ORANGE CITY COUNCIL

 

MINUTES OF THE

Ordinary Council Meeting

HELD IN via Online Conferencing Platform Zoom

ON 21 July 2020

COMMENCING AT 7.00pm


 1      Introduction

Attendance

Cr R Kidd (Mayor), Cr S Romano (Deputy Mayor), Cr K Duffy, Cr J Hamling, Cr J McRae, Cr T Mileto, Cr S Munro, Cr S Nugent, Cr G Taylor, Cr R Turner, Cr J Whitton

Chief Executive Officer, Acting Director Corporate and Commercial Services (Redmond), Director Development Services, Director Community, Recreation and Cultural Services, Director Technical Services, Acting Manager Corporate Governance (Constantine), Executive Support Manager.

 

1.1     APOLOGIES

 

RESOLVED - 20/212                                                                          Cr S Munro/Cr S Romano

That the apologies be accepted from Cr M Previtera for the Council Meeting of Orange City Council on 21 July 2020.

1.2     LIVESTREAMING AND RECORDING

The Mayor advised that the meeting was being livestreamed and recorded.

 

1.3     OPENING PRAYER

Gavin Brett from the Christian Ministry Centre led the Council in Prayer.  

 

1.4     ACKNOWLEDGEMENT OF COUNTRY

The Mayor conducted the Acknowledgement of Country.

1.5     Declaration of pecuniary interests, significant non-pecuniary interests and less than significant non-pecuniary interests

Cr Reg Kidd declared a Significant Non-Pecuniary Interest in item 5.6 as he is on the Board of Directors of Orange 360.

Cr Joanne McRae declared a Significant Non-Pecuniary Interest in item 5.6 as she is on the Board of Directors of Orange 360.

The CEO, David Waddell declared a Significant Non-Pecuniary Interest in item 5.6 as he is on the Board of Directors of Orange 360.

2       Mayoral Minutes

Nil 

 

THE MAYOR DECLARED THE ORDINARY MEETING OF COUNCIL ADJOURNED FOR THE CONDUCT OF THE OPEN FORUM AT 7.04PM

 

OPEN FORUM 

The Mayor read out the attendees present in the online meeting and re-stated that the meeting was being livestreamed and recorded.

 

Item 5.6 – COVID-19, Orange 360 Response

Mr Peter Robson addressed Council on Orange 360’s positioning and the COVID-19 response.

Ms Caddie Marshall addressed Council on Orange 360’s current and proposed programs.

 

Cr Turner asked what follow-up information is being received regarding visitor expectations or shortfalls of visitor’s visions of Orange.

Mr Robson stated visitors are amazed with the city with positive feedback on the COVID-19 precautions taken by businesses in the city.

Ms Marshall stated there are a number avenues to assess visitor experience involving surveys to businesses, surveys of visitors through accommodation providers and social media sentiment algorithms.

Cr Duffy asked what contribution Blayney Shire Council and Cabonne Shire Council are making.

Ms Marshall stated each Council has contributed an additional $50,000.

Cr Kidd stated that there is often an inability to visit restaurants/take away outlets on a Sunday evening especially during long weekends and asked if anything could be done.

Ms Marshall stated that in order to have a vibrant business economy investment in businesses is required, leading them to invest in their businesses and employees.

Cr Romano asked what precautions are being taken for COVID-19 to limit the spread at wineries.

Mr Robson stated there are a number of requirements, such as making bookings, complying with the 4sqm rule, maintaining a sign-in register, limiting bookings to 50 minutes, supplying of meals, washing and sanitising between bookings.

Cr Whitton asked what the capacity from a bed point of view is for visitors to the city.

Ms Marshall stated that an audit conducted in 2019 showed the capacity of 2500 rooms in the three Local Government areas.


 

Cr Nugent asked what does the $200,000 campaign provide and what are the timeframes.

