mayor/south - litchfield council meetings... · had a meeting with fin bins and rural rubbish...

MINUTESOF THE ORDINARY MEETING OF THE LITCHFIELDCOUNCIL

HELD ON THURSDAY 13th JUNE 2013AT COUNCIL CHAMBERS, BEES CREEK ROAD, FREDS PASS

Present Victor Statham Deputy Mayor/SouthWardMike Bowman Councillor/East WardMathewSalter Councillor/North WardRussell Anderson Chief Executive OfficerDerrick Tranter Governance ManagerGraeme Francis Director Planningand WorksAisla Connolly Acting Council Secretary

Public: Darren On Humpty DooKate Poole VirginiaMaureen Peard VirginiaBarbara Crane Howard SpringsPeter Connolly Bees Creek

Chrstine Osborn Bees Creek

1. OPENING OF MEETING:

The DeputyMayor, Victor Statham opened the Meeting at 6.30 p.m. welcoming membersofthe public.

2. CONFLICT OF INTEREST: Nil

3. APOLOGIESAND LEAVE OF ABSENCE:

Allan McKay, MayorTerry Richards , Councillor/CentralWard

4. PUBLIC FORUM:

Mrs Osborn queried where Council in its Draft Municipal Plan, is going to make up the $600,000

per annum shortfall, the cost to operate waste versus the rates (income). Are servicesgoing tobe reduced? Can we reduce the opening hours of the WasteTransferStations? Does it need to

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DEPUTY MAYOR CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER

be manned every hour of every day? I suggest that it closes from 12:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m.Where is the $50 for the building of the WasteTransferStation?

The Chief Executive Officer replied that Council will look at options to make up the shortfall.The $50 Waste TransferStation fee is on top. The Chief Executive Officer advised that Council

had a meeting with Fin Bins and Rural Rubbish Removals and has decided to continue not tocharge them for dumping of waste. Staff will look at how to go forwardwith waste charges.Darwin City Council costs will increase as they have spent $4m on a new cell and with theincrease in waste this has a limited life. Council has a number of options including yoursuggestion.

Mr Connolly asked if anymorehad been done in relation to his ongoing dog problem. He

advised that the Health Departmentattended his property when it was too windy. Mr Connolly

queried if he could call Councils after-hoursnumber at 11.00 p.m. for witnesses? This has been

going on for twelve months! Mr Connolly asked if Pensioners get a concession on their rates.Mr Connolly queried why our rates are similar costs to town when water is not included in ourrates.

The Chief Executive Officer advised that Council is reviewing its dog by-laws presentlybutCouncils Officers have no legal right to enter properties without a warrant. Mr Connolly was

advised to speak with the Governance Manager, Derrick Tranter who is on the sub-committeeregarding ideas to overcome the problem. In relation to ringing the after-hours number youmay not get a responseat 11.00 p.m. Yes, the Northern Territory GovernmentDepartment ofHealth and Families does provide under the NT Pensioner and Carers ConcessionScheme a

pensionerconcession. Contact the Councils reception for further information.

Mrs Crane advised she had emailed Council with issues regarding costs decreasewith recycling,

mowing verges, and noted it was in the Agenda and asked when it would be discussed.

The Deputy Mayor advised that the Municipal Plan including budget is open for public commentfor 21days, Council will discuss the issues after the closing date.

Mr On suggested that the two items which have been removed from the StrategicPlan be re-instated. 1.4.2 Lobby NT Government including local politicians for greater influence in anyPlanningaffecting the Municipalityand 1.4.4 Inform residents of pending Planning issues in a

timely manner. Mr On believed it should be Councils responsibility to advise at least theaffected neighbours of the land on planning issues, especiallyCouncil land; road verges and

easements. A sign on the fence and a newspaperadvertisementis not enough. Mr On

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suggestedthat there be a billboard/publicdisplay of all developments, subdivisionsand

planning applications in Councils Office. Mr On gave a verbal example of amendments onCouncil Road and easement.

Councillor Bowman advised that Council have no planning powers. Council can only commenton planning applications. Two of the Councillors are on the Development Consent Authority as

community representativesand even then are only given three days notice of planningapplications. The Chief Executive Officer advised that the information is available on theNorthern TerritoryGovernment Department of Lands, Planningand the Environment Website.The Directorof Planningand Works, Graeme Francis is the contact for any queries.

