Agenda of General Meeting - Wednesday, 13 March 2024

Hornsby Shire Council Agenda and Summary of Recommendations

Page 0

AGENDA AND SUMMARY OF RECOMMENDATIONS

Acknowledgement of Country

Statement by the Chairperson:

"Council recognises the Traditional Owners of the lands of Hornsby Shire, the Darug and GuriNgai peoples, and pays respect to their Ancestors and Elders past and present and to their Heritage. We acknowledge and uphold their intrinsic connections and continuing relationships to Country."

PRESENT

NATIONAL ANTHEM

OPENING PRAYER/S

Acknowledgement of RELIGIOUS DIVERSITY

Statement by the Chairperson:

"We recognise our Shire's rich cultural and religious diversity and we acknowledge and pay respect to the beliefs of all members of our community, regardless of creed or faith."

Video and AUDIO RECORDING OF COUNCIL MEETING

Statement by the Chairperson:

"I advise all present that tonight's meeting is being video streamed live via Council’s website and also audio recorded for the purposes of providing a record of public comment at the meeting, supporting the democratic process, broadening knowledge and participation in community affairs, and demonstrating Council’s commitment to openness and accountability. The audio and video recordings of the non-confidential parts of the meeting will be made available on Council’s website once the Minutes have been finalised. All speakers are requested to ensure their comments are relevant to the issue at hand and to refrain from making personal comments or criticisms. No other persons are permitted to record the Meeting, unless specifically authorised by Council to do so."

APOLOGIES / LEAVE OF ABSENCE

political donations disclosure

Statement by the Chairperson:

“In accordance with Section 10.4 of the Environmental Planning and Assessment Act 1979, any person or organisation who has made a relevant planning application or a submission in respect of a relevant planning application which is on tonight’s agenda, and who has made a reportable political donation or gift to a Councillor or employee of the Council, must make a Political Donations Disclosure Statement.

If a Councillor or employee has received a reportable political donation or gift from a person or organisation who has made a relevant planning application or a submission in respect of a relevant planning application which is on tonight’s agenda, they must declare a non-pecuniary conflict of interests to the meeting, disclose the nature of the interest and manage the conflict of interests in accordance with Council’s Code of Conduct.”

declarations of interest

Councillors are reminded of their Oath or Affirmation of Office made under section 233A of the Act and their obligations under the Council’s Code of Conduct to disclose and appropriately manage conflicts of interest.

Clause 4.16 and 4.17 of Council’s Code of Conduct for Councillors requires that a councillor or a member of a Council committee who has a pecuniary interest in a matter which is before the Council or committee and who is present at a meeting of the Council or committee at which the matter is being considered must disclose the nature of the interest to the meeting as soon as practicable. The disclosure is also to be submitted in writing (on the form titled “Declaration of Interest”).

4.16 A councillor who has a pecuniary interest in any matter with which the council is concerned, and who is present at a meeting of the council or committee at which the matter is being considered, must disclose the nature of the interest to the meeting as soon as practicable.

4.17 The councillor must not be present at, or in sight of, the meeting of the council or committee:

a) at any time during which the matter is being considered or discussed by the council or committee, or

b) at any time during which the council or committee is voting on any question in relation to the matter.

Clause 5.10 and 5.11 of Council’s Code of Conduct for Councillors requires that a councillor or a member of a Council committee who has a non pecuniary interest in a matter which is before the Council or committee and who is present at a meeting of the Council or committee at which the matter is being considered must disclose the nature of the interest to the meeting as soon as practicable. The disclosure is also to be submitted in writing (on the form titled “Declaration of Interest”).

5.10 Significant non-pecuniary conflict of interests must be managed in one of two ways:

a) by not participating in consideration of, or decision making in relation to, the matter in which you have the significant non-pecuniary conflict of interest and the matter being allocated to another person for consideration or determination, or

b) if the significant non-pecuniary conflict of interest arises in relation to a matter under consideration at a council or committee meeting, by managing the conflict of interest as if you had a pecuniary interest in the matter by complying with clauses 4.16 and 4.17.

5.11 If you determine that you have a non-pecuniary conflict of interest in a matter that is not significant and does not require further action, when disclosing the interest you must also explain in writing why you consider that the non-pecuniary conflict of interest is not significant and does not require further action in the circumstances.

confirmation of minutes

THAT the Minutes of the General Meeting held on 14 February, 2024 be confirmed; a copy having been distributed to all Councillors.

