Minutes of the Annual General Meeting
Ofthe Penkivil Precinct Monday 4thApril 2011
At Waverley Council Chambers – Corner Bondi Road and Paul Street, Bondi
Meeting commenced at: 7.30pm
Attendance:
Precinct Convenor Bill Mouroukas
Precinct DA Rep Steve Latta
Secretary & Traffic Rep Keith Bryars
Mayor Sally Betts
Mark Wood, Director of Public Works and Services.
25peoplesigned the attendance sheet. 22 persons were eligible to vote.
Ludovicio Fabiano, Convenor South Bondi/Watson Precinct.
Apologies:
Councillor Tony Kay and Councillor Prue Cancian
Resolution Adoption ofPrevious Meeting Minutes: -By mutual agreement the meeting resolved that the tabled minutes of the Penkivil Precinct Committee meeting which was held on 7thFebruary 2011, are adopted as being a true record of that meeting.
Combating Illegal Rubbish Dumping
Mark Wood, Director of Public Works and Services explained the “your Call” and Scheduled Clean up Services and outlined trials Council were proposing to attempt to alleviate the high incidence of illegally dumped rubbish experienced in parts of the Council area.
Ocean St and Penkivil Streets will be initially targeted by these trial which will attempt to educate residents as to arrangements that need to be made for pick up of excess household rubbish using Council’s “Your Call” service. This will include advice to rental letting agents and Body Corporate managers.
The general feeling of the meeting was that much of the problem stemmed from the high proportion of rental properties in the Waverley Council area making it difficult to continue to educate an ongoing itinerant population. It was suggested that Council should just accept that it was virtually impossible to stamp out illegal dumping completely and just programme the trucks used to collect excess rubbish to do a weekly pick up from streets identified as trouble spots. This service would still be significantly less than that required if all residents used their 2 “Your Call” services per year. As much of the rubbish dumped usually occurs the day before the normal rubbish bin collection day it was suggested this additional service occur on the same day as the normal bin collection.
Precinct Executive Elections
An annual electionfor the appointment of Precinct Executive positions was conducted by Ludovicio Fabiano, Convenor of South Bondi/Watson Precinct.
The existing executive, Bill Mouroukas, Keith Bryars and Steve Latta all advised they would prefer to stand down so nominations for all positions were called for. No other nominations were received other than from Dyanne Gourlaywho volunteered tobe an Assistant Executive Member.
As there were no nominations the 3 members of the executive agreed to return on an interim basis with the proviso that the schedule of meetings will be reduced from 6 to 3 for the next 12 months (1 meeting every 4 months).At the discretion of the precinct convenor, an extraordinary meeting may be called during the period between ordinary scheduled meetings.
The following positions were therefore proclaimed:-
- Convenor – Bill Mouroukas – Only nomination
- Secretary – Keith Bryars – Only nomination
- DA representative – Steve Latta – Only nomination
- Traffic Representative – Keith Bryars – Only nomination
- Dyanne Gourlay – Assistant Executive Member.
Thanks to Ludovicio Fabiano for assisting with these elections.
Matters Arising from Previous Meetings
Waverley Council’s response/update to Penkivil Precinct Committee Motions-Actions
Motion 2 (from April 2009 meeting)
Proposal to install a Left Hand only turn sign at intersections of Waverley Crescent and Bondi Road.
Councillor Kay advised that a Traffic Management Plan had been submitted to the RTA and Council were awaiting a response (expected by end June).
Update on response
The RTA is responsible for any traffic changes and all traffic signals.
Waverley Crescent and Bondi Road require a Traffic Management Plan for the RTA approval. Council is awaiting a response.
Update at August 2010
Matter still with RTA
Cr. Kay stated he would request Council staff to again seek a resolution of this matter from the RTA.
Update at October 2010
As no record could be found that the TMP had been referred to or received by the RTA, a fresh TMP was forwarded to the RTA on 23 August, 2010. Kyle Wells from the RTA has advised the TMP has been received and is being processed. Response should be received by the end of October.
Update at April 2011
Carried forward
Motion 7 (from November 2009 meeting)
Council are requested to take traffic counts in Martins Ave before and after removal of the triangular island at the intersection with Ocean St. – Motion carried unanimously by the meeting.
Update at April 2011
The convenor reported he understood that the removal of the splitter and other approved works must be concluded before 30th June. Traffic counts have not been done but will be before works to remove the triangular island commence. Traffic counts will then be provided to the Penkivil Precinct Committee. Counts will be redone about 3 months after completion of works.
Motion 2 (from June 2010 meeting)
Council request Sydney Buses consider routing an express between Bondi Beach and the City that by passes Bondi Junction by travelling along Syd Enfield Drive. Proposed Keith Bryars Seconded Eva Varga passed with 1 abstention.
