Agenda and minutes

The Chairman welcomed Councillors Burke and Hall to their first meeting as Advisers.

-         to consider the minutes of the above meeting.

The following report was submitted:-

 

Tourism Panel

Monday, 7th June, 2004

 

Present:- Councillor Boyes (in the Chair); Councillors Austen, Littleboy and Walker. The Leader, Councillor Stone attended for consideration of item No. 11(i)

 

together with:-

 

Colin Scott, Rotherham Chamber of Trade

 

Steve Blackbourn, Museums and Galleries

Fabienne Cotte, Marketing Manager

Guy Kilminster, Manager, Libraries, Museums & Arts

Sarah Myers, Tourism Manager

Richard Poundford, Head of RiDO

Julie Roberts, Town Centre, Tourism & Markets Manager 

 

2(1)       Apologies for Absence

 

Apologies for Absence were received from:-

 

Marie Hayes                  Commercial & Promotions Manager

Councillor G. Smith        Cabinet Member, Economic & Development Services

 

2(2)       Minutes of the previous meeting

 

The Panel received and noted the minutes of the previous meeting held on 26^th April, 2004.

 

2(3)       Matters Arising

 

There were no issues arising from the previous minutes.

 

2(4)

               Tourism Update

 

The Tourism Manager gave an update on the following tourism issues:-

 

(a)        South Yorkshire Destination Management Organisation (DMO)

 

Members were informed that the South Yorkshire Tourism Task Group (comprising the four South Yorkshire local authorities, private sector stakeholders and Objective 1 officers) had drafted a discussion paper that was to be presented to a meeting of the four South Yorkshire Chief Executives today, on the proposal to establish a South Yorkshire Destination Management Organisation.

 

Members expressed concern that there had been very little Elected Member involvement and very little consultation.  Also the role/remit and proposed funding of the Destination Management Organisation was not clear.  It was noted that the Regional Development Agencies had been given the remit for tourism.  However, the view was expressed that this was a significant area and change of policy for the Council which was being moved out of direct democratic control.

 

Members were advised that the regional structure for tourism would change from April 2005 and the establishment of a Destination Management Organisation was being put forward as a preferred option.

 

Concern was expressed that there had been no financial study undertaken or any indication of each local authority’s likely contribution.  The timescale proposed was also of concern.

 

A brief synopsis of anticipated advantages and disadvantages of the proposal was given.  Reference was made to Rotherham’s regional, national and international tourism potential.

 

Resolved:-  (i)  That the report be noted

 

(ii)  That Elected Members continue to receive further updates on the creation of a South Yorkshire Destination Management Organisation.

 

(iii)  That the Cabinet Members for Economic and Development Services and Education, Culture and Leisure Services write to Yorkshire Forward and the South Yorkshire Tourism Task Group expressing concern that up until now Elected Members and Senior Officers had not been involved in the proposal and requesting further more detailed information.

 

(iv)  That a meeting be arranged, as soon as possible, with representatives from Yorkshire Forward and Yorkshire Tourist Board, the Cabinet Members for Economic and Development Services and Education, Culture and Leisure Services, the Head of Rotherham Investment and Development Office and the Head of Libraries, Museums and Arts to discuss the proposals for the Yorkshire Tourist Board.

 

(b)        Tourism Plan  ...  view the full minutes text for item 2.

-         to consider nominations to Outside Bodies for the 2004-2005 Municipal Year.

Consideration was given to the appointment of Elected Members to represent the Council on outside bodies for the 2004/2005 Municipal Year:-

 

Resolved:-  That the following appointments be made:-

 

ASSOCIATION OF PUBLIC SERVICE EXCELLENCE (APSE)

 

            Councillor R. S. Russell

 

BARNSLEY CANALS CONSORTIUM

 

            Councillor R. S. Russell

 

CHESTERFIELD CANAL MEMBERS’ STEERING GROUP

 

            Councillor G. Smith

 

CHURCH TOURISM MANAGEMENT COMMITTEE

 

            Councillors G. Smith and S. Walker

 

