Held in Braidwood Chambers on Thursday December 8, 2005

COUNCILLORS QUESTIONS AND STATEMENTS WITHOUT NOTICE

4. Cr Moore referred to the planning budget. It was understood by Cr Moore that Council started off with something in the vicinity of $225,000.00, made up of grants from the State Government and money given to the old Tallaganda for LEP revision. Cr Moore questioned as to what amount of money planning still had and what had been spent?

6. Cr Moore went on to express the following in respect of what had happened earlier in the meeting. Cr Moore said that she was absolutely sick of the personal attacks, sniping and aggression that happened at every meeting and outside meetings. Cr Moore stated that she cannot put up with this any longer. She pointed out that Council is a diverse group and needs to accept that diversity and not bring prejudices to meetings. Cr Moore was sure that ratepayers expected Council to make decisions co-operatively, based on issues, not by point-scoring with antagonism and personal attacks. Cr Moore also pointed out that a bit of team-building would not go astray, but as it is not currently affordable, Cr Moore appealed to Councillors to put their prejudices aside and return next year with the intention of starting off with a new spirit of co-operation and acceptance of diversity. It would certainly make Cr Moore's experience on Council a much more pleasant one. Cr Moore thanked Council.

9. During Bungendore late-night shopping, Cr Gardiner was asked whether he would be attending the Rate Reference Group meetings. Cr Gardiner stated that he felt that the group would produce a more objective and considered report without his involvement. Cr Gardiner went on to urge other Councillors to give consideration to allowing the Group to meet without Councils involvement and comment. It was recommended by Cr Gardiner that the group be able to prepare some ideas and then Council can handle the actual decision later on.

17. Due to the reduction of services that Council will be offering and the increase in rates, Cr Marjason suggested that Councillors provide leadership by not collecting their allowances for 12 months to set an example to the ratepayers.

21. Cr Bransdon explained that the original reasons for setting up the Rates Reference Group was to form a community function with one councillor as an observer to provide assistance of how Council worked through problems and the Mayor.