Works Committee Meeting
BUSINESS PAPER
Tuesday 11 August 2015
Administrative Centre 30 Frances Street Randwick 2031
Telephone: 1300 722 542
Fax: 02 9319 1510
Works Committee Meeting
BUSINESS PAPER
Tuesday 11 August 2015
Administrative Centre 30 Frances Street Randwick 2031
Telephone: 1300 722 542
Fax: 02 9319 1510
Works Committee 11 August 2015
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Works Committee Meeting
Notice is hereby given that a Works Committee Meeting of the Council of the City of Randwick will be held in the Council Chamber, First Floor, 90 Avoca Street, Randwick on Tuesday, 11 August 2015 at 6:00pm
Committee Members: The Mayor T Seng, Andrews, Belleli, Bowen, D’Souza (Deputy Chairperson), Garcia, Matson, Moore, Nash, Neilson, Roberts (Chairperson), Shurey, Smith, Stavrinos & Stevenson
Quorum: Eight (8) members
NOTE: At the Extraordinary Meeting held on 28 September 2004, the Council resolved that the Works Committee be constituted as a committee with full delegation to determine matters on the agenda.
Apologies/Granting of Leave of Absences
Confirmation of the Minutes
Works Committee Meeting - 14 July 2015
Declarations of Pecuniary and Non-Pecuniary Interests
Address of Committee by Members of the Public
Privacy warning;
In respect to Privacy & Personal Information Protection Act, members of the public are advised that the proceedings of this meeting will be recorded for the purposes of clause 69 of Council’s Code of Meeting Practice.
Urgent Business
Works Reports
W23/15 Fibro Fragments (Asbestos Issue) Heffron Park....................... 1
W24/15 Buildings for our Community - Wylie's Baths Caretakers Cottage - Advanced Funding........................................................... 29
W25/15 Council Policy on Drugs in Sport.......................................... 33
W26/15 Tree Removal - Outside 8 Tedwin Avenue, Kensington.......... 57
Notice of Rescission Motions
Nil
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Ray Brownlee
General Manager
Works Report No. W23/15
Subject: Fibro Fragments (Asbestos Issue) Heffron Park
Folder No: F2008/00197
Author: Zaman Shamsuz, Environmental Engineer
Introduction
On 25 March 2008, Council resolved to carry out an annual sampling and testing program at Heffron Park. The purpose of sampling and testing is to investigate levels of asbestos fibres across the park.
Issues
Council has conducted its annual airborne asbestos fibre monitoring at Heffron Park in conjunction with the asbestos removal work on 18 June 2015. The results of the asbestos fibre monitoring concluded less than 0.01 fibres per millilitre of air (<0.01 fibres/ml) which is below the lowest detectable level using the membrane filter method [NOHSC:3003(2005)].
The National Occupational Health and Safety Commission recommended maximum exposure level for airborne asbestos fibres is 0.1 fibres per millilitre of air (as an 8 hour time weighted average). Based on the results of the visual inspections and airborne asbestos fibre monitoring, the removal of fragments of asbestos cement sheet debris from the ground surfaces at Heffron Park has been satisfactorily completed.
In the event that fragments of asbestos cement become exposed, the applicable pieces need to be collected and disposed of in accordance with the requirements of the asbestos management plan for the site and the requirements of WorkCover NSW and the NSW Office of Environment & Heritage (NSW OEH).
Relationship to City Plan
The relationship with the City Plan is as follows:
Outcome 6: A Liveable City.
Direction 6a: Our public infrastructure and assets are planned, managed and funded to meet the community expectations and defined levels of service.
Key Action: Conduct programmed infrastructure and asset maintenance management in accordance with adopted service levels.
Financial Impact Statement
The cost to undertake an asbestos survey, air monitoring, clearance inspection and asbestos removal was $7,879.80 excluding GST.
Conclusion
Air monitoring was conducted during annual asbestos removal in the park. The test results indicate that no measurable amounts of airborne fibres were present in air.
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That the report be received and noted. |
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1.View |
Visual clearance inspection and air monitoring report, June 2015 |
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Asbestos Inspection Survey Report - Heffron Park, May 2015 |
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Works Report No. W24/15
Subject: Buildings for our Community - Wylie's Baths Caretakers Cottage - Advanced Funding
Folder No: PROJ/10756/2016/4
Author: Hayley Segedin, Buildings for our Community Projects Coordinator
Introduction
The Buildings for our Community program is currently in its sixth year. Since its inception, the program has seen the delivery of 29 completed projects. A further 14 projects are currently in the planning or construction stage including construction of two new amenity buildings at Chifley Reserve and the Coogee Eastward Seniors Centre upgrade, and planning of Coogee Beach (lower promenade) amenities, Kensington Park Community Centre, Mahon Pool amenities, Yarra Oval storage facility, Little Bay toilets upgrade and Randwick Town Hall refurbishment.
