Special Meeting of Council 5 November 2012

MINUTES Special Meeting of Council 7.30pm Monday November 5, 2012

VENUE: Reception Room, Bendigo Town Hall, Hargreaves Street, Bendigo

NEXT ORDINARY MEETING: Wednesday November 14, 2012 Bendigo Town Hall

Copies of the City of Greater Bendigo Council’s Agendas & Minutes can be obtained online at www.bendigo.vic.gov.au

Table of Contents

Special Meeting November 5, 2012

AGENDA 1.

Acknowledgement of Country

2.

Opening Prayer

3.

Welcome and Apologies

4.

Installation of Councillors for 2012/2016

5.

Election of Mayor for 2012/2013

6.

Congratulations to Newly Elected Mayor

7.

Response by Mayor for 2012/2013

8.

Mayoral and Councillor Allowances

9.

Close of Meeting

Special Meeting November 5, 2012

PRESENT Cr Rod Campbell Cr Elise Chapman Cr Peter Cox Cr Rod Fyffe Cr Helen Leach Cr Barry Lyons Cr Lisa Ruffell Cr Keith Reynard Cr Mark Weragoda Cr James Williams Mr Craig Niemann (Chief Executive Officer/Chair) Mr Peter Davies (Manager, Executive Services)

1

Special Meeting November 5, 2012

4.

INSTALLATION OF COUNCILLORS FOR 2012/2016

The Councillors-Elect were installed as Councillors for the term 2012/2016 and undertook the Oath or Affirmation of Office of Councillor:

Cr Rod Campbell Cr Elise Chapman Cr Peter Cox Cr Rod Fyffe Cr Helen Leach Cr Barry Lyons Cr Lisa Ruffell Cr Mark Weragoda Cr James Williams

2

Special Meeting November 5, 2012

3

Special Meeting November 5, 2012

4

Special Meeting November 5, 2012

5

Special Meeting November 5, 2012

6

Special Meeting November 5, 2012

7

Special Meeting November 5, 2012

8

Special Meeting November 5, 2012

9

Special Meeting November 5, 2012

10

Special Meeting November 5, 2012

11

Special Meeting November 5, 2012

5.

ELECTION OF MAYOR FOR 2012/2013

The Chairman, Mr Craig Niemann, called for nominations for the position of Mayor for the 2012/2013 Mayoral term.

Cr Cox nominated Cr Ruffell, there being no further nominations, Cr Ruffell was declared elected.

Cr Ruffell assumed the Chair.

6.

CONGRATULATIONS TO NEWLY ELECTED MAYOR

All Councillors extended their congratulations to Cr Ruffell on her election as Mayor.

The Chief Executive Officer, Mr Craig Niemann, on behalf of the City of Greater Bendigo staff, congratulated Cr Ruffell on her appointment.

7.

RESPONSE BY MAYOR FOR 2012/2013

Cr Ruffell responded to her appointment and congratulations.

12

Special Meeting November 5, 2012

8.

MAYORAL AND COUNCILLOR ALLOWANCES

Document Information Author

Peter Davies, Manager Executive Services

Responsible Officer

Craig Niemann, Chief Executive Officer

Summary/Purpose The purpose of this report is to commence the public review process for the Councillor Allowance and Mayoral Allowance within the framework established by the State Government.

Policy Context Demonstrate strong corporate governance.

Report The Recognition and Support Package for Councillors is outlined in the Victorian Government's Policy Statement on Local Government Mayoral and Councillor Allowances and Resources (April 2008), and provides the framework for support of Councillors.

The package consists of a three-category model of Council allowances based on revenue and population figures and retains the flexibility of Councils in each category to set allowances within a range, in consultation with their community.

The City of Greater Bendigo is a Category 3 Council, and the following maximum allowances currently apply: Councillor Min/Max

Mayor Min/Max

$11,204 - $26,843

Up to $85,741

An amount the equivalent of the Superannuation Guarantee Contribution (currently 9%) also applies.

A review must be undertaken within seven (7) months of the election and involve a public submission process: • Allowances, ranges and the levels subsequently determined by Council within the range, will be subject to adjustment by application of any percentage increases to Victorian Statutory and Executive Officers.

13

Special Meeting November 5, 2012

• The applicable increases will take effect after they have been published by the Minister for Local Government. • A remote travel allowance will continue to provide compensation for the time spent on long distances travelled by Councillors in remote areas. This allowance provides for a maximum limit of $5000 per annum (at a daily rate of $40) or as may be amended from time to time by Order in Council.

Level of the Mayoral and Councillor Allowance The City of Greater Bendigo is recognised in the highest category for allowances, along with the top twenty (20) Councils (and one of two in regional Victoria along with Geelong). This is an indication of the complexity of matters considered by Council and the high level of responsibility of Councillors.

All previous Councils of the CoGB have applied the maximum allowance. All Councillors are paid the maximum allowance due to a resolution of the previous Council following a public review process.

As the maximum allowance is being provided, the review process largely provides an opportunity for residents and others to comment if they wish. Council has the option of reducing the level of the allowances.

Resource Implications The budget was developed assuming that the maximum allowances would be paid.

RECOMMENDATION That Council seek public submissions under Section 223 of the Local Government Act 1989 in respect to the review of Mayoral and Councillor Allowances for City of Greater Bendigo being the maximum as a Category 3 Council as required by Section 74(1) and 74(4).

RESOLUTION Moved Cr Campbell, seconded Cr Weragoda.

That the recommendation be adopted.

CARRIED

14

Special Meeting November 5, 2012

There being no further business, the meeting closed at 8.20 pm.

Confirmed:

November 14, 2012

Chairman

15

16