Georges River Council - Minutes of Ordinary Council Meeting - Monday 22 March 2021

Page 1

PRESENT

COUNCIL MEMBERS

The Mayor, Councillor Kevin Greene, Deputy Mayor, Councillor Stephen Agius, Councillor Vince Badalati, Councillor Sam Elmir, Councillor Sandy Grekas, Councillor Con Hindi, Councillor Rita Kastanias, Councillor Nick Katris, Councillor Lou Konjarski, Councillor Kathryn Landsberry, Councillor Nancy Liu, Councillor Leesha Payor, Councillor Colleen Symington, Councillor Warren Tegg and Councillor Christina Wu.

COUNCIL STAFF

General Manager - Gail Connolly, Acting Director Assets and Infrastructure - Alison Hanlon, Director Environment and Planning - Meryl Bishop, Director Community and Culture - Rebekah Schulz, Director Business and Corporate Services - David Tuxford, Director City Strategy and Innovation - Sue Weatherley, Director Legal Services and General Counsel - Jenny Ware, Chief Audit Executive - Juliette Hall, Manager, Office of the General Manager - Roxanne Thornton, Manager, Strategic Planning - Catherine McMahon, Senior Strategic Planner - Rebecca Lau, Strategic Planner/Urban Designer - Anne Qin, Manager, Premium Facilities - Luke Coleman, Manager, Infrastructure - Glen Moody, Coordinator, Environmental and Open Space Projects - Tom Heath, Executive Services Officer - Marina Cavar, Research and Projects Officer - Ann-Marie Svorinic and Executive Services Officer - Neil Treadwell and Team Leader Technology Services - Garuthman De Silva.

OPENING

The Mayor, Councillor Kevin Greene, opened the meeting at 7.07pm.

NATIONAL ANTHEM

All those present stood for the singing of the National Anthem.

PRAYER

The Mayor, Councillor Kevin Greene offered a prayer to the meeting.

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT OF COUNTRY

The Mayor acknowledged the traditional custodians of the land, the Biddegal people of the Eora Nation.

APOLOGIES/LEAVE OF ABSENCE

Nil.

NOTICE OF WEBCASTING

The Mayor advised staff and the public that the meeting is being recorded for minute-taking purposes and is also webcast live on Council’s website, in accordance with section 4 of Council’s Code of Meeting Practice. This recording will be made available on Council’s Website.

DISCLOSURES OF INTEREST

Councillor Stephen Agius declared a Non-Significant Non-Pecuniary Interest in Item CCL014-21 Report of the Assets and Infrastructure Committee Meeting held on 8 March 2021 (ASS009-21: T20/021 Tender for Construction of Sports Field Lighting) as his children may at some point use a park that is subject to an upgrade of lighting. As this is a Non-Significant Non-Pecuniary interest disclosure, Councillor Agius will participate in the discussion and voting on this item.

The Mayor, Councillor Kevin Greene declared a Non-Significant Non-Pecuniary Interest in Item CCL014-21 Report of the Assets and Infrastructure Committee Meeting held on 8 March 2021 (ASS009-21: T20/021 Tender for Construction of Sports Field Lighting) as his son trains at one of the parks with the lighting upgrade. As this is a Non-Significant Non-Pecuniary interest disclosure, The Mayor, Councillor Greene will participate in the discussion and voting on this item.

Councillor Sandy Grekas declared a Non-Significant Non-Pecuniary Interest in Item CCL014-21 Report of the Assets and Infrastructure Committee Meeting held on 8 March 2021 (ASS009-21: T20/021 Tender for Construction of Sports Field Lighting) as her son plays for Renown United JRLFC who train at Renown Park which is one of the sports fields that will have improved lighting. As this is a Non-Significant Non-Pecuniary interest disclosure, Councillor Grekas will participate in the discussion and voting on this item.

Councillor Sandy Grekas declared a Non-Significant Non-Pecuniary Interest in item CCL015-21 Report of the Community and Culture Committee (COM006-21: Stronger Communities Funding Update (July-December 2020)) as as her son plays for Renown United JRLFC and her husband is a member of Hurstville Golf Club. Both Clubs have received funding from the Stronger Communities Fund. As this is a Non-Significant Non-Pecuniary interest disclosure, Councillor Grekas will participate in the discussion and voting on this item.

Councillor Con Hindi made a verbal disclosure in relation to Item CCL012-21 Report of the Environment and Planning Committee Meeting held on 8 March 2021 ENV005-21: Outcomes of Public Exhibition-Planning Proposal (Georges River Local Environmental Plan 2021) for the reason that he has a relative who lives in Hillcrest Avenue and it is their principal place of residence. Councillor Hindi will participate in the discussion and voting on this item.

