Town of Bassendean: Minutes
back to the list of Agendas and Minutes >>>
MINUTES
GENERAL MEETING OF ELECTORS
HELD IN THE BASSENDEAN COMMUNITY HALL,
48 OLD PERTH ROAD, BASSENDEAN
ON TUESDAY 5 FEBRUARY 2008, 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 all Councillors of the Town.
1.0 ATTENDANCES & APOLOGIES
Councillors
Her Worship the Mayor, Cr Tina Klein
Cr John Gangell, Deputy Mayor
Cr Anne Brinkworth
Cr Michelle Stubbs
Cr Chris Merfield
Cr Lynda Butler
Cr Mary Elgar
Cr Sam Piantadosi
Cr Gerry Pule
Officers
Mr Gary Evershed CEO
Mr Simon Stewert-Dawkins Director Operational Services
Mr Mike Costarella Director Corporate Development
Mr Graeme Haggart Director Community Development
Mr Brian Reed Manager Development Services
Mrs Cathy Muraszko Minute Secretary
Public
27 members of the public were in attendance.
Press
1 member of the press was in attendance.
Apologies
Mr John Sutherland, 33 Anzac Terrace, Bassendean
Mrs Elsa Travers, 69 West Road, Bassendean
2.0 RECEIVING OF THE ANNUAL REPORT, INCLUDING THE ANNUAL FINANCIAL STATEMENT REPORT AND AUDITOR’S REPORT
Copies of the Annual Report, including the audited Annual Financial Statements and Auditor’s Report, were available to electors at the meeting, distributed through the Bassendean Briefings and were also accessible on the Town’s website.
GME – 1/02/08 MOVED Mr John Cox, Seconded Mr John Klein, that the Annual Report, including the audited Annual Financial Statements and Auditor’s Report for the year ended 30 June 2007, be received.
CARRIED
3.0 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 Town’s website.
GME – 2/02/08 MOVED Mrs Elizabeth Boyd, Seconded Mrs Anne Beck, that Mayor’s Report be received and accepted.
CARRIED
4.0 GENERAL BUSINESS
4.1 Future Directions
* Preview of the Town’s new Website
* Presentation of the Strategic Financial Management Plan 2007-17
The CEO introduced Mr Graeme Langley from Stylus Design, the company commissioned to produce the Town’s new website.
Mr Langley gave a preview of the Town’s new website which is expected to be completed in approximately one month’s time.
The CEO made a presentation on the Strategic Financial Management Plan 2007-17 advising that the purpose of the Plan is to manage the community’s resources in a more sustainable long term way.
The Director Corporate Services outlined the movement in financial ratios as part of the Plan.
4.2 Public Question Time
Electors were encouraged to take the opportunity to raise questions about the Town’s performance over the past twelve months.
Mr Malcolm Turner, 39 Devon Road, Bassendean
Mr Turner referred to the Town’s playground areas and asked whether Council would be prepared to replace the current “soft fall” – white sand, (which gets very hot in the Summer weather) with rubberised matting. Mr Turner further requested that the rubbish including broken glass, dirty nappies, faeces, leaves and roots also be removed from these areas.
The Director Operational Services advised that the Town has an extensive programme of routine maintenance for sandpits. The CEO advised that the adoption of the open space strategy may allow for parks of a district and regional status to have rubberised matting, but some small local parks would have a lower priority and may never have rubber soft fall installed.
Mrs Anne Beck, 150 Whitfield Street, Bassendean
Mrs Beck referred to all the urban infill that is currently happening and asked what policy exists with regard to the retention of mature trees.
The Manager Development Services advised that Council encourages people to retain trees, however, this policy position cannot be enforced. The new Town Planning Scheme No. 10, however, gives Council the power to make tree preservation orders on selected trees.
Mr John Cox, 182 Walter Road, Bassendean
Mr Cox asked if Council could investigate problems associated with traffic management and parking in Kenny Street. He further requested that the shrubs on Old Perth Road be cut back to enable better visibility to traffic, the possibility of a stop sign being erected at Northmoor Road be looked into and expressed concern over the poor visibility at the intersection of Wicks Street and Morley Drive.
The Director Operational Services advised that discussions are continuing with the adjacent property owner in Kenny Street with regards to parking arrangements. Whilst he acknowledged the large volume of traffic using Kenny Street to access Guildford Road, he advised that this is a normal situation when trying to access a main road. An application has been made to Main Roads through black spot funding for the intersection of Wicks Street and Morley Drive and it is anticipated that some funding will be forthcoming shortly to complete some work there, at which time the problem of the vegetation will also be looked at.
Whilst the erection of a stop sign would be a decision of Main Roads, the Director Operational Services undertook to investigate the current signage in place to ascertain if a stop sign would be more appropriate.
Mr Laurence Travers, 69 West Road, Bassendean
Mr Travers asked Council why the General Elector’s Meeting was held in February, during the very hot weather when community members are less likely to attend, when it used to be held in October. He also referred to the photos of Councillors and one of the Directors being out of date.
The Mayor advised that the photographs in the Annual Report are of the previous Council and include the former Director Corporate Services as it is a report for the period 2006/07. The new Councillors and Director Corporate Services will appear in the 2007/08 Annual Report.
