Minutes of Ordinary Council Meeting - Thursday, 22 May 2025

Ordinary Council Meeting 22 May 2025

Minutes

PRESENT: Councillor Southwood (Mayor), Councillor Bennison, Councillor Bryla, Councillor Flood, Councillor Greenwell, Councillor Kennedy, Councillor Little, Councillor Roenfeldt and Councillor Taylor.

ALSO PRESENT: Acting General Manager, Acting Director - Corporate Services and Strategy, Director - Planning and Sustainability, Director - Community and Culture, Director - Open Spaces and Infrastructure, Executive Officer to the GM and Minute Taker.

Apologies

Nil

DECLARATIONS OF INTEREST:

Councillor Kennedy declared a significant non-pecuniary interest in Item 5 – Review of Leasing Council Property Policy and the introduction of a Rental Assistance Policy, as she is a co-founder and board member of The Sydney Library of Things which received community grant funding to offset lease payments, plus other support. Councillor Kennedy will leave the Chambers and not debate or vote on this item.

Councillor Bennison declared a significant non-pecuniary interest in Item 5 – Review of Leasing Council Property Policy and the introduction of a Rental Assistance Policy, as he is the auditor of Longueville Sporting Club and Lane Cove Occasional Care which lease Council properties. Councillor Bennison will leave the Chambers and not debate or vote on this item.

Councillor Taylor declared a significant non-pecuniary interest in Item 5 – Review of Leasing Council Property Policy and the introduction of a Rental Assistance Policy as he is on Lane Cove Public School Out of School Care Committee which leases a Council property. Councillor Taylor will leave the Chambers and not debate or vote on this item.

Councillor Bryla declared a less than significant, non-pecuniary interest in Item 1 – Notice of Motion – Ensuring our community gets best usage of the Council facilities – Explore increasing access to outdoor 50 metre pool and other options, as she is a member of the Lane Cove Swimming club. Councillor Bryla will remain in the Chambers and vote on this item

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT OF COUNTRY

The Mayor gave an acknowledgement of Country.

Minute of Silence for Reflection or Prayer

The Mayor gave notice of a minute of silence for reflection or prayer.

WEBCASTING OF COUNCIL MEETING

The Mayor advised those present that the Meeting was being webcast.

PUBLIC FORUM

Online

1. Simon Lake of Lane Cove North, in relation to the removal budget and timeline for start of works on the condemned house on 14 Gay Street, Lane Cove North;

2. Darvan Sinnetamby of Lane Cove in relation to Council’s Operational Plan

Procedural Motion

RESOLVED on the motion moved by Councillor Roenfeldt and seconded by Councillor Bennison that consistent with Section 4.16, 4.17 and 4.18 of Council’s Code of Meeting Practice, Mr Sinnetamby be required to cease speaking at the Public Forum.

For the Motion were Councillors Southwood, Bennison, Little, Roenfeldt and Taylor (Total 5).

Against the Motion were Councillors Bryla, Flood, Greenwell and Kennedy (Total 4).

Mr Sinnetamby was requested to provide his comments in writing.

3. Susan O’Neill of Lane Cove North, in relation to Item 3 – Notice of Motion – Maintenance of Common Property – Market Square Complex, and Item 6 – Pedestrian Plaza and Public Space Policy.

In Person

4. Dr Liz Gill of Greenwich, in relation to Item 3 – Notice of Motion – Maintenance of Common Property – Market Square Complex;

5. Sue Robinson of Greenwich, in relation to Item 14 – Council Snapshot April 2025, specifically regarding the Viva Pipeline;

6. Monique Colman of Lane Cove, on behalf of Lane Cove Swim Fit members, in relation to Item 1 – Notice of Motion – Ensuring our Community gets best usage of Council facilities – Explore increasing access to outdoor 50 metre pool and other options; and

7. Shakti Tantia of Northwood, in relation to duplex subdivision outside of Low & Mid Rise (LMR) – reasons for 1100 sqm requirement for subdivision, which is the highest in NSW?

8. Lynne McLoughlin of Lane Cove regarding the Lane Cove Community Strategic Plan and inclusion of healthy environment consistent with other Council plans and strategies;

9. Matthew Norton of Lane Cove, in relation to Item 1 – Notice of Motion – Ensuring our Community gets best usage of Council facilities – Explore increasing access to outdoor 50 metre pool and other options regarding the pool.

