Agenda and minutes

The Former Cabinet Member for Economic Development, Planning and Transportation from May 2009 to July, 2010. - Monday 27 July 2009 10.15 a.m.

Venue: Training Room, 3rd Floor, Bailey House, Rawmarsh Road, ROTHERHAM.

Items
No. Item

30.

Minutes of a meeting of the Tourism Forum held on 6th July, 2009 pdf icon PDF 86 KB

Minutes:

Consideration was given to the minutes of a meeting of the Tourism Forum held on 6th July, 2009 at the Tropical Butterfly House, North Anston.

 

Resolved:-  That the contents of the minutes be noted.

 

 

31.

Minutes of a meeting of the Tourism Panel held on 13th July, 2009 pdf icon PDF 101 KB

Minutes:

The following report was submitted:-

 

TOURISM PANEL

13th July, 2009

 

Present:- Councillor Smith (in the Chair); Councillors Littleboy and St. John.

 

together with:-

 

Marie Hayes

Events & Promotions Service Manager

Joanne Edley

Tourism and Marketing Manager

Chris Majer

Policy Officer (International Links)

Anne Grayson

Conference Promotion Co-ordinator

Bernard Jones

South Yorkshire Transport Museum

Matthew Beck

Chief Executive, MAGNA

Julie Williamson

Dearne Valley College

Tom Waldron-Lynch

Hellaby Hall Hotel

 

 

 

31(12) 

Introductions and Apologies for Absence

 

 

Councillor Smith, Chairman, welcomed everyone to the meeting and introductions were made.

 

Apologies for absence were received from:-

 

Councillor J. Austen

 

Councillor G. Boyes

 

Councillor S. Walker

 

Richard Jones

Yorkshire South Tourism

Julie Roberts

Town Centre Manager

Stuart Reaney

Chesterfield Canal Partnership

 

 

31(13) 

Minutes of the previous meeting held on 1st June, 2009

 

 

Consideration was given to the minutes of the previous meeting of the Tourism Panel held on 1st June, 2009.

 

Resolved:-  That the minutes be approved as a correct record.

 

31(14) 

Matters Arising

 

 

There were no matters arising from the previous minutes.

 

31(15) 

Update on Customer Service Excellence Inspection June 2009

 

 

Marie Hayes, Events and Promotions Service Manager, Culture and Leisure Services, reported on the recent Customer Service Excellence inspection.

 

The Service was still awaiting the formal letter which had recommended a pass for Customer Service Excellence.

 

Reference was made to some partial non-compliances and it was reported that the Service would be drawing up an Action Plan to address these, in readiness for the re-inspection in 12 months time.

 

Agreed:-  That all staff in Culture and Leisure Services be thanked for their hard work towards the inspection and for providing the evidence.

 

31(16) 

Update on Rotherham Walking Festival 29th June to 5th July, 2009

 

 

Joanne Edley, Tourism and Marketing Manager for Culture and Leisure Services, reported on the Walking Festival which had taken place over one week from 29th June to 5th July, which had attracted 700 participants.

 

Consultation questionnaires had been distributed and the replies were still being collated for analysis.  Further questionnaires needed to be collected from Creswell Crags Heritage Centre and RSPB Old Moor both of which had hosted a walk.

 

It was anticipated that a collection to raise money for the Mayor’s charity would be in the region of £100.

 

The Festival programme had comprised 37 walks, together with a walk organised by the Friends of Ulley Country Park.

 

The Visitor Centre had sold tickets for the Boots and Boats events organised by the Chesterfield Canal Partnership.  Unfortunately 2 walks had to be cancelled due to lack of take up. 

 

Also only one person expressed an interest in the Photographic walk from MAGNA and this event was cancelled.  The interested person was offered free entrance into MAGNA.  Matthew Beck, Chief Executive, MAGNA added that the event would be run again over the summer linked to the Blackburn Meadows Wildlife area and to the Photographic Exhibition at MAGNA.

 

Reference was also made to the ABLE project, associated activities organised by Children  ...  view the full minutes text for item 31.

32.

