general manager’s report no. 17/04 - 23 november 2004€¦ · general manager’s report no....

CITY OF RYDE

GENERAL MANAGER’S REPORT NO. 17/04

Council Meeting – 23 November 2004

CONTENTS

Item Property/Subject Page

1 Investments.......................................................................................................1

2 Authority to Affix Seal......................................................................................5

3 Court Actions – Progress Report ...................................................................6

4 Councillor Workshops.....................................................................................7

5 Monthly Financial Report – October 2004 .....................................................8

6 Councillor M. Melhem – Request for Leave of Absence..............................13

7 Community Harmony Reference Group ........................................................14

PRECIS OF CORRESPONDENCE

THERE ARE NO ITEMS OF CORRESPONDENCE

NOTICES OF MOTION

1 Notice of Motion in the name of Councillor Campbell re Preparation of Termsof Reference to enable a review of the current Development Control Plan forUrban Dwellings (DCP 17A).

2 Notice of Motion in the name of Councillor Campbell re Ryde Council joiningthe “Buy Green Alliance” and the General Manager preparing a sustainableprocurement strategy for the Council’s operations.

This is page no. 1 of the General Manager’s Report No.17/04, dated 19 November2004, submitted to Council on 23 November 2004.

General Manager Chairperson

GENERAL MANAGER’S REPORT NO.17/04

19 November 2004

The Mayor and Councillors

1 INVESTMENTS

The Manager – Financial Services reports 23 November 2004 that the investmentslisted in ‘ANNEXURE A’ are held by the Council.

RECOMMENDATION:

That the investments listed in ‘Annexure A’ of the General Manager’s Report No. 17/04and the Certificate of the Manager – Financial Services dated 23 November 2004 bereceived and noted.

General Manager’s Report No. 17/04 19 November 2004

This is page no. 2 of the General Manager’s Report No17/04, dated 19 November 2004,submitted to Council on 23 November 2004.


ITEM 1 (continued) ANNEXURE A




ITEM 1 (continued) ANNEXURE A (continued)




2 AUTHORITY TO AFFIX SEAL

The authority of Council is required to affix the seal to the following documents:-

(a) Licence for outdoor dining area – Shop 1, 172 Rowe Street, Eastwood,Homers Cafe

(b) Deed of Compensation and Release – Epping – Chatswood Rail LInk

RECOMMENDATION:

That the seal of Council be affixed to documents (a) and (b).




3 COURT ACTIONS – PROGRESS REPORT

Address Description Current Status Costs100 LancasterAvenue,Melrose Park

Illegal fill Orders were issued by Land andEnvironment Court on 14/05/2001 toremove fill and rectify the land. Theproperty is under contract for sale. Meeting held with owners solicitors andCouncil has resulted in a deed ofagreement being drawn up to ensureCouncil’s costs are recovered and theland is remediated by the new owner.

$23,000 Not yetrecovered.

1A & 1B KentRoad,North Ryde

Unauthorisedconversion anduse of duplex into4 flats

Judgement Debt against Larry Chinfinalised. Appeal on convictiondismissed. Bankruptcy actioncontinuing. (Application for leave toappeal to the High Court lodged by MrChin in June 2004.)

$26,136.75$7,500 fine(Allrecoverable)

61 AnzacAvenue, WestRyde

Prosecution actionagainst owner of aproperty in relationto an allegedunauthorisedhome industry

Hearing date 9 August 2004.Prosecution successful. Owner given14 days to cease operations. Injunctionin place. Costs Order issued - owner topay.

Not yetdetermined

7-9 RutledgeStreet,Eastwood

Mixed commercial/ residentialdevelopment

Hearing dates 16 & 17 December 2004. Not yetdetermined

16 FrancesStreet, Putney

New dwelling Application approved by Council.Matter discontinued.

Not yetdetermined

6 StratfordAvenue,Denistone

Villas Sent for case management with CourtCommissioner on 2 November 2004 toreview issues. Information beingexchanged on issues between parties.Further call-over yet to be scheduled.

Not yetdetermined

RECOMMENDATION:

That the progress report on court actions be received and noted.




4 COUNCILLOR WORKSHOPS

In accordance with Council's resolution of 26 June 2001, I wish to report on theCouncillor Workshops held in the last month.

