Town of Bassendean: Minutes

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TOWN of BASSENDEAN

MINUTES

GENERAL MEETING OF ELECTORS

(Local Government Act 1995)

HELD IN THE BASSENDEAN COMMUNITY HALL,

48 OLD PERTH ROAD, BASSENDEAN

ON TUESDAY 15 DECEMBER 2009, AT 7.00PM

His Worship the Mayor, Cr John Gangell, opened the meeting at 7.00pm and welcomed all those in attendance.

The Mayor introduced all Councillors and Officers of the Town.

1.0 ATTENDANCES & APOLOGIES

Present

Councillors

His Worship the Mayor, Cr John Gangell

Cr Sam Piantadosi, Deputy Mayor

Cr Anne Brinkworth

Cr Michelle Stubbs

Cr Lynda Butler

Cr Gerry Pule

Cr Don Yates

Cr Kara Collins (from 7.20pm)

Cr Mike Lewis (until 8.00pm)

Officers

Mr Bob Jarvis CEO

Mr Simon Stewert-Dawkins Director Operational Services

Mr Mike Costarella Director Corporate Development

Mr Graeme Haggart Director Community Development

Mr Phil Baker Manager Seniors & Disability Services

Mr Brian Reed Manager Development Services

Mrs Cathy Muraszko Minutes Secretary

Public

Approximately 50 members of the public were in attendance.

Press

No members of the press were in attendance.

Apologies

Mr Martin Whitely, MLA

2.0 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.

3.0 RECEIVING OF THE ANNUAL REPORT INCLUDING THE ANNUAL FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND AUDITOR’S REPORT

Annual Report

Copies of the Annual Report, including the audited Financial Statements and Audit Report, were available to electors fourteen days prior to the meeting, distributed through the Bassendean Briefings and were also accessible on the Town’s website.

GME – 1/12/09 MOVED Mr John Cox, Seconded Mr Laurence Travis, that the Annual Report be received and accepted.

CARRIED

4.0 GENERAL BUSINESS

Electors were encouraged to take the opportunity to raise questions of the Mayor and Senior Officers of Council.

Mr John Cox, 182 Walter Road, Bassendean

Mr Cox expressed concern at the tree pruning in the Town and suggested that some trees need to be left to grow. He further referred to residue along the cycle track which following several reports to Council, still requires cleaning up. Mr Cox asked Council to ensure their maintenance and cleaning practices are performed as they should be.

Mr Cox also referred to general traffic problems in the Town, particularly “hooning” and drivers ignoring stop signs and asked that something be done to address this.

The Mayor referred to tree pruning and assured Mr Cox that the matter is being investigated following several complaints. The traffic management issues raised would also be taken on board.

Roger Wright, 2 Wilson Street, Bassendean

Mr Wright, on behalf of St Mark’s Anglican Church, asked the following questions with regard to parking restrictions on Wilson Street.

What is the process for changing street parking in the Town of Bassendean?
Can you tell us if full Council approval is required and if so when, if not, why?
If full Council approval is not required can you please provide the Statute, law, rule or LGA regulation?
What was the reason for placing “NO STOPPING” (on the roadway) and “NO PARKING” signs on very small posts on the West side of No. 2 Wilson Street?
Is Council aware that no discussion was held with the users of No. 2 Wilson Street?
The biggest restriction in Wilson Street is at the corner of “Old Perth Rd”. Parking is allowed on both sides of the road there.
The bus travels in only one direction along Wilson St at hourly intervals. Why put “No Stopping” on both sides of the road?
Studies have shown that when parking on both sides of the road have been stopped, the speed that drivers proceed increases as they do not require to drive with caution.

The Mayor advised that a report will be coming back to Council with regard to the future of parking of Wilson Street and asked the CEO to report further.

The CEO apologised for not having spoken to the Church prior to making any changes to parking in Wilson Street. Changes were made following a complaint from a resident who over a long period of time, had experienced difficulty getting out of his driveway safely. Following a report from Rangers, it became apparent that the parking arrangements did not comply with the Traffic Code. Where there is a perceived risk, he has delegated authority to take some action. He is now aware that the decision has impacted dramatically on the Church and is undertaking to have the matter reviewed. The report to Council will be tabled at the January OCM and will be in consultation with the residents of Wilson Street including the Church and the police.