Councillor Lou Konjarski declared a Non-Significant Non-Pecuniary Interest in Item CCL014-21 Report of the Assets and Infrastructure Committee Meeting held on 8 March 2021 (ASS009-21: T20/21 Tender for Construction of Sports Field Lighting) for the reason that his children play and referee sports on the relevant fields in question. As this is a Non-Significant Non-Pecuniary disclosure, Councillor Konjarski will participate in the discussion and voting on this item.

The General Manager, Gail Connolly declared a Non-Significant Non-Pecuniary Interest in item CCL014-21 Report of the Assets and Infrastructure Committee Meeting held on 8 March 2021 (ASS010-21: Georges River Foreshore Access and Improvement Plan (2021)) for the reason that her principal place of residence is located within the original study area.

PUBLIC FORUM

Speaker	Report No.	Report Title
Gabriel Chung	CCL012-21 /ENV005-21	Outcomes of Public Exhibition - Planning Proposal (Georges River Local Environmental Plan 2021)
Elise Borg	QWN005-21	Allocation of LRCI and FAG Grant Funding 2020/21
James Yu	CCL012-21 / ENV005-21	Outcomes of Public Exhibition - Planning Proposal (Georges River Local Environmental Plan 2021)
Karina McDougall	CCL018-21 / FIN009-21	FIN009-21 Report on Outstanding Council Resolutions (Period up to and including 31 December 2020)
James Lidis C/O Design Collaborative	CCL015-21 / COM010-21	Draft 2021/2022 Budget - Consideration of Hurstville Revitalisation Project

CONFIRMATION OF MINUTES OF PREVIOUS MEETINGS

CCL011-21 Confirmation of the Minutes of the Ordinary Meeting held on 22 February 2021

(Report by Executive Services Officer)

ReSOLVED: Councillor Landsberry and Councillor Hindi

That the Minutes of the Ordinary Council Meeting held on 22 February 2021 be adopted.

Record of Voting:

For the Motion: Unanimous

MAYORAL MINUTES

MM002-21 International Women's Day 2021

(The Mayor, Councillor Greene)

RESOLVED: The Mayor, Councillor Greene and Councillor Grekas

(a) That Council thank the guest speakers at the Women in Business Breakfast, Sarah Cummings, Katherine Blizard and Philippa Aslanis, who generously gave their time on the day.

(b) That Council congratulate all staff involved in such a well organised and well received event.

Record of Voting:

For the Motion: Unanimous

MM003-21 Clean Up Australia Day

(Councillor - Kevin Greene)

RESOLVED: The Mayor, Councillor Greene and Councillor Hindi

(a) That Council congratulate and thank the range of community groups and organisations involved in the 2021 Clean Up Australia Day on 7 March 2021.

(b) That Council thank all staff involved in facilitating clean-up sites and hosting a successful clean up at Carss Bush Park.

Record of Voting:

For the Motion: Unanimous

CONDOLENCES

· Councillor Landsberry expressed her condolences at the sad passing of Jim Colquhoun of Connells Point on 27 February 2021. Jim was aged 90. He was a life-long resident of the former Kogarah LGA and he grew up in Hillcrest Avenue. He was the eldest of five children. Jim went to Hurstville South Primary School and as an adult he went on to live in the Connells Point/Kyle Bay area with his wife Jean and daughter Maggie.

· The Mayor, Councillor Greene expressed his condolences on the passing of John Campbell OAM. John was highly respected and highly regarded resident of Oatley. John received his Order of Australia Medal (OAM) about 4 years ago for his services to the community, particularly with regards to charitable organisations and this was a particular focus where not only did he receive an OAM but a number of other awards for his contribution to the St Vincent de Paul Society where he served as a member for 59 years.

A moment’s silence was observed by all present.

COMMITTEE REPORTS

CCL012-21 Report of the Environment and Planning Committee Meeting held on 8 March 2021

(Report by Executive Services Officer)

RESOLVED: Councillor Hindi and Councillor Tegg

That the Environment and Planning Committee recommendations for Item ENV004-21 to ENV009-21, as detailed below, be adopted by Council.

ENV004-21 Draft 2021/22 Budget - Consideration of Significant Tree Register

That Council consider the allocation of $40,000 within the draft 2021/2022 budget for the engagement of a suitably qualified environmental consultancy to prepare a Significant Tree Register for the Georges River local government area.