COALFIELD COMMUNITIES CAMPAIGN

 

            Councillor S. Wright

Substitute:  Councillor P. Burke

 

DEARNE AND DOVE INTERNAL DRAINAGE BOARD

 

            Councillor F. Hodgkiss

 

EIRA – EUROPEAN INDUSTRIAL REGIONS ASSOCIATION

 

            Councillors Stone and G. Smith

 

EURACOM

 

            Councillor S. Wright

 

GROUNDWORK CRESWELL

 

            (joint appointments by Economic and Development* and Education,         Culture and Leisure**)

 

            Councillor P. Burke* (as named Director)

 

            Substitute:-  Councillor P. Thirlwall** (Education, Culture & Leisure)

 

GROUNDWORK DEARNEVALLEY

 

Councillor S. Wright (appointed by the Council as Director on the Board of Groundwork Dearne Valley)

 

HACKNEY CARRIAGE AND PRIVATE HIRE TRADES – CONSULTATION BODY

 

            Councillors  A. Senior, G. Smith, S. Walker and Wootton

 

NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF BRITISH MARKET AUTHORITIES (NABMA)

 

            Councillor G. Smith

 

ORGREAVE LIAISON MEETING

 

            Councillor R. Littleboy from Ward 3 (Brinsworth/Catcliffe)

 

            A representative from Ward 6 (Holderness)

 

            Councillor G. Smith, Cabinet Member Economic and Development            Services

           

Councillor S. Walker, Chair of the Planning Board

 

Councillor F. Wright (Housing & Environmental)

 

REACT LTD

 

            Councillor G. Smith

 

SHEFFIELD CITYAIRPORT

 

            Consultative Committee

 

            Councillors A. Jackson, R. Littleboy and F. Wright (reps from Ward 3 –             Brinsworth/Catcliffe)

 

SRB5/6 Management Committee

 

            Councillor G. Smith

 

STEEL ACTION

 

            Councillors R. Stone and G. Whelbourn

 

TALBOT LANE PROJECT

 

            Councillor S. Walker

 

TOURISM FORUM

 

            (joint appointments from Economic and Development* and Education,     Culture and Leisure**)

 

            Councillors G. Boyes**, R. Littleboy**, G. Smith* and S. Walker*

 

TOWN CENTRE INITIATIVE STEERING GROUP

 

            Councillors G. Smith, S. Walker and R. S. Russell

 

TRANS-PENNINE TRAIL

 

            Councillor S. Walker Chair of Planning Board (or substitute)

 

WATH MANVERS PLANT SITE COMMUNITY LIAISON COMMITTEE

 

            Councillor R. S. Russell and the representatives of Ward 19 (Wath)

 

YORKSHIRE TOURIST BOARD

 

            (joint appointments from Economic and Development* and Education,     Culture and Leisure**)

 

Executive Committee:-  Councillor S. Walker*

 

Marketing Operations Sub-Committee:-  Councillor S. Walker* and a Councillor to be appointed by the Cabinet Member for Education, Culture and Leisure Services**

Local Transport Plan Delivery Manager to report.

-         to seek approval to submit the Annual Progress Report.

Consideration was given to a report, presented by the Local Transport Plan Delivery Manager, relating to the current progress in preparing the fourth Local Transport Plan Annual Progress Report for 2003/2004.

                                

Approval was also sought to submit the document to the Government Office for Yorkshire and the Humber.

 

The matter was to be considered by the Planning and Transportation Steering Group in July, 2004.

 

It was noted that the submission had to be made by 30^th July, 2004.

 

Resolved:-  (1)  That the progress made to date be noted together with the process for stakeholder input prior to submission of the document on 30^th July 2004, as set out in the production schedule.

 

(2)  That the summary of this year’s Annual Progress Report be noted.

 

(3)  That the Annual Progress Report be submitted to the Government Office for Yorkshire and the Humber.

 

(4)  That a copy of the report be referred to the Cabinet and the Regeneration Scrutiny Panel for information.

Economic Strategy Manager to report.