Minutes of a meeting of the Health, Welfare and Safety Panel held on 10th July, 2009 pdf icon PDF 86 KB

Minutes:

The following report was submitted:-

 

Health, Welfare and Safety Panel

10th July, 2009

 

 

Present:- Councillors Dodson, G. A. Russell, P. A. Russell, R. S. Russell, Smith, Whelbourn and Wootton; Mrs. S. D. Brook (NASUWT), Mr. J. W. Clay (ATL), Mr. C. Booth (GMB) and Mr. K. Moore (UNITE)

 

Apologies for absence were received from Mrs. J. Adams (NUT), Mrs. R. Asquith, Mrs. C. Maleham and Mr. P. Waterworth (UNISON).

 

32(1) 

Appointment of Chairman for 2009/2010

 

 

Agreed:-  That Councillor R. S. Russell be re-appointed Chairman of the Health, Welfare and Safety Panel for the 2009-2010 Municipal Year.

 

(Councillor R. S. Russell in the Chair)

 

 

32(2) 

Appointment of Vice-Chairman for 2009/2010

 

 

Agreed:-  That Mr. K. Moore be re-appointed Vice-Chairman of the Health, Welfare and Safety Panel for the 2009-2010 Municipal Year.

 

32(3) 

Minutes of the previous meeting held on 24th April, 2009

 

 

Resolved:- That the minutes of the previous meeting of the Health, Welfare and Safety Panel, held on 24th April, 2009, be approved as a correct record for signature by the Chairman, with the addition of Councillor P. A. Russell to the list of persons who had given their apologies for that meeting.

 

32(4) 

Matters arising

 

 

The Panel discussed the following minutes of the previous meeting:-

 

(1) Wath Victoria Junior and Infant School (Minute No. 22(3))

 

The access doors and doors for each of the toilet cubicles had not yet been installed.

 

(2) Risk Assessment – Teachers’ e-learning package (Minute No. 24(i)(2))

 

The e-learning package was being developed and would be highlighted in future monthly newsletters for schools.

 

(3) Clifton Park Museum (Minute No. 26(b))

 

A fire evacuation drill had now been undertaken.

 

(4) Street Cleansing Depot (Minute No. 26(c))

 

The street cleansing depot would be relocated from its current site adjacent to Crinoline House, to a new location within the Hellaby Industrial Estate, after planning permission had been obtained.

 

(5) Leisure Facilities (swimming pools) (Minute No. 27(i)

 

It was confirmed that the Health, Welfare and Safety Panel would continue to be able to undertake visits of inspection to the new leisure facilities and swimming pools managed by DC Leisure.

 

(6) Criminal Records Bureau Checks (Minute No. 27(iv)

 

It was confirmed that CRB checks were not required for Members of the Health, Welfare and Safety Panel.

 

32(5) 

Statistics of Accidents, Injuries and Incidents of Violence to Employees

 

 

The Senior Health and Safety Officer presented the graphs and statistics which illustrated the following details:-

 

(i) Incident totals for Borough Council Employees - January 2008 to June 2009 – including a breakdown for Children and Young Peoples’ Services, Neighbourhood and Adult Services, Economic and Development Services, Corporate (including RBT) and Finance;

 

(ii) Violence to Borough Council staff - January 2008 to June 2009; and

 

(iii) Incidents involving members of the public, pupils/work placements/schemes and other – January 2008 to June, 2009.

 

Resolved:-  That the statistical information be noted.

 

32(6) 

Health and Safety Bulletin

 

 

Consideration was given to the Health and Safety Bulletin, containing  ...  view the full minutes text for item 32.

33.

A57 Worksop Road – Sheffield Road Improvement pdf icon PDF 56 KB

Ian Ashmore, Principal Traffic Officer, to report.

-           to seek approval for CPO/SRO.

Minutes:

Consideration was given to a report, presented by the Principal Traffic Officer, seeking approval to acquire land by agreement, and if necessary, make the relevant Compulsory Purchase Order (CPO) and Side Roads Order (SRO) for the A57 Worksop Road – Sheffield Road Improvement Scheme as detailed on Drawing Nos. 122/A57.51/2009CPO1 (shown in pink) & 122/A57.51/2009SRO1 respectively.   Copies of the plans were on display at the meeting and it was noted that the drawings had been made available in the Members’ Room at the Town Hall for two weeks prior to the meeting.

