Meeting Date: 15/02/2006

REPORT AUTHOR/S	Chief Finance Officer, Ms J Hately
FILE REFERENCE	03/01122
REASON FOR REPORT	Monthly update
DOES AN EXISTING POLICY COVER THIS MATTER?	No
IF "NO" - SHOULD A POLICY BE DEVELOPED?	No
FINANCIAL IMPLICATIONS	No
DOES THIS REPORT REFERENCE AN EARLIER REPORT? (If so, then indicate full report reference details)	No

Meeting Date: 15/02/2006

REPORT AUTHOR/S	Senior Manager - Administration, Mr W Park
FILE REFERENCE	05/50-4
REASON FOR REPORT	Inviting the Mayor to the inaugural Mayors' Design Forum
DOES AN EXISTING POLICY COVER THIS MATTER?	Yes
IF "NO" - SHOULD A POLICY BE DEVELOPED?	Yes
FINANCIAL IMPLICATIONS	$1000.00 cost to attend Forum. Budget already has been exceeded
DOES THIS REPORT REFERENCE AN EARLIER REPORT? (If so, then indicate full report reference details)	No

"We have great pleasure in inviting you to attend the inaugural Mayors' Design Forum to be held at the University of Sydney's Planning Research Centre. The Forum will be held on Thursday, 2nd March and Friday, 3rd March. We have assembled some stimulating speakers to work with a limited group of Mayors to help you keep up with the latest thinking on urban design, urban renewal and urban planning.

The Forum is based on the successful Mayors Institute regularly held in America (see http://www.citymayors.com/index.html) where Mayors work with planning experts and design problems in their own city. The speakers for the inaugural Forum include:

* The Hon Malcolm Turnbull - Federal Member of Parliament and contributor to the Sustainable Cities Report
* The Hon Bob Carr - past Premier of NSW
* The Hon Paul Keating - past Prime Minister and past member of the Brand of Architects NSW
* Professor Edward J Blakely - Chair of Urban and Regional Planning; Director of the Planning Research Centre and international expert on urban planning.
* Professor Chris Johnson - Executive Director Urban Renewal - NSW Department of Planning
* Professor Bill Randolph - Researcher into urban social issues
* Mr Rod Cornish - Macquarie Bank expert researcher into property matters
* Associate Professor John Landis - American expert on walkable cities
* Mr Sean O'Toole - General Manager, Landcom
* Che Wall - Chair, World Green Building Council
* Mr Ken Morrison - NSW Executive Director, Property Council of Australia
* Clr David Borger - Lord Mayor of Parramatta City Council

Councillor Genia McAffrey, the President of the Local Government Association, is very supportive of the Mayors' Design Forum and will also be speaking during the two days.

The Forum will cover a range of topics including:
* Urban Planning Themes
* Urban renewal case studies
* Spatial mapping technologies
* Walkable cities
* Property industry research
* Economic trends
* Environmental impact at town scale.

An important component will be the DESIGN WORKSHOP focused on case studies from each Mayor's town or city. Skilled urban designers will work with each Mayor to develop solutions.

Each Mayor will receive a Mayors' Design Forum Workbook with extensive information - references - case studies and further material will be provided by an exclusive Mayors' Design Forum email.

The cost of attending the Mayors' Forum will be $1,000 per person including all meals and extensive material. As places in the Forum are limited to ensure maximum focus, please contact Julia Wilson on 9351 6863 or pre@arch.usyd.edu.au or if you would like to speak to either of us, please contact Chris Johnson, Mob.0412 258 283 or David Borger, Ph.9806 5060."

Meeting Date: 15/02/2006

REPORT AUTHOR/S	Senior Manager - Administration, Mr W Park
FILE REFERENCE	04/2853
REASON FOR REPORT	For Information
DOES AN EXISTING POLICY COVER THIS MATTER?	Yes
IF "NO" - SHOULD A POLICY BE DEVELOPED?	Yes
FINANCIAL IMPLICATIONS	N/A
DOES THIS REPORT REFERENCE AN EARLIER REPORT? (If so, then indicate full report reference details)	No

"I refer to the Council's letter dated 20 October, 2005 asking whether the Department has any plans to revise the Model Privacy Management Plan and Code of Practice for Local Government.

The Department does not have any immediate plans to revisit these documents. However, this does not preclude the Council from re-examining its own Privacy Management Plan and Code of Practice with input from Privacy NSW, the agency responsible for the administration of the Privacy and Personal Information Protection Act 1998 (PPIPA).

I note the Council's concerns about interaction between the Local Government Act 1993, the Freedom of Information Act 1989 and the PPIPA. The Department is aware of this issue.

The Department has to date been awaiting the re-convening of the Local Government Privacy Working Party by Privacy NSW prior to raising this and other issues in a formal manner with the appropriate stakeholders to seek their views on possible legislative reform.

I trust this clarifies the situation."

