So the council will look at the unusual path of asking for state government intervention.

At its first 2015 meeting, on Wednesday night, the council will vote on requesting Local Government Minister Natalie Hutchins provide three councillors with conflict of interest exemptions. According to a report to the council, it is the only way a decision can be made on the Eureka Street facility.

Currently, councillors Glen Crompton, Vicki Coltman, Samantha McIntosh and mayor John Philips can’t vote, leaving just councillors Amy Johnson, Des Hudson, Belinda Coates and Peter Innes able to put their hand up.

However, due to a replacement yet to be announced for former south ward councillor Joshua Morris, the remaining four councillors don’t form the necessary five-member quorum.

The conflicts arise due to the real estate agency Cr McIntosh works for selling a property in the area, while councillors Crompton and Philips own Telstra shares exceeding a certain threshold.

Cr Coltman, who has been on sick leave, has also recently told chief executive officer Anthony Schinck she has a “conflict of interest of a similar nature”.

The report, by the council’s chief information officer, Annie de Jong, said: “The only option under the Local Government Act 1989 is for council to consider these by seeking ministerial exemption for councillors with a conflict of interest in this matter”.

In her ministerial role, Ms Hutchins must look at the conflict of interests’ extent plus the public interest.

Mr Schinck had previously asked the Office of Local Government if he could apply directly to the minister but this was not allowed because there is not a councillor majority with a conflict.

The original application came up at the December 10 meeting but could not be voted on due to the lack of a quorum.

Thirty submissions have so far been received by the council opposing the 36.3-metre tower at 328 Eureka Street.

fiona.henderson@fairfaxmedia.com.au