Council Decided – 3 September 2019
Vale Tim Fischer
Council paid tribute to the Honourable Timothy Andrew Fischer AC, who passed away on 22 August 2019. Tim Fischer had a long and distinguished political career commencing in 1971 when he was elected to the NSW Parliament as the Country Party Member for Sturt. He left State politics in 1984 when he won the Federal Seat of Farrar for the National Party and served as a Federal politician until 2001, holding the position of Deputy Prime Minister of Australia from 1996 to 1999. Between 1971 and 1990 Tim lived part-time in Mosman and returned late last year for the unveiling of plaque commemorating the former sandstone quarry and incline railway in Harnett Park. During his visit Tim spoke warmly and eloquently of his love for Mosman as well as his well-known love of all things ‘rail’.
Council observed one minute’s silence in memory of Tim Fischer, a man universally admired across the political spectrum for his courage and leadership, a true gentleman and a unique Australian character.
Election of Deputy Mayor
Councillor Libby Moline was unanimously elected to the position of Deputy Mayor.
This is the first time Cr Moline has held the position since being elected to Council in 2008. Cr Moline succeeds Cr Tom Sherlock as Deputy Mayor and will retain the position until the next Council elections, scheduled for September 2020.
Mayor Carolyn Corrigan welcomed Cr Moline to the role and thanked Cr Sherlock for his contribution over the past year.
Code of Conduct Complaints 2018/19
A report on Code of Conduct Complaints for the period 1 September 2018 to 31 August 2019 was presented to Council. The report advised that during this period one Code of Conduct Complaint was received and dealt with at a cost of $4,500.
Waste and Recycling Services Contract
Council considered the results of the recent tendering process for collection and transportation of waste and recycling material from Mosman to a licenced waste facility. The tendering process encapsulated a total of nine service types from domestic waste collection to recyclables collection, dumped waste collection and garbage bin supply and repair. It was subsequently resolved that a contract be entered into with URM Environmental Service Pty Ltd for the supply of all nine service types for an initial seven year contract term commencing 1 October 2019 with a three year contract extension available to Council from 1 October 2026. It was noted by Council that this contract is in line with its long term strategy to increase recycling by taking economic opportunities to aggregate streams of recyclables. The contract will include the provision of recycling messaging on new recycling collection trucks.
Spofforth Street/Rangers Road Proposal – North Sydney Council
Council received an update on works undertaken and proposed by North Sydney Council in relation to the upgrade of the Spofforth Street/Rangers Road intersection. It was noted that this upgrade project has not been identified in the MOSPLAN Delivery Program for 2018-2021. No funding has been allocated by Mosman Council, however Council will provide input through technical assistance and advice. Councillors reiterated that Mosman Council will not support any adverse impact to its residents, business owners and any loss of parking as a result of the proposal.
Balmoral Jetty Upgrade
Following the recent call for tenders to undertake scheduled pile renewal and other upgrade works at Balmoral Jetty, Council resolved to award a contract for these works to GPM Marine Constructions Pty Ltd. All jetty upgrade works are due for completion in the current financial year.
Restoration Options – Site adjoining Balmoral Oval
Council considered a number of options for the site currently occupied by the former Pippies child care centre adjacent to Balmoral Oval and agreed that four options would be released for public consultation via an online preferential voting process. The four options that will be subject to this process include a grassed natural area; a multipurpose sports court; a BBQ, picnic tables and shelter; and a community garden. The consultation will be undertaken through the engagement hub on Council’s website and will be advertised when voting commences. In the meantime it is proposed to demolish the existing structure on the site and plant turf to take advantage of the Spring season.
Active Transport Funding – Regional Cycle Route and Pram Ramps
In response to funding offers made by Roads and Maritime Services, Council resolved to accept funding of $728,000 for projects totalling $1,457,600. Of this, $1,400,000 will be spent over the next two years on Stage 1 of the Regional Cycle Route in Mosman along Wyong Road from Macpherson Street to Killarney Street, involving 400m of bicycle path, 59 new street trees and 8 pedestrian facility improvements. The plans for this project will be subject to public consultation and Local Traffic Committee approval later this year. A further $57,600 will be spent in 2019/20 to improve pram ramps in Mosman, including installation of new pram ramps on intersections that do not have them and upgrading ramps that do not meet standard and are difficult to use.
Review of Street and Gutter Cleaning
Council reviewed the performance of its current street and gutter cleaning contracts during their first year and resolved to extend the contracts for the majority of works including cleaning of main arterial roads, cleaning of business centres, cleaning of residential streets and cleaning of selected gully pits. An extension of the contract period for cleaning of Balmoral Esplanade has been deferred pending the receipt of further information.
Shop Local Campaign
Council resolved that a Mosman Shop Local strategy and marketing campaign be developed to assist in promoting Mosman businesses to local residents. Interested local retailers are to be consulted and a report on this matter will be submitted to Council’s December 2019 meeting. The report will include consideration of Shop Local campaigns operating successfully in other localities, particularly in Lane Cove, as well as the introduction of a Mosman Gift Card.