All items were carried by all Councillors without questions or debate (policies of interest below) :
8.1. Electric Vehicle Policy MOTION: CR SAHANA RAMESH / CR JASMINE HILL
that Council: 1. Adopt the Electric Vehicle Policy 2. Undertake an annual review of the Electric Vehicle policy. (CARRIED)
It was pointed out that there was low resident feedback, battery disposal was not added, council should not be playing an educational role in electric vehicle use.
10.1. Proposed Annual Plan and Budget 2024-25
MOTION: CR ADELE HEGEDICH / CR MIA SHAW That Council resolve: 1. That in accordance with Section 94 of the Local Government Act 2020 and Section 7 and 8 of the Local Government (Planning & Reporting) Regulations 2020, Council notes the proposed Annual Plan and Budget 2024-25 for the period 1 July 2024 to 30 June 2025. 2. That the Proposed Annual Plan and Budget 2024-25 be placed on public exhibition for community feedback from 25 April 2024 to 26 May 2024 before it is finally adopted, after consideration of public submissions and comments, at the Council Meeting on 25 June 2024. (CARRIED)
It was noted that there were serious concerns that there was no money for all areas of the city. Like no money for Little River or older areas like Hoppers Crossing. Huge traffic congestion issues not addressed. There is no equal spending between suburbs and there should be as we all pay the same rates.
Why isn't council cutting costs. Around 40% of the expenses are for staff costs.
10.3. Learning Community Strategy 2024-2029
At the Council meeting held on 26 March 2024, this matter was adjourned to the Council meeting on 23 April 2024. At the Council meeting on 26 March 2024, the officer recommendation as printed, was moved by CR ROBERT SZATKOWSKI and seconded by CR ADELE HEGEDICH. This is the current motion before the meeting. MOTION: CR ROBERT SZATKOWSKI / CR ADELE HEGEDICH That Council: 1. Note the feedback received during the public exhibition period of the development of the Learning Community Strategy 2024-2029. 2. Note the consultation with community members and stakeholders and thank those who gave their time, shared insights, and participated in the engagement. 3. Adopt the final version of the Learning Community Strategy 2024- 2029.
PROCEDURAL MOTION: CR JOSH GILLIGAN / CR MIA SHAW That the motion be now put. (CARRIED)
It was pointed out that this policy was skewed more towards only one race and it was passed anyway.
MOTION: CR ROBERT SZATKOWSKI / CR ADELE HEGEDICH MINUTES 23/04/2024
That Council: 1. Note the feedback received during the public exhibition period of the development of the Learning Community Strategy 2024-2029. 2. Note the consultation with community members and stakeholders and thank those who gave their time, shared insights, and participated in the engagement. 3. Adopt the final version of the Learning Community Strategy 2024- 2029. (CARRIED)
CR MIA SHAW CALLED FOR A DIVISION ON THE VOTE. The DIVISION was taken and the names of the Councillors voting FOR and AGAINST were as follows:
FOR
CR SAHANA RAMESH
CR JASMINE HILL
CR MARCEL MAHFOUD
CR SUSAN McINTYRE
CR ADELE HEGEDICH
CR PETER MAYNARD
CR ROBERT SZATKOWSKI
CR HEATHER MARCUS
CR JENNIE BARRERA TOTAL (9)
AGAINST
CR JOSH GILLIGAN
CR MIA SHAW TOTAL (2)
(CARRIED)
The behaviour of the staff was better at this meeting.
But it should be noted that all policies and reports were passed without much discussion or debate.
Residents are always reminded that this is a public meeting that we are not allowed to engage in.
See for yourself:
https://wyndham.civicclerk.com.au/web/Player.aspx?id=518&key=-1&mod=-1&mk=-1&nov=0
All items were carried by all Councillors without questions or debate except for :
7. Strategic Reports
7.1. Learning Community Strategy 2024-2029
MOTION: CR ROBERT SZATKOWSKI / CR ADELE HEGEDICH
That Council: 1. Note the feedback received during the public exhibition period of the development of the Learning Community Strategy 2024-2029.
2. Note the consultation with community members and stakeholders and thank those who gave their time, shared insights, and participated in the engagement.
3. Adopt the final version of the Learning Community Strategy 2024- 2029.
ALTERNATE MOTION: CR JOSH GILLIGAN / CR MIA SHAW
That Council: 1. Note the feedback received during the public exhibition period of the development of the Learning Community Strategy 2024-2029.
2. Note the consultation with community members and stakeholders and thank those who gave their time, shared insights, and participated in the engagement.
3. Adopt the final version of the Indigenous Learning Community Strategy 2024-2026. All corresponding titles and content referring to a Wyndham Learning Community Strategy be adjusted to reflect that the strategy is an Indigenous Learning Community Strategy in accordance with the intent of this resolution.
They wanted to add the word indigenous to show that the strategy’s emphasis on First Nations education, a focus that has drawn sharp criticism for allocating a disproportionate amount of resources to a small fraction of the population. Especially when this learning strategy is meant to be for all residents. Councillors just could not see that choosing one race over all others was not in the best interest of all residents. It was not inclusive, but divisive.
