The Richmond Valley Council Meeting on 19 October 2010 involved the introduction of a revised Code of Meeting Practice (that had previously been publicly advertised for community comment/input).
The revised process involves Councillors determining which items they wish to debate with the remaining items adopted as a group (i.e. determined without debate). Prior to adopting the items "determined without debate" Councillors have the opportunity to ask questions in relation to the various matters.
These processes evolved from the Better Practice Review previously undertaken at Council via the Division of Local Government and are aimed at streamlining meeting processes.
A summary of some of the items considered at the October Meeting is as follows:
- Minutes of the Internal Audit Committee Meeting held on 5 October 2010
- Internal Audit Committee Membership; Council appointed two external personnel to the Internal Audit Committee. Those representatives (from local business/ accounting firms) will be part of the Committee together with two Councillors and a representative from Ballina Shire Council
- The appointment of five (5) community representatives to the Rappville Sporting Facilities Committee; the involvement of community members is welcomed by Council and in this instance followed on from a community meeting held by Council in September 2010
- Council's 2009/2010 Financial Statements;
- Council's Auditor made a presentation to the Meeting in regard to Council's recently completed Financial Statements. Arrangements have been made for the Financial Statements to be publicly advised
- The Expressions of Interest to purchase/lease the Casino Regional Livestock Selling Complex were received by Council with a view that a determination on that matter will be made at the November Meeting
- Council gave consideration to the possible leaseback and use of the toilets located at the former Casino Council Chambers. Council determined that no further action would be taken on the matter
- Development Servicing Plans for Water Supply and Sewerage Services; proposed new development servicing charges were advertised May to July of this year. Council adopted the revised Servicing Plans at the Meeting
- Banner Pole Hire and Banner Design; in conjunction with the Casino CBD upgrade, Council has formulated a policy to outline how use of the new banner poles will be managed. The Policy was adopted at the Meeting
- Drag Racing Events at Casino Aerodrome; Council approved a development application from Jukebox Lismore Inc to conduct four drag racing events per annum at the Casino Aerodrome. A range of conditions were part of the approval.
This application has been the subject of some "community debate" over recent months. The Council approval considered various issues and it is now up to the proponent to organise and conduct the events in accordance with the approval given.
Col Sullivan, Mayor
