ORANGE CITY COUNCIL
Ordinary Council Meeting
Agenda
21 April 2015
Notice is hereby given, in accordance with the provisions of the Local Government Act 1993 that a Ordinary meeting of ORANGE CITY COUNCIL will be held in the Old town hall, Octec building, 247 anson street, Orange on Tuesday, 21 April 2015 commencing at 7.00pm.
Garry Styles
General Manager
For apologies please contact Michelle Catlin on 6393 8246.
Council Meeting 21 April 2015
In the event of an emergency, the building may be evacuated. You will be required to vacate the building by the rear entrance and gather at the entrance to the car park. This is Council's designated emergency muster point.
Under no circumstances is anyone permitted to re-enter the building until the all clear has been given and the area deemed safe by authorised personnel.
In the event of an evacuation, a member of Council staff will assist any member of the public with a disability to vacate the building
1.1 Apologies and Leave of Absence
1.3 Acknowledgement of Country
3 Confirmation of Minutes of Previous Meeting
3.1 Minutes of the Ordinary Meeting of Orange City Council held on 07 April 2015
4 Notices of Motion/Notices of Rescission
5.1 Statement of Investments - March 2015
5.2 Recommendations and Resolutions from Policy Committees.
5.3 Outstanding Questions Taken on Notice
5.4 Funding for the Waiving of Orange Function Centre Hire Fees
5.5 Jobs Creation Strategy - Shop Local and Grow Local Programs
5.6 Acquisition of Lot 24 DP 238935 - 107 Icely Road Orange
6 Closed Meeting - See Closed Agenda
1.1 Apologies and Leave of Absence
1.3 Acknowledgement of Country
I would like to show my respect and acknowledge the Traditional Custodians of the Land, of Elders past and present, on which this meeting takes place.
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.
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Recommendation It is recommended that Councillors now disclose any conflicts of interest in matters under consideration by the Council at this meeting. |
3 Confirmation of Minutes of Previous Meeting
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RECOMMENDATION That the Minutes of the Ordinary Meeting of Orange City Council held on 7 April 2015 (copies of which were circulated to all members) be and are hereby confirmed as a true and accurate records of the proceedings of the Council meeting held on 7 April 2015. |
Attachments
1 Minutes of the Ordinary Meeting of Orange City Council held on 7 April 2015
ORANGE CITY COUNCIL
MINUTES OF THE
Ordinary Council Meeting
HELD IN Council Chamber, Civic Centre, Byng Street, Orange
ON 7 April 2015
COMMENCING AT 7.00pm
1 Introduction
Attendance
Cr J Davis (Mayor), Cr C Gryllis (Deputy Mayor), Cr A Brown, Cr K Duffy, Cr R Gander, Cr J Hamling, Cr N Jones, Cr R Kidd, Cr S Munro, Cr G Taylor, Cr R Turner, Cr J Whitton
General Manager, Director Corporate and Commercial Services, Acting Director Development Services (Hodges), Director Community, Recreation and Cultural Services, Acting Director Technical Services (Boyd), Manager Administration and Governance, Manager Corporate and Community Relations, Manager Financial Services, Assistant Works Manager, Manager Development Assessments
1.1 APOLOGIES
Nil
1.2 ACKNOWLEDGEMENT OF COUNTRY
1.3 Declaration of pecuniary interests, significant non-pecuniary interests and less than significant non-pecuniary interests
SDC Item 2.2 Development Application DA 181/2014(1) – 454 The Escort Way
Cr R Kidd declared an interest in Item 2.2 as he is a resident of the area and his wife attended the onsite inspection.
Cr J Whitton declared an interest in Item 2.2 as his company has commercial dealings with Telstra.
SDC Item 2.6 JRPP Planning Proposal for Rezoning to B2 Local Centre Telopea Way North Orange
Cr A Brown declared an interest in Item 2.6 as he was involved in the sale of this land.
IPC Item 2.1 Minutes of the City of Orange Traffic Committee – 10 March 2015 – Bus Zones in Summer Street
Cr K Duffy declared an interest in Item 2.1 as an employee of Orange Bus Lines.
THE MAYOR DECLARED THE ORDINARY MEETING OF COUNCIL ADJOURNED FOR THE CONDUCT OF THE OPEN FORUM AT 7.03PM
SPC Item 3.1 Naming of the Multipurpose Pavilion at Orange Showgrounds
Mr Eli Naylor
Mr Naylor sought Council’s support of the naming of the new pavilion at the Showground after the Naylor family.
SDC Item 2.2 Development Application DA 181/2014(1) – 454 The Escort Way
Mr Chris Hayes – Telstra
Mr Hayes spoke in favour of the development application.
