Agenda of Environmental Services and Sustainability Committee Meeting

ITEM 1 - APPLICATIONS FOR LEAVE OF ABSENCE

REPORT IN BRIEF

Reason For Report	To allow tendering of apologies for Councillors not present.
Policy Implications	Nil
Budget Implications	Nil
IPR Linkage	4.5.1.f - Code of Meeting Practice adopted and implemented.
Annexures	Nil
File Number	\OFFICIAL RECORDS LIBRARY\GOVERNANCE\COUNCIL MEETINGS\COUNCIL - COUNCILLORS LEAVE OF ABSENCE - 482366

Recommendation

THAT any apologies tendered be accepted and the necessary leave of absence be granted.

General Manager's REPORT

A call for apologies be made.

ITEM 2 - DECLARATIONS OF INTEREST

REPORT IN BRIEF

Reason For Report	To allow an opportunity for Councillors to declare an interest in any items to be determined at this meeting.
Policy Implications	Nil
Budget Implications	Nil
IPR Linkage	4.5.1.f - Code of Meeting Practice adopted and implemented.
Annexures	Nil
File Number	\OFFICIAL RECORDS LIBRARY\GOVERNANCE\COUNCIL MEETINGS\COUNCIL - COUNCILLORS DECLARATION OF INTEREST - 482368

Recommendation

THAT the Declarations of Interest be noted.

General Manager's REPORT

A call for Declarations of Interest.

ITEM 3 - DECLARATIONS FOR POLITICAL DONATIONS

REPORT IN BRIEF

Reason For Report	To allow an opportunity for Councillors to declare any Political Donations received.
Policy Implications	Nil
Budget Implications	Nil
IPR Linkage	4.5.1.f - Code of Meeting Practice adopted and implemented.
Annexures	Nil
File Number	\OFFICIAL RECORDS LIBRARY\GOVERNANCE\COUNCIL MEETINGS\COUNCIL - COUNCILLORS DECLARATION OF POLITICAL DONATIONS - 482369

Recommendation

THAT any Political Donations be noted.

General Manager's REPORT

A call for Declarations of any Political Donations.

ITEM 4 - HERITAGE GRANTS 2013/14 PROGRAM

REPORT IN BRIEF

Reason For Report	Seeking Council approval for funding allocation.
Policy Implications	Nil
Budget Implications	In accordance with budget
IPR Linkage	4.3 Continue to implement the Heritage Program.
Annexures	Nil
File Number	\OFFICIAL RECORDS LIBRARY\GRANTS AND SUBSIDIES\PROGRAMS\HERITAGE GRANTS 2013 - 487599

Recommendation

THAT:

1. The application be supported and that a funding offer of $3,300 be made to Mrs Marilyn Koruniak for the repainting and repair to the façade of the former Western Stores building, known as 21-23 Bank Street, Molong, and

2. The Canowindra and District Historical Society representatives – including Mr & Mrs Bill Barwood, and interested parties, be invited to meet with council’s heritage advisor to develop a project for the maintenance of the monument located in the road reserve at Icely Street, Canowindra ( identifying the site of the c1846 Travelers Rest Inn), and that subject to submission of an application for local heritage funding that council support the repair of the monument with funds to be allocated from either the local heritage grants fund or the heritage interpretive signage budget.

Director of Environmental Services' REPORT

Applications have been invited from property owners within Cabonne to apply for funding under council’s annual heritage grants program.

The local heritage grants program is a partnership between Local Government and the State Government (NSW Dept. of Planning & Infrastructure – Heritage Branch). An annual fund of $16,000 is available to be matched dollar for dollar by applicants seeking to carry out restoration and conservation to heritage buildings and sites located within the council area.

The fund operates on a financial year basis, and is a small way in which council can acknowledge the time, effort and money that owners of older properties put into those places thereby ensuring longevity of the building or site and contributing to the often unique visual amenity of these places.

The program is open for applications throughout the year – with projects to be completed by the end of March each year to enable council’s final reporting to the NSW Dept of Planning. The heritage grants program is closely associated with council’s heritage advisory program and many of the applications for funding are consequent to inquiries of the heritage advisor and council’s environmental services staff.