Ms Marshall stated that $50,000 is provided for campaign development, $15,000 in partnership with Destination NSW, digital marketing, social media targeting and paid media. The campaign is aimed at peak spending/visiting times with development occurring in mid spring to highlight Orange’s natural beauty however it is a year-round investment.

Cr Hamling asked if local contractors would be used.

Ms Marshall advised the campaign would be tendered and local providers would be involved.

 

THE MAYOR DECLARED THE ORDINARY MEETING OF COUNCIL RESUMED AT 7.35PM.

3       Confirmation of Minutes of Previous Meeting

RESOLVED - 20/213                                                                            Cr S Munro/Cr S Nugent

That the Minutes of the Ordinary Meeting of Orange City Council held on 7 July 2020 (copies of which were circulated to all members) be and are hereby confirmed as a true and accurate record of the proceedings of the Council meeting held on 7 July 2020.

 

  4     Notices of Motion/Notices of Rescission

4.1     Notice of Motion - Plastics

TRIM Reference:        2020/1130

RESOLVED - 20/214                                                                               Cr S Nugent/Cr R Kidd

That Council prepare a report outlining:

1        Current use of single use plastic across all Council operations;

2        Available alternatives to single use plastic items currently in use in Council operations and Council run or sponsored events;

3        Achievable timeframes to phase out single use plastic in Council operations and Council run or sponsored events where alternatives are available; and

4        Achievable timeframes for developing a Single Use Plastics Policy that addresses the reduction of single use plastics in Council operations and events, supports the 2025 National Packaging targets, and identifies suitable alternatives, including timeframes for implementation.

For: Cr Kidd, Cr Duffy, Cr Hamling, Cr McRae, Cr Mileto, Cr Munro, Cr Nugent , Cr Romano, Cr Taylor, Cr Turner, Cr Whitton

Against: Nil

Absent: Cr Previtera


 

5       General Reports

5.1     Recommendations and Resolutions from Policy Committees

TRIM Reference:        2020/1158

RESOLVED - 20/215                                                                             Cr J Hamling/Cr K Duffy

1        That the resolutions made by the Planning and Development Committee at its meeting held on 7 July 2020 be noted.

2        That the resolutions made by the Employment and Economic Development Policy Committee at its meeting held on 7 July 2020 be noted.

3        That the resolutions made by the Infrastructure Policy Committee at its meeting held on 7 July 2020 be noted.

4        That the resolutions made by the Environmental Sustainability Policy Committee at its meeting held on 7 July 2020 be noted.

5        That the resolutions made by the Finance Policy Committee at its meeting held on 7 July 2020 be noted.

6        That the resolutions made by the Services Policy Committee at its meeting held on 7 July 2020 be noted.

For: Cr Kidd, Cr Duffy, Cr Hamling, Cr McRae, Cr Mileto, Cr Munro, Cr Nugent , Cr Romano, Cr Taylor, Cr Turner, Cr Whitton

Against: Nil

Absent: Cr Previtera

 

5.2     Statement of Investments - June 2020

TRIM Reference:        2020/1127

RESOLVED - 20/216                                                                           Cr S Munro/Cr J Hamling

That Council resolves:

1        To note the Statement of Investments as at 30 June 2020.

2        To adopt the certification of the Responsible Accounting Officer.

For: Cr Kidd, Cr Duffy, Cr Hamling, Cr McRae, Cr Mileto, Cr Munro, Cr Nugent , Cr Romano, Cr Taylor, Cr Turner, Cr Whitton

Against: Nil

Absent: Cr Previtera


 

 

5.3     Grant Funding and Project Priorities

TRIM Reference:        2020/928

RESOLVED - 20/217                                                                             Cr K Duffy/Cr J Whitton

That Council note this report and note the grant submissions recently put forward to the State and Federal Governments and endorse the suggested project priority list.