 

Details of the scheme and its purpose together with the reasons for the need to acquire land for construction of the approved highway improvement scheme, which may require Compulsory Purchase and associated Side Roads Orders, were set out in the submitted report.

 

It was reported that the scheme had received planning permission on 21st May, 2009 and had been approved by the DfT subject to the satisfactory completion of statutory procedures.  It was noted that the proposals would be funded by the DfT and a local contribution.

 

It was pointed out that should there be objections then the Secretary of State may direct that a Local Public Inquiry takes place and the anticipated timescale was outlined.

 

Resolved:-  (1)  That in exercise of its powers under Sections 239, 240, 246, 250 & 260 Highways Act 1980 and all other enabling powers and having regard to the “Convention rights” as applied by the Human Rights Act 1998, the Council make a Compulsory Purchase Order entitled the ‘The Rotherham Borough Council (A57 Worksop Road - Sheffield Road Improvement M1 Junction 31 to Todwick Crossroads) Compulsory Purchase Order 2009’, for the acquisition of all the land and interests required for the widening of the A57 Sheffield Road/Worksop Road from a single carriageway to a dual carriageway as shown on the Compulsory Purchase Order Drawing No. 122/A57.51/2009CPO1.

 

(2)  That the Assistant Chief Executive Legal and Democratic Services be authorised to affix the Common Seal of the Council to the said Compulsory Purchase Order.

 

(3)  That the Assistant Chief Executive Legal and Democratic Services submit the said Order to the Secretary of State.

 

(4)  That the Strategic Director for Environment and Development Services pursue the acquisition of land and interests by agreement wherever possible and deal with all issues of compensation for any land or interest acquired compulsorily or by agreement.

 

(5)  That the Strategic Director for Environment and Development Services and the Assistant Chief Executive Legal and Democratic Services prepare and issue all associated documents and publish and serve all necessary notices and thereafter take all necessary steps including the conduct of a Public Inquiry to obtain the confirmation of the Compulsory Purchase Order by the Secretary of State.

 

(6)  That the Strategic Director for Environment and Development Services approve any modification to the Compulsory Purchase Order (including deletion of any land therefrom) as may be found to be appropriate following consultation.

 

(7)  That in exercise of its powers under Sections 14, 124  ...  view the full minutes text for item 33.

34.

Town Centre Business Vitality Scheme - Shop Fronts Improvement Grants pdf icon PDF 54 KB

Julie Roberts, Town Centre and Markets Manager, to report.

Additional documents:

Minutes:

Consideration was given to a report, presented by the Town Centre and Markets Manager, relating to funding secured from Rotherham Economic Regeneration Fund (RERF) & the Local Authority Business Growth Incentive (LABGI) for the introduction of a range of financial support packages, providing a package of grants to both new and existing businesses. The report provided an update on the development & roll out of the Shop Front Improvement Grant Scheme.

 

Consideration was also given to a proposal to allocate a small pot of money, from the overall fund, which could be made available to independent retailers outside of the Phase 1 priority area i.e. the wider town centre, and would support smaller scale works by offering up to £1,000 towards the cost of improvements.

 

A copy of Guidance Notes relating to the Scheme was appended to the report, within which was a map of the town centre identifying eligible properties.  The specific locations were also listed in the submitted report.

 

It was explained that the grant was a one-off discretionary contribution to eligible businesses to cover 75% (max. £7,500) of the total cost of major shop front improvements for independent retailers, and 50% (max. £5,000) for national/regional operators.

 

A brief outline was given of the items which the grant could be used to fund and reference was made to the requirement for two quotations.

 

Resolved:-  (1)  That the content of the report & attached Guidance Notes (Appendix 1) be noted.

 

(2)  That support be given to the scheme being phased and grants be offered to those businesses within the identified priority areas as part of Phase 1 (before further roll out is considered).

 

(3)  That a smaller grant be made available to independent retailers outside the Phase 1 priority area (as described in the submitted report).

The Cabinet Member authorised consideration of the following item in order for places at the conference to be booked:-

35.

National Association of British Market Authorities - AGM

Minutes:

Consideration was given to attendance at the following:-

 

National Association of British Market Authorities – Annual General Meeting and Conference – 13th to 15th September, 2009 – Blackpool.