Ms Peard asked if Council will charge to dump green waste and will the rates be different fordifferent locations within the municipality?

The Chief Executive Officer advised that the Municipal Plan is out for public comment, and ifendorsed,yes, as there is a stockpile of approximately3000m2 which is growing, the purchaseprice has been reduced from $15 to $10 and residents will be charged $5 a trailer load and $10

a truck load when dumping. Councils aim is to encourage residents to mulch/compostat home

with advertising and education.The Chief Executive Officer advised urban developments, for example; the new Coolalinga

subdivision will be charged a minimum of $1,050 as there is underground guttering, lighting andthe verges need mowing. The fixed charge remains for the residential properties.Mr On asked if the development levy will be increased.The Chief Executive Officer advised that it will remain as is.

Mrs Osborn asked the following questions:-a) I previously tabled two documents, Palmerston City Council and Coomalie Community

Government Councils Meeting Minutes?b) Will the financials be availableeach month?c) is Council moving to Unimproved Capital Value across the board?d) Who defines commercial?e) Can signs be placed on one board at the entrance to the industrial area/commercial

area to clean up the untidiness?

The Chief Executive Officer advised that:-a) The documents were misplaced and not given to the Council Secretary for recording

and are available on the Palmerston and Coomalie's websites.b) A copy of the Financials - Actual against Budget will be provided each month.

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DEPUTY MAYOR CHIEF EXECUTIVEOFFICER

c) No, the changes are commercial and urban development only.d) The GovernanceManager, Derrick Tranter advised that Council is in the process of

deciding, the intent is that home based contractingwill not be consideredcommerciale.g. hairdresser,earthmovingcontractor. Whereas a mechanicalworkshopand nursery

would be considered commercial, at this point we have caravan parks on RL zoned land.

The Chief Executive Officer advised that a declaration and advertisementto clarify willtake place.

e) CouncillorBowmanadvised that the Highway Roads are owned by the NorthernTerritory Governmentand Council has no control. The Chief Executive Officer advisedthat Councils previously decidedthat if a sign is inside a property it is ok, but signs are

not allowed on Councils roads.

Mr Connolly asked if the police can be notified/asked to patrol Bees Creek Road twice a week as

the vehicles are driving too fast.

Mr Connolly asked if Waste Transfer Station staff have the right to ask the public to sort theirload. The Chief Executive Officer advisedthat Council can advise the police, as can the public.The Chief Executive Officer advisedyes that is their job to reduce the amountof recyclables

going to landfill this not only reduces the costs to the rate payer is also better for the

environment.

7.27 p.m. Mr Connolly left the meeting.

5. ACCEPTINGOR DECLINING LATE ITEMS:

5.1 FR13/ASS/097LI: DONATIONTOWARDSATTENDING THE UN YOUTH

NATIONAL CONFERENCE IN SYDNEY- JULY 2013

It was resolved that Council accept the late item tabled being - FR13/ASS/097LIDONATIONTOWARDS ATTENDING THE UN YOUTH NATIONAL CONFERENCE IN SYDNEY - JULY 2013 underthe heading of Financeand Recreation Matters item 11.3

MOVED: V. StathamSECONDED: M. BowmanCARRIED

6. CONFIRMATION OF MINUTES

6.1 Minutes of the Ordinary Meeting held Thursday 9th MaY 2013

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The Deputy Mayor called for confirmation of the Minutes of the OrdinaryMeetingheld

Thursday9th May 2013.

It was resolved that the Minutes of the Ordinary Meeting held Thursday 9th May 2013

are confirmed in full by full Council with the following amendments

Page 1 under PRESENT: ADD "Mike BowmanCouncillor/EastWardDiane Chellingworth, Corporate Services Manager"

including embargoedsection;

FR13/CRR/001: COMMERCIAL RATE REVIEW

lt was resolved that Council resolves to:

(A)? Continue to apply a fixed charge to all residential properties (exceptthose operating

commercial businesses and new developments);? Rate all commercial/industrial properties using a Unimproved Capital Value rating

(0.0015769),to be introduced over two years with a minimal payment of $1,050;

? Apply a fixed rate for all urban type sub-divisions that have kerbing, drainageand streetlighting at the same rate applied in Palmerston;

? Rate all gas plants at (0.0015770);? Rate accommodation villages at (0.003154) for the period that they are operational

and

(B) Investigate the number of businesses operating from residential propertiesand create a

separate rating category in order to charge a commercialrate.