Councillor Bennison left the meeting, the time being 07:30 PM

Councillor Bennison returned to the meeting, the time being 07:34 PM

Written Submissions

Ten (10) written submissions were received, those being from;

1. Scott Hinton representing the North Shore Junior Cricket Association, in relation to support for the Lane Cove Sport and Recreational Facility;

2. Janelle Balfour of Lane Cove West, in relation to Item 1 – Notice of Motion – Ensuring our Community gets best usage of Council facilities – Explore increasing access to outdoor 50 metre pool and other options;

3. Lauren D’Ambrosio of Greenwich, in relation to Item 1 – Notice of Motion – Ensuring our Community gets best usage of Council facilities – Explore increasing access to outdoor 50 metre pool and other options;

4. Andree Kelly of Lane Cove, in relation to Item 1 – Notice of Motion – Ensuring our Community gets best usage of Council facilities – Explore increasing access to outdoor 50 metre pool and other options;

5. Jenny Longstaff of Longueville, in relation to Item 1 – Notice of Motion – Ensuring our Community gets best usage of Council facilities – Explore increasing access to outdoor 50 metre pool and other options;

6. Carolyn Love of Lane Cove, in relation to Item 1 – Notice of Motion – Ensuring our Community gets best usage of Council facilities – Explore increasing access to outdoor 50 metre pool and other options;

7. Warwick Pearse of Lane Cove, in relation to Item 1 – Notice of Motion – Ensuring our Community gets best usage of Council facilities – Explore increasing access to outdoor 50 metre pool and other options;

8. Anna Curran of Mosman, in relation to Item 1 – Notice of Motion – Ensuring our Community gets best usage of Council facilities – Explore increasing access to outdoor 50 metre pool and other options;

9. Philippa Sawyer of Riverview, in relation to Item 1 – Notice of Motion – Ensuring our Community gets best usage of Council facilities – Explore increasing access to outdoor 50 metre pool and other options; and

10. Isabel Thistlewood of Lane Cove, in relation to vacant premise and footpath on Longueville Road (near Pottery Lane cafe).

Confirmation of Minutes of Ordinary Council Meeting - 24 April 2025
97	RESOLVED on the motion moved by Councillor Kennedy and seconded by Councillor Bennison that the minutes of the Ordinary Council meeting held on the 24 April 2025 be received.
	For the Motion were Councillors Southwood, Bennison, Bryla, Flood, Greenwell, Kennedy, Little, Roenfeldt and Taylor (Total 9). Against the Motion was Nil (Total 0).
98	RESOLVED on the motion moved by Councillor Bennison and seconded by Councillor Bryla that the minutes of the Ordinary Council meeting held on the 24 April 2025 be accepted.
	For the Motion were Councillors Southwood, Bennison, Bryla, Flood, Greenwell, Kennedy, Little, Roenfeldt and Taylor (Total 9). Against the Motion was Nil (Total 0).

ORDERS OF THE DAY

Councillor Roenfeldt thanked the Director Planning and Sustainability – Mark Brisby, Council Rangers and other Council staff for their efforts during the recent Federal Election Campaign to enforce Council’s regulations regarding candidate campaign activities such as placement of campaign signs.

Notices of Motion

Item 1 Notice of Motion - Ensuring our community gets best usage of council facilities – explore increasing access to outdoor 50 metre pool and other options

RESOLVED on the motion moved by Councillor Kennedy and seconded by Councillor Bryla that

1. Council staff liaise with Bluefit operation staff to investigate options to increase public recreational access to the outdoor pool for community members. For example, these could be; opening longer during the seasonal shoulder months of May and September, remaining open during daytime hours, and/or ensure conflicting priorities for indoor lanes booked by commercial swim classes are equitably managed to allow adequate public recreational space during periods when the outdoor pool cannot be utilised;

2. Council staff liaise with BlueFit to investigate the financial, operational, and contractual implications of increasing public access to the outdoor 50m pool during the winter and shoulder seasons (e.g. May and September), including

a) the impact on BlueFit’s revenue and contribution margins during extended opening hours; and

b) The effect on Council’s current lease income and any cost offsets or adjustments that may be required, such as changes to admission pricing, service reductions, or reduced rent or distributions to Council; and

3. a report be provided to Council before the September 2025 meeting outlining:

a) the results of the investigation;

b) a cost-benefit analysis (including any loss of income to Council); and

c) options for sustainable access expansion based on a balanced financial model.

