At last Night’s Port Stephens Council Meeting (26 June) The first item on the Business Paper was a Motion To Close the Meeting to the public to discuss the Agenda Item Port Stephens Council ats Towers.

The Motion was Moved/Seconded by Cl-rs. Nell & Dover. Councillor Nell strongly supported the motion. Councillor Ward Spoke Against.

A majority of the other the Councillors disagreed and the motion was lost.  The recommendation from the General Manager’s office is below.

This Decision means that the attached report (Below That) became a public document.

ITEM NO. 1 FILE NO: PSC2012-01059

MOTION TO CLOSE MEETING TO THE PUBLIC

REPORT OF: TONY WICKHAM – EXECUTIVE OFFICER

GROUP: GENERAL MANAGER’S OFFICE

RECOMMENDATION:

1) That pursuant to section 10A(2)(g) of the Local Government Act, 1993, the Council resolve to close to the public that part of its meetings to discuss Confidential Item 1 on the Ordinary agenda namely Port Stephens Council ats Towers

2) That the reasons for closing the meeting to the public to consider this item is that the discussion will include information concerning advice that would otherwise be privileged from production in legal proceedings on the ground of legal professional privilege.

3) That disclosure of the information would, on balance, be contrary to the public interest, as it would prejudice Council’s legal position and Council has an obligation to protect its interests and the interests of ratepayers.

4) That the report of the closed part of the meeting remain confidential until the matter is settled.

 The Full Report is Available: HERE

Feel Free to Comment, they are your elected representitives, let them know what you think!