THE OPEN FORUM CONCLUDED AT 7.15PM
2 Mayoral Minutes
Nil
3 Confirmation of Minutes of Previous Meeting
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RESOLVED - 15/110 Cr R Gander/Cr K Duffy That the Minutes of the Ordinary Meeting of Orange City Council held on 17 March 2015 (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 17 March 2015.
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RESOLVED - 15/111 Cr R Gander/Cr K Duffy That the Minutes of the Extraordinary Meeting of Orange City Council held on 31 March 2015 (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 31 March 2015.
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THE MAYOR DECLARED THE ORDINARY MEETING OF COUNCIL ADJOURNED FOR THE CONDUCT OF THE POLICY COMMITTEE MEETINGS AT 7.18PM
THE MAYOR DECLARED THE ORDINARY MEETING OF COUNCIL RESUMED AT 9.03PM
4 Notices of Motion/Notices of Rescission
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4.1 Proposed Rectangular Field by Cr Gryllis TRIM Reference: 2015/935 |
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RESOLVED - 15/137 Cr C Gryllis/Cr R Gander That this item be dealt with in Closed Council as it relates to commercial in-confidence negotiations under Section 10A(2) of the Local Government Act 1993.
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** Cr Jones requested that his name be recorded as having voted against this decision of Council **
5 General Reports
Nil
6 Closed Meeting
In accordance with the Local Government Act 1993, and the Local Government (General) Regulation 2005, in the opinion of the General Manager, the following business is of a kind as referred to in Section 10A(2) of the Act, and should be dealt with in a Confidential Session of the Council meeting closed to the press and public.
In response to a question from the Mayor, the General Manager advised that no written submissions had been received relating to any item listed for consideration by the Closed Meeting of Council.
The Mayor extended an invitation to any member of the public present at the meeting to make a presentation to the Council as to whether the meeting should be closed for a particular item.
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RESOLVED - 15/138 Cr R Kidd/Cr R Gander That Council adjourn into a Closed Meeting and members of the press and public be excluded from the Closed Meeting, and access to the correspondence and reports relating to the items considered during the course of the Closed Meeting be withheld unless declassified by separate resolution. This action is taken in accordance with Section 10A(2) of the Local Government Act, 1993 as the items listed come within the following provisions: 6.1 Loan Borrowings 2015 Financial Year This item is classified CONFIDENTIAL under the provisions of Section 10A(2) of the Local Government Act 1993, which permits the meeting to be closed to the public for business relating to (c) information that would, if disclosed, confer a commercial advantage on a person with whom the Council is conducting (or proposes to conduct) business. 4.1 Proposed Rectangular Field by Cr Gryllis This item is classified CONFIDENTIAL under the provisions of Section 10A(2) of the Local Government Act 1993, which permits the meeting to be closed to the public for business relating to (c) information that would, if disclosed, confer a commercial advantage on a person with whom the Council is conducting (or proposes to conduct) business.
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THE MAYOR DECLARED THE ORDINARY MEETING OF COUNCIL ADJOURNED FOR THE CONDUCT OF THE CLOSED MEETING AT 9.03PM
THE MAYOR DECLARED THE ORDINARY MEETING OF COUNCIL RESUMED AT 9.27PM
7 Resolutions from Closed Meeting
The Director Corporate and Commercial Services read out the following resolutions made in the Closed Meeting of Council.
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6.1 Loan Borrowings 2015 Financial Year TRIM Reference: 2015/809 |
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RESOLVED - 15/139 Cr C Gryllis/Cr K Duffy 1 That Loan 1 - $4,641,600 – Southern Feeder Road and Airport Project – be drawn from the National Australia Bank Ltd repaid in quarterly instalments fixed for 5 years and the balance to be renegotiated after the five year period. 2 That Loan 2 – $7,700,000 - Shiralee Infrastructure development – be drawn from the National Australia Bank Ltd repaid in quarterly instalments fixed for 10 years. 3 That the General Manager be authorised to execute relevant documents. 4 That approval be granted for the use of the Council Seal on documents if required.
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4.1 PROPOSED RECTANGULAR FIELD BY CR GRYLLIS |
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TRIM Reference: 2015/935 |
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A MOTION WAS MOVED AND SECONDED Cr C Gryllis/Cr R Gander That Council review the pros and cons of the proposed rectangular field project and consider alternate sites including the Mitchell Highway Gateway site.
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THE MOTION ON BEING PUT TO THE MEETING WAS LOST |
The Meeting Closed AT 9.30pm
This is Page Number 4 and the Final Page of the Minutes of the Ordinary Meeting of Orange City Council held on 7 April 2015.
