Finance Policy Committee
Agenda
7 July 2020
Notice is hereby given, in accordance with the provisions of the Local Government Act 1993 that a Finance Policy Committee meeting of ORANGE CITY COUNCIL will be held VIA ONLINE VIDEO CONFERENCING PLATFORM ZOOM on Tuesday 7 July 2020.
David Waddell
Chief Executive Officer
For apologies please contact Administration on 6393 8218.
Finance Policy Committee 7 July 2020
2.1 Requests for Financial Assistance - Quarter 1 of 2020/2021 - Small Donations Program
2.2 Request for Financial Assistance - Sustainable Living Expo - 25 October 2020
2.3 Request for Financial Assistance - Post Exhibition - Orange Uniting Church
1 Introduction
1.1 Declaration of pecuniary interests, significant non-pecuniary interests and less than significant non-pecuniary interests
The provisions of Chapter 14 of the Local Government Act, 1993 (the Act) regulate the way in which Councillors and designated staff of Council conduct themselves to ensure that there is no conflict between their private interests and their public role.
The Act prescribes that where a member of Council (or a Committee of Council) has a direct or indirect financial (pecuniary) interest in a matter to be considered at a meeting of the Council (or Committee), that interest must be disclosed as soon as practicable after the start of the meeting and the reasons given for declaring such interest.
As members are aware, the provisions of the Local Government Act restrict any member who has declared a pecuniary interest in any matter from participating in the discussion or voting on that matter, and requires that member to vacate the Chamber.
Council’s Code of Conduct provides that if members have a non-pecuniary conflict of interest, the nature of the conflict must be disclosed. The Code of Conduct also provides for a number of ways in which a member may manage non pecuniary conflicts of interest.
|
Recommendation It is recommended that Committee Members now disclose any conflicts of interest in matters under consideration by the Finance Policy Committee at this meeting. |
RECORD NUMBER: 2020/989
AUTHOR: Nick Redmond, Acting Director Corporate and Commercial Services
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
Council can only approve community financial assistance (in cash or in kind) in accordance with section 356 of the Local Government Act 1993.
Council has in place a policy for donations and grants under section 356 of the Act. Applications are open in four rounds in each financial year. This report is the assessment of the donation applications received for the Small Donations Program Round 1 of 2020/2021.
Link To Delivery/OPerwational Plan
The recommendation in this report relates to the Delivery/Operational Plan strategy “15.2 Collaborate - Support community organisations and groups to deliver services and programs”.
Financial Implications
The overall donations/sponsorship budget for 2020/2021 is as follows:
|
General Donations Program |
Adopted Budget |
Actual/ committed |
Remaining balance |
|
Quarter 1 |
$20,000.00 |
$0.00 |
$20,000.00 |
|
Quarter 2 School Prize Giving Fund |
$16,000.00 $4,000.00 |
$0.00 0.00 |
$16,000.00 $4,000.00 |
|
Quarter 3 |
$20,000.00 |
$0.00 |
$20,000.00 |
|
Quarter 4 |
$20,000.00 |
$0.00 |
$20,000.00 |
|
Orange Harness Racing - Annual to 2025/26 |
$20,000.00 |
$20,000.00 |
$0.00 |
|
TOTAL |
$100,000.00 |
$20,000.00 |
$80,000.00 |
Process for applications of the remaining budget allocation
A Council resolution is required to allocate funds to any external entity, including as a donation.
Applications are considered against the criteria outlined in the donations and grants policy. The policy includes a condition that an application form must be submitted to commence the process of making a donation to another entity. The form contains details to inform Council that the donation aligns with the objectives Council has established in the Community Strategic Plan.
Policy and Governance Implications
Nil
|
The Council resolves: 1 That a donation of $2,000.00 be made from the Small Donations Program to The Shepherd Centre (Talk Together Connection). 2 That a donation of $2,000.00 be made from the Small Donations Program to Fusion Central West NSW (Fusion Community Centre (Youth and Community Activities and Programs)). 3 That the intention to donate an extra $2,250.00 from the Small Donations Program to Fusion Central West NSW (Fusion Community Centre (Youth and Community Activities and Programs)) be placed on exhibition for 28 days. 4 That a donation of $2,000.00 be made from the Small Donations Program to Lifeline Central West (Support for Lifeline Services). 5 That the intention to donate an extra $2,250.00 from the Small Donations Program to Lifeline Central West (Support for Lifeline Services) be placed on exhibition for 28 days. 6 That a donation of $2,000.00 be made from the Small Donations Program to Spring Hill Activities Group (Spring Hill Honour Wall). 7 That a donation of $2,000.00 be made from the Small Donations Program to Cerebral Palsy Alliance (Purchase of Equipment (therapeutic, physiotherapy and occupational therapy)). 8 That a donation of $2,000.00 be made from the Small Donations Program to Teach Learn Grow (Rural Program (extra assistance for school students in Glenroi community)). 9 That a donation of $1,500.00 be made from the Small Donations Program to Canobolas Highland Pipe Band (Community Service (public band performances)). 10 That a donation of $2,000.00 be made from the Small Donations Program to City of Orange Brass Band (Community Service (public band performances - offset impact of recent renovations and restricted fund-raising opportunities)). |
further considerations
Consideration has been given to the recommendation’s impact on Council’s service delivery; image and reputation; political; environmental; health and safety; employees; stakeholders and project management; and no further implications or risks have been identified.
