Council Minutes

Monday 18 May 2015


MINUTES
of the ORDINARY MEETING of the STONNINGTON CITY COUNCIL
held in the COUNCIL CHAMBER, STONNINGTON CITY CENTRE
(CORNER GLENFERRIE ROAD & HIGH STREET, MALVERN)
on
18 May 2015

A.Reading of the Reconciliation Statement and Prayer

B.Apologies

C.Adoption and confirmation of minutes of previous meeting(s) in accordance with Section 63 of the Act and Clause 423 of General Local Law 2008 (No 1)

1.Minutes of the Council Meeting held on 4 May 2015...... 5

D.Disclosure by Councillors of any conflicts of interest in accordance with Section 79 of the Act[1]

E.Questions to Council from Members of the Public

F.Correspondence – (only if related to council business)

G.Questions to Council Officers from Councillors

H.Tabling of Petitions and Joint Letters

I.Notices of Motion

J.Reports of Special and Other Committees

K.Reports by Delegates

L.General Business

1.planning permit application no. 0164/13 - 62 kooyong road, armadale victoria - construction of a three storey apartment building 10

2.city of port phillip planning application 14/2015 – 3 wellington street, st kilda - construction and display of an animated electronic major promotion sky sign on the roof of the existing four storey building, measuring 15 metres wide and projecting above the building by a total of 7.65 metres; (replacing an existing major promotion sky sign). 11

3.Nepal Earthquake Donation...... 11

4.Rate Capping – Essential Services Commission Consultation Paper April 2015 12

5.Financial Report - March 2015...... 13

6.Toorak Park and Victory Square Masterplan - Progress Report.....13

7.Windsor Siding Master Plan - Update ...... 13

8.Union Street Reserve Landscape Concept Plan Consultation...... 14

9.Grosvenor Street / Phoenix Street Intersection and Adjacent Green Space - Follow-up Report 14

10.Report on 40km/h Speed Limits in Local Areas West of Williams Road 14

11.VCAT quarterly report – january 2015 to march 2015 (1st quarter)...15

M.Other General Business

N.Urgent Business

O.Confidential Business

Page 1

Council Minutes

Monday 18 May 2015

Present:crmelina sehr, mayor

:cr tini athanasopoulos

:crjohn chandler

:crerin davie

:crjami klisaris

:cr matthew koce

:crjohn mcmorrow

:cr adrian stubbs

:cr claude ullin

Council OfficersPresent

:warren roberts, ceo

:geoff cockram

:simon thomas

:tony oulton

:karen watson

:stuart draffin

:alex kastaniotis

:judy hogan

Page 1

Council Minutes

Monday 18 May 2015

A.Reading Of The Reconciliation Statement And Prayer

Judy Hogan, Governance and Corporate Support Officer, read the following reconciliation statement::

We acknowledge that we are meeting on the traditional land of the Boonwurrung and Wurundjeri people and offer our respects to the elders past and present. We recognise and respect the cultural heritage of this land.

The meeting began with a prayer at 7.01pm

The Mayor (Cr Sehr) introduced Councillors and the CEO, Warren Roberts, to the meeting. The CEO introduced Council Officers.

B.Apologies

Nil

C.Adoption And Confirmation Of Minutes Of Previous Meeting(S) In Accordance With Section 63 Of The Act And Clause 423 Of General Local Law 2008 (No 1)

1. / Council Meeting - 4 May 2015
Motion:Moved Cr StubbsSeconded Cr McMorrow
That the Council confirms the Minutes of the Council Meeting of the Stonnington City Council held on 4 May 2015 and the Confidential Minutes of the Council Meeting of the Stonnington City Council held on 4 May 2015 as an accurate record of the proceedings.
Carried

D.Disclosure by Councillors of any conflicts of interest in accordance with Section 79 of the Act

Nil

E.Questions to Council from Members of the Public

The Mayor Cr Sehr, read the following statement:

During Council’s previous Ordinary Meeting no set of questions to Council was received from members of the public.

For tonight’s Ordinary Meeting of Council no set of Questions to Council has been received for response.

F.Correspondence – (only if related to council business)

Cr Davie tabled the following correspondence:

  • A copy of the Malvern East Group (MEG) newsletter which marked the 10th year of MEG’s existence. Cr Davie noted that the newsletter contained a lot of informative commentary about the municipality in that area.