The former Western Stores, Molong

Council has received an application for the external repainting of the former Western Stores in Bank Street, Molong. As the committee will be aware the heritage advisor has provided building maintenance and restoration advice to the owners over the past year. This application has been submitted utilising the advice provided by the heritage advisor as to traditional external colour schemes and general maintenance information.

The former Western Stores building located at 21-23 Bank Street, Molong is held actually in two land titles in separate ownerships. One owner is keen to repaint and repair the store’s façade. It is understood the other property owner is not prepared to contribute to the repainting however does not oppose the work being carried out. Mrs Koruniak is seeking a grant of $3,300 being 50% of the quoted cost to repaint the exterior façade using the colour scheme recommended by council’s heritage advisor. Heritage assistance would enable the entire façade to be repainted.

The Western Stores building is a key contributor to the Bank Street commercial area. The street from its intersection with Watson Street through to Edward Street is identified as a heritage conservation area both by Council through its Local Environmental Plan and by the NSW National Trust in its listings.

The heritage advisor has reviewed the application and is in support of the project. It is recommended that the application be supported and that a funding offer of $3,300 be made to Mrs Marilyn Koruniak for the repainting and repair to the façade of the former Western Stores building, known as 21-23 Bank Street, Molong.

Robinson’s Inn memorial cairn/plaques at Canowindra

Council has received correspondence from Mr & Mrs Bill Barwood of Icely Street, Canowindra seeking council’s support to repair a monument located within the crown road reserve adjoining their property. Located on the southern approach to the Swinging Bridge the monument records the site of the c1846 Travelers Rest Inn which in 1863 was owned by the Robinson family and was the scene for a 3 day raid on Canowindra by bushrangers including Ben Hall and Johnny Gilbert.

The monument was unveiled in 1951 by WR Glasson. The monument appears to have been erected by Boree Shire. Since its unveiling two more plaques have been added to the original monument. The main plaque is a marble tablet with lead lettering. Mr Barwood suggests council initiate a program to repair and then maintain the monument and suggests a local resident and stonemason may be able to assist with repairs to the lead lettering. He also suggests that certain content of the plaques is incorrect, but largely acceptable.

It is suggested that council’s heritage advisor be requested to convene an on-site meeting with representatives of the Canowindra historical society, including the Barwoods, and interested parties to discuss an appropriate repair and maintenance program. Consequent to that meeting it is suggested that the Canowindra & District Historical Society be invited to submit an application for local heritage funding to facilitate the community project.

ITEM 5 - BUSINESS PAPER ITEMS FOR NOTING

REPORT IN BRIEF

Reason For Report	Provides an opportunity for Councillors to call items for noting for discussion and recommends remainder to be noted.
Policy Implications	Nil
Budget Implications	Nil
IPR Linkage	4.5.1.f - Code of Meeting Practice adopted and implemented.
Annexures	Nil
File Number	\OFFICIAL RECORDS LIBRARY\GOVERNANCE\COUNCIL MEETINGS\PROCEDURES - 487161

Recommendation

THAT:

1. Councillors call any items they wish to further consider.

2. The balance of the items be noted.

General Manager's REPORT

In the second part of the Committee Business Paper are items included for the Committee’s information.

In accordance with Council’s format for it Business Paper, Councillors wishing to discuss any item are requested to call that item.

Item 3 Environmental Services and Sustainability Committee Meeting 6 August 2013

Item 3 - Annexure 1

David Scobie Architects

Level One, 177A Sailors Bay Road,

Northbridge, Heritage

NSW 2063

Tel: (02) 9967 2426

Fax: (02) 9967 2471

Mobile: 0412 415010

Email scobiearchitect@optusnet.com.au

Cabonne Shire Council

Via email

Attn: Ms. Heather Nicholls &

Amanda Rasmussen

REPORT: July 2013 Visit: 02/07/2013

1.0 Information provided to the Heritage Advisor

1.1 Heritage Committee Meeting:

1.1.1 Current issues: Items addressed below

1.2 Heritage Advisor appointments –

· Each of the Tuesday visits is listed below

o August 6^th

o September 4^th

o October 15^th

2.0 Follow Up required

v Bank Street western stores and awning

v Molong Bakery – verandah reinstatement

v Canowindra Club - landscape

v Canowindra Main Street – crossings

v Canowindra – Main Street Study

v Sale of Boree Nyrang Homestead

v Ophir Trust

The following notes apply to site visits and requests for advice

The intention is that the notes are passed to the Property Owner/Enquirer/DA Applicant:

3.0 Canowindra & District Historical Society – Plaques Project

Attention: Dorothy Balcomb, Canowindra & District Historical Society

The current plan is have the initial plaque fabricated for the former Bank – now gallery, and use that to get the other property owners on board.

