Minutes of Special Council - 3 November 2016

Special Council Minutes Thursday 3 November 2016

1. Opening

The Chief Executive Officer opened the meeting with a prayer at 7.00pm.

In accordance with Council’s Procedural Matters Local Law, until the Mayor was elected, the Chief Executive Officer was the temporary Chairperson of the meeting and the Returning Officer for the election of the Mayor and Deputy Mayor.

1.2 MEETING OPENING AND PRAYER

The Chief Executive Officer opened the meeting with the reading of the prayer:

Almighty God, we humbly beseech thee, to vouchsafe thy blessing upon this Council. Direct and prosper its deliberations to the advancement of thy glory and the true welfare of the people of the Whittlesea City Council.

Our father who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name, Thy kingdom come, Thy will be done in earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread and forgive us our trespasses as we forgive them that trespass against us; and lead us not into temptation but deliver us from evil, For thine is the kingdom, the power and the glory, for ever and ever.

Amen

1.3 ACKNOWLEDGEMENT OF TRADITIONAL OWNERS STATEMENT

The Chief Executive Officer read the Reconciliation Statement as follows.

On behalf of the Whittlesea City Council I recognise the rich Aboriginal heritage of this country and acknowledge the Wurundjeri Willum Clan as the traditional owners of this place.

1.4 Present

Members:

Cr Sam Alessi South East Ward

Cr John Butler North Ward

Cr Lawrie Cox South West Ward

Cr Alahna Desiato South East Ward

Cr Norm Kelly South East Ward

Cr Ricky Kirkham North Ward

Cr Stevan Kozmevski South West Ward

Cr Mary Lalios South East Ward

Cr Caz Monteleone South West Ward

Cr Kris Pavlidis South West Ward

Cr Emilia Lisa Sterjova North Ward

Officers:

Mr Michael Wootten Chief Executive Officer

Mr Michael Tonta Manager Governance

Mr Angelo Mamatis Team Leader Governance

2. Apologies

NIL

3. GENERAL BUSINESS

3.1 OATH OF OFFICE AND COUNCILLOR CODE OF CONDUCT

Attachments: 1 Councillor Code of Conduct 2016

Responsible Officer: Director Corporate Services

Author: Governance Officer

Report

Summary

Before being capable of acting as a Councillor, a person elected to be a Councillor must:

· take the oath of office (or make a solemn affirmation);

· read the Councillor Code of Conduct; and

· make a written declaration stating that they will abide by the Councillor Code of Conduct.

Until each of these requirements has been completed an elected person cannot vote at a Council meeting or otherwise act as a Councillor. There are no exceptions to these requirements and they must be complied with.

Both the oath of office and the Councillor Code of Conduct declaration must be made before the Chief Executive Officer and dated and signed before the Chief Executive Officer and recorded in the Council minutes.

Councillors were called upon in alphabetical order by surname to take the oath or affirmation and then to declare that they will abide by the Councillor Code of Conduct.

OATH OF OFFICE

Oath of Office

“I [Councillor name] swear by Almighty God I will undertake the duties of the office of Councillor in the best interests of the people of the municipal district of Whittlesea and faithfully and impartially carry out the functions, powers, authorities and discretions vested in me under the Local Government Act 1989 or any other Act to the best of my skill and judgment.”

Affirmation of Office

“I [Councillor name] solemnly and sincerely declare and affirm I will undertake the duties of the office of Councillor in the best interests of the people of the municipal district of Whittlesea and faithfully and impartially carry out the functions powers, authorities and discretions vested in me under the Local Government Act 1989 or any other Act to the best of my skill and judgment.”

COUNCILLOR CODE OF CONDUCT

Councillors must read the Councillor Code of Conduct before making a written declaration that they will abide by it. A copy of the Code is published on Council’s website and is attached to this report.

Declaration to abide by the Code of Conduct

“I [Councillor name] hereby declare that I have read the Councillor Code of Conduct for Whittlesea City Council adopted on 14 June 2016 and declare that I will abide by this Code.”

RECOMMENDATION

THAT Councillors take the oath of office and make a written declaration stating that they will abide by the Councillor Code of Conduct.

It is recorded that Cr Salvatore (Sam) Alessi, Cr John Butler, Cr Alahna Desiato, Cr Ricky Kirkham, Cr Stevan Kozmevski, Cr Mary Lalios, Cr Caz Monteleone, Cr Kris Pavlidis and Cr Emilia Lisa Sterjova took the Oath of Office.

It is recorded that Cr Lawrie Cox and Cr Norm Kelly took the Affirmation of Office.

All Councillors made a written declaration stating that they will abide by the Councillor Code of Conduct. The written declarations are attached to the Minutes

3.2 ELECTION OF THE MAYOR FOR 2016/2017

The Chief Executive Office invited nominations for the Office of Mayor for 2016/2017.

NOMINATIONS FOR MAYOR

MOVED: Cr Kozmevski

THAT Cr Kris Pavlidis be nominated for the Office of Mayor for the year 2016/2017.

MOVED: Cr Butler

THAT Cr Ricky Kirkham be nominated for the Office of Mayor for the year 2016/2017.

Cr Stevan Kozmevski spoke in support of Cr Kris Pavlidis’ nomination for Mayor.

Cr John Butler spoke in support of Cr Ricky Kirkham’s nomination for Mayor.

The Chief Executive Officer then called for a show of hands for each nominee.

declaration of the poll

Following a vote by show of hands for each nominee, the Chief Executive Officer declared Cr Ricky Kirkham as elected as Mayor for 2016/2017.

A Division was called immediately following the declaration of the poll in relation to the election of the Mayor. The results of the Division are not recorded in the minutes. (Refer to the Chief Executive Officer’s note at the end of item 3.3).

