Town of Bassendean: Minutes
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TOWN of BASSENDEAN
MINUTES
GENERAL MEETING OF ELECTORS
HELD IN THE BASSENDEAN COMMUNITY HALL
48 OLD PERTH ROAD, BASSENDEAN
ON TUESDAY, 7 FEBRUARY 2006, AT 7.00PM
Her Worship the Mayor, Cr Tina Klein, opened the meeting at 7.00pm and welcomed all those in attendance.
The Mayor introduced the Councillors and Officers of the Town and especially welcomed the Freeman of the Town, Mr John Cox OAM JP.
1.0 ATTENDANCES & APOLOGIES
Councillors
Her Worship the Mayor, Cr Tina Klein
Cr Michelle Stubbs, Deputy Mayor
Cr Anne Brinkworth
Cr Mark Devlin
Cr John Sutherland
Cr Jack Fox
Cr Chris Merfield
Cr Ross Dunkerton
Cr John Gangell
Apologies
Mrs Hoy
Mrs Fran Phelan
Officers
Mr Gary Evershed - Chief Executive Officer
Mr Colin Cameron - Director Corporate Services
Mr Graeme Haggart - Director Community Development
Mr Simon Stewert-Dawkins - Director Operational Services
Mr Brian Reed - Manager Development Services
Ms Cathy Muraszko - Minute Secretary
Public
Approximately 25 members of the public were in attendance.
Press
One member of press was in attendance.
2.0 RECEIVING OF THE ANNUAL REPORT, INCLUDING THE ANNUAL FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
Copies of the Annual Report, including the audited Annual Financial Statements, were available to electors at the meeting, distributed through the Bassendean Briefings and were also accessible on the Internet.
GME – 1/02/06 MOVED Mr John Cox, Seconded Mrs Elizabeth Boyd, that the Annual Report, including the audited Annual Financial Statements for the year ended 30 June 2005, be received.
CARRIED
3.0 REPORT OF THE AUDITOR
The Report of the Auditor is contained in the Annual Report. Copies of the Annual Report were available to electors at the meeting, distributed through the Bassendean Briefings and were also accessible on the Internet.
The Mayor read out the statement made by Barrett & Partners, Certified Practising Accountants who performed the audit as follows:
“In our opinion, the financial report of the Town of Bassendean:
a) Presents fairly the financial position of the Town of Bassendean as at 30 June 2005 and the result of its operations for the year then ended in accordance with applicable accounting standards.
b) Are prepared in accordance with the Local Government Act 1995 as amended and regulations under that Act and other mandatory professional reporting requirements.
We did not during the course of our audit become aware of any instances where the Council did not comply with the requirements of the Local Government Act and requirements under that Act.”
GME – 2/02/06 MOVED Mr Snelgar, Seconded Mrs Elizabeth Boyd, that the Report of the Auditor be received and accepted.
CARRIED
4.0 REPORT OF THE MAYOR
The Mayor’s Report was included in the Annual Report. Copies of the Annual Report were available to electors at the meeting, distributed through the Bassendean Briefings and were also accessible on the Internet.
The Mayor made the following speech at the meeting:
“Ladies and gentlemen I won’t read through my report verbatim but I would like to highlight some of the major achievements which have occurred over the past 18 months of which we can all be extremely proud.
The reporting year of July 2004 to June 2005 commenced with the historic opening of the Bassendean Railway Station and the re-opening of Old Perth Road. A major investment in the Town’s future by both the State Government and the Town of Bassendean to act as a catalyst and focal point for the revitalisation of the Town Centre.
The construction of a $4.5 million Library and Community Centre was well underway during the year and was opened in October last year. The most important investment in Civic Infrastructure for 30 years completed on time and under budget.
In conjunction with the library major progress was made on the creation of a Civic Gardens on the BIC Reserve. The grass tennis courts were relocated to the eastern end of the reserve and ageing Rolf Harris Water Playground and failing wall were removed.
Council supported the application by Australand to subdivide the WAMES site for 130 dwellings. A rezoning and partial road closures were completed and the State Administrative Tribunal approved Australand’s subdivision after successfully appealing the WA Planning Commission’s refusal. Following an extensive review, Council’s three unviable hostels were sold along with the bed licences realising $2.5 million, which was reallocated into the Bassendean memorial Library facility. A smooth and dignified transition for residents was achieved in accordance with a comprehensive business plan and exit strategy.