A debate has been delaying progress related to what text should go on each plaque. The heritage advisor is of the view that 3 lines of text should be the guide as this produces a good sized readable message and the intention of the plaques are to signal the significance of the place with much greater detail being supplied in an accompanying brochure. The property owners sometimes take the view that there are some aspects of such significance that they should be provided on the plaque so that a viewer is given as full a story of the significance as is possible.

Two options have been prepared for the Bank plaque and sent to Phoenix bronze to test the scale of the lettering which will result.

4.0 Council Operations and Day Works staff

Attention: Amanda

The following notes have been prepared as part of a session for informing staff about Significant heritage places and items in the Cabonne Shire.

Objectives:

· To ensure that the heritage significance of places owned and managed by Council are maintained to protect their heritage character;

· To ensure that heritage places are conserved, restored and reinstated as required so that they are retained for future generations;

· To ensure that new works within Conservation areas and works to heritage places are sympathetic with the heritage significance of the place.

Council has two Conservation Areas: Bank Street in Molong and Main Street, Canowindra.

Council owns a number of places which are listed on the LEP as heritage items. A list will be supplied.

Council also owns a number of places which have a high level of heritage significance but are not yet listed on the LEP. These places are often evident by the extent of original material in their design and construction. Planning and Heritage staff are always available to investigate such sites and provide definitive answers during the formulation of the project and prior to construction.

What is environmental and heritage significance?

· A place which has strong historic associations and possibly a natural place, a building, a movable item, an aboriginal artefact or place, a tree or a geological element.

What is heritage significance?

· A place or item with values providing historic associations which may be related to history, to events, to the rarity, to the representative quality, to a visual aesthetic quality or with research potential. The values may be evident visually or they may be concealed – under water, roads or vegetation.

What is the statutory basis of the protection?

· Listed heritage places are protected under the EP&A Act through the provisions of the LEP.

· Statutory authorities such as roads (RMS), health, National parks (aboriginal) education and Rail maintain their own heritage lists called Section 170 registers

When is consent required?

· Consent for work is required where the proposal will ‘materially affect’ the significance of the item or place. This can apply to the setting of an item as well as to the loss of original material. For example views to and from a heritage park.

Assessing significance

1. Document what is known via research

2. Investigate the physical element

3. Check what is known against the significance criteria: Historic, association, aesthetic, social, rarity, research and representative

4. Write a simple statement of significance

5. Prepare a management strategy for retaining significance

Assessing a Proposed work: the Heritage Impact of a Proposal

· Are the works fully described?

· Has the heritage significance been addressed?

· Is there a heritage Impact Statement?

· Is there clear detail about the impacts?

· Is the assessment independent and skilled?

· Is there a management Strategy?

· Have alternatives been considered?

· Has expert advice on heritage and other matters been provided?

· Has expert advice been followed?

o One example:

A sign or structure in a Conservation Area

§ How will the impact of the element impact on the significance of the streetscape including views?

§ Have options been considered?

§ Why was the preferred solution

§ How is it sympathetic to the significance?

§ Does it comply with relevant council Policies/

§ Will it visually dominate the streetscape and significance?

Coordination

· Works in public places such as in streets and in parks may be the result of many contributing parties, including the community, business groups, engineering, operations, tourism & economic development and planning. A good example is street furniture in parks and streets:

o Rubbish bins

o Seats

o Signs

o Interpretation panels

o Public notice boards

o Water dispensers

o Street lights.

· In areas where there are conservation values such as the main street of Molong and Canowindra, the community deserves a high quality of street furniture to complement the heritage buildings and streetscape.