For the Motion were Councillors Southwood, Bennison, Bryla, Flood, Greenwell, Kennedy, Little, Roenfeldt and Taylor (Total 9).

Against the Motion was Nil (Total 0).

Item 2 Notice of Motion - Commence process to manage abandoned watercraft and illegal dumping in Dunois Reserve Longueville

100

RESOLVED on the motion moved by Councillor Taylor and seconded by Councillor Bennison that Council:

1. endorses the existing abandoned watercraft program and the next stage to focus on the Woodford Bay area;

2. writes to the appropriate NSW Minister raising the issue of people living on boats and illegal moorings in the Bay;

3. compliance staff carry out a blitz of the illegal dumping of rubbish in the area particularly the Dunois Street location;

4. staff proceed to community consultation for the use of the grant received to install storage racks for watercraft; and

5. provides a monthly update on the abandoned watercraft program in the Council snapshot.

For the Motion were Councillors Southwood, Bennison, Bryla, Flood, Greenwell, Kennedy, Little, Roenfeldt and Taylor (Total 9).

Against the Motion was Nil (Total 0).

Item 3 Notice of Motion - Maintenance of Common Property - Market Square Complex

101

RESOLVED on the motion moved by Councillor Bennison and seconded by Councillor Bryla that Council:

1. notes that there is a long term lease between Lane Cove Council and Region Group (on behalf of Woolworths and other commercial tenants) that includes maintenance of certain common property areas within the Market Square complex, including but not limited to lifts, escalators and toilet facilities;

2. acknowledges that the structure of ownership, management, and maintenance responsibilities within the complex is further governed by the Building Management Committee for the “Shared Facilities”;

3. notes that Council continues to receive regular complaints from the community regarding:

a) lifts and escalators being out of service for extended periods,

b) poor cleanliness and upkeep of the toilet facilities and other common areas; and

c) general amenity and safety concerns, particularly impacting elderly residents and people with disabilities; and

4. requests the General Manager to schedule a Councillor Workshop at the earliest opportunity to:

a) provide an overview of the current legal and operational arrangements relating to the complex;

b) outline any challenges or limitations in enforcing maintenance obligations under the current agreements; and

c) facilitate a discussion with Councillors with a view to identifying options to improve service standards and outcomes for the community.

For the Motion were Councillors Southwood, Bennison, Bryla, Flood, Greenwell, Kennedy, Little, Roenfeldt and Taylor (Total 9).

Against the Motion was Nil (Total 0).

Officer Reports for Determination

Procedural Motion

102

RESOLVED on the motion moved by Councillor Southwood and seconded by Councillor Bennison that Items 4, 6, 8, 9, 11, 12, 13 and 14 be considered without debate.

For the Motion were Councillors Southwood, Bennison, Bryla, Flood, Greenwell, Kennedy, Little, Roenfeldt and Taylor (Total 9).

Against the Motion was Nil (Total 0).

Procedural Motion

103

RESOLVED on the motion moved by Councillor Southwood and seconded by Councillor Greenwell that Items 4, 6, 8, 9, 11, 12, 13 and 14 be considered at this time, followed by the remaining items as they appear in the agenda.

For the Motion were Councillors Southwood, Bennison, Bryla, Flood, Greenwell, Kennedy, Little, Roenfeldt and Taylor (Total 9).

Against the Motion was Nil (Total 0).

Item 4 Response to the NSW Parliamentary Inquiry into the Early Childhood Education and Care Sector

104

RESOLVED on the motion moved by Councillor Southwood and seconded by Councillor Bennison that Council:

1. Thank the staff of Kindy Cove for their leadership in developing this submission;

2. endorse the attached submission to the Parliamentary Inquiry into Early Childhood Education and Care; and

3. forward the submission to the Inquiry Secretariat before the closing date.

For the Motion were Councillors Southwood, Bennison, Bryla, Flood, Greenwell, Kennedy, Little, Roenfeldt and Taylor (Total 9).

Against the Motion was Nil (Total 0).

Item 6 Council Policies Review - Pedestrian Plaza and Public Space Policy

105

RESOLVED on the motion moved by Councillor Southwood and seconded by Councillor Bennison that Council:

1. endorses the Draft Draft Pedestrian Plaza and Public Space Policy for the purposes of public exhibition;

2. undertakes community consultation for a period of six (6) weeks as per the consultation plan outlined in this report; and

3. provide a further report to Council following the public exhibition period

For the Motion were Councillors Southwood, Bennison, Bryla, Flood, Greenwell, Kennedy, Little, Roenfeldt and Taylor (Total 9).