ENV005-21 Outcomes of Public Exhibition - Planning Proposal (Georges River Local Environmental Plan 2021)

Note: Councillor Hindi disclosed a Non-Significant, Non-Pecuniary Interest in this Item. Councillor Hindi remained in the meeting during the discussion and voting on this item.

(a) That Council notes the submissions received during the public exhibition of the Planning Proposal (PP2020/0002) to amend the Hurstville Local Environmental Plan 2012 and Kogarah Local Environmental Plan 2012 (or if gazetted, Georges River Local Environmental Plan 2020).

(b) That Council endorses the amended Planning Proposal as follows to be forwarded to the Department of Planning, Industry and Environment for gazettal in accordance with Section 3.36 of the Environmental Planning and Assessment Act 1979:

i) Amend the Land Zoning Map to rezone the Narwee Housing Investigation Area from R2 Low Density Residential to a combination of R3 Medium Density Residential and R4 High Density Residential;

ii) Amend the Lot Size Map to increase the minimum subdivision lot size:

a. in the proposed R3 Medium Density Residential from 450sqm to 800sqm; and

b. in the proposed R4 High Density Residential from 450sqm to 1,000sqm;

iii) Amend the Height of Buildings Map to:

a. increase the maximum building height in the proposed R4 High Density Residential from 9m to 13m (Narwee HIA);

b. increase the maximum building height in the Hurstville – Hillcrest Avenue HIA from 12m to 13m;

c. amend the maximum building height applied at 33 Dora Street, Hurstville from 30m to 15m; and

d. amend the maximum building height applied at 199 Rocky Point Road, Ramsgate from 21m to 15m and 21m in accordance with the existing split zoning;

iv) Amend the Floor Space Ratio Map to:

a. to increase the maximum floor space ratio in the proposed R3 Medium Density Residential from 0.55:1 to 0.7:1 (Narwee HIA);

b. to increase the maximum floor space ratio in the proposed R4 High Density Residential from 0.55:1 to 1:1 (Narwee HIA); and

c. amend the maximum floor space ratio applied at 199 Rocky Point Road, Ramsgate from 2.5:1 to 1.5:1 and 2.5:1 in accordance with the existing split zoning;

v) Amend Clause 4.1B Minimum lot sizes and special provisions for certain dwellings to include:

a. minimum lot size of 800sqm for manor houses;

b. minimum lot width of 18m for manor houses;

c. minimum lot size of 800sqm for multi dwelling housing (terraces); and

d. minimum lot width of 21m for multi dwelling housing (terraces);

vi) Restrict the following sensitive use development types on all land located within the Narwee Housing Investigation Area:

a. Hospital

b. School

c. Child care facility

d. Old age housing

(c) That Council endorses the Director Environment and Planning to make minor modifications to any numerical, typographical, interpretation and formatting errors, if required, in the finalisation of the Planning Proposal.

(d) That all persons who made a submission to the Planning Proposal be notified of the outcomes of this meeting.

ENV006-21 Public Exhibition of Draft Georges River Affordable Housing Policy 2021

(a) That the Council endorses the Draft Georges River Affordable Housing Policy 2021 for community consultation for a minimum period of 28 days.

(b) That a further report will be provided to Council following the exhibition period.

ENV007-21 Georges River Council Waste Strategy 2021–2040

(a) That Council endorse the Georges River Council Waste Strategy 2021-2040 (Attachment 1) of this report.

(b) That Council re-allocate $16.2 million from the Domestic Waste Reserve to a new Waste Strategy Implementation Reserve, dedicated to the implementation of the key actions and vision of the Gerges River Council Waste Strategy 2021–2040, until 2040.

ENV008-21 Status Update on the Food Waste Feasibility Study

(a) That the update on the status of the Food Waste Feasibility Study undertaken by the Southern Sydney Regional Organisation of Councils be noted.

(b) That a further report be provided to Council following the completion of the Food Waste Feasibility Study.

ENV009-21 Waste Services Community Consultation - Implications for Waste Contracts

(a) That Council notes the results of the community consultation program and the impacts on future waste service tenders and contracts.

(b) That a status report be provided to Council in late 2021 on the progress of the tender process.

Record of Voting:

For the Motion: Unanimous

CCL013-21 Report of the Finance and Governance Committee Meeting held on 8 March 2021

(Report by Executive Services Officer)

ReSOLVED: Councillor Badalati and Councillor Symington

That the Finance and Governance Committee recommendations for Items FIN0008-21 to FIN015-21 (with the exception of FIN013-20), and Item FIN005A-21, as detailed below, be adopted by Council.