· Currently there is minimal coordination between many of the above. The resultant appearance reflects that with many different structures in a wide range of materials and colours and located in an apparent random and ad-hoc manner. The appearance and character does not reflect well on the Council and the community. Other locations in our region, such as Orange City, Mudgee and Forbes have a high quality of infrastructure and managed plans for implementation.

· Suggestions

o Any works proposed in the Molong conservation area, the Canowindra conservation area and at any Heritage listed sites should be discussed with the Planning Department during the inception stage

o Longer term arrangements for the purchase of street furniture to be discussed with the Planning Department

o Operations to be provided with access to the Council heritage Inventory to enable checking whether particular places are listed heritage items.

5.0 DA2013/216 – 15 Waddell Street, Canowindra

Significance

· The site is listed on the LEP as a Heritage item

Proposal

· The installation of a fire sprinkler system by Wheeler industries

· The upgrading of the existing kitchen

Heritage impacts

· The proposal is documented with a room layout plan illustrating flush mounted residential ceiling sprinklers in all rooms of the premises plus the installation of void space sprinklers in the ceiling space of each room.

· A sprinkler control valve assembly is proposed to be installed to the exterior of the right hand side of the building.

· Horizontal side wall sprinklers are to be installed within the rear external verandah

Recommendations

· In order that an assessment can be made of the heritage impact, the following additional information is requested from the applicant:

o Photos of the existing ceilings in a range of typical rooms sufficient to assess what impact the installation of a sprinkler will have on the ceiling

o A data sheet illustrating the size and appearance of a typical sprinkler

o The appearance and size of the proposed sprinkler valve assembly and the means and route by which the water supply gains access to the ceiling.

o A site photograph of the location where the assembly is to be located.

o Site and product photos of any other impacts which the installation may have on the building, which are not mentioned in the above or spelt out in the supplied drawing.

6.0 91 Bank Street, Molong with Mr. & Mrs. Pottie

The building is currently for sale.

Jennie has expressed an interest in purchasing the building and a site visit was conducted to discuss a range of issues.

A building report has also been completed but is yet to be sighted.

Discussions about the impacts of various uses would also need to be discussed with a Health & Building officer from Council.

Suffice to say that the building should be equipped with a hard wired smoke detection system and small portable ramps may be used for providing access to the frontage.

The exterior facade of the building is due for painting. There are also a number of elements where minor works are recommended for conservation and maintenance.

· A hanging piece of clear polycarbonate runs between the two buildings. The sheet is an attempt to cover the open space between the two verandahs but is not secure. It is recommended that it be removed.

· The parapet brick details need a close inspection to ensure that the mortar is sound or re-pointed and therefore secure.

Close view of the shopfront

Observations:

The limewash paint requires attention to the brickwork at the sides.

The matt finish on the limewash is a more appropriate finish than the full acrylic paint used on the adjoining building.

A replacement suspended panel sign would be appropriate.

The pink colour on the window framing is not traditional as it is a light colour which contrasts with the glass and the ability to see into the interior.

The ‘picking out’ of the lower moulding rail and the panels is appropriate. The internal recessed panel could be a darker shade of the main colour to emphasise the depth and character while the moulding could be a slightly lighter colour than shown to capture the shape.

The exposed rafters are usually a pale green colour.

Close view of the end of the building

Note the hanging polycarbonate recommended for removal.

· Note the poor type of barge flashing over the verandah. It is recommended that this be replaced with a simple traditional barge roll flashing.

· The white PVC conduit should be painted a colour to match the brick wall so it does not contrast with the original brickwork.

· Note the poor detail of the bottom rail under the weatherboards on the gable has allowed water to collect against the boards and caused the ends to rot. The rotten ends will need to be removed and replaced with a new fascia.

Suitable colours from the Dulux Traditional range:

Window and door frames Deep Bronze Green

Timber shopfront Cream

Mouldings Red to match verandah

Recessed panels Portland stone

Threshold & floor Clear finish to timber

Timber gable ends Cream

Rafters and purlins Sage Green

Hamper panel timber over the shopfront Deep Bronze Green & Cream lettering

Soffit Sage Green

The door Deep Bronze Green full gloss

Brickwork Earth by Murobond or Porters in Limewash

Close view of the shopfront

Maintain screen door

Replace upper door panels with glass panes

A view of the streetscape to set the building in context.