Meeting Date: 15/02/2006

REPORT AUTHOR/S	Manager - Administration, Mr W Lawrence
FILE REFERENCE	05/420
REASON FOR REPORT	To provide Council with a report on the achievements of Luke Hamer at the Pacific School Games in Melbourne during November and December 2005.
DOES AN EXISTING POLICY COVER THIS MATTER?	Yes
IF "NO" - SHOULD A POLICY BE DEVELOPED?	No
FINANCIAL IMPLICATIONS	Nil
DOES THIS REPORT REFERENCE AN EARLIER REPORT? (If so, then indicate full report reference details)	Yes, Item No. FIN103-05 Meeting held 16th November 2005

"THAT Council provide a donation of $200 to Luke Hamer under the provisions of Section 356 of the Local Government Act 1993 from Account No. 4059.46820 of the 2005/2006 Adopted Program Budget Inc to assist with his participation in the Pacific School Games to be held in Melbourne on 26th November to 4th December, 2005.

That the St George District Athletic Club be advised of Council's decision and that as James Nipperess has received financial assistance to represent Council in the Sister City Games held in Shiroishi, Japan, Council is unable to accede to further financial assistance on this occasion.

FURTHER, THAT Luke Hamer be requested to submit a report on his results achieved at the Pacific School Games."

"13/14yr 800m 1st place with a new record of 1.58.08 (a pb breaking the old record by 4 sec)
200m 3rd place
4 x 100m relay 2nd place
medley relay 3rd place
mixed age relay 2nd place

Upon Luke's return he was awarded with the Marist College Penshurst Year 8 Sportsman of the Year Trophy."

Meeting Date: 15/02/2006

REPORT AUTHOR/S	Manager - Administration, Mr W Lawrence
FILE REFERENCE	04/2793
REASON FOR REPORT	Statutory Requirement
DOES AN EXISTING POLICY COVER THIS MATTER?	Yes
IF "NO" - SHOULD A POLICY BE DEVELOPED?	No
FINANCIAL IMPLICATIONS	Nil
DOES THIS REPORT REFERENCE AN EARLIER REPORT? (If so, then indicate full report reference details)	No

"Register and Tabling of Returns
450A.

1. The General Manager must keep a register of returns required to be lodged with the General Manager under Section 449.

2. Returns required to be lodged with the General Manager under Section 449 must be tabled at a Meeting of the Council, being:

a) in the case of a return lodged in accordance with Section 449(1) - the first Meeting held after the last day for lodgement under that subsection; or

b) in the case of a return lodged in accordance with Section 449(3) - the first meeting held after the last day for lodgement under that subsection; or

c) in the case of a return otherwise lodged with the General Manager - the first Meeting after lodgement."

Meeting Date: 15/02/2006

REPORT AUTHOR/S	Senior Manager - Administration, Mr W Park
FILE REFERENCE	06/420
REASON FOR REPORT	Request for donation equal to amount of rates
DOES AN EXISTING POLICY COVER THIS MATTER?	No
IF "NO" - SHOULD A POLICY BE DEVELOPED?	No
FINANCIAL IMPLICATIONS	$1557.00 sufficient funds available within budget
DOES THIS REPORT REFERENCE AN EARLIER REPORT? (If so, then indicate full report reference details)	No

"As you are aware we are a family and community based club in the field of recreational gymnastics and a not for profit organization.

We cater for all kids 4 to 14 years of age in our area that can not afford to go to more expensive gym clubs, we currently have 70 children enrolled in our gym classes and only charge a minimum fee of $6.50 per class, enough to cover the wages for our dedicated trainers and pay extremely high insurance premiums.

For many years from 1945 to 2000 Hurstville council generously donated our rates notice, after Sheila had made many enquiries to the Department of Housing they decided that they would take over payment of the rates notices, which they have paid up until the 28/10/2005

The rates notice # 097002 was sent to our club; on making enquiries to Hurstville council they said that Dept. of Housing is no longer going to pay them.

I contacted Dept. of Housing Ms Paola Nunez who informed me that they had made a mistake and we had to pay the rates after they reviewed the contract which was draw up in 1945. The club had signed up a 50 year lease.

The reason for my letter to you is to ask if Hurstville Council could waiver our rates notices for 2005 – 2006 as a contribution to a community service, as we can not afford to pay this amount of money, it would force us to close up and disappoint many kids and parents."

"Property 7 Hedley Street, Peakhurst.

2005/2006 Rate Levy $1,629.61 plus Waste Service Charges $450.00. Total $2,079.61 less payment $522.61(paid by Dept of Housing) Balance Payable $1,557.00

From rating notes. Information is as follows - up to and including the 1997/1998 rating period, the Club applied to Council, each year, for a donation equal to the rates levy amount paid.

It would appear that these donation requests ceased after this period , looks like there may have been a change of Club Secretary at this time. Anyway, the Dept of Housing took control of payment up until now.

Options are available to the lessee:

1. To apply for a donation again and in this regard, donation requests are handled by the Administration Section.

2. To apply to have the property classified as non rateable land. under Section 556 of Local Government Act - Land that belongs to and is used by a public benevolent institution or charity.

It gets fuzzy here to determine whether the land should be classified as non rateable.

Land owned by the Crown (Dept of Housing) which is leased for private purposes, is rateable.