FIN008-21 Investment Report as at 31 January 2021

That Council receives and notes the contents of the Investment Report as at 31 January 2021.

FIN009-21 Report on Outstanding Council Resolutions (Period up to and including 31 December 2020)

That Council note the Finance and Governance Committee did not support the Officer’s Recommendation and did not provide an alternate Recommendation to Council, therefore Council will consider this matter separately in report number CCL018-21.

FIN010-21 Audit, Risk and Improvement Committee Minutes from meetings held on 21 September and 19 October 2020

(a) That the confirmed Minutes of the Audit, Risk and Improvement Committee meeting held on 21 September 2020 be received and noted.

(b) That the confirmed Minutes of the Audit, Risk and Improvement Committee (Special Financial Statements) meeting held on 19 October 2020 be received and noted.

FIN011-21 2020/21 Half Yearly Progress Report for Quarter Ending 31 December 2020

(a) That Council receive and note the Half Yearly Progress Report July 2020 - December 2020.

(b) That Council endorse the Delivery Program and Operational Plan items recommended for cancellation, being placed on hold, or altered as detailed in Attachment 1.

(c) That a copy of the Half Yearly Progress Report July 2020 – December 2020 be published on Council’s website.

(d) That the General Manager be delegated authority to make minor editorial changes to the Half Yearly Progress Report prior to publishing on Council’s website.

FIN012-21 Amalgamation Proposal (Review of Local Government Area Boundaries) - Outcome of Community Engagement

(a) That Council note the outcome of the community engagement regarding the amalgamation proposal to amend the boundaries of the Georges River local government area.

(b) That Council take no further action in relation to these proposals at this time and all persons who made written submissions be advised of this decision.

FIN014-21 Property Matter - Compulsory Acquisition of Open Space Land, Beverly Hills

(a) That pursuant to Section 186 of the Local Government Act 1993, formal application be made to the Minister and Governor via the Office of Local Government seeking approval to commence the compulsory acquisition process for Lot 12 in Deposited Plan (DP) 1038625.

(b) That following approval of the Office of Local Government and Minister/Governor to commence compulsory acquisition proceedings, the General Manager be authorised to sign the Notice of Compulsory Acquisition of Land and that the notice be published in the NSW Government Gazette.

(c) That upon acquisition, a restrictive covenant be placed upon the land that any subsequent reclassification and sale of any interest or estate in the land will only occur on the basis that one half of any consideration received shall be remitted to the former land owner.

FIN015-21 Property Matter - Commercial Property Portfolio - 2020/21 Second Quarter Report

That Council receives and notes the Commercial Property Portfolio Second Quarter Report for 2020/2021.

FIN005A-21 Georges River Council Premium Facilities – Commercial Arrangements

(a) That Council receives and notes the information contained within this report.

(b) That the General Manager prepares a further report detailing the commercial arrangements of the Norm O’Neil Cricket Centre.

Record of Voting:

For the Motion: Unanimous

FIN013-21 Draft 2021/22 Budget - Consideration of Councillor Ward Discretionary Fund and Program Results (2019 to 2021)

RESOLVED: Councillor Elmir and Councillor Konjarski

(a) That Council note the successful community outcomes achieved during the 2019/2020 financial year of the Councillor Discretionary Ward Fund Program.

(b) That Council consider the allocation of $75,000 in the draft 2021/2022 Budget towards the Councillor Ward Discretionary Fund program, for the purposes of non-capital allocations.

(c) That should Council allocate the funds in the 2021/22 Budget, the funds only be made available to incoming Councillors elected after the September 2021 elections.

(d) That the General Manager be delegated authority to make minor editorial changes to the Councillor Ward Discretionary Fund Policy to allow for efficient administration of the program for the 2021/2022.

Record of Voting:

For the Motion: The Mayor, Councillor Greene, Deputy Mayor, Councillor Agius and Councillors Elmir, Grekas, Konjarski, Liu, Symington, Tegg and Wu.

Against the Motion: Councillors Badalati, Hindi, Kastanias, Katris, Landsberry and Payor.

On being put to the Meeting, voting on this Motion was nine (9) votes FOR and six (6) votes AGAINST. The Motion was CARRIED.

CCL014-21 Report of the Assets and Infrastructure Committee Meeting held on 8 March 2021

(Report by Executive Services Officer)

ReSOLVED: Councillor Agius and Councillor Symington

That the Assets and Infrastructure Committee recommendations for Items ASS008-21 to ASS010-21, as detailed below, be adopted by Council.

ASS008-21 Report of the Georges River Local Traffic Advisory Committee Meeting 2 March 2021

That the Recommendations contained within the minutes of the Georges River Local Traffic Advisory Committee Meeting held on 2 March 2021 be adopted by Council.

