Agenda and minutes

Best Value Officer to report.

-         to inform Members of the Year End Performance of Economic and Development 2003/2004 Plus Targets for the next three years.

Consideration was given to a report presented by the Best Value Officer informing Members of the Programme Area performance indicator results for 2003/2004.

The 2004/2005 submission for the Best Value Performance Plan was also submitted for consideration against the set targets and 2002/2003 All England National results.

Members discussed:-

BVPI 96 – Condition of principal roads

BVPI 99 – number of casualties – reference was made to the formula per 100,000 population and a decision by the Department of Transport to change the indicator definition to actual casualties, and also to group the reports into KSI, children KSI and All Slight Injuries.

BVPI 109 - % of planning applications determined inline with the Government’s new targets

BVPI 89 -  Streetpride’s work in keeping land and highways clear of litter and refuse

BVPI 111 -  % of applicant and those commenting on planning applications satisfied with the service received

BVPI 156 - % of authority buildings open to the public in which all public areas are suitable for and accessibly to disabled people

BVPI 165 - % of pedestrian crossings with facilities for disabled people

BVPI 178 - % of total lengths of footpaths and other rights of way which were easy to use by members of the public.  It was reported that the Service had won an award for footpaths clearly signed from the public highway.  Reference was also made to comments from members of the public during the 2003 Walking Festival.

BVPI 179 - % of searches carried out in 10 working days

BVPI 180 – energy consumption of local authority operational property

BVPI 186 – Roads not needing major repair

BVPI 187 – Condition of footway

BVPI 188 – number of decisions delegated to officers as a % of all decisions

BVPI – combined deposits of litter and detritus.  The Head of Streetpride Service responded to Members’ comments regarding this PI and referred to the terms, specification and cost of the forthcoming new contract.

F2bLPI - % of planning appeals that were successful.  The Best Value Officer agreed to produce an annual report on this PI.

Local 14LPI – record of informing Health and Safety Executive of reportable injuries and dangerous occurrences within 10 working days (RIDDOR).  Members emphasised the importance of Programme Areas reporting back promptly on identified health and safety issues.  It was pointed out that responsibility lay with the Cabinet Member for Economic and Development Services and the Economic and Development Services Programme Area.  The Head of Asset Management Service reported on action being taken with other Programme Areas to address this issue.

Reference was made to work place assessments.

It was reported that these results would be published on 30^th June, 2004.

Resolved:-  (1)  That the position of the results with comparison to targets be noted.

(2)  That the performance indicators fourth quarter results for 2003/2004 be noted.

(3)  That the submission of performance indicators by the Economic and Development Services for the 2004/2005 BVPP are noted.

Acting Schemes and Partnerships Manager to report.

-         to consider the transfer of ownership of the bridge to the Council and the construction of an armco type subway structure.

Consideration was given to a report presented by the Acting Schemes and Partnerships Manager relating to a proposal to transfer ownership of Laughton Common Road Bridge from Rail Property Ltd to the Council, to consider strengthening the bridge by the provision of an Armco type subway structure underneath it.

It was reported that the bridge carried the B6060 over the disused Thurcroft to Dinnington mineral line and there was a proposal to convert this into a cycle route/bridleway.  The bridge was also on the route of the Wickersley to Worksop Quality Bus Corridor.  A location plan (Drawing No.  182/4/28/LOC1) was appended to the report.

It was pointed out that funding for the strengthening works was available from the Local Transport Plan Capital Programme 2004/2005.

The proposed works were in line with the Council’s policy of supporting sustainable modes of travel.

Members referred to the Mineral Line Project and emphasised that should the cycle route/bridleway be not implemented then consideration should be given to the cheaper option of strengthening by infilling under the bridge, rather than the more expensive scheme.

Resolved:-  (1) That the ownership of the B6060 Laughton Common Road Bridge be transferred to the Council.

(2)  That, subject to the progression of the Mineral Line Project, the bridge be strengthened by the provision of an Armco type subway structure, otherwise consideration be given to the cheaper option of strengthening by infilling under the bridge.