The Town responded to the Network City document launched by the Minister for Planning and Infrastructure by embarking on a Vision 2030 Community Plan. Funding of $12,000 was attracted from the WA Planning Commission for community participation and engagement.
Through a series of workshops and focus groups a comprehensive Vision was developed and adopted which will provide a comprehensive guide to position the Town of Bassendean to maximise its potential and advantages over the next 25 years.
Economic Development was given a boost with the commissioning of an Economic Development Plan. Initiative to boost development include the development of a Bassendean Business Group, a Marketing Plan, Regional Economic Development projects through the EMRC and the further revitalisation of the Town Centre.
As a green Council, the Town implemented the first year of the Environment Plan and has achieved all 5 milestones in the Cities for Climate protection program and has reduced its production of Greenhouse Gases by 43%. The rehabilitation of the contaminated Tonkin Park Stage 2 site was facilitated by Council subdivisional approvals and an unproductive site will soon add new industrial blocks to foster economic development.
A comprehensive Plan to support and develop the Town staff was adopted through the People Plan. The Plan is designed to make the Town an employer of choice able to attract and retain high quality staff.
Improved Corporate Governance was implemented with the implementation of all recommendations of the Governance Review Panel, the adoption of a governance charter, and enhanced Councillor induction program and a full program of Councillor workshops addressing important issues affecting the Town.
In other highlights major progress was made on the new Town Planning Scheme TPS 10 through public advertising and public submissions. A comprehensive review of Community Services was undertaken leading to the Town assisting the Senior Citizens Association to restructure and for council to work in conjunction with the Senior Citizens to rejuvenate the Bassendean Seniors and Community Centre.
The Bankwest building was purchased to house the Library during the construction phase meaning minimal disruption to the community during demolition and construction. On other fronts an Information Plan was adopted aimed at using Information Technology to meet the Town’s information needs into the future and a social plan to foster community development. Extensive Aboriginal consultation was also undertaken which will help the Town to move forward with some infrastructure projects in the future.
To conclude, the year in review was one of outstanding achievement and one that gave me immense personal pleasure leading a team of dedicated Councillors and working in close partnership with the CEO and staff for the benefit of the community. To summarise:
· Council has made significant progress on Town revitalisation and has already delivered on many of the strategies identified in the Enquiry by Design program.
· A clear vision & strategic direction has been developed to guide the Town’s future development.
· The Town’s financial viability has been improved through the sale of the unviable Hostels, increasing the level of grant funding and through negotiating a sustainable Enterprise Bargaining Agreement with staff.
· Governance & management processes have been overhauled and a renewed spirit of teamwork and cooperation has been achieved.
· Important new infrastructure spending has seen the construction of a major Civic building and the
· Enhanced reputation within the Local Government Industry and with the State Government
In closing I would like to thank my fellow Councillors for their dedication and commitment and the CEO Mr Gary Evershed for his leadership and for the staff for effectively implementing Council’s decisions in such a professional and timely fashion.
Lastly at the last local government election we said goodbye to three councillors, Fran Tesnear, Jennie Collins and Bevan Carter who over a number of years served the community with dedication and commitment. We wished them well.
We welcomed newcomers Cr Chris Merfield for North Ward, Cr John Gangell, for East Ward and Cr Ross Dunkerton for West Ward who are equally committed to the task”
GME – 3/02/06 MOVED Mr John Cox, Seconded Mr Ron Snelgar, that the Mayor’s Report be received and accepted.
CARRIED
5.0 GENERAL BUSINESS
5.1 Looking Forward
The CEO gave a presentation of the Draft Strategic Plan for 2005-2010 – Bassendean’s Plan for the Future.
The CEO outlined the 5-year plan that has been put in place and advised that part of the process is to firstly announce it and distribute it for public consultation. Following receipt of feedback to ensure that priorities that Council are setting are in keeping with community wishes and aspirations, all submissions will be considered and a plan implemented going forward which will feed into next budget process.
The Strategic Plan 2005-10 is underpinned by the Strategic Financial Management Plan. The Vision 2030 Community Plan developed last year has successfully given Council a clear vision and direction of where the Town wants to head over the next 25 years.
The Town’s Mission has been strengthened to reflect the sustainability clause now included in the Local Government Act and has become an integration of social, environmental and economic factors. The mission is “Strengthening our community, fostering economic prosperity and protecting and enhancing the build and the natural environment”.