-         to inform Members of work being done to bring forward proposals for public art on key roundabouts within the Borough.

Consideration was given to a report presented by the Economic Strategy Manager informing Members of work being done by an officer team to bring forward proposals for public art on key roundabouts within the Borough.

 

Consideration was given to a proposal to set up a Steering Group to work with the Arts Council to develop a public art strategy and to develop a CERB bid, and bids for other funding, to develop initially a “satellite” public art project on key roundabouts.

 

Resolved:-  (1)  That the contents of the report be noted, in particular the proposed development of a “quick win” first phase of the project, which would be the subject of a future bid for CERB funding.

 

(2)  That a further report be submitted on the process for community consultation.

Town Centre, Tourism and Markets Manager to report.

-         to seek approval to revise the opening times of the Rotherham Visitor Centre.

Consideration was given to a report presented by the Town Centre, Tourism and Markets Manager seeking approval to revise the opening times of the Rotherham Visitor Centre.

 

It was reported that the first annual review of the operation of the Centre had identified a benefit in reducing the opening hours by one hour per day.  The reduction was proposed at times of the day when footfall was lowest.

 

The proposal would result in a financial saving and would also enable staff to utilise their time and work patterns more effectively and to gain product knowledge and ensure excellence in customer service.

 

Resolved:-  That the new opening hours of the Rotherham Visitor Centre be:-

 

Monday to Saturday – 9.30 a.m. to 5.00 p.m.

Town Centre, Tourism and Markets Manager to report.

-         to seek approval for the introduction of the above policy.

Consideration was given to a report, presented by the Town Centre, Tourism and Markets Manager relating to the introduction of a Town Centre Spaces Policy, and associated fees.

 

Consideration was also given to integrating the administration of town centre space into the Town Centre management function to ensure that the activity is co-ordinated and organised in line with the events calendar.

 

An outline of the main criteria of the policy was set out in the report.

 

It was pointed out that lettings were subject to adequate public liability insurance being provided by the organiser, and in conjunction with the Health and Safety and Risk Management teams.

 

The aim of the proposed policy was to reduce the amount of unauthorised trading and canvassing, and to raise the visitor satisfaction of the Town Centre environment.

 

Resolved:-  (1)  That approval be given to the introduction of the proposed Town  Centre Spaces Policy, as set out in Appendix 1 to the report now submitted.

 

(2)  That approval be given to the spaces fees as set out in Appendix 2 to the report now submitted.

Schemes and Partnerships Manager to report.

-         to seek approval for the concept plan and carry out detail design and consultation.

Consideration was given to a report, presented by the Schemes and Partnerships Manager, seeking approval of the Thyrbergh Sector Concept Plan, and to carry out detail design and consultation on the schemes identified for implementation in order of priority.

 

Members were referred to Appendix 2 of the report which listed the schemes identified within the Thrybergh Sector in priority order, and to the concept plan.

 

It was noted that residents in the area may expect a solution to all the problems brought to the Services’ attention.  It was stressed that funding would be allocated for schemes identified as priorities, and that schemes further down the list could only be implemented if further funding became available through future LTP settlements.

 

Resolved:-  (1)  That approval be given for the Thrybergh Sector Concept Plan.

 

(2)  That authority be given for the detailed design to be progressed on schemes at the locations identified as being priorities for treatment and, subject to no objections being received, the schemes be implemented.

 

(3)  That the schemes identified as priorities be funded from the Local Transport Plan Integrated Transport Capital Programme for 2004/2005.

Further to Minute No. 301 of the meeting of the Cabinet Member and Advisers for Economic and Development Services consideration was given to a report, presented by the Schemes and Partnerships Manager, relating to the results of consultations carried out regarding a proposal to introduce traffic calming measures on Slade Road, Temperance Street, Manor Road, Cliffefield Road and Brookfield Avenue, Swinton.

 

Members were informed that the proposal involved the introduction of a series of road humps together with a 20-mph speed limit.  The proposals were illustrated on Drawing No. 340011/CON2B attached to the report.

