TODAY’S Southern Grampians Shire Council meeting to be held at council chambers in Market St is scheduled at 5.30pm and will include the following items:

1. Parking Meter Petition

Following a public deputation regarding the replacement of old parking meters during the June 12 council meeting, the council resolved to receive a petition ‘against’ parking meters in the Central Business District (CBD) and will now respond.

Council officers are currently developing a policy to provide further guidance on decision making and to ensure transparency to the community for a sustainable operation for parking services into the future.

2. Property Discontinuance French Street, Hamilton

Council to discuss the sale of two parcels of land which are access roadways from French Street to the rear of 57-61 Cox Street to Ansett Developments Pty Ltd and Drive Through Hamilton Restoration of Essential Public Assets.

The two parcels of land are not maintained by Council and the sale of these parcels would transfer the ongoing maintenance responsibilities onto the new owner.

The estimated income from the sale of the road adjoining the properties at 103, 105 and 109 French Street Hamilton is $10,000 based on the market valuation completed by Preston Rowe Paterson on November 16, 2023.

The estimated income from the sale of land from French Street to the rear of 57-61 Cox Street, Hamilton is $18,500 based on the market valuation completed by Preston Rowe Paterson on February 24, 2024.

3. Restoration of Essential Public Assets

This report seeks endorsement for the contract to undertake the Restoration of Essential Public Assets (REPA) works to reinstate damaged assets back to their condition before the October 2022 flood event.

After issuing a Request for Tender, six responses were received and evaluated.

The recommendation before Council is to award the contract to DWB Engineering Pty Ltd for the tendered lump sum price of $1,488,433.42 (excluding GST).

4. Establishment of Hamilton Gallery Foundation

Council to discuss their potential endorsement of raising capital funding though charitable foundation to support the development of a new Hamilton Gallery.

5. Procurement of design services - New Hamilton Gallery

Councillors to be briefed on the procurement process for the engagement of design services for the new Hamilton Gallery.

The procurement of an architect to undertake the design of the New Hamilton Gallery Council is an important step in Council’s journey to develop a new gallery.

6. Election Period Policy - Amendment

Due to changes communicated by the Victorian Electoral Commission, the council must make a change to the Election Period Policy with respect to the dates of the caretaker period.

The Policy has been updated to reflect this change.

It is a requirement under Section 69 of the Local Government Act 2020 (the Act) for Councils to maintain an Election Period Policy.

This Policy forms part of the Governance Rules and is reviewed prior to each Election Period.