present: apologies: disclosure of interests calendar of events · march 2016 copies having...

Balranald Shire Council

Agenda – Ordinary Meeting – 19th April 2016 ……………………………………………………………………………………………………………

This is of the Business Paper of the Ordinary Monthly Meeting of Balranald Shire Council held in the Council Chambers, Market Street Balranald on Tuesday 19th Arpil 2016.

PRESENT:

APOLOGIES:

DISCLOSURE OF INTERESTS

CALENDAR OF EVENTS

Calendar of Events April - May

APRIL

19 Council Meeting @ 5pm

20 Councillor Budget Workshop @ 9am in Council Chambers

26 Community Safety Precinct Meeting @ 11am

28 Caravan Park Meeting @ 4pm

MAY

3 Euston Beautification & Tourism Management Committee Meeting @ 9am

3 Tourism Committee Meeting @ 5pm

4 Balranald Beautification Committee Meeting @ 7pm

9 Councillor Budget Workshop @ 9am in Council Chambers

10 – 12 Managing Emergencies Training in Albury – General Manager

16 Cultural Committee Meeting @ 5pm

17 Council Meeting @ 5pm

CONFIRMATION OF MINUTES Recommendation: That: “The minutes of the Ordinary Meeting of Council held on Tuesday 15th March 2016 copies having previously been circulated to each Councillor be taken as read and confirmed.” “The minutes of the Confidential Meeting of Council held on Tuesday 15th March 2016 copies having previously been circulated to each Councillor be taken as read and confirmed.”




PRESENTATION/DELEGATIONS June Spinks - Update on investigations into Fluoride & town water supplies Mr Alan Kane - Iluka

MAYORAL MINUTE/REPORT COMMITTEE REPORTS FOR ADOPTION

COMMITTEE & OTHER REPORTS FOR INFORMATION

DELEGATES REPORTS

NOTICES OF MOTION/RESCISSION

Cr Ken Barnes

1. That Council introduce “questions on notice” into the Council meeting agenda.




GENERAL MANAGER’S REPORTS (Incorporating all

Staff Reports)

Corporate and Community Development Division

ITEM C - 1 STATEMENT OF FUNDS File number: 085 Reporting Officer: Elizabeth White Director of Corporate and Community Development Operational Plan Objective: Pillar Six: Our Leadership – a community that values and fosters leadership, lifelong learning, innovation and good governance Officer Recommendation:

1. That Council receive and note the report

Purpose of Report Funds Report for the Month Ending 31st March 16.

Investment Held: Bankwest 1,000,000

Bendigo 1,000,000

NAB 1,000,000

Westpac 1,500,000

4,500,000

FUNDS HELD Investment Bank Combined Restricted Balance General 2,900,000 53,027 2,953,027 2,049,000 904,027 DWM - 128,436 128,436 60,000 68,436 Water 100,000 371,264 471,264 428,000 43,264 Sewer 1,500,000 298,491 1,798,491 1,777,000 21,491

Total 4,500,000 851,218 5,351,218 4,314,000 1,037,218

Report All investments shown have been made in accordance with Section 625 of the Local Government Act 1993, the regulations and council’s investment policy.




Bank Reconciliation Balance B/F From Previous Month

1,005,669

ADD Receipts for Month: Caravan Park 42,549

Certificates 4,453 Debtors 16,405 Grants 1,893 Hostel Fees 8,385 Hostel Subsidy 49,453

Interest Received

4,790 Investments – Called back 500,000

Rates & Water 189,157 Rent 1,595 Discovery Centre 9,362 Tip Tokens 450

Truck Wash 259

Sundry 2,885

831,636

LESS Payments for the Month:

Administration 22,176 Caravan Park 55,220 Communication 4,787 Councillor Fees 9,798 Discovery Centre 19,473 Fuel 27,805

GST/PAYG 19,947 Hostel 12,465 Lease 23,565 Licence 8,091

Loan Repayment 46,922

Mech. Repairs 10,768 Parks, Gardens, Cemetery 18,188 Payroll 395,719 Postage, Printing & Stationery 6,167 Power 15,980