Cr Stubbs tabled the following correspondence:

  • A copy of the first MEG newsletter produced in 2005 and the 10th one produced in 2015. Cr Stubbs noted that a number of the names listed as present at the inaugural meeting have maintained their interest in Council. The name of the current MEG Convenor, Anne Reid, also appears in the initial newsletter. He said that the MEG newsletter was of benefit to Councillors as it lists all planning applications in Malvern East.
  • An email (6.5.15) thanking Councillors for the meeting at Malvern PS on 5 May 2015 in relation to the school’s larger works program. The email documents the school’s understanding of the ongoing process.
  • An email (11.5.15) from John Keating & Associates Lawyers in relation to Council’s consideration of the Special Rate Chapel Street Precinct, asking that the structure of CSPA be reviewed by Council before distributing the special rate payers’ money to that body. The email makes suggestions about things to be considered in relation to the CSPA.
  • An email (6.5.15) from a resident of Sycamore Street, Malvern East, noting lack of parking for residents and dangerous congestion, and asking Council to consider changing the current parking restrictions.
  • An email from a resident of Wheatland Road, Malvern, asking for a fifth parking permit.
  • An email (15.5.15) objecting to an application for 68-70 Toorak Road, South Yarra – Cosi Bar – on the grounds of: increased antisocial behaviour and drug taking; excessive noise and music; traffic violations; inadequate parking; and such issues already occurring in the area.
  • Correspondence in relation to Planning Application 0053/15 – 1655-1659 Malvern Road, Glen Iris:

An email (14.5.15) from a resident of King Street, Glen Iris, expressing concern about developers buying up properties in the area and opposing the application on the grounds of: the setting of a precedent for the area; and neighbourhood character issues.

An email (10.5.15) from residents of King Street, Glen Iris, objecting on the grounds of: excessive overdevelopment; and vehicle access from a narrow laneway. The email asks Council to negotiate with the developer about the scope of works to avoid a VCAT appeal and to provide an effective barrister if the matter goes to VCAT.

  • A letter (4.5.15) from the applicant in support of an application at 74 McGregor Street, Malvern East, on the grounds of: preparation of a plancompliant with Council requirements; and that they are longstanding residents of the area.
  • An email (16.5.15) from residents of Coolgardie Avenue thanking Council for its work, but asking that street sweeping contractors not clean streets at 6.15am during the weekend or make repeated sweeps of a street.
  • Two copies of an identical email (14.5 & 18.5.15) from residents of King Street, Prahran, and Turner Street, Malvern East, noting the importance of bike infrastructure as part of the 2015/16 Council budget on the grounds that bike riding: decreases traffic congestion and increases the physical activity of residents.
  • An email (17.5.15) on behalf of the Dole Action Group in relation to the Federal Government’s Work for the Dole scheme, asking that the City of Stonnington not participate in this project. The email lists a number of reasons why the scheme is unfair and discriminatory.

Cr Ullin tabled the following correspondence:

  • Correspondence in relation to Item 1 - 62 Kooyong Road, Armadale:

A letter (10.5.15) strongly objecting on the grounds of: excessive bulk; streetscape and neighbourhood character issues; inadequate onsite car parking; inadequate setbacks from the north and south; inaccurate representation of permeable aspects of the site; difficult and dangerous car ingress and egress from Kooyong Road; lack of overlooking and mechanical equipment screening; and inadequate onsite garbage storage and on road collection area.

An email (15.5.15) from a resident of Inverness Avenue, Armadale, objecting on the grounds of: streetscape and heritage issues; dangerous parking access; exacerbation of existing traffic and parking congestion; issues with the dropping off and collection of children at the nearby childcare centre; and lack of arrangements for garbage, recycling and green waste bins.

  • An email (14.5.15) from residents of Green Street, Windsor, objecting to the proposed redevelopment at 10 Green Street, Windsor, on the grounds of: increases in existing parking congestion; problems with waste management; streetscape and heritage issues; negative visual impacts; neighbourhood character problems; gross overdevelopment; excessive visual bulk and height; loss of privacy and neighbourhood amenity; overshadowing and overlooking; excessive wall height and length; and safety concerns.
  • An email already tabled in relation to 68-70 Toorak Road, South Yarra.
  • An email (16.5.15) from a resident of Baker Street, Malvern East, noting that the Men’s Indoor Change Room at the Harold Holt Swim Centre often has a dirty floor with pooled water. The resident has made a written complaint, but received no acknowledgement. He has also spoken to the Duty Manager who seems unable to assist.

