MINUTES OF BURWOOD COUNCIL MEETINGS 23 APRIL 2013

Burwood Council Meetings

MINUTES OF THE MEETING OF THE COUNCIL OF BURWOOD held at the Council Chamber, Suite 1, Level 2, 1-17 Elsie Street, Burwood on Tuesday, 23 April 2013 commencing at 6.05pm.

ATTENDANCE Councillor John Faker (Mayor)

Councillor Lesley Furneaux-Cook

Councillor George Mannah

Councillor Justin Taunton

Councillor Ernest Wong (Deputy Mayor)

Mr M McMahon, General Manager

Ms V Lee, Deputy General Manager Corporate, Governance & Community

Mr B Macdonnell, Deputy General Manager Land, Infrastructure & Environment

Mr T Briscese, Executive Manager

Mr W Armitage, Chief Finance Officer

Mr B Mortimer, Manager Organisational Development

Mr B Olsen, Manager Building & Development

Mr B Adamopoulos, Manager Design

Ms D Luo, Manager Strategic Planning

Mr R Di Federico, Manager Traffic & Transport

Ms P Viney, Governance Co-ordinator

Ms Y Tome, Governance Officer

OPENING OF MEETING BY THE MAYOR

The Mayor opened the meeting with a prayer.

OPEN FORUM

Name Ag / Item
Mr Ed Harvey / NSW TCorp Report on Financial Sustainability of Councils
Apologies
48/13 / RESOLVED (Carried Unanimously)
That an apology be granted to Councillor Tony Doueihi and a leave of absence granted to Councillor Sally Deans.
(Moved Councillor Lesley Furneaux-Cook/Seconded Councillor Justin Taunton)

DECLARATIONS OF INTEREST

Councillor John Faker declared a non pecuniary less than significant interest in Item T.8/13 Victoria Street, Burwood – Drop Off and Pick Up Area in the Burwood Local Traffic Committee Meeting Minutes – 4 April 2013 as he owns a property on The Strand and his Father operates a business in The Strand.

DECLARATIONS OF POLITICAL INTEREST

There were no declarations of political interests by Councillors.

Confirmation of Minutes
49/13 / RESOLVED (Carried Unanimously)
That the minutes of the meeting of the Council of Burwood held on Tuesday 26 March 2013, as circulated, be confirmed and signed as a true record of the proceeding of the meeting.
(Moved Councillor Lesley Furneaux-Cook/Seconded Deputy Mayor Ernest Wong)

Address by the Public on Agenda Items

Name Ag / Item
Mr Ed Harvey / Item 36/13 - Draft 2013-17 Delivery Program and Budget, Draft 2013-13 Operational Plan and Budget, Draft 2013-14 Statement of Revenue Policy – Endorsement for Public exhibition

