Agenda of Policy Review Committee Meeting

Council_Mark_POS_RGB 2015 MEETING CALENDAR

January 2015 - December 2015

(adopted by Council on 24/11/14 and amended by Council on 25/5/15 & 27/7/15)

TIME

JAN

FEB

MAR

APRIL

MAY

JUNE

JULY

AUG

SEPT

OCT

NOV

DEC

Mon

Ordinary Council Meeting

7.30pm

21^ü

(7.00pm)

23@

27v

25#

29*

24@

26∞

23#+

Policy Review Committee

7.00pm

v	Meeting at which the draft corporate planning documents (Delivery Program and Operational Plan) are endorsed for exhibition
*	Meeting at which the draft corporate planning documents (Delivery Program and Operational Plan) are adopted
#	Meetings at which the Operational Plan quarterly reviews (March and September) are presented
@	Meetings at which the Delivery Program progress reports (including the Operational Plan quarterly reviews for December and June) are presented
^	Election of Mayor/Deputy Mayor
ü	Meeting at which the 2013-2014 Annual Statements are presented
∞	Meeting at which any comments on the 2013-2014 Annual Statements are presented
+	Meeting at which the Annual Report is presented

- Extraordinary Meetings are held as required.

- Members of the public are invited to observe meetings of the Council (Ordinary and Policy Review Committee).

Should you wish to address Council, please contact the Senior Governance Officer, Glenn Schuil.

UNCONFIRMED MINUTES

OF THE POLICY REVIEW COMMITTEE MEETING OF PENRITH CITY COUNCIL HELD IN THE PASSADENA ROOM, PENRITH

ON MONDAY 14 SEPTEMBER 2015 AT 7:00PM

PRESENT

His Worship the Mayor, Councillor Ross Fowler OAM, Deputy Mayor, Councillor Greg Davies and Councillors Jim Aitken OAM, Bernard Bratusa, Prue Car MP, Kevin Crameri OAM, Marcus Cornish, Mark Davies, Maurice Girotto, Ben Goldfinch, Jackie Greenow OAM, Karen McKeown and John Thain.

UB 1 Leave of Absence

Leave of Absence was previously requested by Councillor Tricia Hitchen for the period 14 September 2015 to 28 September 2015 inclusive.

PRC 66 RESOLVED on the MOTION of Councillor Mark Davies seconded Councillor Ben Goldfinch that the matter be brought forward and dealt with as a matter of urgency.

His Worship the Mayor, Councillor Ross Fowler OAM, ruled that the matter was urgent and should be dealt with at the meeting.

PRC 67 RESOLVED on the MOTION of Councillor Greg Davies seconded Councillor Mark Davies that Leave of Absence be granted to Councillor Tricia Hitchen from 14 September 2015 to 28 September 2015 inclusive.

APOLOGIES

PRC 68 RESOLVED on the MOTION of Councillor Jackie Greenow OAM seconded Councillor John Thain that an apology be received for Councillor Michelle Tormey.

CONFIRMATION OF MINUTES - Policy Review Committee Meeting - 31 August 2015

PRC 69 RESOLVED on the MOTION of Councillor Greg Davies seconded Councillor Mark Davies that the minutes of the Policy Review Committee Meeting of 31 August 2015 be confirmed.

DECLARATIONS OF INTEREST

Councillor John Thain left the meeting, the time being 7:06pm.

Councillor Ben Goldfinch declared a Non-Pecuniary Conflict of Interest – Less Than Significant in Item 1 – Rezoning Application (RZ15/0001) - 88-89 Nepean Gorge Drive, Mulgoa (Owner) Angas Securities Limited (as Mortgagee in Possession) as he is a resident of Mulgoa.

Councillor Mark Davies declared a Non-Pecuniary Conflict of Interest – Less Than Significant in Item 1 – Rezoning Application (RZ15/0001) - 88-89 Nepean Gorge Drive, Mulgoa (Owner) Angas Securities Limited (as Mortgagee in Possession) as his wife is a Member of Parliament as the Member for Mulgoa and indicated that he will leave the room during the debate and consideration of this item.