TRIM REFERENCE: 2015/941
AUTHOR: Brock Gannon, Financial Accounting Officer
EXECUTIVE Summary
The purpose of this report is to provide a statement of Council’s investments held as at 31 March 2015.
Link To Delivery/OPerational Plan
The recommendation in this report relates to the Delivery/Operational Plan strategy “1.2 Our City - Information and advice provided for the decision-making process will be succinct, reasoned, accurate, timely and balanced”.
Financial Implications
Nil
Policy and Governance Implications
Council’s investment policy has been developed to minimise risks arising from Council’s investment activity by establishing value and credit rating limits with whom investments may be placed. This diversification of Council’s investment practices essentially provides a safeguard of Council’s investment portfolio. As disclosed in the certification by the Responsible Accounting Officer, all of Council’s investment activity has been conducted in accordance with Council’s adopted investment policy and applicable legislation.
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That Council 1 Receives the Statement of Investments as at 31 March 2015. 2 Receives and adopts the certification of the Responsible Accounting Officer. |
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
Regulation 212(1) of the Local Government (General) Regulation 2005 requires that a written report be presented each month at an Ordinary Meeting of the Council detailing all money that Council has invested under Section 625 of the Local Government Act 1993.
As at 31 March 2015, the investments held by Council totalled $104,359,083 and is attributed to the following funds. Council requested at the last meeting that the previous investment report amounts be included in the report so they are shown below also:
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31/03/2015 |
28/02/2015 |
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General Fund |
42,709,856.93 |
43,812,785.36 |
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Sewer Local Fund |
38,491,552.73 |
36,913.845.68 |
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Water Supply Local Fund |
21,121,655.83 |
18,070,649.73 |
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Orange CBD Special Rate |
2,036,017.51 |
1,797,962.48 |
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104,359,083.00 |
100,595,243.25 |
A reconciliation of Council’s investment portfolio provides a summary of the purposes for which Council’s investments are being held.
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Externally Restricted |
31/03/2015 |
28/02/2015 |
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General Fund |
22,303,044.10 |
22,163,082.96 |
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Water Fund |
21,121,655.83 |
18,070,649.73 |
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Sewer Fund |
38,491,552.73 |
36,913,845.68 |
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CBD Fund |
2,036,017.51 |
1,797,962.48 |
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Auspiced |
1,266,113.71 |
1,266,113.71 |
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Internally Restricted |
12,643,806.62 |
12,643,806.62 |
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Unrestricted |
6,496,892.50 |
7,739,782.07 |
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104,359,083.00 |
100,595,243.25 |
Portfolio Performance
Council’s current Long Term Financial Plan establishes the benchmark for Council’s interest on investments at “75 basis points above the current cash rate”. The cash rate as at 31 March 2015 remained at 2.25%. The annualised average interest rate of Council’s investment portfolio at the same reporting date was 3.96% (weighted average 3.85%) which continues to exceed Council’s benchmark i.e. the cash rate of 2.25% plus 0.75% (or 75 basis points).
Council has also adopted the AusBond Bank Bill Index to provide a further benchmark focused towards long term investments. This change was made to the recently adopted amendments to the Strategic Policy council has in place for Investments. As at 28 February 2015, the AusBond rate was 2.44%. The annualised average interest rate of Council’s investment portfolio at the same reporting date was 3.99%.
Council’s adopted Investment Policy establishes limits in relation to the maturity terms of Council’s investments as well as the credit ratings of the institutions with whom Council can invest.
The following tables provide a dissection of Council’s investment portfolio as required by Council’s Investment Policy. The Policy identifies the maximum amount that can be held in a variety of investment products or with institutions based on their respective credit ratings.
Table 1 and Table 2 shows the percentage held by Council (holdings) and the additional amount that Council could hold (capacity) for each respective category in accordance with limits as established by Council’s Policy.
Table 1: Maturity – Term Limits
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Term to Maturity Allocation |
Maximum |
Holdings |
Capacity |
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0 - 3 Months |
100.00% |
4.18% |
95.82% |
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3 - 12 Months |
100.00% |
48.74% |
51.26% |
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1 - 2 Years |
70.00% |
19.35% |
50.65% |
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2 - 5 Years |
50.00% |
27.72% |
22.28% |
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5+ Years |
25.00% |
0.00% |
25.00% |
Table 2: Credit Rating Limits
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Maximum |
Holding |
Capacity |
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AAA |
100.00% |
0.00% |
100.00% |
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AA |
100.00% |
27.39% |
72.61% |
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A |
60.00% |
45.65% |
14.35% |
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BBB & NR |
40.00% |
24.81% |
15.19% |
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Below BBB |
0.00% |
0.00% |
0.00% |
Certification by Responsible Accounting Officer
I, Kathryn Woolley, hereby certify that all investments have been made in accordance with Section 625 of the Local Government Act 1993, Clause 212 of the Local Government (General) Regulation 2005 and Council’s Investment Policy.
