Late Items Agenda of Ordinary Council

Ordinary Council: Agenda

25 August 2020 Page 2

16. URGENT BUSINESS APPROVED BY DECISION

Item: 16.1

Urban Node Trial

Author/s	Alli McArthur	Administration Officer - Executive Services
Authorisor/s	Mathew Walker	Acting Chief Executive Officer

File Ref: D20/24146

Applicant

Internal

Location/Address

Within the Esperance Central Business District (CBD)

Executive Summary

For Council to consider consulting with participating and neighbouring businesses of the urban node trial.

Recommendation in Brief

That Council request the CEO to:

1. Consult with participating and neighbouring businesses of the urban node trial to identify positive and negative impacts; and

2. Report the findings back to Council.

Background

Council resolved in October to undertake an Urban Node Trial (UNT) following the acceptance of the Esperance CBD Landscaping Concept Design and upgrading of the Esperance CBD.

The Urban Nodes are designed to create opportunities for Alfresco dining areas or public open space in front of Restaurants, Cafes and businesses through modifying the parking layout.

The UNT commenced in December 2019 for a period of six months and was due to end on 30 June 2020. Due to COVID-19 however the Trail was has not been able to be completed as these non-essential businesses were forced to close to prevent the spread of the Corona Virus. Council resolved in June to extend the trial until April 2021 to ensure the nodes could be trailed and assessed effectively by the business’s involved and public.

Officer’s Comment

It was brought to Councils attention from a business owner and via social media and at the August Agenda Briefing Session that neighbouring business owners of the nodes and residents have a series of concerns regarding the trial. These concerns include:

- Lack of parking for elderly

- Potential hazards

- Minimal use of nodes

It would be in Councils best interest to investigate if more business owners near the nodes are also experiencing these affects or have similar views.

Consultation

Previous consultation included Bronwyn Mcleod from the Esperance Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Serena Shaddick Manager Marketing and Communications and Trevor Ayers Manager Economic and Community Development initially visited each of the businesses in the CBD to explain the project at its initiation.

Financial Implications

The cost of construction of the Urban Node areas was included in the CDB Landscaping improvements budget. There will be no further costs involved for the extension of the trail.

Asset Management Implications

Nil

Statutory Implications

Activities in Thorough Fares and Public Places and Trading Law.

Policy Implications

EXT013 – Outdoor Eating Facilities in Public Places

Strategic Implications

Strategic Community Plan 2017 - 2027

Growth & Prosperity

Esperance is a vibrant and welcoming tourism town

Promote awareness in Esperance on the value of tourism

Corporate Business Plan 2019/20 – 2022/23

B2.3 Implementation of CBD Streetscaping

Environmental Considerations

Nil

Attachments

Nil

Officer’s Recommendation

That Council request the CEO to:

1. Consult with participating and neighbouring businesses of the urban node trial to identify positive and negative impacts; and

2. Report the findings back to Council.

Voting Requirement Simple Majority

Ordinary Council: Agenda

25 August 2020 Page 5

Item: 16.2

Local Recovery Committee Recommendation

Author/s	Mel Ammon	Manager Community Support
Authorisor/s	Scott McKenzie	Acting Director External Services

File Ref: D20/24548

Applicant

Local Recovery Committee

Location/Address

Internal

Executive Summary

For Council to consider endorsing a payment, from the IGO funding to the Esperance Distrct Football Association.

Recommendation in Brief

That Council endorse a payment, from the IGO funding, for $11,000 to the Esperance District Football Association to enable this years Grand Final, to be held on 19 September, to be a free event.

Background

The two Recovery Sub Committees, being Economic and Community Support, have been formed to address the recovery needs of the Esperance community as we merge for the COVID-19 pandemic restrictions.

Officer’s Comment

A letter has been received from the Esperance District Football Association (EDFA) requesting support be given to the Association on Grand Final Day, on the 19^th September.

As it stands, the AFL, hockey and netball grand finals will all be held on the same day at the Greater Sport Ground. Ordinarily, the venue is fenced off for the football grand final and spectators pay to enter. Given the logistical complexities of the ground being used by a number of sporting associations at the same time on the same day, the fencing requirements and gate keeping operations are proving troublesome to coordinate.

The local football grand final is generally a well attended event, an opportunity where the wider community catch up. It also provides EDFA with the opportunity to cover costs of the day through the collection of gate fees. If the EDFA do not charge for attendance this year, it severely impacts their fund raising potential and they need to look at alternative ways of paying for the costs incurred for putting on the event.

Last year the grand final gate fees raised $14,000. Without the need to hire the fencing, normally required, EDFA are requesting an amount of $11,000 from IGO funding to cover the amount they would miss out on, by not charging gate fees for this event.

The letter was discussed at the Economic Sub Committee meeting, however was referred to the Community Sub Committee for consideration. Unfortunately the Community Support Sub Committee meeting was not held due to lack of a quorum available, and as such this request could not be tabled.

During the discussion at the Economic Meeting the request was viewed positively and the meeting was attended by Joanne McDonald from IGO. Joanne was very supportive of the request and excited about the marketing opportunity it would provide for the IGO donation.

Economic Sub Committee

The following topics were discussed at the Economic Sub Committee meeting;

- Updated “Dashboard” providing economic impacts for the region. These are on an upward swing.

- Looking at small business mentoring opportunities in support of local businesses being better prepared for a second wave lockdown. Interest in holding an “Expo” type event whereby local businesses can support each other and external assistance can be provided for those in need. Areas of focus included;

o Financial management

o Business health check – updating business plans

o Ecommerce training opportunities

o Mentoring and support

Community Support Sub Committee

With the resignation of Cr Piercey from the Sub Committee, election for the Chair was scheduled for this meeting. Due to a number of apologies received for the meeting, it was clear a quorum would not be achieved and as such a Chair could not be appointed. For this reason the meeting was cancelled. A new Councillor is expected to be appointed to the Sub Committee at the Council meeting on Tuesday and then the new Chair can be selected at the next sub committee meeting.

Consultation

Economic Sub Committee

Community Support Sub Committee

Financial Implications

Nil

Asset Management Implications

Nil

Statutory Implications

Nil

Policy Implications

Nil

Strategic Implications

Strategic Community Plan 2017 - 2027

Community Connection

A feeling of safety and confidence within our neighbourhoods and a sense of security

Develop and maintain a safe environment for the community

Environmental Considerations

Nil

Attachments

a ⇩.

Letter - Esperance District Football Association

Committee Recommendation

That Council endorse a payment, from the IGO funding, for $11,000 to the Esperance District Football Association to enable this years Grand Final, held on 19 September, to be a free event.

Voting Requirement Simple Majority