Wrap of the February meeting
Published on 27 February 2020
NOTICES OF MOTION
Norm Fox master plan preferred
Councillor Tom Kennedy requested that $1,500,000 be committed to upgrading the Norm Fox Oval in the 2020/21 budget. It was noted in the report that the project was not costed, planned, and there had been no consultation. A master plan for the whole complex is also slated for future consideration. Councillors voted to instead seek grants for future upgrades.
Watering suggestion may harm trees
Councillor Tom Kennedy requested Council implement a tree watering program in which holes would be dug at the base of trees and poly pipe inserted to allow water to better reach trees' roots. The report noted that the pipe could actually make tree roots more susceptible to pests and disease. Council voted against inserting pipes at tree bases, but committed to saving the city's trees. Council is currently undertaking tree watering runs every other day, targeting young and weak trees, and undertaking maintenance of watering bays around the base of trees to better trap water.
Imperial Lakes support
Councillor Kennedy requested that Council write to Local Member Roy Butler to voice support the retention of the Imperial Lakes. The motion was passed.
REPORTS
TrainLink coach trial proving popular
Council noted the success of the reduced cost coach service currently operated by TrainLink between Broken Hill and Mildura, and Broken Hill and Adelaide, and welcomed the extension of the program until May 2020. It also resolved to write to the Government to make the service permanent.
City to be represented at National Assembly
The Mayor, Deputy Mayor, and General Manager will represent Council at the 2020 National General Assembly (NGA) of Local Councils in June. The NGA is a meeting of hundreds of delegates from across the Australia to debate issues of national significance. Motions that Council will raise at the Assembly will be decided at the March Meeting of local Council, and will include a request to make video conferencing an option for the next NGA meeting.
Cultural precinct update
Council were provided with an update on the Cultural Precinct and Library & Archive project, with the most significant milestone being the lodgement of the project's Development Application (DA). The DA is currently being independently assessed and is on exhibition until March 4, 2020. Following this period it will be lodged with the Western Regional Planning Panel for determination. Council has committed $6m to the project and Council is working with the BHP Billiton Foundation (BHPBF) to have the remaining funds formally committed to the project. This project also includes a wayfinding component and Council has been successful in securing $1m from the Far West Joint Organisation Tourism Fund for city-wide wayfinding which includes the Cultural Precinct.
Companion Animal Management Plan amended
Council's Companion Animal Management Plan (CAMP) was adopted after being on public display for 28 days. The CAMP aims to ensure the needs of animals and their owners are met harmoniously, and encourage responsible pet ownership. The CAMP was amended to include actions to seek Government funding for free cat desexing after submissions and a petition were lodged outlining locals' concerns around cat numbers in the city.
Asset plans deferred
Council deferred adoption of the new Asset Management Policy, Asset Management Strategy, and Benchmarks For Building Assets Rationalisation for one month. The documents will allow better management of Council assets such as buildings, roads, parks, ovals, and footpaths. The plans will also allow Council to take a pragmatic approach to assets, allowing maintainance of a smaller pool of items to a higher standard, rather than continuing to struggle physically and financially with a large asset base.
Better risk management
Council adopted a new Enterprise Risk Management Policy. The draft policy aims to provide a consistent, structured and holistic approach to risk management across all areas of Council's operations.
Council to review DCP
Council will look to review its Development Control Plan (DCP) in the coming months. A DCP provides detailed planning and design guidelines to support the planning controls in the Local Environmental Plan.
Budget review provides money for Norm Fox, soccer oval
The December quarterly budget review shows an increase in the projected yearly deficit of $685,000, with the majority of the change due to depreciation relating to capitalisation of new assets. Meanwhile capital expenditure will reduce by $784,000 due to a number of adjustments.
The reduction in capital expenditure is primarily due to the postponement of an air humidifier purchase for the art gallery, and heavy patching of the RFDS apron at the airport. The construction of a new road in Brown Street also came in $200,000 under budget.
Major expenditure increases include $200,000 for a new irrigation system and turf for the northern playing surface of Norm Fox Oval, and a further $90,000 to improve irrigation on the city's soccer ovals. $70,000 was also included to upgrade the kitchen at the Airport Kiosk.
Parking changes
The minutes of the Local Traffic Committee were tabled, with additional accessibility provisions and parking to be added at the Demo Club and BH Regional Aquatic Centre. A speed bump will be installed in Iodide Lane, and 15 parking spaces in Crystal Street will be changed to four-hour zones. There will also be a two-month trial allowing taxis to parallel park at the front of the Theatre Royal Hotel between 9pm and 3am on Friday and Saturday nights.
CONFIDENTIAL
Airport fencing tender awarded
Sunset Group Australia were awarded a $525,313 tender to replace the airport perimeter fence.
Public Works to manage projects
The Public Works Advisory have been engaged at a cost of $517,200 to manage a range of projects over 18 months including airport fencing, airport lighting replacement, Sturt Park children's play equipment replacement, and an air-conditioning upgrade program across six Council buildings.
Waste fee set for major development
Councillors agreed to accept waste from a proposed major development at $60 per tonne.