Minutes (Open Portion)

Council Meeting

Page 2

17/7/2023

Minutes (Open Portion)

Council Meeting

Page 1

17/07/2023

The Chairperson reported that she has perused the minutes of the meeting of the Open Portion of the Council meeting held on Monday, 19 June 2023, finds them to be a true record and recommends that they be taken as read and signed as a correct record.

Dutta

Bloomfield                                           That the recommendation be adopted.

MOTION CARRIED

VOTING RECORD

The minutes were signed.

AYES

NOES

Acting Lord Mayor Burnet

Zucco

Harvey

Behrakis

Dutta

Sherlock

Kelly

Elliot

Bloomfield

Posselt

Lohberger

The Acting Lord Mayor acknowledged that the meeting was the CEO’s last Council meeting (and last day as CEO) and took the opportunity to thank and farewell Kelly Grigsby with the following speech:

I know it was a very difficult decision for you to leave the City of Hobart, a city that you are passionate about.

In your two years here, you have led the commencement of an ambitious city shaping program to guide the future of Hobart.  A program to position the City as a vibrant, flourishing, sustainable and globally appealing capital city without compromising the qualities which already make us unique. 

You have prioritised good strategic planning that has seen the city think in a more evidence-based and innovative way to prepare Hobart for change and growth.

You have also advanced many important, future-proofing urban solutions, like the work done to secure federal funding for ferries.

You have been instrumental in leading significant organisational transformation, working in partnership with elected members and staff to ensure that we strive to achieve the best for our community and organisation.

Some achievements that you have led in your two years include:

^{·          Advancing our role as a city shaper demonstrating the importance of planning our suburbs and neighbourhoods.}

^{·          Enhancing our approach to strategic advocacy and engagement through the development of the City’s Intergovernmental Relations and Advocacy Framework.}

^{·          Developed Invest Hobart to drive positive inbound investment into Hobart.}

^{·          Designed a new contemporary governance mode.}

^{·          Upgraded parks, tracks and community facilities such as the revamped Swan Street Park, Zig Zag Track and Tolmans Hill Par.}

^{·          Increased opportunities for a diverse range of artists to work in the public domain.}

^{·          Continued to shape our journey towards a zero emissions and resilient future Hobart.}

You are leaving us well-placed to continue to work to position Hobart as a vibrant capital city and to continue to deliver on the city shaping agenda we’ve embarked upon to ensure Hobart is the world’s best small capital city in one of the most extraordinary natural environments.

On behalf of the City and Elected Members, thank you Kelly for your professionalism and contribution to the City of Hobart. I wish you all the best in your new role as the CEO of the Municipal Association of Victoria.

The Acting Lord Mayor welcomed Kat Panjari as Acting CEO from the 18 July 2023 to the 30 September 2023.  She acknowledged Kat’s diverse background working in Victorian and Tasmanian local government leadership roles for over 20 years, as well as holding leadership positions in the State and Commonwealth government.

The Acting Lord Mayor said that, as head of the Council’s Intergovernmental Relations and Partnerships, Kat is well-equipped with a wealth of experience to take on the Acting CEO role.

The Acting Lord Mayor advised the meeting that Hobart was voted the Best City in Australia, New Zealand and the South Pacific in the prestigious Travel + Leisure World’s Best Awards 2023 last week.

The Acting Lord Mayor also mentioned that this award had unprecedented engagement on City of Hobart social media platforms.

The City responded in real time to the announcement of the award and worked efficiently to ensure the City of Hobart was sharing the story first.

Overall reach across all social media platforms was 376,000 which was achieved organically with no paid advertising by the City. Our previous best performing post was the Dark Mofo 2023 stats which achieved 100,000 in reach.

The City has reached a global audience well beyond our current followers and Hobart residents, with the post delivering positive sentiment and brand recognition for Hobart.   

The Acting Lord Mayor passed on her appreciation and thanks to other elected members for their support and wiliness to speak on behalf of their portfolio’s during her time as Acting Lord Mayor.

