Agenda of Council Meeting

Councillor Contact Details

Granville Ward
Clr Steve Christou (Mayor)	0419 651 187	Steve.Christou@cumberland.nsw.gov.au
Clr Ola Hamed	0405 070 007	Ola.Hamed@cumberland.nsw.gov.au
Clr Joseph Rahme	0418 995 471	Joseph.Rahme@cumberland.nsw.gov.au
Greystanes Ward
Clr Greg Cummings	0417 612 717	Greg.Cummings@cumberland.nsw.gov.au
Clr Eddy Sarkis (Deputy Mayor)	0418 306 918	Eddy.Sarkis@cumberland.nsw.gov.au
Vacant	-	-
Regents Park Ward
Clr Ned Attie	0419 583 254	Ned.Attie@cumberland.nsw.gov.au
Clr George Campbell	0409 233 315	George.Campbell@cumberland.nsw.gov.au
Clr Kun Huang	0418 911 774	Kun.Huang@cumberland.nsw.gov.au
South Granville Ward
Clr Glenn Elmore	0418 459 527	Glenn.Elmore@cumberland.nsw.gov.au
Clr Paul Garrard	0414 504 504	Paul.Garrard@cumberland.nsw.gov.au
Clr Tom Zreika	0400 805 303	Tom.Zreika@cumberland.nsw.gov.au
Wentworthville Ward
Clr Lisa Lake	0418 669 681	Lisa.Lake@cumberland.nsw.gov.au
Clr Suman Saha	0419 546 950	Suman.Saha@cumberland.nsw.gov.au
Clr Michael Zaiter	0418 432 797	Michael.Zaiter@cumberland.nsw.gov.au

For information on Council services and facilities please visit www.cumberland.nsw.gov.au

Council Meeting

3 June 2020

ORDER OF BUSINESS

1 Opening Prayer / Acknowledgement of Country / National Anthem

2 Notice of Live Streaming of Council meeting

3 Apologies / Requests for Leave of Absence

4 Declarations of Pecuniary & Non Pecuniary Conflicts of Interest

5 Confirmation of Previous Minutes

C06/20-461 Minutes of the Ordinary Meeting of Council - 20 May 2020.. 5

C06/20-462 Minutes of the Extraordinary Meeting of Council - 27 May 2020.......................................................................................... 41

6 Mayoral Minutes

Nil

7 Public Forum / Presentation of Petitions

8 Items Resolved by Exception

9 Reports to Council

General Manager

Nil

Director Community and Organisation Development

C06/20-463 Emergency Relief Fund Applications................................. 47

Director Finance & Governance

C06/20-464 Review of Mayoral Community Fund Guidelines................ 55

Director Environment & Planning

Nil

Director Works & Infrastructure

C06/20-465 Draft Companion Animal Policy........................................ 65

C06/20-466 Response to Notice of Motion - Responsible Pet Ownership Education Program.......................................................... 95

10 Reports of Council Committees

Nil

11 Motions Pursuant to Notice

Nil

12 Notices of Rescission

Nil

13 Questions on Notice

Nil

14 Closed Session Reports

Nil

15 Other / General Matters

16 Close

Council Meeting

3 June 2020

Council Meeting

3 June 2020

Item No: C06/20-463

Emergency Relief Fund Applications

Responsible Division: Community and Organisation Development

Officer: Acting Director Community and Organisation Development

File Number: SC619

Community Strategic Plan Goal: Transparent and accountable leadership

Summary

The Emergency Relief Fund was established in May 2019 to provide financial support to the community at any time for donations to fundraising appeals that respond to crisis or disaster situations, or for new community-led initiatives that address an emerging or unexpected community need where action is time critical.

This report presents four new applications received for the consideration of Council.

Recommendation

That Council adopt the one application recommended for funding as outlined under attachment 1 of this report and allocate $3,819.50 from the 2019/20 Emergency Relief Fund to support vulnerable community members affected by the COVID-19 pandemic.

Report

Background

At the Ordinary Meeting of Council held on 20 May 2020, Council resolved to defer the determination of the Emergency Relief Fund applications presented for consideration “until COVID-19 restrictions are eased for Council to consider the matter thoroughly’”(2020 Min. 685 C05/20-429).