His Worship the Mayor, Councillor Ross Fowler OAM declared a Non-Pecuniary Conflict of Interest – Less Than Significant in Item 3 - Penrith CBD Corporation Business Plan 2015-16 as he is the Auditor for Penrith CBD Corporation and indicated that he will vacate the Chair and that the Deputy Mayor, Councillor Greg Davies, would take the Chair during the debate and consideration of this item.

Councillor Karen McKeown declared a Pecuniary Interest in Item 1 – Rezoning Application (RZ15/0001) - 88-89 Nepean Gorge Drive, Mulgoa (Owner) Angas Securities Limited (as Mortgagee in Possession) as her husband owns a printing business and one of the persons addressing the meeting tonight, Dr Adrian Sheen, is a customer of her husband. Councillor McKeown indicated that during the Addressing the Meeting concerning this item and whilst the item is being debated and considered she will leave the room.

SUSPENSION OF STANDING ORDERS

PRC 70 RESOLVED on the MOTION of Councillor Jackie Greenow OAM seconded Councillor Kevin Crameri OAM that Standing Orders be suspended to allow members of the public to address the meeting, the time being 7:07pm.

Councillor John Thain returned to the meeting, the time being 7:07pm.

ADDRESSING THE MEETING

Mr Tristan Kell

Item 1 – Rezoning Application (RZ15/0001) – 88-89 Nepean Gorge Drive, Mulgoa

Mr Kell, Planning Consultant for the applicant, spoke in support of the report. He indicated that the proposal is compatible and suitable. Mr Kell indicated that the bio banking proposed by the proponents is an appropriate proposal.

Having declared a Pecuniary Interest in Item 1 – Rezoning Application (RZ15/0001) - 88-89 Nepean Gorge Drive, Mulgoa (Owner) Angas Securities Limited (as Mortgagee in Possession), Councillor Karen McKeown left the meeting, the time being 7:10pm.

Dr Adrian Sheen

Item 1 – Rezoning Application (RZ15/0001) – 88-89 Nepean Gorge Drive, Mulgoa

Dr Sheen, an affected neighbour, spoke against the report. He expressed his concerns for the proposed rezoning application. Dr Sheen indicated that the proposal will have effects on the conservation of the critically endangered shale transitional forest and there will also be effects on the fauna. He also highlighted the bush fire risks that may result as a consequence of the application being approved and discussed the various access issues during emergencies. He also alluded to the fact that the application is not in line with the Penrith LEP 2010. Dr Sheen concluded by passing around to Councillors an image showing access issues in the area.

Lisa Harrold

Item 1 – Rezoning Application (RZ15/0001) – 88-89 Nepean Gorge Drive, Mulgoa

Ms Harrold, representing the Mulgoa Valley Landcare Group, spoke against the report. She expressed her concerns regarding the resulting obstruction of wildlife movement and the security and conservation of highly sensitive ecosystems should development be approved. Ms Harrold also raised bushfire impact issues regarding the development. She highlighted that the BioBanking process is flawed given that any BioBank agreement could be affected should BioBanking be repealed by the State Government in the future. She also mentioned that any residual lot should be rezoned to E1 so that it is protected from being sub-divided in the future. Ms Harrold concluded by saying that a “Pandora’s box” may be opened for future spot rezoning in other parts of Mulgoa and may set a precedent should the application be approved.

Peter Harvey

Item 1 – Rezoning Application (RZ15/0001) – 88-89 Nepean Gorge Drive, Mulgoa

Mr Harvey, President of the Mulgoa Progress Association, spoke against the report. He indicated that there are environmental disposal issues associated with the application and that important natural habitats will be affected. Mr Harvey indicated that when Council makes a decision on this matter it needs to ensure that it does not create a precedent for future rezoning in the Mulgoa area.

