Agenda and minutes

Jon Surridge, Projects and Performance Officer, Streetpride, to report.

-           to report the 3^rd quarter Streetpride response times.

Consideration was given to a report, presented by the Projects and Performance Office, Streetpride, detailing Streetpride’s overall performance in dealing with requests for service which averaged 97.6% in the third quarter of 2009/10.

It was pointed out that this was a slight reduction in performance compared with the previous quarter.  However, the average performance over the 3 months exceeded the 90% target.

Reference was made to a few exceptions, which were detailed in Appendix 3 to the submitted report. It was explained that the main factors that had affected performance related to the winter weather and the redeployment of resources.

Reference was also made to proposed revised response times and to the current shadow reporting of these during the fourth quarter January to March 2010.

Overall it was reported that a high standard of service had been maintained.

Resolved:-  That Streetpride’s performance in the third quarter of 2009/10 be noted.

David Burton, Director of Streetpride/Roger Gaynor, Trees and Woodlands Officer, to report.

-                      to seek approval of the management plan.

Consideration was given to a report, presented by the Woodlands Officer, relating to a new management plan that had been prepared for Hawks Wood, Old Meadow Wood and Thorpe Low Wood.

It was explained that the Plan outlined the Council’s general position regarding the proposed long term development of these woodlands and included a detailed work programme for the next five years. 

A detailed description was given of this ancient semi natural woodland which was situation close to the southern Borough boundary.

Reference was made to the importance of the woodland for wildlife and it was pointed out that the Management Plan provided a framework and long term commitment to the careful stewardship of the woodland complex.

It was also reported that current access to the woodland for local people was limited and therefore investigations were taking place regarding a permissive path being agreed with a local land owner to facilitate access opportunities for the community.  This would be a permissive agreement that could be terminated by either party and was intended for low intensity use.

It was confirmed that consultation had already taken place with e.g. Highway Network Management, Green Spaces, the Council’s ecologist, the South Yorkshire Forest Partnership and South Yorkshire Archaeological Service, together with all households in Thorpe Salvin village, and the response to the plan had been positive.

Elected Members present expressed some concern about public access in view of the wildlife present in this woodland.

Resolved:-  That, bearing in mind the concerns now expressed, the Hawks Wood, Old Meadow Wood and Thorpe Low Wood Management Plan 2010 to 2015 be approved.

Adrian Gabriel, Waste Strategy Manager, to report.

-           to consider charges for the service 2010/11.

Consideration was given to a report, presented by the Waste Collection Manager, outlining the prices to be charged to customers for the collection and disposal of bulky items and special collections from households with effect from 1^st April, 2010.

It was pointed out that the proposed charges took account of the costs to be incurred by the Council, including the effect of inflation and the increase in Landfill Tax by a further £8 per tonne to £48 per tonne.  Reference was also made to the full implementation of the Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment (WEEE) Regulations.

It was explained that the proposed charges were aimed at preventing any further suppression of demand for the service.

A table, set out at Appendix 2 to the submitted report, detailed the proposed charges compared with neighbouring local authorities.

Those present discussed issues relating to skips provided via Area Assembly community clean up initiatives and skips provided through Housing and Neighbourhood initiatives.

Resolved:-  (1)  That approval be given to the holding of prices charged for the standard collection and disposal of bulky items from households in financial year 2010/11 at the 2006/2007 level.

(2)  That the proposed price changes for special collections, as detailed in the report now submitted, be approved for implementation from 1^st April, 2010.

Adrian Gabriel, Waste Strategy Manager, to report.

-           to consider charges for the service 2010/11.

Consideration was given to a report, presented by the Waste Collection Manager, detailing proposed fees and charges for the collection of Clinical Waste from other Council Directorates and Departments.

It was pointed out that the Service concentrated on meeting the statutory duty of providing a clinical waste collection service to the increasing number of householders receiving healthcare at home, and would continue to offer internal customers the choice of using the Council’s service or one in the private sector.

The proposed charges had taken into account the increasing cost of treating and disposing of clinical waste.  It was also pointed out that the Council would continue to use the current provider for Hazardous Clinical Waste treatment as this provider had a virtual monopoly within the local area.

Resolved:-  That, approval be given to the proposed fees and charges, as detailed in the report now submitted, for implementation with effect from 1^st April, 2010.

Adrian Gabriel, Waste Strategy Manager, to report.

-                      to consider charges for the service 2010/11.

Consideration was given to a report, presented by the Waste Collection Manager, outlining the prices to be charged to customers for the collection and disposal of commercial waste with effect from 1^st April, 2010.

It was pointed out that consideration had to be given to recovering actual costs for operating the service, whilst continuing to provide as wide a range of services as possible to meet customer requirements and to comply with the duty imposed upon the Council by legislation.

Consideration was therefore given to a proposed increase of 6%.  Details of the proposed scale of charges for Commercial Waste were set out in Appendix 1 to the submitted report.

Reference was also made to proposed charges for the collection of waste from Charities which were to be increased by 2%, and details were set out in Appendix 2 to the submitted report.

Appendix 3 to the submitted report set out details of prices levied by other South and West Yorkshire Councils for the collection and disposal of Commercial Waste.

Resolved:-  That approval be given to the proposed price changes, as detailed in the report now submitted, for implementation with effect from 1^st April, 2010.