Mr Chris Merridew put the following question and was provided with the corresponding response.

Question:

In clear evidence of Global Warming, is the HCC prepared to fully investigate, the change through Legislation, to ban the future use of dark coloured roof tiles?

Response:

The City of Hobart is in the process of preparing a Climate Strategy. A broad range of issues which relate to climate will be considered, both from the perspective of the City of Hobart as an organisation and how it can support the community. The public will be given an opportunity to participate in that process at an appropriate point.

The Chief Executive Officer tabled a petition calling for the Council to ban all diesel tourist buses and those with a carrying capacity greater than twenty people, from travelling through the historic suburb of Battery Point.

There were 8 signatories to the petition.

Attachment

a    Petition - Impact of diesel fumes from tourist buses in Battery Point   

The Chief Executive Officer tabled a petition calling for a pedestrian link from Cascade silos to the intersection of Marlyn Road – design and construction.

There were 728 signatories to the petition.

Attachment

a    Petition - Request a safe and continuous pedestrian link, Strickland Avenue South Hobart   

AYES

NOES

Acting Lord Mayor Burnet

Zucco

Harvey

Behrakis

Dutta

Sherlock

Kelly

Elliot

Bloomfield

Posselt

Lohberger

10.      Draft South Hobart Oval and Park Master Plan

Sherlock

Bloomfield

That the recommendation contained in the officer report, marked as item 10 of the Open Council Agenda of 17 July 2023, be adopted.

MOTION CARRIED

VOTING RECORD

COUNCIL RESOLUTION:

That:

1.      The draft South Hobart Oval and Park Master Plan, marked as Attachment A to item 10 of the Open Planning Agenda of 17 July 2023, be endorsed for public exhibition for a period of four weeks.

2.      A further report be provided to the Council following community engagement.

11.      Fee Waivers - Community Based Homelessness Support Groups

Dutta

Harvey

That the recommendation contained in the officer report, marked as item 11 of the Open Council Agenda of 17 July 2023, be adopted.

MOTION CARRIED

VOTING RECORD

COUNCIL RESOLUTION:

That:

1.      The Council waive a total of $28,458 in community hire fees made up of the following specific amounts, for the use of Mathers or Criterion House for the following community led social support services, for the 2023-2024 financial year:

a.   Food Not Bombs                        $8,424.00

b.   Dining with Friends                  $2,916.00

c.   Circle of Love and Care           $5,616.00

d.   Pets in the Park                        $594.00

e.   Hobart Hamlet Association      $270.00

f.    Mutual Aid Kitchen                   $11,232.00

2.      The value of the support to each organisation be recorded in the ‘Grants, Assistance and Benefits Provided’ section of the City of Hobart Annual Report.

12.      Response to Petition - Slow Traffic through West Hobart, Mount Stuart and Lenah Valley

Posselt

Behrakis       

That the recommendation contained in the officer report, marked as item 12 of the Open Council Agenda of 17 July 2023, be adopted.

MOTION CARRIED

VOTING RECORD

COUNCIL RESOLUTION:

That:

1.      The Council note the concerns raised in the petition and endorse City officers to consider mobility improvements in West Hobart and surrounding streets by developing a Local Area Mobility Plan for the suburb.

2.      The lead petitioner be advised of the outcomes of this report.

13.      Request for City of Hobart to join the EveryAGE Counts Campaign

Dutta

Sherlock     

That the recommendation contained in the officer report, marked as item 13 of the Open Council Agenda of 17 July 2023, be adopted.

MOTION CARRIED

VOTING RECORD

COUNCIL RESOLUTION:

That:

1.      Council endorse the EveryAGE Counts campaign pledge.

2.      The Lord Mayor write to Dr Marlene Krasovitsky on behalf of the Council confirming the City of Hobart’s endorsement of the EveryAGE Campaign.

3.      A media statement be released identifying the City of Hobart as a signatory of the EveryAGE Counts campaign, and how this aligns with the City’s Positive Ageing Commitment.

