ordinary council meeting agenda

Ordinary Council Meeting Agenda

Tuesday, 10th September 2013 Commencing at 7:00pm

Council Chamber Hobsons Bay Civic Centre 115 Civic Parade, Altona

The Council’s Mission Working with our community to plan, deliver and advocate for the services and infrastructure that will achieve a healthy, connected and sustainable future in Hobsons Bay.

Our Values Honesty

Trust

Integrity

Collaboration

Respect

Accountability

Peter Hunt Chief Executive Officer (Acting)

Hobsons Bay City Council

TABLE OF CONTENTS

1 Council Welcome ......................................................................................................................... 4

2 Apologies ...................................................................................................................................... 4

3 Disclosure Of Interests ................................................................................................................ 4

4 Minutes Confirmation .................................................................................................................. 4

4.1 Ordinary Council Meeting .................................................................................................... 4

5 Councillors’ Questions ................................................................................................................ 5

6 Petitions/Joint Letters ................................................................................................................. 5

7 Business ....................................................................................................................................... 6

7.1 Community Wellbeing .......................................................................................................... 6

7.1.1 Victoria University/Hobsons Bay Community Integrated Learning Centre Memorandum of Understanding ............................................................................... 6

7.2 Corporate Services .............................................................................................................. 8

7.2.1 Draft Annual Financial Report 2012-13 .................................................................... 8

7.2.2 Implementation of the Fire Services Property Levy ................................................ 10

7.3 Strategic Development ....................................................................................................... 13

7.3.1 New Bushfire Prone Areas ..................................................................................... 13

7.4 Works and Assets .............................................................................................................. 15

7.4.1 Pedestrian and Cyclist Crossing on Millers Road near Noordenne Avenue, Altona15

7.4.2 Petition - Pedestrian Crossing at Douglas Parade and Waterloo Street, Williamstown ........................................................................................................... 17

7.4.3 Renewal of Licences at Community Centres ......................................................... 19

7.4.4 Policy Review - Right of Way Unmade Laneways ................................................. 21

8 Notices of Motion ....................................................................................................................... 23

8.1 Notice of Motion No. 1093 – Wetlands Ward Funds to the Laverton Hobsons Bay Churches ............................................................................................................................ 23

8.2 Notice of Motion No. 1094 – Wetlands Ward Funds to the Laverton Magpies Football Club .................................................................................................................................... 23

8.3 Notice of Motion No. 1095 – Wetlands Ward Funds to the Hobsons Bay Chess Club ..... 23

8.4 Notice of Motion No. 1096 – Wetlands Ward Funds to the Friends of Laverton Creek ..... 23

8.5 Notice of Motion No. 1097 – Cherry Lake Ward Funds to the Altona Meadows Primary School ................................................................................................................................ 24

8.6 Notice of Motion No. 1098 – Wetlands Ward Funds to the Hobsons Bay Pirates Softball Club .................................................................................................................................... 24

8.7 Notice of Motion No. 1099 – Strand Ward Funds to the Williamstown and Newport Anglers’ Club ...................................................................................................................... 24

9 Public Question Time ................................................................................................................ 24

10 Urgent And Other Business ...................................................................................................... 24

Agenda

1 Council Welcome

The Chairperson will read the Council Prayer and welcome members of the gallery and acknowledge the people of the Kulin Nation as the traditional owners of this land.

2 Apologies

3 Disclosure Of Interests

In accordance with Sections 77A, 77B, 78 and 79 of the Local Government Act 1989 Councillors are required to disclose a "conflict of interest" in a decision if they would receive, or could be reasonably perceived as receiving a direct or indirect financial or non-financial benefit or detriment (other than as a voter, resident or ratepayer) from the decision.

In accordance with Section 79B of the Local Government Act 1989 Councillors who consider that they have a personal interest that is in conflict with their public duty in relation to a matter may, if they do not have a conflict of interest as described above, apply to the Council to be exempted from voting on the matter.

Disclosure must occur immediately before the matter is considered or discussed.

4 Minutes Confirmation

4.1 Ordinary Council Meeting

Confirmation of the minutes of the Ordinary Council meeting of the Hobsons Bay City Council held on 27th August 2013 (copy previously circulated).

