The Darkening of Counsel

The Darkening of Counsel [Albury Council]

The Council meeting of 28/11/11 was in marked contrast to the committees of the week before. It ran on for 2 hours and 13 minutes. Early on came a lengthy inquisition from one member relating to – the Council MINUTES! 

This is what is listed there under 'Actions in Progress':

Report to come to Council on the matter of financial support for Albury Wodonga Community Network Inc.

A report has been asked for! A report relating to Albury Wodonga Community Network Inc? Why had a report been asked for? Why? Who did it? It seemed like a crime had been committed by asking for information to come forward! In the end all 7 other councillors voted for the minutes to be adopted. The stand out member remained disapproving and voted against the minutes and so this request, which was made in SEPTEMBER!

Quite some time was taken with the East Albury Industrial Precinct.  Then we were told that the marvellous AlburyCity nine day fortnight has passed with flying colours its one year trial [started early this year!]. It is a permanent arrangement. Now AlburyCity has a lot more good work getting done and more cheaply than before! What is more, now it is easier to get and retain good staff. [Their assertions, not mine.] Does that say something about the staff they actually had retained prior to the improvement?

Other agenda items taking major time were the waterwheel spin [see separate post] and the Cumberoona 30 minute float.  The paddlewheeler is under essential repair and will clearly be under review. There are differences about the value of the Cumberoona to the community. One outspoken councillor threatened that there will be a different Cumberoona story after the election[!].

Unfortunately, not one of the best Albury Council meetings I have seen.