Acting Schemes and Partnerships Manager to report.

-         to consider a request for a residents’ parking scheme.

Consideration was given to a report presented by the Acting Schemes and Partnerships Manager relating to receipt of a request from residents of Sitwell Drive, Broom for a residents’ parking scheme.  A copy of the residents’ petition was appended to the report.

Reference was made to Minute No. 7 of the meeting of the Cabinet Member and Advisors held on 7^th January, 2002, which resolved not to progress any further residents’ parking schemes until a solution to the current enforcement issue was determined.

Reference was made to proposals regarding the implementation of Decriminalised Parking Enforcement.

Members suggested that all similar requests should be logged and considered together at the appropriate time.

Resolved:-  (1)  That the petition requesting a residents’ parking scheme be not acceded to.

(2)  That the lead petitioner be informed of the decision and the reasons why and also be informed that the Council may able to consider requests in the future when the Council becomes responsible for parking enforcement.

(3)  That Ward Members be informed accordingly.

Acting Schemes and Partnerships Manager to report.

-         to inform Members of a proposal to introduce traffic calming and a 20-mph speed limit on the Cherry Tree Road estate, Wales.

Consideration was given to a report presented by the Acting Schemes and Partnerships Manager relating to a proposal to introduce traffic calming and a 20-mph speed limit in the areas of Fir Tree Drive, Green Oak Drive, Almond Tree Road and Cherry Tree Road, Wales.

Measures to reduce the number of vehicles using Cherry Tree Road estate as a means of bypassing traffic queues at the crossroad junction of the A618 Mansfield Road and the B6059 School Road had been requested by local residents and community groups.  The proposals were illustrated on Drawing No.129/CTR appended to the report.  Details of the proposed consultation regarding the scheme were set out in the report.

It was pointed out that the proposals were in line with the Council’s policy of improving road safety and the cost could be met from the Local Transport Plan Integrated Transport Capital Programme for 2004/2005.

Resolved:-  (1)  That the necessary consultations be undertaken regarding the proposals.

(2)  That authority be given for the detailed design to be carried out and, subject to no objections being received, the scheme be implemented.

(3)  That the scheme be funded from the Local Transport Plan Integrated Transport Capital Programme from 2004/2005.

Principal Engineer to report.

-         to report the current situation with regard to reducing the speed limit.

Further to Minute No. 199 of the meeting of the Cabinet Member and Advisors for Economic and Development Services held on 24^th November, 2003, consideration was given to a report presented by the Acting Schemes and Partnerships Manager relating to the current position regarding the reduction in speed limit and installation of a Zebra crossing on Broom Lane.

It was reported that the local safety scheme which had been implemented had not reduced speeds.  Therefore consideration was requested of the proposal to reduce the speed limit to 30-mph, together with the introduction of speed cushions.

Details of the feedback from the consultation and a residents’ poll were reported which indicated that there was strong opposition to the introduction of speed cushions but strong support from residents for the reduction in the speed limit.

The proposals were illustrated on Drawing No.  129/B6410.1/TC/A/01 appended to the report.

The proposals were in line with the aims and objectives of the Local Transport Plan and were in accordance with the Council’s Speed Management Strategy. The proposals would improve road safety, provide facilities for vulnerable road users, and reduce vehicle speed to a level appropriate for a distributor road.

The additional traffic calming measures would further reduce vehicle speeds and thus allow the installation of a Zebra crossing.

Resolved:-  (1)  That the objections to the traffic calming be not acceded to.

(2)  That support for the scheme be reiterated and the scheme be implemented.

Principal Engineer to report.

-         to report on the public involvement programme.

Consideration was given to a report presented by the Acting Schemes and Partnerships Manager relating to receipt of a report from ‘Counter Context,’ who had been commissioned by the South Yorkshire Passenger Transport Executive to assist with the public information exercise for the Rotherham-Thrybergh Quality Bus Corridor.

