For more information and appendices for each item, view the Council Meeting Agenda above.
The below summary is unconfirmed until the Minutes of the April Meeting are accepted by Council.
1. Opening Prayer & Original Custodians Statement
2. Apologies
None
3. Confirmation of Minutes
That the Minutes of the Scheduled Meeting of Council held on 6 March 2023 be confirmed. (7-0).
4. Declaration by Councillors and Officers of any Conflict of Interest in any Item on the Agenda
None
5. Mayoral Presentation
6. Public Question Time
7.1. LOCAL GOVERNMENT INSPECTORATE LETTER
At the Audit and Risk Committee meeting, an update was sought on issues being investigated by the Local Government Inspectorate. A search of Council’s records has revealed that in June 2022 the Local Government Inspectorate wrote to the former CEO in relation to their investigation into the reappointment of Vikki King as Director Community Development.
In summary, the Inspectorate advised that following their investigation, they had concluded that Vikki King has not undertaken any unlawful activities and that no breach or offence of the Local Government Act had occurred - refer attached letter – Attachment 1.
The Local Government Inspectorate made 5 recommendations. Four of the recommendations related to improvements to Council policy and process. The fifth recommendation stated that: “the recommendations in this letter should be tabled at the next open Council meeting”. This recommendation was not acted upon and was not reported to an open meeting of Council.
From a governance and transparency perspective, this matter is now being brought to Council.
It is considered that four recommendations of the Inspectorate in relation to policy and process are not unreasonable and will be actioned.
Council supported the following recommendations (7-0):
1. That Council note the letter from the Local Government Inspectorate.
2. Request management to implement relevant recommendations.
3. Direct the CEO to inform that Local Government Inspectorate that the letter has been tabled and recommendations will be implemented.
7.2. APPOINTMENT OF AUDIT AND RISK COMMITTEE CHAIRPERSON
The Audit and Risk Committee is an independent advisory committee established under section 54 of the Local Government Act 2020.
A vacancy in the chairperson position recently opened due to the appointment of the previous incumbent as an employee with Council and subsequent resignation.
The Audit and Risk Committee charter states that Council must appoint the chairperson.
Council supported the following recommendation (7-0):
That Kevin Leddin be appointed as the chairperson of the Warrnambool City Council Audit and Risk Committee.
7.3. CONTRACT EXTENSION - MEALS ON WHEELS SERVICEPLANNING AND ENVIRONMENT ACT 1987
In February 2021, Council entered into a 2 year contract with South West Healthcare (SWH) for the supply and deliver of meals for the Meals on Wheels program. In the 24 months since then, SWH has delivered over 41,000 meals at a total cost of $452,971 (average of $11.04 p/meal).
This contract, which expires on the 5 April 2023, has provision for a 2 x 1 year extension (Clause 2.2.2 Extension of Contract – the Council’s option) which should be exercised three months before the contract expires. In line with customer demand and limited service delivery alternatives, and the high quality of the service received to date, discussions with SWH have taken place regarding the extension of the contract.
South West Healthcare has in-principle agreed to the extension obligations for a further 15 months.
With reference to the current arrangement under the Commonwealth Home Support Program, Council is funded to 30 June 2024 to provide the service therefore it would be prudent for Council to extend the current contract for the next fifteen months, instead of going to market.
Council supported the following recommendation (7-0):
That Council endorses the extension of the Meals on Wheels procurement contract which is due to expire on 5 April 2023 to 30 June 2024.
7.4. ADVISORY COMMITTEE REPORTS
This report contains the record of one Reference Group Meeting.
1. Warrnambool Airport Reference Group – 21 February 2023 – refer Attachment 1, noting Item 5, commentary on Development Plan and Strategy, Item 9, commentary on Wind Farm Developments and Item 14, commentary on future development.
Council received the report (7-0).
7.5 INFORMAL MEETINGS OF COUNCIL REPORTS
Section 80A(2) of the Local Government Act 1989 required the record of an Assembly of Councillors to be reported at an ordinary Council meeting.
Assembly of Councillor Records are no longer a requirement in the Local Government Act 2020 as of 24 October 2020. However, under Council’s Governance Rules, a summary of the matters discussed at the meeting are required to be tabled at the next convenient Council meeting and recorded in the minutes of that Council meeting.
The record of the following Informal Meetings of Council are enclosed:-
Tuesday 14 March 2023 –refer Attachment 1.
Monday 21 March 2023 – refer Attachment 2.
Monday 28 March 2023 – refer Attachment 3.
Council received the report (7-0).
7.6 MAYORAL & CHIEF EXECUTIVE COUNCIL ACTIVITIES – SUMMARY REPORT
Council received the report (7-0).
8. Notice of Motion
9. General Business
10. Urgent Business
11. Close of Meeting