Minutes
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Ordinary Council Meeting
Monday, 25 September 2023
6.30pm
Council Chamber
Level 4, PHIVE
Parramatta Square, Parramatta
COUNCIL MEMBERS
The Lord Mayor, Councillor Pierre Esber and Councillors Phil Bradley, Kellie Darley, Michelle Garrard, Henry Green, Ange Humphries (online), Deputy Lord Mayor Cameron MacLean, Paul Noack, Sameer Pandey, Dr Patricia Prociv, Dan Siviero, Georgina Valjak, Donna Wang and Lorraine Wearne.
COUNCIL STAFF
Chief Executive Officer - Gail Connolly, Executive Director Finance & Information – John Angilley, Executive Director Property & Place – Brian Hynes, Executive Director City Engagement and Experience - Angela Jones-Blayney, Executive Director City Planning and Design – Jennifer Concato, Executive Director Community Services - Jonathan Greig, Acting Executive Director City Assets & Operations - James Smallson, Director City Strategy – Nicole Carnegie , Chief Governance & Risk Officer - Roxanne Thornton, Chief Technology Officer - John Crawford, ICT Strategy and Partnering Manager – Ian Vong, Level 1 Support - Erik Ivarsson, Chief of Staff - Justin Mulder, Group Manager, Coordinator Facilities and Contracts – Zarena Walker, Group Manager, Community Hubs and PHIVE – Christopher Snelling, Councillor Secretariat and Policy Officer – Marina Cavar (Minutes).
1. OPENING MEETING
The Lord Mayor, Councillor Esber, opened the meeting at 7.11pm.
2. ACKNOWLEDGEMENT TO TRADITIONAL OWNERS OF LAND
The Lord Mayor acknowledged the Burramattagal people of The Dharug Nation as the traditional owners of this land, and paid respect to their ancient culture and to their elders past, present and emerging.
3. WEBCASTING ANNOUNCEMENT
The Lord Mayor advised that this public meeting is being recorded and streamed live on the internet. The recording will also be archived and made available on Council’s website.
The Lord Mayor further advised that all care will be taken to maintain privacy, however as a visitor in the public gallery, the public should be aware that their presence may be recorded.
4. GENERAL RECORDING OF MEETING ANNOUNCEMENT
As per Council’s Code of Meeting Practice, the recording of the Council Meeting by the public using any device, audio or video, is only permitted with Council permission. Recording a Council Meeting without permission may result in the individual being expelled from the Meeting.
Note: Councillor Garrard arrived to
the meeting at 7.13pm.
5. APOLOGIES AND APPLICATIONS FOR LEAVE OF ABSENCE OR ATTENDANCE BY AUDIO-VISUAL LINK BY COUNCILLORS |
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RESOLVED: Councillor Noack and Councillor MacLean That Councillor Humphries be granted approval to attend this meeting by audio visual link. Record of Voting: For the Motion: Unanimous |
6. CONFIRMATION OF MINUTES
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Minutes of the Council Meeting held on 11 September 2023 |
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RESOLVED: Councillor Noack and Councillor Green That the minutes be taken as read and be accepted as a true record of the Meeting. Record of Voting: For the Motion: Unanimous |
Question Taken on Notice (Clr Bradley) – Item 12.1 from the Minutes of 11 September 2023
· Is it possible to have a workshop about the update for the Review of Regulatory Enforcement Policy to reduce non-compliance?
7. DISCLOSURES OF INTEREST
There were no Declarations of Interest made at this meeting.
Note: Councillor Humphries joined the meeting online at 7.18pm.
8. Minutes of the Lord Mayor
9. Public Forum
Nil
10. Petitions
There were no petitions tabled at this meeting.
11. Rescission Motions
Nil
Note: Councillor Davis left the meeting at 7.42pm.
PROCEDURAL MOTION:
DEALING WITH ITEMS BY EXCEPTION
RESOLVED: Councillor Pandey and Councillor Noack
That, in accordance with Section 13 of Council’s Code of Meeting Practice, Council resolve to adopt the following items in accordance with the recommendations as printed, without debate:
· 12.2 - Investment Report for August 2023
· 13.4 - Public Exhibition of Dividing Fence Pensioner Rebate Policy
· 13.5 - Proposed Preparation of a Tourism Strategy
Record of Voting:
For the Motion: Unanimous
Note: Although it was resolved to adopt the recommendations for Item 13.5 (Proposed Preparation of a Tourism Strategy) as printed, without debate (as per the Procedural Motion above), it was later resolved to return this item to the standard order of business to allow debate.
