MINUTES OF THE ORDINARY MEETING OF THE COUNCIL OF THE SHIRE OF COOLAMON
HELD IN THE COUNCIL CHAMBERS, COOLAMON ON THE 18TH NOVEMBER, 2004.
Meeting commenced at 1.30pm.
BUSINESS:
1) Apologies
2) a. Confirmation of Minutes
b. Matters arising out of Minutes. (Not elsewhere reported)
3) Correspondence
a. Agenda A (Information Only)
b. Agenda B
4) General Manager’s Report
4.1 General Manager’s Report
4.2 Executive Manager, Corporate & Community Services’ Report
4.3 Executive Manager, Engineering & Environmental Services’ Report
4.4 Manager, Environmental & Health Services’ Report
5) Reports: Delegates/Mayor/Councillors
6) Questions Without Notice.
7) Recommendations of a Committee of a Whole Meeting held 18th November, 2004.
8) Recommendations of the Community Services Committee Meeting held 9th
November, 2004.
9) Recommendations of the Parks Committee Meeting held 28th October, 2004.
PRESENT: Clrs. Menzies (Chairman), O’Brien, Logan, Seymour, Todd,
Glass, Brill and Symons.
STAFF: General Manager; Executive Manager, Engineering &
Environmental Services; Finance Manager; and Manager,
Environmental & Health Services.
APOLOGIES: Clr. B Hutcheon.
This is Page No. 1 of the Minutes of the Ordinary Meeting of the Council of the Shire of Coolamon
held in the Council Chambers, Coolamon on the 18th November, 2004.
.................................................………...MAYOR ......................................................GENERAL
MANAGER.
MINUTES OF THE ORDINARY MEETING OF THE COUNCIL OF THE SHIRE OF COOLAMON
HELD IN THE COUNCIL CHAMBERS, COOLAMON ON THE 18TH NOVEMBER, 2004.
1. APOLOGIES
RESOLVED that the apology of Clr. B Hutcheon be received and accepted.
379/11/2004
2a. CONFIRMATION OF MINUTES
RESOLVED that the Minutes of the previous Meeting as circulated be
confirmed and adopted. 380/11/2004
2b. MATTERS ARISING OUT OF THE MINUTES
Nil.
3. CORRESPONDENCE
AGENDA A (FOR INFORMATION ONLY)
1a) INFORMATION PAPERS
? The following papers have been distributed with Council’s supplementary material
as being matters of information interest to Councillors. If Councillors desire any
further information on the matters distributed then that can be raised with the
General Manager.
1) NSW Shires Association Weekly Circular 43 and 44.
2) Neighbour Aid Co-Ordinator’s Monthly Report for the month of October,
2004.
3) Australian Local Government Association Newsletter
2a) BECKOM PUBLIC SCHOOL (S.01-03)
Thanking Council for the donation of $50.00 towards purchasing books for their
Annual Presentation Night.
RESOLVED that the correspondence as listed in Agenda A be received and
adopted. 381/11/2004
This is Page No. 2 of the Minutes of the Ordinary Meeting of the Council of the Shire of Coolamon
held in the Council Chambers, Coolamon on the 18th November, 2004.
.................................................………...MAYOR ......................................................GENERAL
MANAGER.
MINUTES OF THE ORDINARY MEETING OF THE COUNCIL OF THE SHIRE OF COOLAMON
HELD IN THE COUNCIL CHAMBERS, COOLAMON ON THE 18TH NOVEMBER, 2004.
AGENDA B
1b) MINISTER FOR PRIMARY INDUSTRIES (A.06-01)
Responding to Council's concerns in respect of the proposed closure of the
Agricultural Research Station throughout New South Wales.
General Manager's Note
? A full copy of the letter has been attached to Council's information papers.
RESOLVED that the letter be received. 382/11/2004
2b) FEDERAL MINISTER FOR LOCAL GOVERNMENT,
TERRITORIES AND ROADS, THE HON. JIM LLOYD, MP., (R.07-
05)
Forwarding a copy of his speech to the Australian Local Government Association
National General Assembly on the 10th November, 2004.
General Manager's Note
? A full copy of the speech has been distributed with Council's information papers.
RESOLVED that the letter be received. 383/11/2004
3b) SHIRES ASSOCIATION OF NSW (S.18-01)
Advising that the Shires Association have entered into an Agreement with the Local
Government Superannuation Scheme to sell all its interests in Local Government
Financial Services.
RESOLVED that the letter be received. 384/11/2004
This is Page No. 3 of the Minutes of the Ordinary Meeting of the Council of the Shire of Coolamon
held in the Council Chambers, Coolamon on the 18th November, 2004.
.................................................………...MAYOR ......................................................GENERAL
MANAGER.
