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.

There were no disclosures of conflicts of interest made for this meeting.

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

QUESTION 1

Lisa Walsh of Seville asked;

I would like to confirm that the roadworks (Asphalting, curb and channelling, drainage etc) is still going to be completed for the entire length of Britton Rd as per the proposal and paperwork that we were sent. I was given the impression by workers on-site this week that you are no longer doing the entire road. I am hoping that the information I have been given is incorrect. I have spoken with fellow neighbours, who are also under the impression that the entire road will be completed as planned.

Hjalmar Philipp, Director Built Environment and Infrastructure:

Thank you for your question Lisa.

We can confirm that Britton Road, Seville will be sealed (asphalted) along its full length, between Link Road to the west and its dead-end to the east. 

The design and scope are consistent with the plans used during the community consultation process. The finished road will be an asphalt road, 5 metres in width, with concrete edge strips along both sides of the road. The existing table drain along the southern side of the road will be re-shaped to collect road surface water run-off.

QUESTION 2

Stan Giles of Monbulk asked;

Since the police called on January 31st council has been given numerous interviews to the local paper. the AGE and the ABC. In articles that followed there were references to threatening behaviour and verbal abuse. Please either provide evidence supporting these accusations or make a public apology to the innocent concerned rate payers who were attending simply seeking answers and clarifications of Council actions and future plans.

Andrew Hilson, Director Corporate Services:

Thank you for your question, Stan.

Following theCouncil meeting on 31 January 2023, a number of Councillors, officers and some members of the public described their experience of the behaviour of some members of the public gallery during the meeting as threatening, intimidating and verbally abusive.

Council does acknowledge that during this meeting not all members of the public gallery behaved in an inappropriate manner.

QUESTION 3

Brent Grogan of Warburton asked;

I would like to know the cost of the removal of asbestos cladding, and then the reinstatement of plaster including new kitchen at the building on the Warburton trail know as The Cog?

Hjalmar Philipp, Director Built Environment and Infrastructure:

Thank you for your question, Brent.

The works are required because of damage to internal asbestos cladding that was found after the previous tenant vacated. The successful quote for the works was $60,780.55 (ex GST) and are scheduled to be completed in the coming weeks. The works were procured through a competitive Request for Quote process as per Council’s Procurement process to ensure best value.

SUBMISSIONS FROM THE PUBLIC

Homelessness Week 2023

Nic Fox provided Councillors with an update on Homelessness Week 2023 and  ...  view the full minutes text for item 8.

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.

SUMMARY

The following late petition be received:

Late General Petition

1.         Move the carpark from the Mountain Grey Gum at 3457A Warburton Highway, Warburton as allowed for in the Councils own tree policy and mitigate risk to public by creating a fenced off nature reserve instead, retaining this valuable habitat tree. 375 valid signatures.

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

SUMMARY

This report outlines a proposal to update the former Waste Services Policy, now called the Resource Recovery and Waste Services Policy (Policy) to reflect the new operational waste collection services and requirements to comply with recent State-wide waste management legislation.

The Policy describes the waste services provided by Council and how the charges are applied to properties throughout the municipality. The Policy has a focus on ensuring that a fair, reasonable, and consistent approach is maintained in applying and charging the waste service charge. The waste service charge is developed through the annual budget process and is based on full cost recovery.

There have been some significant changes in State legislation associated with waste collection and there is a need to ensure that Council’s policy is aligned with those changes. The proposed Policy has been written to reflect the required service changes and to comply with the relevant State legislation. The Policy has also been developed to reflect anticipated future service changes.

In accordance with Governance Rule 58, James Laird spoke in objection to the recommendation included in the officer report.

Cr McAllister moved an amendment to the recommendation and sought the agreement of the original mover and seconder to change the wording to that printed in the agenda.

SUMMARY

This report seeks Council’s approval to renew its agreement with Telstra Limited (“Telstra”) for the provision of telecommunication services and hardware through the Victorian Telecommunication Services (VTS) panel contract, in accordance with the Department of Premier and Cabinet (DPC) State Purchase Contract VTS Head Agreement that complies with the Section 108 of the Local Government Act 2020.

This panel contract will be utilised for the provision of telecommunication services and hardware that specifically relate to:

Telecommunications: Core Services:

·                Data (fixed and wireless) Services

·                Equipment and Supply Services

·                Fixed Voice Services

·                Mobile Services

·                Satellite Services.

Telecommunications: Ancillary Services:

·                Broadcast Wi-Fi

·                Call / Contact Centre Technologies

·                Cloud Partnering Services (IaaS/PaaS)

·                Conferencing Services

·                Enterprise Messaging Systems

·                Enterprise Telephony Unified Communications

·                Managed WAN / SD-WAN

·                Mobile Device Management

·                Project Services

·                Radio

·                Wi-Fi (LAN)

·                Microsoft Cloud Solution Providers

·                Resellers of Government Open Licences

·                Microsoft Product and Services Agreement.

SUMMARY

This report summarises the evaluation process for the Request for Tender for the Provision of Training Services for Health, Safety and Wellbeing, Professional Development, and Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (‘the Services’). The report seeks to gain Council approval to progress to contract award for the Services. The tender was to create a panel of suitably qualified and experienced parties to provide various training services to Yarra Ranges Council staff across four broad categories:

·                Health and Safety

·                Mental Health and Wellbeing

·                Leadership and Professional Development

·                Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion.

The initial contract term is for three years, with three additional options to extend the contract for one year each, at the discretion of Council.

Cr Heenan left the meeting at 8.35pm and returned to the meeting at 8.36pm prior to a vote being taken.

