MinuteS

Ordinary Council Meeting

Monday, 8 July 2024

6.30pm

Council Chamber

Level 4, PHIVE

Parramatta Square, Parramatta

PRESENT - COUNCILLORS

The Lord Mayor, Councillor Pierre Esber, Deputy Lord Mayor, Councillor Patricia Prociv and Councillors Phil Bradley, Michelle Garrard, Henry Green, Ange Humphries, Cameron MacLean, Paul Noack, Sameer Pandey, Georgina Valjak, Donna Wang and Loraine Wearne.

PRESENT – STAFF

Chief Executive Officer - Gail Connolly, Executive Director City Engagement and Experience - Angela Jones-Blayney, Executive Director City Assets & Operations - George Bounassif, Executive Director Finance and Information - John Angilley, Acting Executive Director City Planning and Design - Robert Cologna, Acting Executive Director Community and Culture - David Moutou, Group Manager Office of the Lord Mayor and CEO - Roxanne Thornton, Chief People, Culture and Performance Officer - Brendan Clifton, Chief Financial Officer - Amit Sharma, Chief Information Officer and Acting Chief Governance and Risk Officer - John Crawford, Group Manager Regulatory Services - Adrian Mihaila, Group Manager Infrastructure Planning and Design – Anthony Newland, Senior Policy & Advocacy Adviser - Renee Attard, Strategy Manager - Ashlee Gardner, ICT Service and Delivery Manager - Ian Vong, ICT Service Desk Officer, Ankit Pokharel, Secretariat Support Officer - Adrianna Hokin, Business Manager - Michelle Samuel.

1.     OPENING MEETING       

The Lord Mayor, Councillor Esber, opened the meeting at 6.32pm.

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.

5.    APOLOGIES AND APPLICATIONS FOR LEAVE OF ABSENCE OR ATTENDANCE BY AUDIO-VISUAL LINK BY COUNCILLORS

RESOLVED: Councillor MacLean and Councillor Noack

That and apology be accepted on behalf of Councillor Darley and a leave of absence be granted.

Record of Voting:

CARRIED

6.    CONFIRMATION OF MINUTES

	Minutes of the Council Meeting held on 24 June 2024
4777	RESOLVED: Councillor Noack and Councillor Bradley That the minutes be taken as read and be accepted as a true record of the Meeting. Record of Voting: CARRIED

7.    DISCLOSURES OF INTEREST

The Acting Executive Director City Planning and Design, Mr Robert Cologna, declared a Non-Pecuniary, Non-Significant interest in relation to Item 14.1 (On Street Parking Issues for Residents in Newington) for the reason that he owns property in Newington.

PROCEDURAL MOTION

SUSPENSION OF STANDING ORDERS

DEALING WITH MATTERS BY EXCEPTION

RESOLVED: Lord Mayor, Councillor Esber 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;

· Item 8.1: Condolence Motion: Vale Bill McNamara OAM

· Item 8.2: Australian Institute of Architects’ NSW Architecture Awards

· Item 8.3: 2024 National General Assembly of Local Government

· Item 8.4: Commemorative Memorials across the City of Parramatta

Record of Voting:

CARRIED

8.    Minutes of the Lord Mayor

8.1

Vale Bill McNamara OAM (Lord Mayor Councillor Pierre Esber)

4778

RESOLVED: Lord Mayor, Councillor Esber and Councillor Noack (a) That Council acknowledge the death of Mr William (Bill) McNamara OAM, a Western Sydney construction pioneer and community leader, on 29 June 2024. (b) That Council express its sincere condolences to Mr Bill McNamara OAM’s family and friends at this sad time by writing to his son-in-law, Mr Jim Taggart OAM. (c) That Council observe one minute of silence in honour of Mr Bill McNamara OAM. Record of Voting: CARRIED

8.2

Australia Institute of Architects’ NSW Architecture Awards (Lord Mayor Councillor Pierre Esber)

4779

RESOLVED: Lord Mayor, Councillor Esber and Councillor Noack (a) That Council commend City of Parramatta’s award-winning public infrastructure, Parramatta Aquatic Centre, Charles Street Square and Parramatta Town Hall, as recognised by the Australian Institute of Architects’ NSW Architecture Awards. (b) That Council congratulate City of Parramatta staff as well as the following parties on their outstanding efforts in delivering world-class public infrastructure, including: i. Parramatta Aquatic Centre (PAC) – Grimshaw and Andrew Burges Architects and McGregor Coxall won the Sulman Medal for Public Infrastructure and the Award for Urban Design. ii. Charles Street Square – Lahznimmo Architects with SMM won the 2024 Urban Design Award. iii. Parramatta Town Hall – Design Inc Sydney, Lacoste and Stevenson, Manuelle Gautrand Architecture and TKD Architects won the 2024 Commendation for Heritage Conservation. Record of Voting: CARRIED