ASS009-21 T20/021 Tender for Construction of Sports Field Lighting

Note: Councillor Agius disclosed a Non-Significant, Non-Pecuniary Interest in this Item. Councillor Agius remained in the meeting during the discussion and voting on this item.

Note: Councillor Grekas disclosed a Non-Significant, Non-Pecuniary Interest in this Item. Councillor Grekas remained in the meeting during the discussion and voting on this item.

Note: Councillor Konjarski disclosed a Non-Significant, Non-Pecuniary Interest in this Item. Councillor Konjarski remained in the meeting during the discussion and voting on this item.

Note: The Mayor, Councillor Greene disclosed a Non-Significant, Non-Pecuniary Interest in this Item. The Mayor, Councillor Greene remained in the meeting during the discussion and voting on this item.

(a) That Council, in accordance with Section 178 of the Local Government (General) Regulation 2005 (NSW), accepts the Tender from Sportz Lighting for $329,537 (excluding GST) and REES Electrical for $94,920 (excluding GST), in a total amount of $424,457 (excluding GST), after having regard to all the circumstances, as the tenderers appear to be the most advantageous and appoint Sportz Lighting and REES Electrical as the Principal Contractors under the Contract Number T20/021 Sports Field Lighting - Various Locations.

(b) That the General Manager be authorised to sign contracts with the preferred tenderers on behalf of Council.

(c) That Council Officers inform the unsuccessful Tenderers of the Council Resolution to decline to accept those tenders.

ASS010-21 Georges River Foreshore Access and Improvement Plan (2021)

Note: The General Manager, Gail Connolly disclosed a Non-Significant, Non-Pecuniary Interest in this Item.

(a) That Council adopt the Georges River Foreshore Access and Improvement Plan (2021) (2021).

(b) That the General Manager seek grant funding to implement the prioritised environmental and access improvement projects identified within the Plan.

Record of Voting:

For the Motion: Unanimous

CCL015-21 Report of the Community and Culture Committee Meeting held on 8 March 2021

(Report by Executive Services Officer)

ReSOLVED: Councillor Grekas and Councillor Elmir

That the Community and Culture Committee recommendations for Items COM006-21 to COM009-21, as detailed below, be adopted by Council.

COM006-21 Stronger Communities Funding Update (July-December 2020)

Note: Councillor Grekas disclosed a Non-Significant, Non-Pecuniary Interest in this Item. Councillor Grekas remained in the meeting during the discussion and voting on this item.

(a) That Council receive and note the update on the remaining Stronger Communities Fund projects as listed in this report; and

(b) That Council continue to receive regular reports on the remaining Stronger Communities Fund projects still in progress.

COM007-21 Place Naming – Meryl Burton Reserve (Results of Public Exhibition)

That the name “Meryl Burton Reserve” be assigned to the currently unnamed reserve at the corner of Gloucester Road and Warwick Street in Hurstville and be submitted to the NSW Geographical Names Board for review and gazettal.

COM008-21 Adoption of Georges River Night Time Economy Study 2021

That Council adopt the Georges River Night Time Economy Study 2021 and accompanying Action Plan as attached to this report.

COM009-21 Economic and Social Recovery Plan - Quarterly Update

That Council receive and note the attached Economic and Social Recovery Plan update for the Quarter 2 - 2020/21 reporting period.

Record of Voting:

For the Motion: Unanimous

COM010-21 Draft 2021/2022 Budget - Consideration of Hurstville Revitalisation Project

RESOLVED: The Mayor, Councillor Greene and Councillor Elmir

That the matter be deferred to enable staff to redesign the Palm Court Car Park to explore options that provide additional car parking spaces and/or set down areas within the current design and that the business owners be consulted again on any revised design.

Record of Voting:

For the Motion: Unanimous

FINANCE AND GOVERNANCE

CCL016-21 Appointment of Independent Members for the Georges River Audit Risk and Improvement Committee

(Report by Chief Audit Executive)

RESOLVED: Councillor Hindi and Councillor Tegg

That consideration of this matter be moved to closed confidential session.

Record of Voting:

For the Motion: Unanimous

CCL017-21 Tabling of Disclosure of Interest Returns

(Report by Manager Governance and Risk)

RESOLVED: Councillor Badalati and Councillor Elmir

Note: Disclosure of Interest Returns were tabled. A copy of the two (2) Returns detailed in the report are ON FILE.

That Council receives and notes the report regarding the tabling of Disclosure of Interest Returns for Councillors and Designated Persons.

