Wrap of the November 2020 Council Meeting

Published on 26 November 2020

* Please note there are some losses in sound and video at some points in the meeting due to technical difficulties on the night. MAYORAL MINUTE

Recruitment firm chosen

Councillors voted to utilise recruitment firm Blackadder & Associates to find a replacement for outgoing General Manager, James Roncon. Mr Roncon finishes his role with Council at the end of the year.

REPORTS

Council posts 2019/20 deficit

Council presented its audited financial statements for the 2019/20 financial year, posting a deficit of $6.12 million. Council had originally forecast a deficit of around $1.5 million, however the impact of COVID-19 on investments and user charges saw Council receive around $2 million less income than expected. Costs for materials and contracts were also $4.4m higher than initially expected.

Annual Report tabled

Council's Annual Report for 2019/20 was adopted. The report details Council's achievements in implementing its Delivery Program and Disability Inclusion Action Plan, and outlines how effective Council was at achieving its objectives and goals. The report will be posted on Council's website, and can be found on page 138 of this month's business papers.

Code of Conduct report

Council reported on the number of Code of Conduct complaints that occurred during 2019/20. Five complaints were lodged during the period, and four of the matters were finalised at a cost of $15,336.

Investment policy adopted

Council adopted a revised investment policy. The investment policy ensures Council representatives exercise care and diligence and take a prudent approach to the investment of any funds that are surplus to Council's immediate requirements. The policy will be added to Council's website and can be found on page 322 of this month's business papers.

CCTV policy open for comment

Council has amended its CCTV policy to include the installation of a new camera at the Companion Animal Shelter. The policy can be found on page 343 of this month's business papers, and submissions can be lodged here.

Cemetery policy amended

Councillors voted to put the amended draft Cemetery Management Policy on display for 28 days for public comment after minor wording changes were made. The policy can be found on page 356 of this month's business papers, and submissions can be lodged here.

Heritage Strategy on display

Council's new draft heritage Strategy is open for public comment for 28 days. The contains a number of recommendations to manage the city's heritage, and focuses on the protection of the built heritage in Broken Hill. It also focuses on the city's cultural and indigenous heritage. Councillor Marion Browne added an amendment that a working group be formed in conjunction with the Office of Environment and Heritage to ensure mining infrastructure is retained in future. The report can be found on page 370 of this month's business papers, and submissions can be lodged here.

Have your say on renewable energy

Locals are invited to have their say on Council's draft Renewable Energy Plan. The plan is on public display for 28 days, and through the plan Council is aiming to increase the use and availability of sustainable energy, reduce and measure its environmental footprint, and reduce fuel consumption. The plan would also see Council look to construct medium scale solar arrays to increase renewable energy in the city. The plan can be found on page 387 of this month's business papers, and submissions can be lodged here.

Native Title nomination

Council's Strategic Land Use Planner Georgina Falkner was nominated as Council's new Native Title Manager. The duties associated with the role ensure that dealings on Crown Land are compliant under the Native Title Act 1993.

Community Assistance Grants spread wide

Council distributed $34,500 worth of grants to community groups for various projects under Round 2 of the Community Assistance Grants program. The remaining $25,000 in the Round 2 funding pool will be used to purchase more Christmas Decorations and waive fees for Memorial Oval tenants whose operations have been interrupted due to COVID-19. More details can be found here, and those wishing to apply for the next round of Community Assistance Grants can do so here.

­ CONFIDENTIAL

Bulk materials tenders awarded

EB Mawson & Sons were awarded a contract to supply Council's aggregate, road base, concrete, crusher dust and loam for the next 12 months. SAMI Bitumen Technologies were awarded a 12-month contract to supply Council's bitumen, emulsion, and cutter oil.