Petitions

presentations

Rescission Motions

Mayoral Minutes

ITEMS PASSED BY EXCEPTION / CALL FOR SPEAKERS ON AGENDA ITEMS

Note:

Persons wishing to address Council on matters which are on the Agenda are permitted to speak, prior to the item being discussed, and their names will be recorded in the Minutes in respect of that particular item.

Persons wishing to address Council on non agenda matters, are permitted to speak after all items on the agenda in respect of which there is a speaker from the public have been finalised by Council. Their names will be recorded in the Minutes under the heading "Public Forum for Non Agenda Items".

GENERAL BUSINESS

· Items for which there is a Public Forum Speaker

· Public Forum for non agenda items

· Balance of General Business items

Office of the General Manager

Page Number 1

Item 1 GM11/24 Councillor Strategic Workshop - February 2024

RECOMMENDATION

THAT Council receive and note the contents of the Report No. GM11/24.

Corporate Support Division

Page Number 7

Item 2 CS5/24 Investments and Borrowings for 2023/2024 - Status for the Period Ending 31 January 2024

RECOMMENDATION

THAT the contents of Director’s Report No. CS5/24 be received and noted.

Page Number 10

Item 3 CS6/24 Classification of Public Land - Road Widening for Intersection Upgrade at Hornsby

RECOMMENDATION

THAT pursuant to Section 31 of the Local Government Act 1993, Lots 1 to 6 & Lot 8 DP 1284528 being land acquired for road widening and transfer to an adjoining owner be classified as “Operational Land” with Lots 1 to 6 DP 1284528 to be dedicated as Public Road.

Community and Environment Division

Nil

Planning and Compliance Division

Nil

Infrastructure and Major Projects Division

Nil

PUBLIC FORUM – NON AGENDA ITEMS

Questions with Notice

Mayor's Notes

Page Number 14

Item 4 MN2/24 Mayor's Notes 01 February 2024 to 29 February 2024

Notices of Motion

Page Number 15

Item 5 NOM2/24 Galston Aquatic and Leisure Centre

COUNCILLOR Greenwood To Move

THAT Council:

1. Acknowledges the need for keyless entry lockers to be fitted in the newly refurbished Galston Aquatic and Leisure Centre to ensure safe and reliable security for the personal belongings of visitors to the centre.

2. Investigates and assesses the cost of providing keyless lockers that are ‘user friendly’ and accessible, waterproof and corrosion proof as well as being architecturally sympathetic to the spaces within the Centre environment.

3. Reports the outcome of this investigation and assessment at an informal workshop for consideration of inclusion in Council’s Delivery Program/ Operational Plan 2024/25.

SUPPLEMENTARY AGENDA

MATTERS OF URGENCY

General Manager's Report No. GM11/24

Office of the General Manager

Date of Meeting: 13/03/2024

1 COUNCILLOR STRATEGIC WORKSHOP - FEBRUARY 2024

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

· The Councillor Strategic Planning Workshop was held on Friday 23 February 2024 at Storey Park.

· The agenda reflected current topics and priority issues for the remaining term of Council.

· Information from the day will be used in the development of the draft 2024-2027 Delivery Program and 2024/25 Operational Plan which will be reported to Council in April for endorsement to go on public exhibition.

RECOMMENDATION

THAT Council receive and note the contents of the Report No. GM11/24.

PURPOSE

The purpose of this Report is to outline the outcome of the Councillor Strategic Planning Workshop held at Storey Park on Friday 23 February 2024.

BACKGROUND

During each Council Term of Council, a strategic planning workshop is held with Councillors in February to discuss the achievements of the past twelve months and to engage with Councillors on current priorities and provide an update on the development of, the draft Delivery Program and Operational Plan for the coming year.

DISCUSSION

Councillors spent time reflecting on the achievements of the past two years of this term of office and discussing those key issues that could realistically be expected to have substantially progressed or have decisions made regarding the way forward within the next six months before the local government elections in September 2024.

Since the beginning of this term of Council 78 Key Initiatives have been completed and 121 capital projects completed. Council’s capital spend has continued to increase with $43 million spent on capital projects in 2021/22, $69 million in 2022/23 and an anticipated spend of up to $93 million in 2023/24. Capital projects have included 2,960 meters of new footpaths, 2,000 meters of new shared paths, 1,322 meters of local roads rehabilitated, nine sporting facilities upgraded, three traffic facility improvements, three stormwater quality devices and 2,550 potholes repaired this financial year. Council services have also continued to roll out with 31.9% of residents belonging to local libraries, 1,776 Australian citizens conferred, and 35,194 customer service requests responded to. The full list of Council achievements is extensive and reported annually each year in the Annual Report with a copy available on our website.

