Agenda and minutes

There were no Mayoral Announcements for this meeting.

In accordance with Chapter 7, Rule 4, of the Governance Rules developed by Council in accordance with section 60 of the Local Government Act 2020.

In accordance with Chapter 7, Rule 4, of the Governance Rules developed by Council in accordance with section 60 of the Local Government Act 2020.

Cr David Eastham declared a general conflict in respect of Item 10.7 as it relates to his place of residence.

In accordance with Chapter 3, Rules 57 and 59, of the Governance Rules developed by Council in accordance with section 60 of the Local Government Act 2020.

In accordance with Chapter 3, Rules 57 and 59, of the Governance Rules developed by Council in accordance with section 60 of the Local Government Act 2020.

QUESTIONS FROM THE PUBLIC

Angela Jones, of Wandin North, asked:

How much is Council paying for LGBTQ+ workplace diversity & inclusion training and who is delivering that service/advice?

Allison Southwell, Acting Director Corporate Services responded:

Thank you Ms Jones for your question.

In financial year 2022/23, Council has a budget of approximately $39,000 which will go towards a range of activities aimed at the professional development of our workforce in Diversity and Inclusion and related fields. LGBTQI+ training is an important component but is just one of many aspects of Diversity & Inclusion covered by that budget. Council’s Organisational Development team consults widely in determining how that budget should be directed, including with an internal Diversity & Inclusion working group, which is made up of a cross-section of our workforce.

At present, we have no LGBTQI+ specific training scheduled with any provider.

Ensuring a diverse and inclusive workforce that represents the community we serve is an important objective of our Council Plan, and we publicly report on progress in each annual report.

There were no Submissions listed on the Agenda for this meeting.

In accordance with Chapter 3, Rule 60, of the Governance Rules developed by Council in accordance with section 60 of the Local Government Act 2020.

In accordance with Chapter 3, Rule 60, of the Governance Rules developed by Council in accordance with section 60 of the Local Government Act 2020.

There were no Petitions received for this meeting.

SUMMARY

Council makes an important and targeted investment in its communities through a variety of grants programs.  The multi-year Partnership Program offers key service providers, community and cultural groups the opportunity to secure recurring funding to support delivery of vital community services, facilitating positive social change, and celebrating the diversity and cultural uniqueness of the Yarra Ranges. 

The current Partnership Program concludes on 30 June 2023.

This report presents proposed program guidelines and criteria for the 2023-2027 Partnership Program (Attachment 1: 2023-2027 Partnership Program Guidelines and Selection Criteria), budget implications and findings and recommendations from the 2018-2022 Partnership Program and proposed 2023-2027 Partnership Program assessment panel members.

Pending Council approval, the 2023-2027 Partnership Program is scheduled to open for applications on 1 October 2022.

SUMMARY

Yarra Ranges Council is required to prepare a Domestic Animal Management Plan (DAMP) at four-year intervals under the Domestic Animals Act 1994. The plan is required to be developed in consultation with the Department of Jobs, Planning and Resources (DJPR).

The Draft DAMP 2022-2026 has been developed in accordance with best practice standards and informed by current available data, research, and a continued consultation process. The initial online survey attracted over 460 responses from community and business, which highlighted key themes that have been included in the Draft DAMP.

Further community consultation is recommended to be conducted during September and October 2022 to draw out community perspective and identify any further opportunities and challenges that could be recognised and addressed through the DAMP.

To ensure Council is meeting its legislative responsibilities, a final Council endorsed DAMP is required to be submitted to DJPR by 2 December 2022.

SUMMARY

Councillors are appointed annually to a number of committees and external bodies that require Council representation.  Included in this is Council’s nominated delegates to the Eastern Regional Library Corporation (ERLC).  At its meeting on 23 November 2021, Council endorsed Cr Len Cox and Cr Fiona McAllister as its representatives to the ERLC for the following 12 months. 

Following the introduction of the Local Government Act 2020, the ERLC is currently being wound up in accordance with s330(4) and a beneficial enterprise, known as Your Library Ltd, will be established in accordance with s110 to deliver library services on behalf of Yarra Ranges, City of Knox, and City of Maroondah Councils.

At its meeting on 28 June 2022, Council endorsed the appointment of Cr Jim Child and Cr Andrew Fullagar as the inaugural directors of Your Library Ltd to represent Yarra Ranges Council.  At this time, however, Crs Child and Fullagar are unable to formally contribute to the discussions and decision making relating to the transition from the ERLC to Your Library Ltd, as these matters are being addressed by the ERLC.

In order to ensure a smooth transition and that decisions which require formal approval include those Councillors who will be involved in the future of Your Library Ltd, it is recommended that Council appoint Crs Child and Fullagar as its representatives to the ERLC  (replacing Crs Cox and McAllister) until it has been wound up and the new entity takes over library operations.

SUMMARY

Following an extensive consultation process with landowners, Council at its meeting of 26 July 2022 considered a report on road improvement works for Alfred Street and John Street, Wandin North. Council resolved to advise of its intention to declare a special charge in accordance with the provisions of Section 163 of the Local Government Act 1989.

This report advises that one submission has been received regarding the Special Charge and recommends that Council declare the Special Charge without modification.

SUMMARY

Following an extensive consultation process with landowners, Council at its meeting of 12 July 2022 considered a report on road improvement works for Bretby Way, Montrose. Council resolved to advise of its intention to declare a special charge in accordance with the provisions of Section 163 of the Local Government Act 1989.