14.      Request for Council Reception - the 7th ICES/PICES International Zooplankton Production Symposium

Sherlock

Posselt         

That the Council host a Civic Reception for the 7^th ICES/PICES International Zooplankton Production Symposium to be held in the Town Hall Ballroom on Monday 18 March 2024 for up to 300 guests, up to a maximum of $13,500:

(i)      The reception be funded from the Council Reception line item in budget function 11105 – Civic Support in the 2023/24 financial year.

(ii)     The Council’s assistance be listed in the 2023/24 Annual Report in accordance with its policy in respect to the disclosure of grants and benefits.

Amendment

Zucco

Behrakis                                                                                                                    

That:

1.    The Council fund the 7^th ICES/PICES International Zooplankton Production Symposium reception as per other civic receptions held in the Lord Mayor’s Quarters in regards to numbers and funding.

2.    The Australian Antarctic Program Partnership be advised that any cost allocation above the standard allocated for Lord Mayor receptions are to be paid for by the Australian Antarctic Program Partnership.

AMENDMENT LOST

VOTING RECORD

SUBSTANTIVE MOTION CARRIED

VOTING RECORD

COUNCIL RESOLUTION:

That the Council host a Civic Reception for the 7^th ICES/PICES International Zooplankton Production Symposium to be held in the Town Hall Ballroom on Monday 18 March 2024 for up to 300 guests, up to a maximum of $13,500:

(i)      The reception be funded from the Council Reception line item in budget function 11105 – Civic Support in the 2023/24 financial year.

(ii)     The Council’s assistance be listed in the 2023/24 Annual Report in accordance with its policy in respect to the disclosure of grants and benefits.

15.      Night Time Economy

Bloomfield

Sherlock     

That the recommendation contained in the officer report, marked as item 15 of the Open Council Agenda of 17 July 2023, be adopted.

MOTION CARRIED

VOTING RECORD

COUNCIL RESOLUTION:

That the Council note the attendance of Alderman Bloomfield and Councillor Kelly at the International Night Time Economy Forum in Sydney in May 2023, and the importance of Night Time Economy activities to Hobart.

16.      Grants, Events Sponsorships and Partnerships Review Update

Sherlock

Dutta     

That the recommendation contained in the officer report, marked as item 16 of the Open Council Agenda of 17 July 2023, be adopted.

Amendment

Bloomfield

Dutta                                                                                                                           

That a further report be provided in respect of clause 3 of the recommendation.

AMENDMENT CARRIED

VOTING RECORD

SUBSTANTIVE MOTION CARRIED

VOTING RECORD

COUNCIL RESOLUTION:

That:

1.      The Council notes the progress of the Grants, Partnerships and Sponsorships Stage 1 review.

2.      The Council endorses progressing to Stage 2 of the project to review all City of Hobart Grants, Partnerships, Sponsorships and in-kind arrangements.

3.      A further report be provided in respect of the Council delegating the power to transfer and apply funds from the Heritage Account, pursuant to section 5(3) of the National Trust Preservation Fund (Winding-up) Act 1999, to the Chief Executive Officer up to a maximum of $70,000, to be exercised consistently with sections 5(3) and 5(5) of that Act and only after: receiving advice from the City’s Chief Financial Officer on the interest which has accrued on the Heritage Account since the last payment was authorised by the Heritage Account Special Committee; and considering the existing Terms of Reference for the Heritage Account Special Committee.

17.      City of Hobart Intergovernmental Relations Framework 2023-2027 & Advocacy Priorities 2023-2024

Lohberger

Dutta     

That the recommendation contained on the officer report, marked as item 17 of the Open Council Agenda of 17 July 2023, be adopted.