During this term of Council, the following strategies have been adopted / endorsed:

· Asset Management Strategy 2023/24-2032/33

· Workforce Management Plan 2022/23-2025/26

· Community Strategic Plan 20222-2032 – Your Vision | Your Future

· Rural Lands Strategy

· Healthy Aging Hornsby 2022-2026

· Community Engagement Plan 2022

· 2023-2026 Delivery Program including the Operational Plan and Budget 2023/24

· Property Strategy 2023

· Long Term Financial Plan 2023/24-2032/33

· Heritage Interpretation Strategy and Action Plan

Other strategies and plans anticipated to be considered during the remainder of this term include:

· 2024-2027 Delivery Program including the Operational Plan and Budget 2024/25

· Long Term Financial Plan 2024/25-2033/34

· Social Plan 2024-2028

· Arts and Cultural Strategy

An update was provided on the Councillor priorities from February 2023 which included:

· Hornsby Park

· Community and Cultural Facilities

· Housing Strategy – Hornsby Town Centre – Affordable Housing

· Communication with the community

· Westleigh Park

The senior leadership team provided project status updates for each division which included the following.

Environment and Community Services

· Vegetation Mapping

· Identified Aboriginal Position and Engagement Strategy

· Social Programs

· Capital works upgrades for Amenities, Dog Off Leash, Beecroft Village Green, Natural Areas and Playgrounds

· Waste Management

· Bushfire Asset Protection Zone works

· Library customer service survey

Planning and Compliance Division

· Rural Lands Planning Proposal

· Low and Mid Rise Housing Reforms

· Hornsby DCP 2024

· Voluntary Planning Agreement Policy

· Aboriginal Heritage Study After Exhibition

· Heritage Housekeeping Planning Proposal

· Medium Density Strategy

· All Electric DCP Amendments

· Selection of expert members of the HLPP

· Hornsby Town Centre TOD Project

· Cherrybrook Precinct

· Medium Density Reforms Update

· Glenorie Village Investigations Project Brief

· Heritage Housekeeping Planning Proposal

· All Electric DCP Amendments

· Wattle Street Asquith Planning Proposal

· Hornsby DCP 2024

· Keeping Cats Safe at Home Program

Infrastructure and Major Projects

· Hornsby Park

· Westleigh Park

· Asquith to Mount Colah Public Domain

· Galston Public Domain

· Kangaroo Point Boardwalk

· Main Administration Building

· Formulating rolling four-year local roads and footpaths improvement programs

· Formulating stormwater drainage improvement program

· Progression of the Floodplain Risk Management Study and Plan

· Capital works for Traffic Facility Improvements, Assets and Foreshores

· Policy Review

· Emergency Management

· Asset Management Plans

Office of the General Manager

· Brooklyn – parking and place planning

· Destination Management Plan

· Place based approach to Hornsby

· Strategy Development

· Sustainability

· Transport Planning

· Communications and Engagement

· Audit Risk and Improvement Committee

· Strategic Property Management – Johnson Road, Hornsby Town Centre

· Review of organisational structure

· Results of the Australian Liveability Census

Corporate Support

· Financial Management

· September Council elections

· Workforce Management

· Property acquisition

· Digital Transformation

· Cyber Security

The feedback and discussions help inform the focus of scarce resources in the short and medium term. Further formal input to the development of the next Delivery program and Operational Plan will occur in workshops scheduled for March prior to the formal presentation of a draft at the ordinary meeting of Council in April.

BUDGET

There are no budgetary implications associated with this Report. The Strategic Planning Workshop was accommodated from within existing budget and held at a Council community facility.

POLICY

There are no policy implications associated with this Report.

CONCLUSION

Council’s play a major role in creating the environment within which the local and regional community pursue their daily lives. To achieve this, councils must review the short-, medium- and long-term focus on the diverse mix of interests and needs that exist in our area. The Councillor Strategic Workshop allows the Councillors and senior staff to step away from day-to-day operational concerns into an informal environment that enhances strategic thinking and thoughtful and insightful planning. The discussions held during the day will be used in the development of the draft 2024-2027 Delivery Program and Operational Plan 2024/25 which will be presented to Council in April for endorsement to go on public exhibition.

RESPONSIBLE OFFICER

The officer responsible for the preparation of this Report is the Manager Strategy and Place – Julie Ryland - who can be contacted on 9847 6773.