Hobsons Bay City Council 10th September 2013


5 Councillors’ Questions

6 Petitions/Joint Letters



7 Business

7.1 Community Wellbeing

7.1.1 Victoria University/Hobsons Bay Community Integrated Learning Centre Memorandum Of Understanding

Directorate: Community Wellbeing Appendix: 1 1st Pink

Purpose To inform the Council of the development of a Community Integrated Learning Centre by Victoria University at the Altona Meadows Library and Learning Centre and the upcoming renewal of the Memorandum of Understanding.

Recommendation That the Council endorse the development of a Community Integrated Learning Centre at Altona Meadows Library and Learning Centre and the renewal of the Memorandum of Understanding to be signed at the program launch.

Key Points/Issues Hobsons Bay City Council and Victoria University agreed and adopted a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) in 2006 to advance local opportunity and access to quality tertiary education pathways. Several successful programs were achieved from the actions under the MoU including Kinda Kinder. Victoria University propose to establish a Community Integrated Learning Centre (CILC) at Altona Meadows Library and Learning Centre for a period of three years and this will be documented in a revised MOU. The CILC will provide a ‘community based learning experience’ and enable the facility to fulfil its vision as a Library and Learning Centre.

The Hobsons Bay CILC project is part of a wider project that aims to promote knowledge exchange through the establishment of learning spaces across the council areas of Hume, Melton and Hobsons Bay. The learning spaces will be used to provide modern, engaging and collaborative learning experiences for community members, particularly targeting non-traditional audiences, such as disadvantaged youth, return-to-study adults and refugee populations.

Courses to be offered will be determined in consultation with Hobsons Bay and will align with the identified learning needs of the Hobsons Bay community. Courses may range from Certificate courses through to Diplomas that serve as the first year of Bachelor degrees in areas such as Business Enterprise, Community Services and Creative Arts. Courses may also be designed to accommodate the specific learning needs of council staff.

The revised MoU will be based on the intent of promoting improved educational outcomes for all residents and students of Hobsons Bay and will recognise the mutual benefit in providing better access to facilities and services. Each party will respect and promote each organisations role in education, literacy and learning within the community.



The MoU will establish a joint planning committee to develop an annual activity and program plan. The annual plan will be practical and designed to enhance linkages and educational outcomes.

The MoU will be signed at a launch of the project in October 2013.

Meeting Room two, as outlined in the appendix, will be modified and furnished to accommodate the collaborative learning spaces. The Centre will be equipped with video conferencing facilities which could be shared with council staff. The CILC will not require exclusive use of the meeting room and can be hired by the community and the Council when not in use by the University.

Triple Bottom Line Implications

Community Impact The CILC provides an excellent opportunity to improve access to local educational pathways and outcomes for people in the west through access to modern, engaging and collaborative learning spaces. The CILC and the proposed range of courses meets the objectives of the Council’s Community Health and Wellbeing Plan.

Environmental Impact The Altona Meadows Library and Learning Centre has a sustainable design developed to maximise Environmental Sustainable Design (ESD) features thereby reducing operating costs and minimising environmental impacts.

Financial Impact Victoria University will invest approximately $250,000 in furniture, room modifications and the required IT infrastructure. Victoria University will operate under a licence agreement to govern the shared use of Meeting Room two, including payment of a nominal rent and utility/service charges.

Consultation The need for tertiary education pathways was identified during the Council’s consultation for the Community Health and Wellbeing Plan. Further consultation will assist in establishing the current and long term learning needs within the community.

Officer Declaration of Conflict of Interest Section 80C of the Local Government Act 1989 requires members of council staff and persons engaged under contract to provide advice to the Council, to disclose any direct or indirect interest in a matter to which the advice relates.

Council officers involved in the preparation of this report have no conflict of interest in this matter. Legal/Council Plans/Policy Impact A licence agreement between the parties will govern the co-use of Meeting Room two for three years.

This Victoria University/Hobsons Bay Community Integrated Learning Centre Partnership specifically addresses the following goals and objectives in the Community Health and Wellbeing Plan and Council Plan 2013-17:

Goal 1: An Inclusive, Resilient and Healthy Community 1.1 Provide a range of accessible, high quality services and social supports. 1.5 Foster cultural expression and lifelong learning. Goal 4: An Innovative, Proactive and Leading Organisation 4.2 Understand community needs, advocate and partner with others for the benefit of the municipality, especially in relation to children and young people. 4.4 Foster a highly skilled, effective and committed workforce.



