canineclub

Glen Eira would like us all to believe that ‘community consultation’ lies at the heart of its endeavours. In short that it really ‘values’ what the community thinks and wants. Its website contains this gem. “Council sees community consultation as a vital part of its decision-making process”. Public question time at Council meetings would also fit under this rubric, and again Glen Eira states: ”Glen Eira City Council is a democratic, representative body which welcomes public participation and bona fide questioning of Council activities and decision-making.”
 
But do citizens receive ‘bona fide’ responses? Are questions really answered?  I’ve taken the time to go through council minutes of the past two years. The following responses to public questions – all cited verbatim – should give everyone a clear picture of how this council operates. Arrogance and sarcasm are never far from the surface. Please note that in some instances, the actual question is also included in order to aid comprehension. Also, this ‘list’ is merely indicative  - there’s heaps more that could have been included.
 
(1)The issue of off-leash areas for dogs has recently been raised in the local media and in public questions to council. In terms of the number of off-leash dog areas, how does the city of Glen Eira compare with neighbouring municipalities?
 
Answer:  “Recognising that each municipality is distinctly different, to enable Council to respond to your question Council needs further information from you to understand what comparisons you are seeking.” (This question is really hard to understand folks, isn’t it?)
 
 
(2) Council will include legislation or extracts of legislation in responses to publicquestions when Council deems it necessary to do so.” (10^th april, 2006)
 
(3)At the last council meeting, in response to a public question, Cr Lipshutz referred to a member of the public gallery as “bitter”, “aggressive” and “unrestrained” and accused her of asking “destructive” questions.Cr Lipshutz also criticised Cr Staikos for lacking independence.Will the Mayor acknowledge that such  statements are contrary to sections 4.9 and 5.2 of the councillor Code of Conduct and sections 2.4.2, 2.4.7 and 5.12 of the proposed new Code of Conduct? In future, will the Mayor commit to upholding the the councillor Code of Conduct by ruling such statements out of order?”
 
Answer: The Mayor, Cr Feldman, provided the following response. He said: “In relation to the Code of Conduct there is no mechanism for the Mayor or any other Councillor to rule on whether conduct is or is not consistent with the Code of Conduct. The Code of Conduct is just that. It is a Code. This is different to the Local Law which specifically sets obligations on the Mayor to uphold the Local Law and to rule on points of order. The Code of Conduct is silent in these regards and provides no such mechanisms.” (22^nd May, 2006)
 
 
(4) That will remain Council’s position unless and until Council carries a different Resolution on the subject. (July 3^rd, 2006)
 
(5) “Will Council explain who the following individuals are, their function and role within council, and why emails sent to councilors are often ‘intercepted’ by these individuals PRIOR to their receipt by individual councilors - Michelle Hurd, Ilias Antipas,
Margaret McShane.”
 
Answer:  “As holders of Public Office in a large and complex organisationCouncillors receive a significant number of emails. Each Councillor decides howhe/she wants those emails handled. Council employees, including those you have named, handle such official emails in accordance with Council procedures and
Councillors’ wishes.” (27^th November, 2006) (Note: are we any clearer as to the role of the above individuals?)

 
 
(6) It is acknowledged that when there are strong winds, some spray from the irrigation systems may drift onto footpaths. However, whilst Council generally tries to avoid watering in high winds, Council notes that a higher power than Council is responsible for sending the wind.” (27^th November, 2006) (But note that council has the ‘power’ to direct nozzle sprays!)

 
 (7) I can assure you that Council will hold as many meetings as is necessary to conduct the business of Council.”(27^th Feb. 2007)
 
(8) “Cr. Spaulding requested a report on the accuracy of the 50m council off leash signage? What has happened to this report and when will it be presented to council?”
 
Answer:“The report that has been called for is being completed. When it is complete the Council will determine what it wants to do.” (July 3^rd, 2007) (or in other words - go away!)

So folks, in a nutshell, this is Glen eira council at work. Please check out their website for more of their comprehensive & sensitive answers to public questions.