 

The report set out details of the investigations and consultation that had been carried out.

 

The report addressed the main objections and alternative proposals to the scheme.

 

The costs of the works would be funded from the Local Transport Plan Integrated Transport Capital Programme for 2004/2005.

 

The proposals were in line with the Council’s policy of improving road safety, improving the safety of pedestrians, especially children, by reducing vehicle speeds.

 

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.

Schemes and Partnerships Manager to report.

-         to consider an objection to the proposed Traffic Regulation Order.

Consideration was given to a report, presented by the Schemes and Partnerships Manager, relating to the receipt of objections to the above proposed bus lane.

 

Consideration was also requested to reaffirm the commitment to provide a bus lane, as illustrated on Drawing No. 126/18/TT363/R attached to the report, and to seek approval to designate part of the footway on Doncaster Road as shared pedestrian and cycle use.

 

Members were informed that two objections had been received from South Yorkshire Police and from Freight Transport Association.

 

The Schemes and Partnerships Manager responded to each of these objections.

 

It was pointed out that the proposals were in line with the Council’s policy of improving road safety and encouraging a modal shift from the private car to public transport, and would be funded from the Local Transport Plan Integrated Transport Plan and the South Yorkshire Passenger Transport Executive.

 

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

 

(2)  That the objectors be informed accordingly.

 

(3)  That the Head of Legal and Democratic Services be asked to make the bus lane order as shown on the attached drawing.

 

(4)  That approval be given to the designation of shared pedestrian/cycle use as identified on the plan attached to the report now submitted.

Streetpride Community Delivery Manager to report.

-         to seek approval for a range of policies relating to the provision of Street Cleansing Services.

Consideration was given to a report, presented by the Streetpride Community Delivery Manager seeking approval for a range of policies relating to the provision of Street Cleansing Services.

 

The submitted policy document sought to draw together, into one document, all of the separate elements relating to cleansing.

 

This included:-

 

·            Street cleansing.

·            Graffiti.

·            Fly-tipping.

·            Gum removal/street washing.

·            Gully cleansing.

·            Sign cleaning.

·            Litter/dog waste bin provision.

·            Weeds.

·            Co-ordination with grounds maintenance.

·            Abandoned vehicles.

·            Integration with other services.

 

Resolved:-  (1) That the Street Cleansing Policies, as set out in the report now submitted, be approved as the basis for future service delivery.

 

(2)  That the report be referred to the Regeneration Scrutiny Panel for information.

Head of Planning and Transportation to report.

-         to consider long and short term strategies for dealing with land charges searches revenues.

Consideration was given to a report, presented by the Searches Manager, relating to short and long term strategies for dealing with falling Land Charges Searches revenues.

 

The report detailed the factors relating to the falling revenue from Land Charges.

 

Various proposals were detailed in the report.

 

It was acknowledged that the recommended actions had been designed to increase the revenue generated by the Local Land Charges Section, and were in accordance with the Government’s guidelines for electronic delivery of Council Services.

 

Resolved:-  (1)  That the report and the following actions be endorsed and agreed:-

 

(i)      That a letter be sent to Solicitors about Personal Searches.

(ii)     That the Council’s services be advertised locally and on the Council’s internet site.

(iii)    That the move to NLIS electronic search Level 3 be accelerated.

(iv)    That preliminary investigation be commissioned as part of the LAMP procedure.

(v)     That the opening times for Personal Search visits be restricted to Monday to Thursday.

 

(2)  That a report be submitted in six months time updating Members on progress and the effect that these actions have had.

Projects and Partnerships Manager to report.

-         to seek approval to the forumulae for sharing.

Consideration was given to a report, presented by the Projects and Partnerships Manager, seeking approval to proposed formulae for sharing cost savings on future partnered construction projects.

 

An explanation of how the savings would be shared between the Council, contractor and RBT for a variety of categories of work was given, and details were set out in the tables and narrative within the report.

 

Resolved:-  (1)  That the formulae for sharing cost savings on construction projects, as set out in the report now submitted, be approved.

