Tempers flare at meeting

By Casey Neill
ACCUSATIONS of guerrilla tactics divided Knox councillors at a recent meeting.
Collier Ward’s Joe Cossari accused Tirhatuan and Dinsdale ward councillors Mick Van de Vreede and Adam Gill of trying to sneak last minute changes through the chamber during a February.
Cr Van de Vreede moved amended motions regarding pedestrian, bicycle and transport plans.
Cr Cossari said Cr Van de Vreede was using ‘guerrilla tactics’ and did not feel he could make an informed decision.
“My concern is with the ratepayer,” he said.
He made similar comments when Cr Gill proposed changes to a later motion.
“We cannot continue to make policy on the run,” Cr Cossari said.
Baird Ward’s Peter Cole agreed.
Cr Gill was disappointed with the comments.
“I think that we’re playing the man, not the ball,” he said.
“It’s pathetic, and I’m sick of the personal attacks.”
The main debate centred on a proposal to establish an autism-specific Prep to Year 12 school in the eastern region.
The original report recommended the council write to relevant State Government ministers with the proposal, but did not suggest a location for the school.
Cr Gill moved an amended motion that the council name the former Ferntree Gully Secondary College grounds as the preferred site.
He agreed to instead suggest it as a potential location following pressure from the chamber.
Still not satisfied, Cr Cossari moved that the decision be deferred for a detailed study on potential sites.
“What I’m saying is have we done a study on it, are we well informed,” he said.
“Have we looked at any other sites? I’d like to go to the minister with good information.”
Cr Gill said it was up to the State Government to select an appropriate site, not the council.
Cr Cossari’s motion failed. A majority passed Cr Gill’s amendment following lengthy debate.