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- Council meeting catchup - 19 April 2023
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Council meeting catchup - 19 April 2023
The 19 April Council meeting was held at St Kilda Town Hall.
At this meeting, Councillors raised a condolence motion for Father Bob Maguire, a social justice campaigner and the "people's priest", who sadly passed away on 19 April 2023.
Council expressed its deep regret on the passing of Father Bob Maguire, offered its sincere condolences to their family and placed on record its appreciation for their service to the City of Port Phillip.
Another condolence motion was raised for Sheila Quairney, a member of the City of Port Phillip's Older Persons Advisory Committee who sadly passed away.
Council expressed its deep regret on the passing of Sheila Quairney offered its sincere condolences to their family and placed on record its appreciation for their service to the City of Port Phillip.
Council meeting agenda
A petition containing 76 signatures was received from local residents and presented to a Council Meeting on 15 March 2023.
Council received and noted the petition and noted that a response to the petition would be provided to a future Council meeting.
MOVED Crs Pearl/Martin
That Council:
1. Thanks the petitioners for their concern and the information they have sent through.
2. Notes that Council will be presenting a motion at MAV State Council, on 19 May 2023, for “more effective and uniform State Government legislation in relation to short-stay accommodation, including AirBnB, to alleviate amenity impacts, and to consider limiting the amount of time in a given year whereby dwellings can be rented out on a short-stay basis in areas where housing availability has been identified as a particular issue.”
3. Notes that, at the 4 April 2023 Council Meeting, Council resolved to request the CEO or delegate to prepare a report for Council that investigates how other Councils in Victoria and Australia regulate and manage short-stay accommodation in their municipalities. This report is to be presented to Council no later than July 2023.
4. Notes that Council will be adding some information on short stay accommodation to its website.
A vote was taken and the MOTION was CARRIED unanimously.Purpose
1.1 This report seeks Council approval to proceed to a 28 day consultation period through Council’s “Have Your Say” platform to seek feedback on the proposed reintroduction of the selective use of Glyphosate for the treatment of weeds at low risk locations when required.
MOVED Crs Pearl/Martin
That Council:
3.1 Notes that in 2018, Council entered into an open space maintenance contract that specifically prohibited the use of the herbicide, Glyphosate, as a weed control product in recognition of community concern at the time.
3.2 Notes that since that time, the technical and evidence base has evolved with the Municipal Association of Victoria (MAV) now recommending the use of Glyphosate in select situations.
3.3 Notes that the reintroduction of the use of Glyphosate in select situations, such as road sides and laneways, whilst continuing to prohibit its use in higher-risk situations such as in childcare centres, open spaces, in and around playgrounds, and in all areas where run-off could potentially enter waterways, is likely to significantly help address community concern with weed management across the City.3.4 Endorses the commencement of an engagement period of 28 days wherein members of the community are invited to provide feedback to Council on the proposed reintroduction.
3.5 Notes that the findings of the consultation and a recommendation on the proposed reintroduction of the use of Glyphosate, in select areas, will be presented to Council for consideration in the coming months.
A vote was taken and the MOTION was CARRIED unanimously.Purpose
1.1 The purpose of this report is to:
a) Seek Council’s endorsement to commence the process to restrict the passage of vehicles on the section of Pier Road between Jacka Boulevard and the Royal Melbourne Yacht Squadron in accordance with the Local Government Act 1989, Section 207 (Power of Council over traffic), Schedule 11, Clause 9 (Power to place obstructions or barriers on a road permanently) (known as the “road closure”); and
b) Subject to Council’s decision, inform the local community of the road closure process and provide an opportunity for community members to make submissions, between 1 May 2023 and 28 May 2023, for Council's consideration.
MOVED Crs Pearl/Martin
That Council:
3.1 Proceeds with the statutory process to permanently block or restrict the passage of vehicles on Pier Road, between Jacka Boulevard and the Royal Melbourne Yacht Squadron, St Kilda, in accordance section 207, schedule 11, clause 9 of the Local Government Act 1989. Subject site is sown on the aerial photo in Figure 02.
3.2 Gives public notice to affected stakeholders of the proposal to permanently block or restrict passage of vehicles on part of Pier Road, St Kilda and invites submissions in accordance with Section 223 of the Local Government Act 1989.
3.3 Authorises the Chief Executive or delegate to undertake the administrative procedures necessary to enable Council to carry out its functions under section 223 of the ACT in relation to the matter.
3.4 Resolves to hear and consider any submissions received pursuant to Section 223 of the Local Government Act 1989 at a future Council meeting to be determined at a
later date.