7.2 Corporate Services

7.2.1 Draft Annual Financial Report 2012-13 Directorate: Corporate Services Appendix: 2 1st Green

Purpose

To present for in-principle approval, the draft annual financial report for the year ending 30th June 2013, including the financial, standard and performance statements and to nominate two Councillors to certify the financial report in their final form.

Recommendation

That the Council: 1. In accordance with section 131(7) of the Local Government Act 1989, give its

approval in principle to the annual financial report for the year ending 30th June 2013, including the financial, standard and performance statements.

2. Authorise the Manager Finance to make any immaterial changes to the annual financial report for the year ending 30th June 2013, recommended or agreed to by the Auditor-General, provided that such changes do not materially change the outcome for the year or the financial position of the Council.

3. Pursuant to section 131(8) of the Local Government Act 1989, nominate the Mayor, Cr Angela Altair and another Councillor to certify the annual financial report for the year ending 30th June 2013, in its final form.

Key Points/Issues The draft annual financial reports for the year ending 30th June 2013, which includes the financial, standard and performance statements, are attached to this report.

The Council is required to have the annual financial report audited, in accordance with the Local Government Act 1989. The Auditor-General appointed HLB Mann Judd as its audit contractor to undertake this process.

It is important to note that the draft annual financial report is subject to final approval by the Auditor General.

The Audit Committee is responsible for overseeing the presentation and audit of the Annual Financial Report. The report was presented at the Audit Committee meeting held on 28th August 2013.

The draft annual financial report, including the standard and performance statements is now presented to the Council for examination and adoption in principle, subject to any changes recommended, or agreed to, by the Auditor-General, provided that such changes do not materially change the outcome for the year or the financial position of the Council. Materiality is defined as a net movement greater than ten per cent in any element in the statements.

The draft annual financial report indicates an operational surplus for 2012-13 of $9.292 million, which is $5.908 million above the original budget of $3.384 million. The reasons for the additional operational surplus are explained below, under Financial Impact: Operating.



Triple Bottom Line Implications Financial Impact: Capital Capital expenditure for the year ended 30th June 2013 was $23.312 million, whilst capital income for the year was $3.517 million. Financial Impact: Operating The annual financial report operational surplus for 2012-13 was $9.292 million, which is $5.908 million above the original budget of $3.384 million. The additional operational surplus has minimal impact in relation to the Council’s future financial viability. Specific conditions have been applied to the additional income received and the expenditure savings achieved.

The additional surplus is mainly a result of: • Receipt of an additional $2.851 million in capital grants. This additional income is

offset against additional capital expenditure. The most significant additional capital grant received relates to the water security project ($1.91 million).

• Statutory fees were $1.334 million over budget. The most significant increases were in relation to open space developer contributions ($995,000) and parking fines ($391,000).

• Materials and consumables were $2.18 million under budget, including a reduction of $660,000 to significant operational projects. From an overall financial perspective, this is a transfer of costs from the capital works program to the operational budget, rather than a cost saving. Significant savings were also achieved in relation to costs associated with waste collection ($787,000) and waste and environmental management ($373,000).

• Increased depreciation expenses ($1.248 million) due to the revaluations at the end of the 2011-12 financial year in relation to buildings, drains and roads as well as additional items purchased in 2012-13. This is a non-cash item.

Consultation The draft financial report was presented to the Audit Committee on 28th August 2013. The committee recommended that it be approved and signed after final authorisation from the Auditor-General.

The annual financial report for the year ended 30th June 2013 will be included as part of the Council’s annual report 2012-13. The annual report will be made available for public inspection after it is submitted to the Minister for Local Government.

Officer Declaration of Conflict of Interest Section 80C of the Local Government Act 1989 requires members of Council staff and persons engaged under contract to provide advice to the Council, to disclose any direct or indirect interest in a matter to which the advice relates.

Council officers involved in the preparation of this report have no conflict of interest in this matter. Legal/Council Plans/Policy Impact This annual financial reports for the year ending 30th June 2013 specifically addresses the following goals and objectives in the Community Health and Wellbeing Plan and Council Plan 2013-17:

Goal 4: An Innovative, Proactive and Leading Organisation 4.1 Undertake responsible and sustainable decision making and management.