Mayoral Minutes

(ITEM MM8/13) WHITE PAPER – A NEW PLANNING SYSTEM FOR NSW
File No:13/15013
Summary
On 16 April 2013, the State Government released its White Paper – A New Planning System for public feedback.
The White Paper is the main opportunity for public input before the State Government legislates to establish its new planning system. The closing date for submissions is 28 June 2013.
The White Paper identifies five fundamental reforms to the planning system:
·  Planning culture
·  Community participation
·  Strategic planning
·  Development assessment
·  Infrastructure
I have reviewed the White Paper and I have some serious concerns in the following areas:
Community Participation – the new planning system focuses community involvement at the commencement of the planning process through the development of policies and plans. I am concerned that the community may not recall what is developed and agreed in planning documents and I feel concerned that they will not be able to comment on new developments that directly impact on their home or way of life at a later stage in the planning cycle. This new process could result in an overall loss of transparency in decision making.
Role of Independent Planning Panels – the new system emphasises the notion of “independent” expert decision making authorities such as Independent Hearing and Assessment Panels. I am of the belief that the current nexus between Council staff, the community and the Council in the planning process is important and should not be lost.
Local infrastructure – the new planning system appears to place additional emphasis on contributions for the development of regional infrastructure. I remain concerned that the new process may dilute the ability to raise funds through the planning process that are able to be applied to the development of local infrastructure.
Accordingly, I would like to propose that Council notify the residents of the White Paper (via the website and other media) and seek their input on the new planning system. Council should then prepare a submission on the White Paper, including any feedback received from the community.
50/13 / RESOLVED (Carried Unanimously)
Council notify the residents of the White Paper, seek their feedback and prepare a submission, on behalf of Council, on the proposals presented, including any feedback from the community.
(ITEM MM9/13) FORMATION OF METROPOLITAN MAYORS’ ASSOCIATION
File No:13/13950
Summary
On 10 April 2013 Mayors and Delegates from 14 Sydney Metropolitan Councils met at a forum hosted by the City of Canterbury to discuss the formation of a new peak body to represent the common interests of councils in the Sydney Metropolitan Area.
Delegates of the forum expressed concern over the effectiveness of Local Government Association NSW in its advocacy role and consultation with, and on behalf of, Sydney Metropolitan Councils in a number of important areas, including and, not limited to, Planning Reform (Green and White Paper), the Independent Review of Local Government, the foreshadowed early intervention legislation and the Review of the Local Government Act.
The consensus of the forum was that Sydney Metropolitan Mayors should form an association that would focus on the Sydney Metropolitan Area and collaborate and consult with the Federal and NSW Governments to represent the common and emerging issues affecting councils in the Sydney Metropolitan Area and the future of this region. Presently there exists a Country Mayors’ Association which was formed some years ago for the same purposes as a voice for those Mayors in the Country Region of NSW.
The new body would be known as the Metropolitan Mayors’ Association (MMA).
The forum agreed that:
1.  The Councils of the Sydney Metropolitan Area share many common interests, including planning systems and regulations, infrastructure issues, economic development and the regulation of the Local Government sector.
2.  The Councils of the Sydney Metropolitan Area want an efficient, consultative, cost effective and member focused organisation to co-ordinate action and advocacy on matters of shared interest.
The 14 Councils, being broadly representative of NSROC, SHOROC and SSROC, at the meeting agreed to submit a Mayoral Minute to their next available Council meeting seeking a resolution for the purpose of forming the MMA.
Canterbury City Council (SSROC) has agreed to write to all Councils in Metropolitan Sydney encouraging them to consider becoming a member of the Metropolitan Mayors’ Association and to co-ordinate responses. Subject to receipt of responses, an inaugural meeting of the MMA will occur as soon as practicable.
I expect the formation costs of the Association to be less than $5000 which will be offset by any future association membership costs.
51/13 / RESOLVED (Carried Unanimously)
1.  That Council support the formation and membership of a Metropolitan Mayors’ Association (MMA) and advise Canterbury City Council of our decision.
2.  All Sydney Metropolitan Councils be encouraged to support the formation of the MMA, and Council contribute to the formation costs of up to $5000 that will be made available from the General Manager’s Budget.
3.  Subject to receipt of responses from Metropolitan Councils, another meeting of interested Mayors be arranged to progress the proposal.
(ITEM MM10/13) PROPOSED NEW STRUCTURE AND GOVERNANCE FRAMEWORK FOR THE SOUTHERN SYDNEY REGIONAL ORGANISATIONS OF COUNCILS
File No:13/13516
Summary
In February 2013, the Southern Sydney Regional Organisation of Councils (SSROC) General Managers and the SSROC Executive, including me as its President, undertook a Strategic Planning Workshop to focus on the reform agenda in Local Government, the Shared Services Model for SSROC, options for future Shared Services for 2013 and a proposed new structure and governance framework for SSROC.
Upon the release of the workshop outcomes and actions report, a special meeting of SSROC Mayors was held at Burwood Council on 21 March 2013. Representatives of all 16 Councils were present and, at that meeting, it was unanimously agreed by those Councils that a special submission be made to the Local Government Independent Review Panel for their final discussion paper expected in April 2013.
A submission was made to the Chairman, Professor Graham Sansom, with a copy to the Minister for Local Government, proposing a new model for regional co-operation, a new structure and governance framework for SSROC to complement the proposed model and offering SSROC as a pilot programme for the preferred model on service delivery and advocacy.
To assist with an evidence based solution for the proposed model, the Mayors and delegates of SSROC agreed to seek a contribution from each Council of an amount of $5,000 to engage a consultant to develop this evidence based business plan for the model.
A brief for consultancy services has been finalised and has been circulated to various consultants seeking a cost estimate of works. The evidence based business plan is proposed to be completed, as soon as possible, to allow SSROC to be in a position as a pilot programme for the preferred regional model for service delivery in Local Government.
52/13 / RESOLVED (Carried Unanimously)
That Council commit a financial contribution of $5,000 to assist the Southern Sydney Regional Organisation of Councils in engaging a consultant to develop an evidence based business plan for the model contained in the submission to the Local Government Independent Review Panel.
(ITEM MM11/13) PROPERTY ON THE CORNER OF BURWOOD ROAD AND DUFF STREET, BURWOOD
File No:13/14992
Summary
The property on the corner of Burwood Road and Duff Street, Burwood is in a derelict state. In addition, currently they have a wired temporary fence that may not comply with our current policy. As a minimum they may be able to construct a new fence with some hedging.
I would like the General Manager to investigate what options Council has to take action, including whether Council is able to serve an order.
53/13 / RESOLVED (Carried Unanimously)
1.  That the General Manager investigate what options are available to address the state of the fence and the house on the corner of Burwood Road and Duff Street, Burwood.
2.  That part of the investigation include if Council can serve Orders or pursue penalties for demolition by neglect.
3.  That the General Manager report back to Council.