To support the mission the Strategic Plan is divided into three Key Result Areas as follows:
* Environmental Enhancement
* Community Wellbeing
* Economic Vitality
These three streams are supported by the enabler “Leadership in Business Excellence” reflecting the Town’s adoption of the Australian Business Excellence Framework to promote best practice and business excellence.
Key initiatives that the Town proposes to implement over the next four and a half years in the key result areas are as follows:
Environmental Enhancement
* Implementation of the new Town Planning Scheme 10;
* Completion of the Civic Gardens;
* Rehabilitation of Ashfield Parade;
* Parks and Reserve Upgrades;
* Participation in the State Government’s Travelsmart Program;
* Implementation of the Streetscape Plan;
* Installation of decorative lighting in the Town Centre;
* Participation in an Ashfield Redevelopment Partnership with the State Government;
* Development of Foreshore Management Programs;
* Development of Living Streams Program; and
* Participation, as an EMRC member, in the development of a Secondary Waste Treatment Plant by 2010.
Town Centre Area Strategy
A detailed study of the Town Centre, including the Steel Blue Oval Bassendean precinct and the investigation of transit-oriented development potential adjacent to the Success Hill Railway Station, will be completed. A tender was called and closed on 31 January. The finished document will support Council’s intention to market the Town as an attractive place to invest money.
Civic Centre Redevelopment - Stage 2
At the end of the 5-year period, Council would like to be in a position of proceeding to the next stage of the Civic Centre redevelopment, which is the construction of a new Administration and Council Chambers. This will be funded by asset sales, including:
* The former Masonic Hall site;
* Bassendean New Business Centre;
* Former BankWest building; and
* Council’s former Service Station site in Morley Drive, Eden Hill.
Heritage Buildings
Heritage Buildings will be protected and remediated, including:
* The renovation of the MacDonald Grandstand with State Government funding assistance;
* Upgrading of 1 Surrey Street with proceeds from the former Masonic Hall sale;
* Conservation plans development for the Pensioner Guard Cottage; and
* Bill Walker Stand at Steel Blue Oval Bassendean.
Community Wellbeing
* Construction of a Youth Facility and Skate Park;
* Rejuvenation of the Bassendean Seniors’ and Community Centre;
* Expansion of the Ashfield Community Centre;
* Possible relocation of Wind in the Willows Child Care Centre;
* Establishment of a Volunteer Centre;
* The conversion of an additional two Hyde Retirement Village units;
* Commencement of the District Community Safety and Crime Prevention Plan;
* Completing scheduled Disability Access Programs; and
* Implementation of the Cultural Plan and Facilities Plan.
Economic Development
* Establishment of an Economic Development Advisory Committee;
* Appointment of a part-time Economic Development Officer;
* Investigation into a tourist facility at Sandy Beach;
* Participation in regional initiatives through the Eastern Metropolitan Regional Council;
* Implementation of a “welcome pack” for new businesses;
* Redevelopment of the Eden Hill Shopping Centre; and
* Attraction of a major public event and participation in the Avon Descent.
Leadership in Business Excellence
* Enhancement of customer service through the new Customer Service Centre;
* Implementation of the Information Plan, including a $250,000 investment in IT systems;
* Development of long-term Asset Management Plan;
* Development of long-term Financial Management Plan;
* Conducting a rolling “Sustainable Best Value” model review of services:
05/06 Operational services
06/07 Corporate Services, Development Services and Library Services
08/09 Community Services
* Conducting two guided-self-assessments using the Australian Business Excellence Framework; and
* Improved marketing through an improved Marketing and Communications Strategy.
In conclusion, the CEO invited public comment by 31 March 2006 either by letter addressed to the CEO or by email to mail@bassendean.wa.gov.au.
5.2 Public Question Time
The Mayor invited questions and comments from the floor. Following is a summary of those questions and comments. Answers and comments by the Mayor and Council Officers are provided in italics.
Mr John Cox, 182 Walter Road, Bassendean
Mr Cox, on behalf of a businessman from Old Perth Road, referred to the poor state of the brick paving and requested that in addition to it being repaired, that planters be installed along the median strip and more appropriate rubbish bins be provided.
The Director Operational Services advised that there is currently no funding allocated for repaving and that new litterbins are included in the Strategic Planning Process for Council to consider.
Mr Cox queried why Australia Day Award participants are not given the opportunity to thank Council and their nominators during the award ceremony.