MINUTES OF THE ORDINARY MEETING OF THE COUNCIL OF THE SHIRE OF COOLAMON
HELD IN THE COUNCIL CHAMBERS, COOLAMON ON THE 18TH NOVEMBER, 2004.
4. GENERAL MANAGER’S REPORT
4.1 GENERAL MANAGER REPORTS
GM1) 2004 AUDITORS REPORT (A.12-01)
Council's Auditor, Mr Graham Bradley will be in attendance at the meeting to
address the Financial Statements to the 30th June, 2004 and to provide his Auditors
Report. In addition, he will provide general commentary on Council's finances, the
strategic direction that Council is taking and be available to answer questions from
Council concerning any of the above issues.
? Copies of the Financial Statements and the Auditors Report will be distributed with
the agenda.
Recommendation
For Council information.
This matter was deferred noting that the Auditor would be in attendance at
2.00pm.
The Auditor attended the Council Meeting at 2.00pm and addressed the items
raised in GM1.
The Auditor formally presented to Council the Financial Statements and his
Report to the 30th June, 2004. The Auditor, Mr Bradley addressed issues raised
in his report, provided advice to Council on the current financial position. A
number of questions were put to the Auditor in respect of Council's financial
strategy for the coming year and for ensuing years and these were addressed by
Mr Bradley.
RESOLVED that the Financial Statements and Auditors Report be received
and that Mr Bradley be thanked for his attendance. 385/11/2004
This is Page No. 4 of the Minutes of the Ordinary Meeting of the Council of the Shire of Coolamon
held in the Council Chambers, Coolamon on the 18th November, 2004.
.................................................………...MAYOR ......................................................GENERAL
MANAGER.
MINUTES OF THE ORDINARY MEETING OF THE COUNCIL OF THE SHIRE OF COOLAMON
HELD IN THE COUNCIL CHAMBERS, COOLAMON ON THE 18TH NOVEMBER, 2004.
GM2) NSW HEALTH DEPARTMENT – AREA HEALTH ADVISORY
COUNCIL (H.03-01)
The NSW Health Department have advised that they are in the process of forming
Area Health Advisory Councils. These Councils will work directly with each Area
Chief Executive and the various clinicians and community groups to provide advice
on how the Area Health Service can best meet the current and emerging health
needs of the communities. They will have the following broad functions:
? To advise clinicians, health consumers and the local community on the Area
Health service's policies, plans and initiatives for the provision of health services.
? To seek the views of clinicians, health consumers and the community as to the
Area Health service's policies, plans and initiatives, and to advise the Area's
Chief Executive of those views.
? To advise the Chief Executive on how best to support, encourage and facilitate
the organisation of community, health service consumer and clinician
involvement in the planning of health services in the area.
? To confer with the Chief Executive about the performance of the Area Health
Service against agreed performance targets.
? To liaise with other Area Health Advisory Councils in relation to both local and
state-wide initiatives for the provision of health services.
? To report on their work and activities.
The Department is now publicly seeking expressions of interest for appointments to
these Councils and applications close on Friday, 26th November, 2004.
Council is requested to give consideration to providing a nomination for a person
who may be able to make a contribution in respect of the above issues.
Recommendation
For Council discussion.
RESOLVED that Council nominate the General Manager to be a Member of
this Committee. 386/11/2004
This is Page No. 5 of the Minutes of the Ordinary Meeting of the Council of the Shire of Coolamon
held in the Council Chambers, Coolamon on the 18th November, 2004.
.................................................………...MAYOR ......................................................GENERAL
MANAGER.
MINUTES OF THE ORDINARY MEETING OF THE COUNCIL OF THE SHIRE OF COOLAMON
HELD IN THE COUNCIL CHAMBERS, COOLAMON ON THE 18TH NOVEMBER, 2004.
GM3) ANDREW OLLE SCHOLARSHIP (S.01-05)
? Advice has been received that a former student of Coolamon Central School, Miss
Alice Brennan has been the recipient of the Andrew Olle Scholarship for Journalism
for 2005. Alice won the award from over 200 applicants and it is a good reflection
on her upbringing and education which was entirely gained through the local Central
School. A full copy of Alice's acceptance speech has been attached Councillor's
information papers. It may be appropriate for Council to acknowledge her
achievement and extend congratulations to her.
Recommendation
That Council advise Miss Brennan of its congratulations in being awarded the 2005
Andrew Olle Scholarship.
RESOLVED that Council advise Miss Brennan of its congratulations in being
awarded the 2005 Andrew Olle Scholarship. 387/11/2004
GM4) LOCAL GOVERNMENT MANAGERS ASSOCIATION – POLICY
COMMITTEE (L.06-01)
I have been invited to be a Member on the LGMA Policy Committee. This
Committee has the role of recommending to the Executive advice concerning the
LGMA's policies on various issues within the Local Government Industry. The
majority of the meetings are conducted by teleconference and I am seeking Council's
permission to accept the invitation.