7.2.2 Implementation of the Fire Services Property Levy Directorate: Corporate Services

Purpose

To provide the Council with an update of the introduction of the Fire Services Property Levy on the Council’s rate notices.

Recommendation

That the Council:

1. Note the progress made in relation to the introduction of the Fire Services Property Levy on the Council’s rate notices; and

2. Continue to monitor the inequities raised by residents and ratepayers in the application of the levy and report these to the Department of Treasury and Finance.

Key Points/Issues

Prior to 1st July 2013, the Metropolitan Fire Brigade (MFB) and Country Fire Authority (CFA) were funded by a Fire Services Levy that insurance companies applied to building and contents insurance premiums. Under this system, everyone received assistance from the State’s fire services, although not everyone contributed financially. Finding the insurance based levy unfair and lacking transparency, the 2009 Victorian Bushfires Royal Commission recommended replacing it with a property based levy to ensure that all Victorian property owners contributed.

The Fire Services Property Levy Act 2012 (the Act) was proclaimed on 16th October 2012. The Act requires all Victorian Councils to raise and collect the Fire Services Property Levy (FSPL) from 1st July 2013. Hobsons Bay has included the FSPL charges on the annual rate notices and will administer the levy in line with the Council’s current rating collection practices.

Two components determine the amount of the levy for each property contributing to the MFB:

• Fixed charge of $100 for residential properties and $200 for non-residential properties; and

• Variable charge; calculated by multiplying the Capital Improved Value (CIV) of the property with the MFB levy rate determined by the appropriate land use classification code.

There will be a new $50 concession for holders of pensioner concession cards and Department of Veterans’ Affairs gold cards – Totally and Permanently Incapacitated and War Widows on their principal place of residence. Only one concession will apply per property. This will be administered in the same way as the rates concession. Property owners who currently receive a council rates concession in respect of their principal place of residence will automatically receive the FSPL concession.



The MFB variable rates applicable to each land use classification for 2013-14 are outlined in the following table:

Land use classification Fixed Charge

MFB Variable Rate (Cents per $1,000 of CIV)

Residential (includes vacant residential) $100 6.9

Commercial $200 60.7

Industrial $200 95.0

Primary production $200 17.3

Public Benefit (includes some Council property) $200 6.9

Vacant land (excludes vacant residential) $200 6.9

Council land $200 N/A

All properties subject to the FSPL, including properties classified as non rateable for council purposes, are now included within the Hobsons Bay’s rates database. The Council has been directly compensated by the Valuer General for the additional valuations that were required.

The following table provides a summary of the amount that the Council has raised to property owners in relation to the 2013-14 FSPL on behalf of the state government:

Land use classification CIV

$,000 No.

Prop

Fixed Charge

$,000

Variable Charge

$,000

Total Raised

$,000

Residential 18,993,974 34999 3,500 1,311 4,811

Commercial 1,124,764 1849 370 683 1,053

Industrial 2,181,318 1180 236 2,072 2,308

Public Benefit (includes 374,238 154 31 26 57

Vacant land 312,061 398 80 22 101

Council land 261 52 0 52

Gross Levy Amount 8,381

Rebates 6,840 342

Nett Levy Amount 8,039


Community Impact

The Victorian Government argues that the new property based levy is a fairer and more equitable system of funding fire services in Victoria and that it will be simpler, more transparent and equitable. To ensure a smooth transition to the new property based levy the Victorian Government is establishing a Fire Services Levy Monitor who will oversee the transition to the new FSPL.



Financial Impact

The money received by the Council in relation to the FSPL is not income for the Council. Hobsons Bay is effectively an agent of the state government, collecting the levy on their behalf. The funds will be accounted for separately and submitted to the State Revenue Office on a quarterly basis, in line with the current rate instalment dates.

The Council’s valuation and property systems were upgraded to comply with the new requirements. Software suppliers were directly paid by the Department of Treasury and Finance to adjust their systems accordingly.

The Council has received approximately $130,000 from the State Revenue Office in direct funding to administer the process up until 30th June 2014. Ongoing fees for the collection of the levy will be paid annually, based on a yet to be determined fee per assessment.