Against the Motion was Nil (Total 0).

Item 8 2025 National General Assembly of Local Government 24-27 June 2025

106

RESOLVED on the motion moved by Councillor Southwood and seconded by Councillor Bennison that Council authorise all interested Councillors to attend the National General Assembly Conference in Canberra between 24 and 27 June 2025 with funding sourced from 2024/25 Councillor Training Expenses Budget.

For the Motion were Councillors Southwood, Bennison, Bryla, Flood, Greenwell, Kennedy, Little, Roenfeldt and Taylor (Total 9).

Against the Motion was Nil (Total 0).

Item 9 Local Government Remuneration Tribunal Annual Report and Determination - Councillor Fees

107

RESOLVED on the motion moved by Councillor Southwood and seconded by Councillor Bennison that Council determine the following annual fees to be paid for the 2025/26 financial year, commencing 1 July 2025:

1. Mayor: $50,650 (in addition to the Councillor fee); and

2. Councillors: $23,220.

For the Motion were Councillors Southwood, Bennison, Bryla, Flood, Greenwell, Kennedy, Little, Roenfeldt and Taylor (Total 9).

Against the Motion was Nil (Total 0).

Item 11 Greenwich Village Games 2025

108

RESOLVED on the motion moved by Councillor Southwood and seconded by Councillor Bennison that Council:

1. support the 2025 Greenwich Village Games that are conducted by the Greenwich Village Games Organising Committee; and

2. appoint the following people to the 2025 Greenwich Village Games Organising Committee:

a) East Ward Councillors Southwood, Greenwell and Roenfeldt; and

b) Jon Tindall (Chair), Lynne Spencer (Secretary), Alex Crossing, Adam Benjafield, Eloise Oliver, David Johnson, Anthony Foley, Bruce Spencer, Penny Williams, Peter Walton, Rich Sicobo, Natalie Speer, Marena Von Behr, Jo Cooke, Sarah Tilly, Barbara Sallway and Craig Stafford.

For the Motion were Councillors Southwood, Bennison, Bryla, Flood, Greenwell, Kennedy, Little, Roenfeldt and Taylor (Total 9).

Against the Motion was Nil (Total 0).

Item 12 Delivery Program and Operational Plan - 2024/25 Third Quarter Review

109

RESOLVED on the motion moved by Councillor Southwood and seconded by Councillor Bennison that the Third Quarter Review of the 2024/25 Delivery Program and Operational Plan be received and noted.

For the Motion were Councillors Southwood, Bennison, Bryla, Flood, Greenwell, Kennedy, Little, Roenfeldt and Taylor (Total 9).

Against the Motion was Nil (Total 0).

Item 13 NSW Public Library Statistics 2023/24 – Lane Cove Library

110

RESOLVED on the motion moved by Councillor Southwood and seconded by Councillor Bennison that Council:

1. receive and note the report on the NSW Public Library Statistics 2023/24 – where Lane Cove Library was acknowledged for the highest number of loans per capita; and

2. formally acknowledge and thank the Library Services staff for their dedication, innovation, and ongoing commitment to delivering exceptional library services to the Lane Cove community.

For the Motion were Councillors Southwood, Bennison, Bryla, Flood, Greenwell, Kennedy, Little, Roenfeldt and Taylor (Total 9).

Against the Motion was Nil (Total 0).

Officer Reports for Information

Item 14 Council Snapshot April 2025

111

RESOLVED on the motion moved by Councillor Southwood and seconded by Councillor Bennison that Council: receive and note the report.

For the Motion were Councillors Southwood, Bennison, Bryla, Flood, Greenwell, Kennedy, Little, Roenfeldt and Taylor (Total 9).

Against the Motion was Nil (Total 0).

Councillor Kennedy left the meeting, the time being 08:20 PM

Councillor Taylor left the meeting, the time being 08:20 PM

Councillor Bennison left the meeting, the time being 08:20 PM

Item 5 Review of Leasing of Council Property Policy and the introduction of a Rental Assistance Policy

112

RESOLVED on the motion moved by Councillor Bryla and seconded by Councillor Greenwell that Council:

1. exhibit the Leasing of Council Property Policy to seek community feedback and input;

2. exhibit the introduction of a Rental Assistance Policy to seek community feedback and input; and

3. prior to exhibition, amend the Leasing of Council Property Policy to include:

“1.2 Capital Contributions.

