Council Decided - 7 August 2018
MyMosman App
Mayor Carolyn Corrigan informed the meeting that Council’s innovative MyMosman resident app had been formally recognised during Local Government Week 2018, winning its category in the prestigious RH Dougherty Awards for Excellence in Communication. MyMosman was developed completely in-house, and the Mayor congratulated staff involved in bringing the project to fruition.
The app, which has proven popular with Mosman residents since its launch in June 2017, took out the Reporting to Your Community Award and was described by judges as a “terrific, innovative idea, relevant for the community”.
The Mayor noted that, while a number of councils have developed single or limited-use apps, MyMosman was the first of its kind to be launched by a local council. Already downloaded by close to 5,000 residents, the app combines the most utilised features and services from council’s various sites and apps into one easy-to-use product.
Library Funding
The Mayor presented a Mayoral Minute to the meeting outlining concerns over the level of State funding for public libraries, which has continued to decline recent years and has been the subject of further cuts in the latest State Budget.
The Mayor acknowledged the efforts of the NSW Public Libraries Association and Local Government NSW, who have come together to advocate for fairer public library funding in the lead up to the 2019 NSW State election.
It was subsequently resolved by Council that it endorse this library funding advocacy initiative titled ‘Renew Our Libraries’. Council further resolved to endorse distribution of campaign-related materials through the Barry O’Keefe Library.
Bondi to Manly Walk
Following representations from the founders of the Bondi to Manly Walk, Council resolved to enter into a Memorandum of Agreement supporting the ongoing development of the walk within Mosman. The Bondi to Manly Walk reflects the endeavours of founders John Faulkner and Lachlan Harris to create a not-for-profit walk of national significance utilising existing walking tracks and public access between Bondi and Manly, with additional augmentation to assist local walkers and tourists in navigating the entire length of the walk.
Entering into the MOU will not commit Council to any significant expenditure or the creation of new tracks or walkways.
Council Motions to 2018 Local Government NSW Annual Conference
Each year Council has the opportunity to put forward Motions for debate at the annual conference of Local Government NSW, the peak body for local government in this State. It was resolved by Council that Motions on the following topics be submitted to the 2018 Conference in October:
- Improved Parking Signs
- Permanent Flying of the Indigenous Flag on Sydney Harbour Bridge
- Protocol for Independent Status on Local Government Ballot Papers
Allan Border Oval Pavilion Redevelopment
Council has, for a number of years, been investigating options for the ageing pavilion at Allan Border Oval, KOE Pavilion. Council considered the latest concept designs prepared for this site and resolved to proceed with detailed designs, construction documentation and preparation of a Development Application for a new pavilion. The location of the new building will be generally in the location occupied by the current pavilion, with the Mosman Occasional Care Centre on the ground floor of the existing pavilion to be transferred to a new, purpose-built child care centre at Balmoral Park.
Facilities on the ground floor of the new pavilion will include change rooms, public toilet amenities, groundkeeper/storage facilities, and kiosk. First floor facilities, accessible via a lift, will include a function room, kitchen, toilets, scorers room and terrace.
Preparation of all necessary documentation will be completed in coming months. Public consultation on the proposal will be undertaken in conjunction with assessment of the relevant Development Application.
Balmoral Oval Childcare Redevelopment
Following action taken by Council earlier this year to shortlist tenderers for the design and construction of a new child care centre at Balmoral Park, and subsequent consideration of concept designs by shortlisted companies, Council resolved to enter into a contract for design and construction of a 38 place childcare facility at Balmoral.
The new facility is proposed to cater for children aged 2 to 5 years between the hours of 7.30am and 6.00pm with a mixed model of care including occasional care.
Relevant Owners Consent will be sought from the NSW Department of Industry – Crown Lands prior to lodgement of a Development Application.
2018/19 Community Grants Program
Council considered recommendations for funding of community organisations under its 2018/19 Community Grants Program. It was resolved that just over $55,000 in grants be made available to a total of 22 organisations, with funded projects ranging from coaching clinics to classical music concerts, a resilience program for young people and the ‘I’m a Keeper” sustainability program. Building on the success of the community workshop series conducted in early 2018, unexpended funds will be directed toward other community capacity building projects in partnership with community groups.
Complaints Management Policy
Council resolved to adopt further amendments to its Complaints Management Policy, which was comprehensively reviewed earlier this year. The latest amendments address minor recommendations from a recent internal audit process that found minimal opportunities for improvement in Council’s complaints management system, and provide for Council’s Complaints Register to be reported annually to Council.
Civic Building Works
After undertaking an extensive assessment process for a combined package of building works at the Mosman Civic Centre, Council Depot, Mosman Square Seniors Centre and Barry O’Keefe Library, Council resolved to accept the tender of Intermain Pty Ltd to undertake these works. It is expected that the works will take place in various stages over the next four to five months.
The works included as part of this program include refurbishment of customer service, civic and staff areas, new amenities for seniors, new storage facilities for the Mosman Art Collection, and new atrium and carpeting at the Barry O’Keefe Library. Works have a strong focus on improving the functionality and aesthetic appeal of Council facilities and enhancing customer experience more generally.
There will be some disruption at various sites as works progress, however every effort will be made to minimise the impact on Council services during this time.
Heritage Interpretation Sign – Mosman Bay
Council resolved to install a heritage interpretation sign at Mosman Bay in recognition of Richard Harnett’s Quarry and Incline Railway. The sandstone quarry and incline railway operated at Mosman Bay from 1878 to 1879 and remnants of the dock still remain in situ. The incline railway has been mainly removed, although a large area of the quarry is still visible above the park in Boyle Street. It is anticipated that the new sign recognising this part of Mosman’s history will be officially unveiled in late September.
Waste Reduction
It was resolved by Council that a report be prepared for consideration in two months addressing the proposed banning of single-use plastics from all Council offices and venues, as well as other places where Council has capability or control. The single-use plastic products to be addressed in the report include plastic bags, straws and water bottles, as well as helium balloons.