Steven Head

General Manager

Office of the General Manager

Attachments:

There are no attachments for this report.

File Reference: F2024/00060

Document Number: D08835314

Director's Report No. CS5/24

Corporate Support Division

Date of Meeting: 13/03/2024

2 INVESTMENTS AND BORROWINGS FOR 2023/2024 - STATUS FOR THE PERIOD ENDING 31 JANUARY 2024

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

· This Report provides details of Council’s investment performance for the period ending 31 January 2024 as well as the extent of its borrowings at the end of the same period.

· Council invests funds that are not, for the time being, required for any other purpose. The investments must be made in accordance with relevant legislative requirements and Council’s policies and the Chief Financial Officer must report monthly to Council on the details of funds invested.

· All of Council’s investments have been made in accordance with the requirements of the Local Government Act, the Local Government (General) Regulation and Council's Investment of Surplus Funds Policy and Investment Strategy.

· In respect of Council’s cash and term deposit investments, the portfolio achieved an annualised return for January 2024 of 5.09% which includes a positive yield of 9.39% from TCorp Managed Funds. On a financial year to date basis the portfolio achieved an annualised return of 4.93% which includes a positive yield of 8.29% from TCorp Managed Funds.

RECOMMENDATION

THAT the contents of Director’s Report No. CS5/24 be received and noted.

PURPOSE

The purpose of this Report is to advise Council of funds invested in accordance with Section 625 of the Local Government Act; to provide details as required by Clause 212(1) of the Local Government (General) Regulation and Council's Investment of Surplus Funds Policy; and to advise on the extent of Council’s current borrowings.

BACKGROUND

Legislation requires that a report be submitted for Council’s consideration each month detailing Council's investments and borrowings and highlighting the monthly and year to date performance of the investments. Initial investments and reallocation of funds are made, where appropriate, after consultation with Council's financial investment adviser and fund managers.

DISCUSSION

Council invests funds which are not, for the time being, required for any other purpose. Such investment must be in accordance with relevant legislative requirements and Council Policies, and the Chief Financial Officer must report monthly to Council on the details of the funds invested.

Council’s investment performance for the month ending 31 January 2024 is detailed in the attached document. In summary, the portfolio achieved an annualised return for January 2024 of 5.09%. On a financial year to date basis the portfolio achieved an annualised return of 4.93% which includes a positive yield of 8.29% from TCorp Managed Funds.

The Borrowings Schedule as at 31 January 2024 is attached for Council’s information, noting that Council became debt free on 1 July 2023 with no loans entered into since. Therefore, the Borrowings Schedule only discloses future lease repayments for various items of plant and equipment.

BUDGET

Budgeted investment income for the year is $9,823,719 with an average budgeted monthly income of $818,643. Net investment income for the month ended 31 January 2024 was $1,219,769, which includes an unrealised gain of $177,633 from TCorp Managed Funds.

Budgeted investment income year to date at 31 January 2024 was $5,730,508. Total investment income year to date at 31 January 2024 was $8,583,424 which includes a year-to-date unrealised net gain of $1,071,361 from TCorp Managed Funds.

Approximately 49.63% of the investment income received by Council relates to externally restricted funds (e.g., Stronger Communities Grant funding and Section 7.11 and Section 7.12 development contribution funds) and is required to be allocated to those funds. All investments have been made in accordance with the Local Government Act, the Local Government (General) Regulation and Council's Investment of Surplus Funds Policy and Investment Strategy.

The returns from TCorp Managed Funds can experience significant market volatility due to external economic conditions. It is noted that this product has a 7-year investment horizon and will, therefore, reflect marked to market valuations monthly. Advice provided by Council’s independent investment advisor, Prudential Investment Services, is to hold this investment for the 7-year timeframe originally planned. This is due to the anticipated net positive performance returns that will be gained over the long term for this investment.

CONCLUSION

The investment of Council funds and the extent of its borrowings as of 31 January 2024 is detailed in the documents attached to this Report. Council’s consideration of the Report and its attachments ensures that the relevant legislative requirements and Council protocols have been met in respect of those investments and borrowings.

RESPONSIBLE OFFICER

The officer responsible for the preparation of this Report is the Chief Financial Officer – Duncan Chell - who can be contacted on 9847 6822.

