Minutes (Open Portion)

Council Meeting

Page 2

31/3/2021

Minutes (Open Portion)

Council Meeting

Page 20

31/03/2021

The Chairman reports that she has perused the minutes of the meeting of the Open Portion of the Council meeting held on Monday, 22 March 2021, finds them to be a true record and recommends that they be taken as read and signed as a correct record.

Burnet

Dutta                                                        That the recommendation be adopted.

MOTION CARRIED

VOTING RECORD

The minutes were signed.

The Lord Mayor advised the Chamber that this meeting was the last Council meeting for General Manager Nick Heath who will farewell the organisation on Friday 9 April 2021 after more than 36 years of service to the Council with the last 12 years as General Manager.

Mr Heath commenced his career with the City of Hobart in 1984 as Assistant Legal Officer. He then moved into the management ranks in 1998 as Manager Executive Services. He held the position of Director Executive Management until 2008 when he succeeded the previous General Manager into the role.  The Lord Mayor commended his outstanding professional performance over the years with many achievements he should be very proud of.

As the key link between the elected members, the administration and staff of the Council and Mr Heath has performed such an important role earning the respect of all elected members with his professionalism and sound advice.

The Lord Mayor then invited elected members to say a few words to mark Mr Heath’s retirement which can be viewed on the City of Hobart’s YouTube Channel.

Mr Heath then expressed his gratitude for the kind words shared by elected members and the great honour it has been to be the 17^th General Manager of the City of Hobart for the past 12 years.  

He spoke of the concept of bravery and the brave, hard decisions the Council has made over the years. He spoke of the hard conversations and the friendships that have endured and the commitment shown towards the City. He passed on his thanks to the Executive Leadership Team and the staff of the organisation. 

It was noted that this was the 293^rd Council meeting Mr Heath has presided over as General Manager.  

Burnet

Thomas                             

That the Council note it sincere appreciation and thanks to Mr Nick Heath, General Manager.

MOTION CARRIED
UNANIMOUSLY BY ACCLAMATION

VOTING RECORD

9.1      15 Beechworth Road, Sandy Bay - Partial Demolition, Alterations and Extension

Ref:    Open CPC 7.2.1, 29/03/2021

Application Expiry Date: 1 April 2021

That pursuant to the Hobart Interim Planning Scheme 2015, the Council approve the application for partial demolition, alterations, and extension at 15 Beechworth Road, Sandy Bay for the reasons outlined in the officer’s report attached to item 7.2.1 of the Open City Planning Committee agenda of 29 March 2021 and a permit containing the following conditions be issued:

GEN

The use and/or development must be substantially in accordance with the documents and drawings that comprise PLN­20­908 ­ 15 BEECHWORTH ROAD SANDY BAY TAS 7005 ­ Final Planning Documents except where modified below.

Reason for condition

To clarify the scope of the permit.

ENG 1

Any damage to council infrastructure resulting from the implementation of this permit, must, at the discretion of the Council:

1.      Be met by the owner by way of reimbursement (cost of repair and reinstatement to be paid by the owner to the Council); or

2.      Be repaired and reinstated by the owner to the satisfaction of the Council.

A photographic record of the Council's infrastructure adjacent to the subject site must be provided to the Council prior to any commencement of works.

A photographic record of the Council’s infrastructure (e.g. existing property service connection points, roads, buildings, stormwater, footpaths, driveway crossovers and nature strips, including if any, pre­existing damage) will be relied upon to establish the extent of damage caused to the Council’s infrastructure during construction. In the event that the owner/developer fails to provide to the Council a photographic record of the Council’s infrastructure, then any damage to the Council's infrastructure found on completion of works will be deemed to be the responsibility of the owner.

Reason for condition

To ensure that any of the Council's infrastructure and/or site­related service connections affected by the proposal will be altered and/or reinstated at the owner’s full cost.

ENV 1

Sediment and erosion control measures sufficient to prevent sediment from leaving the site must be installed prior to any disturbance of the site, and maintained until all areas of disturbance have been stabilized or re­vegetated.

