Five no-shows to council’s budget briefing A FRANKSTON Council meeting to run through the upcoming budget has fizzled out, with only four out of nine councillors showing up to the briefing. Crs Colin Hampton, Steve Toms, Brian Cunial, Sandra Mayer, and Glenn Aitken were no-shows to the meeting at the Frankston Arts Centre on Saturday 9 February. Ratepayer money was used to hire the venue, bring in the monitor, and cater morning tea for the event. The briefing ended in quick time, with present councillors and dozens of council officers sent home after only a couple of hours. Frankston councillor Kris Bolam told The Times the number of absences was “perplexing”. “What I will say is that councillors are expected to manage a $160 million dollar budget and approximately $1.7 billion dollars in community assets. The budget affects over 150,000 residents and the council’s 700 employees. It is a very important process that is essentially at the heart of being an elected councillor.” “I will leave it to others to justify why they weren’t there but to say attendance was lackluster is a severe understatement.” The Times understands the meeting was scheduled to go all day. The mayor Michael O’Reilly said that a new “streamlined” process was the reason for the short meeting. “Council hosted its annual budget
Missing in action: Five Frankston councillors were absent at a budget meeting on Saturday, causing it to be abandoned. Pictures: Supplied
meeting on Saturday 9 February, this year at the Frankston Arts Centre,” he said. “We are always looking for ways to improve our processes, so councillors where asked to review the budget papers and submit their questions prior to the meeting, which gave officers time to prepare detailed responses. Because some Councillors were unable to attend the meeting due to work and family commitments, this new process worked really well. “Another bonus of this new streamlined approach was that the meeting finished earlier than expected so lunch catering was not required. The total cost for the meeting is yet to be received, but we have a standard room hire fee which is done via internal transfer, and the cost per person for morning tea catering. “Council is continuing to work together on a budget that will meet the needs of our entire community, and hopes to release a draft for community feedback in April.” Cr Mayer told The Times she had a “doctors note” and could not attend due to illness. Cr Hampton said “my life is not just being a councillor, I had a family commitment later in afternoon, I’ll catch up. We are part time.” Cr Steve Toms posted on social media that he is on leave until 18 February. Cr Cunial said he had a “personal engagement”, while Cr Aitken also told the Times he had a personal commitment. Cr Aitken said “it needs to be remembered that the budget is a very prolonged series of meetings and briefing, not just one. We generally have deliberations lasting over two months.” Brodie Cowburn
In form: Hannah Trigger at Gunnamatta showing the standard of surfing that saw her win the Peninsula Surfriders’ Club titles last year. Pictures: Supplied
Surfers ready to start making waves Peninsula Surfriders’ Club begins its 2019 season this weekend with a contest site to be determined depending on the surf. Since being formed in 1974, the club has won state team events and seen its members in national teams. “With ties to the inception of the surf industry, PSC has been an integral link in the Victorian surf landscape for more than 40 years,” club president Lachy McDonald said. The 140-member club has a clubhouse on a property it owns near Gunnamatta, and “enjoys a thriving social and community scene with fundraisers, events, development camps and training programs run throughout the year”. The club’s “Supergroms program” helps junior surfers compete all divisions between under-9 under-15. “Mostly held at Point Leo, four
contests each year and a presentation event provide a great platform for the club’s youngest members to form friendships and grow in confidence in the competition side of surfing,” McDonald said. “High performance coaching is available throughout the year to junior members, with dedicated camps and week-long programs also offered by some of Australia’s most accomplished coaches to all age groups and ability levels.” Calum Nicolson and Hannah Trigger won the 2018 open male and female titles while junior and cadet surfers like Charlie Lucas, Brooke Fischer and Jake Pancic were regular competitors in the later rounds of the open divisions. For events and membership go to www.psc.org.au Keith Platt
FEBRUARY/ MARCH M A D N E S S
20
% * OFF ROLLER BLINDS Prices are example only. Other sizes available.
minimum order - 3 blinds
SELECTED FABRICS TO SUIT ALL BUDGETS Prices Based On 2100 Drop
Solitaire
Focus
Plain Blockout
Blockout
One Screen
Jersey
Sanctuary
Translucent
Blockout
900w was $136
2000w was $193
900w was $143
2000w was $210
900w was $167
2000w was $249
900w was $185
2000w was $286
900w was $185
2000w was $286
NOW
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$109 $154 $114 $168 $134 $199 $148 $229 $148 $229 300 AVAILABLE
400 AVAILABLE
Zara
Jersey
Blockout
Blockout
300 AVAILABLE
Balmoral One Screen Blockout
100 AVAILABLE
Positano Blockout
150 AVAILABLE
Boston ii & Broome ii
900w was $206
2000w was $326
900w was $206
2000w was $326
900w was $211
2000w was $338
900w was $229
2000w was $373
900w was $229
2000w was $373
NOW
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LIMITED NUMBERS! ONCE THEY’RE GONE... THEY’RE GONE!
$165 $261 $165 $261 $169 $270 $183 $298 $183 $298 100 AVAILABLE
100 AVAILABLE
100 AVAILABLE
75 AVAILABLE
75 AVAILABLE
Limited Stock. Discount does not apply to any accessories sold with blinds. Prices based on 2100 drop. Sale ends March 30 or until sold out.
est 1997
50 Hartnett Drive, Seaford (Opposite Vic Roads) 9782 4142
19 Treloar Lane, Pakenham
(Opposite Pakenham Central) 5940 3866
www.jaleighblinds.com.au Frankston Times
19 February 2019
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