However, prior to 20 May 2020, four additional applications had been received from local community organisations that were seeking donations for community initiatives to support vulnerable community members impacted by COVID-19.

In accordance with the Emergency Relief Fund Guidelines, applications are assessed in accordance with the Community Grants and Donations Policy and established Emergency Relief Fund criteria and reported to Council for consideration.

Funding Priorities and Eligibility Criteria

Not for profit organisations including registered charities and auspicing organisations are eligible to apply, with priority given to organisations located within the Cumberland Local Government Area or providing services to residents of Cumberland.

Requests for financial assistance under the Emergency Relief Fund will typically constitute one-off financial assistance for donations to fundraising appeals that respond to crisis or disaster or for new community-led initiatives that address an emerging or unexpected community need where action is time critical.

Applicants can apply through two funding streams: Donations to Fundraising Appeals or Community Initiatives.

Application Process

In accordance with the Guidelines, submitted applications were assessed internally for eligibility and conformance with the assessment criteria.

Applications Received and Assessment Outcomes

Three of the four applications received, were deemed ineligible. One application is recommended for funding. The schedule provided in Attachment 1 provides a summary of the assessment outcomes.

Community Engagement

Information about the Cumberland Emergency Relief Fund is available on Council’s website and open all year round.

Council will notify the applicants of the outcome of their applications.

Policy Implications

The Community Grants and Donations Policy outlines the framework under which grants and donations made by Council to the community are governed.

The Policy ensures Council meets legislative requirements prescribed in Section 356 of the Local Government Act 1993. All applications submitted under the Emergency Relief Fund have been assessed in accordance with this Policy and the Emergency Relief Fund Guidelines.

Risk Implications

If funded, the successful applicant will be required to enter into a Financial Assistance Agreement with Council and meet all requirements of project delivery, reporting and acquittal.

Financial Implications

There is a total of $20,000 remaining in the 2019/20 Emergency Relief Fund budget to fund the application recommended for funding ($3,819.50) with $16,180.50 remaining available for the remainder of the financial year, should Council resolve to endorse the application covered in this report.

CONCLUSION

The Emergency Relief Fund was established to provide financial support to the community at any time for community initiatives and donations to fundraising appeals that respond to crisis and address an emerging or unexpected community need where action is time critical.

The application recommended for funding supports local community-led initiatives and provides a direct benefit to vulnerable residents of the Cumberland LGA impacted by COVID-19.

Attachments

1. Schedule of Applications Received - Emergency Relief Fund

Council Meeting

3 June 2020

Item No: C06/20-464

Review of Mayoral Community Fund Guidelines

Responsible Division: Finance & Governance

Officer: Director Finance & Governance

File Number: SC483

Community Strategic Plan Goal: Transparent and accountable leadership

Summary

This report recommends that the Mayoral Community Fund Guidelines be re-adopted following a review process undertaken.

Recommendation

That Council re-adopt the Mayoral Community Fund Guidelines.

Report

The Cumberland City Council Mayoral Community Fund provides financial support to applicants for deserving or worthy causes that support positive community outcomes in Cumberland. In addition, the fund also outlines circumstances whereby an applicant can apply for support where their request is of great urgency or will miss the regular round of the community grants process.

Requests for financial assistance under the Mayoral Community Fund will typically constitute one-off financial assistance to an individual or organisation for a cause considered to be worthy and of benefit to the Cumberland community. This may include, but is not limited to, contributions for welfare support, community fundraising initiatives, venue hire fees, or a contribution towards a community based activity or event.

The Mayoral Community Fund Guidelines (Attachment 1 to this report) have been reviewed and is recommended for immediate re-adoption. No changes are proposed.

Community Engagement

Given the Mayoral Community Fund Guidelines are proposed to remain unchanged, it is recommended that they be re-adopted by Council.

Policy Implications

The guidelines if re-adopted will be updated in Council’s Policy and Guidelines Register, and will rescind and supersede the existing version of the Guidelines.

