weeks. The CEO should also consult with the Service Reform Committee of Councillors regarding issues of Council concern. (d)      That all recommendations flagged as priority 1 or 2 be implemented as soon as practicable, noting the clarifications/amendments outlined in (i) below. Implementation will involve project scoping, a project management timetable and engagement with affected staff prior to commencement. (e)      That all recommendations flagged as priority 3 be further investigated before any decisions to proceed, noting the clarifications/amendments outlined in item (i) below. (f)        That all actions arising from the Service Review will be collated in a register and progress recorded against each item for reporting back to Councillors on a quarterly basis as part of the Quarterly Review workshop. (g)      That all actions that involve a change to policy or a change to fees will be brought to Council as a separate matter for decision prior to implementation, noting that the endorsement to the recommendation at this point is to allow further work to be done to be able to bring each matter to a decision point. (h)       That all actions that involve change to staff conditions of employment will be discussed with staff and Union representatives as a matter of course and as required under the Award.        (i)        That the CEO should ensure that:- 1       Parramatta Pool is to remain open throughout winter. A marketing plan is to be instigated to increase its utilisation throughout the winter period. 2       The graffiti truck remains in use in Council’s ongoing battle against graffiti. The CEO is to implement efficiency steps to improve the efficiency & utilisation of this asset and its ongoing operation. The CEO should oversee a strategy whereby this valuable asset is marketed, used by and on-charged to other Government agencies, utility providers, private residents & businesses, in order to assist in the fight against graffiti on non council assets.   3      Library – Phase 1 will be to implement the priority 2 recommendations and Phase 2 to consider the longer term service delivery models in preparation for the move to Civic Place.   4      The Executive Management Team links to the CEO and not through Corporate Services.  5      Any proposed changes in Policies, Fees or Charges, are reported to the Governing body for consideration.  6      All New Senior roles or positions at level 2 be reported  to the Chamber before appointment.  7      That any changes in Policy, as a result of the Services Review, are to be presented to the Chamber for review and approval prior to implementation. In the case of commercially sensitive issues or any with Industrial relations considerations and implications, these may be presented under closed sessions if deemed appropriate by the CEO.  8      That any strategic plan is to be reported to the Governing Body for consideration and adoption.  9      That this review is to be commenced by the Working Committee of Councillors prior to implementation. Prior to adoption by the Chamber, the working committee is to be satisfied that all appropriate recommendations have been included.  10    That the lawn mowing services to our Senior Citizens is not to be reduced.  The CEO is to examine more efficient delivery and operating models that will not reduce current service levels.

12.2

SUBJECT          Tender 21/2010 Construction of a New Amenities Building at Old Saleyards Reserve, Gladstone Street, North Parramatta. REFERENCE    F2010/01007 - D01607847 REPORT OF      Supervisor - Project Management; Administration Support Officer

11724

RESOLVED      (Esber/Chedid) (a)       That the tender submitted by National Buildplan Group Pty Ltd for the construction of a new amenities building at Old Saleyards Reserve, Gladstone Street, North Parramatta for the sum of $499,911.00 (excluding GST) be accepted. (b)       That all unsuccessful tenderers be advised of Council’s decision in this matter. (c)        That approval be given for the allocation of additional funds of $95,500 required for this Project from Section 94 Open Space Plan and the appropriate adjustment be made in the September 2010 Quarterly Review. (d)       Further, that the Lord Mayor and Chief Executive Officer be given delegated authority to execute and affix the Common Seal of Council to the necessary documents.

12.3

SUBJECT          Report on documentation submitted by Planning Direction Ltd. REFERENCE    F2010/01084 - D01616019 REPORT OF      Policy Review Officer; General Counsel ; Group Manager Outcomes and Development

11725

RESOLVED       (Esber/Wearne) (a)       That Council receive and note the investigation report. (b)       That Council acknowledge that no adverse findings were made against any persons, including Council officers and officials. (c)       That the Chief Executive Officer provide a further report to Council on the implementation of recommended improvements set out in the investigation. (d)       That the engagement of independent consultants to deal with development application involving Planning Direction Pty Ltd required under the Council resolution of 27 April 2010 be discontinued immediately and any existing engagement of an independent consultant be concluded in accordance with the terms of the relevant engagement. (e)       Further, that the complainants be informed of the findings of the investigation report

QUESTION TIME

1

SUBJECT          Speeding Council Vehicles REFERENCE    F2008/04592 FROM                 Councillor Michael McDermott

11726

Councillor McDermott advised that he had recently raised concerns over a speeding Council truck in Kissing Point Road, Dundas. Councillor McDermott added that he had also recently sighted a Council truck driving the wrong way in Rumsey Crescent, Dundas Valley. The truck had then driven over the nature strip. Councillor McDermott asked what action had been taken in relation to these instances and requested that a clear message be sent out to all drivers of Council vehicles on the need to drive within legal limits.

2	SUBJECT          Thanks to Council Staff REFERENCE    F2008/04592 FROM                 Councillor Tony Issa OAM
11727	Councillor Issa requested that his thanks be forwarded on to the relevant cleaning staff in the Woodville Ward for their recent efforts in keeping the ward tidy.

3	SUBJECT          Neighbourhood Centre Upgrades REFERENCE    F2008/04592 FROM                 Councillor Andrew Wilson
11728	Councillor Wilson referred to Item 11.6 on tonight’s meeting regarding the Neighbourhood Centre Upgrade and sought advice as to when Councillors would receive a comprehensive schedule and timeframe for the works to be undertaken. The Chief Executive Officer advised that a schedule would be produced and provided to Councillors.

4

SUBJECT          List of Shopping Centres in the Local Government Area REFERENCE    F2008/04592 FROM                 Councillor Scott Lloyd

11729

Councillor Lloyd asked whether Council possessed a list of all shopping centres in the local government area, and if so, sought advice on when the list was last updated. The Group Manager Outcomes and Development advised that the report listed on tonight’s meeting under Item 11.6 referred to the need for a review of all centres across the local government area to be undertaken, which included work on defining shopping centres, following which, an appropriate list could be prepared. Councillor Lloyd requested that a list of all shopping centres in the local government area be provided to Councillors as soon as available.

5

SUBJECT          Invitations to Members of the Public to Dine with Councillors REFERENCE    F2008/04592 FROM                 Councillor Scott Lloyd

11730

Councillor Lloyd sought advice on the protocols in existence in relation to persons being invited to dine with Councillors before and after meetings. The Lord Mayor advised that the Lord Mayor may invite members of the community into the Lord Mayor’s Suite for supper after meetings and this practice had been understood for many years. Previously the Lord Mayor, at the termination of the meeting, would issue a verbal invitation to the public to join him for supper and the Lord Mayor advised that this practice could be recommenced if necessary.

6

SUBJECT          Statement of Business Ethics REFERENCE    F2008/04592 FROM                 Councillor John Chedid

11731

Councillor Chedid commended the Chief Executive Officer on the statement of business ethics recently produced but expressed concern in relation to the circulation of a memorandum that contained sensitive and inaccurate facts in relation to Councillors. Councillor Chedid sought a guarantee from the Chief Executive Office that such information would be double checked in future. The Chief Executive Officer took full responsibility for the roll out of the information and added that the information had been generated internally and had been based on a broad ICAC document.

The meeting terminated at 9.47 pm.

THIS PAGE AND THE PRECEDING 19 PAGES ARE THE MINUTES OF THE ORDINARY COUNCIL MEETING HELD ON MONDAY, 23 AUGUST 2010 AND CONFIRMED ON MONDAY, 13 SEPTEMBER 2010.

Lord Mayor