When making any upgrade to council premises, align with the Council’s policy of climate emergency targets and the aim to reach net zero emissions. This would encompass but not be limited to:

1. no gas may be added to council facilities; and

2. water tanks and WSUD principles are encouraged in all building and landscape works.

1.11 Environmental footprint and impact

Council is committed to its Climate Emergency Statement and the impact that Council owned and run facilities contribute to this goal. Council will phase out all gas in council owned properties and add solar PV cells to rooftops with the support of batteries for backup storage and use of the generated energy.”

For the Motion were Councillors Southwood, Bryla, Flood, Greenwell, Little and Roenfeldt. (Total 6).

Against the Motion was Nil (Total 0).

Councillors Bennison, Kennedy and Taylor were absent (Total 3)

Councillor Bennison returned to the meeting, the time being 08:24 PM

Councillor Kennedy returned to the meeting, the time being 08:24 PM

Councillor Taylor returned to the meeting, the time being 08:24 PM

Item 7 2024/25 Budget - Third Quarter Review

113

RESOLVED on the motion moved by Councillor Taylor and seconded by Councillor Bennison that Council:

1. adopt the Third Quarter Review adjustments as follows:

	Original Budget (000’s)	Rollovers (000’s)	First Quarter Review* (000’s)	Second Quarter Review ($’000)	Third Quarter Review ($’000)	Revised Budget (000’s)
Income from continuing operations	77,405	703	2,345	7,400	3,235	91,088
Expenses from continuing operations	(64,836)	(358)	(986)	(349)	(3,757)	(70,287)
Surplus/ (Deficit) before Capital Grants/Contributions	109	(69)	88	(24)	(334)	(229)
Surplus/(Deficit) including Capital Grants/Contributions	12,569	345	1,359	7,051	(522)	20,802
Operating Budget Reserve movements:
Net transfer from/(to) Reserves	(5,806)	94	197	(4)	71	(5,448)
Non-cash items – depreciation, leave entitlements accrual, book value of assets disposed	12,463	-	-	28	369	12,859
Loan principal repayments / liability reduction	(870)	-	-	-	(26)	(896)
Capital Expenditure	(55,921)	(13,417)	(8,482)	652	(218)	(77,387)
Funded by:
Transfers from Reserves	41,101	12,979	6,927	(740)	120	60,387
Grants and Contributions	8,829	413	1,270	88	18	10,619
Internal Plant Hire	96	-	-	-	-	96
Program Budget Result - Surplus	-	-	-	-	-	1

2. authorise the Acting General Manager to spend up to $5,000 from the General Manager’s Unit – Operating Expenses Budget to support the purchase and distribution of essential winter items – such as blankets and food – for residents in need during the winter period;

3. sub-delegate authority to the Director - Community and Culture, Stephanie Kelly, to determine the most appropriate means of distribution in consultation with relevant support services; and

4. seek contributions in kind from the community.

For the Motion were Councillors Southwood, Bennison, Bryla, Flood, Greenwell, Kennedy, Little, Roenfeldt and Taylor (Total 9).

Against the Motion was Nil (Total 0).

Item 10 Policy on Payment of Expenses and Facilities to Councillors

114

RESOLVED on the motion moved by Councillor Flood and seconded by Councillor Bryla that Council:

1. amends the policy to specify that all air travel is to be at ‘economy’ class;

2. endorses the Draft Policy for the purposes of public exhibition;

3. undertakes community consultation for a period of six (6) weeks as per the consultation plan outlined in this report; and

4. following the public exhibition period, the Draft Policy on Payment of Expenses and Facilities to Councillors, together with a report on any submissions received and any proposed amendments, be considered at the Ordinary Council meeting to be held in July 2025.

For the Motion were Councillors Southwood, Bennison, Bryla, Flood, Greenwell, Kennedy, Little, Roenfeldt and Taylor (Total 9).

Against the Motion was Nil (Total 0).

The meeting closed at 8.37pm

Confirmed at the Ordinary Council Meeting of 19 June 2025, at which meeting the signature herein is subscribed.

MAYOR

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