Record of Voting:

For the Motion: Unanimous

CCL018-21 FIN009-21: Report on Outstanding Council Resolutions (Period up to and including 31 December 2020)

(Report by Executive Services Officer)

RESOLVED: Councillor Badalati and Councillor Elmir

That the report on Outstanding Council Resolutions (period up to and including 31 December 2020), be received and noted.

Record of Voting:

For the Motion: Unanimous

CCL019-21 2021 National General Assembly of Local Government Conference - Canberra, June 2021

(Report by Manager, Office of the General Manager)

Note: This matter was considered in seriatim.

ReSOLVED: Councillor Badalati and Councillor Hindi

(a) That Council endorse the attendance of Councillor Badalati and Councillor Hindi at the National General Assembly of Local Government held in Canberra on Sunday 20 June 2021 to Wednesday 23 June 2021.

Record of Voting:

For the Motion: Unanimous

ReSOLVED: Councillor Hindi and Councillor Landsberry

(b) That Council nominate Councillor Badalati to be the voting delegate to represent Georges River Council during debates on Motions presented to the Assembly.

Record of Voting:

For the Motion: Unanimous

NOTICES OF MOTION

NM009-21 DEFERRED NOTICE OF MOTION FROM THE ORDINARY COUNCIL MEETING OF 22 FEBRUARY 2021 - (NM007-21) Sydney Water Waterway Health Improvement Program, Kogarah Bay Creek

(Report by Councillor Payor)

Note: Councillor Payor tabled two (2) documents in relation to this Item, one being a project overview from Sydney Water and the other being a letter addressed to Council’s General Manager from McLaren Traffic Engineering dated 16 March 2021. A copy of both documents are ON FILE.

RESOLVED: Councillor Payor and Councillor Landsberry

(a) That Council support the consideration of further modifications to the stormwater design, such as replacing the open swale with an underground installation, and altering the access from Bruce and Renn Street; and

(b) That Council provide an urgent workshop to bring together consulting engineers, State Government agencies and the community for an acceptable solution.

Record of Voting:

For the Motion: Unanimous

Note: Councillor Agius left the meeting at 9.05pm.

NM010-21 Steps Towards a Dementia-Friendly Georges River Local Government Area

(Report by Councillor Symington)

RESOLVED: Councillor Symington and Councillor Kastanias

(a) That the General Manager prepare a report which provides the steps required to make Georges River Council dementia-friendly.

(b) This report should address:

(i) Initiatives in place to support people with dementia in the Georges River community;

(ii) Background to available case studies chronicling dementia-friendly initiatives;

(iii) Opportunities for partnerships with relevant organisations to support people with dementia; and

(iv) Potential grant funding opportunities that may be available from the State or Federal Government or other bodies.

Record of Voting:

For the Motion: Unanimous

NM011-21 Accolades for Council's 'In Good Taste' Festival 2021

(Report by Councillor Liu)

RESOLVED: Councillor Liu and Councillor Katris

That Council congratulates Georges River Council staff on the successful delivery of the ‘In Good Taste’ Festival and Little Lunar event which received unprecedented positive media coverage.

Record of Voting:

For the Motion: Unanimous

NM012-21 Independent Commission Against Corruption Investigation Into Georges River Councillors

(Report by Councillor Grekas)

MOTION: Councillor Grekas and Councillor Tegg

(a) That pursuant to Council’s resolution of 23 April 2019 (NM033-19 Maintaining Public Confidence in Georges River Council) and the subsequent referral to the Independent Commission Against Corruption (ICAC), Council note that the Commission has confirmed there is an ongoing, active investigation into the matter.

(b) That Council calls on the two Councillors who have become aware that they are subject to an ongoing ICAC investigation to voluntarily stand aside (and be granted a leave of absence from all Councillor duties) until such time as Council is notified that the ICAC investigation has concluded.

(c) That Council request the Minister for Local Government, the Hon Shelley Hancock MP, to ask the Councillors under investigation to step aside until the ICAC investigation has concluded, should they not comply with Council’s request to do so.

(d) That LGNSW be requested to support Council’s stance that it is appropriate during the course of an ICAC investigation (in order to maintain integrity in decision making and observe appropriate standards of governance) for those Councillors who are the subject of an investigation to stand aside to maintain public confidence in the integrity of Council decision making in NSW.

Record of Voting:

For the Motion: The Mayor Councillor Greene and Councillors Elmir, Grekas, Konjarski, Liu and Tegg.

Against the Motion: Councillors Badalati, Hindi, Kastanias, Katris, Landsberry, Payor, Symington and Wu.