Steve Keogh, 103 Guildford Road, Bassendean

Mr Keogh referred to speeding, drunken hoons and mobile phone users whilst driving vehicles that are regularly on his street and suggested that Bassendean be made a 40 km/h zone throughout the Town.

Mr Keogh further asked where Council are with the Ashfield Plan?

The CEO advised that the above traffic matters should be raised directly with the police, however was happy to pass on such serious complaints to the police himself, if they are made in writing. The CEO further advised that the Town has recently received a grant specifically for more traffic devices. He acknowledged that Guildford Road has a lot of traffic issues and was able to seek a 40 km/h zone within Bassendean if the change was supported by Council.

The Mayor advised that it is his belief that 50 km/h is the standard speed for all local roads, however, a request could be made to the Minister following Council approval.

The Manager Development Services advised that the Ashfield Plan has been adopted by the Town of Bassendean, City of Bayswater and the WA Planning Commission. The next two stages include a Memorandum of Understanding regarding the border issues with Bayswater and dialogue with residents of Ashfield about densities.

Mr Keogh suggested that the residents of Bassendean be included in this dialogue as well and expressed disappointment that neither impact studies or an EPA report has been undertaken, both of which should have been done before 1 July 2009.

Mr Keogh also expressed concern about the train horns in the early hours of the morning which are disturbing the peace and queried whether these comply with noise regulations. He requested that noise monitors be placed on the lines and the PTA prosecuted if they are found to be breaking the law.

Valda Rose, 21 Chapman Street, Bassendean

Ms Rose referred to traffic safety issues, particularly when crossing to the train station and requested that there be more monitoring of Guildford Road traffic, including the installation of a camera at the intersection.

The CEO advised that the intersection is monitored by Main Roads and they would be responsible for installing a camera. The Town can raise this with Main Roads, along with many other traffic issues on the list. The CEO advised that Main Roads are, however, currently conducting studies into the intersections of Collier Road & Guildford Road & the possibility of a right hand turn into Old Perth Road from Guildford Road outside of peak hour.

Ms Rose further referred to the Cyril Jackson Recreation Centre and the anti social behaviour and litter problems during and after functions there.

The Director Community Development advised that there has been correspondence from the Town to the Cyril Jackson Management Committee regarding these issues which are being addressed. He further added that as a consequence of many similar concerns, Council amended the fees and charges schedule for functions and included a requirement for hirers to provide security.

Merle Andrews, Calnon Street, Bassendean

Ms Andrews expressed concern at not being about to get out of her street during football season with parking allowed on both sides of the street, and suggested that perhaps that a 2 hour parking restriction on one side of Wilson Street could be the answer to Council’s problems in this regard.

Noel Berry, 34 Dorothy Street, Ashfield

Mr Berry referred to the gradual decrease in the meals on wheels service and asked whether this may be due to lack of advertising. He further suggested that the volunteers have a back up in case of absence.

The Director Community Development advised that the numbers involved in Meals on Wheels has decreased in recent years, however, this is a trend throughout Perth. Whilst it remains a very valued service and provides great contact opportunities for people, other options now exist, such as home cooked meals provided in the home of aged residents or opportunities to go shopping and assistance provided in purchasing meals, which the aged can cook themselves.

With regard to advertising for additional clients, the Town has a newsletter that goes out to everyone registered for HACC which is about 600 families in the Town. The Director Community Development undertook to ensure that Mr Berry is on the list. Volunteering is recognised as a strength of the Bassendean community and Council has accordingly, employed a full-time volunteer co-ordinator and established a volunteer centre.

Mr Berry further expressed concern at the number of broken down cars left idle on properties and asked that the Rangers take note of this and possibly do something about it.

The CEO advised that Rangers generally act on complaints from public. In some instances, there may be some provision under Local Government Act to take action and the CEO confirmed that he has signed off on a number of these orders since starting.