Recommendation
For Council discussion.
RESOLVED that Council authorise participation by the General Manager in
the Local Government Manager's Association Policy Committee. 388/11/2004
This is Page No. 6 of the Minutes of the Ordinary Meeting of the Council of the Shire of Coolamon
held in the Council Chambers, Coolamon on the 18th November, 2004.
.................................................………...MAYOR ......................................................GENERAL
MANAGER.
MINUTES OF THE ORDINARY MEETING OF THE COUNCIL OF THE SHIRE OF COOLAMON
HELD IN THE COUNCIL CHAMBERS, COOLAMON ON THE 18TH NOVEMBER, 2004.
GM5) CULTURAL HERITAGE PROGRAMME / COOLAMON
LIBRARY DEVELOPMENT (H.04-06)
The following two reports are obviously separate issues, however, there may be
opportunity for Council to link future processes that can provide benefits to the
Community and efficiencies how Council delivers its services:
1) CULTURAL HERITAGE & ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT
Council's involvement in this type of activity had its commencement in the
early 90's with the Main Street Programme. It continued under various
programmes through to 1996 when Council made a significant investment in
the Up-to-Date Store. From that point on the focus became more intense
and Council in partnership with the NSW Heritage Office and the NSW
Ministry of Arts undertook a significant Community Study focusing on the
cultural, economic and heritage issues facing the Coolamon Shire. The "Up-
to-Date with Heritage in Coolamon Shire: a Plan for Cultural and Economic
Development" Plan was developed and this became a blue print for future
activities. Gradually Council became aware of the heritage assets that
existed throughout the Shire and the opportunity for building on these assets
as a means of developing and enhancing the communities within the Shire.
As a means of implementing the above plan, Council under a variety of
grants and programmes run through the State Government with emphasis on
that through the Department of State & Regional Development were able to
engage a Cultural Heritage Development Officer. Many activities have been
undertaken under the following headings:
? Cultural Heritage & Economic Development Taskforce
? Local Heritage Grant Scheme
? Heritage Advisor Programme
? Heritage Track
? Interpretation and Exhibition of the Up-to-Date Store and Garth Jones
Agricultural Collection
? Ganmain Hall
? Coolamon Railway Station
? Matong Bush Picnic
? Bloomin Ganmain Garden Fest
? Tax Technology & Agri Assistance Forum
? Coolamon on Display
? Small Towns Seminar
This is Page No. 7 of the Minutes of the Ordinary Meeting of the Council of the Shire of Coolamon
held in the Council Chambers, Coolamon on the 18th November, 2004.
.................................................………...MAYOR ......................................................GENERAL
MANAGER.
MINUTES OF THE ORDINARY MEETING OF THE COUNCIL OF THE SHIRE OF COOLAMON
HELD IN THE COUNCIL CHAMBERS, COOLAMON ON THE 18TH NOVEMBER, 2004.
The "Up-to-Date with Heritage in Coolamon Shire: a Plan for Cultural and Economic Development" Plan is gradually being implemented and in fact has been upgraded and revisited over the last 12-18 months. A number of the above works are still in progress and it is obvious that this will need to be a continuing programme.
Attached to Councillors information papers is a more complete paper
summarising the issues in terms of the various programmes and works that have been undertaken.
The issue that now arises is that the grants from the various State Government Departments that enable the employment of the Heritage Development Officer have expired. Applications have been submitted for further funding, however, it may be some time before advice is received as to the success or otherwise. In the meantime Council must make a decision as to whether it wishes to continue with this type of programme on the basis that there will need to be a financial commitment whether this be in terms of employment of staff or the engagement of consultants, to enable the work to continue.
The main focus on the works in progress relates to the Up-to-Date Store. There is no doubt that the Store has become a focal point for many activities. It and the Lamson Change Machine are attractions in their own right. The Committee managing the Store is quite active and undertakes a variety of programmes. Nevertheless, it is probably an under utilised asset. The Store needs an activity within it that enables it to be "alive". The activity must blend with the historical and heritage nature of the store and enhance its attractiveness. The Garth Jones Collection has not been fully placed on display. This needs to be completed sooner rather than later to enable the investment that Council has made at the rear of the store to be fully realised.
The Cultural Heritage Programme is one that is being welcomed throughout the Shire Community. Obviously there will always be some detractors for these type of programmes, however, in the main I believe that there is broad based community acceptance for such activities and if a retrospective view of the community was taken some 10-15 years ago and compared with the present, then I think the community pride and development that has taken place because of such programme would justify Council's involvement.
I believe that Council is and should be committed to continuing these type of activities and it only remains to determine the extent of the financial commitment and the manner in which that commitment will be realised.