8.3

2024 National General Assembly of Local Government (Lord Mayor Councillor Pierre Esber)

4780

RESOLVED: Lord Mayor, Councillor Esber and Councillor Noack (a) That Council notes the Lord Mayor, Councillors and Council officers represented the City of Parramatta at the 2024 National General Assembly (NGA), held in Canberra from 02-04 July. (b) That Council notes the NGA explored the theme of “building community trust” with a focus on housing and community infrastructure, disaster resilience and recovery, energy, roads and transport. (c) That Council notes the conference summary included in this Lord Mayoral Minute. Record of Voting: CARRIED

8.4

Celebrating the Significant Contribution of Our Civic Leaders Through Commemorative Works (Lord Mayor Councillor Pierre Esber)

4781

RESOLVED: Lord Mayor, Councillor Esber and Councillor Noack (a) That Council endorse the the locations of a number of commemorative plaques across the LGA in honour of key civic leaders who have made a significant contribution to the history and evolution of the City of Parramatta, including: · Mr John Books, former Councillor and Lord Mayor · The Hon, John Brown AO, former Federal Member for Parramatta · Paul Barber, former Lord Mayor; and · Ray and Shirley Wehbe, local community advocates and fundraisers. (b) That Council note the indicative dates for ceremonies to be held at each location. Record of Voting: CARRIED

Note:        In recognition of Item 8.1 (Condolence Motion: Vale Bill McNamara OAM), a minute’s silence was observed by all present in the Chamber.

9.    Public Forum

	Speaker	Item No.	Report Title
1.	Dr Yadhu Singh	14.6	Recent Petitions from the Harris Park Business Community  - Mobile Food Vendors
2.	Sanjay Deshwal	14.6	Recent Petitions from the Harris Park Business Community  - Mobile Food Vendors
3.	Prabir Maitra	14.5	Synthetic Sports Fields in the City of Parramatta
4.	Mouhamed Dehan	14.4	Proposed Planning Agreement for 16 Burroway Road and part 5 Footbridge Boulevard, Wentworth Point (AKA Block H)

Note:        All Councillors were provided with a copy of the Public Forum submissions prior to the Council Meeting.

10.  Petitions

1. Little India Harris Park Business Association

Councillor Noack tabled a petition on behalf of Little India Harris Park Business Association, relating to changing the operating hours from 7.00pm to 10.00pm and a freeze in fines as small business cannot afford fines of $3,000-$6,000.

Note:        A copy of the Petition is ON FILE.

2. A House on Alfred Street, Granville

Deputy Lord Mayor, Councillor Prociv tabled a petition on behalf of residents from Alfred Street in Granville and the surrounding streets on the deplorable state of a house on Alfred Street. There is overgrown greenery and rubbish accumulation and it has been in this state in excess of five years and has become a serious fire hazard, it also harbours over 20 cats and other infestation and poses a significant health hazard.

The signatories are requesting Council to inform the owner that they are endangering the wellbeing of their neighbours, request that they immediately clean their address and other addresses around the M4 and remove the cats and place them in proper care.

Note:        A copy of the Petition is ON FILE.

PROCEDURAL MOTION

SUSPENSION OF STANDING ORDERS

ORDER OF BUSINESS

RESOLVED: Councillor Noack and Councillor Pandey

That in accordance with Section 8 of Council’s Code of Meeting Practice, Council resolve to amend the order of business to allow consideration of the below listed items ahead of any other business on the agenda;

· Item 14.1:     On-Street Parking Issues for Residents in Newington

· Item 14.2:     Advocacy for the Western Sydney Community Forum Transport  Development

· Item 14.3:     Traffic Impacts of Windsor Road and James Ruse Drive Intersection

· Item 14.4:     Proposed Planning Agreement for 16 Burroway Road and part 5 Footbridge Boulevard, Wentworth Point (AKA Block H)

· Item 14.5:     Synthetic Sports Fields in the City of Parramatta

· Item 14.6:     Recent Petitions from the Harris Park Business Community - Mobile Food Vendors

