Council Decided - 1 September 2020
Election of Deputy Mayor
Councillor Libby Moline was elected unopposed to the position of Deputy Mayor. This is the second consecutive year Cr Moline has held the position, having been first elected to Council in 2008. Cr Moline will retain the position of Deputy Mayor until the next Council elections, scheduled for September 2021.
Mayor Carolyn Corrigan thanked Councillor Moline for her contribution to the role over the past year and wished her well for the year ahead.
Communications and Advertising
Council considered a report on the various communication and advertising channels being utilised to inform and engage the community on Council-related matters. In particular, the report referenced the return of print editions of the Mosman Daily newspaper following its temporary suspension in April this year, as well as changes and enhancements to communications channels resulting from the COVID-19 pandemic. It was subsequently resolved by Council that its previous weekly advertising in the Mosman Daily be resumed and that various communications channels including the twice monthly e-newsletter introduced during COVID-19 continue to be utilised on an ongoing basis. Council will also review its community noticeboards and other digital advertising opportunities as they arise. It was further agreed that this matter again be reported to Council in 12 months’ time, with the report to include current circulation of the Mosman Daily print edition and information on how the publication is performing in terms of local news coverage.
Code of Conduct
Council has recently been advised by the NSW Office of Local Government of amendments to the Model Code of Conduct for Local Councils in NSW, together with Procedures for the Administration of the Model Code. The amendments, which have immediate effect, are relatively minor in nature including language and definitional changes as well as changes to provisions relating to gifts and benefits and censuring of Councillors. Council noted the amendments and resolved to adopt the relevant changes to the Mosman Council Model Code of Conduct and Procedures.
Licence Agreements – Balmoral Baths
With the impending expiration of various licence agreements for use of clubroom facilities at Balmoral Baths, Council resolved to renew licence agreements with Balmoral Triathalon Club Inc., Balmoral Swimmers Inc. and The Spit Swimming Club Inc. for a further five years on similar terms and conditions to existing agreements.
Driveway Linemarking Fees
Council considered a report in relation to the costs associated with installation of linemarkings on either side of driveways to provide a visual reminder to drivers. At present, Council receives two to three requests per week from property owners for installation or repainting of these markings. Having considered the associated cost to Council and fees charged for this service by other councils in metropolitan Sydney, Council approved a public notification process advising of a proposed fee of $165 per driveway for installation of new driveway lines or remarking of existing lines. This proposal is to be advertised for a period of 28 days and the outcome including feedback received will then be reported to the next available Council meeting.
Balmoral Summertime Parking Restrictions
A report was presented to Council outlining the results of a recent review of the Balmoral Resident Parking Scheme Area 15. The review found that the relevant summertime parking restrictions are working well, although identified potential merit in extending them to include the months of November and February. Having considered the report it was agreed by Council that residents of Balmoral Parking Scheme Area 15 be consulted on both the current operation of the scheme and the proposal to extend summertime parking restrictions to November and February each year. The outcomes of this consultation will be reported to the next available Council meeting.
Public Spaces Legacy Program
Early last month the NSW Government announced the launch of a $250 million Public Spaces Legacy Program as part of ongoing work to protect the health of the community and provide economic and jobs stimulus in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. Under the program, funding is available to councils that can demonstrate a significant acceleration of their planning decision process between 1 September 2020 and 30 June 2021. Following consideration of a report on this matter, Council resolved to endorse the application made to the funding program by the deadline of 28 August, which will potentially deliver $4.75m in funding to undertake public space improvement works in Mosman. In order to be eligible for this funding – which will facilitate a range of infrastructure works including the Bradleys Head Road footpath link, landscaping at Mosman Park, improvements to Mosman Square and the Village Green, walking track, playground and parkland accessibility improvements – a commitment has been made to accelerate planning assessments in Mosman by 15% between September 2020 and June 2021. Staff are confident that the reduction in determination times can be achieved without diminishing the time provided to the community to make submissions or any loss of transparency or robustness in the assessment process.
Memory Park Fencing
Council gave further consideration to a decision made earlier this year undertake limited extensions to fencing at Memory Park to fully enclose the large tower playspace. After hearing representations from local residents and park users it was resolved that Council proceed to install new fencing at Memory Park in accordance with ‘Option 4’ as presented to the Council meeting of 3 March 2020, namely to fully enclose the area of park comprising the large tower play space, the toddler play space and swings space.
Outdoor Dining Fees
After hearing representations from local business owners regarding Council fees and charges applicable to outdoor dining spaces, Council resolved to continue its use of the National Cabinet Mandatory Code of Conduct in its dealings with tenants.