SUPPORTING INFORMATION
Summary
Shaded cells in the $Request columns shows requests outside the maximum of the category.
|
No |
Applicant |
$Request |
$Recommended |
|
01 |
The Shepherd Centre |
$2,000.00 |
$2,000.00 |
|
03 |
Fusion Central West NSW |
$2,000.00 |
* $4,250.00 |
|
04 |
Lifeline Central West |
$2,000.00 |
* $4,250.00 |
|
06 |
Spring Hill Activities Group |
$4,000.00 |
$2,000.00 |
|
17 |
Cerebral Palsy Alliance |
$2,000.00 |
$2,000.00 |
|
18 |
Teach Learn Grow |
$2,000.00 |
$2,000.00 |
|
19 |
Canobolas Highland Pipe Band |
$1,500.00 |
$1,500.00 |
|
20 |
City of Orange Brass Band |
$2,000.00 |
$2,000.00 |
|
|
TOTALS |
$17,500.00 |
$20,000.00 |
* Eight applications were received for Round 1 of the Small Donations Program. The total of recommending a donation in compliance with the policy was $15,500; this left a remainder of $4,500 in Round 1.
Given the ongoing impact to the vulnerable in our community from the effects of the COVID-19 shutdown, it is recommended that an additional donation of $2,250 be made to each the two applicants that work with the vulnerable - Fusion Central West NSW and Lifeline Central West. As this is outside the maximum of the policy, if Council agrees to intend to make these two donations increased, this will be put on exhibition for 28 days.
The policy will be changed to have flexibility for going out of the maximum category for not‑for-profit organisations working with the vulnerable in periods such as COVID-19 that put more pressure on this section of our LGA. This needs to still be in align with the budget (there needs to be some remainder after looking at other applications). It would mean, however, that increasing a donation outside the category on this basis would not then have to be exhibited as it would be in line with the policy.
|
Application No 01 |
The Shepherd Centre |
|
Not for Profit |
Yes. |
|
Purpose of the Request Giving Deaf Children a Voice This is a group program that educates and support parents of children with hearing loss living in Orange. |
|
|
Amount Requested $2,000.00 |
|
|
Policy Category General Donations - Providing a Community Service - Maximum $2,000.00 |
|
|
Comment and Recommendation In line with the policy. $2,000 recommended. |
|
|
Application No 03 |
Fusion Central West NSW |
|
Not for Profit |
Yes. |
|
Purpose of the Request Fusion Community Centre (Youth and Community Activities and Programs) Fusion Central West NSW provides ongoing service provision of free meals (currently takeaway, so there are additional costs for containers) and emergency food support. When the Centre reopens in line with COVID-19 regulations, this provides a place of rest and social connection for the community. |
|
|
Amount Requested $2,000.00 |
|
|
Policy Category General Donations - Providing a Community Service - Maximum $2,000.00 |
|
|
Comment and Recommendation In line with the policy, $2,000 recommended. An additional $2,250 also recommended. |
|
|
Application No 04 |
Lifeline Central West |
|
Not for Profit |
Yes. |
|
Purpose of the Request Support for Lifeline Services Lifeline Central West provides ongoing charity work across a range of difficult societal issues. The COVID-19 shutdown has seen calls coming in each and every day at the same high level as at Christmas. The effects of shutdown on our community may be felt for some time. |
|
|
Amount Requested $2,000.00 |
|
|
Policy Category General Donations - Providing a Community Service - Maximum $2,000.00 |
|
|
Comment and Recommendation In line with the policy, $2,000 recommended. An additional $2,250 also recommended. |
|
|
Application No 06 |
Spring Hill Activities Group |
|
Not for Profit |
Yes. |
|
Purpose of the Request Spring Hill Honour Wall The project will help to showcase the Village's historical nature and bring the community together for special events - eg, Anzac Day services. |
|
|
Amount Requested $4,000.00 |
|
|
Policy Category General Donations - Project - Maximum $2,000.00 |
|
|
Comment and Recommendation $4,000.00 is double the maximum category in the policy. The project total is $8,000.00, $4.000.00 is being provided by the Commonwealth Government under the Department of Veterans' Affairs "Saluting Their Service Commemorations". It is considered that the remainder of $4,000.00 can be 50% supported (which will then be in line with the policy). The remaining $2,000.00 would be expected to be the applicant's contribution (but no contribution is shown on the application form). It is also noted that there was a submission for annual funding increase for Spring Hill in the 2020/2021 budget. $2,000.00 recommended. |