A vote was taken and the MOTION was CARRIED unanimously.Purpose
1.1 To present Council with a consultation report on the Draft Car Share Policy and Guidelines 2023-2028 and seek endorsement of the revised Car Share Policy (Attachment 1) and Guidelines (Attachment 2) following this consultation.
MOVED Crs Martin/Nyaguy
That Council:
3.1 Thanks the community for taking part in the consultation on the Draft Car Share Policy 2023-2028 that took place between 23 September and 6 November 2022.
3.2 Notes the results of the consultation on the Draft Car Share Policy 2023-2028 included as Attachment 3.
3.3 Endorses the revised Car Share Policy and Guidelines 2023-2028 included as Attachment 1 and Attachment 2.
3.4 Delegates to the Chief Executive Officer the ability to make minor editorial amendments to the Car Share Policy 2023-2028 and Guidelines as outlined in Attachment 1 and Attachment 2.
3.5 Endorses the updated fees for car share bay installation at $1,500per annum (an increase on the current $1400 fee) and the car share annual fee at $120per annum (an increase on the current fee of $85) as part of the draft Budget 2023/24 for public consultation.
A vote was taken and the MOTION was CARRIED.Purpose
1.1 To present an updated budget position for the Stage 1 feasibility works following the undertaking of detailed planning and completion of market sounding, and seek approval for additional funds.
MOVED Crs Pearl/Martin
That Council:
3.1 Approves an additional $60,000 of funding to increase the budget for the St Kilda Triangle project to $438,000 for additional feasibility works to support the development of options for Council’s consideration of next steps.
A vote was taken and the MOTION was CARRIED unanimously.Purpose
1.1 To consider the written submissions and objections received by Council and to hear persons speaking in support of their submissions and objections pursuant to the statutory process to introduce the Carlisle Street Special Rate for 2023 – 2028.
MOVED Crs Bond/Clark
That Council:
3.1 Considers all written submissions and objections and hears persons who have requested to speak in support of their submissions and objections in respect to the proposed Carlisle Street Special Rate 2023 - 2028 and in accordance with sections 163A, 163B and 223 of the Local Government Act 1989.
3.2 Notes it will make a formal decision on whether to declare the Carlisle Street Special Rate 2023 - 2028 at its ordinary meeting on 17 May 2023.
A vote was taken and the MOTION was CARRIED unanimously.Purpose
1.1 To present the recommended Cultural Development Fund- Festivals and Events grant recipients for 2022/23 Round Two for Council’s approval.
MOVED Crs Pearl/Martin
That Council:
3.1 Endorses the recommended successful applicants as proposed by the Cultural Development Fund Reference Committee for the Cultural Development Fund – Festivals and Events Grant 2022/23 Round Two as outlined in Confidential Attachment 1
3.2 Releases details on the successful recipients of the Cultural Development Fund – Festivals and Events Grant 2022/23 Round Two from confidence once all applicants have been advised of the outcome of their application and those successful have confirmed their ability to proceed with their application.
3.3 Approves any funding allocated to applicants that need to withdraw or that do not have the ability to proceed with their application, be re-distributed to the two commended applicants in listed order in Confidential Attachment 1.
3.4 Thanks the Cultural Development Fund Reference Committee for their work in assessing applications and making recommendations to Council.
3.5 Thanks all applicants who participated in the 2022/23 fund Round Two for the Cultural Development Fund – Festivals and Events.
A vote was taken and the MOTION was CARRIED unanimously.Purpose
1.1 The purpose of this item is to report to Council written records of Informal Meetings of Councillors at the City of Port Phillip as required by the Governance rules.MOVED Crs Pearl/Martin
That Council:
2.1 Receives and notes the written records of Informal Meetings of Council (attached) as required by the Governance Rules.
A vote was taken and the MOTION was CARRIED unanimously.Purpose
1.1 To consider release of the draft Council Plan 2021-31 updated for year three and the draft Budget 2023/24 for community consultation.
That Council:
PART 1
MOVED Crs Clark/Pearl
3.1 Notes that the draft Budget 2023/24 includes the following changes to general rates:
3.1.1 An increase of 2.8 per cent to the average general rate, which is 0.7 per cent lower than the rate cap of 3.5% set by the Victorian Government and 1.7 per cent lower that the forecast inflation of 4.5%
3.1.2 A 1.0 per cent general rates reallocation from residential to non-residential properties which aligns our rating strategy and is much lower than the reallocation that would have taken place if based on the 2023 general property valuation.