TRIM REFERENCE: 2015/968
AUTHOR: Michelle Catlin, Manager Administration and Governance
EXECUTIVE Summary
Council’s Policy Committees (Sustainable Development Committee, Infrastructure Policy Committee, Services Policy Committee, Environment and Economic Development Policy Committee and Finance Policy Committee) have delegation to determine matters before those Committees, with the exception of items that impact on Council’s Delivery/Operational Plan.
This report provides minutes of the Policy Committees held since the last meeting. Resolutions made by the Committees are for noting, and Recommendations are presented for adoption or amendment by Council.
Link To Delivery/OPerational Plan
The recommendation in this report relates to the Delivery/Operational Plan strategy “1.2 Our City - Information and advice provided for the decision-making process will be succinct, reasoned, accurate, timely and balanced”.
Financial Implications
Nil
Policy and Governance Implications
Nil
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1 That the resolutions made by the Sustainable Development Committee at its meeting held on 7 April 2015 be noted. 2 That the resolutions made by the Infrastructure Policy Committee at its meeting held on 7 April 2015 be noted. 3 That the resolutions made by the Services Policy Committee at its meeting held on 7 April 2015 be noted. 4 That the resolutions made by the Environment and Economic Development Committee at its meeting held on 7 April 2015 be noted. 5 That the resolutions made by the Finance Policy Committee at its meeting held on 7 April 2015 be noted. |
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
Sustainable Development Committee
At the Sustainable Development Committee meeting held on 7 April 2015, all resolutions were made under delegation, and the minutes are presented for noting.
Infrastructure Policy Committee
At the Infrastructure Policy Committee meeting held on 7 April 2015, all resolutions were made under delegation, and the minutes are presented for noting.
Services Policy Committee
At the Services Policy Committee meeting held on 7 April 2015 all resolutions were made under delegation, and the minutes are presented for noting.
Environment and Economic Development Policy Committee
At the Environment and Economic Development Policy Committee meeting held on 7 April 2015, all resolutions were made under delegation, and the minutes are presented for noting.
Finance Policy Committee
At the Finance Policy Committee meeting held on 7 April 2015 all resolutions were made under delegation, and the minutes are presented for noting.
1 SDC 7 April 2015 Minutes, 2015/969⇩
2 IPC 7 April 2015 Minutes, 2015/970⇩
3 SPC 7 April 2015 Minutes, 2015/971⇩
4 EEDPC 7 April Minutes, 2015/972⇩
5 FPC 7 April 2015 Minutes, 2015/984⇩
Council Meeting 21 April 2015
5.2 Recommendations and Resolutions from Policy Committees
Attachment 1 SDC 7 April 2015 Minutes
5.2 Recommendations and Resolutions from Policy Committees
Attachment 2 IPC 7 April 2015 Minutes PDF
5.2 Recommendations and Resolutions from Policy Committees
Attachment 3 SPC 7 April 2015 Minutes
5.2 Recommendations and Resolutions from Policy Committees
Attachment 4 EEDPC 7 April Minutes PDF
5.2 Recommendations and Resolutions from Policy Committees
Attachment 5 FPC 7 April 2015 Minutes
TRIM REFERENCE: 2015/962
AUTHOR: Michelle Catlin, Manager Administration and Governance
EXECUTIVE Summary
Councillors have the opportunity to ask questions of the General Manager throughout Council and Committee meetings. While many questions asked can be answered at the meeting, or via a memo circulated to Councillors after the meeting, some questions require further action.
To ensure these questions are recorded and monitored, the attached table is updated, and is provided to Council for information.
Link To Delivery/OPerational Plan
The recommendation in this report relates to the Delivery/Operational Plan strategy “1.2 Our City - Information and advice provided for the decision-making process will be succinct, reasoned, accurate, timely and balanced”.
Financial Implications
Nil
Policy and Governance Implications
Nil
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That the information provided in the report by the Manager Administration and Governance on Questions Taken on Notice be acknowledged. |
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
Attached is a table of outstanding questions taken on notice from the Council Meetings held from 15 April 2014 to present. Where action has been taken on a particular question, this is noted in the “action” column. A new section has been added to the report where a matter arising has been progressed as a works request so Councillors are provided with an update on those items that require works to be scheduled.