The CEO further advised that the meeting has been held in February for some time, however, consideration could be given to bringing it forward. A lot of work is involved in producing the Annual Report and completing the financials, however, there could be a possibility of having it return to either October or November.
Mr Don Yates, 10 Thompson Road, Bassendean
Mr Yates referred to the Strategic Plan and Financial Plan over the next ten years based on a population of 14,500 and asked for Council’s guesstimate of what the population will be in ten years time and what steps will be taken to get there.
The Manager Development Services took the question on notice.
Mrs Jenny MacLachlan, 3 Prowse Street, Bassendean
Mrs MacLachlan expressed concern at the poor state of the centre of Bassendean having noted a dumped bag of rubbish on the side of the road that was not collected for three days. She further referred to the state of some roads that had burned rubber marks from tyres and asked if Council could arrange to have them cleaned.
The Director Operational Services advised that a programme is in place that ensures that Old Perth Road is swept three times per week. The Town does not generally remove burned rubber from tyres and the Mayor pointed out that it would not be acceptable to hose roads down given the current water situation.
Mr Bob Johnson, 25 Third Avenue, Bassendean
Mr Johnson asked what the Town is doing in conjunction with the Police with regard to monitoring speeding vehicles using Anzac Terrace.
The Mayor advised that the traffic management solution intended for Anzac Terrace had been overwhelmingly rejected by the community.
The Director Operational Services advised that following a successful funding application to State Government, the Town has the use of a speed trailer which records the average speed in the streets in which it is placed. Using this data, the Police are kept informed of the trouble spots, which they then can set up their radar guns, with a view to reducing the amount of speeding vehicles.
Mr Bill Dreyer, 31 Naunton Crescent, Eden Hill
Mr Dreyer queried whether Council has addressed the problems identified in last year’s General Meeting of Electors Minutes with regard to the ageing infrastructure and financial management issues, and how is it being addressed.
The CEO advised that Council is looking at managing its assets on a long term basis. It has set up an Asset Management Taskforce and has employed an Asset Management Officer, which is a new position. Council has adopted an Asset Management Framework and policies in this regard and is looking at every item of infrastructure that the Town has so that they can be registered. Council can then look at the best way to fund them going forward. The CEO acknowledged that generally, Councils have not done it well in the past and the Town of Bassendean is no exception.
The Mayor further advised that the recent Sustainability Study indicated that ageing infrastructure is a huge problem across the nation.
Mr Dreyer asked why maintenance not been carried out and in many cases was in arrears.
The CEO advised that all Councils in the last 20 – 30 years could have done this better and the Town is aiming to do better in the future.
Mr Bill Bate, 87 West Road, Bassendean
Mr Bate expressed concern at the state of the uneven footpath in Whitfield Street on which his wife fell two years ago and broke her arm. Whilst having reported this to Council, footpaths in various areas of Bassendean have not improved. In addition, Mr Bate had asked that an old tree also be removed which, to date has not been done. Mr Bate asked when Council planned to rectify these situations.
Mr Bate further referred to previous “Big Day Out” events over past years and the disgraceful state in which the Town was left as a result. He further expressed concern at the forthcoming planned event in March at Steel Blue Oval and the lack of community consultation in this regard.
The Mayor advised that there had been considerable consultation on this event and it cannot be compared to past Big Day Out events, as it will be on a much smaller scale and attract a different range of people.
The Director Operational Services advised that with regard to footpaths, an audit of the Town’s footpaths is taken biannually and to his knowledge, the previous audit indicated that all outstanding works have been completed, however, he will speak to staff tomorrow with regard to this particular issue.
The Director Community Development advised that in regards to the forthcoming festival at Steel Blue Oval, community consultation was sought as to how many events held at Steel Blue Oval the community saw as appropriate. Every household within one kilometre of the ground was surveyed. 300 responses were received. In answer to the question “do you support the oval being used for more than two non conforming noise events”, 90% were positive. The Big Day Out event held in 2001 was a major event attracting 28,000 to 30,000 people and significant measures have been taken to ensure rubbish collection is a major consideration at future events, as a result of what happened.
Mr Geoffrey Fairclough, 62 Whitfield Street, Bassendean
Mr Fairclough queried what Council is doing to ensure that the cycle path between Bassendean and Bayswater is completed within a reasonable amount of time.
The Mayor advised that the City of Bayswater is responsible for the cycle path up to Tonkin Highway and the Town of Bassendean would then lobby Government for funding to complete the remainder. The Mayor invited Mr Martin Whitely, MLA to provide some further comments in this regard.
Mr Whitely advised that the original costs were substantial, however, the City of Bayswater was able to reduce the estimated cost if it completed the work in-house. Accordingly, Mr Whitely is optimistic of obtaining Government funding as a result of it being demonstrated that it can be completed at a much lower cost in-house.
Mrs Val Dreyer, 31 Naunton Crescent, Eden Hill
Mrs Dreyer expressed concern at the lack of advertising in the Town for the General Meeting of Electors and asked who is responsible for the decision of what advertising is displayed on signage and where these signs are placed. In addition, Mrs Dreyer expressed her view that the General Meeting of Electors should not be held early February with the commencement of the school year, believing late February would be a better alternative.
