Minutes of the Shoalhaven City Mayor’s Relief Fund

 

 

Meeting Date:     Tuesday, 5 February 2019

Location:            Jervis Bay Rooms, City Administrative Centre, Bridge Road, Nowra

Time:                   4.04pm

 

 

The following members were present:

 

Clr Amanda Findley

Clr Nina Digiglio

Clr Kaye Gartner

Clr Mark Kitchener

Clr John Levett

Clr Mitchell Pakes

Clr Bob Proudfoot

Clr Greg Watson

Clr Patricia White - Chairperson

Russ Pigg - General Manager

Mark Williams – Shoalhaven City Fire Control Officer, RFS

 

Vanessa Phelan – Finance Manager

Sara McMahon – Manager, Governance Business Unit

Rachel Marshall – Mayor’s Personal Assistant

 

 

 

 

Apologies / Leave of Absence

 

Apologies were received from Glenn Wran (SES) and Stephen Dunshea (Director Finance, Corporate & Community Services).

 

 

Confirmation of the Minutes

RESOLVED (Mark Williams / Clr Findley)

 

That the Minutes of the Shoalhaven City Mayor’s Relief Fund held on Thursday 02 August 2018 be confirmed.

CARRIED

 

 

 

Declarations of Interest

 

Nil

 

Reports

 

MR19.1      Support for Local Farmers

HPERM Ref: D18/309714

The Committee discussed the issues around the distribution of funds. Council has donated $10,000 and $475.90 has been raised by the community. The intention of the Council resolution had been to ringfence the funds to assist affected farmers in the Shoalhaven, but none of the charitable organisations identified can guarantee to distribute the funds to local resident, and many are themselves still holding funds that were raised in the aftermath of the peak of the drought.

It was agreed that the $475.90 donated by the public should be used explicitly for drought relief for farmers, and that this sum be forwarded to the NSW Farmers Drought Relief Fund for distribution. It was also determined, given the circumstances outlined above, that the $10,000 from the Mayor’s Relief Fund should be retained for distribution at a later time, as support for farmers will likely become necessary in future.

 

Recommendation (Item to be determined under delegated authority) 

That:

1.      The Shoalhaven City Mayor’s Relief Fund Committee determine the manner in which drought funds of $10,475.90 will be distributed.

2.      The Shoalhaven Drought Assistance Fund be closed to future contributions at this time.

 

RESOLVED (Clr Watson / Clr Gartner)

That:

1.      The Shoalhaven City Mayor’s Relief Fund Committee retain the $10,000 for distribution at a later time.

2.    The $475.90 raised by the Shoalhaven Drought Assistance Fund be forwarded to the NSW Farmers Drought Relief Fund.

3.    The Shoalhaven Drought Assistance Fund be closed to future contributions at this time.

CARRIED

 

 

    

Introduction of Items as Matters of Urgency

RESOLVED (By consent)

That the following addendum report be introduced as matters of urgency:

1.       MR19.2 Bushfire Helicopter Pilot Family Appeal

CARRIED

 

The Chairperson ruled the matter as one of urgency as it relates to urgent business of the Committee and allowed its introduction.

 

 

 

 

Addendum Reports

 

MR19.2      Bushfire Helicopter Pilot Family Appeal

HPERM Ref: D19/35386

Clr Watson noted that the terms of the Fund restrict disbursement to people who are not located in Australia; it is understood the family of Mr Tull are in New Zealand. He suggested that if this was the case the money could be drawn from the unallocated donations fund.

The Mayor reminded members that at the time the fund was established, it was very clear that the monies would be provided to Mr Tull’s family.

Sara McMahon (Manager - Governance) confirmed that the Mayor’s Relief Fund Rules state that disbursements may be made to organisations in any locality in Australia, and to individuals in Australia. Committee members felt there was ambiguity over the definition of “in Australia” and that legal advice should be sought.

Clr Watson further clarified that the Fund is an independent organisation and is not subject to resolutions of Council.

 

Recommendation (Item to be determined under delegated authority)

That the funds collected ($11,421.55) for the Bushfire Helicopter Pilot Family Appeal be forwarded to the family of Allan Tull.

 

RESOLVED (Clr Proudfoot / Clr Levett)

That the funds collected ($11,421.55) for the Bushfire Helicopter Pilot Family Appeal be allocated to the family of Allan Tull, subject to legal clarification by the General Manager.

CARRIED

 

 

 

 

There being no further business, the meeting concluded, the time being 4.30pm.

 

 

Clr Patricia White

CHAIRPERSON