Janine O’Shea, 11 Claughton Way, Bassendean

Ms O’Shea, on behalf of the residents of Claughton Way, raised the matter of Foundation Housing planned for this street and asked for an extension of time for the public to lodge objections and make enquiries.

The Manager Development Services advised that he could see no reason why the deadline could not be extended by another week, following which a report will go to Council which will include all public comments.

Resident, Margaret Street, Ashfield

A resident of Margaret Street, Ashfield, expressed fear following a recent attempted break-in to her house by the residents of the State Housing dwelling next door. The resident further outlined the ongoing anti-social behaviour that she is subjected to, and advised that she has lodged a complaint with the Real Estate company, but was seeking support and advice from Council in rectifying this problem.

The CEO advised that the responsibilities lie with both the Department for Housing and the Police. They require sufficient evidence from the public to build a case for eviction. Council is powerless in this regard, however, is happy to support residents by way of providing a letter of support to accompany written complaints. The CEO stressed that such written complaints must be constant and include facts and police reports. He further added that the Police should also respond directly to the Department of Housing if repeated offences occur at any one of their properties.

Ms Marian Arundel, 20 French Street, Ashfield

Ms Arundel advised that she is the owner of an idle car, which whilst unregistered, is parked at the side of her house in a carport, almost out of public view. Rangers recently left a note to say that its presence was offensive to the neighbours and it had to be removed. Ms Arundel expressed her view that this action is unfair when there are many residents of the Town who do not take any pride or care of their property’s appearance which is on full view to the public and asked if some consideration could be given to her keeping the car there.

The CEO took note of Ms Arundel’s address and undertook to investigate the matter.

Mr Bill Busby, Ashfield Soccer Club

Mr Busby referred to the bore pump at Ashfield Reserve and expressed disappointment at the delays in having it completely fixed, which has now resulted in a massive repair job having to be undertaken. He further referred to the proposed treatment of the turf, which following many attempts and offers to provide volunteers to assist, has still not been started. Mr Busby was expressed further disappointment and concern at the state of the reserve which he often, together with his volunteers, cleans up and asked why Council had made these promises if they could not keep them.

The CEO advised that he has instructed staff that they must deliver a better playing surface than what was provided last year. He advised that Parramatta grass is very difficult to deal with and there has been an infestation of it at Ashfield Oval. A solution was trialled at Bassendean Oval, however, with limited success. The CEO has a copy of best practice guide for Parramatta Grass and it is a declared weed in Eastern States. Gaps have been sewn between the grass which is one suggested method to manage the problem. The poison previously used is no longer available due to associated health & environmental risks. The CEO confirmed that he will continue to work on the problem.

Mr Busby advised that the Club has been broken into again with damage & theft repairs in the thousands of dollars. Mr Busby expressed the view that the Club receives little support from the Town and State Government and that offenders need to be named and shamed. The absence of lighting is a problem and the Club cannot afford cameras, security or lighting themselves.

The CEO advised that the Ashfield Community Centre has been broken into three times this year as well. With regard to lighting on Ashfield Reserve, Council has made provision in the budget to install lighting there and this will be toped up by a Solar City Grant. An application has also been made for cameras for various hot spot locations and also for ranger vehicles as a way of gaining evidence, however, whilst cameras can be effective, it must be remembered that often offenders not always punished appropriately.

Mr Gary Butler, 20 Haig Street, Ashfield

Mr Butler referred to the Department of Housing and Works as being a disgrace, if they do not take action on behalf of the victims in Ashfield. He referred to Ashfield now being a second rate suburb as a result. He urged Council to provide “hard” letters in this regard to the appropriate government departments and fight to protect their residents. He urged the implementation of the Ashfield Precinct Plan as soon as possible.

Hendrich Benz - 9 Parnell Parade, Bassendean

Mr Benz referred to road safety and bike usage and expressed the view that he believes the Town is not applying for as many grants as are available to them and urged them to lodge funding applications where possible.

The CEO advised that the Town was ruled ineligible for the recent bike grant as they are not considered to be a high enough unemployment risk. The CEO further advised that a joint application through EMRC has been made for the bike program.