Response
Motion was referred to the STA for consideration and reply.
Update at April 2011
No response as yet from STA.
Also raised at June 2010 meeting
Crossing Lights at Ocean and Watson Street. Service Desk Request 111696
Julia Varga complained the time is too short. She described the difficulty she has in crossing within the set time with two very young children in hand.
The Convenor advised he would submit a Service Desk request to have the Green Light Pedestrian Crossing times extended at these intersections.
Response
Council will write to the RTA regarding the green pedestrian phase of the signals at Bondi and Watson and Bondi and Ocean requesting they review the timing with a view to increasing the green phase because of the large elderly population using the signals.
Please note Service Desk #111696 also relates to the matter of Green Walk Light Crossing time settings at Watson and Ocean Streets.
Update at April 2011
Has been referred to RTA.
Raised at August 2010 meeting
RTA review Traffic and Pedestrian signal operations; Bondi Road/Watson St intersection Service Desk Request 116121
Concerns:
1) Timing of yellow to red change for traffic in relation to green walk. Drivers frequently running yellow while pedestrians are focused on walk signal experiencing near hits. Suggestion: All yellow traffic times be slightly extended and the green walk triggered slightly after traffic red switches on.
2) Drivers turning right from Watson into Bondi not observing red arrow on north eastern signal pole. Apparently full green light on same pole is confusing drivers who immediately proceed on full green change, even though red arrow east bound is illuminated. At this point in cycle pedestrians crossing Bondi Road (eastern side crossing) are confronted with drivers attempting to get through the intersection. This is a dangerous situation and an urgent review of this aspect by Council and RTA is requested.
Response at October 2010
Letter to be written to RTA requesting pedestrian signal phase timing be checked.
Update April 2011
Still waiting for response from RTA.
NOTE: - The Convenor understands The Bondi Primary School is organising a petition to have RTA assess timing and accuracy of the Watson St lights, particularly in regards pedestrian safety.
Resolution 2 (from November 2010 meeting) re Park Parade Traffic Review
By mutual agreement of the meeting, Penkivil Precinct requests Council include letters to non residents when sending out letters to canvas residents opinions.
Response at February 2011
Request forwarded to Divisional Manager, Technical Services.
It was further reported that Community Consultation had been deferred until April 2011.
Update April 2011
No further response
Also raised at November 2010 meeting
It was requested a safety island be considered at the Wellington St / Bondi Rd intersection to provide some refuge for pedestrians crossing Wellington St.
Response at February 2011
This request was forwarded to the Divisional Manager, Technical Services for consideration and follow up.
Council’s Technical Services are investigating a pedestrian refuge in Wellington St at Bondi Rd. A report will be prepared in due course for the consideration of the Waverley Traffic Committee.
Update April 2011
A report was submitted to the Waverley Traffic Committee meeting held on 24 March 2011 detailing a proposal to install an island in Wellington St at Bondi Rd. The minutes from that meeting are yet to be confirmed.
Also raised at November 2010 meeting
Safety Pedestrian Island Botany St: Service Desk Request 118403 Would Council consider a safety pedestrian island on the corner of Botany Street [North]. This is a T intersection and at this point Botany Street becomes wider. The Penkivil Precinct Committee supports the installation of a safety pedestrian island such as the one at Park Parade [Bondi Road end]. Submitted by Convenor following discussion of the matter at Penkivil Precinct meeting 11/10/10.
Update at April 2011
Matter referred to the Senior Traffic Engineer for investigation.
Motion 1(from February 2011 meeting)
Irregular / illegal parking on Bon Accord Ave: - Reported in email from a resident and supported by comments from the floor. It was noted that trucks and buses belonging to the Surf School often restrict access to the street. Penkivil Precinct requests Council ensures Council Rangers enforce parking regulations in Bon Accord Ave. Moved Bill Mouroukas, Seconded Erica Goatly. Carried unanimously
Response:
Sent to Parking Services Manager for follow up.
ExplanationRequest (from February 2011 meeting)
No Stopping Zone Birrell St: - It was noted that a clearway operates in Birrell St on the South side outside the Bowling Club from 4pm to 6pm. Council requested to advise reason for this.
Response
Sent to Divisional Manager Technical Services.
This was approved by the WTC a couple of years ago.
There are 2 problems here that the "No Stopping' is trying to stop:
1. Right turn into Park Parade prevented vehicles going straight ahead.
2. Left turn into Henrietta Street prevented vehicles going straight ahead.
'No Stopping' has stopped the congestion and made it safer.
The meeting accepted thereasoning as explained in Council’s response.
