Agenda and minutes

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.

SUMMARY

The Local Government Act 2020 (the Act) requires Council to determine by resolution whether the Mayor is to be elected for a one year or two year term. This must be done before the election of the Mayor takes place.

The term of office of the Mayor also applies to the election of the Deputy Mayor, whose office has been established by Council under section 20A of the Act.

This year, Council can only consider a one-year term for these appointments given the end of the term of all current Councillor positions at the date of the Local Government election scheduled in October 2024.

This report has been submitted for Council’s consideration by the Chief Executive Officer in accordance with the requirements of sub-Rule 6.1 of Council’s Governance Rules.

Cr McAllister joined the meeting at 7.05pm prior to a vote being taken.

The Chief Executive Officer called for nominations for the position of Mayor of Yarra Ranges Council.

Cr Skelton nominated Cr Todorov to be elected as Mayor. Cr Child seconded the nomination.

There being no further nominations, the Chief Executive Officer declared Cr Todorov elected as Mayor for a term of one year.

Mayor Todorov took the Chair and thanked Cr Skelton and Cr Child for her nomination and expressed her appreciation for the unanimous support from all Councillors.

Mayor Todorov reflected on her first term as a Councillor and thanked her fellow Councillors for their resilience during some difficult times and thanked Cr Child for his previous two years as Mayor and acknowledged his leadership.

Mayor Todorov opened the floor to any other Councillors wishing to say a few words regarding outgoing Mayor Cr Child.

·                Cr Heenan thanked Cr Child for the tremendous work and congratulated him for the work over the past two years as Mayor.

·                Cr Cox congratulated Cr Child for the work he has done over the past two years.

·                Cr Skelton thanked Cr Child for his leadership over the past two years and thanked him for his representation of Councillors and Community.

·                Cr Eastham thanked Cr Child for his representation of Council and O’Shannasy Ward during his term as Mayor.

·                Cr McAllister thanked Cr Child for representing Councillors and thanked the Cr Childs wife, Teresa, for her support during his time as Mayor.

·                Cr Higgins thanked Cr Child for his leadership over the past two years as Mayor.

·                Cr Fullagar thanked the Mayor for his tireless work and personal support during his time as Mayor.

·                Cr Child thanked each Councillor for their steadfast support during his time as Mayor and congratulated Cr Todorov.

The Mayor also stated her excitement and honour in leading Council over the next year, she then acknowledged the challenges ahead and the importance of connection to Indigenous voices in the community she will continue to influence positive culture and inclusivity through her role.

The Mayor called for nominations for the position of Deputy Mayor.

Cr Fullagar nominated Cr Eastham to be elected as Deputy Mayor. Cr Skelton seconded the nomination.

Cr Eastham advised the Mayor that he accepted the nomination.

There being no further nominations, the Mayor declared Cr Eastham elected as Deputy Mayor for a term of one year.

Cr Eastham congratulated Mayor Todorov then thanked Councillors for their support and confidence in being elected to the Deputy Mayor role.

Cr Eastham noted how fortunate he was to have Cr McAllister as Mayor when he started as a Councillor.

He acknowledged the importance of leveraging Councillors skill sets, and the importance of collaboration between the Mayor and Deputy Mayor.

He stated his commitment to continue to deliver best outcomes for the community. Cr Eastham expressed how proud he was to be a Councillor in Yarra Ranges.

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.

QUESTION 1

Samantha Wahrenberger of Mooroolbark asked;

After Tuesday night's [24 October 2023] decision to permanently close Kilsyth Centenary Pool, why wasn't there, in the amended proposed resolution that was passed (yes I was there at the meeting) a section included for the councillors to request that the executive team begin the process of Business Panning for the new Integrated Aquatics and Leisure Centre immediately? Does council have the authority to demand this process begin now, and if so why haven't they?

Hjalmar Philip, Director Built Environment and Infrastructure:

Thank you for your question, Samantha,

The draft Aquatic and Leisure Strategy, currently out for consultation, has a recommendation to commence a detailed business case for a new Aquatics and Leisure facility. 

Once consultation feedback occurs, the draft strategy will be updated and presented to Council for consideration. This is anticipated to occur in early 2024. 

Please visit shaping.yarraranges.vic.gov.au to provide any feedback on the draft Aquatic and Leisure Strategy.

QUESTION 2

Anonymous asked;

Yarra Ranges, and in particular, the neighbourhoods less "regional," are growing in cultural and ethnic diversity. However, being a person of non Anglo-saxon/European complexion, I struggle to build a sense of belonging in my neighbourhood. I have had racist comments directed at me and often feel isolated, sometimes unsafe. What is Council going to do to foster community inclusion and eradicate racism? Do you have diversity and experience within your staff to drive this work?

Jane Price, Director Communities:

Thank you for your question.

Council is committed to creating an inclusive community, valuing cultural diversity, and addressing and preventing any discriminatory or exclusionary practices.  

To guide this commitment Council has a Cultural Diversity Policy. This policy sets out Council’s commitment that people from all cultural backgrounds are valued, included and have the freedom to express their cultural, linguistic and faith traditions without fear or discrimination. This policy is also further guided by Council’s Diversity and Inclusion Committee, and Access, Equity and Inclusion Reference Group

Council remains committed to attracting and retaining a culturally diverse and inclusive workforce. We are working with local providers to promote an inclusive workforce, have strategies to remove unconscious bias and support cultural diversity in our workforce.

Council officers will be in contact to recommend local groups and networks to help you feel more connected and less isolated in community.

QUESTION 3

Wendy Wright of Wandin North asked;

In the motion (Oct 24 meeting) to permanently close the Kilsyth Centenary Pool, it is mentioned that there were discussions with pool users during the temporary closure.

What was the nature of these discussions, were they documented?

Did those users understand that these discussions would form part of the decision process to permanently close the pool?

Please provide documented details of these discussions (suitably de-identified).

Hjalmar Philip, Director Built Environment and Infrastructure:

During the temporary facility  ...  view the full minutes text for item 11.