For the sake of uniformity, it would be best to continue the same colour as appears on the verandah posts, beam and guttering to the Vet, on to the adjoining building.

It is noted that the brickwork above the verandah has not been painted and the existing paint is in poor condition. In addition, the brickwork forming the parapet is worthy of a close inspection to check the level of erosion of the mortar in the brick joints.

At the rear, it is clear that the existing original galvanised ogee shaped gutter is no longer working efficiently and there is probably insufficient downpipes. Replacement plain galvanised ogee guttering and circular galvanised circular downpipes are available from Fielders Roofing supplies.

Tree lopping

Branches should be pruned regularly to ensure that there are none over-hanging the building, roofing or verandahs. Branches can generally be removed at 10-15% of the canopy per year without damaging the health of the tree.

7.0 Molong general Cemetery

Attention: Kristin Zinga, Senior environmental Services Officer

Significance: The site is a listed heritage item

General view of the entrance

Comments: The general character is impressive with two runs of rising pickets leading to the side posts. The origin of the small upper cross beam is unknown and uncommon appears to be a made up detail indicating a form of cross. The indented entry at the central panels is common and provides space for visitors to align their vehicle with the opening. A concrete cattle grid secures the entry from stock. Pedestrians appear to still cross when parking at the side. The use of a pedestrian gate at each end of the run of fence is therefore worth considering as an additional safety measure.

Close view of the side pedestrian entrance

The side gate has rusted and the latch is ineffective.

The picket style is known as an Osborne and a variation as the standard top above the side scallops is usually arched and not straight.

Rear view of the side panels

Comments:

· The posts and rails have had a variety of repairs including bolted connections and steel plates. The posts bases have rotted and the posts are damaged at the mortises for the rails. The rails are largely damaged by rot. The age and origins of the fence are unknown. The palings are probably 15-20 years old and some are older than others. The palings are a cross between a paling – generally ex 100x25mm with 25-40mm spaces non-decorative top and a picket ex 75x 20mm with 40-50mm spaces.

· It is noted how the grass cuttings build up behind the pickets leading to rotting of the bottoms. A gravel bedding along the base of the fence would reduce this and allow for easier cutting/strimming.

Close view of the post

Comments:

· The posts are hardwood and appear to have been relocated from another site due to the top mortising and crossed element. The open cuts have allowed moisture to damage the timber at the top and at the mortise

· The posts are large and important visual markers at the entry. They are capable of retention in a reduced form with the rotted elements removed.

· Standard cast iron caps would weather the tops

· Issues

o Council is seeking to replace the fence and provide a fence which is appropriate while long lasting with a standard level of maintenance.

o The significance level of the existing fence is not high in relation to the fabric as it appears to be reasonably contemporary although it may have replaced an earlier similar timber fence.

o The major pair of posts is capable of being retained and treated to extend their life.

o The pickets, posts and rails have generally reached the end of their useful life and replacement is acceptable

· Proposal

o A similar timber fence would use cypress pine posts and rails with hardwood pickets. It would require regular painting probably at 5 -7 year intervals and have a life of 25 - 50 years.

o A steel fence would require painting 7-12 years and would last 25 – 70 years.

§ Council would prefer a steel fence given the longevity and longer maintenance cycle.

§ A range of steel picket products are available however these imitate timber palings and pickets and this detracts from the integrity of the site and setting.

§ Traditional steel fencing is available similar to the Victorian style railings used in Molong and on some of the burial sites. The fittings are supplied by the Wagga Foundry. The flats and rods are fabricated and installed locally. The standard farm metal gates with wrought iron decorative detail would be satisfactory. The white paint finish is not applied to steel and a standard Indian red or venetian red would be appropriate.