However, Court cases have determined that the word "belongs" generally refers to some form of proprietorship. Land may be said to "belong" to a person or body (Boys Club) even where there is possession short of actual legal ownership (Dept of Housing), provided there is an absolute right of user.

In considering whether a particular body is a public charity, Council must look at the body as a whole, its objects, purposes and activities. The club (if registered as a charitable organisation) must prove that its dominate purpose is charitable, such as trusts for the advancement of religion, trusts for the relief of poverty, trusts for the advancement of education and trusts for the purposes beneficial to the community. Charity must not be confused with common or everyday concepts of merely good works. If the Club did apply for rate exemption under the above provisions of the Act, it may be necessary for Council to refer the matter for legal opinion."

Meeting Date: 15/02/2006

REPORT AUTHOR/S	Senior Manager - Administration, Mr W Park
FILE REFERENCE	04/2276
REASON FOR REPORT	Requesting reconsideration of concessional rental of Entertainment Centre Facilities as resolved by Council in September 2005
DOES AN EXISTING POLICY COVER THIS MATTER?	No
IF "NO" - SHOULD A POLICY BE DEVELOPED?	No
FINANCIAL IMPLICATIONS	Increase in donations to charities and no funds available in Subsidies for Concessional Rental of Entertainment Centre Facilities or S356 Donations
DOES THIS REPORT REFERENCE AN EARLIER REPORT? (If so, then indicate full report reference details)	Yes ADM084-05 21st September 2005

"We have received your communication of 20.10.05 outlining the consideration that Hurstville Council has given us in relation to rental charges in respect of two ongoing activities and one pilot project for young Singles.

A great part of our work in the community is due to the encouragement, support and goodwill that Hurstville Council has extended to us over some 13 years, particularly in relation to the use of facilities for our community projects. This goodwill extended to us, by Council, has been the catalyst which has enabled us to respond to community needs!

This support has enabled us to sponsor a range of community activities like - English Classes, Mothers Play-time group, Counselling and support activities for Single-mothers etc. All this is provided on a not-for-profit basis, as a part of our commitment to serve people irrespective of race or religion. People in the ICF family personally pay for these services and volunteer their time and skills. Just recently we have supplied furniture and household items to a young Moslem mother from Iran who has separated from her husband.

We have taken time to review the beginnings of Council's support for ICF's community Youth Work and would like to ask that Council continue to give this Youth Work project the same classification and consideration that is akin to youth work via Youth Zone.

We consider this factor as very important to Council's assessment and believe that this nexus has been eclipsed with current administrative changes and loss of continuity. We will be happy to discuss this further.

Historically speaking, we had launched our Youth Work project (called International Community Youth - ICY) around 1993 and commenced using "The Ave" centre in 1997 until 2001. Youth Zone subsequently took over the Friday slot we had. This meant that we could no longer use 'The Ave" on Friday nights.

At that time we did put the matter of a meeting place for our Community Youth to Hurstville Council, and asked for help to keep this work viable. We did present a rational for support which was favourably accepted by Council which granted the use of the Senior Citizen Hall, for 3 hours, on Fridays at the Youth Zone rate for non-profit community groups.

In that context we did present the following background information to Council:

* The community youth work we sponsor and maintain has a family focus and is a benefit to the larger community. ICY has a multi-cultural mix of youth. In essence, the ICY initiative is helping Council meet a larger need in the area. There is an enormous effort put out from our side to maintain this work among teenagers who are at a critical age. We work with a wide range of kids. In some instances we provide a context for some dysfunctional youth to integrate into mainstream life.

* This Youth ministry works closely with parents. It offers family support and counselling, moral and spiritual training, vocational guidance, group leadership skills and also utilizes youthful skills in organising community programs like Carols in the Park, Youth Camps, etc. This Youth project is open to youth from local schools.

* As a non-profit, non-funded group, we happily cover all the costs of this Youth Work. The benefits to the community and Hurstville Council is free, when it is compared to the very significant financial budget expense incurred by Council to maintain youth work via Youth Zone. (Note Youth Zone actually pay Council rent for use of 18 Treacy St).

* The ICY youth undertake periodic fund raising projects to help subsidise social outings, camps etc., to enable less financial members to participate.

* We are more than happy to keep our Youth Project going, but only ask that Hurstville Council recognise the significance of youth work undertaken by ICF which is not all that different to Council's Youth Projects. Council gets value for money by allowing the use of its facilities for work with teenagers. We need Council's help in this regard.

* We are very conscious of Caterer Pelopida's need for the use of the Hall on occasional Friday nights. We mutually organise dates and when necessary we vacate the hall and take our youth bowling or ice-skating.

Given the investment we are making on many fronts, it is not possible for us to sustain the increase from $18.15 to $62.50 for 3 hours on a Friday night. It is for this reason that we draw the attention of Hurstville Council to the former basis of assessing this Youth Work which was in line with Council's very own Youth project via Youth Zone.

We ask Hurstville Council to kindly reconsider its assessment in the light of Council's previous consideration - of allowing ICF's community Youth Project to be viewed in line with work undertaken by Youth Zone - and once again apply the Block Rate as per the current charges schedule for Non profit, non-funded groups.