PRC 71 RESOLVED on the MOTION of Councillor Greg Davies seconded Councillor Jim Aitken OAM that an extension of time be granted to enable the speaker to complete his address, the time being 7:25pm.

Mr Harvey concluded by saying that Council needs to carefully consider this application to ensure that the aesthetic features of the Mulgoa landscape is maintained.

RESUMPTION OF STANDING ORDERS

PRC 72 RESOLVED on the MOTION of Councillor Jackie Greenow OAM seconded Councillor Greg Davies that Standing Orders be resumed, the time being 7:31pm.

DELIVERY PROGRAM REPORTS

Outcome 2 - We plan for our future growth

1 Rezoning Application (RZ15/0001) - 88-89 Nepean Gorge Drive, Mulgoa (Owner) Angas Securities Limited (as Mortgagee in Possession)

Having previously declared a Non-Pecuniary Conflict of Interest – Less Than Significant in Item 1 – Rezoning Application (RZ15/0001) - 88-89 Nepean Gorge Drive, Mulgoa (Owner) Angas Securities Limited (as Mortgagee in Possession), Councillor Mark Davies left the meeting the time being, 7:31pm.

Development and Environmental Health Manager, Paul Lemm introduced the report and gave a presentation.

Councillor Kevin Crameri OAM left the meeting, the time being 8:10pm.

Councillor John Thain left the meeting, the time being 8:12pm.

Councillors John Thain and Kevin Crameri OAM returned to the meeting, the time being 8:13pm.

PRC 73 RESOLVED on the MOTION of Councillor John Thain seconded Councillor Greg Davies

That:

1. The information contained in the report on Rezoning Application (RZ15/0001) - 88-89 Nepean Gorge Drive, Mulgoa (Owner) Angas Securities Limited (as Mortgagee in Possession) be received.

2. The Planning Proposal provided as Attachment 4 be sponsored for submission to the Department of Planning and Environment’s Gateway Process.

3. The Minister be requested to delegate his authority for Council to finalise and make the proposed amendment to Penrith Local Environmental Plan 2010.

4. Consultation with New South Wales Government Agencies be undertaken in accordance with any Gateway Determination issued by the Department of Planning and Environment.

5. The Planning Proposal be placed on public exhibition in accordance with any Gateway Determination issued by the Department of Planning and Environment.

6. A report be presented to Council on the submissions received during the public exhibition.

In accordance with Section 375A of the Local Government Act 1993, a DIVISION was then called with the following result:

For	Against
Councillor Prue Car MP	Councillor Jackie Greenow OAM
Councillor Greg Davies	Councillor Maurice Girotto
Councillor John Thain	Councillor Kevin Crameri OAM
Councillor Ben Goldfinch	Councillor Jim Aitken OAM
Councillor Bernard Bratusa	Councillor Marcus Cornish
Councillor Ross Fowler OAM

Outcome 4 - We have safe, vibrant places

Having previously declared a Non-Pecuniary Conflict of Interest – Less Than Significant in Item 3 - Penrith CBD Corporation Business Plan 2015-16, His Worship the Mayor, Councillor Ross Fowler OAM, vacated the Chair, and the Deputy Mayor, Councillor Greg Davies took the Chair for the debate and consideration of this item, the time being 8:30pm.

3 Penrith CBD Corporation Business Plan 2015-16

Place Manager, Jeni Pollard introduced the report and invited Gai Hawthorn, CEO – Penrith CBD Corporation to give a presentation.

Councillor Karen McKeown returned to the meeting, the time being 8:30pm.

Councillor Mark Davies returned to the meeting, the time being 8:31pm.

Councillor Prue Car MP left the meeting, the time being 8:30pm and did not return to the meeting.

Councillors Marcus Cornish and Jim Aitken OAM left the meeting, the time being 8:30pm.

Councillor Kevin Crameri OAM left the meeting, the time being 8:33pm.

Councillor Maurice Girotto left the meeting, the time being 8:37pm.

Councillor Kevin Crameri OAM returned to the meeting, the time being 8:37pm.