Date: 9 November 2004, 6.00pmSubject: Cultural and Linguistically Diverse Backgrounds Needs Paper

(Social Plan 2005)Present: The Mayor, Councillor T W Perram (Chairperson) and Councillors

N B Campbell, T P McCosker, C M Netterfield, G O’Donnell,I J Petch, T D A Ryan, V J Tagg and E M Wilde OAM.

Apology: Councillors M P Butterworth and S Yedelian.

Leave of Absence Councillor M Melhem

Staff Present: General Manager, Acting Group Manager – Civic Services, GroupManager - Public Works and Services, Group Manager –Environmental Planning, Group Manager – Corporate Services,Manager Community Services and Social and Cultural PlanningCo-ordinator.

RECOMMENDATION:

That the information be received and noted.




5 MONTHLY FINANCIAL REPORT – OCTOBER 2004

File No. S10490

Report SummaryThis monthly Financial Report for October 2004 provides an overview of Council’sfinancial performance to 31 October 2004. This report provides explanations for budgetvariances to the revised September Quarterly Report that was considered and adoptedby Council on Tuesday 16 November 2004. The report recommends the adoption of therevised budgets as outlined in the report and corresponding annexures, noting thatCouncil’s projected Working Capital balance has been maintained at $1.625M, asreported as at 30 September 2004.

ReportThe following annexures are circulated under separate cover:

ANNEXURE 1 Summary of Revised Budgets – details items that have had a budgetadjustment with a brief explanation for each.

ANNEXURE 2 Financial Management Summary – graphical representation offinancial performance to 31 October 2004.

ANNEXURE 3 Capital Status Report – provides comments regarding the status ofthe 2004/2005 Capital Works Program.

ANNEXURE 4 Capital Works Program - Timetable.

Summary of Budget Review as at 31 October 2004

SeptemberBudget

($’000)

OctoberRevisedBudget($’000)

Variance toSeptemberBudget($’000)

Operating Revenue 58,893 58,908 15

Direct Operating Expenditure 50,501 50,474 (27)

Direct Operating Result 8,392 8,434 42

Capital Income 11,462 11,855 393

Depreciation (14,295) (14,295) 0

Total Operating Result 5,559 5,994 435

Capital Expenditure 28,452 28,339 (113)

Working Capital 1,625 1,625 (0)




ITEM 5 (continued)

Adjustments to budgets to 31 October 2004 result in a projected Working Capitalbalance of $1.625M, the same figure projected in the September report. There areseveral budget items that are recommended for adjustment, however the overallimpact of these proposed changes results in no overall variation to Council’s WorkingCapital projection.

Major Revised Budgets for October 2004 were as follows:

Operating Income $15K• $25K is to be received from the NSW Health Department to assist in funding

tree maintenance at North Ryde Common. This income is offset by additionalexpenditure.

Capital Income $393K • Income from the sale of Light Commercial Vehicles has been increased by

$125K as a result of the sale of nine (9) utility vehicles that were leased byEnviroserve. This income is offset by additional expenditure on replacementvehicles.

• S94 Income for parking in Access Facilities and Services has been increasedby $98K (budget was $0).

• Income of $203K will be received for the compulsory acquisition of land for theEpping to Chatswood rail link. In accordance with Council’s resolution on 14September 2004 (minute no. 167 - PFS Committee Report 12/04) this incomeis to be transferred to the Special Projects Reserve. The carrying costs of theasset is approximately $34K making the net income $169K.

Operating Expenditure $27K• The budget for the fire brigade contribution has been increased by $28K to

$1.327M.• Expenditure in Strategic Planning was increased by $28K to include funding

for a Leisure Needs Study. Funds are from Section 94 contributions. • The maintenance budget in Urban Landscapes Facilities and Services was

increased by $25K for additional expenditure on tree maintenance at NorthRyde Common, funded by the contribution mentioned above.

• Building maintenance in Urban Landscapes Facilities and Services has beendecreased by $29K due to a reduction in the works programmed for thebuildings in this area.


This is page no. 10 of the General Manager’s Report No17/04, dated 19 November2004, submitted to Council on 23 November 2004.


ITEM 5 (continued)

• The budgets for the decommissioning of Council’s former depot sites havebeen reduced by $70K (total budget is now $385K) in accordance with thereport presented to the Committee of the Whole on 19 October 2004. Insummary, in 2004/2005 $325K is to be spent on the remediation of theWellington Road site and $60K on the preparation of a DevelopmentApplication for the Parsonage Street site. As reported, the works proposed areundergoing a further review.