1 Outstanding Questions Taken on Notice, 2014/745⇩
Council Meeting 21 April 2015
5.3 Outstanding Questions Taken on Notice
Attachment 1 Outstanding Questions Taken on Notice
2014/745 OUTSTANDING QUESTIONS TAKEN ON NOTICE
COUNCIL MEETINGS
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Date of Meeting |
Question |
Responsible Staff Member |
Action |
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7 April 2015 |
Cr Brown requested the City of Orange Traffic Committee review parallel parking line marking in the Central Business District to ensure motorists can identify parking spaces designated as parallel parking. |
Commercial and Emergency Services Manager |
Several carparks have been identified and will be painted in the near future. |
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Cr Kidd requested an update on progress for managing trucks entering the Anson Street carpark to access Harris Farm Markets. |
Manager Development Assessments |
Information to be circulated to Councillors. |
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17 Mar 2015 |
Cr Taylor requested a review of Council’s process for determining requests to waive hire fees for the Orange Function Centre, and include a review of costs for making the Centre available. |
Director Community, Recreation and Cultural Services |
Information is currently being collated for consideration by Council. |
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3 Mar 2015 |
Cr Gander requested information on the amount of rates income that is collected from waste and recycling charges. |
Manager Financial Services |
Council’s adopted 2014/2015 budget estimates that $4.7M will be collected in waste and recycling charges. |
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17 Feb 2015 |
Cr Gander requested information on the annual costs of operating the pound facility by the RSPCA |
Manager Building and Environment |
Costs of the shelter operations, being the contract and additional vet service costs of Council impounded animals is forecast for this current year of being $270,500. |
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6 Nov 2014 |
A request was made for the City of Orange Traffic Committee to review the operation of the bus stop in Summer Street adjacent to Orange Central (given concerns that two buses cannot easily fit in this space). |
Commercial and Emergency Services Manager |
A report on this matter was presented at the meeting of the City of Orange Traffic Committee held on 14 April 2015.
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7 Oct 2014 |
Cr Gryllis requested guidance in relation to determining any interest when dealing with company names only and not owners of that company. |
General Manager |
Further clarification is being sought by the Office of Local Government following the training with Councillors held on 23 February 2015. |
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2 Sept 2014
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Cr Hamling requested a briefing to consider options for private cars for sale being parked on Council land, particularly on the Northern Distributor Rd and the Escort Way, and Jack Brabham Park. |
Director Development Services |
This item will be included on the Councillor Briefing Schedule. |
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15 April 2014 |
Cr Taylor requested consideration be given to further noise abatement issues at the residential properties in Anson Street adjacent to the Northern Distributor Road. |
Director Technical Services |
A detailed noise abatement plan involving consideration of earth bunds and associated landscaping is being investigated. On completion, a report will be prepared for Council. |
TRIM REFERENCE: 2015/952
AUTHOR: Aaron Jones, Manager Financial Services
EXECUTIVE Summary
This report identifies a funding source for Council’s decision to waive the Orange Function Centre hire fees for the Trudy Tackles MS event.
Link To Delivery/OPerational Plan
The recommendation in this report relates to the Delivery/Operational Plan strategy “3.3 Our City – Recognise that members of the community will take different leadership pathways, the Council will support this growth and development through appropriate activities, initiatives and assistance”.
Financial Implications
Should Council resolve as per the recommendation of this report, then $6,188.18 will be the remaining balance of the Sports Participant Program.
Policy and Governance Implications
Nil
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The Council fund the $930.00 waived hire fees for the Trudy Tackles MS event at the Orange Function Centre from the unspent portion Sports Participant Program. |
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
Council at its meeting on 17 March 2015 considered a request for financial assistance for the Trudy Tackles MS event, where Council resolved:
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Resolved – 15/098 |
Cr C Gryllis / Cr A Brown |
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That Council waive the Orange Function Centre hire fees for Trudy Tackles MS and a report be provided identifying a funding source for these fees. |
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The report which presented the initial request to Council for consideration identified that the General Donations allocation had been fully expended.
Council’s allocation for the Sports Participant Program currently has an unexpended balance of $7,118.18. Accordingly, it is the recommendation of this report that the waived hire fees be funded from the Sports Participant Program.
TRIM REFERENCE: 2015/976
AUTHOR: Kathy Woolley, Director Corporate and Commercial Services
EXECUTIVE Summary
Two components of Council’s ten year Jobs Creation program to promote and grow local businesses have been developed and details of the programs and funding obtained are provided to Council in this report.
Link To Delivery/OPerational Plan
The recommendation in this report relates to the Delivery/Operational Plan strategy “11.1 Our Economy – Encourage the growth of local business, support emerging industry sectors and attract new investment to Orange”.
Financial Implications
An increase in revenue of $30,000 arises from the funding provided by the NSW Department of Trade and Investment.