Advice:

For further guidance in preparing a Soil and Water Management Plan – in accordance with Fact sheet 3 Derwent Estuary Program click here.

Reason for condition

To avoid the sedimentation of roads, drains, natural watercourses, Council land that could be caused by erosion and runoff from the development, and to comply with relevant State legislation.

ADVICE

The following advice is provided to you to assist in the implementation of the planning permit that has been issued subject to the conditions above. The advice is not exhaustive and you must inform yourself of any other legislation, by­laws, regulations, codes or standards that will apply to your development under which you may need to obtain an approval. Visit the Council's website for further information.

Prior to any commencement of work on the site or commencement of use the following additional permits/approval may be required from the Hobart City Council.

BUILDING PERMIT

You may need building approval in accordance with the Building Act 2016. Click here for more information.

This is a Discretionary Planning Permit issued in accordance with section 57 of the Land Use Planning and Approvals Act 1993.

PLUMBING PERMIT

You may need plumbing approval in accordance with the Building Act 2016, Building Regulations 2016 and the National Construction Code. Click here for more information.

STORMWATER

Please note that in addition to a building and/or plumbing permit, development must be in accordance with the Hobart City Council’s Infrastructure By law. Click here for more information.

NOISE REGULATIONS

Click here for information with respect to noise nuisances in residential areas.

WASTE DISPOSAL

It is recommended that the developer liaise with the Council’s Cleansing and Solid Waste Unit regarding reducing, reusing and recycling materials associated with demolition on the site to minimise solid waste being directed to landfill.

Further information regarding waste disposal can also be found on the Council’s website.

FEES AND CHARGES

Click here for information on the Council's fees and charges.

DIAL BEFORE YOU DIG

Click here for dial before you dig information.

Burnet

Sherlock                                            That the recommendation be adopted.

MOTION CARRIED

VOTING RECORD

10.      White Ribbon Workplace Accreditation

Ref:    Open CCEC 7.1, 25/03/2021

Motion:

“That a report be prepared detailing the benefits of achieving White Ribbon Workplace Accreditation status for the City of Hobart.

The report provide details on the process for accreditation and the costs of same, including any ongoing or recurrent costs.”

Rationale:

“The National Plan (Appendix A) to “Reduce Violence against Women and their Children 2010 - 2022 brings together the efforts of governments across the nation to make a real and sustained reduction in the levels of violence against women. It is the first plan to coordinate action across jurisdictions. It is the first to focus strongly on prevention. It is the first to look to the long term, building respectful relationships and working to increase gender equality to prevent violence from occurring in the first place.”

“White Ribbon Australia understands the complexities that drive enforced gendered violence, structural inequalities, affirm attitudes and behaviours that enable violence against women. White Ribbon Australia knows that the foundation for changing social attitudes, behaviours and systems lies in being curious, getting informed, and promoting and delivering evidence-based actions for change.

The White Ribbon Australia Workplace Accreditation Program (Appendix B) is a program that engenders a whole of organisation commitment to stop violence against women, meeting 15 criteria under three standards to create a safer and more respectful workplace. It recognises workplaces that are taking active steps to stop violence against women, accrediting them as a White Ribbon Workplace.

The program builds on existing gender equality and diversity initiatives, providing the tools to strengthen a culture of respect and gender equality at all levels of the organisation.  The program supports organisations to respond to and prevent violence against women, whether it occurs inside or outside the organisation, through supporting women experiencing violence, holding perpetrators to account, supporting all employees to challenge inappropriate behaviour and strengthening gender equality within the broader community.

The process of accreditation is supported by a network of experts nationally who share HR policy and best practice resources. The White Ribbon Australia Workplace Accreditation Program team works alongside organisations to guide them through the accreditation process. 

The Workplace Accreditation Program is internationally recognised and has reached over 600,000 employees nationally.  The program has been independently evaluated and referenced by a group of HR, human rights, domestic violence and education professionals, ensuring a best practice product.