12. Reports to Council - For Notation
Question Taken on Notice (Clr Prociv) – Item 12.1 Recognition of Country Signage in Parks and Reserves
· That the CEO update the major entry points in the table in Attachment 2 of the report.
13. Reports to Council - For Council Decision
13.1 |
Adoption of Parramatta Town Hall Fees and Charges (Report of Community Infrastructure and Business Systems Manager)
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RESOLVED: Councillor MacLean and Councillor Prociv (a) That Council adopts the Parramatta Town Hall 2023/24 Fees and Charges, and Categories for Discount and Waiver, as detailed in Attachments 1 and 2. (b) That Council note the submissions received via the public exhibition process, and as outlined in the Engagement Outcomes Report (Attachment 3). (c) That Council delegate to the Chief Executive Officer: i. To make editorial amendments to the Parramatta Town Hall 2023/24 Fees and Charges and Categories for the Discount and Waiver which do not significantly alter their scope, purpose or intent. ii. To delegate to the relevant Council Officers the application of the categories for discount and fee waivers using the instrument of Delegation from Council to the CEO (Min 3991 11 April 2023). Record of Voting: For the Motion: Unanimous |
Note: Councillor Davis returned to the meeting at 7.51pm.
PROCEDURAL MOTION
ORDER OF BUSINESS
RESOLVED: Councillor Pandey and Councillor Noack
(a) That Council return Item 13.5 (Proposed Preparation of a Tourism Strategy) to the standard Order of Business to allow for debate on the matter.
(b) That, in accordance with Section 13 of Council’s Code of Meeting Practice, Council resolve to adopt the following items in accordance with the recommendations as printed, without debate:
· QWN 15.1 Status of Rydalmere Park Upgrade
· QWN 15.2 Powerhouse Parramatta
· 15.3 LATE REPORT: Questions Taken on Notice at the 11 September 2023 Council Meeting
Record of Voting:
For the Motion: Unanimous
15. Questions with Notice
Powerhouse Parramatta (Report of Councillor Darley) |
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In respect to the Development Consent for Powerhouse Parramatta, have the below conditions of consent been complied with?
(a) A copy of the final recordings shall be provided to Council: i. Willow Grove, 34 Phillip Street; ii. Substation No.19, 42 Phillip Street; and iii. St George’s Terrace, 44 Phillip Street. (b) Consultation with Council about whether it requires the provision of new or replacement street tree planting at the Phillip Street and Wilde Avenue frontages of the site. If required, the species and spacing of trees to be determined in consultation with Council. (c) Within 12 months of the completion of the archaeological excavation, a comprehensive Heritage Interpretation Plan (HIP) for the site is to be prepared in consultation with Council and relevant stakeholders. |
LATE REPORT: Questions Taken on Notice at the 11 September 2023 Council Meeting (Report of Chief Governance & Risk Officer) |
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Clr Darley asked a question on Matter of Urgency: Congratulations to GWS Giants: · Is Council hosting a live site in the Parramatta LGA to broadcast the GWS Giants? Executive Director City Engagement & Experience Response: GWS booked a live site at Parramatta Square on Saturday 9 September. Due to an issue with power on the day, it was unable to proceed. A meeting was held with GWS on Monday 18 September where a commitment was provided by GWS to activate Parramatta Square for several days in the lead up to, and during, the preliminary final against Collingwood on Friday 22 September. If GWS progress to the Grand Final on Saturday 30 September, they have indicated that a live site will be booked in Parramatta Square. The roof of PHIVE will remain lit up in orange as GWS progresses through the season.