|
|
Application No 17 |
Cerebral Palsy Alliance |
|
Not for Profit |
Yes. |
|
Purpose of the Request Purchase of Equipment (therapeutic, physiotherapy and occupational therapy) The equipment will help in programs that support almost 100 people in Orange. |
|
|
Amount Requested $2,000.00 |
|
|
Policy Category General Donations - Equipment Purchase - Maximum $2,000.00 |
|
|
Comment and Recommendation In line with the policy. $2,000.00 recommended. |
|
|
Application No 18 |
Teach Learn Grow |
|
Not for Profit |
Yes. |
|
Purpose of the Request Rural Program (providing extra assistance for students in Glenroi Public School) · Volunteer tutors will be actively tutoring students to provide extra assistance in areas that children are struggling with teacher-identified outcomes for mathematics. · Teach Learn Grow is a not-for-profit organisation. For this project, its volunteers will come into the community of Orange, will encourage positive lasting change for the students of Glenroi Heights Public School, as well as their families and the school community and will help to bridge the educational gap in rural and remote communities. |
|
|
Amount Requested $2,000.00 |
|
|
Policy Category General Donations - Equipment Purchase - Maximum $2,000.00 |
|
|
Comment and Recommendation In line with the policy. $2,000.00 recommended. |
|
|
Application No 19 |
Canobolas Highland Band |
|
Not for Profit |
Yes. |
|
Purpose of the Request Community Service (public band performances) Canobolas Highland Band plays at many community events during the year. Examples include Australia Day, Anzac Day, the Orange Show, Carols by Candlelight and Orange Multicultural Day. |
|
|
Amount Requested $1,500.00 |
|
|
Policy Category General Donations - Providing a Community Service - Maximum $2,000.00 |
|
|
Comment and Recommendation In line with the policy. $1,500.00 recommended. |
|
|
Application No 20 |
City of Orange Brass Band |
|
Not for Profit |
Yes. |
|
Purpose of the Request Donations - City of Orange Brass Band - APPLICATION 20 (Small Donations) - Community Service (public band performances - offset impact of recent renovations and restricted fund-raising opportunities) City of Orange Brass Band plays at community events through the year. The band also recently increased available space in its band hall and will use this to better cater for current members and to attract new members. |
|
|
Amount Requested $2,000.00 |
|
|
Policy Category General Donations - Providing a Community Service - Maximum $2,000.00 |
|
|
Comment and Recommendation In line with the policy. $2,000.00 recommended. |
|
1 Database - Donations in 2020/2021, D20/35076⇩
2 Application 01 - The Shepherd Centre, D20/34936⇩
3 Application 03 - Fusion Central West NSW, D20/34938⇩
4 Application 04 - Lifeline Central West, D20/34939⇩
5 Application 06 - Spring Hill Activities Group, D20/34940⇩
6 Application 17 - Cerebral Palsy Alliance, D20/34941⇩
7 Application 18 - Teach Learn Grow, D20/34942⇩
8 Application 19 - Canobolas Highland Pipe Band, D20/34943⇩
9 Application 20 - City of Orange Brass Band, D20/34944⇩
RECORD NUMBER: 2020/1008
AUTHOR: Merran Byers, Events Officer
EXECUTIVE Summary
Council can only assist other organisations financially (in cash or in kind) in accordance with section 356 of the Local Government Act 1993.
Council's strategic policy ST144 Event Sponsorship Program and its related Event Sponsorship Program Guidelines are used to assess applications for Event Sponsorship.
Rotary Club of Orange Inc. have requested an early assessment of funding approval prior to formal application dates for the purpose to secure a notable guest speaker. This event is held within Quarter 2 event funding round, October 2020 – December 2020.
Link To Delivery/OPerational Plan
The recommendation in this report relates to the Delivery/Operational Plan strategy “11.2 Prosper - Develop and attract a variety of events, festivals, venues and activities for locals and visitors, ensuring accessibility for all”.
Financial Implications
Council has previously resolved to support the Sustainable Living Expo in 2019 with cash donation from Event Sponsorship Fund and Water Fund of $6,000 in total
Current Event Sponsorship Guidelines allow one Council funding source to be allocated to the applicant. The requested amount will be funded from the Event Sponsorship Program fund only.