• The program has reached over 600,000 employees nationally
• 230 accredited workplaces nationally
• 140 participating organisations 

The way it works is that there’s a Standard with a number of items you provide evidence against. It’s not about celebrating the White Ribbon Australia brand or how many morning teas you have – it’s about things like sexual harassment policy and how it’s really working, family violence leave and other supports and whether there’s a culture of gender equality that promotes women in leadership. White Ribbon Australia work with you with a dedicated Accreditation Partner and brings expertise in helping you address the gaps or opportunities revealed through the process.

The Accreditation Program recognises workplaces that are taking active steps to prevent and respond to violence against women, accrediting them as a White Ribbon Workplace. It is an award-winning accreditation initiative. Accreditation is awarded for a three-year period, during which you will be able to make full use of the White Ribbon logo, demonstrating to your stakeholders your organisations commitment to gender equality and combatting gendered based violence.”

This Accreditation Program has been adopted by various Councils around Australia, such as Tree Gully City Council, City of Salisbury, City of Port Adelaide, City of Walkerville, to name a few.”

APPENDIX A

The link below outlines the National Plan:

https://www.dss.gov.au/sites/default/files/documents/08_2014/national_plan1.pdf

APPENDIX B

An overview of the Workplace Accreditation Program can be found here:

https://www.whiteribbon.org.au/Workplaces-and-Schools/Workplace-Accreditation

https://www.whiteribbon.org.au/awcontent/whiteribbon/documents/WRA-StrategicFramework_2020-2024_1.pdf

The General Manager advises:

“A community inclusion and equity framework is being developed with the proposed Hobart: A City for All - Community Inclusion and Equity Framework currently undergoing community engagement.”

Sherlock

Harvey                                                                    That the motion be adopted.

MOTION CARRIED

VOTING RECORD

COUNCIL RESOLUTION:

That a report be prepared detailing the benefits of achieving White Ribbon Workplace Accreditation status for the City of Hobart.

The report provide details on the process for accreditation and the costs of same, including any ongoing or recurrent costs.

11.      Request to Vary Council Policy - Permanent Private Signage on Highway Reservation - Huon Road

Ref:    Open CIC 6.1, 24/03/2021

That:   1.    The strong commitment in the City of Hobart’s ‘Capital City Strategic Plan 2019-29’ to celebrate and support Tasmanian Aboriginal community, heritage and culture, and to invite people to engage with Tasmanian Aboriginal history and culture be noted.

2.    The Council Policy ‘Permanent Private Signage on Highways Reservations’ be waived for the purposes of considering the application for the retention of the “Always Was Always Will Be” sign erected on a street tree on Huon Road at Pillinger Drive in Fern Tree.

3.    The General Manager be authorised to issue an annual permit under the Public Spaces By Law for the retention of the “Always Was Always Will Be” sign, and to reissue the permit on an annual basis as deemed appropriate.

4.    In the event that the permit is issued, it be issued for the initial annual fee of $100 (as listed in the 2020-21 approved fees and charges), and subject to future adjustment as part of the fees and charges process.

Harvey

Sherlock                                            That the recommendation be adopted.

MOTION CARRIED

VOTING RECORD

12.      International Relations - Update

Ref:    Open EDCC 6.1, 25/03/2021

That:   1.    Investigations into potential new relationships with cities Jiri in Nepal, and Kochi in India to be placed on hold throughout 2021 and reviewed in February 2022.

            2.    Council officers will continue to consult with the Tasmanian and Australian governments regarding opportunities for a new relationship with Incheon in South Korea and report back to the Council as appropriate.

            3.    Operational activities relating to existing international relationships to be recommenced online. Officers to undertake local community-based engagement throughout 2021, with minimal to no additional budgetary requirements other than officer time.

            4.    The waste education program being considered for Balibó in Timor Leste, to be placed on hold throughout 2021 and reviewed in February 2022.

            5.    The Minister for Foreign Affairs be advised of the Council’s existing relationships with foreign entities by 10 June 2021.