Thank you for your consideration and time.

Yours Sincerely


Dr Winston Gauder
Pastor/Projects Co-ordinator"

"THAT the International Community Fellowship be granted concessional use of the Senior Citizens' Centre on Friday evenings on the basis of the suggested arrangements detailed from the organisation in this regard."

Sunday Mornings (Church Service and Sunday School)
currently pay $145.20 p/w in lieu of $240 = Subsidy of $4,929.60
(Council resolved to continue with cost + 10% charge).

Friday Evenings (School term - Youth Group)
were paying $18.15 p/w in lieu of $156 = Subsidy of $3,732.00
(Council resolved to increase hire fee to cost + 10% being $62.70p/w).

Saturday Evenings (new service - Youth Cafe night one Saturday p/m)
currently free use in lieu of $260 = Subsidy of $1,560
(Council resolved to grant 6 months trial at no charge).

Total Subsidies $10,221.60 (not currently included in the 2005/06 Concessional Rentals program budget)

Meeting Date: 15/02/2006

REPORT AUTHOR/S	Manager Administration, Mr Warwick Lawrence
FILE REFERENCE	04/3209
REASON FOR REPORT	To inform Council of a request from James Hardie Industries for Council to lift any remaining bans on its products
DOES AN EXISTING POLICY COVER THIS MATTER?	No
IF "NO" - SHOULD A POLICY BE DEVELOPED?	No
FINANCIAL IMPLICATIONS	None to Council
DOES THIS REPORT REFERENCE AN EARLIER REPORT? (If so, then indicate full report reference details)	Yes, Mayoral Minute (No 332) to the Council Meeting of 25th August 2004 CCL016-05 to the Council Meeting of 23rd February 2005

"THAT the lifting of Council's decision at its meeting on 25th August, 2004 (Minute No. 332) as outlined in Item 6 of the Mayoral Minute to this meeting to boycott all James Hardie products, be deferred until such time as the Shareholders consent and subsequent Principal Agreement is signed."

"Now that James Hardie and the NSW Government have signed the legally-binding Final Funding Arrangement, I write to ask your Council to join the unions in opposing any bans on the use of James Hardie products so that the company can continue to grow and meet the payments it has undertaken to provide to Australian asbestos diseases sufferers.

The Agreement, signed on 1 December, 2005, will provide long-term funding for Australian asbestos-related personal injury claims that result from exposure to products made by former James Hardie Group subsidiaries.

While both parties to the agreement acknowledge that negotiations took longer than we or our stakeholders initially expected, it was necessary for both the NSW Government and James Hardie, in the interests of all stakeholders (including claimants), to take the time to achieve a sustainable and robust agreement so as to maximise the future financial viability of the compensation fund and James Hardie.

Throughout the negotiations, claimants continued to receive their compensation payments from the Medical Research and Compensation Foundation (MRCF) established by James Hardie in February 2001 and we have been told by asbestos support groups and the MRCF that no proven claim has gone unpaid.

The arrangements described in the Final Funding Agreement are designed to provide funding for Australian proven personal injury claims whilst preserving the financial health and growth prospects of James Hardie. KPMG Actuaries, in their report as of 30 June, 2005, estimate the discounted value of the liabilities at approximately A$1.6 billion (A$3.1 billion on an undiscounted basis).

All parties involved in the negotiations agreed it is in the interests of asbestos claimants that James Hardie is, and remains, financially viable and able to continue to fund its business growth.

At a media conference following the signing of the Final Funding Agreement, the Premier of NSW, The Hon Morris Iemma, said: 'Now it is time to give James Hardie an opportunity to get on with business, to be a successful company. The agreement means that the victims can share in the prosperity of James Hardie into the future ... we should recognise that any more bans and boycotts ought to be lifted from James Hardie, as this agreement does mean that a prosperous and successful commercial entity, James Hardie, means the dollars fall to victims, going into the compensation fund to provide justice for them.'

In an article that appears on the ACTU website, the president of the ACTU, Greg Combet, says: 'with the signing of(the) agreement the ACTU is calling on all unions and others in the community to lift any remaining bans or boycotts on James Hardie products'.

Other union websites, such as LaborNet and the AMWU, report that all bans on James Hardie products have been lifted by unions.

The Final Funding Agreement is subject to a number of conditions precedent, including tax deductibility of the funding arrangements and approval by James Hardie's lenders and shareholders.

We continue to work through these issues, at the same time endeavouring to ensure that James Hardie's business continues to operate profitably, to the benefit of all those who now have a stake in the company's future - including asbestos claimants.

Your members can directly assist with this by removing any remaining objections they may have to the use of James Hardie products.

I attach copies of the company's recent statements which describe the Final Funding Agreement in more detail, and would be happy to address any additional questions that you, or your members, might still have."