Repairs & Maintenance 6,992 Roads 163,204 Sewer 19,185

Street Lighting 3,329 Street Sweeping 4,250

Training/Conferences 6,371

Vehicles 28,506 Waste 1,800

Water 55,379

986,087

Cash Book Balance as at End of Month

851,218

Less Outstanding Deposits as at end of Month

2,680

Plus Unpresented Cheques as at end of Month

16,418

Bank Balance as at End of Month

864,956




ITEM C – 2 TOURISM REPORT – March 2016 File number: 771B Reporting Officer: Director of Corporate & Community Development Operational Plan Objective: Pillar 3: Our Economy – 3.2.1 Tourism Officer Recommendation:

2. That Council accept the March Tourism report for information.

Purpose of Report

To provide Council with a progress report on Tourism activities.

Report Attached to this report is the Tourism Monthly Reporting Dashboard for the month of March 2016. The following is a summary of the Statistics provided in this report;

March has been a record month on a number of levels and a busy month of marketing & promotional activities around the “Easter in Balranald” events & the Murrumbidgee Classic. Walk-In increased by 49% compared to March 2015 and an increase of 92% compared to last month. The income increased by 144% compared to March 2015 and up by 286% compared to last month. The largest percentage of visitors in March came from intrastate visitors at 48% and interstate at 41% in the following order VIC, QLD, SA, WA & TAS. International visitors was at 5%, coming from the Germany, UK, France, USA and Italy. Coaches/Groups were at 6%.

Most popular merchandise: - Bes Murray & Bodinnar’s books, Magnets, Robinvale Estates Products, Construction Postcards & Frog Figurines

Traffic on Social Media posts was at an all-time high. The Council Facebook page is now at 1,813 LIKES and the Balranald Discovery Centre Facebook page is now at 2,333 LIKES over the month of March. The Council page had a large total reach of 70,505 from 13 promotional posts and the Discovery page also recorded a large reach of 55,431 from 8 promotional posts. Note all promotional posts are targeted which make the results an outstanding one.

The “Easter In Balranald events were very well attended and reviewed by visitors with the Info Centre reporting many visitors staying the extra night to attend the activities.

Financial Implication Nil

Legislative Implication Nil

Policy Implication Nil

Attachments Tourism Monthly Reporting Dashboard




Infrastructure and Development Reports

Item I - 1 CONSTRUCTION CERTIFICATES File number: 600 Reporting Officer: Director Infrastructure and Development – John Stevenson

Operational Plan Objective: Pillar 6 Officer Recommendation: That the report be noted.

Purpose of Report To advise Council of Certificates issued under delegated authority. Report The following Construction Certificates, Complying Development Certificates, Section 68 Certificates and / or Notices of Determinations have been issued since the March 2016 meeting of Council.

Application Owner/Applicant Locality Description

DA 50/2016 B. Doyle 36 Mayall St, Balranald

Demolition

DA 57/2016 N. Eskarous 107 Market St, Balranald

Reconstruction

of Awning

DA 53/2016 D. Arentz 144 Ballandella St, Balranald

Transportable

Storage

Container and

Transportable

Dwelling Unit

DA 54/2016 B. Torney 205 Dowling St, Balranald

Transportable

Dwelling

Financial Implication Nil.

Legislative Implication The approvals process.

Policy Implication Nil.

Attachments Nil.




Item I - MAINTENANCE AND CONSTRUCTION PROGRAM File number: 726 Reporting Officer: Director of Infrastructure – John Stevenson

Operational Plan Objective: Pillar 5 – Our Infrastructure Officer Recommendation: That the report be noted and accepted.

Purpose of Report To provide Council with a progress report on works, since the March meeting. Report 1. Road Maintenance Maintenance works have commenced on grids and grid approaches on Mildura Ivanhoe Rd. At the time of writing works are progressing on Clare Oxley Rd to be followed by Clare Freshwater Rd and Tarwong Freshwater Rd.

2. Roads to Recovery Program Gravel re-sheeting of 3km section of Prungle Mail Rd has been completed at this time.

Reconstruction of 1.2km section Weimby-Kyalite Rd from the end of existing bitumen is nearing completion and is planned to be primer sealed in the week commencing 18th April.

3. Main Road 514 Repair Program 3km section on the eastern end of bitumen has been reconstructed and primer sealed in the past month.