Capital Expenditure $113K Access Facilities and Services• Budgets for the following Pavement Rehabilitation projects are proposed to be

revised: Melba Drive ($290K) $38K Due to excavation in rock and

lowering of all house services Eastview Ave ($247K) $231K Full reconstruction required or

alternatively Council could choose not to progress with the rehabilitation ofEastview Avenue and reallocate the funds

Keppel Road ($236K) $12K Additional driveway adjustments

required to suit redesign

• These increases are to be offset by a reduction in the budget for RoadReconstruction at Tennyson Road ($256K) as a result of a redesign of thestormwater infrastructure associated with the roadworks which generatedsignificant savings and advancing of construction time. In addition to this,funding is to come from underruns for roundabout construction in the PutneyTennyson Traffic Calming program ($15K) and the Footpath ConstructionProgram ($10K).

Stormwater Facilities and Services• Drainage construction at Bowden Street Catchment has been increased by

$48K to $180K due to the need to excavate through rock, adjust utilities andcarry out a portion of the work at night. This project is funded through Section94 Contributions.

Urban Landscape Facilities and Services• The Shepherds Bay Stage 5 project budget has been reduced to zero from

$300K. This is due to remediation works at Parsonage Street being deferredpending the submission of a development application for the area. This projectis funded through Section 94 Contributions.




ITEM 5 (continued)

Plant and Fleet Management• The budget for the purchase of light commercial vehicles has increased by

$125K as a result of selling nine (9) utility vehicles that were leased byEnviroserve and replacing them through purchases. This decision was madefollowing a comprehensive analysis of the long term costs of leasing versuspurchase. The increase is offset by additional income generated through sale of the leased utes at the end of the lease term.

Financial Impact The adoption of the revised budgets outlined in this report will not affect Council’sprojected Working Capital Balance for 30 June 2005 as the increases and decreases inbudgets are offsetting. The projected balance of $1.625M is in excess of the targetedbalance of $1.5M and maintains Council’s sound financial position.

Other VariationsThe following items detail year to date variations for budget items that have not beenformally revised. Most of these variations do not affect the budget in total and will becorrected over the course of the year.

Environmental PlanningIncome is over budget by $129K with overruns in DA Fees and Car Parking Fines.Expenditure is $129K under budget mainly due to staff vacancies. It is too early to revisethese budgets but they will be monitored over the coming months.

Public Works and ServicesAccess Facilities and ServicesIncome for Road Restorations is $178K over budget due to a one-off payment fromSydney Water ($140K) to repair a broken pipe at Railway Parade and Ethel StreetEastwood. The majority of this income will be offset by additional expenditure and thesebudgets will be revised in November.

Corporate ServicesProperty ServicesProperty Services Operating Expenditure is $138K under budget at 31 October withminor variations across most areas. The Civic Centre budget is $58K under budget andthis budget may need to be reviewed in the December quarter to reflect expectedexpenditure on the building.




ITEM 5 (continued)

RECOMMENDATION:

That the report on Council’s financial performance and budget adjustments to 31October 2004 be received and noted.




6 COUNCILLOR M. MELHEM – REQUEST FOR LEAVE OF ABSENCE

At its meeting on 14 September 2004 Council received a request from Councillor M.Melhem for leave of absence for the period 14 September 2004 to 17 November 2004.Council resolved to grant this leave of absence from Council and Committee Meetings.

A further request has been received from Councillor Melhem to extend the leave ofabsence to 15 December 2004.

RECOMMENDATION:

That Councillor Melhem be granted further leave of absence from Council andCommittee Meetings, as necessary, until 15 December 2004.




7 COMMUNITY HARMONY REFERENCE GROUP

File No. S1278-06

ObjectiveTo propose that Council establish a Community Harmony Reference Group to promotesocial harmony and to actively engage with our multicultural community. The CommunityHarmony Reference Group would assist in the implementation of the recommendationsof the Cultural and Linguistically Diverse (CALD) People’s Needs Paper of the SocialPlan 2005.

BackgroundThe CALD People’s Needs Paper was presented to a Councillor workshop on 9November 2004, which provided an overview of the document and highlighted thefindings and results of the research undertaken. It was reported that over 270 peoplewere consulted from a variety of backgrounds, six focus groups were conducted incommunity languages and 19 appropriate service organisations and departments wereextensively consulted. The presentation focussed upon the need to respect andcelebrate cultural diversity, to ensure that Council meets its legislative requirements toprevent all forms of discrimination and to develop strategies which promote socialharmony, create a sense of belonging, ensure social inclusion and improve services todisadvantaged, isolated minority groups. The Needs Paper contains 30recommendations that highlight the need to engage with our multicultural communityand celebrate our cultural diversity.

