Page 5 of 12 MINUTES OF THE OPEN SESSION OF THE DEVONPORT CITY COUNCIL HELD IN THE COUNCIL CHAMBERS, FENTON WAY, DEVONPORT ON MONDAY, 19 NOVEMBER 2012 COMMENCING AT 7.15PM PRESENT:
Ald S L Martin (Mayor) in the Chair Ald G B Kent (Deputy Mayor) Ald B L Cole Ald G F Goodwin Ald P G Hollister Ald A J Jarman Ald J T Keay Ald L M Laycock Ald A L Rockliff Ald W M Squibb Ald W P Wilson
Council Officers: General Manager, I McCallum Assistant General Manager Customers and Community, E Ewins Assistant General Manager Technical and Finance, M Atkins Executive Manager Corporate Support, S Crawford Administration Officer, R Inglis Communication and Media Officer, S Titmus 1.0
APOLOGIES Ald Perry was an apology for tonight’s meeting.
2.0
LEAVE OF ABSENCE There were no Leave of Absences received for this meeting.
3.0
DECLARATIONS OF INTEREST There were no Declarations of Interest.
4.0 CLOSED SESSION 285/12 RESOLUTION Ald Laycock / Squibb That the meeting be closed to the public, to enable Council to consider Agenda Items 4.1 to 4.9 which are confidential matters as prescribed in Regulation 15(2) of the Local Government (Meeting Procedures) Regulations 2005. 4.1
Unconfirmed Minutes of Board Meeting – Cradle Coast Authority – 9 October 2012
4.2
Unconfirmed Minutes – Dulverton Regional Waste Management Authority – Board Meeting – 18 October 2012
4.3
Unconfirmed Minutes of Meeting – Devonport Maritime & Heritage Authority 24 October 2012
4.4
Accident Update
4.5
Purchase of Property
Minutes of Devonport City Council Ordinary Meeting held 19 November 2012
Page 6 of 12 4.6
Purchase of Property
4.7
Lease
4.8
Lease
4.9
Tasmania Community Resources Inc
AYES:
Aldermen Martin, Kent, Cole, Goodwin, Hollister, Jarman, Keay, Laycock, Rockliff, Squibb and Wilson
NOES:
Nil
5.0 PUBLIC FORUM 5.1
RESPONSES TO QUESTIONS RAISED AT PRIOR COUNCIL MEETINGS (D282959) 294/12 RESOLUTION Ald Goodwin / Cole That the report advising of responses to questions raised at a prior Council meeting be received and noted.
5.2
AYES:
Aldermen Martin, Kent, Cole, Goodwin, Hollister, Jarman, Keay, Laycock, Rockliff, Squibb and Wilson
NOES:
Nil
Questions asked at this meeting DOUGLAS JANNEY – 23 WATKINSON STREET, DEVONPORT (26726 X 26093) Starting the week of the 5th of November Roger Smith Building temporarily fenced off the footpath and verge in front of the Car and Dog Wash being constructed on Don Rd in order to construct a drive into the site. The sign at the eastern end only was not appropriate – “Pedestrians Watch your step”. The pedestrian had 3 options:1. 2. 3.
Back track and go another route – Walk on the road parallel to the temporary fence and against the oncoming traffic Cross over Don Rd to get past the obstruction and then cross back over Don Rd
The first option is not acceptable. Options 2 and 3 put the pedestrian at some considerable risk more so from just after 8am when the traffic both ways on Don Rd builds up. Q
When will the Council lift its “Duty of Care” to pedestrians and require contractors working on a site on a busy street and having a need to close off the footpath to provide a safe walking path around the closed off area?