The Mayor advised that she offered one of the groups involved the opportunity to reply but this was declined.
Mr Cox referred to the new development of the Old Vickers HADWA site and questioned whether developers propose to install a new transformer and underground power at their cost and pay for the upgrade of the sewerage system, pumping station and stormwater system, if required. Mr Cox further queried whether adequate parking for residents and visitors would be available on site and if all of the “hot spots” have been identified and removed from the site.
The Mayor advised that “hot spots” no longer existed on the site.
The Manager Development Services advised that the site will include underground power. A new transformer will be provided, the issue of drainage is being addressed and there will be adequate parking at the site. Although the Mayor had indicated that there were no longer any “hot spots”, he advised that there in fact remains a few, however, the CEO clarified that the severe hot spots have been addressed with the only issue remaining being some manganese which is currently being cleaned up. The Mayor apologised for her earlier incorrect advice.
Alan Barnsley, 42 Cyril Street, Bassendean
As a father of 3 children involved in tennis pennants, Mr Barnsley drew the Council’s attention to the tennis facilities in Bassendean, the standard of which he believes is declining and asked what the Council propose to do to improve the facilities.
The Director Community Development advised that Council is very keen to work with the Tennis Club and to ensure that tennis remains viable and a growing sport within the Town. It is included in the planning program, which involves the relocation of the tennis clubrooms. Tenders have been advertised and the tender period closed. Officers of the Town have been working very closely with the Club and have formed a very strong relationship to ensure a positive outcome in this regard.
Mr Barnsley referred to the hardcourts and expressed his surprise at learning this evening that they going to be demolished and they are required in winter to play pennants.
The Director Community Development advised that the intention is not to reduce the number of courts but rather negotiate with the Club to redevelop the hardcourts with the plan being to relocate these courts elsewhere on the reserve.
Mr Barnsley expressed concern at the increasing difficulty experienced by players to compete in finals and beat teams that practice on better facilities. Whilst acknowledging the Director Community Development’s advice that the number of grass courts will increase from 5 to 6 and the hardcourts will remain at 3, Mr Barnsley pointed out that the number of players over the past few years has increased.
Heather MacDonald, 23 Haig Street, Bassendean
Mrs MacDonald referred to “hot spots” as raised earlier in the meeting and advised that she has been diagnosed with various poisonings such as arsenic, copper, magnesium and phosphorous, all which indicate to her that hot spots still exist.
The Manager Development Services advised that manganese is the only substance identified on the site in question and although the site has been approved by the EPA in the past, the benchmark has risen and the site will have to be deemed safe again before it is allowed to be used for any residential development.
Don Yates, 10 Thompson Road, Bassendean
Mr Yates referred to the IT budget of $250,000 and queried what the timeframe for that particular budget item is likely to be.
The Director Corporate Services advised that the budget has been set and IT Vision selected as the preferred supplier through Council resolution passed in January. The next step is to sit down with the supplier and determine the implementation schedule, which the Director Corporate Services envisages to be approximately 12 months, with some modules possibly stretching out to 18 months.
Mr Yates expressed a lack of confidence in the software and referred to a situation concerning his dog whereby in 2003 he advised Council of a change of ownership of his dog. In August 2005 the dog passed away and Mr Yates accordingly advised Council. In September 2005, Mr Yates received a renewal for the deceased dog under the old owner’s name and once again notified Council, which officers advised they would ensure that the records were corrected. In January 2006, Council Rangers made contact with Mr Yates for payment of the dog’s licence. Mr Yates asked what steps Council will be introducing to monitor IT software given the unsatisfactory situation.
The Director Corporate Services acknowledged that the information should not have been sent to Mr Yates, apologised and advised that the cause was likely to have been human error. If in fact it was a software problem, in terms of the new system, he is confident that the new procedures that accompany the installation of the new system will be sufficiently improved to ensure that these type of problems do not reoccur in the future.
Mr Yates further advised that following a telephone call to Council after the Ranger’s visit in January, he was advised that due to privacy issues the records could not be changed and stated that it is his hope that the next generation of software is much improved.
Lillian Ordynski, 2A North Road, Bassendean
Mrs Ordynski referred to the year in which she moved into North Road, Bassendean (1981) and her understanding that a provision for infill sewerage had been made. To date, they amongst others in the immediate vicinity, still operate with septics and she queried what progress, if any has been made in this regard.