Subsequently, at the Committee of the Whole Meeting of 16 November 2004, Councilresolved as follows:

(a) That the report of the Manager Community Services dated 10 November 2004concerning the Culturally and Linguistically Diverse People’s Needs Paper (SocialPlan 2005) and Community Harmony be received and noted.

(b) That the draft Cultural and Linguistically Diverse Peoples Needs Paper be adoptedfor inclusion in the Social Plan 2005

(c) That a Community Harmony Reference Group be established to plan, promoteand assist with the development of social harmony within the City of Ryde.

(d) That a report be submitted to Council in February 2005 outlining proposedCommunity Harmony activities.

(e) That a Strategic Framework be submitted to Council in February 2005 outlining theimplementation process of the Social Plan 2005.




ITEM 7 (continued)

(f) That draft terms of reference for the Community Harmony Reference Group bedeveloped and referred back to Council for consideration.

This report is submitted in accordance with part of (f) of this resolution.

ReportThe Community Relations Plan of Action 2012 produced by the Community RelationsCommission of NSW contains broad benchmarks and Key Result Areas on what washoped to be achieved by the NSW Government, following the release of the 1996White Paper Building on our cultural diversity. The Plan of Action is based upon fourbroad objectives being leadership, community, harmony, access and equity,economic and cultural opportunities.

Local Government is one of the identified key agencies to be measured against thekey result areas, through the annual reporting process. The aim of the CommunityHarmony objective “is to foster a climate of mutual respect within a cohesive andharmonious multicultural society where people of all backgrounds recognise theimportance of shared values and have a unifying commitment to its interest andfuture”. It is well documented that through the processes of democratic governancelocal government has a key leadership role in achieving consensus around a localwell being vision which respects community cultural values and beliefs. One of theways this can be achieved is by actively facilitating social cohesion, developingcultural enrichment and by stimulating the growth of community social capital in thelocal government area.

Community Harmony Reference GroupTo enable the City of Ryde to achieve the Community Harmony objective it is proposedthat a Community Harmony Reference Group be established to recommend activities toimplement aspects of the Cultural and Linguistically Diverse Peoples Needs Paper ofthe Social Plan 2005, assist with the planning of the Community Harmony Festival 2005and to assist the City of Ryde to promote local community harmony. It is envisaged thatrepresentation would be sought from a wide cross section of the community includingrepresentation from government departments.

It is proposed that the Terms of Reference, Membership and Protocol of the Group beas follows:

Terms of ReferenceRole of The Community Harmony Reference Group

• To monitor the implementation of Council’s Social Plan 2005 for CALD residents• To advise on multicultural issues and events• To provide feedback on Council activities that effect multicultural communities• To provide advice on community harmony issues




ITEM 7 (continued)

MembershipAll members of the Community Harmony Reference Group shall be appointed byCouncil following public advertisement and completed application form (ATTACHED).Selection of members will be at the discretion of Council. Should a member resign, thecommittee has the power to recommend a replacement member who is to be approvedby Council. Additional members, if required, also need to be approved by Council.

The Committee shall comprise:1) Councillors (3)2) A maximum of twelve (12) community members appointed by Council3) Manager Community Services/ appropriate Council staff4) Appointment to the committee will be limited to two (2) year terms5) Casual vacancies will be filled by the Mayor6) Membership of the Committee will cease if absence is recorded at two (2)

consecutive meetings where no valid apology has been received

Protocol and ProceduresChairpersonThe Chairperson of the Reference Group shall be a Councillor of the City of RydeCouncil. The Chairperson shall chair all meetings of the Reference Group. If theChairperson is not present at any meeting, or any part of any meeting, anotherCouncillor present or Council Officer shall chair the meeting during the absence of theReference Group Chairperson.

Regularity of Meetings:The Community Harmony Reference Group is to meet at least four times a year.

QuorumThe quorum for any meetings of The Reference Group shall be half the total number ofthe members plus one. No business shall be conducted at a meeting of the ReferenceGroup unless a quorum is present.