Duncan Chell

Chief Financial Officer

Corporate Support Division

Glen Magus

Director - Corporate Support

Corporate Support Division

Attachments:

1.	HSC Investments Summary Report January 2024
2.	HSC Borrowings Summary Report January 2024

File Reference: F2004/06987-02

Document Number: D08822875

Director's Report No. CS6/24

Corporate Support Division

Date of Meeting: 13/03/2024

3 CLASSIFICATION OF PUBLIC LAND - ROAD WIDENING FOR INTERSECTION UPGRADE AT HORNSBY

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

· On 12 July 2023 Council approved the Compulsory Acquisition of 3 Bridge Road, Hornsby.

· An Acquisition Notice to finalise the Compulsory Acquisition was published on 9 February 2024.

· This is a vacant residential property described as Lot 1 DP 17334 with an area of 773.7m².

· Under an Acquisition Plan registered by Council the land is now Lots 5 & 8 DP 1284528.

· Lot 5 DP 1284528 has an area of 596.3m² and is required to create two designated left turn lanes from Peats Ferry Road into Bridge Road as part of an intersection upgrade.

· Lot 8 DP 1284528 is a residue of 177.4m² to be transferred to the adjoining owners of 324-330 Peats Ferry Road & 5-7 Bridge Road in exchange for road widening required from that property.

· Council approved the transfer on 9 March 2022 and a Deed has exchanged with the owners.

· Council has also approved a public notice of the intention to classify the road widening and residue as “Operational Land”. This is required for both the transfer of land to the adjoining owners and for the future dedication of the road widening as public road.

· The required public notice has been exhibited with no objections received to the classification.

· Online submissions concerning the intersection upgrade & parking have been answered.

· Council is requested to approve the classification and road dedication.

RECOMMENDATION

PURPOSE

The purpose of this Report is to seek Council approval to the classification of land acquired for a land exchange and road widening at Hornsby as “Operational Land” and to the dedication of road widening as Public Road.

BACKGROUND

At the 12 July 2023 Ordinary Meeting, Council considered Confidential Director’s Report No. CS38/23 and resolved that:

1. Council proceeds with the compulsory acquisition of the land described as Lot 1 DP 17334 for the purpose of road widening in accordance with the requirements of the Land Acquisition (Just Terms Compensation) Act 1991.

2. Council makes an application to the Minister and the Governor for approval to acquire Lot 1 DP 17334 by compulsory process under section 177(2)(b) of the Roads Act 1993.

3. Council approves the proposed Transfer of residue land described as Lot 8 DP 1284528 in an Acquisition Plan registered on 15 August 2022 as compensation for road widening described as Lots 1 to 4 & Lot 6 DP 1284528 required from the adjoining property.

4. Upon acquisition, Council give public notice of its intention to classify the subject property as “Operational Land” in accordance with Section 31(2) of the Local Government Act 1993.

5. A further report outlining the outcomes of this matter be reported to Council upon acquisition of the site.

Note: The report was confidential due to the details of unsuccessful negotiations with the owner.

It should be noted that this report provides an update in respect to point 5 of the above resolved position of Council at the 12 July 2023 Ordinary Meeting. Council has considered multiple reports leading up to the acquisition of 3 Bridge Rd, Hornsby at the General Meetings of Council held on the 9 March 2021, 14 July 2021, 14 September 2022, 12 July 2023, and 9 August 2023.

On 27 September 2023, the Minister for Local Government approved commencement of pre-acquisition procedures but embargoed a Proposed Acquisition Notice until after 26 October 2023.

On 27 October 2023, a ninety day (90) Proposed Acquisition Notice was served on the owner.

On 25 January 2024, the ninety day (90) period in the Proposed Acquisition Notice expired.

On 31 January 2024, the NSW Governor approved publication of an Acquisition Notice.

On 9 February 2024, An Acquisition Notice was published in the NSW Government Gazette.

The Acquisition Notice transferred ownership of the property to Council free of all interests or charges and converted the owner’s interest to a claim for compensation to be Determined by the Valuer General.

The owner has a right of Appeal against the Notice of Determination to the Land & Environment Court.

Note: Negotiations continued with the owner during the PAN period but were unsuccessful.

On 9 March 2022, Council had previously approved transfer of the residue from 3 Bridge Road to the owners of the Service NSW Business Office at 324-330 Peats Ferry Road and 5-7 Bridge Road in exchange for road widening required from that property. A Deed exchanged on 10 July 2023.

Subject to Council’s approval of the “Operational Land” classifications, the exchange will be completed.

DISCUSSION

The Local Government Act 1993 requires that, apart from public roads which are held under the Roads Act, all land owned by Council must be classified as either “Community” or “Operational” Land.