Meeting Date: 15/02/2006

REPORT AUTHOR/S	Manager Administration - Mr Warwick Lawrence
FILE REFERENCE	05/1923
REASON FOR REPORT	To seek endorsement of the Mayor's decision to provide a letter of support to Kogarah Council
DOES AN EXISTING POLICY COVER THIS MATTER?	No
IF "NO" - SHOULD A POLICY BE DEVELOPED?	No
FINANCIAL IMPLICATIONS	None
DOES THIS REPORT REFERENCE AN EARLIER REPORT? (If so, then indicate full report reference details)	No

"I have had preliminary discussions with GROW regarding the establishment of a Regional Environmental Education Centre at Carss Park.

Initial discussions have related to grant funding that may be available to assist in the establishment of a regional facility.

You may be aware that Council has the opportunity to use the first floor of the Carss Park Bowling Club, which given its location to Kogarah Bay, Carss Bush Park and the Water Treatment Facility currently being installed at Beverley Park Golf Course is ideally sited to cater for such a venture.

A Regional Environmental Education Centre would provide school children and residents of the St George area with an opportunity to become aware of local and global environmental issues.

Any application to proceed to seek funding from GROW would benefit from a letter of support from your Council.

I would appreciate if you could raise this matter with your Council and provide me with a response so as I can proceed with preparing the proposal for a Regional Environmental Education Centre."

"I refer to your letter dated 12 December, 2005 regarding your proposal for a regional Environmental Education Centre at Carss Park and preliminary discussions with GROW to assist your Council with funding towards the project.

On behalf of Hurstville City Council, I certainly support the initiative and appreciate Kogarah Council's view that the facility should cater to school children and residents of the whole St George area. Hurstville, Kogarah and Rockdale Councils have undertaken a number of environmental sustainability projects together over the last few years to the great benefit of our residents and the natural environment.

I wish you well in your discussions with GROW and look forward to hearing more about this very worthwhile project."

Meeting Date: 15/02/2006

REPORT AUTHOR/S	Manager Administration - Mr Warwick Lawrence
FILE REFERENCE	03/643
REASON FOR REPORT	To determine a request for financial assistance.
DOES AN EXISTING POLICY COVER THIS MATTER?	No
IF "NO" - SHOULD A POLICY BE DEVELOPED?	No
FINANCIAL IMPLICATIONS	A $2000 sponsorship will further extend this already over committed budget item.
DOES THIS REPORT REFERENCE AN EARLIER REPORT? (If so, then indicate full report reference details)	No

Meeting Date: 15/02/2006

REPORT AUTHOR/S	Senior Manager - Administration, Mr W Park
FILE REFERENCE	05/1774
REASON FOR REPORT	List of tenders received
DOES AN EXISTING POLICY COVER THIS MATTER?	No
IF "NO" - SHOULD A POLICY BE DEVELOPED?	No
FINANCIAL IMPLICATIONS	N/A
DOES THIS REPORT REFERENCE AN EARLIER REPORT? (If so, then indicate full report reference details)	No

Meeting Date: 15/02/2006

REPORT AUTHOR/S	Administration Officer, Mrs Linda Joukhador
FILE REFERENCE	06/420
REASON FOR REPORT	Inform Members of donation requests rejected under delegated authority from individuals
DOES AN EXISTING POLICY COVER THIS MATTER?	Yes
IF "NO" - SHOULD A POLICY BE DEVELOPED?	No
FINANCIAL IMPLICATIONS	No
DOES THIS REPORT REFERENCE AN EARLIER REPORT? (If so, then indicate full report reference details)	No

Meeting Date: 15/02/2006

REPORT AUTHOR/S	Administration Officer, Mrs Linda Joukhador
FILE REFERENCE	06/50
REASON FOR REPORT	Inform Members of official functions/events attended by the Mayor/Councillors under delegated authority
DOES AN EXISTING POLICY COVER THIS MATTER?	Yes
IF "NO" - SHOULD A POLICY BE DEVELOPED?	No
FINANCIAL IMPLICATIONS	N/A
DOES THIS REPORT REFERENCE AN EARLIER REPORT? (If so, then indicate full report reference details)	No

Meeting Date: 15/02/2006

REPORT AUTHOR/S	Administration Officer, Mrs Linda Joukhador
FILE REFERENCE	06/420
REASON FOR REPORT	Inform Members of donation requests rejected under delegated authority from organisations
DOES AN EXISTING POLICY COVER THIS MATTER?	Yes
IF "NO" - SHOULD A POLICY BE DEVELOPED?	No
FINANCIAL IMPLICATIONS	N/A
DOES THIS REPORT REFERENCE AN EARLIER REPORT? (If so, then indicate full report reference details)	No

Meeting Date: 15/02/2006

REPORT AUTHOR/S	Administration Officer, Mrs Linda Joukhador
FILE REFERENCE	04/1066
REASON FOR REPORT	Inform Members of reduced rental requests rejected under delegated authority
DOES AN EXISTING POLICY COVER THIS MATTER?	Yes
IF "NO" - SHOULD A POLICY BE DEVELOPED?	No
FINANCIAL IMPLICATIONS	No
DOES THIS REPORT REFERENCE AN EARLIER REPORT? (If so, then indicate full report reference details)	No

Meeting Date: 15/02/2006

REPORT AUTHOR/S	Manager- Administration, Mr Warwick Lawrence
FILE REFERENCE	06/244
REASON FOR REPORT	For Council to determine an offer from the St George District Cricket Club Inc to hang in the Council Chambers a loaned item of the Clubs memorabilia
DOES AN EXISTING POLICY COVER THIS MATTER?	No
IF "NO" - SHOULD A POLICY BE DEVELOPED?	No
FINANCIAL IMPLICATIONS	None
DOES THIS REPORT REFERENCE AN EARLIER REPORT? (If so, then indicate full report reference details)	No

"I am writing on behalf of the St George District Cricket Club concerning an important piece of cricket memorabilia.