SUMMARY

Council has managed a large tree at 3457 Warburton Highway, Warburton for many years. The tree is a large Eucalyptus cypellocarpa (Mountain Grey Gum) and has been cabled due to faults at the base.

A tomography test in 2023 confirmed there was extensive decay at the base and that a crack from the stem union to the ground. The tree has now been cut to 10m.

There has now been a request to cut the remaining tree down to ground level. 

In its current state the tree is considered a moderate risk, which is incompatible with a public carpark without additional risk controls.  An exclusion zone around the tree preventing public access would be required for its risk profile to be reduced to low.

In accordance with Governance Rule 58, Nicole Fisher and Charlette Sterrett spoke in support to the recommendation included in the officer report.

Cr Child moved a motion alternate to that printed in the agenda.

Cr Child formally declared no discernible material or general conflict of interest. He further indicated that his interest is in common with a substantial portion of the local residents and does not exceed any personal or pecuniary interest. This declaration of interest was duly noted and is included in the minutes for transparency.

Moved: Cr Child
Seconded: Cr McAllister

That Council

1.         Subject to obtaining a planning permit, proceed with the complete removal of the tree located in Ottrey's car park at 3457 Warburton Highway, Warburton, to eliminate any associated risks.

2.         Create a vegetated open space in Ottrey’s car park at 3457 Warburton Highway, Warburton which

(a)      Provides full public access.

(b)      Aligns in scale and design intent with the draft Warburton Urban Design Framework.

(c)       Includes replacement tree planting.

3.         Investigates the relocation of suitable parts of the tree to an appropriate location nearby, including creation of a habitat zone.

4.         Works with the community to identify options to honour and acknowledge the tree.

The motion was lost.

Cr Child called for a division.

In Favour: Mayor Child, Cr McAllister and Cr Eastham.

Against: Cr Cox, Cr Fullagar, Cr Heenan and Cr Skelton.

Absent: Cr Todorov and Cr Higgins.

Cr Child called for a division.

In Favour: Cr Heenan Cr Cox, Cr Skelton and Cr Fullagar.

Against: Mayor Child, Cr McAllister and Cr Eastham.

Absent: Cr Todorov and Cr Higgins.

SUMMARY

This report summarises the evaluation process and seeks Council approval for three tenderers to be accepted onto a panel of providers for the Provision of Traffic Management Services. The management of traffic by contractors is an essential for delivering works on Council’s infrastructure.

The key objectives of the services are:

·                The control of vehicular and pedestrian traffic at worksites to provide a safe working environment for maintenance and construction personnel.

·                To provide for the safe movement of vehicular and pedestrian traffic at worksites.

The initial contract term is for three years, with the option to extend the contract for two additional terms of two years each.

The recommendation in this report has been formally endorsed by the evaluation panel.

Cr McAllister left the meeting at 9.48pm and returned to the meeting at 9.49pm prior to a vote being taken.

SUMMARY

The purpose of this report is to seek approval for an extension of the following Contract CT2912Provision of Landscape Services currently held by numerous entities, until 13 October 2024.

The contractors provide essential work and services on Council assets to ensure that the assets are maintained appropriately and continue to deliver an acceptable level of service to the community.  This report outlines the current contract arrangements, financial and service delivery responsibilities and principles for the proposed new contract should the extension be approved.

The contract is scheduled to conclude on 13 October 2023. 

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.

12.1    Mount Evelyn Sports and Community Hub

Cr Heenan attended the opening of the Mount Evelyn Sports and Community Hub on Saturday 5 August 2023. Cr Heenan acknowledged the unveiling of The Bryan McCarthy Community Room and spoke of the contribution that Bryan has made throughout the building process. Cr Heenan also noted the attendance of Maria McCarthy and her family at the opening.

12.2    Lilydale Community House Bush Dance

Cr Heenan attended the Lilydale Community House Bush Dance on Saturday 5 August 2023. Cr Heenan thanked Suyin Chan and Sharon Manning for their contribution in the organisation of the event and noted that every member of the community that attended had a fantastic night.

12.3    Healesville Country Fire Authority (CFA)

Cr McAllister acknowledged former Captain, Graham Bates, of the Healesville CFA who has stepped down from the position after 20 years. Cr McAllister also acknowledged Ken Glenn who has stepped down from the position of Lieutenant. Cr McAllister thanked both Graham Bates and Ken Glenn for the contribution to the CFA and to the community and Brian Earl for stepping into the position of Captain.

12.4    Garry Willoughby Memorial Ceremony

Cr Child attended a ceremony held by the Department of Veterans to honour Garry Willoughby, who served in the Vietnam war and made the ultimate sacrifice. Cr Child noted the attendance of the Mt Evenly and Rye RSL members at the ceremony.

12.5    Homelessness Week 2023

Cr Skelton reflected on the events that have taken place during Homelessness Week 2023 (August 7 to August 13) and acknowledged the effort of Council and the results that have been achieved so far. Cr Skelton acknowledged Cr Heenan and his work with Holy Fools to raise funds to help end homelessness.

12.6    Monbulk Aquatic Centre 10 Year Celebration

Cr Skelton noted the Monbulk Aquatic Centre 10 Year Celebration to be held on Saturday 12 August 2023. The anniversary celebrations will include will a sausage sizzle, community market stalls, raffles and face painting.

Cr Skelton

-           Attended the Sustainable Environment Advisory Committee Meeting held on Thursday 3 August 2023 at the Yarra Ranges Council Civic Centre. The meeting was also attended by Cr Fullagar.

-           Attended the Annual Victorian Greenhouse Alliances Conference held on Friday 4 August 2023 at the Melbourne Convention Centre.

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 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.