Thomas

Sherlock                                             That the recommendation be adopted.

MOTION CARRIED

VOTING RECORD

13.      Review of City of Hobart Financial Hardship Assistance Policy

Ref:    Special Open FGC 4.1, 31/03/2021

That:   1.    The Council adopt the amended City of Hobart Financial Hardship Assistance Policy marked as Attachment A to item 4.2 of the Closed Finance and Governance Committee agenda of 16 March 2021.

            2.    The General Manager’s delegation pursuant to section 22 of the Local Government Act 1993, delegating the power to approve rates remissions up to a limit of $4,000 per property per application, with remissions above that limit being approved by absolute majority of the Council, be amended to $2,000. 

(i)      The change to the General Manager’s delegation limit to approve rate remissions be reflected in the City of Hobart Rates and Charges Policy.

3.    The support by way of rates remissions cease as at 30 June 2021.  Applications received from 1 July 2021 that are related to financial hardship due to COVID-19 are offered negotiated payment plans, waiving of penalties and interest and formal postponement, in accordance with the City’s revised Financial Hardship Assistance Policy.

4.    A media release and media alerts be released as soon as practicable to advise of the cessation of the COVID-19 financial hardship rates remissions and financial support to be offered after 1 July 2021.

Zucco

Sexton                                                   That the recommendation be adopted.

MOTION CARRIED

VOTING RECORD

15.      2021 Dark Mofo Sponsorship

Ref:    Closed CCEC 4.1, 25/03/2021

LG(MP)R 15(2)(c)(i) -    commercial information of a confidential nature that, if disclosed, is likely to prejudice the commercial position of the person who supplied it

That:   1.    The Council support the 2021 Dark Mofo request through in-kind funding for equipment for the Winter Feast, to the value of $196,326.56 to be allocated as a one-off grant, noting that Dark Mofo will need to meet all costs of installation and transportation of this equipment.

            2.    The Council decline the request for cash support of $150,000 (ex GST) for the Dark Mofo festival.

            3.    The Council decline the request for in-kind support for parking bay closures and road closures and these costs are to be fully met by Dark Mofo.

            4.    A further report be provided to the Council to consider additional City of Hobart venue support and fee waivers for Dark Mofo once requirements are fully understood.

            5.    The General Manager be delegated to finalise any licence requirements, including permission sought by Dark Mofo for use of City assets.

            6.    The total funding provision be recorded in the ‘Grants, Assistance and Benefits Provided’ section of the City of Hobart’s Annual Report.

Sexton

Harvey                                                 That the recommendation be adopted.

Amendment

Burnet

Behrakis                                                                                                                   

That the decision in respect to 2021 Dark MoFo Sponsorship be recorded in the minutes of the Open Portion of the Council Meeting of 31 March 2021.

AMENDMENT CARRIED

VOTING RECORD

SUBSTANTIVE MOTION CARRIED

VOTING RECORD

COUNCIL RESOLUTION:

That:   1.    The Council support the 2021 Dark Mofo request through in-kind funding for equipment for the Winter Feast, to the value of $196,326.56 to be allocated as a one-off grant, noting that Dark Mofo will need to meet all costs of installation and transportation of this equipment.

            2.    The Council decline the request for cash support of $150,000 (ex GST) for the Dark Mofo festival.

            3.    The Council decline the request for in-kind support for parking bay closures and road closures and these costs are to be fully met by Dark Mofo.

            4.    A further report be provided to the Council to consider additional City of Hobart venue support and fee waivers for Dark Mofo once requirements are fully understood.

            5.    The General Manager be delegated to finalise any licence requirements, including permission sought by Dark Mofo for use of City assets.

            6.    The total funding provision be recorded in the ‘Grants, Assistance and Benefits Provided’ section of the City of Hobart’s Annual Report.

            7.    The decision in respect to item 7 of the Closed Portion of the Council meeting of 31 March 2021, be recorded in the minutes of the Open Portion of the Council Meeting of 31 March 2021.