Members raised the following issues:-

-                  progress of the QBC through Dalton

-                  demolition of St. Ann’s footbridge and location of the replacement crossing

-                  provision of barriers at the road hump off St. Ann’s roundabout

-                  progress at Magna Lane

Resolved:-  (1)  That the report regarding the public involvement programme for the Rotherham-Thrybergh Quality Bus Corridor be received and endorsed.

(2)  That the Head of Streetpride Service investigate the above issues and an update be provided for the Cabinet Member and Advisors for Economic and Development Services, the Chair and Vice-Chair of the Planning Board and the Ward Members.

Principal Engineer to report.

-         to report on the benefits of this treatment, review the 2003 programme and outline the 2004 programme.

Consideration was given to a report presented by the Head of Streetpride Service relating to a review of the use of surface dressing as a maintenance treatment.

The report also detailed the programme of work undertaken in 2003 and to the carriageway surface dressing proposed programme for 2004.

Details of alternative treatments, techiniques, cost and lifespan comparisons were given.

It was reported that the general standard of the resultant surfaces was very good and thus represented value for money.

Resolved:-  That the report be noted.

Head of RiDO to report.

-         to announce the successful application to the finals of the Town Centre Manager of the Year 2004.

Consideration was given to a report presented by the Head of Rotherham Investment and Development Officer, relating to the nomination of Julie Roberts, Town Centre, Tourism and Markets Manager, for the SCEPTRE Awards.

It was reported that the application had been shortlisted into the final three.  The benefits to Rotherham of this nomination included increased publicity and a raised profile for the town in the retail and property development arena.

Reference was made to the forthcoming Association of Town Centre Managers Conference at which Julie Roberts had been invited to give a seminar on Rotherham Town Centre Zone Representatives, as an illustration of good practice.

Reference was also made to the success of the Continental Market and to the continued and strengthening work with partners in the town, particularly the Chamber of Commerce.

Resolved:-  (1)  That the report be noted.

(2)  That a letter of congratulations be sent to Julie Roberts.

Head of Streetpride to report.

-         to inform Members of results, achievements and key activities from the Streetpride Service for 2004.

Consideration was give to a report presented by the Head of Streetpride Service, detailing the results, achievements and key activities of the Streetpride Service for 2004.

It was pointed out that the Streetpride Service had been operating for just over a year and this was the first Annual Report, which together with a full inspection of the Waste Service in July 2004 would form part of the evidence to be put to the Inspector.

Members’ attention was drawn to the Executive Summary which highlighted the following:-

-                  community involvement via Area Assemblies

-                  budget and spending plans

-                  area based working

-                  contribution to the Crime and Disorder agenda

-                  steps taken to help disadvantaged people

-                  elimination of the “client”/”contractor” split

-                  developed a team culture

-                  access via one telephone number

-                  set out clear actions and targets

-                  achievement of continuous improvement in most local and national performance indicators

Members suggested that consideration be given to a scheme to involve the public in nominating Services and personnel for an award, possibly via the Area Assemblies.

Resolved:-  (1)  That the report be received and content noted.

(2)  That a letter from the Cabinet Member, Economic and Development Services, be sent to all Streetpride staff congratulating them on the development of this initiative.

(3)  That the suggestion of an award be investigated.

to consider attendance at the following:-

(i)       The Centre for Transport Policy – National Transport Awards Dinner and 7^th UK Chairs of Transport Conference – 8^th and 9^th July, 2004 – London.  (information attached)

Extra Item:-

(ii)      NABMA 56^th Annual Conference – 5^th to 7^th September, 2004 – Scarborough.

Consideration was given to attendance at the following:-

National Transport Awards Dinner and 7^th UK Chairs of Transport Conference – 8^th and 9^th July, 2004 – London

Resolved:-  (1)  That the Dinner and Conference be not attended.

(The Chairman authorised consideration of the following Conference in order to secure places.)

NABMA 56^th Annual Conference – 5^th to 7th September, 2004 – Scarborough

Resolved:-  (2)  That approval be given for the attendance of two Councillors, and appropriate officers.

-                  to receive the minutes.

Extra Item:-

Consideration was given to the minutes of a meeting of the Joint Leisure Services Project held on 14^th May, 2004.