Clr Garrard asked a question on Matter of Urgency: Let’s Go Greek Festival · What is the value of Council sponsorship/grants to support the ‘Let’s Go Greek Parramatta Festival’? Executive Director City Engagement & Experience Response: City of Parramatta provided in-kind support to the value of $27,000 for the 2023 Go Greek Festival, through approval to use 10 street banners during the festival (valued at $25,000) as well as event staff support for Police notifications and approvals. Other support included media support such as listing on AT Parramatta website (valued at $2,000). In previous years, the Go Greek Festival has received Community Event Grants and have been permitted to use Council's branding on marketing materials. o 2020/21 – no grant funding/event was cancelled due to COVID. o 2019/20 - Community Event Grants $10,000 o 2018/19 Community Event Grants - $5,000 o 2017 Community Event Grants - $7,000
Clr Esber asked a question on Item 8.2: Central River City – Activation of Parramatta River. · In relation to spoil being banked up on the river edge related to the construction of the Powerhouse, can staff please confirm what measures are currently in place to avoid the spoil from entering the Parramatta River? Executive Director City Assets & Operations Response: Council’s Building Compliance Team has undertaken an inspection of the Parramatta Powerhouse site. At the time of the inspection the appropriate sediment control measures were in place, maintained and in good condition. The sediment control measures include a membrane over the soil stockpile, two layers of silt fencing along the river’s edge with an aggregate infill located between the silt fences. Tall grass has also been left as a buffer at the river’s edge. Council officers will regularly review the site and if any issues are identified, will notify the EPA who is the appropriate regulatory authority for these construction works. Please find below a site photo that depicts the sediment control.
Clr Green asked a question on Item 8.4: Review of the Parramatta CBD Pedestrian Strategy · Could staff provide an update on the status of the CBD footpath audit? Executive Director City Assets & Operations Response: Condition assessments of footpaths within the LGA have recently been completed including the footpaths within the Parramatta CBD. A report is being prepared for submission to Council before end December 2023.
· Could staff provide details on the significant risks raised in the report? Executive Director Finance & Information Response:
There were a number of risks identified in the reports provided to the Audit Risk and Improvement Committee which were noted as being significant. Details from the reports are considered confidential as they may prejudice Council in any future proceedings. A summary of the significant risks raised in the ARIC Minutes have been placed on the Councillor Portal for the information of Councillors.
Clr Valjak asked a question on Item 14.1: Proactive Management of Abandoned Shopping Trolleys in City of Parramatta · Can Council consider a condition of consent addressing abandoned trolleys/introduction of appropriate technology with any new development? Executive Director City Assets & Operations Response: A verbal response was provided to Council at the 11 September 2023 Council meeting.
· Does Council have an existing relationship with complexes/strata? Executive Director City Planning & Design Response: Council has no formal relationship with the private strata complexes or strata committees located within Newington. Newington strata areas have established community based Precinct Committees and Council has worked with the Precinct Committees to distribute consultation information to residents of Newington through the Committee’s communication channels.
Clr Garrard asked a question on Item 14.5: Upgrade of Lake Parramatta Amenities and Facilities. · Could staff provide a response to her Notice of Motion (NOM) from June 2023 on the same matter? Executive Director City Assets & Operations Response: A verbal response was provided at the 11 September 2023 Council meeting in regard to the first part of the NOM relating to the update of the Masterplan, timeframes and costs, and the minor capital works approved for the site. Further, a report will be prepared on the remaining outstanding matters within the NOM (resolution) and submitted to Council before December 2023.
Clr Darley asked a question on Item 14.6: Reducing Impacts of Cats on Native Wildlife · Could staff provide an update on Council’s involvement in the ‘Keeping Cats Safe at Home’ project. Executive Director City Assets & Operations Response: Council officers are currently preparing a response and will provide an update on Council’s involvement in the next 14-21 days. |
14. Notices of Motion
14.1 |
2023 Australian Human Resources Awards (Report of Councillor Darley) |
RESOLVED: Councillor Darley and Councillor MacLean (a) That Council note City of Parramatta’s People, Culture, and Workplace team won the Best Workplace Diversity and Inclusion Program Award at the 2023 Australian Human Resources Awards. (b) That Council also note that Council’s former Executive Director People, Culture, and Workplace, Bernadette Cavanagh, was awarded the Australian Business Lawyers and Advisors HR Director of the Year Award for her contribution at City of Parramatta. (c) That Council write to the former Executive Director to congratulate her on this recognition. (d) That Council congratulates the People, Culture, and Workplace Team on this national recognition of their commitment to excellence and innovation in our diversity and inclusion programs and initiatives. Record of Voting: For the Motion: Unanimous |
14.2 |
(Report of Councillor Darley) |
RESOLVED: Councillor Darley and Councillor Valjak That this matter be deferred to a Councillor Workshop. Record of Voting: For the Motion: The Lord Mayor, Councillor Esber and Councillors Bradley, Darley, Davis, Garrard, Humphries, MacLean, Noack, Pandey, Prociv, Siviero, Valjak, Wang and Wearne. Against the Motion: Councillor Green. On being PUT to the meeting voting on this item was fourteen (14) votes FOR and one (1) vote AGAINST. The MOTION was CARRIED. |
14.3 |
Proposal for the Installation of Suburb Identification Signage at the Entrance to Wentworth Point (Report of Councillor Noack)
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RESOLVED: Councillor Noack and Councillor Siviero (a) That Council officers prepare a proposal to construct and install signage “Welcome to Wentworth Point” at the entrance to the suburb. (b) That Council officers report back to Council with a proposed design, location and costing at a future Council meeting. Record of Voting: For the Motion: Unanimous |
15. Questions with Notice
Note: All questions with notice were moved by exception earlier in the meeting as detailed in the Minutes.