This report advises that three submissions have been received regarding the Special Charge and recommends that Council declare the Special Charge with modification.

Cr Eastham left the meeting at 8:16pm prior to consideration of the item, having declared a conflict of interest in this item.

SUMMARY

Following an extensive consultation process with landowners, Council at its meeting of 26 July 2022 considered a report on road improvement works for Tainton Street and Railway Parade, Wandin North. Council resolved to advise of its intention to declare a special charge in accordance with the provisions of Section 163 of the Local Government Act 1989.

This report advises that no submissions have been received regarding the Special Charge and recommends that Council declare the Special Charge without modification.

Cr Eastham returned to the meeting at 8:18pm following a vote being taken.

SUMMARY

Following an extensive consultation process with landowners, Council at its meeting of 26 July 2022 considered a report on road improvement works for Cedar Court, Burns Way, Loch Avenue, Harvest Close and Mayview Drive, Monbulk. Council resolved to advise of its intention to declare a special charge in accordance with the provisions of Section 163 of the Local Government Act 1989.

This report advises that two submissions have been received regarding the Special Charge and recommends that Council declare the Special Charge with modification.

In accordance with Governance Rule 58, Christine Charstone spoke in support of the recommendation included in the officer report.

SUMMARY

As part of its 2019 budgetary process, the Federal Government announced a nine year, $150 Million funding initiative for Yarra Ranges Council to seal roads within the Dandenong Ranges and surrounding areas. This funding program has been named the Roads for the Community Initiative.

At its meeting on 24 September 2019 Council endorsed a list of roads to be constructed using this funding to be facilitated by means of Special Charge Schemes. Henry Street, Lester Street and Everard Grove, Woori Yallock were included on this list of roads.

This report recommends affected landowners be notified of Council’s Intent to Levy a Special Charge for the construction of Henry Street, Lester Street and Everard Grove, Woori Yallock.

SUMMARY

As part of its 2019 budgetary process, the Federal Government announced a nine year, $150 Million funding initiative for Yarra Ranges Council to seal roads within the Dandenong Ranges and surrounding areas. This funding program has been named the Roads for the Community Initiative.

At its meeting on 24 September 2019 Council endorsed a list of roads to be constructed using this funding to be facilitated by means of Special Charge Schemes. Henry Street, Yarra Junction was included on this list of roads.

This report recommends affected landowners be notified of Council’s Intent to Levy a Special Charge for the construction of Henry Street, Yarra Junction.

SUMMARY

This report outlines the outcome of the 2022/2023 Capital Development Grant Program. Eleven projects are recommended to be funded through this round of the grant program. Funding agreements will be established with each recipient for the delivery of their initiative following formal consideration by Council.

In accordance with Chapter 3, Division 4, of the Governance Rules developed by Council in accordance with section 60 of the Local Government Act 2020.

In accordance with Chapter 3, Division 4, of the Governance Rules developed by Council in accordance with section 60 of the Local Government Act 2020.

There were no Councillor motions listed on the agenda for this meeting.

Cr Heenan:

- Acknowledged that 29 September is National Police Remembrance Day. This day honours the dedicated police officers who have died serving their community. It also allows Victoria Police and the community to pay their respects to Victoria Police employees who have lost their lives over the last 12 months through illness or other circumstances.

Cr McAllister:

- Attended the HICCI Annual General meeting and noted the support provided to the communities of Healesville and Yarra Glen. Cr McAllister also noted the current high demand for services, with a corresponding downturn in revenue for the organisation.

Cr Fullagar:

- Along with Cr Todorov, attended the Forgotten Heroes, Stories and Songs from Hills Vietnam Veterans, on 24 September 2022 at the Burrinja Cultural Centre. Cr Fullagar noted the inspired live performance highlighting Vietnam Veterans’ stories.

Cr Todorov:

- Attended the Yarra Valley Singers performance in the new Civic Centre. Cr Todorov congratulated the group on their performance and noted how wonderful it was hear the room filled with music.

There were no Reports from Delegates received for this meeting.

In accordance with Clause 87 of the Meeting Procedures and Use of Common Seal Local Law 2015, as prescribed by Section 14(2)(c) of the Local Government Act 2020.

In accordance with Clause 87 of the Meeting Procedures and Use of Common Seal Local Law 2015, as prescribed by Section 14(2)(c) of the Local Government Act 2020.

There were no Documents for Signing and Sealing received for this meeting.

SUMMARY

Chapter 8, Rule 1, of the Governance Rules requires that records of informal meetings of Councillors must be kept and that the Chief Executive Officer must ensure that a summary of the matters discussed at the meeting tabled at the next convenient Council meeting and recorded in the Minutes of that Council meeting.

An ‘informal meeting of Councillors’ is defined in the Governance Rules as a meeting of Councillors that:

·           is scheduled or planned for the purpose of discussing the business of Council or

·           briefing Councillors;

·           is attended by at least one member of Council staff; and

·           is not a Council meeting, Delegated Committee meeting or Community Asset Committee meeting.

The records for informal meetings of Councillors are attached to the report.

In accordance with Chapter 3 Rule 24 of the Governance Rules developed by Council in accordance with section 60 of the Local Government Act 2020.

There was no Urgent Business received for this meeting.

In accordance with section 66(2)(a) of the Local Government Act 2020.

In accordance with section 66(2)(a) of the Local Government Act 2020.

There were no Confidential Items listed on the agenda for this meeting.