Agenda and minutes

Consideration was given to a report, submitted by the Democratic Services Manager, detailing the opening of the following tenders/offers:-

(i)                   opening of e-tenders for Plant Hire (2^nd tranche)

(ii)                 opening of offers for the former Kimberworth Nursery, Meadowhall Road, Kimberworth

Resolved:-  That the action of the Cabinet Member in opening the e-tenders and offers be recorded.

Consideration was given to the minutes of a meeting of the Rotherham Local Development Framework Members’ Steering Group held on 23^rd April, 2010.

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

The following report was submitted:-

Health, Welfare and Safety Panel

23rd April, 2010

Alan Matthews, Emergency and Safety Manager, to report.

-           to provide an update on the work being undertaken by the Emergency and Safety Team to promote the principles of Business Continuity to local agencies.

Consideration was given to a report, presented by the Emergency and Safety Manager, updating the Cabinet Member on the work being undertaken by the Emergency and Safety Team to promote the principles of Business Continuity to local agencies.

Reference was made to the statutory duties on local authorities under the Civil Contingencies Act 2004, which included the principles of Business Continuity to businesses and voluntary agencies within the local area.

Members present viewed an interactive CD that had been produced in conjunction with partners from Barnsley and Rotherham Chamber of Commerce and RiDO.  The CD contained an information depository, useful weblinks and reference documentation to assist and encourage organisations in the development of their internal business continuity arrangements.

A Flood Awareness Leaflet had also been produced to help local businesses prepare and deal with such an emergency.

Reference was made to linking businesses with banks, and making businesses aware of the assistance which the Council could provide.

Resolved:-  That the work being undertaken to promote Business Continuity to the business and voluntary sector communities be noted and endorsed and that continued support be provided to the Emergency and Safety Team to fulfil this element of responsibility in line with the requirements of the Civil Contingencies Act 2004.

Sandra Crofts, Road Safety Officer, to report.

-           to inform the Cabinet Member of work undertaken by the Road Safety staff – September 2009 to April 2010.

Consideration was given to a report, presented by the Road Safety Officer, detailing the work undertaken by the Road Safety ETP staff between September 2009 and April 2010.

Particular reference was made to:-

-                      continued work with children in primary schools and young people in secondary schools and colleges

-                      the new Crucial Crew schedule including an event for adults aged 50+

-                      pedestrian training for parents and children

-                      publicity:- aimed at young drivers, drinkers, motorcyclists and pedestrians;  school keep clear banners; topical information; drink/driving display at the annual CAMRA festival

-                      continued partnership working with the 3 South Yorkshire local authorities, South Yorkshire Police, South Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service, Probation Service and Safety Camera Partnership

-                      Drive for Life

-                      Events in association with the local football clubs

-                      Advertising campaign aimed at 11-13 year olds along the A633 and A630 routes

-                      Receipt of funding for one year for the appointment of a Road Safety Assistant

-                      Worst 1st Project – looking at 75+ pedestrian casualties along the A631

-                      Theatre in education performance in schools aimed at Year 5 juniors and Years 7, 8 and 12 in comprehensive schools

Resolved:-  (1)  That the contents of the report be noted and the report be referred to the Regeneration Scrutiny Panel for information.

(2)  That the Road Safety Team be congratulated on their continued excellent work.

Tom Finnegan-Smith, Acting Transportation Unit Manager, to report.

-           to seek authorisation to convert the existing northern footway on Manvers Way to a shared use cycle/pedestrian footway.

Consideration was given to a report, presented by the Acting Transportation Unit Manager, seeking authorisation to convert the existing northern footway on Manvers Way, Manvers, to a shared use cycle / pedestrian footway.

It was reported that as part of their successful bid for Community Infrastructure Funding, Barnsley MBC had identified a number of accessibility improvements that link adjacent residential areas to the proposed new Dearne Academy School in Barnsley and to the existing and future developments along Manvers Way. These links included both improved pedestrian and cycle links.

One of the proposals included converting the existing northern footway on Manvers Way, currently designated as pedestrian use only, to shared pedestrian / cycle use (the southern footway was already a segregated pedestrian / cycle footway).  The proposal was illustrated in red on the accompanying plan (ref:  Drawing No.  122/A6023.020/1).

It was reported that consultation with South Yorkshire Police and Ward Councillors had taken place and no objections to the scheme had been received.

Resolved:-  (1)  That the results of the consultation exercise be noted.

(2)  That authority be given for the detailed design to be carried out and for the scheme to be implemented.

(3)  That that it be noted that the scheme is to be funded by a neighbouring authority as part of their Community Infrastructure Funding.