Consultation

The public have been informed of the changes through television advertisements, a specific FSPL website and a brochure distributed with the Council’s rate notices. In addition the Council has developed a page on its website that includes a number of fact sheets and links to the Department of Treasury and Finance and the Victorian State Government Fire Services Monitor websites.

Council officers are continuing to monitor the inequities raised by residents and ratepayers in the application of the levy and will report these to the Department of Treasury and Finance.


Council officers involved in the preparation of this report have no conflict of interest in this matter.

Legal/Council Plans/Policy Impact

This report on the Fire Services Property Levy specifically addresses the following goals and objectives in the Community Health and Wellbeing Plan and Council Plan 2013-17:

Goal 4: An Innovative, Proactive and Leading Organisation 4.1 Undertake responsible and sustainable decision making and management.



7.3 Strategic Development

7.3.1 New Bushfire Prone Areas Directorate: Strategic Development Appendix: 3 1st Yellow

Purpose

To advise the Council of the changes to the Bushfire Prone Areas in Hobsons Bay.

Recommendation

That the Council note the introduction of the Bushfire Prone Areas under the Building Act 1993.

Key Points/Issues On 8th August 2013, the Department of Transport, Planning and Local Infrastructure (DTPLI) released updated maps of Bushfire Prone Areas (BPAs) across Victoria. BPAs are areas that are subject to or likely to be subject to bushfires and/or grassfires. The review was undertaken using criteria endorsed by the Country Fire Authority, Metropolitan Fire and Emergency Services Board, the Department of Environment and Primary Industries, the Victorian Building Authority and DTPLI. Specific bushfire construction standards apply in designated bushfire prone areas in Victoria and are administered when a building permit application is made under the Building Act 1993 on BPA land. A minimum construction standard applies to all new buildings in a bushfire prone area, these bushfire construction requirements are aimed at improving bushfire protection for residential buildings. Within Hobsons Bay, the existing BPA areas that were located along the Cheetham Wetlands, Skeleton Creek and Laverton Creek have been removed. New BPAs have been applied to a small area of residential land in Laverton and Altona Meadows, the Truganina Explosives Reserve, Industrial land within Altona including the Burns Road Subdivision and Prixcar, the Altona North Grasslands, and the land around Kororoit Creek Road and Maddox Road in Williamstown. The appendix provides a map of the existing and new BPAs. Most of the land is located within industrial or public open spaces areas, as the requirements for bushfire construction standards only relate to residential buildings these areas are not particularly relevant. Affected residential dwellings occupy the areas within Laverton and Altona Meadows while the land on Kororoit Creek Road (Precinct 13 in the Industrial Land Management Strategy 2008) is subject to a planning scheme amendment which proposes to use the land for residential purposes.



Triple Bottom Line Implications Landowners who are affected by a BPA will incur additional costs associated with the construction of a dwelling. Building permit applications made that are affected by a BPA will require further assessment against relevant Australian Standards.

Consultation The Council provided some preliminary feedback on particular questions raised by DTPLI in June 2013, however no formal request for a submission was received by the Council.




This BPA review specifically addresses the following goal and objective in the Community Health and Wellbeing Plan and Council Plan 2013-17:

Goal 1: An Inclusive, Resilient and Healthy Community 1.3 Protect and promote public health and community safety.



7.4 Works and Assets

7.4.1 Pedestrian and Cyclist Crossing on Millers Road near Noordenne Avenue, Altona

Directorate: Works and Assets

Purpose

To advise the Council on the outcome of traffic counts and community engagement relating to the need for, and probable usage of, a pedestrian and cyclist crossing on Millers Road near Noordenne Avenue, Altona.

Recommendation

That the Council note that the warrants for a pedestrian and cyclist crossing in Millers Road at Noordenne Avenue, Altona are not met in order to gain VicRoads approval for installation.

Key Points/Issues At the Ordinary Council Meeting held on 12th February 2013 the Council resolved to conduct relevant traffic counts and community engagement about the need for, and probable usage of, a pedestrian and cyclist crossing on Millers Road near Noordenne Avenue, and present it to a future Council meeting.