4. Miscellaneous Works a) Minor paving works completed in Mayall St and within the Caravan Park b) Cenotaph Park rose garden border completed c) Powder Activated Carbon water treatment processing installed to combat

blue green algae alert – Balranald Water Treatment Plant d) Resealing program – at the time of writing Euston town streets works are

underway, to be followed by Balranald town streets between 15 and 17 April. Rural and main road reseals will follow in conjunction with primer seal Weimby-Kyalite Rd.




MR514 - Repair Program

Financial Implication As per budgeted works program.

Legislative Implication Nil.

Policy Implication Rural Roads Policy.

Attachments Nil.




Cenotaph Park Rose Garden Border




General Manager’s Reports Item G – 1 CHANGE OF DATE FOR JUNE COUNCIL MEETING File Number: 028 Reporting Officer: Aaron Drenovski, General Manager Operational Plan Objective: Pillar Six: Our Leadership – A community that values and fosters leadership, lifelong learning, innovation and good governance. Officer Recommendation: That the Standing Orders be changed to allow the June Council meeting to be held on Thursday 23 June 2015.

Purpose of report To request a change of date for the June Council Meeting. Report It is proposed to change the date of the June Council meeting from Tuesday 21st June 2016 to Thursday 23rd June 2016 to allow the Mayor, Councillor O’Halloran and the General Manager to attend the National General Assembly in Canberra from 19th to 22nd June 2016.




Attachments Nil




Item G - 2 MOBILE BLACK SPOT PROGRAM CONTRIBUTION File Number: Reporting Officer: Aaron Drenovski, General Manager Operational Plan Objective: Pillar Two: Our Place – A liveable and thriving community that maintains lifestyle opportunities and addresses its disadvantages Officer Recommendation: That Council reserve $10,000 from the allocated $20,000 in the 2015/16 budget towards the provision of a mobile phone tower in the Clare Region.

Purpose of Report To formalise Council’s commitment to provide co-contribution funding towards the provision of a mobile phone tower in the vicinity of the Clare Public School. Report At the April 2015 Council meeting Council considered a report to support an application for a mobile phone tower to be provided in the Clare Region under round 1 of the Mobile Black Spot Programme. Council resolved: “That Council write to the Department of Communications advising them of Council’s in-principle in-kind co-contribution of $20,000 towards the access track for a mobile phone tower in proximity to the Clare Public School.” Council provided $20,000 in the 2015/16 budget towards the round 1 application, however the application was not successful. Telstra intend to submit an application for funding for the proposed Clare mobile phone tower under Round 2 of the Mobile Black Spot Program. The Clare Public School P & C Association have written to Council (as attached) seeking support from Council to contribute $10,000 towards the project. If Council contributes funds towards this application a memorandum of understanding is to be entered into with Telstra committing to the funds – should the application be successful. It is suggested that Council reserve $10,000 of the $20,000 in the current budget towards a mobile phone tower in the Clare Region.

Financial Implication Currently there is $20,000 committed in 2015/16 budget for the round 1 application



Attachments Letter from Clare Public School P and C Association




7th April 2016

Aaron Drenovski

General Manager

Balranald Shire Council 70 Market Street

BALRANALD NSW 2715

Dear Aaron,

RE: Mobile Blackspot Programme – request for third party co-contribution

We would be pleased if you could tender this letter at the April Council meeting.

Applications for Round 2 of the Mobile Blackspot Programme will be considered by the Federal Government

in June 2016. The Department of Communications will ensure that at least $10 million of funding is set

aside for Proposed Base Stations which are located in Remote or Very Remote areas.

1. Clare is classified as a very remote area.

2. The proposed site at Clare remains on Federal MP Sussan Ley’s Priority List.

3. Telstra have indicated a keen interest in applying for this area in round 2.

4. The Clare Community has committed to a third party co-contribution of $10,000, with a

commitment from the Clare Public School P&C to coordinate the raising of these funds locally.

5. Every $10,000 contributed by a third party gives an extra point being added to the point selection

process.