COUNCILLOR MIA SHAW CALLED FOR A DIVISION ON THE VOTE.
The DIVISION was taken and the names of the Councillors voting FOR and AGAINST were as follows: FOR
CR JOSH GILLIGAN
CR HEATHER MARCUS
CR MIA SHAW
CR MARCEL MAHFOUD
AGAINST
CR SAHANA RAMESH
CR JASMINE HILL
CR SUSAN McINTYRE
CR ADELE HEGEDICH
CR PETER MAYNARD
CR ROBERT SZATKOWSKI
CR JENNIE BARRERA
This alternate motion was LOST - voted down. They then reverted back to the original motion.
The meeting reverted to consideration of the motion moved by Cr Robert Szatkowski, seconded by Cr Adele Hegedich.
MOTION: CR ROBERT SZATKOWSKI / CR ADELE HEGEDICH
That Council: 1. Note the feedback received during the public exhibition period of the development of the Learning Community Strategy 2024-2029.
2. Note the consultation with community members and stakeholders and thank those who gave their time, shared insights, and participated in the engagement.
3. Adopt the final version of the Learning Community Strategy 2024- 2029.
PROCEDURAL MOTION: CR JOSH GILLIGAN / CR MIA SHAW
That this matter be adjourned to the Council meeting on 23 April 2024 between 7pm and 8pm. (CARRIED)
They decided to delay the vote on this motion until the next council meeting as there were many questions.
We AGAIN raise serious concerns around the governance and behaviour at Wyndham Council and the continued standards of behaviours during public meetings.
This meeting included some very poor standards of Councillor conduct.
These behaviours are unacceptable.
It was quite obvious that one particular councillor was harrassed and bullied throughout the whole meeting and it was quite unbecoming and no one stepped in to stop it.
We believe further training is required by councillors so they can work together for the good of the residents instead of infighting.
Governance rules were not followed at all times and it was clear that councillors were not familiar with them at all.
See for yourself:
https://wyndham.civicclerk.com.au/web/Player.aspx?id=517&key=-1&mod=-1&mk=-1&nov=0
Check out the local article:
All items were carried by all Councillors without questions or debate except for :
ITEM 1 :
10.5. Enter Into Lease - Unit 2/6 Wallace Avenue Point Cook MOTION: CR JOSH GILLIGAN / CR ADELE HEGEDICH
(CARRIED) COUNCILLOR JOSH GILLIGAN CALLED FOR A DIVISION ON THE VOTE. The DIVISION was taken and the names of the Councillors voting FOR and AGAINST were as follows:
FOR
CR SUSAN McINTYRE CR JOSH GILLIGAN CR ADELE HEGEDICH CR PETER MAYNARD CR JENNIE BARRERA TOTAL (5)
AGAINST
CR SAHANA RAMESH CR JASMINE HILL CR MARCEL MAHFOUD CR HEATHER MARCUS CR ROBERT SZATKOWSKI TOTAL (5)
Due to a tied vote, the Mayor exercised her casting vote. The motion was CARRIED.
Check out the live stream as there was very inappropriate behaviour by councillors during this debate.
It was due to placing a recycling depot near to an animal shelter.
ITEM 2:
11.1. Notice of Motion 638 - Ensuring equity and fairness of legal representation at VCAT over CCP matter
CR ADELE HEGEDICH / CR SUSAN MCINTYRE That in the interests of procedural fairness, that in the matter of Hill v Gilligan et al VCAT reference Z1021/2023 Council fund up to $50k of legal fees for the first respondent, Cr Josh Gilligan.
COUNCILLOR ADELE HEGEDICH CALLED FOR A DIVISION ON THE VOTE. The DIVISION was taken and the names of the Councillors voting FOR and AGAINST were as follows:
FOR
CR ADELE HEGEDICH CR JENNIE BARRERA TOTAL (2 FOR)
AGAINST
CR MARCEL MAHFOUD CR SUSAN McINTYRE CR PETER MAYNARD CR ROBERT SZATKOWSKI CR HEATHER MARCUS CR SAHANA RAMESH TOTAL (6) AGAINST (LOST)
This discussion was to provide public money to Josh Gilligan to fight against the appeal initiated by Jasmine Hill. Jasmine Hill is fighting to clear her name. The council is not a party to the VCAT proceedings.
ITEM 3:
12.3. Awarding of Contract - N400447 - Wyndham East Open Space Maintenance MOTION: CR MARCEL MAHFOUD / CR JASMINE HILL
That Council: 1. Award contract N400447 – Wyndham East Open Space Maintenance to Mickett Services for the initial contract term of three (3) years.
AMENDMENT: CR ROBERT SZATKOWSKI / CR HEATHER MARCUS That Council: 1. Award contract N400447 – Wyndham East Open Space Maintenance to Mickett Services for the initial contract term of one (1) year.
