Wrap of October Council meeting

Wrap up of October Council Meeting -

A request from the YMCA for financial assistance to run a StreetgYm program was redirected. Councillors requested that the YMCA seek funding through the existing Community Assistance Grants scheme. During discussion, Councillor Kennedy also floated the idea of implementing a sporting voucher scheme that would provide $50 per applicant toward the cost of sport registration. The idea will be considered by the 'Our Community' Key Directions Working Group. Councillors accepted a report stating there had been one Code of Conduct investigation in the period of 1 September 2017 to 31 August 2018. The total spent on investigations during this period including staff costs is $8,412. A report was accepted that concluded that a rescission motion lodged by Councillors Kennedy, Page and Algate regarding Development Application 34/2018 could not be accepted as formal notice had already been given to the applicant regarding the DA's determination. At the August Council meeting Councillors requested a report outlining whether there was a correlation between tourism figures and the amount of water in Menindee Lakes. A comparison of water data from Water NSW and tourism figures from Tourism Research Australia indicated that there appears to be no link between water levels and visitation to the Broken Hill Local Government Area and Outback NSW. Councillors adopted a new Loan Borrowing Policy. The aim of the policy is to ensure Council has a structured and disciplined approach to the borrowing of funds for funding new infrastructure, and renewing existing infrastructure. Council's quarterly budget statement was tabled. The report showed a budgeted capital expenditure reduction of $442,000, and an operational surplus (before capital items) of $53,000. Councillors voted in favour of the suspension of a portion of the alcohol free zone in Sturt Park to accommodate the Perfect Light Film Festival. Councillors also asked staff to investigate whether a broader area could be suspended for next year's event. In the confidential matters, Councillors voted to sell the building at 55-59 Gypsum Street, and voted to enter into a new lease agreement with the West Darling Machinery Preservation Society for the building located at 479 Crystal Street.