Council Meeting Highlights – 30 March 2020

11.1- Planning Permit Application 640/2018/P – 1-2 Plowman Place Frankston – application sought approval to construct a 9-storey apartment development – approved

Council supported putting out the draft Councillor Expense Reimbursement Protocol (Protocol) and Councillor Expense Reimbursement Policy (Policy) for community consultation for a term of six weeks. A report will be presented to Council in June 2020.   

Council resolved to increase the financial delegation of the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) to $2,000,000 (exclusive of GST), which enables the CEO to award contracts up to that value in the event that a state of emergency or a state of disaster is declared. This ensures that the operations of the business can continue during this period. 

The Short Stay Rental Accommodation Local Law was endorsed following a 28-day public submissions process. Council will give notice of the Law’s adoption in the Victorian Government Gazette and via a public notice.   

Council adopted the Live Streaming and Recordings of Meeting Policy following a six-week public exhibition where no written submissions were received. 

Council noted there were six submissions received for the proposed lease of Crown Land at the existing telecommunications facility at Lloyd Park. Council will now consider matters in the submissions and present a report at a future council meeting.  

Following a public consultation, the Policy and Protocol Framework was adopted. 

Council supported putting out the draft Asset Management Strategy 2020–2024 for community consultation for a term of six weeks, commencing 31 March. 

Council has committed to re-joining the South East Councils Climate Change Alliance (SECCA) for the next four financial years. 

A revised Child Safe Policy was adopted following four weeks of community consultation. 

Council endorsed executing a Lease Agreement for space in Aldercourt Primary School, Frankston North, to operate early childhood health and learning services.

Council noted the success of the Work Ready Program to address unemployment in Frankston, along with the employment of an additional trainee from an indigenous background to bring the total to five trainee positions.

Regarding White Street Mall Revitalisation, it was noted that Council officers have applied for funding from the Office of Suburban Development for a two year place activation program and the development of a permanent Public Realm Infrastructure Improvement Plan. Council also noted the need to commit further funding in the 2021–2022 Capital Works Program as a co-contribution to the revitalisation.

Council noted the progress on Recycled Water Scheme Projects and requested that a report be presented back to Council in June 2020.   

Council received the Town Planning Improvements Update Report and noted the improved on-time performance, and service improvements as outlined in this report.

Council noted the draft Frankston Urban Forest Action Plan and endorsed an accompanying Community Engagement Plan. Council requested that a report be presented to Council at the June 2020 Ordinary Meeting, however noted that this may be delayed as a result of the current COVIC-10 pandemic. 

Plans for the development of the Frankston Local Shopping Strip Urban Design Review were noted and a draft plan will be submitted to Council by July 2020.

Council received the Council Plan Quarterly Performance Report for Quarter Two, October 2019 to December 2019. The document will be made available on Council’s website.

A progress update on work at Nat's Track was noted with a further $87,000 worth of upgrades referred to the 2020–2021 mid-year budget review.

Council noted the summary of first round consultation for updating the Overport Park Master Plan, and will seek further community input into the design. A report will be presented back to Council in May 2020.  

Council supported releasing its proposed Annual Budget 2020–2021 for public consultation, which includes immediate and long-term community relief opportunities in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, including:

-  A waiver of penalty interest for the remainder of the rating year with further review in next rating year

- A suspension of any legal action for the recovery of rates for the remainder of the rating year with further review in next rating year

- Free food registration and kerbside trading fees to hospitality owners that have closed and seek to resume businesses within three months after the emergency lockdown is lifted.

Council also noted that refunds were currently being provided pro-rata for food registrations and kerbside trading fees subsequent to operators closing, along with the waiving of rent for Council commercial tenants until 30 June 2020.

One of the most significant items in the proposed budget was the provision of a $3.37 million once-off care package to further support our community.

The draft budget will be placed on public exhibition from 1 April until 4 May, before being considered for adoption in June 2020. However, given the current volatile circumstances relating to the impacts of COVID-19, Council may choose to make alterations prior to this time should the need be identified. 

Council noted the positive and proactive action already taken to implement the glyphosate ban, including ceasing its use from 1 January 2020. An additional $600,000 has been earmarked in the proposed budget 2020–2021 to continue to implement the glyphosate ban through alternative weed control measures, including both chemical and brush cutting techniques.

Council noted free public Wi-Fi has recently been made available at 15 locations within the municipality for public use.