Role of Council OfficersCouncil Officers will provide professional advice and administrative support. It should benoted that employees of the Council should not be subject to the direction of theReference Group or any members thereof.The preparation of the Reference Group agenda shall be the responsibility of theManager Community Services. Minutes of each meeting will be forwarded to themembers of the Reference Group.




ITEM 7 (continued)

Termination ProvisionsThe Community Harmony Reference Group will automatically terminate at the end ofeach Council term, and must be re-appointed by the new Council if it is to continue. Re-appointment is at the sole discretion of the Council.The Reference Group can also be terminated through a resolution of Council.Circumstances that will lead to the termination of the Reference Group include:

• Absence of a quorum for three (3) consecutive meetings• The completion or substantial completion of the task the Reference Group was

appointed to address.

Financial Impact The recommendations within the CALD Peoples Needs Paper will have a financialimpact across the whole of the organisation and will need to be costed within budgetallocations from 2005 until 2010. The associated costs for the Community HarmonyFestival are within this year’s budget.

RECOMMENDATION:

(a) That the report on the Community Harmony Reference Group be received andnoted.

(b) That a Community Harmony Reference Group be established to plan, promoteand assist with the development of social harmony within the City of Ryde inaccordance with the report referred to in (a) above.




ITEM 7 (continued)




LATE ITEM

8 SPORTSFIELDS – CONDITION OF PLAYING SURFACES REVIEWED

FILE NO: S7191

Report SummaryTo re-appraise the condition of Council’s sporting fields due to the improved climaticconditions with strategies to cope with Level 2 water restrictions. It is recommended thatsporting fields be made available for use by the various sporting associations effectivefrom the week commencing 10 January 2005, subject to the processing of a Deed ofRelease indemnifying the Council from any injuries sustained from the use of the fields,between the various Associations and Council.

BackgroundOn 27 July 2004 Council resolved:

(a) That the report of the Acting Manager – Urban Landscape Facilities & Servicesdated 14 July 2004 concerning the condition of Council’s playing fields be receivedand noted.

(b) That summer soccer and touch football on Council’s playing fields be cancelled forthe 2004/2005 summer season and the organisations involved in these sportingactivities be advised accordingly.

(c) That representations be made to Sydney Water to consider modification of thecurrent use of irrigation systems for playing fields on a Monday to a Thursday orFriday to reduce potential sporting injuries.

(d) That a further report be submitted for Council’s consideration in relation to nighttraining and the conduct of sporting activities on Council’s playing fields for the2005 winter season.

(e) That the resolution in part (b) above be reviewed in the event that rainfallsignificantly improves the condition of the subject sports fields.

The current weather conditions together with sports field maintenance have somewhatimproved the state of Council’s sporting fields. Notwithstanding this, Sydney Water’sLevel 2 water restrictions continue. No announcement has been made to soften orreview these restrictions. This unfortunately will have a major influence on the growth ofthe fields if drought conditions return.

ReportThe restrictions Council imposed by closing sportsfields normally used for summersoccer and touch football have had an impact on sports clubs and the sporting fieldsnormally used for these sporting activities.




ITEM 8 (continued) LATE ITEM

Council, on 27 July 2004, took the step of stopping all high activity sports being played inthe summer of 2004/2005 continuing. These sports included summer soccer and touchfootball. This was done to stop the high incident and frequency of accidents that hadoccurred during the winter sports season 2003/2004. The injuries had increased due tothe hardness and unevenness of the playing field surfaces and the lack of grass coveron a number of sporting fields.

Due to the seriousness of the action taken by Council and the potential for changingclimatic conditions, the condition of Council’s sporting fields has been continuouslyunder review.

Sportsfield Restoration WorkThe cancellation of high activity sport has given an opportunity to carry out fieldrestoration works.

The fields that have been identified for field restoration works have included MorrisonBay Park, Eastwood Park, Fontenoy Park and Waterloo Park. In addition to thesesports fields, maintenance has been completed on Council’s sports fields where cricketand baseball are normally played. This included deep penetrating aeration, top-dressing, fertilisation and re-turfing to bare areas. This work has been completed andthe fields in question are slowly recovering.

This, in conjunction with recent rain, has assisted the sport fields to slowly recover. Itshould be noted that a return to drought climatic conditions could very quickly return thesporting fields to a deteriorating condition. This is due to the Level 2 water restrictionsand the inability to compensate with irrigated watering system use which is restricted toMondays, three hours in the morning and afternoon.