3.1.3 Differential Rating set at property class based on preliminary 2023 general property valuation with the following draft rates in the dollar (some minor adjustments may be required for final budget adoption):
a) Residential rate in the dollar 0.001694
b) Commercial rate in the dollar 0.002021
c) Industrial rate in the dollar 0.002000
3.1.4 This lower rate increase will be funded over the next 10 years by reducing proposed investment in the Strategic Property Reserve by $2.5 million and the Asset Renewal Reserve and Municipal Growth reserve by $2 million each. It will also be funded by a $4.4 million surplus created by not proceeding with a one-off rate waiver. Further work will be required on permanent revenue increases or expenditure reductions to balance beyond this period.
A vote was taken and PART 1 of the MOTION was CARRIED.
Cr Clark called for a DIVISION.
FOR: Crs Bond, Clark, Cunsolo, Pearl and Sirakoff
AGAINST: Crs Crawford, Martin and Nyaguy
PART 1 of the Motion was CARRIED.
PART 2
MOVED Crs Bond/Pearl
3.2 Notes that the draft Budget 2023/24 has been informed by the Don’t Waste It! Waste Management Strategy 2022-25 and Rating Strategy 2022-2025 including changes to Waste Charges.
3.3 Notes that the draft Budget 2023/24 includes:
3.3.1 A cumulative cash surplus of $1.04 million providing additional contingency for likely enterprise financial risks and projected impact of inflation.
3.3.2 Budgeted cost of providing direct waste services total $15.4 million an increase of $1.7 million due to contract indexation & tender pricing, the State landfill levy increasing above inflation, and new FOGO services for Multi-Unit Dwellings and Communal Hubs, and full year Single Unit Dwelling FOGO. This is funded from waste charge income of $14.8 million and a drawdown on Waste Charge Reserve of $0.6 million.
Item 3.3.3 was voted on separately:
3.3.3 The outcome from the Cost Review 2022 including an $87k reduction to the Cultural Development Fund – Projects stream (funding for individual artistic/creative projects) for consultation with the draft Budget 2023/24
A vote was taken and item 3.3.3 was CARRIED.
Cr Nyaguy called for a DIVISION.
FOR: Crs Bond, Clark, Cunsolo, Pearl and Sirakoff
AGAINST: Crs Crawford, Martin and Nyaguy
Item 3.3.3 of the Motion was CARRIED.
3.3.4 Fees and charges generally increasing 3.75 per cent unless it makes sense to vary, and to provide support to those who need it most.
3.3.5 Ongoing efficiency savings of $1.1 million in Budget 2023/24 and continue to find more during the financial year.
3.3.6 No debt, aside from some finance lease liabilities will remain as part of our financing strategy.
3.3.7 Cash reserves for operational needs including staff leave and contingency of $20.8 million.
3.3.8 Project investment of $81.6 million to maintain, grow and improve services and assets.
3.3.9 Increase provision to reserves including $2.5 million for Strategic Property Fund, $2 million for future Asset Renewal requirements and $2 million for Municipal Growth including Fishermans Bend.
3.3.10 Intention to lease seven properties as required by section 115 of the Act as outlined in this report.
3.4 Notes additional community investments including:
3.4.1 An annual budget allocation of $10,000 for Christmas decoration and lights at St Kilda Town Hall.
3.4.2 One-off $40,000 for both temporary and permanent activations at Dundas Place Reserve.
3.5 Notes continuing targeted support to the Community through:
3.5.1 One-off rate waivers up to a maximum of $750 on application up to 50 per cent of general rates and charges to the Chief Financial Officer in cases of extreme financial hardship.
3.5.2 Increasing the Council-funded pensioner rates waiver by 5 per cent to $210 in 2023/24 – the City of Port Phillip is one of the few councils that offers this scheme in addition to the State Government waiver.
3.5.3 An extension of the funding agreement for Launch Housing to employ a dedicated assertive outreach service for rough sleepers for a further two years at $110,000 per annum. This role is critical to supporting Port Phillip Zero and community safety and amenity
3.5.4 A one-off $40,000 funding for greater food support within the municipality. This is to respond to the greater demand for food relief to enable the purchase of additional food.
A vote was taken and PART 2 of the MOTION was CARRIED.
PART 3
MOVED Crs Cunsolo/Pearl
3.6 Releases the draft amended Council Plan 2021-2031, inclusive of the Community Vision, Municipal Health and Wellbeing Plan, draft (10-year) Financial Plan, draft Revenue and Rating Plan, and the draft Budget 2023/24, amended to reflect any changes made through this resolution, for community consultation (Attachments 1, 2 and 3).