Mobile phone infrastructure in this very remote location of the Shire would have some very positive benefits

to safety, business efficiency and education. The ability of the Council to continue to conduct its core

business and duty of care obligations in this area of the Shire will be greatly enhanced, with road crews having

greater access to communications in order to do their jobs more efficiently and cost effectively.

Many farmers utilise technology that sends data back to their smart phone or computer relating to stock health

and watering points on their farms – this would be of huge benefit to productivity for our local farmers to tap

into this technology that their counterparts in mobile areas currently have access to.

Stock agents, wool buyers, contractors, fuel suppliers and transport companies (just to name a few) will have

the ability to continue their daily business activities when travelling around the Clare area, increasing

productivity and building capacity in the wider community.

With Clare Public School being an important facility of concern, mobile phone service availability to school

staff, parents and students is not a convenience but an essential safety issue. This topic was covered at the

recent ICPA-NSW conference.

Given the positive outcomes listed above, the ratepayers in and around the Clare/Hatfield Community

respectfully request that Balranald Shire Council consider setting aside $10,000 ($5000 in the 2017

budget and $5000 in the 2018 budget) effectively boosting the Clare community commitment of $10,000,

making a combined co contribution of $20,000.




If Telstra’s bid for Clare is successful, the build date will likely go ahead sometime in 2018, so it really is a

small dent in the budget weighed against the significant benefits to improving the community, education and

business efficiency. This infrastructure will literally be life changing for the ratepayers of the Clare and

Hatfield area and we sincerely ask Council to consider partnering with us in a $10,000 cash contribution that

will bring our tally to $20,000.

Yours sincerely,

Delee Fitzgerald (President) Sylvia Comitti (Vice President) Claire Butler (Secretary/Treasurer) Rachael

Fitzgerald (Publicity)

Attached: Telstra MOU Agreement

Jock and Kerry Harris – Manfred

Zack and Kathleen Harris – Harts Horns

Sarah and Rhys Harris – Mulurulu

Ewan and Barb Waugh – Clare

Gillbee Family – Binda

Syvia and Max Comitti – The Ridge

Ros and Garry Griffiths – Baymore

Marc and Joanne Griffiths – Orange Grove

Jim and Joy Harris – Round Plain

Claire and Shane Butler – The Vale

Stuart and Anja Croft – The Lake

Delee and Jamie Fitzgerald – Clarebank

Joel and Rachel Fitzgerald – Carinya

Lorraine and Greg Ayson – Bidura

Sandy and Philip Pippin – Wintong

Rex Scott

Geoff and Kaylene - Claremont

Kara and Dwaine Scott – Killarney

Russell and Suzanne Nield – Benilkie

Marie, Ray and Nigel Scott – Belgium Park

Rachel and Tim Brindley – Magenta

Bill and Pip Ryan – Curragh

Fleur and Greg Turner – Stanbridge

Rachael Williams and Paul Alderuccio – Murrundi

Helen Armstrong

Gilbert Williams – Mail Contractor




ITEM G – 3 BIDGEE HAVEN HOSTEL EXTENSION PROJECT File number: 373 Reporting Officer: Aaron Drenovski Operational Plan Objective: Pillar Three: Our Economy – a community that ensures a strong and resilient economy

Officer Recommendation: For Council consideration and decision.

Purpose of Report To provide Council with an update on the Bidgee Haven Hostel Extension Project community consultation meeting and seek direction on the Project. Report Council last considered this project at the February Council meeting where Council resolved: 1. “A public consultation meeting be held to inform the public of all the facts

including financials pertaining to the future viability and outcomes for the project to be held prior to the concept design being put on public display.

2. The report from RSM that was presented to the December Council meeting be made available to the public minus the confidential sections.”

The Community Consultation meeting was held on Wednesday 16 March at the Theatre Royal. All households within the shire where sent a flyer detailing the meeting, posters were installed on the 3 notice boards, in a number of businesses and on the Council website. In the order of 30 people were present at the meeting (which included a number of councillors and staff members). Bruce Bailey from RSM Australia provided a presentation at the meeting (which has been uploaded onto Council’s website for viewing) with the presentation focusing on: Background to Residential Aged Care, LGA providers in context, About Balranald Shire, About the Facility, Expansion Option, Others Solutions and Key Findings. The Key findings reported to the meeting are: 1. Bidgee remains viable through explicit and implicit subsidies from council 2. Report operating arm’s length results 3. Not appropriate to expand at this time 4. Consider alternative options Numerous questions were asked of the presenter and those in attendance were provided the opportunity to complete a questionnaire and provide comments. In total 17 questionnaires were returned. The question asked was: “Do you wish Council to proceed with this expansion?” of the 17 respondents, 10 replied “yes” and 7 replied “no”. Councillors have been provided a copy of completed questionnaires under separate cover.




