Councillor Ron Cummins said it was hypocritical for the mayor and councillors to accept extra money from the Local Remuneration Tribunal during the July 19 general council meeting.

“The ratepayers of the Shire have been hit hard enough, I can just imagine their reaction to councillors giving themselves a pay rise based on such a poor performance,” Cr Cummins said on the night.

Cr Richard Opie joined Cr Cummins in voting against the motion.

Cr Cummins listed over-spending on road projects, missing grants for the green waste bin and the Crookwell Landfill blow out.

The motion for a reformed fee structure was passed. It will see the mayoral allowance jump from $25,250 to $25,880, and  $11,570 to $11,860 for councillors.

According to the Local Remuneration Tribunal the Shire is a non-metropolitan rural area. Annual fees for council staff are based on the Tribunal’s determination in the 2018/19 financial year.

Acting general manager Gary Woodman did not comment on claims made by Cr Cummins, but said the mayor and councillors were active members outside the chamber.

“The councillors and mayoral duties are significant. They are also on community based committees and visit openings and closing events on the weekend,” Mr Woodman said. 

He told The Gazette there was however a shortage of staff in the Environment and Planning department, a topic which also generated discussion.

The council is missing an Environment and Planning manager, a building surveyor, a trainee and a strategic planner. 

Three of these positions are currently being advertised. 

A contract planner and building surveyor have been employed part-time for up to two months.

“There is a staff shortage, particularly in planning and surveyor work. Local government in NSW has a definite skill shortage in that area; there a big city councils having trouble filling those positions,” Mr Woodman said.

“We’re very fortunate the two are experienced ... hopefully both continue for some time.”

Mr Woodman said the position had been advertised for six months.

Councillors questioned senior staff on the impacts of the shortage, with specific reference to safety compliance for buildings in the Shire.

Cr Opie argued the councillors had a “duty of care” to ensure fire and occupational certificates were being received. 

He put forward a motion suggesting that council details non-compliant class 2-9 buildings in the Shire. 

According to the classification of buildings and structures, a class 2-9 building is a building containing two or more sole-occupancy units. 

“The liability flows onto us as councillors and not only staff, therefore we need to know action is being taken and we're acting responsibly to overcome this issue,” Cr Opie said.

“There is no way around this issue, it needs to be addressed with a look at staffing.” 

Mayor Brian McCormack said the council didn’t have the resources as the director was “battling to do everyday jobs”.

Cr Paul Culhane said he believed Environment and Planning director Tina Dodson would notify council if she knew of a non-compliant building.

Owners of class 2-9 buildings are required to submit relevant paperwork such as fire safety certificates to the council.

“The council undertake inspections that are based on advice and complaints of residents within resources,” Mr Woodman said. 

“We receive complaints and action within reason. Action could be orders to improve or action to ensure all relevant provisions are followed.”

Mr Woodman was unable to detail the amount of fire safety certificates and statements before publication.

The most recent advice received by council was the Bank House in May. An inspection by an accredited fire safety engineer is scheduled to determine if any improvement works are required.

A motion to apply for financial assistance to install a hydrotherapy pool in Crookwell was defeated.

Cr Paul Culhane advised the council to “let the committee run its course” after councillors suggested applying for grants early.

The discussions stemmed from a report on the usage and capital works at the Crookwell and Gunning pools for the 2017/18 financial year in the business paper. 

In Gunning, a new amenities room, concrete paths and concrete pad has been constructed. Tiles in the toddler room, new paint, tap timers and shower heads are being upgraded in Crookwell. 

Cr Culhane said the committee was two-thirds through planning and a final view had not been formulated yet.

“It’s a bit premature,” he said. “Getting the grants is easy, we’re worried about operational implications to the pool.”