As you can appreciate over the years we have collected a number of quality pieces. One issue that has surfaced is having the space to hang such items. I would like to ask whether you would be interested in having one of our excellent memorabilia pieces on loan to hang in the Council Chambers? All that we would need is for a document to be drawn up indicating that the item is in fact on loan from the cricket club and would be returned on request.

It is my intention to approach each of the local Councils within the St George area to make such an offer. I'm sure that both Rockdale CC and Kogarah Municipal Council will be similarly interested in such an offer.

The actual item I have in mind for Hurstville City Council is a personally autographed Sir Donald Bradman piece that highlights the St George baggy cap and outlines Sir Donald's performances at St George. It is in fact "Number 1" of a limited edition of 200 such items.

Vince, could I take this opportunity to thank Council for its outstanding support of cricket within the St George District and I look forward to hearing from you shortly regarding this matter."

Meeting Date: 15/02/2006

REPORT AUTHOR/S	Manager Administration, Mr W Lawrence
FILE REFERENCE	05/1888
REASON FOR REPORT	To appraise Councillors on the current situation relating to the Independent Inquiry by the Local Government & Shires Association and for Council to determine the Associations request to contribute financially towards the cost of the inquiry.
DOES AN EXISTING POLICY COVER THIS MATTER?	No
IF "NO" - SHOULD A POLICY BE DEVELOPED?	No
FINANCIAL IMPLICATIONS	The LG&SA are seeking a contribution of $2334.20 towards the cost of the inquiry which has not been included in the 2005/2006 budget.
DOES THIS REPORT REFERENCE AN EARLIER REPORT? (If so, then indicate full report reference details)	No

“In July 2005 the Presidents wrote to all Mayors to advise that the Associations were establishing an Independent Inquiry into the Financial Sustainability of NSW Local Government. This is a major initiative which will be of critical importance to the future of Local Government in NSW. The announcement of this initiative received overwhelming support from councils.

The motivation for the Inquiry is the widespread concern in many circles about Local Government’s financial capacity to continue to meet the growing demands for infrastructure and services. The shortfall in infrastructure investment is already well documented and the deficit continues to grow. There is also an evident gap between service delivery and community demands.

There are serious questions about Local Government’s ongoing ability to fulfil its roles and responsibilities within current intergovernmental arrangements and financial constraints. Cost shifting on to Local Government and Local Government’s limited revenue base are central to these concerns. The problems are exacerbated by a range of external forces including demographic change and skills shortages. Rate pegging remains a significant problem.

As previously advised, the Inquiry is being conducted by an independent Panel chaired by Professor Percy Allan, AM, assisted by Inquiry members, Ms Libby Darlison and Ms Diana Gibbs.

The Associations are encouraged by the strong response to the Inquiry by councils, other stakeholders and the general public. Over 100 submissions have been received by the Inquiry, of which 75 were made by councils and ROCs. Many more councils participated in the series of workshops held around the state and several participated directly in research components commissioned by the Inquiry.

The Inquiry received a further 29 submissions from other stakeholders and individuals. These included submissions from government agencies, professional associations, environmental groups, community groups and unions. In addition, the Inquiry has conducted numerous interviews with key bureaucrats and other stakeholder representatives.

The Inquiry also commissioned several specific research papers on various aspects of Local Government finance and management. These have now been completed.

In all, the Inquiry has amassed a considerable volume of research and submissions which the Panel members and their researchers are currently working through. The Inquiry’s initial findings will be produced in an Interim Report (Findings and Options Paper) to be released on 28 February 2005. Councils and other stakeholders will have a further opportunity to comment on the interim report before the Final Report is released on 1 May, 2006.

As indicated at the outset, the Inquiry is a major undertaking and involves considerable costs. The total budget for the Inquiry has now been finalised at $550,000. In July 2005 the Presidents advised that the Associations had resolved to seek member contributions for 50% of the cost of the Inquiry (based on members annual subscription formula) with the balance to be funded by the Associations. The Associations now request your contribution. An invoice for your council is attached.

I have every confidence that the Inquiry’s findings and recommendations will provide NSW Local Government with sound guidance for the future and better equip Local Government to secure a better deal from the State and Federal Governments.”

