Warwick Winn looks set to remain at the helm of the City, with Penrith Council’s General Manager expected to enter into talks to renew his contract.
It comes after Councillors last week gave the green light for Mayor Karen McKeown to enter into negotiations directly with Mr Winn.
Mr Winn’s performance review and contract renewal were discussed across two confidential business sessions – one in July and most recently during Council’s Ordinary Meeting on August 23.
During that time, Councillors agreed to appoint an external independent consultant to review the General Manager’s performance at the next review.
Cr McKeown said the resolutions were not out of the ordinary.
“It is commonplace for the Mayor to enter into negotiations directly with the General Manager around a new contract after receiving support of the Council to do so,” she said.
“Similarly, the majority of metropolitan councils engage an independent to review the performance, this is a move toward a more contemporary approach.”
Mr Winn replaced Alan Stoneham in August 2018 following Mr Stoneham’s retirement after 43 years at Council, 10 of which he spent as General Manager.
A seasoned General Manager, Mr Winn previously worked as Chief Executive Officer of Manningham City Council in Melbourne.
Prior to that, he held the position of General Manager (CEO) of North Sydney Council.
He had previously worked for nine years as the Director of Planning and Development Services at North Sydney Council, and before that, was Group Manager of Environment and Customer Services at the Blue Mountains City Council.
It is understood Mr Winn’s contract, which expires in August 2022, must be renewed for a minimum of 12 months but not greater than five years.
Details of the new contract and salary package will be made public.
“The outcome of these negotiations will be reported to a future Council meeting,” Cr McKeown said.
Alena Higgins
Alena Higgins is the Weekender's Senior News Reporter, primarily covering courts and Council issues.