The Assistant General Manager advised that the matter would be taken on notice and a response provided in writing. MR DAVE RENODEN – 2 ELLICE HILL DRIVE, SPREYTON (26370) Some days ago I wrote to you all asking if Council had yet discussed and formulated a particular rating policy. I also asked if Council had made a submission to the Department of Premier and Cabinet regarding the Council’s
Minutes of Devonport City Council Ordinary Meeting held 19 November 2012
Page 7 of 12 opinion on the different rating options. As I have not had an official reply to these questions, I put them to you again at this Council meeting. Out of the rating options, I have strongly suggested that in my opinion, the best rating option is to administer rates based on a Land Only value basis. This as I have said, then allows the property owner to greatly enhance their property and lift the overall profile of the City, without being punished by much higher rate charges. As we know, it does not cost Council any more to service a block of ground in the same street, whether it has a very basis dwelling or a larger well presented home. It has been proven, that many people in higher value homes have a very basis income and therefore do not have a much a greater capacity to pay high rate charges. The problem with a City like Devonport, is there is such a great difference between the value of the lower and higher rated properties, so by applying Land Only valuations, I believe this will moderate the great difference and be a fairer rating model for the ratepayers. There will still be some properties that attract a much higher rating charge which is unacceptable and will need a remission or cap placed on the maximum payable. On another matter, at a previous Council meeting, Alderman Rockliff put a motion forward, that all these rating issues should be dealt with in a particular time frame. I commend Alderman Rockliff for her proposal, as some issues seem to take far too long to bring to closure. It was suggested and generally supported that this should be completed by years end, so I ask how is the Council progressing in this area and is the Council nearing agreement on the basic principles. One last matter, at the same meeting it was put forward that a representation of ratepayers should be included in discussions with the Aldermen on possible rating models and to get feedback from ratepayers representation, for consideration by the Aldermen. This may take the form of a meeting with the Aldermen for say approximately one hour, to receive the opinions and listen to the Aldermen’s comments and to offer a respectful response. As this does not seemed to have taken place to date, does the Council stand by their commitment to engage the ratepayers on this matter. The General Manager advised that Ald Rockliff’s NOM did not include a timeframe and that a Aldermen’s Workshop Session would be held soon in relation to this matter. In relation to a community member being present Council has not decided to do so, but if there is significant change, full consultation with the public will be undertaken. GLENN DANCE, 67 BERRIGAN ROAD, DEVONPORT (26370) Mr Dance asked the Council if it would be possible for reminder notices for rates to be changed from 30 days to 14 days and if these reminders could be generated Electronically. The Mayor advised that there would be an item on the December Council Agenda to consider allowing residents to opt in to a reminder system, whether this be electronic or paper, this would allow people to register their interest in such a proposal. Minutes of Devonport City Council Ordinary Meeting held 19 November 2012
Page 8 of 12 6.0
CONFIRMATION OF MINUTES 6.1
COUNCIL MEETING – 15 OCTOBER 2012 295/12 RESOLUTION Ald Cole / Laycock That the Minutes of the Council Meeting held on 15 October 2012 as circulated be taken as read and confirmed.
7.0
AYES:
Aldermen Martin, Kent, Cole, Goodwin, Hollister, Jarman, Keay, Laycock, Rockliff, Squibb and Wilson
NOES:
Nil
WORKSHOPS & BRIEFING SESSIONS 7.1
WORKSHOP AND BRIEFING SESSIONS HELD SINCE THE LAST COUNCIL MEETING (D282884) 296/12 RESOLUTION Ald Wilson / Rockliff That the report advising of Workshop/Briefing Sessions held since the last Council meeting be received and the information noted. AYES:
Aldermen Martin, Kent, Cole, Goodwin, Hollister, Jarman, Keay, Laycock, Rockliff, Squibb and Wilson
NOES:
Nil
9.0 NOTICES OF MOTION 9.1
PROMOTIONAL SIGNAGE - DEVONPORT ROAD - NOTICE OF MOTION - ALD A J JARMAN (D281419) 297/12 RESOLUTION Ald Jarman / Rockliff That Council prepare a report and find associated costs involved to consider the idea of promotional signage to be placed along Devonport Road from the bridge at Horsehead Creek through to Waterfront entrance for the 2013/14 budget deliberations.
9.2
AYES:
Aldermen Martin, Kent, Cole, Goodwin, Hollister, Jarman, Keay, Laycock, Rockliff, Squibb and Wilson
NOES:
Nil
PART 5 AGREEMENT - 110 SHEFFIELD ROAD, SPREYTON - NOTICE OF MOTION ALD G F GOODWIN (D282957) 298/12 RESOLUTION Ald Goodwin / Cole That Council Officers investigate the possibility of ending the Part 5 Agreement applying to the land owned by RM & AM Snell at 110 Sheffield Road, Spreyton and report back to Council for decision at the December 2012 Council meeting. AYES:
Aldermen Martin, Kent, Cole, Goodwin, Hollister, Jarman, Keay, Laycock, Rockliff, Squibb and Wilson
NOES:
Nil
Minutes of Devonport City Council Ordinary Meeting held 19 November 2012
Page 9 of 12 9.3
TARKINE - BENEFITS TO ENTIRE REGION - NOTICE OF MOTION - ALD S L MARTIN (D282966) The Mayor vacated the chair at 7.41pm and the Deputy Mayor took the chair. 299/12 RESOLUTION Ald Martin / Goodwin That Council express its desire and support for the entire region to benefit from all the Tarkine has to offer – mining, tourism, conservation, recreation, cultural heritage and future opportunities; and recognise that the Tarkine provides benefits and opportunities that this region values and needs, with our challenge to secure as many of them as we can and ensure their sustainable coexistence. •
For each development or conservational proposal to be assessed on its own merits and impacts.