Meeting Date: 15/02/2006

REPORT AUTHOR/S	Administration Officer, Ms Linda Joukhador
FILE REFERENCE	06/420
REASON FOR REPORT	Request for financial assistance
DOES AN EXISTING POLICY COVER THIS MATTER?	Yes
IF "NO" - SHOULD A POLICY BE DEVELOPED?	No
FINANCIAL IMPLICATIONS	No specific funds available in the Program Budget
DOES THIS REPORT REFERENCE AN EARLIER REPORT? (If so, then indicate full report reference details)	No

Meeting Date: 15/02/2006

REPORT AUTHOR/S	Hurstville Place Manager - Ms Cheryl Flynn
FILE REFERENCE	05/1934
REASON FOR REPORT	To inform Council of the funding process for the two grants received from the RRIF, "Building DA capacity" (via LGSA consortium) and "Small and Home based business assistance One stop, On line shop" (HCC).
DOES AN EXISTING POLICY COVER THIS MATTER?	No
IF "NO" - SHOULD A POLICY BE DEVELOPED?	No
FINANCIAL IMPLICATIONS	No financial contribution from Council is required.
DOES THIS REPORT REFERENCE AN EARLIER REPORT? (If so, then indicate full report reference details)	No

Meeting Date: 15/02/2006

REPORT AUTHOR/S	Vanessa Chan Manager Corporate Planning
FILE REFERENCE	04/1870
REASON FOR REPORT	To advise Council of Progress Towards Achievement of the Management Plan 2005/08.
DOES AN EXISTING POLICY COVER THIS MATTER?	Yes, Management Planning for NSW Local Governement Guidleines, DLG, 2000
IF "NO" - SHOULD A POLICY BE DEVELOPED?	No
FINANCIAL IMPLICATIONS	Refer to December Quarter Financial Review
DOES THIS REPORT REFERENCE AN EARLIER REPORT? (If so, then indicate full report reference details)	CCL234-05 Management Plan 2005/08 1st Quarter Report

Meeting Date: 15/02/2006

REPORT AUTHOR/S	Senior Manager - Administration, Mr W Park
FILE REFERENCE	C/00122
REASON FOR REPORT	For the information of Members
DOES AN EXISTING POLICY COVER THIS MATTER?	No
IF "NO" - SHOULD A POLICY BE DEVELOPED?	No
FINANCIAL IMPLICATIONS	Nil
DOES THIS REPORT REFERENCE AN EARLIER REPORT? (If so, then indicate full report reference details)	No

A. Reports and Publications

(i) To be tabled at Meeting

Meeting Date: 15/02/2006

REPORT AUTHOR/S	Commercial Manager, Mr C Lawlor, Manager - Community Services, Mr D Linden
FILE REFERENCE	06/373
REASON FOR REPORT	To seek approval for "owner's consent" to the lodgement of a development application
DOES AN EXISTING POLICY COVER THIS MATTER?	No
IF "NO" - SHOULD A POLICY BE DEVELOPED?	No
FINANCIAL IMPLICATIONS	N/A
DOES THIS REPORT REFERENCE AN EARLIER REPORT? (If so, then indicate full report reference details)	Tes - SD193-04

Background

Pole Depot Neighbourhood Centre Inc has occupied premises in the Pole Depot park for over 20 years. The Council owned building they partly occupy has been upgraded over the years and now represents a sizable Council asset. In 2005 the replacement cost was estimated at $980,000. They now seek to further extend the building.

A proposal has been received from the Pole Depot Neighbourhood Centre Inc to construct an additional floor over the top of the existing hall. The scope of the proposal means that a DA has to be lodged and determined. This requires land owners consent.

As Pole Depot are also proposing to fund the project they are seeking some certainty of long term tenure, which is understandable given the likely cost would exceed $150,000 (subject to design).

The proposal also needs to be considered in light of the findings of the Working Party set-up in 2004 to consider the future use and development of the site.

Proposal

A brief request for Council’s consent to lodge a DA was received in 2005. A more detailed proposal was received in January 2006 from the Centre Director, Ms Kim Buhagiar. The main text of the letter follows:

“Last year the organisations within the Pole Depot facility as part of Council’s steering committee met to review the situation at Pole Depot. The issue of lack of space was considered both in the short and long term. The long term recommendation was to develop a design incorporating the future space requirements of the organisations currently located within Pole Depot, together with the needs of the Penshurst Long Day Care Centre.

Pole Depot Neighbourhood Centre Inc has immediate space issues impacting on their operation as listed below:
· Lack of meeting space
· Lack of available private space for counselling
· The need for space to relocate 60 children attending St Declans after school care in 2007
· Currently staff are sharing desk space.

The fact that a long term solution such as rebuilding the premises would not be feasible within the next 10 years, if at all, the Committee has been investigating alternate solutions to our space problem.

After researching a number of options, the best and most financially viable solution would be to extend the office space over the existing hall. It is proposed that a DA be submitted to extend the entire length of the hall due to financial constraints our immediate plans would be to undertake two thirds of this extension immediately and complete the extension when funds are available.

A letter requesting Council’s consent to submit a DA has been forwarded to Council. This solution is within the plans developed by the steering committee and will provide a workable solution until such time as the longer term plans are developed.”

Analysis of Project

Council will recall that during 2004 the Pole Depot Neighbourhood Centre Working Party was formed to investigate, consider and make recommendations on issues relating to the use of the Centre.