Issues
In order for the buildings to meet the programmed time frame, substantial planning needs to commence and for this reason, it is proposed that a portion of the funding allocated to the Wylie’s Baths caretaker’s cottage in 2016-17 be made available. The project requires immediate remedial works to aspects of the structural and internal linings of the building. A Development Application specific to this scope was approved in June 2015.
Advanced funding of $40,000 would assist in progressing the project to complete the necessary planning stages and achieve appropriate programming of construction works throughout the financial year ahead (site location and building photo attached).
Relationship to City Plan
The relationship with the City Plan is as follows:
Outcome 6: A Liveable City.
Direction 6a: Our public assets are planned, managed and funded to meet the community expectations and defined levels of service.
Financial impact statement
There will be no financial impact on the overall funding for the Buildings for our Community program. The projected balance at the end of financial year of the reserve that funds the project is sufficient to allow for this advance funding.
The proposed advanced funding of $40,000 made available during this financial year will be drawn from the Infrastructure Reserve and deducted from the funding available against the project in the 2016-17 financial year.
Conclusion
The release of some funding towards next year’s Wylie’s Baths caretaker’s cottage project will allow the necessarily planning for remedial works to be undertaken. This will enable the project to be scheduled for immediate commencement once the planning stage is complete, and construction programming paced in a manageable and required timeframe.
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That advanced funding of $40,000 for the Wylie’s Baths caretaker’s cottage project be made available during this financial year (2015-16) to be drawn from the Infrastructure Reserve and deducted from the funding available against the project in the 2016-17 financial year.
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Site location and photo showing the building |
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Attachment 1
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Wylie’s Bath caretakers cottage - site location
Wylie’s Bath caretakers cottage - main entrance to the site and building western side
Works Report No. W25/15
Subject: Council Policy on Drugs in Sport
Folder No: F2004/07111
Author: Jorde Frangoples, Director City Services
Introduction
Council, at its Council meeting of 28 April 2015, resolved:
“(D'Souza/Andrews) that to assist in the education of sporting clubs and their members about the destructive effect of doping in all sport, Council request a report to look at Council adopting a policy position that all sporting clubs in Randwick LGA that receive support from Randwick City Council agree to a protocol whereby they will inform and educate sporting participants (particularly junior sporting participants) of the dangers associated of using performance enhancing drugs and how such practices are contrary to the important messages of fair play and positive encouragement that are so much a part of sporting participation in Randwick.”
Issues
Council supports many sporting clubs through the provision of sports facilities; these range from Bouche to Netball and many more. The Recreational Needs Study (2009) indicated that the City’s sports facilities cater for:
Rugby League: 3,500 (registered players)
Rugby Union: 1,050 (registered players)
Soccer: 7,908 (registered players)
AFL: 420 (registered players)
Baseball: 530 (registered players)
Netball: 3,184 (registered players)
Cricket: 2,437 (registered players)
The major codes such as AFL, Football, Rugby League, Rugby Union, Netball, Baseball and Cricket all have a Code of Conduct for participants and if required, parents (or Guardians). Each Code of Conduct has clauses that relate to drugs/doping in sport. This matter has been discussed at the Sports Committee. The codes are bound by Australian Sports Anti-Doping Authority (ASADA) rules. A typical educational resource on drugs in sport is attached to this report.
Relationship to City Plan
The relationship with the City Plan is as follows:
Outcome 2: A Vibrant and Diverse Community
Direction 2a: Maintain a current understanding of our community’s needs.
Financial impact statement
There is no direct financial impact for this matter.
Conclusion
The major sporting associations in the City of Randwick are bound by ASADA protocols and participants are required to adhere to their Code of Conduct.
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That Council Officers discuss the obligations of each code/association in relation to education of its members “Drug in Sport” at the next Sports Committee Meetings.
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FFA Anti-Doping Education Presentation - 2013 |
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Works Report No. W26/15
Subject: Tree Removal - Outside 8 Tedwin Avenue, Kensington
Folder No: F2004/07359
Author: Bryan Bourke, Tree Management Officer
Introduction
On 22 June 2015, the owner of 8 Tedwin Avenue, Kensington, wrote to Council advising of a range of ongoing damage to both their property and adjacent public infrastructure being caused by the roots of a mature Council owned Ficus ‘Hillii’ (Hill’s Weeping fig) street tree. The tree is located on the nature strip outside the property. The owner is requesting the removal of the subject tree.
Issues
There have been a number of requests logged with Council by the owner of this property over the past 18 years relating to ongoing problems associated with the canopy and roots of this tree. These problems include roots invading their sewer pipes and stormwater line on a regular basis, destroying the adjacent footpath, damaging the driveway and tree branches severely overhanging the property or growing into overhead powerlines. During that 18 year period, the entire adjacent footpath has been removed on two occasions, root pruning has then been undertaken and the footpath reinstated to allow retention of this important tree asset. The driveway has also had to be replaced because of fig tree root damage.
