Council Decided - 6 December 2016
Audit Committee Report
The independent Chair of Council‘s Audit Committee, Mr Brian Halstead, was in attendance to present his annual report detailing the work of the Committee over the past year. Mr Halstead‘s written report outlines progress by Council and the Committee in relation to management of risk, auditing of key systems and processes and a range of other matters considered by the Committee including Council‘s Long Term Financial Plan, quarterly financial reports and annual financial statements. Council resolved to thank the independent members of the Committee for their valuable contribution and in particular to thank Mr Halstead for his excellent service to Mosman over the past eight years.
Draft Section 94A Contributions Plan
Following the recent exhibition of its draft Section 94A Contributions Plan, Council considered a report on public feedback received, including a recommendation that the draft Plan be adopted. Several members of the public addressed Council in relation to the Plan, particularly regarding the inclusion of synthetic turf, a new pavilion and playground at Middle Head Oval. There were speakers both in the favour and in opposition to this proposal. After lengthy debate Council resolved to adopt the draft Plan subject to a number of amendments including:
- Provision for footpath works in Plunkett Road
- Technical advice being sought from the Sydney Institute of Maritime Science in relation to the environmental impacts of synthetic turf at Middle Head Oval
- A Development Application for works at Middle Head Oval not being lodged prior to Council obtaining adequate legal security over the site
- Prior to the lodgement of a Development Application for Middle Head Oval, Council‘s Audit Committee to review risks inherent in the project and this information inform the final draft of the Development Application
Draft Middle Head Management Plans
Council approved the lodgement of submissions on the Sydney Harbour Federation Trust Draft Management Plan for Middle Head and the National Parks and Wildlife Service Draft Masterplan for Middle Head and Georges Head. These submissions will address a range of matters relating to the future management and use of Middle Head and Georges Head including parking, traffic, fire risk, the nature and use of current and proposed structures, Aboriginal and historical interpretation, preservation of community and cultural uses and coordination between agencies managing the area.
Military Road Streetscape Upgrade
In September 2016 Council exhibited two concept designs for upgrades to the streetscape around Centenary Circle on Military Road. This followed a previous public consultation on the Military Road corridor and the subsequent development of designs taking into account community feedback. Council resolved to endorse a design that will provide for new pedestrian crossings in Middle Head Road, Bradleys Head Road and Prince Albert Street, increased footpath area outside The Buena, a new alfresco dining area and new angle parking in Prince Albert Street between the roundabout and the Police Station. This design will now be referred for approval by the Traffic Committee and for further consideration as part of Council‘s 2017/18 budget development process.
Balmoral Baths and Jetty Refurbishment
Refurbishment of Balmoral Baths and Jetty will proceed following Council‘s acceptance of a tender to undertake works including replacement of piles and other timber components, corroded connections, defective boards and mooring cleats, as well as application of anti-skid treatment and cleaning of turning boards and ladders. This work has been scheduled to commence in March 2017 after the busy summer period.
Footpath Works – Spit Road, Military Road and Cowles Road
Council accepted a tender to carry out footpath renewal works in Spit Road (Spit Junction to Stanton Road), Military Road (Harbour Street to Spofforth Street) and Cowles Road (Ourimbah Road to Avenue Road). These works have been programmed to take place between January and March 2017.
Local Government Reform
Council again discussed the NSW Government‘s reform agenda for NSW councils and agreed to continue its legal action against forced amalgamations in consultation with its legal team.
Mosman Art Gallery
Council discussed the extraordinary achievements of Mosman Art Gallery over the past year, during which the Gallery has been formally recognised for its work at state, national and international level. Thanks and congratulations were conveyed to the Gallery Director, John Cheeseman, Gallery staff and members of Council‘s Arts and Culture Community Consultative Committee.
Debt Recovery and Hardship Management Policies
Two new policies were adopted to provide staff, ratepayers and users of Council services with clear guidelines around Council’s management of hardship applications relating to payment of rates and charges, as well as debt recovery more generally.