Just a very brief rundown on tonight’s marathon council meeting. A more comprehensive version will follow tomorrow.
- Packer Park will have a bowling and bocce green to replace the old bowling green. Petanque is out! Kindergartens are out! Green open space is out – although a couple of barbecues (that council can charge for bookings) will be put in. Great consultation over this – offer option 1 (sell the bowling green); when this is defeated, use answers to this as basis for another concept (bocce, bowls,pentanqe) and again when people give you their views, just state that kindergartens are inappropriate there. The question that has NEVER been asked of residents is ‘WHAT DO YOU WANT’?
- Lobo gagged AGAIN. Seems like Oscar Lobo attempted to reveal something about an email written to him by Lipshutz in response to the former’s email to Esakoff. Hyams piped up that private emails are private and since councillors have right of reply only when the PUBLIC may draw some inference from comments/press/statements, Lobo couldn’t raise the issue. We strongly suspect that it has something to do with his earlier call of ‘racism’ that he has attempted on several occasions to put before council.
- Lipshutz was at his absolute arrogant best in a 5 minute tirade against Nick Varvodic and his public questions relating to Lipshutz and the Frisbee Group. All the old cliches and shibboleths were trotted out on cue – Mr. Varvodic should read Dale Carnegie’s How to Win Friends and Influence People; that Varvodic was guilty of narcism; that he was ignorant; that he was defamatory (ironic?) and that his questions were like asking someone if they had killed their wife!!!!! Gosh Cr. Lipshutz, we think that it’s about time you got some new lines. These are becoming a real drag – especially when you’ve used them time and time again (see council minutes relating to previous tirade against Mary Walsh). Repetition is boring and displays a total lack of imagination!
- Penhalluriack, to his credit, objected to the tone of the answers.
- Arguably the most interesting decision of the night, was the unanimous passing of the Station St. planning application. Officers relied almost exclusively on the assumed acceptance of the c60 amendment in their argument. There’s no c60 as yet, but the application was passed!
Glen Eira Debates 
December 15, 2010 at 12:09 AM
Sounds like Frank Penhalluriack is the only councillor with any shred of decency left. This isn’t the first time that Lipshutz has attacked residents for exercising their rights in asking questions and demanding answers. I congratulate Mr. Varvodic on his persistence and condemn the other 8 for sitting there and keeping their mouths shut. There is no room for the spectacles that Lipshutz creates in any shape or form. If he doesn’t like the questions asked, then they can still be responded to in a manner that does not reflect so poorly on him. What is required is a lot less ego and heaps more humility.
December 15, 2010 at 12:20 PM
We should all praise the lord that tang will no longer be in the chair. He will no longer insist on summing up every damn item; he will no longer hold forth, pontificating ad nauseum; he will no longer numb the gallery into a stupor. Then, when he resigns next year we can gleefully say ‘good riddance’ to someone who has consistently aided and abetted the gang of four and the manipulators and architects behind the scenes. New blood is definitely needed.
December 15, 2010 at 12:59 PM
I understand that Councillor Lobo has expressed his desire to be considered for the position of a Mayor this year. Cr. Lobo is full of energy, keen and an imaginative man who brings along lots of experience having lived in five countries and worked in 8 financial instituions in all levels of management. Lobo is a magnet and the residents value his contribution. He believes in delivery results and making things happen. It will be revealed today how the Councillors will vote. We will watch from the galery.
December 15, 2010 at 2:31 PM
Nothing but nothing will be revealed tonight. It’ll probably be one nomination and an unanimous vote for Esakoff. The games already been rigged! Lobo might put up his hand but he won’t have a hope in hell. he’s green and has stuffed up so many things already. Learn the ropes oscar! Read meeting procedures and know how to stick it to ’em. What we’ll have is the gang of four flying high. Magee could be a wildcard but he won’t go up against Lipshutz and co. Business as usual will be the outcome. Esakoff the pliant figurehead and others pulling the strings behind her. When Tang goes, that’s when it will become really really intriguing. Do we get a recycled Spaulding, or a dunstan in his place? Ah the permutations make my mouth water.
December 16, 2010 at 10:45 AM
You are an absolute disgrace Mr Lipshutz, and a hypocrite for one. The public has a right to ask public questions that should be answered truthfully. Have you forgotten about the print in the newspaper about the time you were walking your dog off leash in an on leash area? Just sums you up, no respect for the laws or policy!
December 17, 2010 at 3:19 AM
Hey Lipshitz,
I am a player who is from Nick’s group, and 95% of us who play are rate payers who do live in Glen Eira and most of us come from the Camden Ward. That makes you our local representative and we are your constituents. This week after soccer we are having our annual BBQ, not dissimilar to the BBQ you hold for selected councillors when you are about to collaborate on council decisions. How about you come down for a snag on the BBQ and a good old fashion chin wag, after all we did all elect you so the least you could do is to drop past for a chat. Don’t be shy bring the other three stooges along too, as a group we would love to have a chat with Fantastic Four.
Nick does not live in Glen Eira anymore and has never hidden the fact, he just happens to do our talking and we are at least 95% Glen Eira rate paying citizens. Don’t act like a smart aleck and make out he should be quiet because he no longer lives in Glen Eira, he is representing us, your constituents, pull your head in.
Your comment on when Nick “last bashed his wife” is absolutely disgusting and the worst comment I have ever heard from a Council official, it just shows you your real character and personality.