The Director Operational Services advised that the Water Corporation is responsible for the extension of sewer lines and that Mrs Ordynski should contact them directly.
Mrs Ordynski further queried when the street cleaner would be coming to sweep her street. With a lot of trees shedding their branches, there is a need to have Council sweep on a regular basis as it has done in the past.
The Director Operational Services advised that Council has a program in place with street sweeping occurring three times a year as follows:
Within a week after bulk rubbish pick up;
Following green waste collection; and
One other time during the year.
Mr Bruce Keay, 11 Earlsferry Court, Bassendean
Mr Bruce Keay made reference to Scheme 4A. He advised that he had raised this issue at the last meeting and queried the liabilities to Council, which he noted were not reflected in the current financial statement. Mr Keay added that whilst Council staff had provided him with some information, they were unable to find a copy of the original Scheme Text, which has in turn, in Mr Keay’s view, caused confusion as to the Scheme’s intent. Mr Keay referred to Council’s liability as a result of the debt which would have to be met by ratepayers. Out of 11 lots to be sold, only 2 had been on the market.
Mr Keay expressed concern at Scheme 4A dragging on and not achieving its objectives. He suggested Council close the Scheme, sell the remaining lots and if land needs to be bought, to buy it instead of wasting resources in managing it.
The Manager Development Services advised that a separate book of accounts is not kept for this Scheme, however, acknowledged that Council has made a loss somewhere in the order of $600,000, which has been met by ratepayers of the Town. He further advised that Council is not in a position to sell the 11 lots until it is ready to purchase, and previous Council resolution disenables any land purchase until the new Town Planning Scheme is adopted. Scheme 4A has been the subject of recent discussion and officers have committed to provide a report to Council within the next 3 months.
Mr Keay further noted that under State legislation, town planning schemes are supposed to be reviewed every 5 years. The fact that this Scheme has dragged out to 20 years, he believes is a slight on the quality of the Town and further, the fact that Scheme 4A has probably never been reviewed again, is another slight. Mr Keay urged Council to take a very aggressive stance in closing Scheme 4A within the next 12 months. He also suggested that if a surplus results, then the selected landowners originally levied should be searched out and the surplus distributed, as it was never meant for general Council revenue.
The Director Corporate Services advised that the Scheme had budget implications and as a result, had been further discussed at budget time with a commitment from officers to prepare a report. It is his understanding that any surplus in this regard can be used for the particular areas in question and will not necessarily be distributed back to individuals. There will be a report this financial year to Council to make a decision in terms of this, but it also should be noted that any decision will also hinge on Town Planning Scheme 10.
Mr Keay pointed out that Council is legally required to have a copy of the original Scheme Text available for public review and requested that a copy be posted not only to him but also to all Councillors tomorrow. The Manager Development Services undertook to comply with Mr Keay’s request.
Mr Michael Grogan, 5 Lamb Street, Bassendean
Mr Grogan made reference to past Council debate on the Municipal Heritage properties and requested that Council cease using the Bassendean Hotel as representation of the Town’s heritage to promote Bassendean.
The Mayor acknowledged Mr Grogan’s comments.
Mr Gary Butler, 20 Haig Street, Ashfield
Mr Butler made reference to the Ashfield Redevelopment partnership and asked that if in next 5 years Ashfield is changed from R20 to R40/60, does this mean more private owners can develop their blocks and reduce Homeswest’s concentration proportionally without reducing the actual numbers. Mr Butler further referred to community concern with regards to some Homeswest tenants and advised that he is compiling a petition with a view to reducing the Homeswest presence in Ashfield.
The Mayor advised that the Manager of Homeswest has indicated that a further 3 blocks in the Ashfield area will be going into private ownership and are currently on the market.
Ms Nerida Partarianos, 13 French Street, Ashfield
Ms Partarianos made reference to Vision 2030 and the 5 year plan as presented this evening, as an exciting product and sought assurance from Council that it would support the initiatives outlined by the Chief Executive Officer.
The Mayor advised that the document presented was decided by Council and accordingly is fully supported.
Jai Wilson, 3/78 Hamilton Street, Bassendean
Mr Wilson sought an update on the management and ongoing care of the Stan Moses Pavilion.
The Director Community Development advised that a Management Committee has been constituted and is now an incorporated body in its own right. The Management Committee’s relationship with Council is still to be established formally, however, mechanisms are currently being worked through to achieve this.