 

(2)  That relevant officers investigate and report on the use of whole-life costings and their effect on capital and revenue budgets.

Transportation Unit Manager to report.

-         to introduce and comment on the regional freight strategy.

Consideration was given to a report, presented by the Transportation Unit Manager, relating to the objectives of the above draft strategy, and its potential impacts on Rotherham.

 

Members were referred to the draft summary attached to the report.

 

The following issues were highlighted:-

 

-                  Effect on businesses in Rotherham.

-                  HGV routing and weight restrictions across the Borough.

-                  Advantages and disadvantages of proposed Lorry Road User Charging.

-                  Economic and environmental costs of supporting sustainable transport modes.

-                  Promotion of the role of inland waterways as key corridors for the transportation of goods.

-                  Identification of potential bottlenecks in the rail network for passenger and freight.

-                  Air quality.

 

The Regional Assembly was seeking comments on the draft Strategy.

 

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

 

(2)  That the comments contained within the report be endorsed and referred to the Regional Assembly as a response to the consultation.

Network Manager to report.

-         to seek approval to enter into a partnership agreement.

Consideration was given to a report, presented by the Head of Streetpride, seeking approval for the Council to enter into a partnership agreement with the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA) to deal with reported unlicensed vehicles found on the public highway on behalf of the DVLA.

 

It was reported that the Council’s contractor was willing to assist in operating a scheme and for the work to form part of the existing contract for the removal of abandoned vehicles.

 

It was noted that operational instructions and training would be provided by the DVLA, and that, under the scheme, the Council retained all recovered fees and charges for storage, vehicle release and income from the auctioning of unclaimed vehicles.  It was pointed out that it was proposed to adopt the same policy as Doncaster MBC in removing all unlicensed vehicles discovered, rather than clamping and unclamping vehicles which may expose officers to unnecessary danger.

 

It was anticipated that this partnership working would help to reduce the number of vehicles being vandalised or burnt out across Rotherham.

 

Resolved:-  That an application be made to the DVLA for the Council to participate in the Agency’s scheme for Vehicle Excise Duty enforcement as detailed in the report now submitted.

-                  to consider attendance at the following:-

 

(i)       Local Government Association – Local Environmental Quality Conference – 22^nd July, 2004 – London.  (information attached)

 

(ii)      APSE – Association of Public Service Excellence – 13^th July, 2004.

Consideration was given to attendance at the following:-

 

Local Government Association – Conference – Local Environmental Quality – 22^nd July, 2004 – London.

 

Resolved:-  (1) That one Member be authorised to attend.

 

(The Chairman authorised consideration of the following item in order for places to be reserved)

 

Association of Public Service Excellence – Developing Sustainable Communities – 13^th July, 2004 – Liverpool

 

Resolved:-  (2) That Councillor Walker be authorised to attend.

 

(The Chairman authorised consideration of the following two items in order to process the matters referred to.)

Consideration was given to membership of the various Panels and Sub-groups insofar as the Economic and Development Services Programme Area was concerned:-

 

Resolved:-  That the following nominations be made:-

 

Recycling Group

 

Councillor S. Walker

 

Groundworks Trusts Panel

 

Councillor S. Walker

 

Members Training and Development Panel

 

Councillor G. Smith

 

Transport Liaison Panel

 

To confirm Councillor G. Smith, Cabinet Member, Economic and Development Services (as the Council’s representative on the South Yorkshire Passenger Transport Authority)

 

Regeneration Board

 

Councillor G. Smith, Cabinet Member, Economic and Development Services

 

Members’ Sustainable Development Action Group

 

Councillor D. Hall

 

International Links and Town Twinning

 

Councillors G. Smith, Cabinet Member, and Councillor S. Walker

 

Chamber of Trade Liaison

 

Councillor G. Smith, Cabinet Member

Councillor S. Walker, Senior Advisor and Chair of Planning Board

Councillor D. Pickering, Vice-Chair of Planning Board

 

Tourism Forum

 

Councillor G. Smith, Cabinet Member

Councillor S. Walker, Senior Advisor

 