Risk Implications

This report has been prepared to address the minor or low risk of having operative guidelines in place after the anticipated review date. This report ensures that an appropriate review of the guidelines has taken place to ensure currency and relevance of information.

Financial Implications

The Mayoral Community Fund is currently budgeted within the adopted Council budget.

CONCLUSION

The Mayoral Community Fund Guidelines have been reviewed in accordance with their stated review date and are recommended for re-adoption.

Attachments

1. Mayoral Community Fund Guidelines

Council Meeting

3 June 2020

Item No: C06/20-465

Draft Companion Animal Policy

Responsible Division: Works & Infrastructure

Officer: Director Works & Infrastructure

File Number: SC120-02

Community Strategic Plan Goal: A safe accessible community

Summary

This report recommends the adoption of the Draft Companion Animal Policy following a period of public exhibition.

Recommendation

That Council adopt the Draft Companion Animal Policy as attached.

Report

At the Ordinary Meeting of 4 March 2020, Council resolved the following (C03/20-390 Min. 944):

“That Council:

1. Place the Draft Cumberland City Council Companion Animals Policy on public exhibition for a period of 28 days.

2. Receive a further report on submissions received and any amendments proposed, prior to adoption of a Cumberland City Council Companion Animals Policy.”

Consultation Outcome

The Draft Companion Animals Policy was placed on public exhibition from 17 March 2020 to 17 April 2020, on Council’s “Have Your Say” community engagement website and in local newspaper publications.

During this period, Council recorded 54 visits to the ‘Have Your Say’ website, with 15 people downloading the Draft Companion Animal Policy.

A total of 4 submissions were received, with most comments relating to grammatical or content suggestions. A summary of those comments and Council’s response is outlined in Attachment 2 of this report.

In consideration of these comments and no overarching objection being raised to the implementation of the Draft Companion Animal Policy, it is now recommended that the document be adopted as provided in Attachment 1.

Community Engagement

Council placed the Draft Companion Animal Policy on public exhibition as detailed within the body of this report, with the 4 submissions received being responded to. Each community member who made a submission, was also notified that further consideration of this item would take place at the 3 June 2020 Council Meeting.

Policy Implications

There are no other policy implications for Council associated with this report.

Risk Implications

There are no risk implications for Council associated with this report.

Financial Implications

Adoption of this Draft Policy will permit Council to utilise the services of local veterinary clinics in attending to a feral cat, which is anticipated to reduce Council’s current expenditure in addressing this issue.

CONCLUSION

Council has publicly exhibited the Draft Companion Animal Policy and formally responded to all who made a submission. The Policy is now recommended for adoption.

Attachments

1. Draft Companion Animal Policy

2. Submissions Draft Companion Animal Policy

Council Meeting

3 June 2020

Item No: C06/20-466

Response to Notice of Motion - Responsible Pet Ownership Education Program

Responsible Division: Works & Infrastructure

Officer: Director Works & Infrastructure

File Number: SC483

Community Strategic Plan Goal: A safe accessible community

Summary

This report provides a response to the Notice of Motion (C09/19-223, Min.689) considered at Council’s meeting of 18 September 2019, seeking a report into the development of a Responsible Pet Ownership Education Program.

Recommendation

That Council receive and note the report.

Report

At Council’s meeting of 18 September 2019, Item C09/19-223, Min 689 contained a Notice of Motion relating to the development of a Responsible Pet Ownership Education Program. In considering this item, Council resolved the following:

“That Council:

1. Prepare a report on the development and delivery of an ongoing pet education program for members of the community that explains the responsibilities, costs and benefits associated with responsible pet ownership;

2. Investigate whether it is possible to provide an incentive to those that participate in Council’s pet education program, such as free or subsidised microchipping and animal de-sexing, that would encourage the uptake of the pet education program;

3. Investigate the issue of stray and feral cats in the local government area and devise a plan to efficiently and effectively control them in order to improve public health and safety; and

4. Undertake consultation with the Companion Animals Advisory Committee in relation to the items above.”

Following this, Council resolved at the 3 March 2020 Council meeting “That the matter be deferred pending the outcome of public consultation of the Draft Companion Animals Policy”. In response to this Notice of Motion, staff have reviewed existing pet education initiatives which at present involve interacting with the community through stall attendance at events, providing written information relating to responsible pet ownership (via Council’s website and dedicated pamphlets) and through general discussions with Council staff during the normal course of their duties when responding to companion animal matters. Additionally, community engagement was previously undertaken through the operation of a Companion Animal Advisory Committee.