Record of Voting:

CARRIED

14.  Notices of Motion

14.1

On-Street Parking Issues for Residents in Newington (Deputy Lord Mayor Clr Dr Patricia Prociv)

4782

RESOLVED: Deputy Lord Mayor, Councillor Prociv and Councillor Noack That the CEO provide a report to Council in late 2024 or early 2025 that: (a)    Investigates options to introduce the Newington rollback kerb parking proposal; and (b)    Includes the results of the previous surveys, an approximate timeline for any suburb wide surveys, the financial implications of undertaking letterbox surveys of residents, social media, and pop-up consultations; and any relevant amendments that may become necessary to the Parking Enforcement Policy. Record of Voting: CARRIED

14.2

Advocacy for the Western Sydney Community Forum Transport Development (Councillor Phil Bradley)

4783

RESOLVED: Councillor Bradley and Councillor MacLean That Council: (a) Note that Western Sydney continues to suffer from disproportionally lower levels of public and other transport access and service. This is while also having a population with higher proportions of people experiencing vulnerability and disadvantage than other areas of Sydney.  (b) Make representations to the Western Sydney Regional Organisation of Councils, the State Member for Parramatta, Ms Donna Davis MP and the Minister for Transport, the Hon Jo Haylen MP to seek the immediate reinstatement of Transport for NSW’s ongoing funding of Western Sydney Community Forum (WSCF) for continued transport support and advocacy on behalf of the communities of Western Sydney. This would be consistent with Minister Haylen's commitment in October 2021 that "Western Sydney's transport needs must be a priority.” Record of Voting: CARRIED

14.3

Traffic Impacts of Windsor Rd and James Ruse Drive Intersection (Councillor Georgina Valjak)

4784

RESOLVED: Councillor Valjak and Councillor Humphries That Council urgently writes to the Secretary of Transport for NSW and the Minister for Transport, the Hon Jo Haylen MP, seeking a review of the James Ruse Drive intersection in North Parramatta and suggesting consideration be given to a Diverging Diamond Intersection treatment to address congestion which is adversely impacting surrounding communities who are experiencing gridlock conditions in their suburbs. Record of Voting: CARRIED

14.4

Proposed Planning Agreement for 16 Burroway Road and part 5 Footbridge Boulevard, Wentworth Point (AKA Block H) (Councillor Paul Noack)

4785

RESOLVED: Councillor Noack and Councillor Garrard (a) That Council note the Department of Planning Housing and Infrastructure (DPHI) has advised that it is unlikely to finalise its assessment of the proposed amendments to the Homebush Bay West Development Control Plan 2004 (DCP) for the Block H site to enable exhibition of the Planning Agreement before the commencement of the 2024 caretaker period for local government elections. (b) That Council note it has previously authorised the CEO secure the delivery of the community infrastructure (valued at $70 million) associated with the proposed DCP amendment by negotiating the Planning Agreement, publicly exhibiting the draft Planning Agreement for a minimum period of 28 days and reporting to Council the outcomes of the public exhibition. (c) That having regard to the above advice from DPHI, and to avoid any risk to Council of not securing the $70 million worth of community benefit in the Planning Agreement, the CEO be delegated authority to execute the Planning Agreement following the public exhibition period subject to there being no substantial amendments to the Agreement arising from the public exhibition, including the total value or the value/nature of the various components therein. Should there be substantial amendments required to the Planning Agreement, the matter be reported back to Council. Record of Voting: For the Motion: Lord Mayor, Councillor Esber, Deputy Lord Mayor, Councillor Prociv and Councillors Garrard, Green, Humphries, Noack, Pandey, Valjak, Wang and Wearne. Against the Motion: Councillor Bradley and Councillor MacLean (abstained). On being Put to the Meeting, voting on this Motion was ten (10) votes FOR and two (2) votes AGAINST. The Motion was CARRIED.