Matthew Lowe, Engineer, to report.

-     to report a proposal to undertake a series of accessibility improvements along the A6021 Wickersley Road and Broom Road.

Consideration was given to a report, presented by the Engineer, detailing a proposal to undertake a series of accessibility improvements along the A6021 Wickersley Road and Broom Road.

Each of the proposals was explained in detail and reference was made to the accompanying plans (Appendices A to E) which illustrated the proposals.

It was also pointed out that in addition to the improvements it was proposed to make the existing bus stops more accessible particularly to those with mobility problems.

Funding for the proposals had been identified from the South Yorkshire Local Transport Plan Strategic Pot 2010-2011 and from the Local Transport Plan Integrated Transport Capital Programme for 2010-2011.

It was pointed out that each element of this route treatment was subject to detailed cost estimates not exceeding the original budget.

Resolved:-  (1)  That approval be given for the detailed design and consultation be undertaken on the schemes identified in this report.

(2)  That any traffic orders required as a consequence of the proposals be made and consulted upon, and implemented if no objections are received.

(3)                    That further reports on each scheme be submitted for consideration by the Cabinet Member.

(THE CABINET MEMBER AUTHORISED CONSIDERATION OF THE FOLLOWING ITEMS IN ORDER FOR PLACES TO BE BOOKED)

Consideration was given to attendance at the following:-

-           Renewable UK – Wind Farm Visit and Planning Conference for Yorkshire and Humber – 24^th June, 2010 at Beverley

Resolved:-  (1) That members of the Planning Board be invited.

-           2010 Elected Members Planning School – 3^rd to 7^th September, 2010 - York

Resolved:- (2)  That approval be given for the attendance of two Councillors.

-           Planning Convention – Shaping the Future – 28^th to 30^th June, 2010 - London

Resolved:-  (3)  That approval be given for the attendance of two Councillors.

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)):-

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).

Bernadette Rushton, Retail Investment Manager, to report.

-           to seek approval to award Rental Contribution and Capital Grant.

Consideration was given to a report, presented by the Assistant Town Centre Manager, detailing an application under the Town Centre Business Vitality Scheme.

The application related to Unit 5, Imperial Building and would offer direct sale of hand crafted stationary, tiaras, jewellery, silk flowers etc and would host in-house promotional stands showcasing a variety of complimentary wedding services.  This application was supported by the Grants Panel.

It was reported that the application had also been discussed with Iliad, (the developer), and agreement had been reached regarding the rental level.

It was also pointed out that further potential had been seen in the applicant’s business plan and therefore assistance of a Business Adviser from the Chamber of Commerce had been secured.

Reference was also made to the summary of grant awarded to date under the scheme, and of their current uptake.  A plan was also submitted of the location of occupied units within Imperial Building.

Resolved:-  (1)  That a Capital Improvement Grant be awarded to this project 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, and (2) shop front sign writing, subject to the submission and approval of satisfactory specifications and quotations.

(2) That this Capital Contribution is awarded based on the conditions as follows:-

      (i)  A revised business plan and cash flow forecast is submitted to

           nominated members of the Grants Panel for agreement (which

           reflects the discussions at the Grants Panel).

      (ii) A full business diagnostic is undertaken and a subsequent formal

           business support package agreed for the first 12 months of trading.

(3)  That a rental contribution be not awarded to this project for the reasons             identified within this report.

Bernadette Rushton, Retail Investment Manager, to report.

-           to consider the application for grant.

Consideration was given to a report, presented by the Assistant Town Centre Manager, detailing an application for grant under the Town Centre Business Vitality Scheme.

The application related to Unit 8, Imperial Building and would offer unique handcrafted greeting and occasion cards, original art pieces and prints. It was confirmed that the application met the required criteria and had been supported by the Grants Panel. 

Resolved:-  (1) That approval be given to the award of a Rental Contribution to this project to provide 50% of annual rent in year one and 25% of annual rental in year two, to be paid quarterly in arrears on submission by the Applicant of proof of payment of rent.

(2)  That this rental contribution is awarded subject to the applicant working with Business Advisors to undertake a full business diagnostic and subject to a bespoke 12 month business support programme being developed and followed.

(3). That approval be given to award a capital improvement grant to this project to cover 75% of total cost of eligible works (excluding vat), up to a maximum grant payment of £7,500 to include fitting out and shop front sign writing, subject to the submission and approval of satisfactory specifications and quotations, the grant to be paid in arrears on submission by the Applicant of proof of payment to suppliers and contractors, and upon satisfactory completion of the capital works.