Overview - Parramatta City Council - NSW Government

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How Council Works How Council Works How and when are Councillors elected? Every four years 15 Councillors are elected to serve the Parramatta community, representing each of the five wards of Arthur Phillip, Caroline Chisholm, Elizabeth Macarthur, Lachlan Macquarie and Woodville, as shown on the map on page 18. Parramatta’s Lord Mayor and Deputy Lord Mayor were elected by the Councillors to serve for 18 months, six longer than the normal 12 month term. However, elected Lord Mayor Cr Julia Finn resigned on 21 April 2005 and Cr David Borger was subsequently elected as Lord Mayor on 6 May 2005, with his term running until 15 September 2006. Who stands for Council? As in State Government elections, local government councillors identify as candidates of a registered political party or as an independent. Although elected on a ward basis, Councillors can be contacted on any matter before Council. Most Councillors perform their civic role on a part-time basis and are paid a modest remuneration to help compensate for the time they spend representing the community. What happens at Council meetings? During 2005/06 Councillors convened in the Civic Place Council Chamber for 22 ordinary and 5 special meetings. Their task was to determine policies, consider reports, assess matters of public interest such as major Development Applications, and annually adopt Council’s four-year management plan, including its budget. To keep abreast of all the issues, they are provided with detailed reports by Council staff. Chaired by the Lord Mayor, these meetings allow members of the public to see their Council in action with the exception of confidential items. Between Council meetings the Lord Mayor represents the elected Council. From May 2004 Council introduced a meeting cycle based on two Council meetings per month, together with monthly workshops and Program Panel meetings. Councillors also attend liaison groups, advisory committees, civic events and other activities, and obtain feedback and direction from constituents through community forums, constituent meetings and informal discussions. Community Council meetings Between May 2005 and June 2006, in an effort to bring Council closer to its community, we held five Community Council Meetings, one in each of Parramatta’s wards. The meetings consisted of a 'Community Forum' where a presentation was given on the relevant ward, followed by question time where local residents were given the opportunity to raise any issues of concern with Councillors and/or Council Staff. An Ordinary Council Meeting was then held at the completion of the 'Community Forum' so that residents could see the formal workings of a Council Meeting. The Community Forums proved successful and attracted between 60 and 120 attendees. The meetings provided a great opportunity for Council to advise residents of upcoming projects. 16 Parramatta City Council 2005/06 Annual Report
In addition, positive feedback was received from many residents on the initiative to take Council to the public. Council has recently assessed the future of Community Council Meetings and while it resolved to discontinue the holding of Ordinary Council Meetings outside of its normal meeting venue, it has decided to hold annual ‘Meet the Councillors Community Forums’ conducted by the relevant Ward Councillors, with staff in attendance as necessary. Supporting our Councillors As part of Getting Closer—a range of initiatives designed to enhance relationships and communication with our community— we focused on improving the responsiveness of our Lord Mayoral and Councillor support service. Parramatta’s Councillors were assisted by the Councillor Support Unit to carry out their daily civic duties. The administrative and secretarial support Councillors require in their day-to-day dealing with local constituents added value to their effectiveness. All Councillors received basic computer and email training, together with coaching in media skills, speech writing and local government financial issues to better equip them to professionally represent the community. Training conferences attended by Councillors included the Local Government Association of NSW Annual Conference; the 46th Annual Conference Floodplain Management Authorities of NSW; and the Local Government Managers Australia 2006 National Congress & Business Expo. How Council Works Refer to page 201 re fees and expenses for Lord Mayor and Councillors, and overseas trips undertaken by Councillors. 17 Parramatta City Council 2005/06 Annual Report
Page 1 and 2: Responding to our Community 2005/06
Page 3 and 4: About this Report Welcome to Parram
Page 5 and 6: Finding Your Way Round this Report
Page 7 and 8: Snapshot Performance by Measure by
Page 9 and 10: Proud Past Promising Outlook Home
Page 11 and 12: Where You Can Find Us Parramatta Ci
Page 13 and 14: Natural bushland, native species Sc
Page 15 and 16: Lord Mayor’s Message This City, t
Page 17: our project management and delivery
Page 21 and 22: Councillor John Chedid First electe
Page 23 and 24: Corporate Services Group > Manager
Page 25 and 26: The For Parramatta City Council Str
Page 27 and 28: Highlights for 2005/06 included: >
Page 29 and 30: Working towards a triple bottom lin
Page 31 and 32: Staff profile at 30 June 2006 TOTAL
Page 33 and 34: WHERE THE DOLLARS CAME FROM REVENUE
Page 35 and 36: How we Spend Special Rates Determin
Page 37 and 38: City Development Program Purpose Ec
Page 39: Community Care Program Purpose Comm

Overview - Parramatta City Council - NSW Government

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