(LOST) COUNCILLOR JOSH GILLIGAN CALLED FOR A DIVISION ON THE VOTE. The DIVISION was taken and the names of the Councillors voting FOR and AGAINST were as follows:
FOR
CR ROBERT SZATKOWSKI CR HEATHER MARCUS CR MARCEL MAHFOUD TOTAL (3)
AGAINST
CR JASMINE HILL CR SUSAN McINTYRE CR JOSH GILLIGAN CR JOSH GILLIGAN CR PETER MAYNARD CR JENNIE BARRERA CR SAHANA RAMESH TOTAL (7) (LOST)
MOTION: CR MARCEL MAHFOUD / CR JASMINE HILL That Council: 1. Award contract N400447 – Wyndham East Open Space Maintenance to Mickett Services for the initial contract term of three (3) years. (CARRIED) COUNCILLOR JOSH GILLIGAN CALLED FOR A DIVISION ON THE VOTE. The DIVISION was taken and the names of the Councillors voting FOR and AGAINST were as follows:
FOR
CR SAHANA RAMESH CR JASMINE HILL CR MARCEL MAHFOUD CR SUSAN McINTYRE CR JOSH GILLIGAN CR ADELE HEGEDICH CR PETER MAYNARD CR JENNIE BARRERA TOTAL (8)
AGAINST
CR ROBERT SZATKOWSKI CR HEATHER MARCUS TOTAL (2) (CARRIED)
They believe that Council should not be contracting all work out and should try to use locals to work in the city. This appeal was lost as all the other councillors did not want to question the status quo.
13. Questions with Notice from Public Gallery and answered by the CEO:
Question 1 According to the Councillor Expense Report 1 July 2023 to 30 September 2023 - one councillor spent a large amount above all other councillors. What was the $5,839.00 used for? And what was the other category for $125.00 regarding? As this was not listed in the report what the expense was for.
Response: The amount of $5,839.00 incurred by Cr Adele Hegedich under the category of Councillor Development /Conferences and Training relates to the Australian Institute of Company Directors (AICD) course (registration for self-paced online version) and AICD annual membership fee. Cr Hegedich chose to complete the course via the self-paced online option which is several thousand dollars cheaper than the face-to- face course format. The $125 reimbursement amount noted for Councillors Hill, Szatkowski, Ramesh and McIntyre is the cost of a ticket to a special Aged Care Event attended by those councillors in their capacity as councillors.
Question 2 In the same report - Council operating revenue increased by 7.7million dollars that was not budgeted for due to increased interest rates for term deposits from banking institutions and some unbudgeted operating grants received. Then total operating expenses was lower by 3.9 million. Where did this extra 11.6 million dollars go towards? Council cried poor and are now delaying capital works projects.
Response: The additional revenue and the reduced expenditure mentioned in your query will be used as follows: • The increased revenue from investment interest relates to funding Council has received or collected in advance and kept in reserves for future capital.
18 projects related to new development areas. This interest is applied to the reserve balances that the interest is earnt from, and is intended to partially offset the impact of inflation from now to when the project can be undertaken. • The additional grants received will be required to fund the specific projects or services related to the purpose of the grant. • The $3.6M in lower (YTD) expenses is a timing variance, which means Council is still expecting the service or the good to be received and expended in this financial year. Please note that 23/24 budget already considers the funding and the funding sources needed for the capital works projects (Page 45-48 of the 23/24 Annual Plan & Budget). However, sometimes there are delays of which Council does not have full control (because of the size of the project, changes in the cost of projects or delays in external approvals and steps) and are not related to a lack of available funding for the originally planned project.
Question 1 What is Council doing about the lake at Presidents Park now that it has been drained and left with unsightly rubbish such as old tyres, rusting metal, and rubbish bins?
Response: The lake at Presidents Park was emptied in 2023 as a result of reoccurring algae growth. The Presidents Park Master Plan identifies opportunities to enhance the lake and surrounds, including developing the circuit path and improving water quality. This component of the Master Plan is part of a package of design works currently funded and being delivered by Council. Council is in consultation with Melbourne Water concerning future inflows into the lake. The design is expected to be completed in 2024, with construction subject to funding. In the meantime, Council has a schedule for removing litter and waste from the lake, as well as dumped rubbish.
Question 2 Why have trees been left to die along the pathway walk along the back of the IGA supermarket in Honour Ave?
Response: A number of trees were recently damaged during the storm event on Tuesday 13 February 2024. As a result, Council is currently working through a backlog of requests that were received reporting tree damage, including the trees at the rear of the IGA in Honour Avenue. The trees that are visibly unhealthy or have been structurally compromised will be removed unfortunately over the coming weeks, and replanted in the latter half of this years planting season, which is between June and September.
We raise serious concerns around the governance and behaviour at Wyndham Council and the continued standards of behaviours during public meetings
This meeting included some very poor standards of Councillor conduct.
This shows a lack of respect for the attention required on the council meeting.
The clear anger and division between the Councillor group is on display.
The councillor group is clearly so consumed with infighting (not debate) that they are not governing effectively.
These behaviours are unacceptable, disrespectful and downright rude.
Check out the following time stamps:
Council Meeting - 27 February 2024 (civicclerk.com.au)
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