Policy and Governance Implications
Nil
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That Council: 1 Accept the funding of $30,000 provided by the NSW Department of Trade and Investment for the Grow Local program and allocate the money to the Jobs Creation budget area. 2 Authorise the General Manager to sign all necessary documents relating to the funding. 3 Grant approval for the use of the Council Seal on all necessary documents. 4 Note the details of the Shop Local and Grow Local programs. |
further considerations
The recommendation of this report has been assessed against Council’s other key risk categories and the following comments are provided:
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Image and Reputation |
The promotion of the Orange businesses and support for business growth offered in the Shop Local and Grow Local programs provides the basis for positive publicity of what the business community has to offer. |
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Stakeholders |
The collaboration with the NSW Government is acknowledged and appreciated in this joint initiative. |
SUPPORTING INFORMATION
Council resolved to allocate $110,000 each year for ten years to the Jobs Creation Strategy.
Two components identified to support jobs growth in the Strategy were the Shop Local and Grow Local programs.
Shop Local is an advertising/publicity campaign which will see $20,000 allocated to promote Orange businesses to the central west region. Initially, a themed television advertising campaign will highlight the region. Follow up advertising on individual businesses who contribute on a dollar for dollar basis will be contemplated for interested parties.
The Grow Local program is detailed in the attached information sheet. Three levels of support are offered:
1 Assistance for start-ups/small business to access the existing services offered by the Central NSW Business Enterprise Centre
2 Financial support on a matching dollar for dollar basis for businesses impacted by structural change where a trading partner, supplier or customer is shedding jobs which will impact on another business. The ability to assist existing businesses to diversify is offered in this component by enabling businesses to develop new ways of doing business or identifying new market areas.
3 Assistance for new or existing businesses who are seeking new development and wish to purchase Council land. Subject to the maintenance of at least 5 jobs three years after commencement, a rebate on the purchase price of the land will be considered.
The NSW Department of Trade and Investment has offered Council a grant of $30,000 to assist businesses impacted by structural changes and in particular where job losses are predicted.
1 Grow Local Program - Information sheet, D15/9880⇩
Council Meeting 21 April 2015
5.5 Jobs Creation Strategy - Shop Local and Grow Local Programs
Attachment 1 Grow Local Program - Information sheet
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Orange City Council Jobs Creation Strategy
Grow Local Program
PRIMARY GOAL
Orange City Council has created a ten year program entitled Jobs Creation Strategy which offers a range of programs to drive the ongoing growth of the jobs offered in the Orange region.
One of the initiatives in the Strategy is the Grow Local program.
The program is co-funded and jointly administered by NSW Trade and Investment and Orange City Council.
The primary goal of the Grow Local program is to support business endeavours that deliver jobs creation or protect existing jobs in the Orange area. The program offers financial assistance to businesses to enable new business development or support to enable existing businesses to grow.
All successful applicants will be required to specify the number of jobs their project will create or retain and report against the creation of those jobs and against other agreed deliverables tailored for each project. A funding agreement will detail the deliverables, reporting requirements and acquittal processes.
ASSESSMENT
Applications will be assessed by officers from NSW Trade and Investment and Orange City Council and assessment will be on a merit basis.
Prior to the lodgement of an application form, interested parties will be required to meet with a Council representative to determine if the program suits their needs.
If a suitable part of the program is identified, an application form will be provided for the applicant to complete.
ESSENTIAL CRITERIA
Essential criteria for the assessment of applications will be based on:
· Jobs creation- the identification of the number of new jobs and the evidence of the sustainability of those positions as long term jobs
· Financial viability of the business/proposal.
· Market condition assessment- applies to category 2 applicants – competitive neutrality is a key consideration – this means each applicant will be asked to demonstrate they have a point of difference in their operations that they can identify to warrant them receiving funding. The concept is a matter of equity – a business that demonstrates a uniqueness can be assisted as there aren’t other businesses who would equally be eligible for funding if they applied. Examples of points of difference that could be identified include:
o A business may be able to identify how it adds value to a product or service that creates a unique end product within the local or external markets.
o A business may offer a product or service that no other business is trading locally, regionally or state or interstate.
One application per business/person per financial year only is permitted.
Funding is not available retrospectively.
CATEGORIES OF FUNDING
There are 3 Grow Local program categories:
1. Start up/small business advisory service
2. Structural adjustment assistance
3. Medium/large business assistance – purchase of council properties
Eligible applicants for each category and the funds available per application are as follows:
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Category |
Business/applicant types |
Allocation |
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1 |
Startup/small business advisory service: Applicants based in the Orange LGA (can be individuals) planning to create a business or who are already a registered businesses and who are eligible to undertake the Business Health Check delivered by the Central NSW Business Enterprise Centre. |
One application of up to $100 per individual/business per financial year to fund business development consultations delivered by the Central NSW BEC after the completion of the Business Health Check. Note the Business Health Check is a free service offered by the Central NSW BEC.