Council’s current position on the Hostel extension project was resolved at the February 2015 Council meeting and is as follows:

“That Council resolve to accept the grant for the Hostel Extension and borrow up to $1.2M for the construction and $460K to fund the operational shortfall in the first 3 years.”

The facts are:

Council does not have a waiting list for people wishing to enter the Hostel

The average occupancy rate at the Hostel for the past 2 ½ years is around 80%

Council currently subsidises the Hostel by $100,000 to $200,000 per year (equivalent to 7 to 15% of rate income)

Annual loan repayments on the Capital extension component will be an additional $91,914.21 (subject to interest rate) per annum

T-Corp have advised Council that they should not borrow anymore funds

RSM have advised Council and the Community that the extension will provide additional financial burden on the Council

Other Councils have previously relinquished Aged Care facilities with 2 Far West Councils (Broken Hill & Cobar) as an example – due to the losses they were incurring.

The Mayor and General Manager spoke to both Susan Ley (Minister for Health) and Sarah Mitchell (Parliamentary Secretary for Regional & Rural Health and Western NSW) separately on Wednesday 6 April concerning the matter. Both the Federal Government and State Government do not have additional funds available to further assist with the extension or to assist the operations. As per the advice from Bruce Bailey from RSM – It is not appropriate to expand at this time. It is suggested that Council write to the Department of Health advising that Council will not be proceeding with the Hostel expansion at this stage and wish to withdraw from the funding agreement. Furthermore, Council has incurred a cost of $35,100 towards the development of the concept designs which can be used at a future time and Council will respectfully request that the Department of Health assist with funding 50% of these costs.

Financial Implication If Council proceeds with the extension a loan borrowing of $1.2M is required and increased subsidisation by Council.



Attachments Copy of presentation provided by RSM




inItem G – 4 BALRANALD CWA BRANCH File Number: Reporting Officer: Aaron Drenovski, General Manager Operational Plan Objective: Pillar Two: Our Place – A liveable and thriving community that maintains lifestyle opportunities and addresses its disadvantages Officer Recommendation: That Council: 1 Write to the Balranald CWA Branch noting that they will close at the end of May and thank them for their contribution to the community. 2. Advise the Balranald CWA Branch that the Honour Board will be relocated to the Theatre Royal hallway.

Purpose of Report To advise Council that the Balranald CWA Branch will close by the end of May 2016. Report Balranald CWA Branch members had a meeting with the General Manager on Thursday 7 April to discuss the future of the Balranald CWA Branch (as per the attached letter). Those present indicated that their membership has fallen to a critically low number and will be closing the Balranald CWA Branch by the end of May 2016. The CWA have a number of tables and chairs in the building and have asked Council if they would be interested in retaining the furniture. The General Manager will negotiate with the CWA to retain sufficient furniture in the building so that for the interim it can be used as a meeting room. The CWA have a large honour board approximately 4m x 2m located within the CWA building as shown in the following photo. The honour board could be relocated to the entry hall in the Theatre Royal so that it can be viewed by the public in years to come. At some stage Council will need to determine what they intend to do with the CWA building (realising that it is attached to the Library and is located on crown land).