Amendment

Posselt

Behrakis                                                                                                                    

That clause 3 be amended to include an additional priority:

     (vi) diversifying transport options through investment in transport infrastructure

AMENDMENT CARRIED

VOTING RECORD

SUBSTANTIVE MOTION CARRIED

VOTING RECORD

COUNCIL RESOLUTION:

That:

1.      The Council approves the City of Hobart Intergovernmental Relations and Advocacy Framework 2023-2027, marked as Attachment A to item 17 of the Open Council Agenda of 17 July 2023, and

2.      The Council endorses the proposed City of Hobart advocacy priorities for 2023-24:

(i)      addressing housing access and affordability;

(ii)     boosting Hobart’s Antarctic and Science sectors;

(iii)    accelerating climate action and building local resilience;

(iv)    investing in community sport infrastructure; and

(v)     unlocking Hobart’s potential as a visitor destination.

(vi)    diversifying transport options through investment in transport infrastructure

3.      The Council endorses City of Hobart memberships of the Cities Power Partnership and the Local 2030 Islands Network.

18.      Representation to Tasmanian Planning Commission regarding the draft Tasmanian Planning Policies

Behrakis

Sherlock     

That the recommendation contained in the officer report, marked as item 18 of the Open Council Agenda of 17 July 2023, be adopted.

MOTION CARRIED

VOTING RECORD

COUNCIL RESOLUTION:

That the Council endorse the representation, marked as Attachment A to item 18 of the Open Council Agenda of 17 July 2023, to the Tasmanian Planning Commission.

19.      City of Hobart feedback on the Tasmanian Housing Strategy Exposure Draft

Dutta

Posselt         

That the recommendation contained in the officer report, marked as item 19 of the Open Council Agenda of 17 July 2023, be adopted.

MOTION CARRIED

VOTING RECORD

COUNCIL RESOLUTION:

That the Council endorse the submission, marked as Attachment A to item 19 of the Open Council Agenda of 17 July 2023, to the Tasmanian Government.

20.      Response to Notice of Motion - Battery Point Walkway

Posselt

Sherlock                                                                                                                  

That the recommendation contained in the officer report, marked as item 20 of the Open Council Agenda of 17 July 2023, be adopted.

Amendment

Dutta

Lohberger                                                                                                               

That the motion be replaced with the following:

That:

1.      The report in response to the Notice of Motion in relation to the Battery Point Walkway be noted.

2.      The Chief Executive Officer be authorised to undertake an assessment to determine the feasibility of establishing a new shared accessway along the foreshore connecting Sandy Bay with Battery Point:

(i)      The assessment include the development of a schematic design option along with preliminary cost estimates and possible timeframes for approval and construction;

(ii)     The design option will address the relevant issues identified by a planning tribunal decision in 2015 centred on a previous proposal: including public interest benefit, residential amenity, visual impact, privacy, access to the river, heritage and relevant planning schemes.

3.      Engagement be undertaken with residents who occupy properties fronting the foreshore along the proposed location of the new shared accessway, community organisations, stakeholders and interested individuals, seeking feedback on the new concept design option for the infrastructure.

4.      An allocation of up to $100,000 from the City’s 2023/2024 annual budget will be made available to fund the study.

5.      The concept of a shared accessway around Battery Point also be considered as part of the development of the Sandy Bay / Mount Nelson Neighbourhood Plan.

6.      A further report be prepared providing an outcome of the above no later than December 2023.

BEHRAKIS

ELLIOT                                                                                                                          

That Alderman Zucco be granted an additional two minutes to address the meeting.

MOTION CARRIED

VOTING RECORD

AMENDMENT CARRIED

VOTING RECORD

SUBSTANTIVE MOTION CARRIED

VOTING RECORD

COUNCIL RESOLUTION:

That:

1.      The report in response to the Notice of Motion in relation to the Battery Point Walkway be noted.

2.      The Chief Executive Officer be authorised to undertake an assessment to determine the feasibility of establishing a new shared accessway along the foreshore connecting Sandy Bay with Battery Point:

(i)      The assessment include the development of a schematic design option along with preliminary cost estimates and possible timeframes for approval and construction;

(ii)     The design option will address the relevant issues identified by a planning tribunal decision in 2015 centred on a previous proposal: including public interest benefit, residential amenity, visual impact, privacy, access to the river, heritage and relevant planning schemes.

