THE arrival of a state government appointed monitor to oversee Frankston Council operations has not yet been finalised.
Labor Local Government Minister Marlene Kairouz said the government has not yet decided the duration of the monitor’s stay in Frankston.
The state government announced last Sunday (10 September) that a monitor will attend council meetings amid concerns about councillor “infighting” in recent months (“‘Infighting’ at council condemned”, The Times 11/9/17).
“We have concerns about the conduct and proper functioning of Frankston Council – that’s why we are appointing a monitor,” Ms Kaiouz said last week.
“The monitor will report back to the government on how the Frankston Council is operating and give assistance where required.”
Ms Kairouz succeeded Natalie Hutchins as Local Government Minister in a state cabinet reshuffle last Wednesday.
The Minister can sack councillors and send in government administrators to run council at the recommendation of the monitor.
Frankston mayor Cr Brian Cunial revealed he and council CEO Dennis Hovenden spoke to the Local Government Investigations and Compliance Inspectorate to “raise concerns” about “good governance” at council.
The monitor’s remuneration has also not been agreed yet.
Frankston ratepayers will pay the bill for the monitor who is expected to track council’s performance for at least three months.
A monitor called in to Casey Council last year cost about $1200 each day.
The monitor at Casey found no trigger to sack the council.