14.5	Synthetic Sports Fields in the City of Parramatta (Councillor Georgina Valjak)
	MOTION: Councillor Valjak and Councillor Wang (a)    That the CEO investigate opportunities to transform existing natural turf sports fields into synthetic fields within the North Rocks, Parramatta and Dundas Wards. (b)    That the CEO prepare a report on the findings of the investigation, including potential sites, potential return on investment and high level costings, for consideration by Councillors as part of the 2025/26 DPOP budget process. AMENDMENT: Councillor Bradley and Deputy Lord Mayor, Councillor Prociv (a) That the CEO investigate if there are any opportunities to transform existing natural turf sports fields into synthetic fields within the North Rocks, Parramatta and Dundas Wards. (b) That the CEO prepare a report on the findings of the investigation including: potential sites; ecological, environmental, social and life cycle impacts of synthetics; potential return on investment; and high level costings; for consideration by Councillors as part of the 2025/26 DPOP budget process. Record of Voting: For the Amendment: Deputy Lord Mayor, Councillor Prociv and Councillor Bradley. Against the Amendment: Lord Mayor, Councillor Esber and Councillors Garrard, Green, Humphries, MacLean, Noack, Pandey, Valjak, Wang, and Wearne. On being Put to the Meeting, voting on the Amendment was two (2) votes FOR and ten (10) votes AGAINST. The Amendment was LOST.
4786	RESOLVED: Councillor Valjak and Councillor Wang (a)    That the CEO investigate opportunities to transform existing natural turf sports fields into synthetic fields within the North Rocks, Parramatta and Dundas Wards. (b)    That the CEO prepare a report on the findings of the investigation, including potential sites, potential return on investment and high level costings, for consideration by Councillors as part of the 2025/26 DPOP budget process. Record of Voting: For the Motion: Lord Mayor, Councillor Esber, Deputy Lord Mayor, Councillor Prociv and Councillors Garrard, Green Humphries, MacLean, Noack, Pandey, Valjak, Wang and Wearne. Against the Motion: Councillor Bradley. On being Put to the Meeting, voting on the Motion was eleven (11) votes FOR and one (1) vote AGAINST. The Motion was CARRIED.

Question Taken on Notice on Item 14.5 Synthetic Sports Fields in the City of Parramatta by Councillor Pandey:

· What other sports can be played on synthetic surfaces?

14.6

Recent Petitions from the Harris Park Business Community - Mobile Food Vendors (Councillor Paul Noack)

4787

RESOLVED: Councillor Noack and Councillor Valjak (a) That Council notes the recent petitions from Harris Park businesses regarding local enforcement activity and fines issued to local businesses. (b) That Council notes that officers have been working with mobile food vendors and residents in the Harris Park area to raise awareness of their operating obligations, including running drop-in education sessions and providing a three-month enforcement amnesty between December 2023 and March 2024 to allow time for vendors to comply with the legislation. (c) That Council write to the Minister for Planning and Public Spaces, the Hon Paul Scully MP and the State Member for Parramatta, Donna Davis MP to request an amendment to the legislation (SEPP) to allow mobile food trucks and food stalls to be operational until 10pm in residential zones of Wigram Street, Station Street East and Marion Street, Harris Park (excluding Albion Street). (d) That the CEO organise another community information drop-in session at the Harris Park Community Centre for residents and businesses, to provide expert guidance from Building Compliance, Environmental Health Compliance and Planning, including advice on the required approvals, activities that do not require development consent, food safety, advice on investigatory procedures and current legislative obligations for mobile food vendors. (e) That the CEO hold a Councillor Workshop on this matter to address the concerns raised by Councillors during the consideration of this matter. Record of Voting: CARRIED

SUSPENSION OF STANDING ORDERS

MATTER OF URGENCY

Deputy Lord Mayor, Councillor Prociv requested a suspension of standing orders to allow the consideration of a matter of urgency regarding Hambledon Cottage.

In accordance with Section 9.3(b) of Council’s Code of Meeting Practice, the Lord Mayor ruled that the matter was urgent.

Note:        Councillor Noack left the meeting at 8.29pm.

The Lord Mayor put to the Chamber the suspension of standing orders to consider the urgent matter.

Record of Voting:

For the Motion: Lord Mayor, Councillor Esber, Deputy Lord Mayor, Councillor Prociv and Councillors Bradley Humphries, MacLean and Pandey.

Against the Motion: Councillors Garrard, Green, Valjak, Wang and Wearne.

On being Put to the Meeting, voting on the Motion was six (6) votes FOR and five (5) votes AGAINST. The Motion was CARRIED.

Note:        Councillor Noack returned to the meeting at 8.33pm.

