WATTLE Range Council’s decision to explore options for an alternative main office site stemmed from confidential discussions, according to the organisation’s official documentation.
Minutes from the February meeting show after lengthy confidential discussions on the Millicent Community Club, a motion to “conduct a needs analysis, site comparisons, due diligence and value on all potential council office sites” was passed by elected members.
Elected members voted to move into confidence to discuss the single-line “Millicent Community Club”, citing its impact on commercial operations of council.
Council also stated the discussion “would, on balance be contrary to the public interest”.
This is the second time the club has been discussed behind closed doors since last year’s local government elections.
According to the published minutes, council also suspended its usual meeting procedures for 30 minutes to enable an informal discussion to be held about the Community Club.
The motion to do so was successfully moved by councillor Dean Burrow and seconded by Cr Peter Dunnicliff.
The minutes states the informal discussion lasted exactly 30 minutes.
Cr Dale Price successfully moved the minutes and reports relating to the club be kept confidential, with the motion seconded by Cr Dunnicliff.
Since the meeting, Mayor Des Noll OAM and Mr Gower have declined to answer questions from The South Eastern Times about the Community Club.
Council has been a major creditor of the Community Club for almost 22 years.
The Community Club was placed into administration by its board of management in September due to high debt levels and declining trade.
Meanwhile, the Community Club has been recently vandalised.
Eggs have been thrown at the glass front doors of its main entrance off Davenport Street.
The glass has been stained and the eggshells remain.
A similar fate has been suffered by the doors of its northern side entrance.
Administrator and Adelaide insolvency specialist David Kidman told The South Eastern Times that he was aware of the vandalism and a clean-up has been arranged.
The building and 57 car park spaces are currently on the market.
A Mount Gambier real estate firm has marketed the property since November.
Expressions of interest had to be lodged by January 21 and two were received.
The Community Club was still listed for sale on the firm’s website yesterday with the tag “price on application”.
Selling agent David Herbert was not available for comment yesterday.