3.3 ELECTION OF THE DEPUTY MAYOR FOR 2016/2017

The Chief Executive Office invited nominations for the Deputy Mayor for 2016/2017.

NOMINATIONS FOR DEPUTY MAYOR

MOVED: Cr Alessi

THAT Cr Lawrie Cox be nominated for the Office of Deputy Mayor for the year 2016/2017.

MOVED: Cr Lalios

THAT Cr Norm Kelly be nominated for the Office of Deputy Mayor for the year 2016/2017.

Cr Sam Alessi spoke in support of Cr Lawrie Cox’s nomination for Deputy Mayor.

Cr Mary Lalios spoke in support of Cr Norm Kelly’s nomination for Deputy Mayor.

The Chief Executive Officer then called for a show of hands for each nominee.

declaration of the poll

Following a vote by show of hands for each nominee Cr Norm Kelly was elected as Deputy Mayor for 2016/2017.

A Division was called immediately following the declaration of the poll in relation to the election of the Deputy Mayor. The results of the Division are not recorded in the minutes. (Refer to the Chief Executive Officer’s note below).

Chief Executive Officer’s Note

The results of the Divisions in respect to the votes cast for the election of the Mayor and for the election of the Deputy Mayor are not recorded in the minutes.

The process for electing the Mayor and the Deputy Mayor does not involve a ‘motion’, therefore, under Council’s Procedural Matters Local Law, no provision exists for the calling of a Division in respect of the election of the Mayor or the election of the Deputy Mayor.

Despite the procedural irregularity, the election of the Mayor and the election of the Deputy Mayor remain valid.

4. SPEECH FROM INCOMING MAYOR

Before I start I would like to invite Cr Kozmevski forward to receive his mayoral gift.

I am truly honoured to have the opportunity to again serve as Mayor. I thank my fellow Councillors for their support - and - I look forward to working with you.

I also sincerely appreciate - the confidence shown in me by the Council Election result. Serving the public is a great honour and privilege. I take great pride - in representing a diverse and dynamic community, a community I live in and love. To the residents of the North Ward, thank you for your support.

The recent Council election - has seen renewal with five new faces joining the City of Whittlesea team.

I congratulate and welcome Councillors Monteleone, Butler, Desiato and Sterjova.

I would like to also welcome Councillor Lawrie Cox who re-joins the team after a 30 year hiatus Laurie not only joins the Council as new blood he also assumes the role as an elder statesmen. Congratulations Lawrie.

As Councillor it is our responsibility to represent our communities' interests above all others. Our team is not team Liberal, team Labor, it is team Whittlesea.

I would also like to acknowledge our outgoing Councillors Christine Stow, Darryl Sinclair, Ken Harris, Rex Griffin and Adrian Spinelli. Thank you for your valued contribution.

The next four year term is a critical time for a City's future. We face continued unprecedented growth with over 8,000 residents moving to Whittlesea each year.

Continued pressure from urban development and failing State Government infrastructure is great concern to our community.

Political catchphrases such as 'housing affordability' or 'land supply' neglect the reality. Without essential services and infrastructure our communities compromise liveability.

What good is a cheap house if it is too expensive to live there? Where are the roads, jobs and services to sustain these communities? That is the real question we have to ask. Do we want our communities to be grid locked - where petitioning the government for a basic school - becomes the norm?

We have to say enough is enough. Our strong leadership over the next four years - is essential to turn the discussion from affordability to liveability.

I'm talking about a revolution. Where we empower the community to take action and through our leadership take the fight head on to both the Federal, State Governments.

Access Denied proved that being loud and proud has the potential to net big political outcomes for our community. The State Election in 2018 and Federal Election in 2019 are our opportunities to continue this work.

Our long and growing list of infrastructure gaps includes:

· O'Herns Road Interchange;

· Bridge Inn & Yan Yean Road Duplications

· 86 Tram Extension; and

· E6 Road.

More broadly we have to real hard discussion about the communities we want to see created in Whittlesea. Whilst State Planning Policy dictates housing lot size diversity 200sq and 300sq lot sizes - are not the answer.

We need to challenge the status quo to ensure the character of our neighbourhoods isn't destroyed by overdevelopment and pride of place continues to be the underlying reason why people call Whittlesea home.

Critical to sustainable development and 30 minute Cities is policy that enables economic growth and job creation.

Epping Central and the Thomastown Industrial Area provide un-paralleled opportunities for manufacturing and supply chain industries to invest with direct access to interstate freeways and Melbourne Airport.

I will be working hard over the coming 12 months to identify solutions that will encourage investment and grow our local economy.

In 2016/17 our commitment to established and growing communities will see $48 million dollars invested - for new projects across our City.

In tough economic times it is important Council is innovative and new Public Private Partnerships such as the Ashley Park Early Learning Centre in Doreen are an example of ways partnerships and investment provides value for money and outcomes quicker.

Over the next 12 months I will be engaging with our partners to fast track the construction of the Mernda Sports & Aquatic Centre.

This facility if designed and delivered right will have a positive intergenerational outcome for decades to come.

Finally, it is important to acknowledge - the role our Staff play in our success. As a local government we have solid reputation across Australia for progressive policy and innovative thinking.

To our over 1000 staff whether it be in road maintenance, disability services, or management, you all play a critical role in providing services to our community. Never undervalue the importance of your contribution.

With your support, I look forward to making our community to better place to live work - and raise a family.

Thank you.

5. Closure

THERE BEING NO FURTHER BUSINESS THE MAYOR DECLARED THE MEETING CLOSED AT 7.29PM.

CONFIRMED THIS 22^nd DAY OF NOVEMBER 2016.

________________________

CR RICKY KIRKHAM

MAYOR