•
For every user to act responsibly and the need for penalties for those who do not.
•
The Tarkine provides benefits and opportunities that this region values and needs – our challenge is to secure as many of them as we can and ensure their sustainable coexistence.
AYES:
Aldermen Martin, Kent, Cole, Goodwin, Hollister, Jarman, Keay, Laycock, Rockliff, Squibb and Wilson
NOES:
Nil
AGENDA ITEM 9.4 – RETENTION OF SERVICES – MERSEY COMMUNITY HOSPITAL In accordance with Section 8(6) of the Local Government (Meeting Procedures) Regulations 2005, the General Manager reported that it was not possible to previously include the matter on the Agenda due to late notice, that the matter was urgent and that the item does not require qualified advice under Section 65 of the Local Government Act 1993. 300/12 RESOLUTION Ald Cole / Martin That Agenda Item 9.4 which was a Notice of Motion in relation to the Retention of Services at the Mersey Community Hospital be brought onto the Agenda for a decision. AYES:
Aldermen Martin, Kent, Cole, Goodwin, Hollister, Jarman, Keay, Laycock, Rockliff, Squibb and Wilson
NOES:
Nil
9.4
RETENTION OF SERVICES - MERSEY COMMUNITY HOSPITAL - NOTICE OF MOTION - ALD S L MARTIN (D283929) Motion Ald Martin / Hollister That Council determine a position:•
To the retention of services of the Mersey Community Hospital as per the ‘Heads of Agreement’ (between the State and Federal Governments regarding the management of the Mersey Community Hospital), specifically the retention of obstetrics and gynaecology;
Furthermore Minutes of Devonport City Council Ordinary Meeting held 19 November 2012
Page 10 of 12 •
as to supporting the future development of one regional hospital at a Greenfield site in Ulverstone to ensure quality, effective and efficient health services for the entire region of Braddon and in lobbying the State and Federal Governments to achieve such
Or •
a co-located private hospital on one floor at the Mersey Community Hospital.
PROCEDURAL MOTION 301/12 RESOLUTION Ald Keay / Jarman That before Council develop a position on the Mersey Community Hospital this matter be deferred until discussions can be held with the CEO of the Tasmanian Health Organisations or the Board of the Mersey Community Hospital. AYES:
Aldermen Kent, Cole, Goodwin, Jarman, Keay, Laycock, Rockliff, Squibb and Wilson
NOES:
Aldermen Martin and Hollister
The Mayor resumed the chair at 8.11pm
10.0 MAYORAL REPORT 10.1
MAYOR'S MONTHLY REPORT (D282515) 302/12 RESOLUTION Ald Rockliff / Cole That the report advising of the Mayor’s meetings and functions for the month of October, 2012 be received and noted. AYES:
Aldermen Martin, Kent, Cole, Goodwin, Hollister, Jarman, Keay, Laycock, Rockliff, Squibb and Wilson
NOES:
Nil
11.0 GENERAL MANAGER'S REPORTS 11.1
ELECTED MEMBERS EXPENDITURE REPORT (D282516) 303/12 RESOLUTION Ald Goodwin / Rockliff That the report advising of Mayoral and Aldermanic Expenditure for the month of October, 2012 be received and the information noted.
11.2
AYES:
Aldermen Martin, Kent, Cole, Goodwin, Hollister, Jarman, Keay, Laycock, Rockliff, Squibb and Wilson
NOES:
Nil
AUSTRALIAN SAIL TRAINING ASSOCIATION CONFERENCE (D283073) 304/12 RESOLUTION Ald Goodwin / Cole That Council approve Alderman Graham Kent’s attendance at the Australian Sail Training Association Conference to be held in Sydney from 30 November to 1 December 2012 and that expenses be paid in accordance with Council’s Policy.