Tourism Panel

 

Councillor G. Smith, Cabinet Member

Councillor S. Walker, Senior Advisor

Councillor D. Hall, Advisor

 

Parish Liaison Committee

 

Councillor G. Smith, Cabinet Member

Councillor S. Walker, Senior Advisor and Chair of Planning Board

Councillor D. Pickering, Vice-Chair of Planning Board

 

Health, Welfare and Safety Panel

 

Councillor G. Smith, Cabinet Member

Councillor D. Pickering

 

Town Centre Initiative Steering Group

 

Councillor G. Smith, Cabinet Member

Councillor S. Walker, Senior Advisor

Councillor R. S. Russell, Chair, Regeneration Scrutiny Panel

 

Unitary Development Plan Review Members’ Steering Group (Rotherham LDF Steering Group)

 

Councillor G. Smith, Cabinet Member

Councillor S. Walker, Senior Advisor and Chair of Planning Board

Councillor P. Burke, Advisor

Councillor D. Hall, Advisor

Councillor D. Pickering, Vice-Chair of Planning Board

Executive Director to report.

-         to report the performance against budget for financial year April to March 2003/2004.

Consideration was given to a report, presented by the Executive Director, Economic and Development Services, on the performance against budget for the Economic and Development Services Programme Area Revenue budget for the financial year 2003/2004.

 

The outturn showed an underspend of £181,605 against the Programme Area’s net revenue budget of £15,070,006.

 

This underspend on revenue had been applied to defray the costs of capital expenditure on town centre office accommodation works, agreed by the Council, giving a revised position of a balanced budget.

 

The detailed position was set out in the report.

 

Resolved:-  (1)  That the outturn position for the Economic and Development Services Programme Area in 2003/2004 be noted.

 

(2)  That the report be referred to the Regeneration Scrutiny Panel for information.

The following items are likely to be considered in the absence of the press and public as being exempt under the paragraphs, indicated below, of Part 1 of Schedule 12A to the Local Government Act 1972:-

Resolved:-  That, under Section 100A(4) of the Local Government Act 1972, the press and public be excluded from the meeting for 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 1 of Schedule 12A to the Local Government Act 1972.

Economic Strategy Officer to report.

-                  to report the performance of CERB in 2003/2004 and identify and agree carry over amounts into 2004/2005.

(Exempt under Paragraph 8 of the Act – report relating to expenditure)

Consideration was given to a report, presented by the Economic Strategy Manager, relating to the performance of CERB in 2003/2004, including the final outturn figures.

 

Members were also asked to consider carryover amounts into 2004/2005.

 

Tables within the report illustrated the budget profile for individual elements of CERB for the financial years 2002/2005, and identified items for carry forward into 2004/2005.

 

The reasons for the carry forwards were reported. 

 

The budget was broken down into the community element and the economic element, along with related output achievements.

 

Resolved:-  (1)  That the final outturn figures for the community element and for the economic element, along with the related output achievements be noted.

 

(2)  That the total budget for the economic element (including carryover) for 2004/2005 be approved.

 

(3)  That further progress reports be provided throughout the 2004/2005 financial year.

 

(Exempt under Paragraph 8 of the Act – report contained financial information)

Partnership Implementation Officer to report.

-                  to seek approval to an application for CERB funding in 2004/2005.

(Exempt under Paragraphs 5 and 8 – application for financial assistance and expenditure)

Further to Minute No. 114 of the meeting of the Cabinet Member and Advisors for Economic and Development Services held on 18^th August, 2003, consideration was given to a report, presented by the Partnership Implementation Officer, seeking approval of an application for CERB funding in 2004/2005 to enable the conversion of space at Century Business Centre to establish incubation space for new businesses.

 

It was pointed out that this work would take forward the Council’s activities to support the formation of new enterprises upon which the future of the Borough’s economy was heavily dependent.

 

Resolved:-  That the conversion of space at the Century Business Centre to create dedicated incubation space be supported by the CERB budget in the sum of £25,000 capital in 2004/2005.