For: Cr Kidd, Cr Duffy, Cr Hamling, Cr McRae, Cr Mileto, Cr Munro, Cr Nugent , Cr Romano, Cr Taylor, Cr Turner, Cr Whitton

Against: Nil

Absent: Cr Previtera

 

QUESTION TAKEN ON NOTICE                                                                                                    

Cr Nugent asked if Council made application in the Stronger Communities Fund.

The Director of Community, Recreation & Cultural Services advised that Council was not eligible however will provide further information to Councillors.

 

 

5.4     Blayney Cabonne Orange (BCO) Alliance

TRIM Reference:        2020/1122

RESOLVED - 20/218                                                                           Cr R Turner/Cr S Nugent

That Council approve the Mayor and Chief Executive Officer to sign the BCO Alliance Memorandum of Understanding at a formal event to be held in September 2020 at a date to be organised.

For: Cr Kidd, Cr Duffy, Cr Hamling, Cr McRae, Cr Mileto, Cr Munro, Cr Nugent , Cr Romano, Cr Taylor, Cr Turner, Cr Whitton

Against: Nil

Absent: Cr Previtera

 

Cr Duffy stated he hoped the alliance would not become bureaucratic and cost Council a large amount of money.

 

Cr Kidd stated there would be two meetings per year and particularly on the agenda would be Mount Canobolas, also that it would not involve spending money but more likely saving it.

 

5.5     LED lighting in Council buildings

TRIM Reference:        2020/1132

RESOLVED - 20/219                                                                            Cr S Nugent/Cr S Munro

That Council notes the report on LED Lighting in Council Buildings.

For: Cr Kidd, Cr Duffy, Cr Hamling, Cr McRae, Cr Mileto, Cr Munro, Cr Nugent , Cr Romano, Cr Taylor, Cr Turner, Cr Whitton

Against: Nil

Absent: Cr Previtera

 

Cr Duffy asked how often the lights are going to be checked.

The CEO stated the maintenance life is longer with potential savings on costs.

 

Cr Hamling asked what the lights on Summer Street stop at Lords Place and not continue to Sale Street.

The CEO stated that initially is was a budgetary consideration however the lights are part of the Future Cities project looking at funding, fairy lights and Whiteway lighting.

 

QUESTIONS TAKEN ON NOTICE                                                                                                  

Cr Nugent advised it was a good initiative and asked if there was a possibility that the saved funds can be rolled back into the revolving energy fund to assist other projects.

The CEO stated it was not part of the revolving energy fund, and Councillors will be provided with further information.

 

Cr Mileto asked if a timeframe could be provided with regard to LED lights for Jack Brabham Park at Bernie Stedman Field.

The CEO stated the question would be taken on notice.

 

Cr Duffy asked if the lighting could be coloured in Summer Street.

The CEO stated this option will be provided for Councillors in the Future Cities project.

 

**Cr Kidd and Cr McRae left the meeting with the time being 7.56PM and the Deputy Mayor, Cr Romano, assumed the chair.**

 

5.6     COVID 19 Orange 360 response

TRIM Reference:        2020/1151

Cr Reg Kidd declared a Significant Non-Pecuniary Interest in this item as he is on the Board of Directors of Orange 360, was put into the online waiting room and did not participate in discussion of voting on this item.

Cr Joanne McRae declared a Significant Non-Pecuniary Interest in this item as she is on the Board of Directors of Orange 360, was put into the online waiting room and did not participate in discussion of voting on this item.

The CEO, David Waddell declared a Significant Non-Pecuniary Interest in this item as he is on the Board of Directors of Orange 360, removed himself from the meeting and did not participate in discussion on this item.

RESOLVED - 20/220                                                                            Cr S Munro/Cr R Turner

That council exhibit for 28 days the intention to increase funding by $100,000 to TDO Ltd trading as Orange 360 for the purposes of COVID rebound initiatives and marketing.

