Last night's Council meeting elected a new deputy mayor and chairs of the seven policy committees.
While the mayor is directly elected by the community during the statewide election, and holds the position for four years, the deputy mayor and committee chairs are elected each year.
The new deputy mayor is Cr Glenn Taylor, replacing Cr Sam Romano who has served in the role for two years.
NEW DEPUTY : New Deputy Mayor Cr Glenn Taylor
- Chair of Planning & Development Committee: Cr Russell Turner
- Chair of Employment and Economic Development Committee: Cr Tony Mileto
- Chair of Infrastructure Committee: Cr Jeff Whitton
- Chair of Sport & Recreation Committee: Cr Jason Hamling
- Chair of Environment Sustainability Committee: Cr Stephen Nugent
- Chair of Finance Committee: Cr Kevin Duffy
- Chair of Services Committee: Cr Scott Munro
Last night's meeting decided to hold its election by a show of hands, instead of the usual secret ballot. Due to a number of council members joining the meeting by Zoom, it wasn't possible to conduct the vote using ballot papers. After advice from the Office of Local Government was put to the meeting, it was decided to conduct the election by a show of hands.
Future City timetable approved
Last night's Council meeting approved the first two years of a three-year timetable to implement the Future City CBD upgrade.
A long list of potential projects has been allocated for delivery across the three years, with $5 million to be spent this financial year and $5 million to be spent the following year.
Council are currently seeking grants for the third year's list of projects.
Event approvals under COVID
Last night's meeting voted to support a new system for Council to consider proposed community events, to be held during the pandemic.
Under the new approach:
- Non-contentious events proposed by local event organises would be considered by staff in lube with current policies.
- Proposals to hold events hosted by organisers from outside the Orange region would be determined by a Council meeting.
In the first event to be considered, the Council voted to not to allow the 'Orange Fun Fair' proposed for the Orange Showground.
Perry Oval block to be demolished
Last night's meeting approved a recommendation to demolish a toilet block on Perry Oval and erect a new building.
It's expected the new toilet will be built on the Clinton Street side of Perry Oval and will cost around $85,000 from the NSW Government's Resources for Regions fund.
Also last night the meeting approved a DA for Robertson Park and the Civic Square precinct. The decision will streamline the management of a range of Council and community events which are held in the area.