On being put to the Meeting, voting on this Motion was six (6) votes FOR and eight (8) votes AGAINST. The Motion was LOST.

NM013-21 Status Update - Sharing Facilities and Infrastructure with the NSW Department of Education

(Report by Councillor Grekas)

RESOLVED: Councillor Grekas and Councillor Symington

(a) That the General Manager prepare a report for Council on the progress to date of negotiations with the Department of Education on the sharing of public education facilities and infrastructure such as halls and sporting fields.

(b) That the report address the opportunities and impediments to making the use of Department of Education school assets by the community a reality.

Record of Voting:

For the Motion: Unanimous

NM014-21 Investigation of School Safety Zone - Intersection of Lynwood Street and Phillip Street, Blakehurst

(Report by Councillor Elmir)

RESOLVED: Councillor Elmir and Councillor Kastanias

(a) That Council’s traffic engineers investigate turning movements at the intersection of Lynwood Street and Phillip Street, Blakehurst.

(b) That the investigation cover matters related to safety, traffic congestion and school pick-up and drop-off zones.

(c) That any actions required as a result of the investigation be reported to the Local Traffic Advisory Committee for consideration.

Record of Voting:

For the Motion: Unanimous

NM015-21 Proposed Reinstatement of the Voluntary Pensioner Rebate

(Report by Councillor Badalati)

Councillor Badalati withdrew this Notice of Motion.

Note: Councillor Agius returned to the meeting at 10.04pm

Note: Councillor Hindi left the meeting at 10.04pm, after seconding item (NM016-21)

NM016-21 Proposed Construction of a Bocce Court at Smith Park, Morgan Street, Kingsgrove

(Report by Councillor Badalati)

RESOLVED: Councillor Badalati and Councillor Hindi

(a) That the General Manager prepare a report on the feasibility of installing a Bocce Court at Smith Park, Morgan Street, Kingsgrove behind the children’s playground.

(b) That the report be provided to the April 2021 Council meeting.

Record of Voting:

For the Motion: Unanimous

Note: Councillor Hindi returned to the meeting at 10.07pm

NM017-21 Bus Stops on Rocky Point Road, Sans Souci and Ramsgate

(Report by Councillor Payor)

Note: Councillor Payor tabled two (2) documents in relation to his Item, one being a proposal to remove identified bus stops from Transport of NSW and the other a letter from Steve Kamper MP addressed to The Hon. Andrew Constance MP Minister for Transport and Roads dated 2 February 2021. A copy of both documents are ON FILE.

RESOLVED: Councillor Payor and Councillor Badalati

That Council advises Transport for NSW of its concerns regarding the proposed removal of four bus stops on Rocky Point Road in Sans Souci and Ramsgate. This will create longer distances between the new proposed stops and may not respond to community needs in this area.

Record of Voting:

For the Motion: Unanimous

QUESTIONS WITH NOTICE

QWN005-21 Allocation of LRCI and FAG Grant Funding 2020/21

(Report by Councillor Katris)

RESOLVED: Councillor Katris and Councillor Kastanias

That the information be received and noted.

Record of Voting:

For the Motion: Unanimous

Note: Councillor Kastanias left the meeting at 10.12pm

QWN006-21 Georges River Council Code of Meeting Practice

(Report by Councillor Hindi)

RESOLVED: Councillor Hindi and Councillor Badalati

That the information be received and noted.

Record of Voting:

For the Motion: Unanimous

Note: Councillor Kastanias returned to the meeting at 10.19pm

Note: Councillor Wu left the meeting at 10.20pm and did not return to the meeting.

QWN007-21 Status of Developer Contributions Audit (Former Hurstville City Council)

(Report by Councillor Hindi)

RESOLVED: Councillor Hindi and Councillor Badalati

That the information be received and noted.

Record of Voting:

For the Motion: Unanimous

QWN008-21 Status of Developer Contributions Audit (Private Certifiers)

(Report by Councillor Hindi)

RESOLVED: Councillor Hindi and Councillor Badalati

That the information be received and noted.

Record of Voting:

For the Motion: Unanimous

Note: Councillor Katris left the meeting at 10.34pm

QWN009-21 Status of ICAC Investigation - Leaking of Confidential Information

(Report by Councillor Hindi)

RESOLVED: Councillor Hindi and Councillor Badalati

That the information be received and noted.

Record of Voting:

For the Motion: Unanimous

QWN010-21 Netstrata Jubilee Stadium Precinct – Plan of Management and Masterplan

(Report by Councillor Payor)

RESOLVED: Councillor Payor and Councillor Landsberry

That the information be received and noted.