The Working Party which was made up of Councillors, Council staff and representatives of the various user groups was chaired by Councillor McMahon and met on four occasions. It considered details of the present and future requirements of each of the groups and reached agreement on short and medium term options to be presented to Council. The report on the outcomes of the meetings of the Working Party together with the recommendations was presented to Council at its meeting on 15 December 2004 (refer Report SD193-04).

The short term option presented involved the relocation of the playgroups to free up space for use by other existing programs provided by the Neighbourhood Centre. The medium term options included a first floor extension to the existing building which would be integrated into the existing upper floor and a possible ground floor extension onto the land fronting Forest Rd. The longer term option was for the possible provision of a new purpose built facility either on the current site or at another location. It was recognised that the latter option, if it was to occur at all, was likely to be many years in the future.

Council resolved to adopt the short term option of relocating the Penshurst Neighbourhood Playgroup and the St George Zone of Playgroups to a building located in Olds Park subject to a budget bid for the costs associated with the relocation (i.e. the refurbishment of the building) being approved in the 2005-06 budget. Council further resolved to give consideration to funding the investigation of the preferred options for future expansion of the building to meet the identified needs including costings of the proposals and identification of possible funding sources subject to a budget bid being approved in the 2005-06 budget.

Although the budget bids as outlined were submitted they were not ultimately funded in the 2005-06 budget and the status quo remained.

During the intervening period the Management Committee of the Neighbourhood Centre has continued its own investigation into the most viable option for meeting its immediate needs for more meeting and office space and concluded that the previously identified option of the first floor extension over the existing hall area is the preferred solution.

The Committee has also decided that it wishes to pursue this option utilising its own financial resources to fund the construction works. Correspondence has been received from the Pole Depot Neighbourhood Centre Inc requesting Council’s approval (as property owner) to lodge a development application for the work

During the Working Party’s investigations discussions were held in relation to the impact that the requirements of Council’s Generic Plan of Management covering the Pole Depot Park may have on any future work on the Centre and if a separate Plan of Management would be required. In the absence of any firm proposals for options that involved alterations to the Centre a final decision was not made at the time.

The proposal which is now under consideration was referred to Council’s Manager Parks and Recreation for advice on the impact of the Plan of Management and Mr Sharp has advised that as the proposal doesn’t involve a change in the nature or use of the facility the proposal is permitted under the existing Generic Plan of Management and no new specific Plan of Management is required prior to the development application being lodged and the building works proceeding.

As stated the proposal by the Centre for the first floor extension concurs fully with the findings of the Working Party and the options endorsed by Council in 2004. Also it is permitted under the Generic Plan of Management for the park. Approval of the request to lodge a development application and general support for the proposal is therefore recommended.

Tenure

As noted previously the Centre requires secure long term tenure prior to investing significant funds. This is understandable and expected.

The Pole Depot is sited on Community land. The Local Government Act provides for lease, licenses and other estates on Community land subject to a range of conditions. None of the conditions would preclude a lease to Pole Depot. More specifically the generic Plan of Management provides for leases at that location and specifically mentions the possibility of a lease to Pole Depot.

Currently there is no formal arrangement between Council and Pole Depot. This has led to uncertainty on responsibilities for:
· Building maintenance
· Operating costs
· OH&S management
· Fire safety management
· Cleaning & waste removal
· Grounds maintenance
· Security
· Insurances.

In comparison, recent leases with other not for profit organisations (eg Spastic Centre, and Pole Depot as lessee of 143 Forest Rd) have clearly defined the responsibilities for most if not all of these matters. In particular OH&S legislation now requires a range of risk plans and responsibilities to be clearly defined.

It is considered there are advantages for both parties if a formal lease is negotiated and entered into. Initial discussions have suggested a minimum term of 10 years is required by Pole Depot. This is allowable on Community land and as they are a not for profit community group Council does not have to tender the lease. The advantages are seen as:
· More clarity in respect to roles & responsibilities
· Assist resolve OH&S issues
· Increased certainty for budget
· Secure tenure for Pole Depot Neighbourhood Centre Inc
· Expansion of space and improved services at no cost to Council.

Should Council agree in principle to the concept of a lease a more detailed proposal will be developed with the Pole Centre for Council’s consideration.

APPENDIX


COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION
THAT Council give Owners Consent to the lodgement of a development application by Pole Depot Neighbourhood Centre Inc., for the building work outlined in the Report.

FURTHER THAT a lease for the premises be negotiated with the Pole Depot Neighbourhood Centre Inc. and submitted for Council’s consideration.

Meeting Date: 15/02/2006

REPORT AUTHOR/S	Chief Finance Officer- Ms Julie Hately
FILE REFERENCE	03/1796
REASON FOR REPORT	To present details of Council's financial performance for the quarter ended 31 December 2005
DOES AN EXISTING POLICY COVER THIS MATTER?	YES
IF "NO" - SHOULD A POLICY BE DEVELOPED?	N/A
FINANCIAL IMPLICATIONS	YES - Adjustment to program budgets
DOES THIS REPORT REFERENCE AN EARLIER REPORT? (If so, then indicate full report reference details)	NO