3.      Engagement be undertaken with residents who occupy properties fronting the foreshore along the proposed location of the new shared accessway, community organisations, stakeholders and interested individuals, seeking feedback on the new concept design option for the infrastructure.

4.      An allocation of up to $100,000 from the City’s 2023/2024 annual budget will be made available to fund the study.

5.      The concept of a shared accessway around Battery Point also be considered as part of the development of the Sandy Bay / Mount Nelson Neighbourhood Plan.

6.      A further report be prepared providing an outcome of the above no later than December 2023.

21.      Local Government Reform

Harvey

Lohberger  

That the recommendation contained in the officer report, marked as item 21 of the Open Council Agenda of 17 July 2023, be adopted.

Amendment

Posselt

BLOOMFIELD

That clause two of the recommendation be replaced with the following:

     The submission to the Future of Local Government Review Stage 2 Interim Report (March 2023) be reviewed and modified at the discretion of the Chief Executive Officer in the context of the Premier’s comments on 16 July 2023 where he announced there would be no forced amalgamations of councils.

a)    The amended submission should focus on contemporising the Local Government Act 1993 (Tas), enhancing funding to Local Government, implementation of shared services, review of funding sources for local government, review of accounting standards for major assets, such as Doone Kennedy Hobart Aquatic Centre and strengthening of the Elected Member Code of Conduct.

AMENDMENT CARRIED

VOTING RECORD

The Acting Lord Mayor then called for nominations in accordance with clause 5 of the officer recommendation.

The Lord Mayor and Alderman Bloomfield were nominated with the Deputy Lord Mayor nominated as proxy.

In the absence of any further nominations, the Acting Lord Mayor declared the Lord Mayor and Alderman Bloomfield with the Deputy Lord Mayor as proxy.

SUBSTANTIVE MOTION CARRIED

VOTING RECORD

COUNCIL RESOLUTION:

That:

1.      The report presented by the Chief Executive Officer on the future of local government review process and the Stage 2 – Interim Report (March 2023) be noted.

2.      The submission to the Future of Local Government Review Stage 2 Interim Report (March 2023), marked as Attachment A to item 21 of the Open Council Agenda of 17 July 2023, be reviewed and modified at the discretion of the Chief Executive Officer in the context of the Premier’s comments on 16 July 2023 where he announced there would be no forced amalgamations of councils.

a)    The amended submission should focus on contemporising the Local Government Act 1993 (Tas), enhancing funding to Local Government, implementation of shared services, review of funding sources for local government, review of accounting standards for major assets, such as Doone Kennedy Hobart Aquatic Centre and strengthening of the Elected Member Code of Conduct.

3.      The Chief Executive Officer be authorised to finalise and lodge the submission to the Local Government Board.

4.      The Council register its interest to attend the Southern Shore and Western Shore Community Catchment community hearings being held by the Local Government Board.

5.      The Council be represented by the acting Chief Executive Officer and the Lord Mayor and Alderman Bloomfield (with the Deputy Lord Mayor as proxy), to attend the Southern Shore and Western Shore Community Catchment community hearings.

6.      An invitation be extended to the Elected Members of the Glenorchy City Council to meet with the Elected Members of the City of Hobart.

22.      Crowther - New Information

Councillor Elliot

Motion:

“That Council:

1.   acknowledge that there is substantial doubt over the accuracy of the statement that Dr William Crowther removed Lanne’s skulls

2.   require that the City publish on its website a statements detailing the conduct that the City believes Dr William Crowther undertook towards William Lanne and provide links to (or copies of) the primary sources relied on to support these beliefs as soon as practicable

3.   require that historians and interested parties be invited to submit statements detailing the conduct that they believe Dr William Crowther did or did not undertake towards William Lanne and provide links to (or copies of) the primary sources relied upon to support these beliefs, with the City to publish these on its website in a timely manner as they are received.”

Rationale:

“The Council has communicated as fact that Dr William Crowther is responsible for the removal of William Lanne’s skull. There are substantial doubts over the accuracy of this statement.

