Council Meeting: September 2017

OF note at this month’s meeting of the Upper Hunter Shire Council the confidential business of the meeting had an issue that required four Councillors to leave the room.

Out one door went Cr Sue Abbott and out another door went Cr Kiwa Fisher, Cr Ron Campbell Collison and Cr Maurice Collison.

There were only three confidential reports listed in the papers which included matters relating to the Scone to Murrurundi pipeline and two relating to the tender and construction of the livestock selling centre.

None of the Councillors declared a conflict of interest in any of those matters, which would require them to leave the room.

scone.com.au sought comment on what other matters were discussed in the closed session requiring the four Councillors to leave, but we were told it was confidential and was not listed on the Council’s agenda.

Council also passed a motion to consult with the community on a special rate variation.

Other matters:

Omission in the Minutes: Before Cr Abbott would accept the minutes of the August meeting she pointed out that her comments at the meeting regarding Sarah Howie’s decision to resign from the Heritage Committee had not been included. It was resolved the minutes would be amended to note Ms Howie’s resignation.

Australia Day Date: Cr Abbott put forward a motion to develop a communication plan to educate the community to better understand the Aboriginal people’s experiences of January 26, but the motion did not receive a seconder. Cr Abbott expressed her disappointment in her fellow Councillors.

Long Service Recognition: Susan Dugan received recognition for 20 years of service at the Council operated hostel Guman Place in Merriwa. Ms Dugan said she had enjoyed all of her time at the facility with the support of Council, noting the great staff and support of the people of Merriwa.

No Attention to Detail: Cr Abbott continually drew attention to many typographical and grammatical errors throughout Council’s documents. The general manager, Waid Crockett said he would collect all errors identified by the Councillors and update the minutes.

Greener Lights: Cr Fisher asked what Council had done to reduce greenhouse gas emissions through street lighting, which they had committed to do. The matter was taken on notice.

No Responsibility Taken: Cr Abbott asked how Council could say that they would accept no responsibility for any damage caused by Council to ‘gates, grids or motor bypass’ on private land. General Manager, Waid Crockett said he would review the document as Council would take responsibility for any damage caused through their activities.

Upkeep of Grids: Cr Campbell noted that landholders should ensure their grids were properly up-kept.

Quarry Concerns: Cr Abbott expressed concern at the number of quarries in the Shire and Council will provide a report on the current quarries in the area. Cr Campbell said he was concerned if there were enough gravel quarries and thinks money should be spent to determine where more gravel quarries could be found within the Shire.

Original Minutes: With further concerns raised about the accuracy of sub-committee minutes Cr Watts said any changes should be cross checked with the “original” minutes from the sub-committees to ensure typographical and grammatical changes did not change the sentiments of the minutes recorded.

Rail Trail: Cr Abbott said she supported the development of the rail trail and expressed her interest in further involvement.

Not a Member: Cr Burns asked for the Tourism committee to be changed to reflect that he was not a member of the committee and was merely an attendee. He further added he had not seconded any motion in the meeting as recorded in the minutes. The minutes are to be amended.

Cleaner Street: A motion was moved to have Kelly Street cleaned with a high pressure hose twice a year instead of once a year. Cr Watts enquired whether there was budget for the additional cleaning, to which she was told there was.

Special Rate Variation: A motion was passed to consult with the community about a special rate variation. Cr Watts said she wanted to make it clear her support of the motion was to consult with the community on the matter, before any decision was made.