Record of Voting:

For the Motion: Unanimous

PROCEDURAL MOTION

MOVE TO CLOSED SESSION – COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE

RESOLVED: Councillor Kastanias and Councillor Payor

At this stage of the meeting being 10.38pm the Mayor advised that the meeting would move into a Committee of the Whole to allow consideration of the 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 was taken to allow discussion of the following items:

CCL007A-21 Transport for NSW Commuter Car Park Proposal – Edgbaston Road, Beverly Hills

(Report by Head of Strategic Property)

That in accordance with the provisions of Part 1 of Chapter 4 of the Local Government Act 1993, the matters dealt with in this report be considered in closed Council Meeting at which the press and public are excluded. In accordance with Section 10A(2) (c) it is considered the matter information that would, if disclosed, confer a commercial advantage on a person with whom the Council is conducting (or proposes to conduct) business.

That in accordance with Section 10D it is considered that if the matter were discussed in an open Council Meeting, it would on balance, be contrary to the public interest as it information that would, if disclosed, confer a commercial advantage on a person with whom the Council is conducting (or proposes to conduct) business.

CCL016-21 Appointment of Independent Members for the Georges River Audit Risk and Improvement Committee

(Report by Chief Audit Executive)

That in accordance with the provisions of Part 1 of Chapter 4 of the Local Government Act 1993, the matters dealt with in this report be considered in closed Council Meeting at which the press and public are excluded. In accordance with Section 10A(2)(a) it is considered the matter deals with personnel matters concerning particular individuals (other than Councillors).

THAT in accordance with Section 10D it is considered that if the matter were discussed in an open Council Meeting, it would on balance, be contrary to the public interest as it deals with personnel matters concerning particular individuals (other than Councillors).

The Mayor asked the General Manager if any representations had been received from the public that the item should not be discussed in closed session.

The General Manager replied that no representations had been received to the items in closed session.

Record of Voting:

For the Motion: Unanimous

Note: Council moved to closed session – Committee of the Whole at 10.39pm.

CLOSED SESSION – COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE

CONFIDENTIAL ITEMS

Note: Councillor Katris returned to the meeting at 10.49pm

CCL007A-21 Transport for NSW Commuter Car Park Proposal - Edgbaston Road, Beverly Hills

(Report by Head of Strategic Property)

ReSOLVED: Councillor Tegg and Councillor Landsberry

(a) That Council decline to provide in-principle support to Transport for NSW for the proposal to construct a commuter car park at Edgbaston Road, Beverly Hills.

(b) That the General Manager continue to negotiate terms with Transport for NSW consistent with Council’s previous resolution to ensure no loss of public car parking at the Edgbaston Road car park site and provide a further report to Council.

Record of Voting:

For the Motion: Unanimous

CCL016-21 Appointment Of Independent Members For The Georges River Audit Risk And Improvement Committee

(Report By Chief Audit Executive)

RESOLVED: Councillor Hindi and Councillor Tegg

(a) That Council appoint the existing audit risk and improvement committee (ARIC) member, Mr Stephen Horne, to the position of ARIC chairperson until 30 June 2022.

(b) That council appoint Cliff Haynes and Michael Seery as two independent members to ARIC, in accordance with the Audit Risk and Improvement Committee charter, for a three (3) year period from 22 March 2021 to 22 March 2024.

Record of Voting:

For the Motion: Unanimous

PROCEDURAL MOTION

MOVE TO OPEN COUNCIL

RESOLVED: Councillor Hindi and Councillor Landsberry

That Council return to Open Session.

Record of Voting:

For the Motion: Unanimous

Note: Council returned to Open Session at 10.58pm

CONFIRMATION OF RECOMMENDATIONS FROM CLOSED SESSION – COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE

resolved: Councillor Hindi and Councillor Kastanias

That the Committee of the Whole recommendations from the Closed Session in relation to Item CCL007A-21 Transport for NSW Commuter Car Park Proposal - Edgbaston Road, Beverly Hills, be received and noted as resolutions of Council without any alteration or amendment thereto.

Record of Voting:

For the Motion: Unanimous

resolved: Councillor Landsberry and Councillor Payor

That the Committee of the Whole recommendations from the Closed Session in relation to Item CCL016-21 Appointment of Independent Members for the Georges River Audit Risk and Improvement Committee, be received and noted as resolutions of Council without any alteration or amendment thereto.

Record of Voting:

For the Motion: Unanimous

CONCLUSION

The Meeting was closed at 10.59pm

Chairperson