Council Meeting – December 2016

ALL Councillors were in attendance at the final Council meeting for 2016.

Councillors Fisher and Driscoll moved to adopt the minutes of the November Council meeting.

Conflict of Interest: Cr Burns and Cr Bedggood declared conflicts of interests. Cr Burns left the room as the Council considered his application to build a second dwelling on his land. The application was approved by Council. Cr Bedggood declared a potential conflict for a development, but had no pecuniary interest.

Public Participation: There was no public participation in the Council meeting.

NM 12.1- Road Repairs in Murrurundi – The Council passed that the damage caused to Murulla Street in Murrurundi by the Australian Rail Track Corporation be paid for in full by the ARTC and Council undertake investigation and design work for the improvement of the river crossing.

NM 12.2 – Highway Work Disrupting Business – The loss of trade caused by work by the Roads and Maritime Services on the New England Highway in Murrurundi should be offset by the RMS. Cr Bedggood added a letter had been sent to the State Member Michael Johnsen.

Mayoral Minutes: Mayor Wayne Bedggood said he was taking two weeks leave for work related commitments. Cr Campbell laughingly asked for a full report on is time away.

SCR 12.1 – The Finance Committee reports were accepted and moved by Cr Campbell and Cr Brown.

SCR 12.2 – Development and Environmental Services – It was recommended Council refuse an application for the subdivision of one lot into five on Bunnan Road, Scone due to concerns about road standards for access to the properties. Cr Fisher asked for an amendment which would allow the applicant to make a variation to their application. Cr Brown said the recommendation to refuse the application should be supported to maintain road standards and there was still the opportunity for the applicant to reapply rather than hold the matter over. The motion by Fisher was carried with Cr Collison, Brown, Campbell and Burns opposing the amendment.

SCR 12.3 – The minutes for the Infrastructure Services Committee were moved by Cr Campbell and Cr Brown.

C 12.1 – Festival of the Fleeces Committee – Cr Bedggood questioned why the Committee had approved all nominations for the committee, when this had already been accepted and only three new nominations needed to be considered. Cr Campbell said he was glad to see a renewed interest in the Committee.

C 12.2 – The Audit, Risk and Improvement Committee reports were moved by Cr Watts and Cr Abbott.

H 12.1 – Council Policies – Cr Fisher asked why some people had been removed from the list of people who should be required to lodge disclosure of interest returns. Waid Crockett, general manager of Council said he would take the matter on notice.

RPQ 12.1 – Responses to previous questions: Toilets: Cr Campbell asked if there had been any further negotiation in relation to the toilets at the Cross Country Service Station in Merriwa, as the entrances needed to be concealed. The general manager Waid Crockett said he would take it on notice.

Christmas Tree: Cr Watts said she hoped in the New Year there would be the budget for larger Christmas trees. Cr Bedggood said he would take it on notice and said to the general manager Waid Crockett that he appreciated the current trees.

Cemeteries: Cr Watts raised concerns she had received from the community about the state of the local cemeteries and asked if St Hellier’s staff could assist. Alan Fletcher, director of infrastructure, said he had spoken with St Hellier’s and they were compiling a list of activities.

Library: Cr Abbott asked why there had been discussion about the library being relocated in the media by Council, yet no discussion or decision at a Council level. The general manager, Waid Crockett said the advice would be in the strategic plan which was being developed.

Cassilis Trees: Cr Campbell raised concerns about trees in Branxton Street, Cassilis. Alan Fletcher, director of infrastructure, advised thee trees were on a public road therefore the responsibility of Council and the would look into the matter further.

Link to view full minutes of the Council meeting.