Precinct Request (from February 2011 meeting)
No Stopping Zone North side of Bondi Rd pm: - It was noted that this was often not being enforced by Council Rangers. Council requested to advise whether Council Rangers are patrolling the main streets in the Precinct area regularly. Residents say that they have not been very visible in recent times.
Response
Sent to Parking Services Manager for follow up.
Bus Stop street bench (seat) on Bondi Rd (Southern side) between Bennett Street and Park Parade. Service Desk Request 131149
The stop was expanded some time ago to accommodate the bendy buses but the bench has not been relocated near the bus stop point. (approx 20 metres away)
REQUEST: Please install a street bench closer to the stop point.
Lodged by Convenor following a request from a Bennett Street resident.
Update April 2011
The existing seat is currently under shop awnings and relocating it to the west 20m or so closer to the bus stop point (“J” stem/plinth) will have the seat out in the open in the weather. A new seat positioned near the“J” stem may interfere with passengers entering and exiting buses. The matter will need discussion by Council’s officers with Sydney Buses personnel.
TRAFFIC MATTERS
Ocean St traffic: Details of an email written to Councillor Kay by an Ocean St resident were referred to by the Traffic Representative. The resident is concerned about the increase in through traffic since the installation of traffic signals at the Bondi Rd intersection. It was pointed out that the street scape with angled parking was not compatible with large volumes of through traffic resulting in significant safety hazards.
Speeding traffic in Watson St:- The traffic representative also outlined a residents concerns expressed to Councillor Kay about excessive travel speeds in Watson St. This included buses returning to the depot. This followed an incident where a vehicle purportedly travelling too fast had collided with 3 or 4 parked vehicles.
New State Members: -It was proposed that the new state members for Coogee & Vaucluse be invited to a future Precinct meeting to address residents concerns. Especially those concerning Sydney buses and RTA.
RPPS Paul St, Dalley St, James St and Council St: -The response rate to a previous resident’s survey in 2007 was low and not considered representative of current resident’s views. The Convenor recommended residents should organise a petition to require Council to revisit this issue. For further information on organising an on line petition refer
Parking Council Chambers: -There was considered to be inadequate parking facilities for Council workers and visitors at the Council chambers and that this was contributing to parking problems in Paul St.
DEVELOPMENT APPLICATIONS:
The following matters were discussed.
The Benevolent Society: - the DA Representative reported that the previous State Government had recently granted the Benevolent Society a $5million grant towards development of their proposed retirement accommodation development in Ocean St. It was proposed the new State members be canvassed with a view to blocking this grant.
Council’s LEP: -The DA representative advised that the proposed new Council LEP was likely to go for public comment in April and this would include possible zoning of existing Special purposes sites.
Dual occupancy application Ocean St South: -Concern was expressed about the validity of this application.
GENERAL BUSINESS:
Bon Accord Ave: -It was agreed to form a sub-committee to consider parking, traffic, DA’s and Synagogue security measures and operations, consisting of the following members:
- Robert Fleming – Chairman
- Kerrie Lee
- Erica Goatly
- Jackie Williamson
- Bob Williamson
- Bryan Bell
The Mayor suggested the sub committee contact her and she would try to convene a meeting with members of the Synagogue Board.
Kerry Lee moved a vote of thanks to Bill Mouroukas for all his recent help with issues affecting Bon Accord Ave.
It was noted that Contractors working at the Synagogue were not doing enough to protect existing trees, and they were parking illegally. It was also noted wedding cars were not parking on the new apron but out in the street blocking the roadway.
CONVENOR’S NOTE:
The following Service Desk Request (#134216) was lodged on 8th April 2011:
Description: Location: Adjacent to 9 Bon Accord Avenue Bondi Junction
Description: At the meeting of the Penkivil Precinct of 4/4/11, a resident reported that during works being carried out at the synagogue & road, the area around the tree has been used to store building materials. Concern was raised for potential health impact upon the tree. Currently the area is fenced off with heavy cyclone type fencing leaning against tree and other materials.
Request: Please send a Council officer to inspect and take appropriate action to have the area cleared of construction materials and equipment.
Lodged by Convenor following request at precinct meeting held 4/4/11.
Rubbish: -Julia Varga advised that other people were dumping rubbish into her bins in Ocean St South.
Disabled Parking: - Rachel Klein asked the Mayor if it would be possible to get a disabled park outside her unit block 1/32 Ocean St North. The mayor promised to get a Council Officer to look into it.
Waverley Park construction site: -It was noted that soil had been piled up against an existing palm tree in the fenced off construction area close to the bus stop opposite Flood St.
Meeting Closed at 9.55pm
Next Meeting:
The next meeting will be held at 7.30pm,Monday 6th June 2011at Waverley Council Chambers.