Agenda and minutes

The minutes of previous meetings held on 11^th and 18^th July, 2006 were agreed as a correct record.

Resolved:-  That the minutes of the Children’s Board held on 28^th June, 2006 be received.

Summary of Priorities for Children & Young People’s Services

A request was made that representatives, including Elected Members, on the ALMO Board be kept informed of recommendations made by Committees to the ALMO Board.

Anti-Social Behaviour Orders

Resolved:-  That the Safer Rotherham Partnership be requested to seek a wider discussion prior to the adoption of a “Named and Shamed” policy.

- to consider the financial implications of the provision of additional lighting and Health and Safety works and to determine the format for the new Christmas Illuminations Tender for 2007-2009.

Consideration was given to a report of the Head of Service, Culture and Leisure, which set out the financial implications of the provision of additional lighting for Christmas Illuminations and health and safety works during the current financial year, together with the need to determine the format for a new Christmas Illuminations Tender for 2007-2009.

The Cabinet Member was asked to consider:

-                       the additional costs for lighting in All Saints’ Square and additional budget required for this provision

-                       the additional costs for health and safety works for the treatment of metal bolt fixings and additional budget required for this provision

-                       the content/format of Christmas Illuminations for 2007-2009, including a decision on the provision of district trees

-                       direction on the provision of diverse lights and identification of additional budget

Christmas Illuminations are currently provided under a contract entered into with Blachere Wonderland Illuminations UK Ltd. (2004-2006).  Last year a considerable amount of additional work had been carried out to install a permanent lighting infrastructure via the lighting columns, apart from High Street where this was not feasible.  However, under the existing contract there is no provision for lighting in All Saints’ Square other than on the Christmas tree. 

The report highlighted a number of issues for consideration this year, in all areas of the town centre which are lit at Christmas, including a breakdown of spend against the current budget for Christmas Illuminations of £40,900, the whole of which is committed to the hire, erection and dismantling of the lights, and sponsorship issues.

The new three year tender will have to be specified in order for the tender sum to be within the available budget.

Resolved:-  (1)  That a report on the content/format of Christmas Illuminations for 2007-2009 be submitted to a future meeting, as discussed.

(2)   That, due to the budgetary implications for the provision of lamps and barriers, the provision of district trees cease after this financial year.

(3)         That, for health and safety reasons, the number of people on the stage area on switch on evening be reduced to Hallam FM staff and The Mayor only, and that the remainder of the Civic party take up a position in the Square.

(4)         That a meeting be arranged with the Chamber of Commerce to further explore the possibility of external funding towards the cost of extra lighting in All Saints’ Square.

(5)         That in view of the demolition of All Saints’ building, lights on Corporation Street be not included in the 2007-2009 tender specification, due to the siting of light fixtures attached to the building.

(6)         That lighting be not provided on Moorgate Street within the 2007-2009 tender specification, in view of its close proximity to other lighting features in All Saints’ Square and High Street.

(7)  That a suggestion to explore funding through Community Partnerships be fully explored.

(8)  That a suggestion to use the Big Screen in All Saints’ Square for the advertisement of other religious festivals, such as Diwali, Eid  ...  view the full minutes text for item 33.

- to note the petition and discuss a resolution to the differing views

Consideration was given to a report of the Head of Service Culture and Leisure which gave an update on two petitions received by the Council concerning Leewood Close, Brampton.

Two petitions have been received concerning the future of the play site on Leewood Close, Brampton.  The petitions reflect opposite views on the use of the site with one asking that it be removed (36 signatures) and the other seeking its retention (152 signatures).

Officers have written to both sets of petitioners informing them that, along with the Cabinet Member, Lifelong Learning, Culture and Leisure, a resolution to the problem is being sought.

In addition, Officers are examining the whole of the estate area in which the playground is situated to address the potential for satisfying both sets of petitioners, and are seeking to identify the necessary funding to carry out any removal and re-siting of a play area, should removal be decided to be the best way forward.

Resolved:-  (1)  That both petitions be noted.

(2)  That Officers, in consultation with the Cabinet Member, Lifelong Learning Culture and Leisure, Ward Members, and Parish Councillors, arrange a meeting in early September to attempt to resolve the differing views over the Leewood Close Play Area.

Resolved:-  That under Section 100A(4) of the Local Government Act 1972, the press and public be excluded from the meeting for the following item of business on the grounds that it involves the likely disclosure of exempt information as defined in Paragraph 3 of Part 1 of Schedule 12A to the Local Government Act 1972.

-          to consider the budgetary realignments as outlined

(exempt under Paragraph 3.1 of the Act – information relating to the financial/business affairs of the Council).

Consideration was given to a report of the Head of Service Culture and Leisure which outlined the actions necessary to move towards a balanced budget for Culture and Leisure for 2006/07.

Resolved:-  (1)  That the budgetary realignments, as outlined in the report now submitted, be approved.

(2)         That a further report be submitted in September outlining further realignments totalling £150,000 which are needed to balance the budget.

(3)         That Ward Members be kept fully informed on this matter.

(4)  That a suggestion to pursue the Joint Service provision at Aston be explored.

(Exempt under Paragraph 3 – item relates to the financial or business affairs of the Council).