December Council meeting briefs

Council resolved to forward the draft Plan of Management for the Wee Jasper Hall and Tennis Courts to the Minister for Water, Property and Housing as owner of the land. The draft plan, which provides direction for the asset management of the hall and tennis courts and the framework for Council to follow in regards to licensing and leasing, will be placed on public exhibition in 2021 to gauge wider community views.

The Yass to Murrumbateman water pipeline was constructed through 28 properties and Councillors have received a report advising of the next steps for the creation of easements along the pipeline. For most properties, the easement has been successfully negotiated with the landowner. There is only one property in which compulsory acquisition of the easement is required if current negotiations are unsuccessful.

Councillors noted an update on the Yass Water Treatment Plant Upgrade. They resolved to progress the implementation of Stage 1, which involves addressing some of the drinking water quality issues through a raw water pump station, installation of bubble plume aeration in the Yass Dam and urgent works at the plant. Discussions about subsequent stages are yet to be finalised and it was resolved that a report be brought back to Council with financial modelling on the impacts on local household water charges with any self-funding of the shortfall between the estimated cost and the available grant funding for a new water treatment plant. Discussions will continue with DPIE (Water) in parallel with the implementation of Stage 1 to resolve the design framework for any new or upgraded water treatment plant, including a peer review of the technical options selection. It was also resolved that reports on the progress of the project become a standing bi-monthly item on Council’s meeting agenda.

Councillors received a report on submissions following the public exhibition of the draft 2020 Strategic Plan for the Murrumbateman Recreation Grounds and agreed to hold a forum in early 2021 to prioritise an agreed action plan.

Council also resolved to commence the design and procurement activities for both the amenities building and equestrian storage facilities in locations near the Scouts building in advance of finalising the strategic plan.

In November 2020, Council sought further information on the 2020/21 Quarter 1 Budget Adjustments. Council noted a report prepared to provide further explanation of the Quarter 1 Budget adjustment to Employee Benefits of $2.443m. The report showed the adjustment was necessary to rectify an error in the original budget due to the accounting treatment of on costs. According to the report, after other identified adjustments are made in the Quarter 2 Budget Review, the result will be a projected increase to the original Employee Benefits budget of $69,167.

Council has also resolved to refer the report to the Audit, Risk & Improvement Committee.

In February 2020, Council identified the Civic Precinct as a key infrastructure project and funds were included in the 2020/21 Operational Plan for the preparation of detailed designs. Council has agreed to commence the procurement process for appropriately qualified consultants to assist with the development of the design. Council requested a report on the final location choice to be brought back to the February 2021 Council meeting.

21 December 2020

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