Councillor Kevin Crameri OAM left the meeting, the time being 8:39pm.

Councillors Maurice Girotto and Kevin Crameri OAM returned to the meeting, the time being 8:39pm.

Councillor Marcus Cornish returned to the meeting, the time being 8:42pm.

PRC 74 RESOLVED on the MOTION of Councillor Mark Davies seconded Councillor Jackie Greenow OAM

That:

1. The information contained in the report on Penrith CBD Corporation Business Plan 2015-16 be received.

2. Council receive the Annual Operation Report 2014-15.

3. Council endorse the Triennial Business Plan (Year 3) 2015-16 for the Penrith CBD Corporation.

The Deputy Mayor, Councillor Greg Davies then vacated the Chair and His Worship the Mayor, Councillor Ross Fowler OAM took the Chair, the time being 8:42pm.

Outcome 7 - We have confidence in our Council

4 2014-15 Year in Review

Assistant General Manager, Craig Butler and Assistant General Manager/CFO, Barry Husking introduced the report and gave a presentation.

Councillor Greg Davies left the meeting, the time being 8:43pm.

Councillor Greg Davies returned to the meeting, the time being 8:44pm.

Councillor Greg Davies left the meeting, the time being 8:45pm.

Councillor Greg Davies returned to the meeting, the time being 8:49pm.

Councillor Jim Aitken OAM returned to the meeting, the time being 8:52pm.

Councillor John Thain left the meeting, the time being 8:56pm.

Councillor John Thain returned to the meeting, the time being 8:59pm.

Councillor Ben Goldfinch left the meeting, the time being 9:05pm.

Councillor Ben Goldfinch returned to the meeting, the time being 9:07pm.

PRC 75 RESOLVED on the MOTION of Councillor John Thain seconded Councillor Mark Davies that the information contained in the report on 2014-15 Year in Review be received.

Outcome 2 - We plan for our future growth

2 City-wide Advocacy Program

PRC 76 RESOLVED on the MOTION of Councillor Greg Davies seconded Councillor Bernard Bratusa

That:

1. The information contained in the report on City-wide Advocacy Program be received.

2. Council endorse the Flagship Priorities identified in this report as the basis for major advocacy campaigning over the next two years.

3. Council officers continue to advocate for the issues identified as “Business as Usual” on a regular basis, and as specific opportunities arise, through our current programs and Departmental portfolios.

Outcome 7 - We have confidence in our Council

5 Draft Policy on the Payment of Expenses and Provision of Facilities to Mayor, Deputy Mayor and Councillors

PRC 77 RESOLVED on the MOTION of Councillor Greg Davies seconded Councillor Ben Goldfinch

That:

1. The information contained in the report on Draft Policy on the Payment of Expenses and Provision of Facilities to Mayor, Deputy Mayor and Councillors be received.

2. Council advertise for 28 days a public notice of its intention to adopt the amended Policy on the Payment of Expenses and Provision of Facilities to Mayor, Deputy Mayor and Councillors.

3. A further report be presented to Council at the conclusion of the exhibition period.

There being no further business the Chairperson declared the meeting closed the time being 9:29pm.

Policy Review Committee Meeting 19 October 2015

St Marys Town Centre Corporation Business Plan 2015-16

Compiled by: Terry Agar, City Centres Co-ordinator

Authorised by: Jeni Pollard, Place Manager

Outcome	We have safe, vibrant places
Strategy	Grow and revitalise our centres and neighbourhoods
Service Activity	Work with the community to deliver priority infrastructure and activation projects in identified established areas of the City

Presenters: Alex Karavas, Chair & Paulette Adams Town Centre Manager, St Marys Town Centre Corporation – St Marys Town Centre Operations and Business Plan 2015-16

Executive Summary

The new St Marys Town Centre management entity, St Marys Town Centre Corporation (SMTCC) was officially launched in 2013 and presented their Triennial Business Plan that same year for endorsement by Council. The SMTCC has prepared a combined annual operation report and business plan called the St Marys Town Centre Operational Report and Business Plan 2015-16 which provides an account of its’ past year of operation (2014-15) and an overview of the proposed activities for 2015-16. The report prepared by the SMTCC can be found in Attachment 1.