MOVED: M. BowmanSECONDED: V. StathamM. Salter abstained.

6.2 Minutes of the Budget Meeting held Saturday 4th May 2013

The Deputy Mayor called for confirmationof the Minutes of the Budget Meetingheld Saturday

4h

May 2013

This is page 5 of 14 of the Minutes of the Ordinary Meeting held Thursday 1 NE 2013


It was resolved that the Minutes of the Budget Meeting held at Saturday 4th May 2013

are confirmed in full by full Council.

MOVED: V. StathamSECONDED: M. SalterCARRIED

6.3 Minutesof the Budget Meeting held Wednesday 15'" May 2013

The Deputy Mayor called for confirmation of the Minutes of the Budget Meeting held atWednesday15'" May 2013.

It was resolved that the Minutes of the Budget Meeting held at Wednesday15th May 2013


MOVED: M. SalterSECONDED: M. BowmanCARRIED

6.4 Minutes of the Budget Meeting held Tuesday 28'" May 2013

The Deputy Mayor called for confirmationof the Minutes of the Budget Meetingheld atTuesday28th May 2013.

It was resolved that the Minutes of the Budget Meetingheld at Tuesday 28th May 2013



7. BUSINESS ARISING FROM THE MINUTES: Nil

8. DIRECTOROF PLANNING AND WORKS REPORT: JUNE

The Directorof Planningand Works tabled his May Report.

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PLANNING,WORKS AND MOBILE WORK FORCE REPORT

Capital works report end May 2013Mckinlay Road completeAcacia Gap Road 95% complete

?*?? Girraweenculvert extension complete.Kentish Road new seal going well.

Following roads resealed May 2013?*? Koel Way?*.? Bruce Court intersection?*? AngleseyRoad

?:? Bundey Road

MaintenanceWorks Completed

+ Various patrol patching an asphalt repairs to 38 roads

+ Repairs and replacement of several signs and installation of 26 new ones, 68 reinstalls10 of w/s carried out

+ Regravellingand Maintenance grading of various roads 25 in total

+ Repairs to shouldersat various culverts /crossovers, nil

+ CRM evaluation and review

¤ Budget check an outstandingorder reconcile

Development Applications Last Month- MayCouncil has submittedcomments

ID ADDRESS PURPOSE

PA2013/0223 70 AAAA Road, Howard Springs Stockpiling of fPA2013/0114 410G Elizabeth Valley Rd, Noonamah

arkPurpose of a Caravan

PA2013/0278 90 Metcalfe Rd, Humpty Doo_ _____

Keeping of Domestic livestock

PA2013/026947 Cherry Street, Townsite of Shed with reduced rearSouthport setback

Subdivisionto create 2 Lots forPA2013/0262 110 Trippe Rd, Humpty Doo the purpose of a lease in

excess of 12 Years

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DEPUTY MAYOR CHIEF EXECUTIVEOFFICER

PA2013/0187 790 Bees Creek Rd, Weddell Private Airstrip

PA2013/0009 200 Livingstone Rd, Livingstone CRezoningfrom Rural to

PA2012/0539

- Additional 880 LivingstoneRd, Berry Springs Subdivision to create 7 LotsComments

PA2013/0100 469 And 407 Brougham Rd, Fly Creek Subdivision to create 21 LotsPA2012/0764 26 Grosvenor Crt Holtze Industra UsePA2009/1540