 

(Exempt under Paragraphs 5 and 8 of the Act – report contained information relating to an application for financial assistance and expenditure)

Partnership Implementation Officer to report.

-                  to seek authorisation to enter a partnership agreement.

(Exempt under Paragraph 9 of the Act – information relating to a proposed contract)

Further to Minute No. 204 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 Partnership Implementation Officer, requesting authorisation to enter a partnership agreement with the Environment Agency, Renaissance South Yorkshire and Yorkshire Forward to take forward the next stages of the flood alleviation scheme development.

 

It was reported that Rotherham Investment Development Office would act as Project Manager and the Environment Framework Consultants would be appointed for the Stage 3 development, appraisal and design work.

 

The scheme would cover the stretch of river from Firth Rixon at Templeborough to Forge Island in the town centre.

 

It was acknowledged that the implementation of the proposal was an essential pre-requisite to the successful promotion of development in regenerating Rotherham as a vibrant and sustainable growth area.

 

Resolved:-  (1)  That the signing of a Partnership Agreement with the Environment Agency, Renaissance South Yorkshire and Yorkshire Forward for the next Stage 3 of the Scheme development and leading to implementation Stage 4 be approved.

 

(2)  That the Environment Agency Framework procurement process be adopted.

 

(Exempt under Paragraph 9 of the Act – report contained contractual information)

Project Officer, RiDO to report.

(Exempt under Paragraphs 8 and 9 of the Act – information relating to proposed expenditure and contracts)

Consideration was given to a report presented by the Project Officer, RIDO, seeking authority to accept a negotiated Target Cost Tender for the work involved in the construction of the Moorgate Crofts Business Centre.

 

Details of the two stage tender process were set out in the report.

 

It was noted that the first phase demolition works were completed in May, 2004 and that it was intended to award the contract at the beginning of July, 2004, and to commence construction in August, 2004.

 

Members were informed that the target and guaranteed maximum price figures had been negotiated with the preferred tenderer.  Details of the two-stage selection process were explained.

 

Details of the funding for the scheme were set out in the report.

 

It was acknowledged that the redevelopment of this town centre brownfield site was crucial in creating a step change in Rotherham’s economic revival

 

Resolved:-  That the tender as negotiated with the preferred tenderer, based on their tender for the Moorgate Crofts Business Centre Partnering Agreement, be accepted and a start be made, subject to the conditions of contract being agreed.

 

(Exempt under Paragraphs 8 and 9 of the Act – report contained financial and contractual information)

 

(The Chairman authorised consideration of the following items in order to process the matters referred to.)

Consideration was given to a report, presented by the Head of Rotherham Investment and Development Office, relating to a review of the activities and functions of the Team which would create the capacity to make a concentrated effort on strategy, events, sustainable funding and income generation.

 

The background to the creation of the following two proposed posts was set out in the report:-

 

·            Assistant Town Centre Manager

·            Events and Promotions Officer

 

The report highlighted that Rotherham Chamber of Commerce had offered financial support to the strengthening of Town Centre Management.

 

Resolved:-  (1)  That the review of activities and functions within the Town Centre, Tourism and Markets Team be noted.

 

(2)  That the securing of external contribution from Rotherham Chamber of Commerce, which would be subject to a Service Level Agreement, be supported and endorsed as appropriate.

 

(Exempt under Paragraphs 1 and 8 of the Act – information relating to staffing and expenditure)

Consideration was given to a report, presented by the Economic Strategy Manager, relating to proposals to develop further the Economic Strategy Team, building its capacity to respond to new tasks such as the implementation and monitoring of the Regeneration Plan, and ensuring its sustainability by being able to respond to new sources of funding.

 

The staffing restructure proposals were set out in the submitted report.

 

Resolved:-  That the proposals outlined in the report submitted, which would lead to the long term sustainability of the Economic Strategy work for Rotherham MBC and flexibility to adapt to changing economic circumstances, be noted.

 

(Exempt under Paragraphs 1 and 8 of the Act – report contained information relating to staff and expenditure)