Decision details

Moved by the Chair (the Lord Mayor), seconded by Councillor Scott -

It is resolved that:

(A)        Council approve a joint funding partnership to boost the city centre economy, support businesses and creatives and invite the public safely back into the city, particularly during the summer months, with the NSW Government contributing up to $15 million and the City contributing up to $5 million towards Al Fresco City initiatives as outlined in the subject report;

(B)        Council note that the City is working with the NSW Government to facilitate any necessary changes to regulations and planning controls and exemptions to applicable public health orders, and to obtain any necessary approvals to deliver the initiatives set out in the subject report;

(C)        authority be delegated to the Chief Executive Officer to negotiate, execute and enter into any necessary agreements with the NSW Government relating to the funding and implementation of the Al Fresco City program as outlined generally in the subject report and in Confidential Attachment C to the subject report;

(D)        Council note that the City's $5 million contribution is largely funded by savings as a result of the NSW Government taking over delivery of Sydney New Years' Eve, as well as other operational savings within the City Life budget due to cancellation of events during this time. If savings are not achieved additional budget may be required from General Contingency;

Outdoor Dining

(E)        Council continue support for small business, community and the cultural sector until 31 October 2021 by waiving footway dining fees and security deposits in accordance with the Covid-19 fee waiver category in the Schedule of Fees and Charges;

(F)         Council adopt the temporary City of Sydney Outdoor Dining Guidelines, October 2020, at Attachment A to the subject report, noting that public consultation has not been possible given the circumstances;

(G)        the Chief Executive Officer be requested to urgently develop all necessary criteria and processes to implement the recommendations in the subject report in relation to outdoor dining;

Grants and Sponsorship

(H)        the Chief Executive Officer be requested to urgently prepare and exhibit a revision to the Grants and Sponsorship section of the 2020/21 Operational Plan to incorporate the proposed amended grants program outlined in the subject report;

(I)           Council note the relevant Covid-19 Recovery Grants and Sponsorship Guidelines Summary at Attachment B to the subject report;

Outdoor Summer Cultural Experience

(J)         Council approve an exemption from tender for the provision of technical services and event personnel for the performance stage forming part of the outdoor summer cultural experience program; and

(K)        authority be delegated to the Chief Executive Officer to negotiate, execute and administer these contracts referred to in clause (J), noting the reasons a satisfactory result would not be achieved by inviting tenders are:

(i)           there is an immediate need to have this program in place for summer, to occur at a time when the weather conditions suit outdoor performances, and provide the urgent and necessary support required by businesses and creatives;

(ii)          there is insufficient time to undertake the usual competitive tender process and still deliver the program in time for the program to have its desired impact this summer;

(iii)        there are limited providers in the market capable of providing the required technical services, and experienced event personnel, of the required scope; and

(iv)        value for money for Council will be achieved by conducting a competitive procurement process, as outlined in Confidential Attachment D to the subject report.  

Carried unanimously.

X034972.014