Agenda and minutes

John Bufton, Schemes and Partnerships Manager, to report.

-           to report on the details of Year 2 schemes.

Further to Minute No. 40 of the joint meeting of the Cabinet Members for Economic Development, Planning and Transportation and for Streetpride held on 15^th March, 2010, consideration was given to a report, presented by the Schemes and Partnerships Manager, detailing Year 2 schemes proposed by 2010 Rotherham Ltd to provide environmental improvements.  The report sought approval to proceed with the works, insofar as they will affect the public highway. 

It was pointed out that of the five schemes listed, consideration had previously been given to Bradstone Road, East Herringthorpe and Byrley Road, Kimberworth Park.  These two schemes had been amended and improved as suggested.  It was pointed out that all the schemes aimed to alleviate pressure on the highway due to parking.

It was confirmed that all the schemes were being funded by the Decent Homes Environmental Improvement work grant, and the works would be completed to highway specifications, inspected and signed off by officers from Environment and Development Services, under a service level agreement with 2010 Rotherham Ltd.

Concern was expressed about the need to be mindful that the necessary approvals and conditions relating to site works were met.

Resolved:-   (1) That the concerns now raised be discussed with officers in 2010 Rotherham Ltd.

(2)  That subject to:-

a) scheme funding being made available by 2010 Rotherham Ltd.

b) there being no objections raised through further consultations with residents that cannot be overcome through minor modifications through the 2010 consultation process,

the following works be implemented:-

-                      Bradstone Road, EastHerringthorpe – Proposed verge hardening

-                      Byrley Road, Kimberworth Park – Proposed verge hardening

-                      Moorfield Grove, Ravenfield - Proposed verge hardening

-                      Ridgeway, East Herringthorpe - Proposed verge hardening

-                      High Greave Road, - Proposed verge hardening

Emma Hill, Customer Services Standards Co-ordinator, to report.

-           to report performance statistics for quarter 4.

Consideration was given to a report, presented by the Customer Service Standards Co-ordinator, detailing performance statistics for Quarter 4 (January-March 2010), against the Customer First Charter.

The report also set out suggestions and recommendations for improvement where necessary.

Attention was drawn to the implementation of a new monitoring system within Planning and Regeneration and to delays in this becoming embedded.

It was reported that it was proposed to add performance re:  e-case work to the statistics in due course.

Members discussed the following:-

-                      e-case work system

-                      Councillors’ preferred method of working

-                      Number of prosecutions in respect of the abuse of  salt/grit bins

It was also reported that a pilot exercise had been undertaken to assess the cost of dealing with complaints at Stage 2, and it was further proposed to carry out a similar exercise for Stage 1 complaints.

Resolved:-  (1)  That the current performance be noted.

(2)  That the concerns now discussed in respect of e-casework be raised at the Complaints Forum.

Graham Kaye, Principal Engineer, to report.

-           to present the final report on the flash flooding event of June 2009 together with actions taken by the Council to date and proposals to further improve resilience against future flooding.

The Principal Engineer presented the final report on the flash flooding event of June 2009, together with details of actions taken by the Council to date.  Proposals to further improve resilience against future flooding were also reported.

The Cabinet Members’ were requested to consider the final report (attached at Appendix A to the submitted report) and to approve its publication on the Council’s website for public information.

A brief summary was given of the following:-

-                      feasibility works carried out

-                      works carried out to minimise risk of future flooding

-                      various maintenance and improvement works carried out by the Drainage Team

-                      finance and bids/grants approved by DEFRA

-                      risks and uncertainties, in particular the duty of riparian owners

Members present raised and discussed:-

-                      Street trees and drains blocked by leaves

-                      Relationship with Yorkshire Water

-                      Impact of flooding on businesses and housing

-                      Use of planning conditions

Resolved:-  That the contents of the Final Report be noted and approval be given for its publication on the Council’s website.

John Bufton, Schemes and Partnerships Manager, to report.

-           to extend the commission to Mott MacDonald to continue providing professional consultancy support under the terms of the Highways Agency’s Project Support Framework.

Consideration was given to a report, presented by the Schemes and Partnerships Manager, relating to a proposal to extend the commission to Mott MacDonald to continue providing professional consultancy support under the terms of the Highways Agency’s Project Support Framework for which there was an existing contract between all parties. 

It is proposed that this service would be on a reduced basis from that currently in place, in that it would relate solely to the Waverley Link Road Scheme.  All project management work for the A57 scheme would utilise RMBC staff.  It was confirmed that the Directorate had the necessary level of expertise.

It was confirmed that all costs for the employment of Mott MacDonald to provide professional consultancy support would be met from the Local Transport Strategic Fund.

Reference was made to the forthcoming spending review by Government which would include consultancies.

Resolved:-  (1)  That the Highways Agency’s Project Support Framework contract be used to continue to provide professional consultancy support to the Waverley Link Road major highway scheme.

(2)  That the intention to carry out all project management work on the A57 scheme by in-house resources be noted.