MATTER OF URGENCY - HAMBLEDON COTTAGE

	Urgent Motion - HAMBLEDON COTTAGE (Deputy Lord Mayor, Councillor Dr Patricia Prociv)
4788	MOTION: Deputy Lord Mayor, Councillor Prociv and Councillor MacLean That the Council grants Landowners’ Consent for Hambledon Cottage to be included in a collective nomination for National and Commonwealth Heritage Lists, of Hambledon Cottage, Elizabeth Farm and Experiment Farm and Clay Cliff Creek, to achieve inscription on Australia’s National Heritage List. AMENDMENT: Councillor Garrard and Councillor Wearne That the CEO provide a report to a Councillor Workshop regarding potential National Heritage Listing for Hambledon Cottage. Record of Voting: For the Amendment: Councillors Garrard, Green, Wang, Wearne and Valjak. Against the Amendment: Lord Mayor, Councillor Esber, Deputy Lord Mayor, Councillor Prociv and Councillors Bradley, Humphries, MacLean, Noack and Pandey. On being Put to the Meeting, voting on the Amendment was five (5) votes FOR and seven (7) votes AGAINST. The Amendment was LOST.
4789	RESOLVED: Deputy Lord Mayor, Councillor Prociv and Councillor MacLean That the Council grants Landowners’ Consent for Hambledon Cottage to be included in a collective nomination for National and Commonwealth Heritage Lists, of Hambledon Cottage, Elizabeth Farm and Experiment Farm and Clay Cliff Creek, to achieve inscription on Australia’s National Heritage List. Record of Voting: For the Motion: Lord Mayor, Councillor Esber, Deputy Lord Mayor, Councillor Prociv and Councillors Bradley, Humphries, MacLean, Noack and Pandey. Against the Motion: Councillors Garrard, Green, Wang, Wearne and Valjak. On being Put to the Meeting, voting on the Motion was seven (7) votes FOR and five (5) votes AGAINST. The Motion was CARRIED.

Question Taken on Notice on the Matter of Urgency – Hambledon Cottage by Councillor Garrard:

· Is there any development (current or future) at Hambledon Cottage that I don’t know about?

ADJOURNMENT OF MEETING

At 8.57pm, the Lord Mayor, Councillor Esber adjourned the meeting for 10 minutes.

At the time of the adjournment, the following Councillors were present:

· Lord Mayor, Councillor Esber, Deputy Lord Mayor, Councillor Prociv and Councillors, MacLean, Pandey, Humphries, Noack, Bradley, Wearne, Garrard, Wang, Green and Valjak.

RECONVENED MEETING

At 9.12pm, the Lord Mayor, Councillor Esber reconvened the meeting.

When the meeting reconvened, the following Councillors were present:

· Lord Mayor, Councillor Esber, Deputy Lord Mayor, Councillor Prociv and Councillors, Bradley, Garrard, Green, Humphries, MacLean, Noack and Valjak.

When the meeting reconvened, the following Councillors were not present:

· Councillors Pandey, Wang and Wearne.

PROCEDURAL MOTION

SUSPENSION OF STANDING ORDERS

DEALING WITH ITEMS BY EXCEPTION

RESOLVED: Councillor MacLean 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;

· 13.2:     Adoption of Affordable Rental Housing Policy 2024

· 13.3:     Adoption of the Smart City and Innovation Strategy 2024-2033

· 13.4:     Approval of Toongabbie to Westmead Pedestrian and Cyclist Corridor (Final Scope of Works)

· 15.1:     Question with Notice - Verge Maintenance in City of Parramatta

· 15.2:     Questions taken on Notice at the 24 June 2024 Council Meeting

· 16.1:     Peninsula Park, Wentworth Point - Legal Options for Council

Record of Voting:

CARRIED

Note:        Councillors Wang and Wearne rejoined the meeting at 9:14pm.

13.2

Adoption of Affordable Rental Housing Policy 2024 (Project Team Leader)

4790

RESOLVED: Councillor MacLean and Councillor Noack (a) That Council notes the submissions received during public exhibition of the draft Affordable Rental Housing Policy 2024. (b) That Council adopts the Affordable Rental Housing Policy 2024 at Attachment 1. (c) That Council delegate authority to the Chief Executive Officer to make any administrative and/or non-policy amendments to the Affordable Rental Housing Policy 2024 during finalisation. Record of Voting: CARRIED

13.3

Adoption of the Smart City and Innovation Strategy 2024-2033 (Acting Strategy Manager)

4791

RESOLVED: Councillor MacLean and Councillor Noack (a) That Council notes the updates to the Smart City and Innovation Strategy 2024- 2033 following public exhibition. (b) That Council adopts the Smart City and Innovation Strategy 2024-2033 at Attachment 1. (c) That Council delegate authority to the Chief Executive Officer to make any final administrative and/or non-policy amendments to the Smart City and Innovation Strategy 2024-2033. Record of Voting: CARRIED

