Sitting behind the live streaming camera – not sure if it is broadcasting to the masses! But we are live at Council.

The Council chamber is looking sparkling new – TV studio decor has arrived with new name plates and a slick new dental-white look.

All Councillors are present and there is an awkward silence while the live streaming counts down.

1. Opening

The Chief Executive welcomes everyone to the Statutory Meeting and informs everyone in attendance that as there is no appointed Chairperson, the first task for Councillors is to appoint a temporary Chairperson.

2. Appointment of a Temporary Chairperson

The Chief Executive calls for nominations and a vote is taken, if required. The Temporary Chairperson assumes the Chair.

Cr Nation nominates Cr Surace to be temporary Chairperson. No other nominations. Cr Surace takes the chair.

3. Apologies  No apologies.

4. Declarations of Conflict of Interest Nope

5. Reports

5.1 Term of Mayor

Cr Marshall moves the officer’s recommendation that term of Mayor and Deputy Mayor is for a period of 12 months.

5.2 Consideration of Council’s Meeting Schedule for 2018

Cr Sharpe moves with one amendment to the Statutory meeting date.

Temporary Chair vacates the Chair.

6. Election of Mayor

The Chief Executive calls for nominations for the position of Mayor. Nominations are received and a vote is taken, if required. The Chief Executive declares the elected Mayor. The elected Mayor steps forward and is presented with the Jewel of Office and Gavel by the Chief Executive. The Mayor addresses the meeting.

Cr Sharpe nominates Cr Sipek – who accepts.

No further nominations. Cr Sipek is elected. Clapping follows.

Cr Sipek is presented with the Mayoral chain and a few snaps are taken. Cr Sipek says a few words and thanks a few members of the gallery for attending. He says he will be fair, but a “hard task-master”. He says he has faith in Bryan Lancaster and the talented team of staff. He says he hopes MVCC “can get back to the stage of being a leader in local government”.

7. Election of Deputy Mayor

The Chief Executive calls for nominations for the position of Deputy Mayor. Nominations are received and a vote is taken, if required. The Chief Executive declares the elected Deputy Mayor.

Cr Cusack nominates Cr Byrne.

Cr Sipek nominates Cr Lawrence.

The CEO asks for a vote for Cr Byrne: Crs Gauci-Maurici, Cusack, Byrne, Marshall, Nation and Surace all support Cr Byrne.

Given the numbers, there is no vote held for Cr Lawrence.

Cr Byrne thanks her colleagues.

8. Close of Meeting

And the meeting is closed.