§ The steel fence is not adjustable in terms of dealing with the slope across the front of the site and this may require stepping

o The new standard side gates should remain in their supplied galvanised finish

· Recommendations

§ Retain the two side timber posts and cut the tops off at a nominal 1400mm high to remove the rotten material;

§ Shape the tops to receive and install standard large cast iron/steel post caps supplied by the Wagga Foundry. Two sizes are available with the large at 230mm square while the medium is 150mm square. The large is probably being the best fit. Contact – Candace Tel. 0269213387

§ Remove the two side runs of timber posts and rail fencing. Make good the alignment and provide a broad compacted roadbase some 400mm wide as a mowing strip;

§ Provide cypress posts similar to ex 125mm square and fix in no-fines concrete as this reduces the damp around the embedded post;

§ Grants sawmill and cypress supplies: Tel. 026959 1700

§ A traditional design sees the post being expressed in the outer face of the fence – not what exists on the site currently;

§ Provide cypress rails similar to ex 100x50mm with a slope on the top surface to drain. The two rails are simply recessed into the rear of the posts with mortises;

§ Install selected pickets to the rails. Pickets to be similar to ex 100x25mm with 50mm spacing. Select the most simple picket from those available, preferably the plain round top as this is most appropriate for the period of the cemetery and also lasts and weathers well;

§ A short run of longer pickets at each of the runs next to the two large gate posts should be graduated in height to ramp up to the final line of the gate post – after being reduced in height;

§ Install two standard decorative galvanised steel pedestrian gates at each end of the two runs with appropriate latches and return spring for self-closing;

§ Strip the damaged white paint from the retained adjoining fencing.

§ Paint the new timber work using primer and two finish coats of Dulux Timbercolour product or equal in Lime White

Post Caps

Available in Medium suit 150mm x 150mm and Small suit 120mm x 120mm post.

Details above from Wagga foundry

8.0 Heritage Assistance Grants programme for local projects

Advertising will be placed shortly through Dale and will include notification through local community groups and their newsletters.

9.0 Annual Heritage Strategy checklist

1	Heritage Committee	Advice to Council	1	2
		Consultant Directory
		Services & trades Directory
2	Heritage Study	Aboriginal Study
		Statements of significance
3	Heritage Advice	Site visits	2	3
		Heritage advice	4	5
		Urban design advice	1	1
		Pre-DA advice	1	1
		Advice on DA's	1	1
4	Pro-active Management	Heritage DCP
		Urban design DCP
		DA fee relief
		Flexible Planning & building
5	Local Heritage Fund	Funded projects	1	2
		Project value
		Heritage fund value
		Owner contribution
		Tourism projects	1	1
6	Main Street	Committee
		Study
		Implementation	1	1
		Expanded main street
7	Education & promotion	Brochures, web, plaques, panels	1	2
		Events
		Tourism strategy
		Trails
		Training	1	1
8	Council assets	Asset management plans
		CMP and CMS
		Works budgets
9	Sustainability	Adaptive re-use
		Restoration
		Reinstatement
		Landscape	1	1
		Water

David Scobie RAIA

Reason For Report	To inform the committee of two nominations for inclusion in council's heritage data base.
Policy Implications	Nil
Budget Implications	Nil
IPR Linkage	4.3 Continue to implement the Heritage Program.
Annexures	Nil
File Number	\OFFICIAL RECORDS LIBRARY\LAND USE AND PLANNING\PLANNING\HERITAGE STUDY REVIEW - 487655

Reason For Report	To advice Councillors of the reappointment of state members and alternates to the Joint Regional Planning Panel
Policy Implications	Nil
Budget Implications	Nil
IPR Linkage	4.5 - A Council that is effective and efficient
Annexures	1. Reappointment of all State members and alternates of the Joint Regional Planning Panels
File Number	\OFFICIAL RECORDS LIBRARY\LAND USE AND PLANNING\PLANNING\JOINT REGIONAL PLANNING PANEL - 487726

Reason For Report	Providing Councillors with a copy of the Heritage Advisor's report for July 2013.
Policy Implications	Nil
Budget Implications	Nil
IPR Linkage	4.3 - Beautiful towns and villages with historic assets cared for and preserved.
Annexures	1. Heritage Advisor's Report
File Number	\OFFICIAL RECORDS LIBRARY\DEVELOPMENT AND BUILDING CONTROLS\REPORTS\HERITAGE - 487728