In 2014/15 funding of $100 per business for 10 businesses will be available.
In 2015/16 funding of $100 per business for 10 businesses will be available. |
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Structural adjustment assistance: Registered business operating and/or employing staff in the Orange LGA who are impacted by the closure/downsizing of other businesses.
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One application per business per financial year up to a value of $5,000 (ex GST) per application subject to a matching $ for $ commitment from the business.
An allocation of $45,000 has been identified in 2014/15.
An allocation of $15,000 has been identified in 2015/16.
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Medium/large business assistance – purchase of council properties: Registered businesses who have their head office/primary operations or new businesses relocating to the Orange LGA who are purchasing council property to enable their expansion. |
One application per business per financial year.
The $ amount is determined upon application based on the number of jobs to be created. |
DETAILS OF THE PROGRAM CATEGORIES
Start up/small business advisory service
This category is designed to assist those seeking to start a business, or a small business looking to improve business efficiencies, expand processes or diversify.
Assistance of up to $100 per small business venture per financial year is available. A total of $1,000 is available in this category in 2014/15 and 2015/16.
Funding can only be used to access services from the Central NSW Business Enterprise Centre (BEC).
Each applicant must undertake a Business Health Check under the Small Biz Connect program in consultation with the Central NSW BEC. The funding will allow for up to 4 additional one on one sessions with a business advisor from the BEC after the Health Check process has been completed. The BEC advisors can assist in the successful implementation of the action plan that is developed in the Health Check.
Eligibility will be as per the requirements of the Central NSW BEC for their package of assistance programs.
One allocation per business/person per financial year of $100 is available for up to 10 businesses/persons.
Structural adjustment assistance
This category applies to existing businesses operating in the Orange LGA who can demonstrate a negative impact on their business associated with the closure of another based business/es.
To initiate this funding, an interview with Council officers is required. Applicants will need to identify the following:
· The applicant will be required to identify their loss of sales/potential growth opportunities and the potential number of jobs to be lost in their business arising from the closure/reducing trading conditions of the other business/es.
· The applicant is also required to identify how their strategies will create a specified number of new long term permanent jobs in the Orange region as well as deliver long term financial sustainability in their business.
· Applicants must provide matching dollar for dollar funding. In-kind contributions can not be included. A maximum of $5,000 per business per financial year is available under the program. Firms applying for repeat funding in subsequent years would need to make a strong case to secure additional funding.
All applicants will be required to complete a funding agreement that specifies how many jobs will be created, when the jobs will be created and financial targets. Reports are required on progress and the funding agreement will specify the reporting timeframes and contents.
Strategies and plans will be funded only if prepared by an independent external party to the applicant who is approved in the assessment process by NSW Trade and Investment and Orange City Council. The use of local firms to be appointed as the independent external party will be favourably considered.
Activities that will be funded under this category are:
· Preparation and implementation of business, marketing, operational or similar plans for new products or new markets to deliver expansion of current operations via diversification. The plans must be prepared by an external suitably qualified party (note the program won’t fund compliance work by the firm’s accountant or nor by an employee).
· Preparation/implementation of projects that offer opportunities through:
o financial restructuring
o credit/risk management
o cost control management
o business process efficiency/improvements designed by an approved external party - the program must be prepared by an external suitably qualified party (note the program won’t fund compliance work by the firm’s accountant or nor by an employee).
· Training for business owners in business improvement skills
· Marketing/business promotional materials to enter new specified target markets – including marketing campaigns, packaging/labelling initiatives
· e-commerce trading solutions to specified target markets
· other growth strategies that satisfy NSW Trade and Investment and Orange City Council
· upgrade capital equipment – 3 quotes are required. The use of a local supplier will be favourably considered.
An initial interview with Council staff is required to ensure the program offers a suitable assistance opportunity.
The assistance package offered is subject to the completion of an application form which will be evaluated by NSW Trade and Investment and Orange City Council.
Eligibility and assessment criteria include:
· Evidence of a direct impact upon the applicant’s workforce of a reduction in an associated business – confirmed through the provision of documentary evidence of the relationship (contracts, letters of engagement, financial information showing payments etc)
· Demonstrated significant reduction in the applicant’s actual or projected sales growth
· Provision of financial records – 2 years of audited financial statements are required
· Demonstrated long term financial sustainability under normal trading conditions (via a project or cash flow plan or similar)
· Evidence that the applicant’s business operates in the Orange LGA
· The applicant must employ at least 2 full time equivalents (can include the owner)
Applicants will be required to provide information to update Council’s supply chain directory. This directory lists imports and exports on a business by business basis so that a business can identify who they may be able to cooperatively trade with inside the Orange region with a view of saving costs and improving efficiencies. More detail on the Directory is provided below.