The Mayor noted Mrs Dreyer’s comments with regard to the signage, however, advised that the meeting was advertised in the Bassendean Briefings, the local paper and on the website in addition to street signage. The Mayor also advised that Council will consider a change of date for the General Electors Meeting.
Mr Malcolm Turner, 39 Devon Road, Bassendean
Mr Turner referred to the matter of ageing infrastructure and asked when the Masonic Hall will be demolished and the land used for useful purposes.
The Mayor advised that the Town is not at liberty to demolish the Masonic Hall due to its heritage listing.
Mr Bill Bate, 87 West Road, Bassendean
Mr Bate referred to the Town’s pocket parks and asked if it was a Council decision to sell them and if so, why.
The Mayor advised that a Consultant was engaged to ascertain whether the Town was oversupplied with underused public open space. A Special Meeting of Electors was called and the community made it known which parks they wished to retain.
The Manager Development Services advised that the Tonkin Park would be transferred to the Railway Society and the vast majority of parks would be retained.
The Manager Development Services added that the public open space under question equated to less than 1%.
Mr Lawrence Travers, 69 West Road, Bassendean
Mr Travers expressed his opinion that the Town’s footpaths are safe.
Mr Travers referred to the accounts in which the Auditors remuneration involved other services. He acknowledged that the contract is between Councillors and the Audit firm, but believes if they provide other services, it should be through Councillors and not the CEO because it could be seen as a major conflict of interest.
The CEO advised that 2-3 years ago, legislation was changed requiring Council to set up an Internal Audit Committee as well as being externally audited. He acknowledged that the report had been poorly worded because the only other work performed was by Council appointment and not through the CEO. Council has also decided that having the same firm doing both audits is not acceptable and a further safeguard in this regard has been taken, with a different accounting firm now appointed for internal audit purposes.
Mr John Cox, 182 Walter Road, Bassendean
Mr Cox asked when Council is going to perform rectification work on the brick paving at the western end of Old Perth Road, advising of a gentleman falling recently and injuring his knee.
The Mayor advised that this matter would be taken on notice, however, allowed The Director Operational Services to respond as follows.
The Director Operational Services advised that he is aware that a community member had fallen and staff had visited the area and performed some restoration work to some of the brick paving. It is an ongoing issue to maintain a level surface for brick paving and the CEO advised that it is a catch 22 situation, whereby if the Town Centre Area Strategy comes through, and there is new development, that would be the best time to spend money on repairing these areas. Council needs to consider the best use of ratepayers funds in this regard.
Mr Don Yates, 10 Thompson Road, Bassendean
Mr Yates referred to the Hames Sharley Streetscape Plan introduced two years ago and queried the current progress in relation to footpaths and tree pruning.
The Director Operational Services advised that Hames Sharley made a presentation, providing an update to Council in the December round of meetings. The Plan is progressing, however, is a comprehensive set of documents. The Plan includes a new street tree master plan which is comprehensive in identifying the structural integrity and health of trees in the Town and makes recommendations to Council as to which trees should be retained and the types of new trees that should be planted. Hames Sharley will also be presenting a series of new policies to Council for consideration which will be used as part of TPS No. 10 when adopted.
The anticipated completion time is within the next couple of months.
Mrs Fran Phelan, 15 River Street, Bassendean
Mrs Phelan referred to the Seniors Survey to which the Town has had no response. Mrs Phelan asked when the results are likely to be available.
The Director Community Development indicated that intensive analysis of the results has taken place. A report has been compiled and he will ensure that it is distributed widely in the near future.
Mrs Phelan queried whether the Town has enough gardeners with many gardens in a poor state, and made particular reference to complaints from the Hyde Retirement Village with regard to its gardens.
The Director Operational Services advised that indications are that staff numbers are suitable, following a recent review of Asset Services. If there is an issue regarding the quality of gardening at Hyde Retirement Village and throughout the Town, however, he will look into it.
Mr Don Yates, 10 Thompson Road, Bassendean
Mr Yates referred to the carbon neutral programme for vehicles of the Town of Bassendean and asked if it could be linked to some of the tree growing programs and instead of the current program, use the dollars for planting and growing trees in Bassendean. He further thanked Council, staff and the community for the 2008 tree growing programme through the Bassendean Preservation Group.
Mr Bill Bate, 87 West Road, Bassendean
Mr Bate queried whether it is Council or Contractors that prune the Town’s trees and expressed concern that pruners are taking all branches from trees, not only the ones in close proximity of powerlines, which is adversely effecting the blossoms and bird life. He asked if Council could consider a pruning program in winter so that the trees are left to flower naturally during Spring.
The Director Operational Services advised that timing comes down to number of trees in the Town and that there are some trees that need pruning at certain times of the year. He undertook, however, to reconsider the programme with a view to changing the timing where possible.
5.0 CLOSURE
Members of the public were invited to partake of light refreshments at the conclusion of the meeting.
There being no further business, the Mayor closed the meeting, the time being 8.30pm.