Pedestrian and cyclist counts were conducted at two sites on Millers Road, namely the cyclist crossing point located 100 metres north of Noordenne Avenue (Site 1) and at the intersection of Millers Road and Noordenne Avenue (Site 2). Both eastbound and westbound movements were counted at each location as well as northbound and southbound movements across Noordenne Avenue. The counts were conducted between 7.00am and 7.00pm on a weekday and the weather was clear and dry.

As Millers Road, Altona is an arterial road and carries a high traffic volume, the most appropriate type of pedestrian crossing would be controlled by pedestrian operated signals. Pedestrian operated signals are a Major Traffic Control Item, and as such require VicRoads approval. Pedestrian operated signals may be provided where the following guidelines are met:

For any hour on an average weekday: • The number of pedestrians crossing within 20 metres of the proposed site exceeds 100

persons; and

• The number of vehicles passing the proposed site exceeds 500 on an undivided road, or 1,000 where there is a median or pedestrian refuge.

The results of the pedestrian and cyclist counts indicate that at Site one the highest pedestrian/cyclist number in any given hour was 11 pedestrians/cyclists and at Site two this number was eight pedestrians/cyclists.



These numbers are well below the required numbers to meet VicRoads guidelines for the provision of pedestrian operated signals, therefore VicRoads is unlikely to approve the installation, particularly on an arterial road.


Council officers are progressing the investigation into the possible provision of a formal crossing on Millers Road to service the Seaholme Primary School.

Community Impact

There is no evidence of immediate community impact.

Environmental Impact

There is no evidence of immediate environmental impact.

Financial Impact

The traffic counts have been achieved through operational funds.

Consultation

The community engagement framework guidelines indicate that prior to undertaking any community consultation it is important to scope the project. In this case the VicRoads guidelines for the installation of a pedestrian facility are not met and VicRoads will not take hypothetical usage figures into account which means the project is not viable.




VicRoads has guidelines for the installation of pedestrian facilities which need to be met before approval is given for installation and in this case these are not met.

The possible installation of a pedestrian and cyclist crossing on Millers Road near Noordenne Avenue specifically address the following goal and objective in the Community Health and Wellbeing Plan and Council Plan 2013-17:

Goal 3: Quality Community Infrastructure and Public Open Spaces and Places 3.4 Provide and maintain roads, drainage and footpath networks that meet the needs of the community.



7.4.2 Petition - Pedestrian Crossing at Douglas Parade and Waterloo Street, Williamstown

Directorate: Works and Assets

Purpose

To advise the Council of the outcome following the pedestrian and vehicle count undertaken in the vicinity of Douglas Parade and Waterloo Street, Williamstown.

Recommendation

That the Council:

1. Note that the warrants for a pedestrian crossing at Douglas Parade and Waterloo Street, Williamstown are not met to support the installation of a crossing at this time; and

2. Advise the lead petitioner of the outcome of the assessment.

Key Points/Issues

A petition requesting the installation of a pedestrian crossing at Douglas Parade and Waterloo Street, Williamstown was received at the Ordinary Council Meeting held on 24th April 2012. A pedestrian and vehicle count was undertaken in the vicinity of Douglas Parade and Waterloo Street, Williamstown in September 2012 and the results analysed.

As Douglas Parade is a collector road and carries a substantial volume of traffic, the most appropriate type of pedestrian crossing for this road is a pedestrian crossing with flashing lights. This type of crossing is a Major Traffic Control Item and requires VicRoads approval for its installation. This type of treatment is deemed appropriate where for any one hour of an average weekday, the following apply:

• The number of pedestrians crossing within 20 metres of the proposed site exceeds 60 persons; and

• The number of vehicles passing the proposed site exceeds 500.

The results of the pedestrian and vehicle count indicate that during the hour the count was conducted there were seven pedestrians crossing Douglas Parade 40 metres either side of Waterloo Street and the number of vehicles passing the location in that hour was 484 vehicles.


The recorded numbers of pedestrians crossing Douglas Parade at this location are well below the number required to meet VicRoads guidelines and funding criteria. However, should the Council wish to pursue the installation of a pedestrian crossing with flashing lights VicRoads may give approval if the Council were to fund the installation itself.



Community Impact

The installation of a pedestrian crossing with flashing lights would impact on the on-street parking capability of adjacent residences removing parking for 20 metres on the approach side and 10 metres on the departure side of the crossing and existing driveways.