The Chair of the Board of the SMTCC, Alex Karavas and the Town Centre Manager, Paulette Adams will give a presentation on the achievements of the last 12 months as well as an overview of their business plan for the 2015-16 financial year.

The development and presentation of an annual operation report and proposed business plan for is consistent with the Deed of Agreement between Council and the SMTCC.

This report requests that Council receive the information and endorse the Corporation’s Business Plan 2015-16.

Background

In 2011, Council undertook a review of the management of the Penrith and St Marys centres to determine whether the existing associations’ model was achieving the desired outcomes of economic growth and maintaining the vitality of the centres. Following this review, Council endorsed the creation of a corporation structure led by a board representing a broad range of business and community interests. The new governance model proposed a working agreement between Council and the corporations’ which requires a commitment to develop a business plan to achieve a range of outcomes.

In late 2012, the process of implementing the findings of the review commenced with the creation of new governance arrangements and the selection of the board members for the two new centres corporations.

On 19 November 2013, the newly formed St Marys Town Centre Corporation presented its Triennial Business Plan to Council for endorsement. Since this time, the board members have been working on a range of activities and initiatives to support the development and enhance the performance of the St Marys Town Centre.

The Chair of the SMTCC, Alex Karavas, will give a brief presentation on the achievements of the last 12 months against the Triennial Business Plan. He will also give an overview of the proposed business plan actions for the current financial year.

Operating Environment

The St Marys Town Centre Corporation is registered with the Australian Securities and Investment Commission (ASIC). The company was registered as the St Marys Town Centre Ltd on 25 February 2013.

Council has a Deed of Agreement with the SMTCC that secures ongoing funding for a term of 3 years and, subject to mutually agreed performance outcomes, allows for ongoing renewal.

The Deed provides certainty to both parties about the expectations of Council and the autonomy of the Corporation in regard to:

· Scope and objectives

· Principles and protocols for working together

· Relationship management structure and processes

· Dispute resolution procedures

· Insurance and liability requirements

· Procedures for termination of the agreement.

A key feature of the Deed is that the Corporation must prepare a draft Triennial Business Plan, including an annual plan that outlines their key activities and strategic directions for the period. Following endorsement of the Triennial Plan, the annual business plan is presented to Council for endorsement, triggering payment of funds.

The Deed of Agreement outlines a requirement for the Corporation to consult with Council prior to any proposed changes to their constitution.

A formal, independent review of the performance of the Corporation in achieving their business plans will be undertaken in the third year of their agreement and prior to entering into new agreement. To this end, Council has negotiated to withhold 3% of the annual operating funds of the SMTCC for the purpose of undertaking the review and also to support any corporation training that the board members may attend. The independent review is programmed to commence prior to the completion of the existing deed of agreement and will involve extensive consultation with the Corporation.

Triennial Business Plan

The St Marys Town Centre Corporation prepared a Triennial Business Plan 2013-16 that was subsequently endorsed by Council on 18 November 2013.

The Triennial Business Plan adopted a new vision for the Corporation that reflects their desire to develop the town centre of St Marys into a prosperous and lively place through collaboration. The SMTCC has a commitment to positive social outcomes for residents as well as enhanced economic outcomes for local businesses as articulated in their vision:

“To ensure that St Marys is the vibrant heart of the district, providing diverse experiences and services in a safe, friendly atmosphere”

This vision is being pursued through a range of actions that will be undertaken within the available and projected budgets. Key proposed actions include:

· Regular entertainment and events in the refurbished Coachmans Park

· Management of the St Marys Spring Fair

· Rebranding and promotion of the SMTCC

· A building facade and business presentation improvement program

· Appointment of an operations manager to support the Corporation’s board

The Triennial Business Plan also includes a range of contemporary governance actions to promote best practices as a public corporation.