Each funding agreement will have an action plan attached to it outlining the reporting and agreed deliverables for the project. The action plan will identify timeframes and clearly defined deliverables that the applicant will be required to report against. All projects will be required to report on the number of jobs created plus other deliverables specifically developed on a case by case basis. All info treated as commercial in confidence.
Medium/large business assistance – purchase of Council properties
Where a business wishes to purchase council property to expand their business/create a new business and can demonstrate it will create at least 5 additional long term jobs the following assistance will be available:
· Advisory assistance from NSW Trade and Investment and/or Orange City Council
· Introduction to local suppliers/ potential customers as identified in the Council’s supply chain directory
· Advice on grants available from the NSW and Federal government
· Assistance in completing grant application forms and submissions
· Council introduction to relevant members of NSW and Federal government if needed
· Subject to demonstration of the creation and maintenance of at least 5 long term jobs as proposed in the application three (3) years post occupation certificate, and subject to advertising under the provisions for financial assistance from councils (s356 Local Government Act (1993)) a rebate on the land purchase price equivalent of up to 10% of the purchase price of the land (ex GST) may be offered
· Consideration of price per m2 can be negotiated subject to the consideration of the number of full time equivalents that will be created.
Businesses will remain responsible for all costs associated with their relocation/expansion.
Supply chain directory
Orange City Council will prepare an annual supply chain directory which will include import and export products on a business by business basis trading in the Orange region.
The aims of the Directory are to:
· Profile the Orange region supply chain
· Assist in local data to inform the Council’s economic model of the region
· Identify where local businesses could buy/sell their products more cost effectively locally or in a cooperative manner with other local businesses
· Identity transport and barriers to trade
· Identify where there are opportunities to fill supply chain deficiencies
All businesses receiving funding under the Grow Local program will be required to complete a survey outlining operational and trading information. A free copy of the Directory will be provided to the participants and will enable them to identify potential customers or other businesses that they may be able to work with to reduce costs in areas such as transportation.
Confidentiality will be maintained to protect business intelligence. Information sought for the directory will include:
· Name of the business
· Contact details
· Current products sold
· Value of products sold
· % products sold in Orange region, in Central West region, in NSW, interstate and internationally
· Current products purchased
· Value of products purchased
· % current products purchased in Orange region, in Central West region, in NSW, interstate and internationally
To develop a monitor of trading conditions to assist businesses in their planning processes, and to identify future expansion/trading plans, information to be collected from individual firms but collated to an industry levels on information including :
· Staffing levels – current full time equivalents (FTEs)
· Predicted future staffing levels - FTEs
· Sales/turnover – current
· Sales/turnover – projected
TRIM REFERENCE: 2015/957
AUTHOR: Shirley Hyde, Legal and Property Officer
EXECUTIVE Summary
Council has been approached by a property owner with a request to purchase a parcel of land located in a road reserve in Icely Road. The map below displays the location. A resolution of Council is required in the process of transferred Council ownership of land.
Link To Delivery/OPerational Plan
The recommendation in this report relates to the Delivery/Operational Plan strategy “11.4 Our Economy – Ensure the commercial facilities, programs and activities provided by Council enhance the economic base of the City and are effectively and efficiently managed”.
Financial Implications
Nil
Policy and Governance Implications
Nil
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1 That Council proceed to acquire the land identified as Lot 24 DP 238935 for nil consideration. 2 That the land be classified as Operational. 3 That authority be granted to affix the Council Seal to all necessary documentation. |
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 Trustees of the Roman Catholic Church for the Diocese of Bathurst whilst is the process of updating their property portfolio discovered a superfluous parcel of land located in a road reserve held in their ownership.
Situations such as this are known to occur through administrative oversights when converting Old System title land to the Torrens system. This would appear to have occurred when the original parcel of land was subdivided and converted in 1969. Old System title was the title system in use prior to the introduction of the Torrens system of title. Conveyancing under Old System is a process whereby a “chain” or series of Deeds need to be examined in order to confirm the ownership of land, as well as to ascertain any other interests affecting the land. Torren Title is one single document showing proof of ownership.
There is no disadvantage to Council in acquiring ownership of the parcel of land and, having regard to the location of the land, it is an obvious course Council should take.
The costs associated with the transfer would be in the vicinity of $1,000 and would be payable by the Church.
6 Closed Meeting - See Closed Agenda
The General Manager will advise the Council if any written submissions have been received relating to any item advertised for consideration by a closed meeting of Orange City Council.
The Mayor will extend an invitation to any member of the public present at the meeting to make a representation to Council as to whether the meeting should be closed for a particular item.
