Late items rule council

By Kath Gannaway
YARRA Ranges councillors will be working to a new rule, as from tonight’s (Tuesday 14) council meeting, in relation to introducing late items at council meetings.
Yarra Ranges councillors voted to sign the Wilderness Society’s Ethical Paper Pledge, which was introduced as a late item at the 27 April meeting.
The move sparking controversy when the State Government voiced their disapproval and took discussions with the council about the potential relocation of VicForests head office to Yarra Glen off the table.
It also brought to light conflicting rules in the local law under which councillors operate.
Item 74 of the meeting procedures local law states that a notice of motion cannot be accepted by the chairperson unless it has been listed on the agenda for the meeting at which it is to be moved.
Item 83 however allows for business not on the agenda to be introduced through the chair, effectively removing any opportunity for public input.
Council’s Director of Corporate Services Rebecca McKenzie said the local law was set for review.
“We will be updating the local law so will take the opportunity to remove any ambiguity,” she said.
In the meantime, Ms McKenzie said councillors had discussed the matter of late items and had agreed to revised procedures which will require them to notify their intention to raise a motion and for it to be listed on the next appropriate meeting agenda.
She said while there had been a long history of the mayor accepting late motions through the chair at Yarra Ranges, it had not in the past been used very often.
“Normally, when it comes to motions, this is reserved for only urgent items,” Ms McKenzie said, but added that late motions appeared to be arising on a more frequent basis.
She said the new procedure would allow time for councillors to receive advice on matters from officers, and ensure transparency to the public.