In addition to the Triennial Business Plan, the board are required to submit an annual report on their previous 12 months of operation and a yearly plan detailing a work program to assist the board to manage its responsibilities in an open and transparent way.

Operations Achievements 2014-15

The second year of operation of the SMTCC has been a year of consolidation for the Corporation as they pursue a range of initiatives. SMTCC have provided the St Marys Town Centre Operational Report and Business Plan 2015-16 that contains positive messages regarding the operation of the board and the activities developed through the previous year of operation. A copy of the report is in Attachment 1.

The report outlines changes in the board over the previous year with the resignation of the new chair Glen Mellross and the resignation of another board member, Greg Crawford. A core membership has provided stability throughout the year. Alex Karavas, who was previously the Deputy Chair, was elected to the position of Chair in August 2015. Currently, one board position remains vacant.

The Report outlines a range of activities that occurred throughout the year in the following areas of action:

1. Events

A range of events to promote and attract people to St Marys were proposed in the 14-15 plan and delivered. They included schools holiday activities, the Easter Egg Hunt, Halloween, a Christmas tree lighting and Christmas promotions. The Halloween Trick or Treat trail is a unique signature event developed by the Corporation and is growing in popularity and patronage each year.

2. St Marys Spring Fair

The Corporation managed St Marys Spring Fair in September 2014. The St Marys Spring Fair is a significant event in both St Marys and is well known across the city. The Corporation estimated that about 10,000 people attended on the day, despite less than favourable weather.

3. Rebranding the Corporation

The re-branding of the Corporation was launched in 13-14 to create a distinctive identity for the Corporation. The brand was to be implemented during 14-15 and used on the Corporation’s website and all documents and marketing material produced by it. Completion of the brand changes is now proposed in 2015-16.

4. Building Improvement

A program was prepared to improve the presentation of building facades in accordance with the 14-15 Business Plan. One business owner was assisted with this program to date. A comprehensive delivery plan of this program is proposed in 2015-16.

5. New Business Welcome Packs

Welcome Packs were created to provide essential information to new and existing businesses in accordance with the 14-15 Business Plan, but were not distributed. Delivery of the Welcome Packs is now proposed in 2015-16.

The Annual Operation Report 2014-15 reflects a wide range of activities, events and marketing approaches taken over the year. This is consistent with the needs of the SMTCC to build their profile with the local businesses and explore opportunities to promote the town centre to local residents, visitors and potential new business operators.

Annual Business Plan 2015-16

The SMTCC have forwarded a copy of their business plan for the 15-16 year for consideration of Council. It is located in Attachment 1 to this report. This business plan represents Year 3 of their Triennial Business Plan. The Plan is supported by a proposed budget of $276,500.

The Plan 2015-16 outlines the proposed activities of the SMTCC under four areas: Making St Marys Work; Growing St Marys Economy; Image and Identity; Strengthening Business; and Governance. The projects under each area have an aim, a description of how the aim will be achieved and performance indicators.

Making St Marys Work includes the delivery of the building improvement project, that was commenced last year, and ongoing liaison with Council over general public domain cleaning.

Growing St Marys Economy involves providing quality business development education and delivery of Welcome Packs to new and prospective businesses.

St Marys Image and Identity involves delivering the new brand, which was prepared last year, through all communication mediums with stakeholders and the community. This includes a new website for the Corporation and regular media releases. A significant component of this action is the ongoing marketing and promotions through events such as the Spring Festival. Halloween, the Easter Egg Hunt and the Christmas events.

Strengthening Business in St Marys involves providing regular business networking opportunities, newsletters and professional assistance with the presentation of businesses to customers.

Corporation Governance for St Marys involves measuring the performance of St Marys as a centre and the Corporation as an entity. The operations of the Corporation should be transparent and in accordance with the spirit of the deed of agreement with Council.

