Agenda and minutes

Martin Beard, Parking Services Manager, to report.

-           to consider a summary of proposed parking charges for the financial year commencing 1 April 2009.

Consideration was given to a report, presented by the Parking Services Manager, proposing that parking charges remain static for the financial year 2009/2010 in recognition of the current downturn in the economy and in an effort to assist town centre businesses.

It was pointed out that the charges were last increased in April 2006 and they remained broadly cheaper than other authorities in South Yorkshire.  Reference was made to pressure to lower charges further and to discussions taking place with the Chamber of Commerce around other initiatives to help the town centre in the current economic climate.

The increased pressure on budget from this proposal was noted, together with the delay in improvement of the car parks infrastructure.

It was explained that the current pricing structure encouraged short stay parking (up to 4 hours) and helped to support the aims of the Local Transport Plan in influencing the modal shift to public transport and discouraging commuter parking.

Members present raised the following issues:-

-                      Costs associated with changes to ticket machines when prices were changed

-                      Possible joint initiatives with the PTA

-                      The need to avoid adverse publicity

-                      Location of temporary car parks and issues associated with personal and vehicle security

-                      Spaces for people with disabilities

Resolved:-  (1)  That the proposed charges as detailed below be approved for implementation with effect from 1 April 2009:-

On-Street Parking Charges

Off-Street Parking Charges

Wellgate Multi-storey car park – permits.

(2)  That a further report be submitted to a future joint meeting of the Cabinet Members following investigation of a number of initiatives aimed at assisting town centre businesses and visitors in the current economic climate.

Fiona Earl, Principal Accountant, to report.

-           to provide an update.

Consideration was given to a report, presented by the Principal Accountant, detailing the performance against the revenue budget for the Environment and Development Services Directorate as at the end of January 2009, together with a forecast outturn for the whole of the 2008/09 financial year.

It was explained that the forecast overspend primarily represented pressures due to the shortfall of fee income recovery within Asset Management and pressure within the Winter Maintenance account due to a severe Winter.

Members’ attention was also drawn to further emerging key areas of pressure:-

-                      Consultancy fee income

-                      Winter maintenance budget

-                      Unfounded flood related expenses (security/pumping at Ulley Country Park)

Other issues raised by Members included:-

-                      Library Services at Wickersley

-                      The YES project

Resolved:-  (1)That the forecast outturn position of an overspend of £414,000 for the Environment & Development Services Directorate based on expenditure and income as at the end of January 2009 and forecast expenditure and income to the 31st March 2009 be noted. 

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

John Bufton, Schemes and Partnerships Manager, to report.

-           to consider a proposal to engage the services of a civil engineering consultancy using the Highways Agency (HA) Project Support Framework (PSF) contract.

Consideration was given to a report, presented by the Schemes and Partnerships Manager, relating to the design and management of the following two major highway schemes:-

-                      A57 M1 Junction 31 to Todwick Crossroads Improvement Scheme

-                      Waverly Link Road Scheme

It was explained that in order to ensure sufficient resource was available to provide robust project management for these large schemes, it was proposed to engage the services of a civil engineering consultancy using the Highways Agency (HA) Project Support Framework (PSF) contract.  The preferred consultant via this process would be Mott MacDonald.

It was confirmed that the associated costs for the employment of a consultant would be met from the Local Transport Plan capital programme and that a bid to the new South Yorkshire LTP Strategic Capital ‘pot’ had been made and accepted for scheme preparation costs for both schemes.

Members present discussed:-

-                      the long history associated with the A57 scheme

-                      costs and funding

-                      Statutory undertakers

-                      Compulsory purchase (re:  the A57 scheme)

-                      the Highways Agency Project Support Framework

-                      the need for a close monitoring and reporting procedure

It was confirmed that Legal Services were satisfied with the proposal.

Resolved:-  (1)  That the Highways Agency’s PSF contract be used to provide project management support to the A57 and Waverley Link Road major schemes.

(2)                       That subject to the approval of the Highways Agency, a tripartite agreement be entered into between this Council, the Highways Agency and Mott MacDonald for the provision of this support service

(3)                       That regular monitoring reports be submitted every four months to the joint meeting of the Cabinet Members for Regeneration and Development Services and for Streetpride Services.