13.4

Approval of Toongabbie to Westmead Pedestrian and Cyclist Corridor (Final Scope of Works) (Senior Project Officer Transport Planning)

4792

RESOLVED: Councillor MacLean and Councillor Noack (a) That Council note the feedback from the community consultation documented at Attachments 2, 3 and 4. (b) That Council approve the scope of works to support walking and cycling along the Main Western Line between Toongabbie and Westmead, as set out below for submission to the Parramatta Local Traffic Committee for consideration: i. Install a pedestrian and cyclist shared underpass of Wentworth Avenue between Premier Street and Toongabbie Station, Toongabbie, ii. Build a widened shared path along Girraween Creek between Premier Street and Portico Parade, iii. Install a pedestrian and cyclist overbridge of the Cumberland Highway at the Main Western Line at Wentworthville, iv. Convert Wentworth Avenue between Reid Avenue and Bridge Road to one way traffic westbound, v. Convert the pedestrian crossings in Station Road at McCoy Street, and in Wentworth Avenue at Railway Street to raised pedestrian and cyclist crossings, vi. Install a new raised pedestrian and cyclist crossings on Wentworth Avenue at Finlaysons Creek, and Bridge Road south of Byrne Street, Wentworthville, vii. Build a separated cyclist path on Wentworth Avenue between Toongabbie Station, Pendle Hill Station, Wentworthville Station and Bridge Road, with short sections of shared path at all the stations. viii. Install a raised shared environment intersection at Station Road and Premier Street, ix. Install a shared path on Station Road between McCoy Street and Premier Street, Burrabogee Road between Wentworth Avenue and Pendle Creek, Park Parade on the Parramatta Park frontage between Bailey Street and the Parramatta Aquatic Centre, and Bridge Road between Byrne Street and the Main Western Line. (c) That the CEO continue to pursue external funding (grants, etc) to fund future design and construction of the project. Record of Voting: CARRIED

15.  Questions with Notice

15.1

Verge Maintenance in City of Parramatta (Councillor Kellie Darley)

4793

Question with Notice: 1.     How many reports/complaints of overgrown street verges in the LGA have been received annually for the last few years? Executive Director City Assets and Operations Response: Since June 2023, Council has received 1,270 requests for verge maintenance. 2.     What is the percentage break down by resolution type (i.e. owner/resident maintained after Council request, Council maintained, or left as is)? Executive Director City Assets and Operations Response: Council staff actioned approximately 54% of the total requests received. A breakdown of the details of each request and the method of resolution would require a detailed report back to Council. 3.     What is the budget for carrying out verge maintenance as per the Verge Maintenance Policy? Executive Director City Assets and Operations Response: The 2023/24 budget provides $40,000 for maintenance of nature strips adjacent to private properties and $200,000 for Council owned properties.

15.2

Questions Taken on Notice at 24 June 2024, Council Meeting (Council Secretariat & Policy Officer)