Mr Wilson referred to future investment in upgrading facilities at the Pavilion and asked if the Management Committee will be solely responsible for raising funds on behalf of community or whether the Council will also take a role.
The Director Community Development advised that Council’s relationship with the Management Committee will be for the use of the facility as it is at the moment and that if the Management Committee seeks to add to the facility, it would be expected that dialogue would be entered into with them on the best way it would be achieved. It was added the DCD is, however, unaware of any proposal to further develop the Stan Moses Pavilion at this stage.
Mr Wilson referred to tension between some of clubs that share the facilities with regard to the use of kitchen and availability of the kiosk and whether Council is aware of these having been resolved.
The Director Community Development gave a brief history of the politics surrounding this issue and advised that the new Management Committee has resolved the issue and will make all future decisions in this regard. He further advised that the Management Committee is comprised of people from all groups using the facility together with Council and community representation.
Mr Don Yates, 10 Thompson Road, Bassendean
Mr Yates advised that he resides in a river precinct located in Success Hill. There is only one entrance from Thompson Road to Guildford Road, as is the case for other people in Success Hill with only one entrance to Lord St via Success Rd. Mr Yates is concerned that should an accident occur on Thompson Road or Success Road, then residents of these precincts would be blocked in and asked what action Council and staff are taking to negotiate with Main Roads for better road treatments and engineering for this area.
The Director Operational Services advised that in June 2005 Council resolved to take a holistic approach to traffic management issues in Lord St, Walter Road East and a number of other locations because of access issues. Funding has been allocated in the draft budget for next year for Council consideration. He further advised that Officers have been involved in an integrated transport strategy with the State Government looking at existing infrastructure, eg the railway and using it more effectively and integrating it with other transport modes, with a view to improving the transport network in the area.
Mr Yates further stated that part of Ashfield Station will be bitumised for the use of an extended carpark. Additionally, two small pieces of PSP on either side of the railway at Success Hill under Lord Street will be installed to increase the collection area and a two point system installed at the Bassendean Station to turn trains around during peak hour. His main concern, however, lies with Thompson Road with children crossing Thompson Road at Guildford Road. He suggested some bitumen, pressure on Council and PTA to join the top end of Lamb Street and Thompson Road to create a much safer environment.
Ian Bloxham, 10A Fourth Ave, Bassendean
Mr Bloxham congratulated Council on Vision 2030 and the opening of the new library. He also thanked Council for its prompt response to a dangerous traffic issue on the corner of Ivanhoe Street and Walter Road. Mr Bloxham expressed concern at the failure to list the hotel building on the Municipal Heritage Inventory and asked if the Mayor thought that this decision is an accurate reflection of community attitude.
The Mayor advised that the owners of the hotel had objected to the hotel being included on the Inventory. Further, it was the view amongst Council that nobody should be compelled to have their property listed on the Municipal Heritage Inventory, but rather it should be by choice.
Mr Bloxham acknowledged the Mayor’s answer, however, asked if the decision in fact was a reflection of community attitude, if there are plans to revisit the issue in the near future and whether there is a vehicle that the community can engage prior to 2030 in order to achieve heritage listing of particular properties.
The Mayor advised that she was unaware of whether the decision reflected the community’s attitude as that this is the first objection received following Council’s decision. She is unaware of any plans to revisit the issue.
The Chief Executive Officer advised that the Municipal Heritage Inventory is a Council instrument and falls under State Heritage legislation. If there was overwhelming support for a property to be included on the Municipal Heritage Inventory, then those thoughts and feelings would need to be made known to all Councillors. The reversal of any decision lies in Council’s hands, but there also exists State Heritage Legislation, which is outside the responsibility of Council.
Mr Bloxham referred to Ashfield and expressed concern at some of the language shown in the press and used at times during public meetings, which sometimes marginalises Homeswest residents. Mr Bloxham asked if Council were satisfied that other social services and security measures are being appropriately deployed to improve the circumstances for the residents in this area.
The Mayor advised that a lot of work is being done in conjunction with the local police and that some of the views Mr Bloxham is referring to were the opinion of one person and not the Council.
6.0 CLOSURE
Prior to closing the meeting, the Mayor thanked the members of the public and the Councillors for attending.
There being no further business, the Mayor extended an invitation to everyone to partake of some light refreshments, and closed the meeting at 8.06pm.