Mr Benz suggested that the Town look at bike traffic around schools and further encouraged the Town to be active in looking for grant opportunities and apply for them.

The CEO confirmed that the Town applies for virtually all funding grants and to date have been quite successful.

Mr John Sutherland, 33 Anzac Tce, Bassendean

Mr Sutherland queried why the Town does not have road humps in side streets, with the exception of West Road.

The CEO advised that the Town has just received funding for road traffic calming speed humps.

Mr Sutherland complimented Council on the Streetscape Plan, however, with regard to planting iconic trees, suggested native Australian plants, as opposed to exotic weeds like Jacarandas and Cape Lilacs, be considered.

Mr Sutherland further queried why the Mayor had not mentioned his predecessor in his report and requested that he make a public apology if this was an oversight, and acknowledge the former Mayor for her many years of service.

The Mayor assured the ratepayers that this oversight was in no way malicious and he had presented the former Mayor with a plaque at the last OCM acknowledging her many years of service and thanking her for her contribution. The Mayor further advised that he was pleased to see Mrs Klein’s continuing involvement with the Town’s Committees and her regular attendance at Council meetings.

John Cox, 182 Walter Road, Bassendean

Mr Cox referred to the increase of pollution in the Swan River and requested that Council take some action to ensure that it is looked after.

Mr Cox also agreed there is a strong need to do something about criminal behaviour, particularly with regard to repeat offenders.

The CEO advised that he has met with the Mayor & CEO of the City of Bayswater and together they have agreed to look at much closer co-operation, particularly with regard to water and drainage. They are also looking at a joint project including foreshore remediation.

Sue Bayne, 80 North Road, Bassendean

Ms Bayne was pleased to see a traffic calming plan introduced and was hopeful that it includes North Road.

Ms Bayne referred to the resident in Wilson Street who’s complaints had resulted in the introduction of traffic restrictions and asked how long the resident had lived there, and whether there might have been a possibility that the CEO had been an little overzealous in the expediency in which this matter was addressed. Ms Bayne suggested that perhaps a process should have been followed in making this decision.

The CEO explained that the gentleman in question had spoken to Council on a number of occasions over several years, to no avail. He again expressed regret about the lack of consultation with the Church and highlighted his commitment to review the situation and provide a report to Council.

Merle Andrews, 14/6 Calnon Street, Bassendean

Ms Andrews advised that she takes exception to Ashfield being referred to as second rate by Mr Butler.

Mr Laurence Travis, 69 West Road, Bassendean

Mr Travis referred to cycling and encouraged residents to explore the roads to find the best ones for cycling, as there are many roads in the Town that are No Through Roads and as such, less busy.

Mrs Fran Phelan, 15 River Street, Bassendean

Mrs Phelan expressed concern at the number of cars not stopping at stop signs and suggested that the Rangers could patrol this.

Mr Alan Deering, Hardy Road, Ashfield

Mr Deering suggested that Council lobby State Government to re-open what was previously the Swan Valley Noongar Camp with a view to housing the anti-social element of the Town.

The CEO advised that a plan for redevelopment of the Pyrton Site is expected early in 2010, 20% of which will be for residential (to be confirmed) and the rest for parkland and an interpretive centre. The public will be asked to comment.

Mr Deering further expressed the view with regard to traffic calming devices, that speed humps are the only effective measure.

The CEO confirmed that the Anti-hoon funding will be used for the installation of speed humps.

Cr Anne Brinkworth, Town of Bassendean

Cr Brinkworth reminded the public that Councillors cannot offer any opinion tonight but can only listen, however, they should be assured that Councillors do take all questions and comments on board.

Ms Trish O’Connor, Ivanhoe Street, Bassendean

Ms O’Connor endorsed the church’s argument on parking and referred to the Seniors’ carpark which used to have allocated parking bays, however ,the sign was taken away. Ms O’Connor requested the Town consider giving the Seniors’ Centre exclusive use of the 5 bays in the carpark along the verge and to return the sign.

The Mayor agreed to have this request considered and advised that a parking plan for whole of the Town will be looked at in the near future.

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, His Worship the Mayor closed the meeting, the time being 8.50pm.