These activities are consistent with best practice approaches to town centre management elsewhere. In the longer term, the SMTCC will continue to develop and “fine tune” their approach as they monitor the effectiveness of the activities and the outcomes that they produce.

This year’s business plan has a proposed budget of $276,500 to deliver all of the actions and activities in the plan as generally described above. This budget figure represents nearly all of the funds collected by Council from the sub-category rate and does not include the grant of $20,000 allocated in Council’s budget to assist the Corporation in the running of the Spring Festival. Approximately half of the Corporation’s budget is allocated to be spent on marketing, promotions and events.

The Corporation’s Financial Statement for the year ended 30 June 2015 indicated that it did not spend all of its funds for that year. In fact, its operating result was a $65,178 profit. Last year’s operating result was $39,431 profit. These unspent funds have been added to the Corporation’s savings which now amount to $429,345 in total equity.

Place Manager’s Comment

The SMTCC have delivered an annual report that has showed progress in a number of areas. Chief among them is the successful running of the Spring Festival and a range of regular events. The resources that are required to run the Spring Festival are significant and the event is an important occasion in the calendar for the local community and business operators.

In other areas of operation such as physical improvements to the presentation of buildings and businesses, supporting the growth of businesses and re-branding, the report from the SMTCC reflects that there will be significant focus over the coming 12 months to achieve the outcomes identified in their Triennial Business Plan.

Due to circumstances outside the control of the board, there have been a number of changes in the board including the Chair position. No doubt this is a difficult challenge for the board as the recruitment and filling of vacancies can be time consuming and can also impact by placing additional work on those existing board members.

In terms of the Corporation’s profile amongst businesses and property owners it is reported that there is a good working relationship between the Corporation and many of the local businesses.

Prior to the development of the current St Marys Town Centre Corporation, the previous town centre association accumulated considerable savings as a result of staff vacancy. The current board has inherited those reserves that are collected from the commercial property owners in St Marys for the benefit of business and the community of St Marys. There have been approaches made to the board regarding the expenditure of these funds and the Chairperson has indicated a number of actions that are being considered for implementation over the coming year, with particular focus on improving the safety and amenity of Queen Street. These initiatives are yet to be fully scoped with an overview provided in the attached report.

As also discussed with Penrith, the SMTCC is encouraged to consider being explicit about the types and number of events to be run, so that the community has a better understanding of the upcoming program of events in the Town Centre. This could be advertised through the SMTCC website and will assist individual businesses in the centre that may be interested to plan their own marketing and promotions over the coming year. It is noted that the SMTCC are already active and using Facebook effectively as a marketing tool.

The monitoring of the performance of both Corporations will be a key focus of the independent review process early in 2016 and guidance for the Corporation from this review will assist in improving the measurement of its success. It will also assist the Board by providing context for the allocation of its resources over time.

Conclusion

At the completion of its second full year of operation, the St Marys Town Centre Corporation have presented a report that documents a wide range of events, marketing and promotion activities that were undertaken to activate and support the town centre. The SMTCC has had success with its events program and to a lesser degree with its programs for business support and re-branding itself.

The upcoming independent review of the operation of both SMTCC and the Penrith CBD Corporation will provide a further opportunity for Council and both boards to improve relationships and information sharing. It is expected that governance arrangements will be enhanced through this process.

The approach outlined within the Business Plan 2015-16 is consistent with good practice in town centre management and will support greater interest from property owners, investors and foster collaborative efforts for the revitalisation of St Marys Town Centre.

RECOMMENDATION

That:

1. The information contained in the report on St Marys Town Centre Corporation Business Plan 2015-16 be received.

2. Council endorse the Business Plan 2015-16 for the St Marys Town Centre Corporation.

ATTACHMENTS/APPENDICES

1.	St Marys Town Centre Operation/Business Plan 2015-2016	23 Pages	Attachments Included
2.	SMTCC Financial Statement 30 June 2015	22 Pages	Attachments Included

Policy Review Committee Meeting 19 October 2015

Update on the Capacity Review

Compiled by: Fiona Plesman, Organisational Performance & Development Manager

Authorised by: Vicki O’Kelly, Executive Manager - Corporate

Outcome	We have confidence in our Council
Strategy	Provide opportunities for our community to participate in making decisions about the City's future
Service Activity	Manage Council's corporate planning and engagement program

Executive Summary

This is a brief report to provide Councillors with an update on the progress of the Capacity Review. A final report on the Capacity Review is scheduled to come to a Councillor Briefing on 30 November 2015.