Move to closed session
RESOLVED: (Councillor Wearne and Councillor Garrard)
That at this time of the meeting, being 8.34pm, the Lord Mayor, Councillor Esber advised that the meeting would move into Closed Confidential Session to allow consideration of matters in Closed Session in accordance with Section 10A of the Local Government Act 1993. Accordingly, members of the press and public are excluded from the closed session and access to the correspondence and reports relating to the items considered during the course of the Closed Session will be withheld.
This action is taken to discuss:
Item 16.1: Tender ITT 17/2023 Provision of Cleaning Services for Council Assets.
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
Record of Voting:
For the Motion: Unanimous
Note: The Council moved to Closed Confidential Session at 8.35pm.
16. CLOSED SESSION
Tender ITT 17/2023 Provision of Cleaning Services for Council Assets (Report of Facilities and Contracts Coordinator) |
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RECOMMENDATION: Councillor Garrard and Councillor MacLean (a) That Council approve the appointment Essential Facilities Services Australia Pty Ltd as the principal contractor for ITT 17/2023 Provision of Cleaning Services for Council Assets in accordance with the schedule of rates and the estimated yearly contract sum (programmable works) of $1,136,696.51 (excl. GST), for an initial contract term of three (3) years with the option of 2 x one-year extensions at an estimated maximum contract sum of $8.1 million. (b) That Council note that the total cost may vary as detailed in the report. (c) That all unsuccessful tenderers be advised of Council’s decision in this matter. (d) That Council delegate authority to the Chief Executive Officer to finalise and execute all necessary documents. Record of Voting: For the Motion: Unanimous |
Question Taken on Notice (Clr Davis) – Item 16.1 Tender ITT 17/2023 Provision of Cleaning Services for Council Assets
· Can an audit be provided of the current cleaning contractor in particular the current contractor for 126 Church St and the treatment of the waste.
PROCEDURAL MOTION
RETURN TO OPEN COUNCIL MEETING
RESOLVED: (Councillor MacLean and Councillor Noack)
That Council return to Open Session.
Record of Voting:
For the Motion: Unanimous
Note: Council returned to Open Session at 9.06pm.
17. REPORTS OF RESOLUTIONS PASSED IN CLOSED SESSION
Note: The recommendation of the Closed Session in relation to Item 16.1 (Provision of Cleaning Services for Council Assets) was received and noted as a resolution of Council without any alteration and amendment thereto.
16.1 |
Tender ITT 17/2023 Provision of Cleaning Services for Council Assets (Report of Facilities and Contracts Coordinator) |
RESOLVED Councillor Garrard and Councillor MacLean (a) That Council approve the appointment Essential Facilities Services Australia Pty Ltd as the principal contractor for ITT 17/2023 Provision of Cleaning Services for Council Assets in accordance with the schedule of rates and the estimated yearly contract sum (programmable works) of $1,136,696.51 (excl. GST), for an initial contract term of three (3) years with the option of 2 x one-year extensions at an estimated maximum contract sum of $8.1 million. (b) That Council note that the total cost may vary as detailed in the report. (c) That all unsuccessful tenderers be advised of Council’s decision in this matter. (d) That Council delegate authority to the Chief Executive Officer to finalise and execute all necessary documents. Record of Voting: For the Motion: Unanimous |
Note: The resolution for Item 16.1 (Provision of Cleaning Services for Council Assets) was displayed on screen at the meeting and read aloud by the Chief Executive Officer.
18. CONCLUSION OF MEETING
The meeting concluded at 9.08pm.
This page and the preceding 17 pages are the Minutes of the Ordinary Council Meeting held on Monday 25 September 2023 and confirmed on Monday 9 October 2023.
Chairperson