“Community Land” is typically public parks, sportsgrounds, drainage reserves and natural bushland held by Council on behalf of the residents and ratepayers. There are restrictions preventing Council from selling these properties or entering leases longer than 5 years without public consultation.

By comparison, these matters need not be considered by Council when dealing with “Operational Land” which is typically properties held for future strategic development such as business/retail sites and car parks. Subject to authorising resolutions, Council is able to sell or lease these properties.

Section 31(2) of the Local Government Act 1993 requires Council to classify land within three months of acquisition or the property is deemed to be “Community Land”. However, Section 47F then restricts Council’s ability to dedicate “Community Land” as a public road.

For that reason, Council’s resolutions proposed a classification of the residue and road widening as “Operational Land”. Section 34 of the Act requires Council to give at least 28 days public notice of a proposed resolution to classify a property as “Operational Land”.

Public notice was given on Council’s website to comply with this requirement. Plans of the land and other supporting documents were provided during the exhibition period which expired on 8 March 2024.

There were a number of requests for further information on the project particularly how the works will improve traffic congestion and public safety. There were also suggestions for increased parking restrictions on Peats Ferry Road. All these submissions were answered by the Project Manager.

There were other submissions in support of the proposed classifications. No objections were received.

Council is now able to classify the residue land and road widening as “Operational Land” so that the land exchange can be completed, and road widening dedicated as public road after the construction works to upgrade the intersection.

BUDGET

The acquisition of 3 Bridge Rd, Hornsby is to be funded from the Hornsby Quarry project budget and development contributions funds.

POLICY

There are no policy implications associated with this Report.

CONCLUSION

Classification of the residue Lot 8 DP 1284528 from 3 Bridge Road will permit transfer of road widening from the adjoining property to Council. Classification of the road widening as “Operational Land” will permit the future dedication of Lots 1 to 6 DP 1284528 as public road.

RESPONSIBLE OFFICER

The officer responsible for the preparation of this Report is the Property Asset Manager – Stewart Bates - who can be contacted on 9847 6725.

Stewart Bates

Property Asset Manager - Land and Property Services

Corporate Support Division

Glen Magus

Director - Corporate Support

Corporate Support Division

Attachments:

Explanation exhibited with Public Notice of Classification of Public Land.

File Reference: F2015/00419-002

Document Number: D08827634

Notice of Motion No. NOM2/24

Date of Meeting: 13/03/2024

5 GALSTON AQUATIC AND LEISURE CENTRE

COUNCILLOR Greenwood To Move

THAT Council:

3. Reports the outcome of this investigation and assessment at an informal workshop for consideration of inclusion in Council’s Delivery Program/ Operational Plan 2024/25.

Note from Councillor

The newly refurbished Galston Aquatic and Leisure Centre (GALC) reopened on the 3 February 2024. Delivered with support from the NSW Government through a Greater Cities Sport Facility Fund grant, the refurbished GALC now provides a wonderful community facility in the Hornsby Shire. In particular, the Centre has been thoughtfully designed as a modern facility to provide a range of family- friendly interior and exterior spaces and, for those people with a disability or in the process of rehabilitation, access to a multi-purpose changing area and support equipment.

However, unless a visitor walked or bicycled to the Centre, it would be understandable that the visitor would come into the centre with personal belongings, which may include keys, wallet/purse, phone, other personal accessories. change of clothes and towel. It is also understandable that this visitor would like to enjoy the facilities that GALC can offer without being distracted by the fear that their personal belongings may be taken whilst they are enjoying the facilities.

There are no secure places available within the facility to store personal items. The visitor would have to take the risk of leaving their items unsupervised within the centre or in the care of another person if one is available and willing to undertake that duty.

I suggest there a very strong need for keyless entry lockers to be provided within the Centre for the use of visitors whilst they enjoy the facilities on offer. I also suggest that a range of ‘user-friendly’ keyless locker options be considered, including lockers that are accessed via a code, coded arm band or magnetic swipe. As the lockers will be exposed to humid conditions, it is suggested the lockers are waterproof and corrosive proof, designed to be architecturally sympathetic to the spaces and places within the GALC as well as being in easily accessible locations for all members of the community that use its facilities.

In doing so, visitors to GALC will be able to enjoy everything the Centre offers without being constantly watchful in the fear of losing their personal belongings.

Attachments:

There are no attachments for this report.

File Reference: F2013/00708-010

Document Number: D08836472