This is Page No. 8 of the Minutes of the Ordinary Meeting of the Council of the Shire of Coolamon
held in the Council Chambers, Coolamon on the 18th November, 2004.
.................................................………...MAYOR ......................................................GENERAL
MANAGER.
MINUTES OF THE ORDINARY MEETING OF THE COUNCIL OF THE SHIRE OF COOLAMON
HELD IN THE COUNCIL CHAMBERS, COOLAMON ON THE 18TH NOVEMBER, 2004.
2) COOLAMON LIBRARY
Council has given a commitment to proceed with the development of a
proposal for the establishment of a Library in Coolamon as opposed to visits
by the Mobile Library. It is intended that an application would be submitted
for funding assistance under the NSW Library Development Programme for
which applications close during February, 2005. Council has formed a
Community Committee to investigate and develop this proposal and that
Committee has met on a number of occasions. At this point in time they are
in the process of moving into the Community Consultation Phase to
determine the type of services and usage of those services that exist in the
community. I have engaged Ms. Gemma Purcell of Ganmain to undertake
the preparation of the submission in respect of the new Library and as such
Gemma is facilitating the Community Consultation process.
Whilst the site for the Library has not been fully investigated, it has always
been thought that the obvious building was the School of Arts in Cowabbie
Street, Coolamon. I am not discounting that as an appropriate building,
however, Council may well wish to give some consideration to the Up-to-
Date Store being an appropriate site as well.
Its location within the Up-to-Date Store would solve a number of issues. It
would provide an ongoing activity within the building that would enable it to
be utilised and open on a more regular basis. Staff within the building could
then have a dual role in terms of cultural heritage development, tourist
information and Library administration. Providing the Library is developed
in a style that is commensurate with the heritage nature of the building, there
would be nothing that precludes it from being a suitable activity to be
undertaken within the store. Obviously Libraries existed in the early 1900's
and the Coolamon Library could be done in a style that is sympathetic with
historical Libraries. The only concession to contemporary society would be
computer terminals, work stations etc., and no doubt these can be developed
in a manner that allows them to blend in.
The utilisation of the building in a multipurpose manner, ie. Garth Jones
Historical and Heritage and a Library, would be an attractive proposition in
terms of the State Government's approach for funding where it desires
multipurpose use of facilities.
SUMMARY
At this point in time Council does not need to make a decision on the Library issue,
however, it needs to bear it in mind when considering the report that will come forth
This is Page No. 9 of the Minutes of the Ordinary Meeting of the Council of the Shire of Coolamon
held in the Council Chambers, Coolamon on the 18th November, 2004.
.................................................………...MAYOR ......................................................GENERAL
MANAGER.
MINUTES OF THE ORDINARY MEETING OF THE COUNCIL OF THE SHIRE OF COOLAMON
HELD IN THE COUNCIL CHAMBERS, COOLAMON ON THE 18TH NOVEMBER, 2004.
from the Community Committee and in developing plans for the Up-to-Date Store. The principle decision facing Council at this point in time is to give an ongoing commitment to continuing the Cultural Heritage & Economic Development Programme and if this is in the affirmative then staff can undertake a review of activities required to be dealt with immediately and determine costings for those activities and then provide a further report to Council in order that it can be aware of the financial commitment required between now and the 30th June, 2005.
Recommendation
For Council discussion.
RESOLVED that the report be noted and that Council authorise the General Manager to continue with the Cultural Heritage & Economic Development Programme and that a report on proposed activities be presented to an early meeting of Council. 389/11/2004
GM6) COUNCIL HOUSE – 41 COWABBIE STREET, COOLAMON
(PF1217)
In recent years Council has undertaken a programme of reviewing its asset base and determining the suitability of those assets for current purposes and disposing of assets where they are no longer relevant to Council's needs. Having regard to the current housing market and the need to provide an impetus to Council's Stinson Street Subdivision it may well be an appropriate time to dispose of the house in Cowabbie Street and to construct a new house on the new estate. This would serve a number of purposes, ie. it would keep Council's housing stock which is necessary to attract Senior Staff at a modern and up to date standard. It would provide new housing stock in Coolamon, kick start the new subdivision and give Council the opportunity to dispose of an aged asset at a peak selling time.
If Council wishes to proceed along these lines then plans could be prepared for a new house and costings undertaken and a valuation obtained for the existing house.
Recommendation
That Council provides inprinciple approval for the disposal of the residence at 41 Cowabbie Street, Coolamon and the construction of a new house at Lot 3, Booth Street, Coolamon and that a further report be prepared on the financial impacts of this decision.
This is Page No. 10 of the Minutes of the Ordinary Meeting of the Council of the Shire of Coolamon
held in the Council Chambers, Coolamon on the 18th November, 2004.
.................................................………...MAYOR ......................................................GENERAL
MANAGER.