Cr Chandler tabled the following correspondence:

  • An email (15.5.15) from residents of Trawalla Avenue, Toorak, noting that they have made several representations to Council about traffic hazards in that street and suggested possible speed management solutions. The speed of vehicles has not reduced and constitutes a safety issue. Cr Chandler noted that there is a current survey on traffic management in that street and asked that the email be given consideration.
  • Two letters (18.5.15) from the owners of two properties in Hobson Street, South Yarra. The first letter asks that Council install a roundabout at the intersection of Hobson and Howitt Streets on the grounds of: vehicle speed; provision of a visual break; and the potential for planting a substantial tree. The second letter notes that the property at 7 Hobson Street could be purchased by Council to make a park when added to the existing small park. The current owner is willing to discuss this possibility with Council.

Cr Sehr tabled the following correspondence:

  • An email (18.5.15) from a trader in Commercial Road, Prahran, asking questions in relation to the Chapel Street Special Rate.
  • An email already tabled in relation to 68-70 Toorak Road, South Yarra.
  • An email (18.5.15) from a member of the Chapel Street Precinct Committee informing Council of a program instigated earlier in 2015 to engage with the landlords of retail properties along Chapel Street, encouraging them to restore their building facades above ground floor retail areas. The correspondent seeks a meeting with Councillors to discuss this project.

G.Questions to Council Officers from Councillors

A / Closure of Jam Factory gates in Garden Street
Cr Koce said he had received correspondence from a resident in Surrey Road, South Yarra, noting that the Jam Factory boom gate in Garden Street at the Surrey Road end had not been closed on the night of 10 May 2015. Hoons kept residents awake driving down the road. Cr Koce noted that there was no after hours number available to ring. He asked that this be organised or that Council’s after hours people be given a contact number.
The General Manager, Planning and Development, Stuart Draffin, said that this issue had been raised with Jam Factory management. Apparently on that night the security guard had been distracted by young people who were causing problems in another area, so the guard forgot to close the gate. Council Officers have requested an after hours contact phone number, but the only contact number available is the personal mobile number of the security guard and the Jam Factory management is not prepared to release that. Council Officers are investigating the matter, but need the cooperation of Jam Factory management.
B / Harold Holt Swim Centre Men's Change Rooms
Cr Ullin has received an email from a resident of Baker Street complaining that the men’s indoor change room at Harold Holt Swim Centre is dirty with pooled water. He has written to the Harold Holt Swim Centre management about this problem, but has not received a reply. Cr Ullin asked that Council Officers investigate the matter and give a response to the resident.
C / Undergrounding of South Yarra Station
Cr McMorrow said that at a past Council Meeting he had mentioned that the undergrounding of South Yarra Station was not included in the State Government Public Transport Plan. He had been given an assurance at a recent meeting that no decision had been made, but information in the media seems to indicate that the State Government has decided not to build an underground platform at South Yarra Station. Apparently the economic case is not strong because of the length and size of the platform required. Cr McMorrow asked Council Officers to lobby hard against that decision, noting that the population of South Yarra was predicted to double in the next 30 years. Currently the station is a travesty and an underground platform is needed.
The CEO, Warren Roberts, took the question on notice, saying that a report would be prepared. Council Officers have asked for copies of the modelling for consideration.
D / Federal Member for Higgins - birth of child
Cr McMorrow said he understood that Kelly O’Dwyer, the Federal Member for Higgins, was expecting her first child. He asked if Council Officers could follow-up and send flowers when the birth had occurred.
E / Correspondence in relation to restoration of Chapel Street facades
Cr Chandler referred to correspondence tabled earlier requesting a meeting with Councillors about the restoration of Chapel Street. He noted that at the previous Open Council Meeting he had asked that, if Council Officers had responded to the original February correspondence in relation to this matter, he be given a copy of that correspondence. He noted that no copy had so far been supplied.
The General Manager, Planning and Development, Stuart Draffin, said that a reply had been sent and he believed a copy had been sent to Cr Chandler at the same time. He said he would check that this had occurred.