Minutes of Devonport City Council Ordinary Meeting held 19 November 2012
Page 11 of 12 AYES:
Aldermen Martin, Kent, Cole, Goodwin, Hollister, Jarman, Keay, Laycock, Rockliff, Squibb and Wilson
NOES:
Nil
12.0 CUSTOMERS AND COMMUNITY REPORTS 12.1
MINUTES OF CONTROLLING AUTHORITIES, WORKING GROUPS AND SPECIAL COMMITTEE MEETINGS (D281191) 305/12 RESOLUTION Ald Goodwin / Jarman That the Combined Minutes of Controlling Authorities, Working Groups and Special Committees be received and noted.
12.2
AYES:
Aldermen Martin, Kent, Cole, Goodwin, Hollister, Jarman, Keay, Laycock, Rockliff, Squibb and Wilson
NOES:
Nil
FREE PARKING IN COUNCIL CAR PARKS FOR DECEMBER 2012 (D282504) RESOLUTION Ald Rockliff / Laycock That Council remove parking fees in all Council car parks from 9:00am to 10:00am every Saturday for the month of December 2012. AMENDED MOTION 306/12 RESOLUTION Ald Wilson / Keay That Council remove parking fees in all Council car parks from 9:00am to 10:00am every Saturday. AYES:
Aldermen Martin, Kent, Cole, Goodwin, Hollister, Jarman, Keay, Laycock, Rockliff, Squibb and Wilson
NOES:
Nil
13.0 TECHNICAL AND FINANCE REPORTS 13.1
SOLAR POWERED COMPACTOR RUBBISH BINS (D275588) 307/12 RESOLUTION Ald Keay / Jarman That Council proceed with a trial of two Solar Powered Compactor Rubbish Bins to be located at the Bluff adjacent to the children’s play area and the lighthouse.
13.2
AYES:
Aldermen Martin, Kent, Cole, Goodwin, Hollister, Jarman, Keay, Laycock, Rockliff, Squibb and Wilson
NOES:
Nil
FINANCE REPORT FOR OCTOBER 2012 (D280675) 308/12 RESOLUTION Ald Goodwin / Rockliff That the Finance Report for October 2012 be noted. AYES:
Aldermen Martin, Kent, Cole, Goodwin, Hollister, Jarman, Keay, Laycock, Rockliff, Squibb and Wilson
Minutes of Devonport City Council Ordinary Meeting held 19 November 2012
Page 12 of 12 NOES: 13.3
Nil
NON-URBAN ROAD NETWORK STRATEGY - CHANGES TO SPEED LIMITS (D280739) 309/12 RESOLUTION Ald Wilson / Goodwin That Council note the “Safer Roads, Non-Urban Road Network Strategy” report and advise DIER that it does not intend to nominate any non–urban roads for assessment to retain a 100km/h speed limit.
13.4
AYES:
Aldermen Martin, Kent, Cole, Goodwin, Hollister, Jarman, Keay, Laycock, Rockliff, Squibb and Wilson
NOES:
Nil
FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE GRANT FUNDING REDUCTION (D281963) 310/12 RESOLUTION Ald Wilson / Kent That the reduction in Financial Assistance Grants be noted and that Council write to the State Grant’s Commission expressing its concerns in relation to the decision to reduce Council’s Financial Assistance Grant Allocation.
13.5
AYES:
Aldermen Martin, Kent, Cole, Goodwin, Hollister, Jarman, Keay, Laycock, Rockliff, Squibb and Wilson
NOES:
Nil
CONTRACT 1230 - WILLIAM STREET/VALLEY ROAD INTERSECTION RECONSTRUCTION (D282914) 311/12 RESOLUTION Ald Wilson / Cole That the Tender submitted by Venarchie Contracting Pty Ltd for Contract 1230 – William Street - Valley Road Intersection reconstruction, be accepted for the tendered sum of $169,153.00 excluding GST.
13.6
AYES:
Aldermen Martin, Kent, Cole, Goodwin, Hollister, Jarman, Keay, Laycock, Rockliff, Squibb and Wilson
NOES:
Nil
CAPITAL WORKS PROGRESS REPORT (D282938) 312/12 RESOLUTION Ald Rockliff / Goodwin That the progress report on the 2012/13 Capital Works Program be noted. AYES:
Aldermen Martin, Kent, Cole, Goodwin, Hollister, Jarman, Keay, Laycock, Rockliff, Squibb and Wilson
NOES:
Nil
There being no further business on the agenda the Open Session was declared closed at 8.48pm. Confirmed Chairman
Minutes of Devonport City Council Ordinary Meeting held 19 November 2012