3.7 Receives and hears feedback and submissions from the public at the Council meeting on 07 June 2023, commencing 6.30 pm at the St Kilda Town Hall, prior to considering adoption of the amended Council Plan 2021-31, including Budget 2023/24 at the Special Council Meeting on 20 June 2023 commencing 6.30 pm at the St Kilda Town Hall.
3.8 Authorises the CEO to make amendments to the draft amended Council Plan 2021- 2031 including the draft Budget 2023/24 to reflect any changes through this resolution, and any other resolutions passed at tonight’s Council Meeting and to make minor editorial adjustments to the document to prepare for publication and distribution.
A vote was taken and PART 3 of the MOTION was CARRIED.Purpose
1.1 To provide an update on the Don’t Waste It! Waste Management Strategy 2022-25 and the outcomes of the Waste Charges review.
MOVED Crs Cunsolo/Crawford
That Council:
3.1 Notes that Officers are implementing the Don’t Waste It! Waste Management Strategy 2022-25 and the following timelines have been updated:
3.1.1 Implementation of the communal food organics hubs will commence in April 2023 to align with the rollout of the communal glass recycling hubs (previously mid-2023).
3.1.2 Expansion of the communal glass hubs has been delayed due to internal resourcing but will commence in April 2023.
3.1.3 Fortnightly garbage transition for Single Unit Developments (SUDs) receiving a kerbside Food Organic Garden Organics (FOGO) service has been moved until January / February 2024 (previously mid-2023). This transition will also include Multi Unit Developments (MUDs) receiving a kerbside FOGO service.
3.2 Notes following a review of Waste Charge Structure against our Rating Strategy objectives, the Waste Charge structure has been updated with the following key features/changes and be included as part of the draft Budget 2023/24 for community consultation:
3.2.1 Maintains the Default Waste Charge to recover the cost of kerbside bins collection including MUDs FOGO, Communal Food Organics & Glass Hubs, Hard & Green Waste, and Resource Recovery Centre Operations. This charge will be set at $198.20, an increase of $22 compared to 2022/23 due to contract indexation & tender pricing, the State landfill levy increasing above inflation, and new FOGO services for MUDs and Communal Hubs.
3.2.2 Maintains a tiered waste charge for SUDs Kerbside FOGO at a lower cost of $66 for 2023/24 which reflects the annual cost of Kerbside FOGO bin collection. This is a reduction on 2022/23 FOGO charge by $22. This recognises the differences between a convenient kerbside collection and the communal service and supports a user-pays approach.
3.2.3 No separate FOGO charge will be introduced for MUDs FOGO as a charge will increase the complexity and administration with the rollout of MUDs FOGO. MUDs FOGO will have shared common bin(s) which are more similar to Communal FOGO at a much lower cost than SUDs FOGO.
3.2.4 To reduce the cost of administration, make the charge simple to understand, and achieve fairness, the one-occupancy rebates for car-spaces and storage areas will be replaced with the following adjustments:
- Residential car-spaces and storage areas will not be charged the Default Waste Charge.
- Commercial car-spaces and storage areas will incur a fee set at 10% of the Default Waste Charge in recognition of the incidental waste generated from commercial activities. Note this does not apply to commercial carpark operations that generate sufficient income to support the full Default Waste Charge.
3.2.5 Notes Officers will continue to monitor and review the Waste Charge structure and if necessary, make adjustment as part of the annual budget process.
3.2.6 Releases the draft waste charges for community consultation.
3.2.7 Notes the draft Budget 2023/24, to be considered by Council on 19 April 2023, has been informed by this waste charges review.
3.3 Notes that the consultation period for the proposed changes to the waste charges aligns with the consultation on the draft Budget 2023/24.
3.4 Receives and hears feedback and submissions from the public at the Special Council meeting on 7 June 2023, commencing 6.30 pm at the St Kilda Town Hall, prior to considering adoption at the Special Council Meeting on 20 June 2023 commencing 6:30pm at the St Kilda Town Hall.
A vote was taken and the MOTION was CARRIED unanimously.
Please note: The minutes of the 19 April Council meeting will be confirmed at the next meeting.
Watch the Council meeting
More information
To view the full agenda, upcoming or past Council meeting agendas and minutes, visit our 2023 meetings and agendas page.
Council meetings typically occur on the first and third Wednesday of each month. The next Council meeting will take place at St Kilda Town Hall on Wednesday 3 May at 6.30 PM.