Reports of Committees

(ITEM RC2/13) Burwood Local Traffic Committee Minutes - 4 April 2013
File No: 13/12616
Summary
Attached are the Minutes of the Burwood Local Traffic Committee from its meeting of 4 April 2013. The Minutes are hereby submitted to the Ordinary Council Meeting for formal consideration and adoption by Council.
54/13 / RESOLVED (Carried Unanimously)
That the minutes of the Burwood Local Traffic Committee of 4 April 2013 be noted and the recommendations of the Committee as detailed below be adopted as a resolution of the Council.
(ITEM T.8/13) Victoria Street, Burwood - drop off and pick up area
Recommendation
That Council convert the existing ‘No Stopping’ restrictions at the bend of Victoria Street and Dunns Lane, outside the Victoria Street Medical Centre, to ‘No Parking’ to provide patients with ‘Pick-up’ and ‘Drop-off’.
(ITEM T.9/13) Paisley Lane, Croydon - Relocation of Loading Zone
Recommendations
1. That Council approve the removal of the ‘Loading Zone’ in Paisley lane at the rear of No. 8-10 The Strand and replace it with ‘No Parking’ restrictions.
2. That Council approve the relocation of the ‘Loading Zone’ around the corner to Paisley Road in an existing area of ‘No Stopping’, west of Paisley Lane.
(ITEM T.10/13) Saint Nectarios Easter Celebration - BuRlEigh Street and Railway Parade Road Closure
Recommendations
That Council approve the procession and road closures associated with Saint Nectarios Easter Celebrations on Friday 3 May 2013 and Saturday 4 May 2013 subject to the following:
a) RMS concurrence is granted to close Burleigh Street and Railway Parade on Friday 3 May 2013 between 8.00pm and 11.30pm and Saturday 4 May 2013 between 11.00pm and 12.30am
b) That the event is noted as a Class 3 event, and the Traffic Management Centre is notified prior to the road closure
c) Emergency services and public transport operators are to be advised of the event (a copy to be forwarded to Council)
d) A copy of the Public Liability Insurance for the event ($20 million) to be forwarded to Council
e) Barricades and signs to be provided in accordance with Work Cover requirements and AS1742.3 (2002) – Traffic Control for Works on Roads
f) Residents and businesses of the following streets are to be advised of the event (outlining start and finish times, street closure details, and contact name and number for the day), with a copy of the correspondence forwarded to Council:
I. Burleigh Street
II. Burwood Road (from Railway Parade to Belmore Street)
III. Belmore Street (from Burwood Road to Shaftesbury Road)
IV. Shaftesbury Road (from Belmore Street to Railway Parade)
V. Railway Parade (from Shaftesbury Road to Burleigh Street)
(ITEM T.11/13) Boundary Street, Croydon - PLC Application for Temporary Road Closure
Recommendations
That Council approve the PLC Annual Country Fair / Open Day to be held on Saturday 11 May 2013 subject to the following:
a. RMS concurrence is granted to close Boundary Street, between Robinson Street and Young Street, on Saturday 11 May 2013 between 8am and 9pm
b. That the event is noted as a Class 3 event, and the Traffic Management Centre is notified prior to the road closure
c. Emergency services and public transport operators are to be advised of the event (a copy to be forwarded to Council)
d. Organisers of the event to obtain Police Approval for Public Assembly (copy to be forwarded to Council)
e. A copy of the Public Liability Insurance for the event ($20 million) to be forwarded to Council
f. Barricades and signs to be provided in accordance with Work Cover requirements and AS1742.3 (1996) – Traffic Control for Works on Roads
g. Parents & Carers of PLC to be advised of correct parking behaviour prior to the event
h. Residents of the following streets are to be advised of the event (outlining start and finish times, street closure details, and contact name and number for the day), with a copy of the correspondence forwarded to Council:
1. Boundary Street
2. Young Street
3. Grosvenor Street
4. Webb Street
5. Irrara Street
6. Orchard Street
7. Queen Street (from Webb Street to Robinson Street)
8. Gibbs Street
9. Macgregor Street
10. Wright Street
11. Robinson Street
i. All fees associated with the proposed road closure are borne by PLC.
(Moved Deputy Mayor Ernest Wong/Seconded Councillor George Mannah)

General Business