Policy and Governance Implications
A Council resolution is required to allocate funds to any external entity.
Applications are considered against the criteria outlined in the donations and grants policies. There is an application form that is submitted to commence the process of making a submission. The form contains details to inform Council that the funding request aligns with the intentions the Council has established in the Community Strategic Plan.
|
That Council resolves: 1 That funding of $7,000 be made from the Event Sponsorship Funding Program to Rotary Club of Orange Inc. (Sustainable Living Expo 2020). |
further considerations
Consideration has been given to the recommendation’s impact on Council’s service delivery; image and reputation; political; environmental; health and safety; employees; stakeholders and project management; and no further implications or risks have been identified.
SUPPORTING INFORMATION
In the Events Sponsorship Program strategic policy and guidelines, the following categories exist to support assessment of applications received:
|
Category |
Description |
|
Incubator Event Fund |
Provides seed funding to events in their first or second year of activity. Funding range is $1,000 to $5,000. |
|
Flagship Event Fund |
Identifies and assists the development of events that contribute to the unique character and culture of the Orange360 tourism region and can demonstrate that they attract overnight visitation. Funding range is $1,000 to $10,000. |
|
Event Development Fund |
Supports events that have already received funding from Council in previous years and can present a comprehensive strategy for future growth that includes the continued development of its tourism potential to drive overnight visitation to the event. Funding range is $1,000 to $10,000. |
|
Quick Response Event Fund |
Provides seed funding and/or support to events that occur as new and unplanned opportunity for Orange and have not met the funding rounds as outlined below. Funding range is $1,000 to $20,000. |
|
Application No ESP |
Rotary Club of Orange Inc |
|
Not for profit (yes/no) |
Yes |
|
Event name |
Sustainable Living Expo 2020 |
|
Event date/s |
Sunday,25 October 2020 |
|
Level of participation |
120 participants and 2500 attendees |
|
Ticketed event |
Gold Coin Donation |
|
Amount requested |
$7,000 |
|
Category and Category range |
Flagship Event Fund - $1,000 to $10,000 |
|
Aligned with Community Strategic Plan |
|
|
Comment and recommendation The event is aligned with current community awareness around sustainability and the environment. Involvement of a high profile guest speaker will draw attraction from the local and surrounding community. In line with policy, $7,000 is recommended. |
|
1 Event Sponsorship Application Form - Sustainable Living Expo - 25 October 2020, IC20/12685⇩
Finance Policy Committee 7 July 2020
Attachment 1 Event Sponsorship Application Form - Sustainable Living Expo - 25 October 2020
TRIM REFERENCE: 2020/1078
AUTHOR: Nick Redmond, Acting Director Corporate and Commercial Services
EXECUTIVE Summary
At the Council Meeting held on 12 May 2020, Council considered a request for financial assistance from Orange Uniting Church. Council resolved to place this request on public exhibition which has now been finalised, with two submissions received.
Link To Delivery/OPerational Plan
The recommendation in this report relates to the Delivery/Operational Plan strategy “17.2 Collaborate - Ensure financial stability and support efficient ongoing operation”.
Financial Implications
Council has the discretion to use an alternatively identified funding source. It is recommended that $27,000 to be funded from the FutureCity Operational vote (01.387.3605.3150).
Policy and Governance Implications
Nil.
|
That Council allocate funding of $27,000 to Orange Uniting Church for the purpose of lighting the church spire. |
further considerations
Consideration has been given to the recommendation’s impact on Council’s service delivery; image and reputation; political; environmental; health and safety; employees; stakeholders and project management; and no further implications or risks have been identified.
SUPPORTING INFORMATION
The Orange Uniting Church, located at 217 Anson Street, is renewing the copper sheeting on its church spire and an opportunity presents itself to light the new copper spire whilst the scaffolding is erected and the re-sheeting of the spire is being undertaken.
Councillors would be aware that Council is currently drafting a FutureCity plan to upgrade and beautify the CBD, attract visitation to the city and improve the commercial economy within the CBD, amongst other outcomes. Although Council is yet to consider the FutureCity Project and Programme Catalogue, one of the proposed projects is to Light key buildings within the CBD (see below).
Following exhibition of this request for financial assistance, two submissions were received. One submission in support of the proposed funding allocation and one against. Each submission is attached for Council’s consideration. It is recommended that Council determine whether to allocate financial assistance to the Orange Uniting Church for the purpose of lighting the spire.
1 Submission 1 - Financial Assistance - Anson Street Uniting Church, D20/37572⇩
2 Submission 2 - Financial Assistance - Anson Street Uniting Church, D20/37573⇩
Finance Policy Committee 7 July 2020
Attachment 1 Submission 1 - Financial Assistance - Anson Street Uniting Church