- Additional 425 Stuart Hwy, Coolaiinga Gwelo Shopping CentreComments

PA2013/0320 11 Grosvenor Crt, Holtze Subdivision to create 5 Lots

PA2013/0305 36 Grice Cres, Coolalinga Multiple Dwellings

PA2013/0319 25 Vereker St, Humpty Doo Warehousewith office

PA2013/0314 467 Bees Creek Rd, Bees Creek DependantUnit

PA2013/0350 40 Grice Cres, Coolalinga Multiple Dwellings

Awaiting response from Council

ID ADDRESS PURPOSEPA2013/0284 - EDP 20 Morgan Rd, Virginia For the purpose of a

caravan parkPA2013/0355 1000 Channel Island Rd, Wickham To construct and operate a

as exportpipe inePA2013/0364 85 Whitewood Rd, Howard Subdivision for a lease in

Springs excess of 12 Years

Mobile Work Force - May?*?? The mobile workforce has mowed Howard River Park and is currently finishing

firebreaks in the area.4? At least 70% of Howard Springs and McMinns area has been mowed and a litter

collection was also undertaken in this area.4? The mowers are currently servicing Wells Creek Rd area.?*?? Currentlyconducting weed spraying throughout the Darwin River South area.4+ Most of the slashing on Pioneer Rd has been completed with roads off Pioneer still to

complete.

This is page 8 of 14 of the Minutes of the Ordinary Meeting held Thursday13* JU 2013


4+ The slashers have serviced Finn and Hopewell Roads and almost completed DarwinRiver South Roads.

¢? Many firebreaks in the Darwin River area have also been completed; many of these

were overgrown and looked like they had not been done for a few years.4+ Future Slashing and firebreak Rounds will be:

Southportand Kiril Park off the Arnhem Hwy (New Subdivision).

It was resolved that Council note the Director of Planning and Works tabled report.


8a BUSINESS ARISING FROM THE DIRECTOROF PLANNING AND WORKS REPORT -JUNE

9. POLICY AND ADMINISTRATIONMATTERS:

9.1 PA12/PRCS/032: PALMERSTONAND RURAL SENIOR'SWEEK

lt was resolved that Council:

a) support the Palmerston and Rural Senior's Week 2013;b) offer the program $1500 in support; and,

c) in providing financial assistance that the Committee provide acknowledgement by usingCouncils logo on the program and promotional material and that a letter of appreciationbe provided as per 2012.

MOVED: M. BowmanSECONDED: M. SalterCARRIED

10. COMMUNITY ISSUES- PETITIONS/REQUESTS Nil

10.1 C113/BC/001: LETTER FROM RATEPAYER

From Mrs Crane's email the followingquestions were suggested/asked:-

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9 m ? w n y e . e e r . . e y . . . e p , s y y


a) Council should promote the savings made by recycling and queried if the budget willreflect recycling costs?

b) Can Council put a figure in the budget; Council has been saving $x due to recycling?

c) That the Mobile Workforceskips the verges that are maintained by the resident.d) How much has been spent by the Council for maintenanceof verges in the last financial

year and what is proposed to be spent in the new draft budget?

The Chief Executive Officer advised that Council applies continuous improvementto it services.The NorthernTerritory Government is supporting the recycling of beverage containers.The Contractorhas the salvage rights to Litchfield Council scrap metal, cardboard, beverage

containers and batteries. Max number of bins possible.Councillor Bowman advised that the contractor does not provide how much weight or dollars.Perhaps in the future contract Council will state that they need to advise how much removing.Graeme Francis advised that the truck has a weight sensing device which cannot be adjusted so

it is not accurate due to different bin weights, wet cardboard etc.Graeme Francis advised that there is 750km worth of road reserve, three cuts per year.Graeme will encourage the operatorsto miss those that are maintained by the resident. The

Operators are advised if the grass is over 300mm high to cut it.

Graeme Francis advised $757,000 was spent last year; the budget for 2013/2014 is $826,000.

The Chief Executive Officer advised that Council manage the budget if finer details are requiredemail a request.Mr On agreed that it is necessary in the rural area for fire control.

It was resolved that Council notes the ratepayers concerns and that they will be addressed

after the close of public comment.


8.30 p.m. Maureen Peard and Kate Poole left the meeting.

11. FINANCE AND RECREATIONMATTERS:

11.1 FR13/FIN/006 MAY 2013 FINANCIALS

It was resolved that Council take note of the May 2013 Financial Reports.

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11.2 FR12/BR/002 STRATEGICPLAN REVIEW

lt was resolved that Council amend the 2013 Strategic Plan as necessary.

MOVED: M. BowmanSECONDED: V. StathamCARRIED

11.3 FR13/ASS/097LI: DONATION TOWARDS ATTENDING THE UN YOUTH

NATIONALCONFERENCE IN SYDNEY- JULY 2013

It was resolved that Council advises it has a policy of not providing financial assistance and/orsponsorshipto individualsand/or outside organisations. If Councillorswould like to donateindividuallythey may.