The first request logged with Council was in April 1997 for a sewer choke caused by the roots of this fig. In 28 August 1997, a service request was lodged by the property owner requesting that all fig tree branches overhanging into his property be pruned right back to abate the nuisance they were causing. From 1997 until now there have been dozens of requests made to prune the tree, repair damaged infrastructure, clear sewer pipes and sweep the street of leaves specifically relating to this tree. There have also been several requests made during that time to actually remove the tree because of the range of damage it is causing. The requests to remove the tree have always been denied because of the importance of the tree in the landscape.
The first major investigation and inspection of intruding tree roots and the damage they were causing was undertaken by Council’s Tree Gang in March 2008. As much tree root material as possible was severed and the damaged footpath repaired at that time. The subject tree is approximately twenty-two metres in height with a canopy spread of around sixteen metres. It is in good health and contributes quite significantly to the Tedwin Avenue streetscape. It is an important provider of habitat and food source for a variety of native birdlife and other fauna.
Council’s Tree Gang arborists advise that it would not be possible to remove the amount of damaging tree root material required to abate the damage being caused by the tree’s roots without seriously compromising its stability and long-term viability. Council’s Tree Preservation and Maintenance Officer (North) supports this assessment and recommends that no further works be undertaken on this tree until the issue of its removal or retention is resolved.
The tree has to be regularly pruned away from overhead powerlines and domestic service wires to maintain statutory clearances and branches have to be regularly pruned right back because they overhang the adjacent residence. The sewer pipe into the property has been replaced with PVC plastic from the Sydney Water mains to the internal toilet but fig tree roots continue to invade that pipe to the extent that raw effluent regularly discharges into the driveway area inside the property.
When the tree and the damage it was causing were inspected by Council tree management officers on 3 July 2015, there was a significant amount of raw sewerage in the driveway that could not be directed into the Sydney Water mains because of a complete blockage to the network caused by fig tree roots.
Large fig tree roots were also evident inside the property and adjacent to cracking along the entire front brick fence.
Relationship to City Plan
The relationship with the City Plan is as follows:
Outcome 10: A Healthy Environment.
Direction 10b: Environment risks and
impacts are strategically managed.
Key Action: Develop and implement policies, programs and strategies to
manage environmental risks and impacts.
Financial impact statement
It is estimated that the removal of the Hill’s Weeping fig outside 8 Tedwin Avenue, Kensington, and its replacement with advanced Waterhousia floribunda (Weeping Lilly Pilly) would cost in the vicinity of $4,500. The required funds would come from Council’s annual tree management budget.
Conclusion
The mature Council owned Ficus ‘Hillii’ street tree growing outside 8 Tedwin Avenue, Kensington, has important visual and historic significance. It is estimated to be approximately sixty years old and up until this point Council has been committed to retaining it. Unfortunately, associated tree root damage has progressively increased in both frequency and severity.
The tree has been assessed as having important scenic and amenity value and with providing important habitat and food source for a variety of fauna. Because of the damage being caused by its roots, the impact of removal on land degradation would be negligible. Using Australian Standard ASDR99307 the tree has been assessed as having an amenity value of $4,800. It has also been calculated that the tree has a medium hazard rating. It is regularly ‘tunnel pruned’ to maintain overhead power line clearances and this will probably increase the hazard rating as the tree ages and weather events become more severe. Because of the size and amount of root material required to be removed to effectively deal with the damage being caused by its roots, further root pruning is no longer a viable option. This is supported by the findings and recommendations made by Council’s Tree Gang arborists when the footpath and driveway adjacent to the tree were removed on 16 July 2015 to expose the tree roots.
The only practicable long-term management option would be to remove the subject tree and to replace it with a more appropriate tree species as nominated in Council’s Street Tree Masterplan. The removal of this tree will certainly have a detrimental impact on the Tedwin Avenue streetscape that will in no way be able to be realistically mitigated in the shorter term by the planting of one-two replacement trees.
A number of trees of the same species have been removed along Tedwin Avenue over the past decade because of severe tree root damage and there is scope to plant six advanced Weeping Lilly Pillys on the northern side of the street to negate any loss of amenity that would be caused if this tree were to be removed. Council has resolved that where Ficus ‘Hillii’ constitute the predominant species in any street and where those trees have recognised historic and heritage significance, no more than five (5) percent of vegetative canopy cover is to be removed in any one calendar year.
The proposed removal of this street tree asset would not contravene that resolution and removal is only being recommended because there are no viable options available that would deal with the damage being caused by the roots of this tree in the longer term.
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That:
a) the Council owned Ficus ‘Hillii’ (Hill’s Weeping fig) growing outside 8 Tedwin Avenue, Kensington be removed.
b) six advanced Waterhousia floribunda (Weeping Lilly Pillys) as nominated in Council’s Street Tree Masterplan be planted on the northern side of the street.
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Series of photographs of the subject tree and its visual importance in the streetscape and the damage being caused to both public infrastructure and private property. |
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