Council Decided – 1 February 2022
Council Delegations
Delegations to the General Manager, Mayor and Committees were endorsed by Council in accordance with the requirements of section 380 of the Local Government Act 1993.
Disability Inclusion Action Plan
Following an extended period of consultation last year to develop a new Disability Inclusion Action Plan and subsequent public exhibition of the draft Plan in late 2021, Council resolved to adopt Mosman’s Disability Inclusion Action Plan 2022-2026. The plan is in line with the requirements of the NSW Disability Inclusion Act 2014 and focusses on developing positive community attitudes and behaviours, creating liveable communities, supporting access to meaningful employment and improving access to services through better systems and processes. The Disability Council NSW and Human Rights Commission will be advised of the plan’s adoption and a progress report on the plan’s implementation will be included in Council’s Annual Report in November each year.
Balmoral Burn
Council resolved to approve a special event application for the 2022 Balmoral Burn. Now in its 20th year, the popular race up Awaba Street will take place on Sunday 29 May.
Quarterly MOSPLAN Report and Financial Statement – October-December 2021
Council received and adopted progress reports on the 2021-2022 MOSPLAN Operational Plan, as well as its 2021-22 Budget for the October – December 2021 quarter. MOSPLAN delivery and budget performance has been sound over the period, although Council continues like other businesses to deal with the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic. With careful financial management it has been possible for Council to revise the projected operating deficit of $427,000 forecast at the end of the September 2021 quarter downwards to $366,400.
National General Assembly of Local Government
It was resolved by Council that the Mayor Carolyn Corrigan, together with Councillors Friedrich and Randall, be nominated to represent Mosman at the upcoming National General Assembly of Local Government in June 2022. Further consideration will be given to Motions to be submitted by Mosman Council to the congress.
Councillor Conduct Accountability review
The NSW Minister for Local Government has initiated an independent review of the framework for dealing with councillor misconduct in New South Wales and the Office of Local Government has subsequently sought feedback on a Consultation Paper on this issue. The paper discusses key considerations relating to objectives and expectations, complaint processes, investigation timeframes, outcomes, costs and insights from other jurisdictions. Council considered a draft submission prepared in relation to the Consultation Paper and resolved that it be endorsed and lodged with the Office of Local Government
Legal Services
Council periodically calls for tenders for the provision of legal services and appointment to a legal services panel. The current term of appointment concludes on 30 June 2022. It was resolved by Council that open tenders be called for legal services and appointment to a legal services panel for a two year period commencing 1 July 2022, with an option for renewal of appointments for a further four year term commencing 1 July 2024. A further report including the relevant tender evaluation will be presented to a future meeting of Council.
Developer Contributions Reform
As part of its reform process for developer contributions, the NSW Government has sought Council-endorsed submissions on its draft regulations to the Environmental Planning and Assessment Amendment (Infrastructure Contributions) Bill 2021. Independent modelling commissioned by the Northern Sydney Regional Organisation of Councils demonstrates that the proposed reforms will have a significant detrimental impact on the finances of Mosman and other Councils. After considering a submission lodged by NSROC in relation to the draft regulations, Council resolved unanimously to endorse the submission and to communicate this endorsement to the NSW Department of Planning, Industry and Environment. The new Council further resolved to continue actively advocating on this matter with the NSW Government and NSROC.