No identified environmental impacts were identified during the traffic and pedestrian count exercise.

Financial Impact

The installation cost of a pedestrian crossing with flashing lights, associated signage and lighting is estimated to be $125,000 based on other similar examples. It should be noted detailed costs have not been sourced. Maintenance and operating costs are estimated to be $4,000 per annum.

Consultation

This issue was instigated through the resident petition as received. This issue will continue to be monitored to determine the need for future counts to ascertain any change in the justification for a dedicated pedestrian crossing in Douglas Parade, Williamstown.




VicRoads has guidelines for the installation of a pedestrian crossing with flashing lights which need to be met before approval is given for installation and in this case these are not met.

The possible installation of a pedestrian crossing with flashing lights at Douglas Parade and Waterloo Street specifically addresses the following goals and objectives in the Community Health and Wellbeing Plan and Council Plan 2013-17:




7.4.3 Renewal of Licences at Community Centres Directorate: Works and Assets

Purpose

To seek the Council’s approval to renew licence agreements for Council owned community centres in Hobsons Bay.

Recommendation

That the Council renews the licence agreements with Altona Meadows Community Centre, South Kingsville Community Centre, Walker Close Community Centre and 16 Oxford Street, Newport for a period three years.

Key Points/Issues The Council owns 11 community based centres and halls which are either council run or managed by not-for-profit committee’s of management comprising community volunteers.

Six of these community facilities operate within licence agreements with the Council, the majority of which are three year terms.

In accordance with the licence agreements each organisation must meet specific key performance indicators (KPI’s), set by the Council, consistent with the Council’s Health and Wellbeing Plan as well as local identified community priorities. The KPI’s and reporting requirements are also defined in service agreements entered into with the Council.

The important work that is carried out by the community centres is a key instrument in assisting the Council in the delivery of priorities flowing from the Health and Wellbeing Plan. This is demonstrated by the fact that attendance at the four centres, was approximately 2,500 residents in the first week of May 2013.

Specifically the Altona Meadows Community Centre, South Kingsville Community Centre, Walker Close Community Centre and 16 Oxford Street Newport all continue to provide a range of services to the community and are all well attended.

The Victorian Arabic Social Services (VASS) has advised that it has a continuing need to provide services in Newport and will continue to use the premises at 16 Oxford Street, Newport.

It is proposed to renew the licences for a period of three years, from 1st July 2103 to 30th June 2016. The three year term will be consistent with the terms of the relevant service agreements with the organisations. All the licences have a licence fee of $1.00 per annum if demanded.


Community Impact

The community centres are important gathering places for local residents, offering a broad range of events, programs and training. Services provided include educational, recreational and social support programs and meeting spaces are also provided for use by the



community. In particular, these centres provide disability services; child and family services; social support, including emergency relief and specific cultural support services.


The environmental impact as a result of entering into new licences for these facilities will remain unchanged.

Financial Impact

The financial impact as a result of entering into new licences for these facilities will remain unchanged.

Consultation

Consultation has been undertaken with the respective Centre Committees of Management with regard to the renewal of these licences, with each organisation supporting this proposal.

As the renewal of the licences will allow existing services that are well-used by the community to continue, there has been no additional community consultation.




Renewing the licence agreements for these community centres specifically addresses the following goals and objectives in the Community Health and Wellbeing Plan and Council Plan 2013-17:

Goal 1: An Inclusive, Resilient and Healthy Community 1.1 Provide a range of accessible, high quality services and social supports. 1.2 Foster community wellbeing, capacity and sense of belonging.



7.4.4 Policy Review - Right of Way Unmade Laneways Directorate: Works and Assets Appendix: 4 1st Blue

Purpose

For the Council to amend its policy for Right of Way – Unmade Laneways to include minor repairs and maintenance to the surface of unmade laneways.

Recommendation

That the Council:

1. Revoke the Right of Way – Unmade Laneways Policy dated 10th October 2006; and

2. Adopt the amended policy for Right of Way - Unmade Laneways to include minor repairs and maintenance.

Key Points/Issues

The Council’s current policy for unmade laneways provides for the Council to undertake weed spraying and rubbish removal on request, where deemed necessary. The policy has been amended to provide for weed spraying, rubbish removal and minor repairs and maintenance to the surface of unmade laneways.