 

Resolved:-  That approval be given for the attendance of one Councillor.

36.

EXCLUSION OF THE PRESS AND PUBLIC

The following item is likely to be considered in the absence of the press and public as being exempt under Paragraph 3 of Part 1 of Schedule 12A to the Local Government Act 1972 (as amended March 2006) (information relating to the financial or business affairs of any particular individual (including the Council)):-

Minutes:

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 Paragraph 3 of Part 1 of Schedule 12A to the Local Government Act 1972 (as amended March 2006) (financial/business affairs).

37.

Town Centre Business Grants

Julie Roberts, Town Centre Manager, to report.

-           to seek approval to award Rental Contribution and Capital Grant, under the Town Centre Business Vitality Scheme, to support two projects in Imperial Buildings.

Minutes:

Further to Minute No. 34 above, consideration was given to a report, presented by the Town Centre and Markets Manager, seeking approval to award Rental Contribution and Capital Grant, under the Town Centre Business Vitality Scheme, to support two projects relating to the opening of:-

 

(1) a bridal wear shop in Unit 8/9 Imperial Buildings, and

(2) a coffee shop in unit 12/13 Imperial Buildings, Rotherham.

 

Reference was made to the scheme’s criteria, application process, composition of the Grants Panel and its recommendations.

 

Details of both projects were set out in the submitted report, noting that both applications had met the prescribed criteria. 

 

It was pointed out, however, that there was still further work to be done in respect of both applications e.g. obtaining two quotations, confirmation from Highways and subject to planning permission.  Reference was also made to conditions in respect of repayment of the grant, engagement with a Business Adviser and publicity in respect of this assistance from the Council.

 

It was confirmed that funding for the scheme had been secured from the Local Authority Business Growth Incentive and Rotherham Economic Regeneration Fund.

 

Those present commented on:-

 

-                      closer monitoring of rental payments to avoid arrears situations

-                      collaboration between Council Services to help achieve objectives for the town centre i.e. reduce number of vacant shop units

-                      possible competition with existing businesses

 

Resolved:-  (1)  That Rental Contribution be awarded to both of the above-mentioned projects to provide a contribution of 50% of annual rent in year one and 25% of annual rental in year two.

 

(2)  That a Capital Improvement Grant be awarded to both of these projects to cover 75% of total cost of eligible works (excluding VAT), up to a maximum grant payment of £7,500 to include (1) fitting out, (2) shop front signwriting, and (3) in the case of the coffee shop project purchase of street café furniture, subject to the submission and approval of satisfactory specifications and quotation.

38.

Town Centre Street Cafe Grants

Julie Roberts, Town Centre and Markets Manager, to report.

Minutes:

Further to Minute No.  34 above, consideration was given to a report, presented by the Town Centre and Markets Manager, seeking approval to award a Street Café Grant, under the Town Centre Business Vitality Scheme, to support seven projects relating to the provision of new, or enhancement of existing, street café facilities within Rotherham Town Centre

 

Reference was made to the aims and objectives of the Town Centre Business Vitality Scheme.

 

Details of the seven projects were set out in the submitted report, together with additional background information.

 

Reference was also made to the Townscape Heritage Initiative which covered the premises on High Street.

 

Those present commented on:-

 

-                      the need for better waste provision to the rear of High Street properties (i.e. backing on to the Minster churchyard)

-                      steepness and levels on High Street

-                      uniformity of street furniture

-                      licensing issues/town centre alcohol exclusion zone

 

Resolved:-   That agreement in principle be given to the awarding of grant assistance to each of the seven projects referred to in the report now submitted providing:-

 

(a)        75% of eligible costs relating to the purchase of street café furniture (excluding VAT), up to a maximum grant payment of £2,000 per project for independent businesses, or

 

(b)        50% of eligible costs relating to the purchase of street café furniture (excluding VAT), up to a maximum grant payment of £1,000 per project for national/regional operators,

 

(c)        That a maximum of £335 be awarded per project towards planning fees (as required).

 

(d)        In the case of each project, the approval to be subject to satisfactory specifications and quotations, and to the applicant obtaining the necessary permissions and licences.