User GroupsSporting organisations in Ryde have found other venues for their respective sports, buthave had to modify the number of players and teams due to the smaller size of thealternative venues offered. In some cases they have been forced to pay an increase infees, to use alternative sports fields due to higher charges payable for use of thesefields.

Turf Profile AnalysisTo assess the ability of the fields to restart summer soccer and touch football coresamples of the grass were taken from each field and analysed.

A sample of soil conditions in the form of photographs is ATTACHED as Appendix A. the photographs show general root growth in low and high impact areas.





These examples show low impact soil samples and high impact soil samples *

Samples were taken from high impact areas eg. goal mouths and the middle of eachfield and from low impact areas such as the wing or edges of the field.

The table, shown as Appendix B, gives detail of works completed and the currentcondition of each sports field.

ResultsHigh Impact Areas• Generally – poor rhizome development. Rhizome development takes a full growth

season to develop. Constant wear in high impact areas does not allow thedevelopment of rhizomes to any significant level. Therefore, wearability increasesover time.

Poor Root Development• This impacts on the turfs ability to uptake water, nutrients and, therefore, initiate

growth. Shallow root depths allow for drought stress periods, which further limit theturf health and growth capacity.

Some Weed OccurrenceWeeds compete for water, nutrients and light and further reduce turf vigour. Generally,weeds invade compacted areas.

Obvious Banding Of Upper ProfileThe inconsistency of soil materials affects many aspects such as drainage, rootpenetration, structure, nutrient availability and other physical properties. The bandingresults from imported soil on turf sods plus top dressing. Generally, the soil imported onturf sods is silty in nature, which is not highly desirable in a high impact area.

The results of this analysis are summarised in the table shown as Appendix B.

Low Impact AreasSoil texture generally consistent in colour, particle type and depth. This consistencytranslates to better water and air penetration.

Root structure generally deeper and more prolific. This results in an improved turf cover,greater drought proofing, and improved nutrient and water uptake.

Excellent rhizome development. Density and depth of rhizomes increase the weartolerance.

Generally weed free due to complete cover, weeds are unable to invade.





The results shown as Appendix C give details of the grass type and growth in low impactareas.

Owing to the results obtained from the core sampling, the following recommendations onthe reintroduction of summer soccer and touch football at Morrison Bay Park (Fields 1,2, 3, 5 and 8), Waterloo Park, Fontenoy Park and Eastwood Lower Park are offered forconsideration.

In light of existing conditions, observations and analysis, the following methods arerecommended to optimise use of the subject area.

Morrison Bay Park No 1Continue re-turfing and renovation work. No play of high impact sport till winter seasonsport 2005.

Morrison Bay Park No 2Continue renovation of worn/damaged areas. No play of high impact sport untilcommencement of winter season sport 2005.

Morrison Bay Park No 3May be considered available for play. Field area limited for rotation or realignment dueto proximity to cricket practice nets, canal and cycle track.

Morrison Bay Park No 5May be considered available on restricted basis. These include one field only on thearea, field to be shifted every fortnight, no play on major field areas goal mouths.

Morrison Bay Park No 8May be considered available on restricted basis. Same restricted use as Field No 5.Marking out of field between No 5 and No 8. There is scope in this area to shift field onfortnightly basis to assist in wear.

Fontenoy ParkTo be considered open for play. No restrictions required. (Note only two hours of play isbooked per week. Wear is increased by illegal use by organised groups particularly onSundays).

Waterloo ParkTo be considered open for play with restricted use including the rotating of fields onfortnightly basis.





Eastwood LowerContinue renovation / returfing procedures. Ground to remain closed to high impactsport till commencement of winter season sport 2005. Limited use by primary schoolson a weekly basis to continue.

Availability of fields should be restricted to November to the beginning of March.

Access to fields by Sporting Associations:Obviously, as detailed in this report, although the fields have recovered to some extentfrom the drought conditions that prevailed in 2004, the fields still exhibit localizedproblem areas within the field of play. It is proposed that the Sporting Associations thatuse the fields enter into a Deed of Release with the City of Ryde in respect to their useof the fields. This will place a greater responsibility on the Sporting Associations inrespect to their assessment of the field and its fitness for play, given the nature of thegame and the capabilities of the players taking the field.

It is proposed to develop the Deed of Release in the next few weeks and have itchecked by Council’s Solicitors prior to distribution to the various Associations inDecember 2004.