Financial Implication $70 annual lease fee and CWA pay for the power use



Attachments Letter from Balranald CWA Branch President




Item G – 5 SUMMARY OF MEETINGS File number: 25 Reporting Officer: Aaron Drenovski, General Manager Operational Plan Objective: Pillar Six: Our Leadership – a community that values and fosters leadership, lifelong learning, innovation and good governance Officer Recommendation: That Council receive & note the report

Purpose of Report To advise Council of a summary of meetings held. Report A number of Councillors, the General Manager and the Director Corporate and Community Development attend the Community Consultation meeting on the Bidgee Haven Hostel at the Theatre Royal on Wednesday 16 March. Approximately 30 people (in total) attended the meeting where Bruce Bailey (From RSM) provided an overview of Aged Care in General and spoke specifically about The Bidgee Haven Hostel and the proposed extension. There were numerous questions and statements made by those who attended which are discussed in a separate report at this Council meeting. On Tuesday 22 March the General Manager, Director Corporate and Community Development and the Creditors Clerk held a meeting with RFS representatives to discuss the proposed 2016/17 RFS draft budget. The budget discussed is included in the draft management plan which will be discussed at the Council Budget Workshop on Wednesday 20 April. The Mayor and General Manager on Monday 4 April travelled to Griffith to have a meeting with Adrian Picolli and representatives from Essential Energy. Details of proposed significant agricultural developments requiring large amounts of electricity in the Kyalite Region were provided to Essential Energy to facilitate discussion on how the network could be upgraded to supply these developments. The sad reality is that if a developer requires a greater source of electricity than is currently available in the network the developer has to pay 100% of the capital upgrade. On Tuesday 5 April Councillors Jolliffe, Purtill and O’Halloran along with Director Corporate & Community Development inspected the MPS with Sarah Mitchell – Parliamentary Secretary for Regional & Rural Health and Western NSW. On Tuesday 5 and Wednesday 6th of April the Mayor and General Manager attended the Far West Initiative Advisory Committee meeting held in Wentworth. The meeting was attended by all Far West Council representatives along with OLG, Premier & Cabinet, Federal Government representative and the Minister for Local Government.







Attachments Nil




Item G - 6 CORRESPONDENCE

File Number: 712 Reporting Officer: Aaron Drenovski, General Manager Operational Plan Objective: Pillar 1: Our People – A community that is proactive, engaged, inclusive and connected Officer Recommendation: For information Purpose of Report To advise Council of recent correspondence of interest. Report

1. Letter of thanks from Mrs Dawn Conway




Item G - 7 ACTION SHEET Reporting Officer: Aaron Drenovski, General Manager File Number: 120 Officer Recommendation: For information

Purpose of Report To bring forward for Councillors information the Action Report with actions taken on previous council resolutions.

BALRANALD SHIRE COUNCIL ACTION SHEET

MARCH 2016

MIINUTE DIRECTOR

/ FILE NO SUBJECT DATE

COMPLETED COMMENTS CURRENT STATUS

02.16.3636 DID Euston Beautification Progress works for War nameplates prior to Anzac Day. Arrange Staff to spray weeds in Medley Park Approach landowners to commence concept plan for future Berrett Park improvements. DID to approach tradesmen.

8.4.2016

Plaques ordered

Works

Undertaken Approach made,

Grant application

lodged. Casual Painter

engaged.

02.16.3636 DID Balranald Beautification Roses to be replanted at old Gaol. Branches to be removed at lions park when tree lopping program resumes.

In Progress Awaiting Program

02.16.3648 GM Allocate funds for NSWLG Asset Management Audit Preparedness Self-Assessment to budget for consideration.

In Progress




2.16.3651 GM Submit an application to the Innovation Fund for the purchase and implementation of Records Management and Asset Management System, and if successful allocate the $80,000 budget item for the records system.

1.4.2016

Application Submitted

03.16.3657 DID Euston Beautification Protection spray for Mallee Fowl. Report back to Committee re; avenue of trees. No Dogs allowed sign for Anderson Park Maintenance works Shailer Terrace pavement.

In progress,

sculpture

relocated

following

vandalism.

Avenue

constraints

defined, liasing

with Euston Club

to commence.

In Progress

Almost Complete

03.16.3662 DID R2R – add list of works to R2R program to eliminate the shortfall.

List of works added to program

03.16.3663 GM Notify the committee that council waive theatre fees if cleaning is satisfactory.

21.3.2016 Letter Sent

03.16.3665 GM Register Crs Byron and O’Halloran and GM to NGA in Canberra

1.4.2016 Registration Completed

CLOSED MEETING - CONFIDENTIAL MATTERS

present: apologies: disclosure of interests calendar of events · march 2016 copies having...

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