For: Cr Duffy, Cr Hamling, Cr Mileto, Cr Munro, Cr Nugent , Cr Romano, Cr Taylor, Cr Turner, Cr Whitton

Against: Nil

Absent: Cr Previtera, Cr Kidd, Cr McRae

**Cr Kidd & Cr McRae returned to the meeting with the time being 7.57PM and Cr Kidd resumed the chair.**

QUESTION TAKEN ON NOTICE

Cr Duffy stated an accommodation provider advised him the turnover from April 2020 was $14,000 compared to $190,000 in April 2019 and asked what other organisations does Council contribute towards tourism funding.

The CEO advised this question will be taken on notice.

 

Cr Mileto stated it was important to maximise opportunities and he is confident with Orange 360’s strategic plan.

 

QUESTION TAKEN ON NOTICE

Cr Hamling stated Council needed to put up this money and local contractor could benefit from this work. He asked if the $200,000 can be matched by another body such as Destination NSW.

The Acting Director Corporate & Commercial Services stated it is an option to be looked at and staff will be speaking with bodies such as Destination NSW.

 

MATTER ARISING                                                                                                                         

Cr Whitton asked that a news article on Orange being in the top 5% of First Home Buyers be provided to Councillors.

The Acting Director Corporate & Commercial Services stated he will arrange for this to be circulated to Councillors.

 

5.7     Request for Financial Assistance - Australian National Field Days 2020 - 22 to 24 October 2020

TRIM Reference:        2020/1156

RESOLVED - 20/221                                                                           Cr J Whitton/Cr J McRae

That the item be deferred.

For: Cr Kidd, Cr Duffy, Cr Hamling, Cr McRae, Cr Mileto, Cr Munro, Cr Nugent , Cr Romano, Cr Taylor, Cr Turner, Cr Whitton

Against: Nil

Absent: Cr Previtera

 

MATTER ARISING                                                                                                                         

Cr Kidd advised a letter had been sent from the Federal Member to the Federal Minister for Agriculture asking for support for the Australian National Field Days and requested a copy of the letter be circulated to Councillors.

 


 

 

5.8     Local Strategic Planning Statement 2020

TRIM Reference:        2020/1200

RESOLVED - 20/222                                                                          Cr S Romano/Cr S Munro

That Council acknowledge the attached draft Local Strategic Planning Statement (LSPS) and resolve to place the LSPS on public exhibition for a period of 28 days.

For: Cr Kidd, Cr Duffy, Cr Hamling, Cr McRae, Cr Mileto, Cr Munro, Cr Nugent , Cr Romano, Cr Taylor, Cr Turner, Cr Whitton

Against: Nil

Absent: Cr Previtera

 

6       Closed Meeting

Nil

 

**The Mayor declared the meeting closed at 8.04PM and livestreaming was stopped, however Councillors continued to speak resuming the meeting.**

 

MATTER ARISING                                                                                                                         

Cr Mileto commended Newcrest on providing sanitizing stations across the local sporting fields and requested Council write to Newcrest and commended the organisation on this great initiative.

 

Cr Munro commended Orange Ten Pin Bowling for their COVID safe practices.

 

Cr Duffy asked why Bathurst Regional Council was meeting in their Chamber however Orange City Council was not.

The CEO advised in order to ensure the safety of staff and Councillors the decision was made to continue with online meetings in addition to livestream, zoom and in person capabilities of our systems.

 

Cr Kidd asked if a Councillor or member of staff could not attend could they attend remotely.

The CEO advised he is obliged to offer that, however there is some limitations with current systems to allow for both in person and remote connectivity.

 

Cr Hamling expressed his disappointment that the 8-day games were cancelled and hoped it would return in 2021.

 

Cr Kidd asked if Council had been able to acquire temperature ‘guns’.

The CEO stated Council currently has two temperature devices held in the Human Resources department.

 

The Meeting Closed at 8.10pm.

This is Page Number 8 and the Final Page of the Minutes of the Ordinary Meeting of Orange City Council held on 21 July 2020.