The Council has provided $100,000 in the 2013-14 budget to undertake minor repairs and maintenance to the surface of unmade laneways.

Given these laneways are not included on the Council’s road register and therefore are not deemed the Council’s responsibility, legal advice was sought to ensure the Council was not increasing its liability in respect to these laneways.

The legal advice has confirmed that by conducting minor maintenance to the surface there will be no increase in liability or need to include the laneways on the road register. The recording of works, however should be separate to any Road Management Act inspections and records to differentiate between the Council’s role as a road authority and its other roles as a local government authority. A separate ledger has been set up for the maintenance works.


Community Impact

The amended policy allows for minor maintenance of unmade laneways which will provide some relief to concerns of non trafficable surfaces and pooling water, although only short term.




Minor maintenance of unmade laneways will assist with improving the condition of some laneways.

Financial Impact

A sum of $100,000 has been included in the 2013-14 operational budget to undertake minor repairs and maintenance on unmade laneways.

Consultation

The repairs and minor maintenance to unmade laneways has been undertaken as a result of many enquiries and requests made by residents abutting unmade laneways.




This amended policy for unmade laneways specifically addresses the following goals and objectives in the Community Health and Wellbeing Plan and Council Plan 2013-17:




8 Notices of Motion

8.1 Notice of Motion No. 1093 – Wetlands Ward Funds to the Laverton Hobsons Bay Churches

Cr Luba Grigorovitch and Cr Colleen Gates have given notice of the following:

“That the Council allocate $250 from the Wetlands Ward funds of Cr Luba Grigorovitch and $250 from the Wetlands Ward funds of Cr Colleen Gates to the Laverton Hobsons Bay Churches to purchase additional items for the children who attend the playgroup sessions run by the church.”

8.2 Notice of Motion No. 1094 – Wetlands Ward Funds to the Laverton Magpies Football Club


“That the Council allocate $250 from the Wetlands Ward funds of Cr Luba Grigorovitch and $250 from the Wetlands Ward funds of Cr Colleen Gates to the Laverton Football Club to assist with purchasing trophies for their senior team presentation night.”

8.3 Notice of Motion No. 1095 – Wetlands Ward Funds to the Hobsons Bay Chess Club


“That the Council allocate $175 from the Wetlands ward funds of Cr Luba Grigorovitch and $175 from the Wetlands Ward funds of Cr Colleen Gates to the Hobsons Bay Chess Club to assist with their 2013 Best in the West Chess Tournament on 31st August – 1st September 2013.”

8.4 Notice of Motion No. 1096 – Wetlands Ward Funds to the Friends of Laverton Creek


“That the Council allocate $250 from the Wetlands Ward funds of Cr Luba Grigorovitch and $250 from the Wetlands Ward funds of Cr Colleen Gates to the Friends of Laverton Creek to go towards signage to promote ongoing environmental and conservation activities during 2013-14.”



8.5 Notice of Motion No. 1097 – Cherry Lake Ward Funds to the Altona Meadows Primary School

Cr Tony Briffa have given notice of the following:

“That the Council allocate $500 from the Cherry Lake Ward funds of Cr Tony Briffa to the Altona Meadows Primary School to assist with costs associated with the 2013 school camp program.”

8.6 Notice of Motion No. 1098 – Wetlands Ward Funds to the Hobsons Bay Pirates Softball Club


“That the Council allocate $325 from the Wetlands Ward funds of Cr Luba Grigorovitch and $325 from the Wetlands Ward funds of Cr Colleen Gates to the Hobsons Bay Pirates Softball Club to purchase an iPad to enable them to score and track the club’s progress.”

8.7 Notice of Motion No. 1099 – Strand Ward Funds to the Williamstown and Newport Anglers’ Club

Cr Angela Altair have given notice of the following:

“That the Council allocate $300 from the Strand Ward funds of Cr Angela Altair to the Williamstown and Newport Anglers’ Club to assist with their presentation night.”

9 Public Question Time

Public question time provides an opportunity for the public to ask questions and obtain information and answers to simple questions.

Public question time is not a forum for debate. Where it is not possible to provide a response during the meeting, the question will be taken on notice and a written response will be provided.

10 Urgent And Other Business

ordinary council meeting agenda

Documents