4794

QUESTIONS TAKEN ON NOTICE Deputy Lord Mayor, Councillor Prociv asked a question in relation to Item 12.3 Status Update – CBD Footpaths Audit and Pavement Replacement Program (Peer Review); ·    Having the program is great. How do we stop Sydney Water and other like services from digging up the newly laid footpaths or paving? Executive Director City Assets and Operations Response: Unfortunately, Council has no power to prevent utilities from digging up newly laid footpaths. Utilities have legal rights to access their underground infrastructure even though it will result in damage to Council’s infrastructure such as footpaths and drains.  However, Council has the right to seek monetary reimbursement for the damage to our infrastructure which is then used to restore the infrastructure to its original condition. Councillor Pandey asked two (2) question in relation to Item 12.3 Status Update – CBD Footpaths Audit and Pavement Replacement Program (Peer Review); ·  There was a previous resolution of Council for the City of Parramatta to be a member of the (I think) NSW Streets Opening Coordination Council (SOCC) iWORCS System. Where councils put their Capital Delivery Program, etc and on that program and organisations like Sydney Water put in theirs. In the last term of Council, I also had a Motion asking if Council can advocate to organisations like Telstra to participate in the program. Has this happened? ·    If not, can we revisit that and see if Council is a member of the NSW Streets Opening Coordination Council (SOCC) iWORCS System Program? Executive Director City Assets and Operations Response: Council is a member of the Institute of Public Works Engineering Australasia (IPWEA) which has recently signed an updated MOU with the Streets Opening Coordination Council. Telstra (Telstra InfraCo), Ausgrid, Sydney Water and other utilities are members of the Council. Council staff are exploring the benefits of the new MOU and whether future access to iWORCS II will require a new or enhanced membership in addition to the IPWEA membership. _________________________________________________________ Councillor Valjak asked two questions in relation to Item 14.1 - Emergency Accommodation and Womens' Shelters in Parramatta: ·    Is the link to ‘Home Service’ that is listed on our website available 24 hours 7 days a week? Acting Executive Director Community and Culture Response: Link2home is the NSW government’s (Department of Communities and Justice) state-wide homelessness information and referral telephone service. It is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, every day of the year. The phone number for Link2Home is 1800 152 152. From 9am to 10pm daily, Link2home provides callers with information, assessments and referrals to homelessness support and accommodation services across NSW. Between the hours of 10 at night and 9 in the morning, Link2home provides information and assessment only and will refer people to emergency services if required. Referral to accommodation and support services is not possible during these hours. ·... Can we explore a 24 hour service as part of this resolution? Acting Executive Director Community and Culture Response: Council could write to the NSW government and request that it expand the existing service between 10pm and 9am each day.  However, it is anticipated that the operational reasons for Link2Home not being able to make referrals after 10pm at night until 9am would not be able to be addressed without additional funding/resourcing from the NSW government funding.  (Council is not in a position to separately provide this service as we do not have access to emergency and crisis accommodation).

16.  CONFIDENTIAL MATTERS

16.1

Peninsula Park, Wentworth Point - Legal Options for Council (Councillor Paul Noack)

4795

QUESTION WITH NOTICE 1.     Could Council staff please advise what the $5 million previously paid to Landcom regarding Peninsula Park was used for? Executive Director City Planning and Design response: Response has been provided under separate Confidential cover. 2.     Given the recent Sydney Central Planning Panel decision (opposed by Council’s Planners) to approve the ’modification’ application by Landcom for Peninsula Park, Wentworth Point can you urgently advise the legal options available to Council in relation to the existing covenants and the 2014 Precinct Support Peninsula Park Funding Agreement? Executive Director Finance and Information response: Response has been provided under separate Confidential cover. 3.     As the park will effectively be reduced to 3.1 hectares in size, what are our options for upholding the covenants and/or pursuing: i.    Specific performance of the terms of the Agreement; and ii.   Claiming compensatory damages from Landcom for a fundamental breach of the Agreement? Executive Director Finance and Information response: Response has been provided under separate Confidential cover.

13.  Reports to Council - For Council Decision

13.1

DEFERRED FROM OCM ON 24 JUNE 2024 - Smoke Free Parramatta Square Report (Health & Building Services Manager)

4796

RESOLVED: Councillor MacLean and Councillor Noack (a) That Council approves the introduction of signage to be installed in Parramatta Square under the provisions of the Smoke-Free Environment Act 2000 (the Act). (b) That Council, for consistency, approves the introduction of signage to be installed in the adjoining area of ‘Centenary Square’ under the Act. (c) That Council notes that a specific No Smoking Policy is not necessary or required as the Act and its Regulations are specific and prescriptive to manage smoking in public spaces whether signposted or not. Record of Voting: CARRIED

13.5

Gateway Request: Planning Proposal for Land at 90-94 Phillip Street, Parramatta (Group Manager Projects and Precincts)