H.Tabling of Petitions and Joint Letters

Cr McMorrow tabled a multi-signatured letter from 22 residents of Bates Street, Malvern East, requesting weekly street sweeping on both sides of that street throughout the year. They asked to be informed about what the Council intends to do.

I.Notices of Motion

Nil

J.Reports of Special and Other Committees

The CEO, Warren Roberts, tabled the following Assembly of Councillors Records:

  • Steering Committee for the Feasibility Study for the Future Use of Prahran Town Hall and Northbrook held on 11 May 2015
  • Councillor Briefing held on 11 May 2015

Cr Koce, as Chair of the Environment and Sustainability Committee, reported on a meeting held on 18 May 2015:

  • LED Street Lighting: a report was given noting that United Energy has approved installation of LED lights to replace the current T5 lights.The new LEDs use half the energy of a T5 which was the most efficient lighting option available to councils prior to 30 January. So far Council has only replaced will be 17% of the old mercury vapour 80 watt globes with T5 globe. (Council minutes corrected when confirmed at meeting 1 June 2015). more efficient, being 18 watts rather than 80 watts. There is $100,000 in the budget to begin that process and the cost of installation will be returned in six years. The LEDs should last for 25-30 years and give a huge long term saving. In Stonnington, 28% of green house gases come from street lighting so this is a big reduction.
  • Energy Efficient Businesses: Council is doing a lot of work with businesses in Glenferrie Road, Malvern, to improve energy efficiency. Two hundred businesses have been visited and some good case studies prepared. Businesses are taking measures such as setting fridges to be more efficient and switching off coffee machines overnight.
  • Biodiversity Project on the Yarra River: this is moving ahead and the Green Army will carry out plantings after 1 June.
  • Upgrade of Bike Paths: this is occurring and includes: better seating for cyclists and pedestrians; some removal of inappropriate trees; the installation of a fishing platform and artwork already approved by Council. The project is going ahead in leaps and bounds.

Cr Chandler, as Chair of the Strategic Planning Committee, reported on a meeting held on 18 May 2015:

  • Hawksburn Village Consultation: the next stage of the consultation is taking place and a draft plan prepared. This is to be locked down by next Thursday.
  • Proposal: a proposal to better connect Claremont Street with Daly Street is being considered. There are exciting aspects which Councillors may wish to consider in more detail. The matter will come to the next Councillor Briefing.
  • Structure Plan: the current state of the Structure Plan was discussed, including: strategies for public open space and heritage studies.
  • Minutes: the Minutes of the meeting will be circulated to all Councillors.

K.Reports of Delegates

Cr Klisaris noted that on Friday 15 May she, attended the MAV Conference held at the Sofitel Melbourne with the CEO Warren Roberts.Cr Klisaris said there was nothing very interesting to report. About 63 motions were individually considered, but did not include rate capping. After the conference, Crs Klisaris and Davie went to Melbourne Town Hall to participate in a photo of other women councillors in local government. About 80 women councillors attended.

Cr McMorrow as Council delegate to the Melbourne Metropolitan Transport Forum said he had attended a meeting in relation to Melbourne ports. He noted that, if the port is relocated to Westernport Bay, the City of Stonnington will be affected by freight trains running through the municipality.

L.General Business

1 / planning permit application no. 0164/13 - 62 kooyong road, armadale victoria - construction of a three storey apartment building
Motion:Moved Cr UllinSeconded Cr Klisaris
That Notice of Refusal to Grant a Planning Permit No: 0164/13 for the land located at 62 Kooyong Road, Armadale be issued under the Stonnington Planning Scheme for the construction of a multi-dwelling development in a General Residential Zone and a reduction in the requirements of Clause 52.06 (Car Parking) on the following grounds:
1.The proposed building, including materials and the form and scale, does not respect the existing neighbourhood character.
2.The extent of built form is excessive and will have a negative impact on the amenity of adjoining residential properties. The development does not comply with Standards B17 (side and rear setbacks) and B20 (north facing windows) of Clause 55 of the Stonnington Planning Scheme.