This unproven statement has been communicated by the Council many times, including in the Council’s meeting papers, engagement materials, media releases, across the Council’s website, and as part of the Franklin Square Conversation Plan Addendum.

For almost two years, local historians Mr Ian McFarlane and Mr Scott Seymour have shared their concerns regarding the reliability of the information that the Council is communicating as fact. Mr McFarlane and Mr Seymour also expressed their concerns with the many errors and inaccuracies that the Council indirectly promoted through the Crowther Reinterpreted project.

Most recently, Mr Seymour has made even more discoveries that cast significant doubt on Dr Crowther being responsible for the removal of William Lanne’s skull.

These include that:

Mr John Sugrue, also known as ‘Dan the barber’, oversaw and had access to the hospital morgue (dead house) where Lanne’s body was kept. Mr Surgue is on record stating that when Crowther and his son left the morgue that they were not carrying anything. It is also on record that after Crowther and his son left, that Mr Surgue went and ‘cleaned up’ the morgue before locking it.

 Further, Mr Surgue’s had an interest in skull collecting and, as part of an inquiry into the alleged ill treatment of patients at the hospital, hospital Chairman, Mr George Edwards, stated that a local man refused to attend the hospital when unwell (and soon after died) as he had been previously been roughly treated by Mr Surgue. The unwell man had also said that should he die in the hospital, that Mr Surgue had previously told him that Mr Surgue “would have” his head as it was “so much like King Billy’s”.

Further, nine years after Lanne’s death, in 1878, the remains of a ‘black’ man, Henry Tanna/Tanner, also went missing from the morgue. Mr Surgue was still working at the hospital at this time. 

Elliot

Behrakis                                                                 That the motion be adopted.

Amendment

Kelly                                                                                                                            

That the Council agree that any further progress on the removal of the Crowther statue, including the development application, be paused until a Council Monuments Policy is finalised. 

The amendment lapsed for want of a seconder.

Posselt

Dutta                                                                                                                           

That Councillor Sherlock be granted an additional two minutes to address the meeting.

MOTION CARRIED

VOTING RECORD

MOTION LOST

VOTING RECORD

COUNCIL RESOLUTION:

The motion was lost.

23.      RESPONSES TO QUESTIONS WITHOUT NOTICE

Regulation 29 of the Local Government (Meeting Procedures) Regulations 2015.

File Ref: 13-1-10

That the information be received and noted.

Memorandum of the Chief Executive Officer 15 March 2023.

Posselt

Behrakis                                                 That the recommendation be adopted.

MOTION CARRIED

VOTING RECORD

24.      QUESTIONS WITHOUT NOTICE

Regulation 29 of the Local Government (Meeting Procedures) Regulations 2015.

File Ref: 13-1-10

Question:    What engagement or consultation was undertaken before recommending to the Council to double rates for visitor accommodation?

Response: The Chief Executive Officer advised that no external consultation was undertaken with the community, elected members considered this as part of their budget workshop prior to making the decision.

Question:    In the media, the Lord Mayor referred to a 10 month window for special circumstance in regard to rates doubling. What are those special circumstances and what do they mean for rate payers?

Response: The Chief Executive Officer advised that she understood that was a miss-speak by the Lord Mayor and was not reflective of the currently position of the Council. Officers are happy to provide some further specific advice on how the process will work from an administrative perspective.

Question:    I note there were nine senior and executive appointments being made in the last two years. Is this a new norm and can we expect the same sort of volume coming into the next two years? 

Response: The Chief Executive Officer advised that was not a number previously seen. It was part of a talent acquisition approach and it is important to note some appointments relate to some short-term contract appointments.

Question:    Can the Chief Executive Officer advise the number of parking tickets cancelled using codes R4 & R5? 

Response: The Chief Executive Officer took the question on notice.

Question:    Given recent Federal Government investigations of PwC and now the other big 4 consultancy firms, what assurances can be provided as to transparency of actions of consultants, and what can we take on board at the City of Hobart and LG in Tasmania?

Response: The Chief Executive Officer took the question on notice.