In order to further educate the community on the potential costs associated with pet ownership, it is important to recognise the host of changes proposed to be implemented by the NSW Government from 1 July 2020. In this regard, owners of cats that are not de-sexed by four months of age will be required to pay an $80 annual permit in addition to the one-off lifetime pet registration fee. Exemptions will be in place for cats that are registered before 1 July 2020 and for cats kept for breeding purposes by members of recognised breeding bodies. Furthermore, from 1 July 2020 owners of dogs that are of a restricted breed or declared to be dangerous will be required to pay a $195 annual permit in addition to their one-off lifetime pet registration fee. Information relating to these legislative changes are well covered on the Office of Local Government website and as part of a review of the content on Council’s newly launched website, staff will ensure that a link is provided to this information and other relevant factsheets developed by the Office of Local Government.

An allocation of funding will allow for enhanced initiatives such as the subsidised microchipping of cats and dogs, which will assist in the identification of animals that may be found roaming and will allow for contact to be made with the registered owner for the animal to be returned in a prompt manner.

Initial trialling of this initiative at the PetFest event resulted in Council being able to offer this service at $30 per microchip through an agreed charge at a local veterinary facility. Although the cost of having an animal microchipped can vary from vet to vet, Council would investigate the possibility of partnering with a local clinic in offering this service at a set rate (similar to previously achieved). In this regard and using $30 as an indicative cost per microchip, it is proposed that Council initially allocate $7,000 for this purpose meaning that approximately 230 microchipping vouchers could be offered to local residents.

Other costs associated with improving Council’s pet identification initiative include the purchase of a specialised engraving machine and animal identification tags. With these initiatives, it is envisaged that the basic identification of animals will assist greatly with the rehoming rates across Council.

Council Officers have also considered incentives to encourage the de-sexing of a cat or dog which from surveying local veterinary clinics was found to be approximately $140 on average. The costs associated with subsidising such a procedure are therefore considered to be outside of available budget at this time. It is therefore recommended that Council rely upon the host of legislative changes proposed to be implemented by the NSW Government from 1 July 2020 and that Council staff efforts be placed in providing information to the Cumberland community on the financial implications should they choose not to de-sex a cat or dog.

A summary of the estimated costs associated with each of the initiatives discussed throughout this report is outlined in Table 1 below:

Table 1

Item	Cost
Responsible Pet Ownership leaflets	$2,000
Subsidise microchipping	$7,000
Engraving Machine	$7,000
Animal Tags	$4,000
Total	$20,000

It is also acknowledged that a strategic approach to Council’s management of companion animals should be considered and in this regard, a draft Companion Animals Policy has been prepared that is presented to Council for consideration under a separate report. Public exhibition of the draft Policy provides further opportunities for engagement with the local community on responsible pet ownership, with areas such as community education, animal registration, de-sexing of companion animals, nuisance animals, the control of dogs, cats and feral cats all considered within that document.

Community Engagement

Initiatives proposed within this report would be subject to a localised promotion at the time of events, or as determined time appropriate, to work in with other responsible pet ownership initiatives throughout the calendar year.

Policy Implications

As part of Council’s overall response to responsible pet ownership, a draft Companion Animals Policy has been developed for the consideration of Council (presented as a separate report).

Risk Implications

There are no risk implications for Council associated with this report.

Financial Implications

There are no financial implications for Council associated with this report, as the budget required for implementation of the initiatives highlighted within this report can be funded through efficiency savings.

CONCLUSION

Council staff have undertaken a review of current pet education programs in response to the Notice of Motion and considered additional methods to increase the awareness of responsible pet ownership across the Cumberland City Council area. It is therefore recommended that the initiatives detailed within this report be supported.

Attachments

Nil