Council Decided – 4 May 2021

Quarterly MOSPLAN Report and Financial Statement

Council received and adopted progress reports on the 2020-2021 MOSPLAN Operational Plan, as well as Council’s 2020-21 Budget for the January-March 2021 quarter. MOSPLAN delivery has remained largely on track, despite some ongoing impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic. A further improvement of just under $200,000 has been made to the forecasted end-of-year operating result before capital grants and contributions, with a surplus of approximately $500,000 now expected.

Council Election 2021

Council noted recent advice from the NSW Electoral Commission regarding the proposed use of nine polling venues and a pre-polling venue (Boronia House) in Mosman for the September 4 Council elections. It was resolved that Council respond to the NSW Electoral Commission seeking seven polling venues only (not nine) and requesting that the community be provided with information advising of optimal times and places for voting, noting the additional impost of COVID-19. The timing of the elections will have an impact on Council meeting dates, with the September Council meeting (the first meeting for the new term) now scheduled to be held on Tuesday 14 September.

Tree Management and Associated Works

Following the receipt and assessment of tenders for tree management works from 1 July 2021, Council resolved to award five year contracts for various works to Summit Open Space Services and CJ Murphy Tree Recycling. A number of panel contractors were also approved to undertake additional works as required over the same period.

Mosman High School Redevelopment

A report was presented to Council outlining the scope of proposed redevelopment works at Mosman High School that are currently on public exhibition. A number of meetings have been held between Council and the Department of Education over the last few years and, as a result, substantial amendments have been made to the proposed works. Council acknowledged the improvements made to the plans and to the public benefits that will flow from improved sporting and teaching facilities at the school, however (in addition to other matters detailed in the report) raised ongoing concerns regarding the bulk and scale of the development. Council was also of the view that on-site parking should be provided below ground and challenged the Construction Traffic Management Plan on the basis that Belmont Road is a residential street with new roundabout infrastructure and trucks should be using main roads to access the site. A submission outlining Council’s concerns will be lodged for consideration by the NSW Department of Planning.

Public Amenities – Countess Street Park

Council considered a proposal calling for a report on the installation of toilet facilities at Countess Street Park. Following lengthy discussion and after hearing submissions from interested residents, it was resolved that Council prioritise Memory Park for the installation of toilet facilities, observe the outcomes from this facility and consider the success of this initiative prior to allocating a budget for the installation of other public facilities. To facilitate the process staff will prepare a report reviewing the current allocation of public toilets in Mosman parks, including recommendations identifying and prioritising sites where there is current unmet need.