Minutes of the Ordinary Meeting of the Greater Geelong City Council held at the Council Conference and Reception Centre in City Hall, 57 Little Malop Street, Geelong on 30 January 2018, commencing at 7:05pm.
James Sargeant and Edward Kurganovs
Sue Bull
Sarah Hathway
Peter Linaker
Jan Johnson
Michael Menzies
Christine Anderson
Councillors:
B Harwood (Mayor)
A Aitken
S Asher
K Grzybek
S Mansfield
J Mason
P Murnane
P Murrihy
R Nelson
T Sullivan
K Spiller (Chief Executive Officer)
K Walsh (Director Planning and Development)
B Luxford (Director Investment and Attraction)
G Wilson-Browne (Director City Services)
F Reidy (Acting Director Community Life)
P Anderson (Director Finance & Strategy)
R Leonard (Senior Manager Legal Services & Governance)
The Chair declared the meeting open at 7:05pm.
Council acknowledged Wadawurrung Traditional Owners of this land and all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander People who are part of the Greater Geelong community today.
The Mayor welcomed Mayor, David Bell and Chief Executive Officer, Keith Baillie from the Surf Coast Shire.
Councillor E Kontelj (due to a prior commitment).
That Leave of Absence be granted to Councillor Ron Nelson from 4 February to 26 February 2018.
Carried.
Councillor Grzybek moved, Cr Mansfield seconded –
That the Minutes of the Ordinary Meeting held on 12 December 2017 be confirmed.
Carried.
Cr Harwood declared an Indirect Interest in Agenda Item 6 - Tender T1770862 – Traffic Management in that he works closely with Go Traffic staff and management.
James Sargeant and Edward Kurganovs submitted questions but were not present at the meeting. A written response will therefore be provided.
Sue Bull directed her question to the Mayor, but asked if other councillors would provide their thoughts as well. Bruce, in the Geelong Advertiser of December 26 last year, you flagged cuts to Council services by questioning the viability of Council’s 126 services . You also said and I quote: “It’s a debate for another day, but it’s far too many and it’s not realistic. Council has unfortunately drifted into a whole lot of areas that probably are not its core business”. Firstly, what do you consider to be core business services for Council? Secondly what services do you think should be cut and how will you justify these cutbacks if they effect the elderly, poor, young or disabled who rely on well-funded council services? And thirdly given that you have said that you’re not interested in reviewing the ratepayer-funded travel policy – which includes overseas travel for Council – does that mean that this perk is more important than services for the broader community.
Finally, given that all councillors voted unanimously for a Mayor who is now publicly flagging service cuts; can each councillor please indicate whether they would be prepared to vote for a council budget that may very well contain cuts to services which impact upon those most in need.
The Mayor responded that there was a number of questions and comments and asked that a meeting be scheduled to discuss further.
Sarah Hathway directed her question to all Councillors about the celebration of Australia Day on January 26. As you would be aware, January 26 is a day of mourning for indigenous Australians and this year record numbers across the country, indeed tens of thousands of indigenous and non-indigenous Australians, marched together calling for, among other things, a change in the date that Australia Day is celebrated.
Would this council consider cancelling January 26 Australia Day celebrations for 2019, as have several other Councils in Victoria and Western Australia?
The Mayor responded that the Australia Day issue has not been discussed as a group, and there are individual views surrounding the issue. It is not a decision for Local Government, but rather a Federal Government issue.
Cr Mansfield added that there is community consultation taking place in relation to the Australia Day issue.
Cr Grzybek indicated there will be provision for further public awareness.
Peter Linaker asked about the time and locations for the upcoming Community Focus Committee Meeting.
The Mayor advised the location of the first of the Community Focus Committee Meetings would be held on Tuesday, 13 February 2018, at the Leopold Sportsman’s Club, 135 Kensington Road, Leopold. The information will also be provided in the Geelong Advertiser on Saturday, 3 February.
Cr Aitken added a decision was only made last week as to the location which is why is hasn’t been advertised at this point of time. The Committee will meet on the second Tuesday of every month and held in ward areas in the Geelong region.
Jan Johnson asked Council if they were aware of the feeling amongst the farming community in regards to the Geelong Saleyards?
The Mayor advised that this Council is aware of the history of the Saleyards and the discussions held thus far, including the consultation held with Saleyard users.
A further written response will be forwarded within fourteen days.
Cr Aitken added that the poultry sales being held at the Geelong Saleyards continues to grow and the City is seeking a licence agreement extension with the Geelong Poultry Auctions to continue with the poultry sales.
Michael Menzies asked could Council find the funds or approach DWELP for funding to permit restoration of the William Stitt Jenkins Memorial Fountain?
The Mayor responded a written response would be forwarded within fourteen days.
Christine Anderson asked if Councillors will be taking up individual portfolios, which could change from time to time, for example planning, heritage, sports, childcare and aged care, and others, to gain expertise in a specialised aspect of Council’s services so that the public have someone in particular to refer their specific enquiry to?
The Mayor responded, yes. Councillors are holding discussions as late a this afternoon regarding portfolios and committees.
A petition was submitted by Jan Johnston in relation to the Geelong Saleyards closure.
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