Agenda item

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

Anonymous of Montrose, asked: 

You say that you welcome the public, but I have noticed over the last several meetings that it has become less welcoming.

We no longer have tea/coffee facilities, we are greeted at the door by security guards, printed copies of the agenda are no longer available, and now the tables separate the gallery, are these measures to intimidate or discourage public from attending the meetings? 

Ben Waterhouse, Acting Director Corporate Services:

Thank you for your question.

These measures are not designed to intimidate or discourage public from attending the Council Meetings.

Due to the large numbers attending Council Meetings and some recent intimidating and anti-social behaviour, we have engaged security and reconfigured the layout of the gallery and chamber for the safety of the public, Councillors and Council staff.

Limited numbers of the printed agenda are available in the foyer each meeting.

QUESTION 2

Megan, a resident of Tecoma, asked: 

There is a group of community members attempting to regain confidence and build trust in the Yarra Ranges Council.

At the Feb 28 2023 Council meeting, Question 4 came from Ian Bergwerf. This question was first answered by the CEO, Tammi Rose and then passed to Damian Closs for further context. Tammi Rose CEO began with ‘So the answer to the question is...’ Tammi Rose completed her response with two sentences, however the CEO’s reply has been left out of the minutes. Please explain this omission?

Ben Waterhouse, Acting Director Corporate Services:

Megan, thank you for your question.

Meeting minutes are not a transcript of the proceedings or a verbatim account; however for completeness, and with the consent of the Chair, the Chief Executive Officer’s response will be minuted. As such, the minutes from the 28 February 2023 Council meeting will be amended.

The Mayor read the following statement:

I consent, that the Minutes of the Council Meeting held 28 February 2023, be amended to include the Chief Executive Officers comment to the Question (Question 4) listed on page 11.

QUESTION 3

David Ricciuti, a resident of Silvan, asked: 

Under the Local Government Act 2020, council is required to be transparent. Can you confirm or deny whether the recorded council meetings are altered or edited before being made available to the public?

Ben Waterhouse, Acting Director Corporate Services:

Mr Ricciuti, thanks for your question.

Council confirms it may edit the recording of Council Meetings prior to them being made available to the public. On occasion, we will make edits to ensure any inappropriate commentary is not made public or to remove any reference to personal information in accordance with our obligations under the Privacy Act 2014.

In accordance with Chapter 3, Rule 3 of the Governance Rules, the Mayor called for the meeting to be adjourned at 7.33pm to rectify technical issues with the live streaming of the meeting.

In accordance with Chapter 3, Rule 3 of the Governance Rules, the Mayor re-convened the meeting via videoconference at 7.43pm.

Prior to continuing, the Mayor summarised the proceedings and the Chief Executive Officer read out the Questions to Council to benefit the physical and online Gallery, who had experienced technical issues with sound and vision.

SUBMISSIONS FROM THE PUBLIC

Joulle Calisthenics Academy

Kylie Moonen provided Councillors with an update on the Joulle Calisthenics Academy and the need for support from Yarra Ranges Council.

The Mayor referred the matter to the appropriate Directors for further investigation.