Background

A Financial Capacity Review commenced in 2013 to look specifically at whether Council’s current long term financial strategies were appropriate to meet both current and long term needs. The initial results of this review indicated that, although Council was in a good financial position planning for larger capital projects presented a challenge. Councillors requested a review to determine where opportunities for productivity gains and savings could be found to increase capacity to deliver city shaping projects. In response, an organisation wide Capacity Review commenced in July 2014 that included an assets review, services review, supply and procurement review and a priority setting exercise.

The Capacity Review expanded in the latter half of 2014 to include a review into Council’s Information Communication Technology and Customer Experience. Engagement with the community began in November 2014 to confirm the community’s infrastructure and service level needs.

The Capacity Review identified reform of Penrith City Council’s Information Communication Technology as the key to realising productivity initiatives. Council implemented a program to modernise its ICT infrastructure to enable innovation, improve the quality and the timeliness of service delivery through increased security and improved data management and storage.

Implementation of a new ICT Strategy began in February 2015 and is scheduled to complete in February 2016.

The Capacity Review has been informed by external expertise, Council has been working with the following companies and organisations to ensure robust and comprehensive findings from the review process:

· UTS: Centre for Local Government to work with an internal team to review all of council services

· Jeff Roorda and Associates to review Asset Management

· ARCBlue to review procurement, purchase and supply

· Social Ventures Australia to develop a priority setting tool

· Beyond Technology to review Information Communication Technology

· Fifth Quadrant to review Customer Service

· The New Democracy Foundation to undertake a Citizen Jury community engagement process.

The key components to the Capacity Review are:

· Services Review: a review of each of Council’s 43 services to identify interrelationships, constraints and opportunities. The review has followed an external methodology developed by the UTS Centre of Excellence in Local Government

· Assets Review: initially focussed on preparation of a contemporary Asset Management Policy, Asset Management Strategy and Asset Management Plans the review has expanded to include broader changes to increase the efficiency of asset management practices.

· Supply and Procurement: ARCBlue have conducted a review of our purchasing and supply process which has identified potential of savings in the next 12 months

· Priority Setting: A priority setting tool has been designed to provide a framework to help rank projects

· Modernisation of ICT strategy and infrastructure

Community engagement using deliberative democracy process known as the Community Panel began in September and will finish in December providing Council with feedback on services and infrastructure needs. The Panel comprises 34 residents from across the Penrith LGA, a statistically valid and demographically representative sample of the community and is highly engaged, motivated and now half way through its deliberations. The Community Panel received very comprehensive information about Council operations and since starting in September has asked questions such as:

· How does Council plan and allocate resources?

· How does Council generate revenue?

· What is the LGA’s current demographic profile and what is projected for the future?

· What are the timeframes for the staging of the River Master Plan?

· How does Council plan for and manage disasters?

· Is there a master plan for the Science Park?

· What is the Penrith Progression?

The recommendations from the Community Panel will assist Council determine infrastructure priorities and service level requirements into the future.

Conclusion

Council has made a commitment to be financially sustainable, meet current and longer term needs and be in a position to address the larger capital projects required to meet the needs of a rapidly growing city.

To date the Capacity Review has identified a range of opportunities to improve productivity and save costs through modernising Information Technology, improving the customer experience and providing more flexible service delivery through increased mobility and improved capacity to store and manage data.

A final report on the Capacity Review will be delivered in November 2015.

RECOMMENDATION

That the information contained in the report on Update on the Capacity Review be received.

ATTACHMENTS/APPENDICES

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