Financial ImpactThere will be income derived from the hire of Council’s sports fields in the order of$3,700 if the recommended actions are adopted.

RECOMMENDATION:

(a) That the report concerning a review of conditions of sports fields be received andnoted.

(b) That the fields be made available from 10 January 2005, subject to the completionof a Deed of Release indemnifying Council from any injury sustained from the useof the fields by the various Sporting Associations who occupy and utilise therespective fields.

(c) That all sporting clubs and schools be advised of Council’s decision to reintroducesummer soccer and touch football to Council’s sports fields.

Michael WhittakerGeneral Manager





APPENDIX A

HIGH IMPACT Low Rhizome Growth LOW IMPACT High Rhizome Growth

LOW IMPACT HIGH IMPACT LOW IMPACT HighHigh Rhizome Growth Low Rhizome Rhizome Growth

Growth

PRECIS OF CORRESPONDENCE FOR CONSIDERATION AT COUNCILMEETING TO BE HELD 23 NOVEMBER 2004

- 1 -

THERE ARE NO ITEMS OF CORRESPONDENCE

COUNCIL MEETING ... 23 November 2004

Notices of Motion

- 1 -

(1) Councillor Campbell will move:-

“That the General Manager prepare Terms of Reference to enable areview of the current Development Control Plan for Urban Dwellings (DCP17A) in relation to design requirements for garages and carports andidentify specific site-related constraints which would mandate one type ofconstruction over other options. Issues to be considered in the reviewshould include (but not be limited to): minimum front setback distance,design to be sympathetic with streetscape, consideration of siteslopes/elevations and (where relevant) heritage considerations.”

(2) Councillor Campbell will move:-

“That Ryde Council join the “Buy Green Alliance” (a free joint initiative ofthe NSW Department of Environment & Conservation and the NSW LocalGovernment & Shires Association), that provides local Councils withcurrent information on envionmentally sustainable procurement options fora wide variety of products and services.

That the General Manager prepare a sustainable procurement strategy forRyde Council and that this strategy encompass all procurement decisionsrelating to Council’s operations including administration, assetmanagement, landscaping, event management, maintenance, capitalworks (minor and major) and service contractors.”

This is page number 1 of the Mayoral Minute, dated 23 November 2004 submitted toCouncil on 23 November 2004.


MAYORAL MINUTE LATE ITEM

Civic CentreRyde 2112

23 November 2004

To the Council

Ladies and Gentlemen,

Ryde’s River Walk

Over the last few weeks Council has constructed a section of pathway along theParramatta River waterfront proceeding east from Ryde Bridge. This work was fullyfunded by a grant from the State Government. An application has been submitted fora further grant to extend the pathway towards Kissing Point. The Government isfunding riverside works of this nature as part of a program to improve recreationalaccess and enjoyment of Sydney Harbour and its tributaries.

It is becoming clear that by a series of somewhat disjointed projects we are creatinga facility that will be an outstanding feature for Ryde – a river walk extending severalkilometres mostly along the waterfront. What is missing is a unifying name andtheme to give a unique identity to this recreational walkway within Ryde.

Sections of the pathway have been constructed at various times in the past. There isthe ageing waterfront path in Meadowbank Park, the narrower path through MemorialPark, the footpath constructed with the Meadowbank Ferry wharf, the Shepherds Bayproject now up to its seventh stage, the footway constructed with the duplication ofRyde Bridge, the proposed pathway shown in the landscape plan for Council’sParsonage Street depot site, pathways within Putney Park and the latest work fundedby DIPNR.

In order to give identity to this route as a continuous walk and to give support to ourapplications for future funding, I believe Council should develop a concept design forthe full length of this walkway. A suitable plan prepared by landscape architectscould develop themes and standards for pathway design, signage, lighting, furniture,rest points and other landscape elements. The plan could highlight locations wherefurther work is required to bring the walkway to a consistent standard.

This walk may not be as long as the Bay Walk in Iron Cove, but it does contain thegreatest length of publicly accessible waterfront available in Ryde and isapproximately the same length as the acclaimed riverfront walkway in SydneyOlympic Park.



MAYORAL MINUTE CONTINUED LATE ITEM

RECOMMENDATION:

That the General Manager report to Council with a scope of work and estimated costto develop a concept plan for the river walk along the accessible part of Ryde’sParramatta River frontage.


Councillor T W PerramMayor

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