12. PLANNINGAND WORKS MATTERS: Nil

13. MAYOR'S REPORT: JUNE Nil

14. CHIEF EXECUTIVEOFFICER'SREPORT: JUNE

The Chief Executive Officer advised that there has been a good response to the public commenton the Municipal Plan; there have been a large numberof comments from a diverse range ofresidents. There has been a turnover in staff in the administrationand waste areas due toinpex project offering salaries that we cannotcompetewith. The Chief Executive Officer

advised that at the next meeting expect a report on observations on waste as he is visitingVeolia's Adelaide recycling depot.

This is page ll of 14 of the Minutes of the OrdinaryMeeting held Thursday 13T J 2013


It was resolved that Council note the Chief Executive Officer's Report.


15. URGENT GENERAL BUSINESS:JUNE Nil

16. NOTICE OF MOTION: JUNE Nil

17. QUESTIONS FROM THE PUBLICGALLERY: JUNE

Mrs Osborn asked what the $63 fee is for when a property changes hands.

The Chief Executive Officer advised that it is an administrationcost, when a conveyancerrequires information our staff research and provide.Mrs Osborn asked do the schools still have the recycle bins that Council provided them with in

1994.The Chief Executive Officer advised no, the Northern Territory Governmenthave provided them

with trailers to recycle beverage containers.Mrs Osborn asked in the dog by-laws is it possible to a. Limit the amount of dogs per propertyand b. Charge for dog registration?The Chief Executive Officer advised that the sub-committeewill be considering various options.Mrs Osborn asked when did the Strategic Plan close for public comment?The Chief Executive Officer advised 24 March 2013. Residents can comment on the StrategicPlan at anytime as Mr On has tonight.

The remainingpublic left the meetingat 8.45 p.m.

18. REPORTS FROM MEMBERS: JUNE Nil

19. QUESTIONS FROM MEMBERS: JUNE Nil

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20. CONFIDENTIALMATTERS:

ADJOURNMENTOF PUBLIC MEETING:

That pursuantto Section 65 (2) of the Local GovernmentAct and Regulation 8 of the Local

Government(Administration Regulations)the meeting is closed at 8.46 p.m. to the public toconsider the Confidential items of the Agenda.

The Meeting reconvened at 8.48 p.m.

20.1 PA13/TRCA/005: HEADSTONESALES- THORAK REGIONALCEMETERY

lt was resolved that Council:-

a) Thorak staff continues to broker bronze markers.b) Thorak staff continue brokering headstones from interstate stonemason companies.c) Thorak display headstonesamples on a beam outside the office, noting their origin.d) Thorak not permit a large marker (larger then Section B size) irrespectiveof origin to

be installed by anyone other than a qualified stonemason.


20.2 FR13/DR/001: DEFERRALOF RATES

It was resolved that Council approvesa delegation to the Chief ExecutiveOfficer to provide a

deferral of rates under section 165 (FinancialHardship)within the guidelines.


20.3 FR13/RTP/205 RATES REIMBURSEMENT - CONFIDENTIAL- 10069987

It was resolved that:-

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a) Council to approve the interest waiver as per Section 163 of the Local Government

Act Remission of interest a Council may remit interest wholly or in part. The

ratepayer is to be advised that failure to adhere to a payment plan will result in

interest being re-instated from the commencement of the payment plan and thatthe interest waiver and paymentplan will be reviewed in twelve months.

b) Council directs staff to commence the appropriate action.


20.4 PA13/CAM/063: RESERVES POUCY

lt was resolved that Council:

a) approves the Reserves Policy; andb) the use of Leases.

MOVED: M. BowmanSECONDED: V. StrathamCARRIED

21. CLOSE OF MEETING The Meeting closed at 9.12p.m.

22. NEXT MEETING: THURSDAYlith JULY 2013

MINUTES CONFlRMED11 JULY 2013

DEPUTY MAYOR CH EF XECUTIVEOFF CER

This is page 14 of 14 of the Minutes of the Ordinary Meeting held Thursday13TH E 2013


mayor/south - litchfield council meetings... · had a meeting with fin bins and rural rubbish...

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