The Executive Director, Economic and Development Services, reported that funding had now been approved and preparations were underway to invite expressions of interest for the development of sites.

Resolved:-  That the minutes be received and information noted.

(The Chairman authorised consideration of the following item in order to expedite matters contained therein.)

Consideration was given to the minutes of a meeting of the Unitary Development Plan Review Members’ Steering Group held on 21^st May, 2004.

Resolved:-  That the minutes be noted.

Resolved:-  That, under Section 100A(4) of the Local Government Act 1972, the press and public be excluded from the meeting for consideration of the following items of business on the grounds that they involve the likely disclosure of exempt information as defined in those paragraphs, indicated below, of Part I of Schedule 12A to the Local Government Act 1972:-

Economic Strategy Manager to report.

-                  to consider a request for CERB funding from the 2004/2005 budget.

(Exempt under Paragraph 5 of the Act – report contains information relating to an application for financial assistance)

Further to Minute No. 19 of the Regeneration Board held on 17^th March, 2004, consideration was given to a report, presented by the Economic Strategy Manager, relating to a request for CERB capital and revenue funding to contribute to the establishment of “Construct Academy”, an Academy of Construction Trades.

It was reported that the funding would enable the project to be developed in a relatively short time frame.  The capital funding would pay for immediate capital investment for the refurbishment of the centre and training resources, whilst the revenue funding would cover set-up fees and start-up costs for trainers and assessors.

It was highlighted that the proposals had been brought forward by a three way partnership of Met UK, Phoenix Enterprises and Morthyng Training, with consultation with Rotherham Investment and Development Office and the Economic Strategy Team.

It was also noted that Education, Culture and Leisure Services had been involved in discussions around the 14-19 skills agenda.

The report also referred to existing commitments, and the amount available to allocate to new projects in 2004/2005.

The aim of the project was to create local training and employment opportunities within the Construction Sector.

Resolved:-  That, subject to:-

(i)       a satisfactory organisation review of the Academy of Construction trades as it is a newly established company,

and

(ii)      further details being provided on the funding profile and forward strategy,

approval be given to CERB funding of £40,000 capital and £10,000 revenue to contribute towards the development of an Academy for Construction Trades for Rotherham.

(Exempt under Paragraph 5 of the Act – report contained information relating to the application for financial assistance)

Head of Streetpride to report.

-                  to update Members of the investigations and remedial works which have been undertaken following the exceptional flooding that occurred in November 2000.

(Exempt under Paragraphs 7 and 8 of the Act – information relating to the financial or business affairs of other than the Local Authority and amount of expenditure for the acquisition or supply of goods or services)

Consideration was given to a report, presented by the Head of Streetpride Service, relating to the investigations and remedial works which had been undertaken following the exceptional flooding that occurred in the Borough during November 2000.

The report listed factors which had contributed to the flooding and the remedial action taken, or still to be pursued.

Members noted that detailed investigations had established how flooding occurred at Catcliffe, Mill House, Treeton and along Sheffield Road, Templeborough, and that remedial works had been carried out which would greatly reduce the risk of future flooding in these areas.

It was reported that discussions had taken place with various agencies to explore how solutions to the remaining problems could be advanced.  Consideration was given to a list of the reasons identified for the flooding together with details of remedial action taken to date.

Reference was made to the remaining risks.

It was also reported that the cost of the Council responding to the flooding emergency was below the Bellwin threshold, and that further Council expenditure had been incurred for remedial works.

Resolved:-  (1)  That the results of the investigation, progress with remedial works, and proposals to develop areas situated within flood risk areas be noted.

(2)  That a leaflet be sent to the residents of Catcliffe updating them on the progress of works carried out after the November 2000 floods.

(3) That a copy of the report be sent to the Ward Members.

(4)  That the report be referred to the Environment Scrutiny Panel and to the Regeneration Scrutiny Panel.

(Exempt under Paragraphs 7 and 8 of the Act – report contained information relating to the financial/business affairs of an organisation other than the Local Authority, and the amount of expenditure for the acquisition or supply of goods and services)