4797

RESOLVED: Councillor Garrard and Councillor Green (a) That Council approve, for the purpose of seeking a Gateway determination from the Department of Planning, Housing and Infrastructure (DPHI), the Planning Proposal for land at 90-94 Phillip Street, Parramatta (Attachment 1), which seeks to amend the Parramatta Local Environmental Plan 2023 (Parramatta LEP 2023) in relation to the subject site by: i. Increasing the maximum Height of Buildings control on the map from 80 metres (105 metres when including all bonuses) to part 133 metres (153 metres when including all bonuses) and part 0 metres; ii. Increasing the Floor Space Ratio (FSR) control on the map from 6:1 (9.7:1 when including all bonuses) to 12.8:1 (15.36:1 when including all bonuses); and iii. Amending Clause 7.28A so that it no longer provides a site-specific FSR and height bonus for the subject site. (b) That the Gateway request referred to above in recommendation (a) be submitted to the DPHI after the Applicant’s Flood Report has been updated to reflect the Parramatta River Flood Study 2024. (c) That Council request the DPHI to provide Council with the authorisation to exercise its plan-making delegations for this Planning Proposal. (d) That Council authorise the CEO: i. To amend the Parramatta Development Control Plan 2023 (PDCP 2023) in relation to the subject site as described in this report; Council 8 July 2024 Item 13.5 - 216 – ii. To draft a Planning Agreement subject to the details within the submitted Letter of Offer provided at Attachment 2 which addresses the matters described in this report; and iii. If a Gateway Determination is issued by the DPHI, the draft Planning Agreement and draft amendment to the PDCP 2023 are placed on public exhibition concurrently with the Planning Proposal. (e) That Council note the Local Planning Panel’s advice to Council is in support of the Planning Proposal (refer to Attachment 3), which is consistent with the Council Officer’s recommendation in the report. (f) That Council authorise the CEO to correct any minor anomalies of a non-policy and administrative nature that may arise during the plan-making process of the documents. Record of Voting: For the Motion: Lord Mayor Councillor Esber, and Councillors Garrard, Green, Humphries, Noack, Pandey, Valjak, Wang and Wearne. Against the Motion: Deputy Lord Mayor Councillor Prociv and Councillor Bradley and MacLean. On being Put to the Meeting, voting on this Motion was nine (9) votes FOR and three (3) votes AGAINST. The Motion was CARRIED.

Note:  Councillor Pandey rejoined the meeting at 9.22pm

13.6

Approval of Updated Facade Improvement Grant Program (Scope of Works and Activation) (Project Officer - Local Business Liaison)

4798

RESOLVED: Councillor MacLean and Deputy Lord Mayor, Councillor Prociv (a) That Council approve the updated scope of the Façade Improvement Grant Program to support vibrancy projects such as wall-art murals, creative lighting, and façade restorations of both heritage and non-heritage properties in the Local Government Area. (b) That eligible projects be entitled to up to 100% of project funding under the Grant Program. (c) That the Façade Improvement Grant Program be rebranded as Vibrant Parramatta Grant Program to reflect its objectives Record of Voting: CARRIED

13.7

Canopy Plan - Targets and Interim Action Plan (Project Lead; Group Manager, Strategic Land Use Planning)

4799

RESOLVED: Councillor MacLean and Councillor Pandey (a) That Council note the work undertaken to date in assessing Council’s tree canopy cover, the historical challenges in consistency of canopy data and the recommendations on how Council can support improved canopy cover across the local government area (LGA). (b) That Council approve an LGA-wide canopy cover target of 30% as the revised target and scenario, for use by Council officers during the preparation of the draft Canopy Plan. (c) That Council endorse the Tree Canopy Interim Action Plan 2024 at (Table 4), setting critical first steps towards improving organisational capacity in tree delivery and management. (d) That a draft Canopy Plan be prepared for community consultation, including funding options for Council’s consideration in 2025. (e) That a report comes back to Council before end March 2025 that investigates the potential for all major centres and local centres to have stand alone canopy targets appropriate for each individual centre. (f) That an annual status update be reported to Council on the progress of Council’s Canopy Plan targets. Record of Voting: For the Motion: Lord Mayor, Councillor Esber, Deputy Lord Mayor, Councillor Prociv and Councillors Bradley, Green, Humphries, MacLean, Noack, Pandey, Wang. Against the Motion: Councillors Garrard, Valjak and Wearne (abstained) On being Put to the Meeting, voting on the Motion was nine (9) votes FOR and three (3) votes AGAINST. The Motion was CARRIED.

Questions Taken on Notice on Item 13.7 Canopy Plan - Targets and Interim Action Plan Councillor Pandey:

· What is our tree canopy target (percentage) in the Parramatta CBD?

· How much did we receive from State Grants in the last financial year 2023/24 towards tree plantation?

· How many trees did we plant in the last financial year?

11.  Rescission Motions

There were no rescission motions at this meeting.

12.  Reports to Council - For Notation

There were no reports for notation at this meeting.

17.  CONCLUSION OF MEETING

The meeting concluded at 10.00pm.

This page and the preceding 22 pages are the Minutes of the Ordinary/Extraordinary Council Meeting held on Monday, 8 July 2024 and confirmed on Monday, 22 July 2024.

Chairperson