Agenda, decisions and minutes

To elect a Chair for the 2009/10 municipal year.

(Council Function)

(2.5 mins presentation / 2.5 mins discussion)

A report was submitted by the Chief Democratic Services Officer which outlined the arrangements for the annual election of Chair of the South (Inner) Area Committee.  It was reported that one nomination for the position of Chair had been received on behalf of Councillor Gabriel.

RESOLVED –

(a)  That the contents of the report be noted;

(b)  That following a unanimous vote by those Elected Members present at the meeting, Councillor Gabriel be elected Chair of the South (Inner) Area Committee for the 2009/2010 municipal year.

(Councillor Gabriel took the Chair)

The Chair welcomed all in attendance to the first South (Inner) Area Committee meeting of the new municipal year.

To identify items which have been admitted to the agenda by the Chair for consideration.

(The special circumstances shall be specified in the minutes.)

The Chair admitted to the agenda a late well-being application, which was to be considered under agenda item 11, Well-Being Fund – 2009/10 Proposals. The application had been received late and had been tabled for consideration as the events for which funding was sought was taking place over the summer before the next Area Committee meeting in September (Minute No. 10 refers).

The Chair also admitted to the agenda a revised cover report on Area Committee Roles for 2009/10, which was to be considered under agenda item 16 (Minute No. 15 refers).

To declare any personal/prejudicial interests for the purpose of Section 81(3) of the Local Government Act 2000 and paragraphs 8 to 12 of the Members Code of Conduct.

Councillor Blake declared a personal interest in relation to agenda item 11,

Well-Being Fund 2009/10 Proposals (well-being fund application by Middleton Elderly Aid for additional gardens) due to being a Member of Middleton Elderly Aid (Minute No. 10 refers).

Councillor Driver declared personal interests in relation to agenda item 11, Well-Being Fund 2009/10 Proposals (well-being fund applications by Middleton Elderly Aid for additional gardens and by Belle Isle Elderly Winter Aid for Belle Isle Garden Scheme) as a Member of Friends of Middleton Park and Belle Isle Elderly Winter Aid (Minute No. 10 refers).

Councillors Gabriel and Ogilvie declared a personal interest in relation to agenda item 11, Well-Being Fund 2009/10 Proposals (late well-being fund application by Friends of Cross Flatts Park for summer activities in Cross Flatts Park) as Members of Friends of Cross Flats Park (Minute No. 10 refers).

To receive any apologies for absence.

Apologies for absence were submitted by Councillors Congreve, Coupar and Davey.

To confirm as a correct record the minutes of the meeting held on 2^nd April 2009.

RESOLVED – That the minutes of the meeting held on 2^nd April 2009 be confirmed as a correct record.

In accordance with Paragraphs 6.24 and 6.25 of the Area Committee Procedure Rules, at the discretion of the Chair a period of up to 10 minutes may be allocated at each ordinary meeting for members of the public to make representations or to ask questions on matters within the terms of reference of the Area Committee.  This period of time may be extended at the discretion of the Chair.  No member of the public shall speak for more than three minutes in the Open Forum, except by permission of the Chair.

(10 mins discussion)

In accordance with paragraphs 6.24 and 6.25 of the Area Committee Procedure Rules, the Chair allowed a period of up to 10 minutes for members of the public to make representations or to ask questions on matters within the terms of reference of the Area Committee.

A local resident publicised the work of South Leeds Community Radio, which was providing free music workshops to young people at venues across South Leeds in August 2009.  It was noted that South Leeds Community Radio was part of the ‘I love South Leeds Festival’ which was funded by the Inner South Area Committee.

It was reported that Moor End Voice, a community radio station for people with learning difficulties, had recently won the adult learner award.  A presentation event had taken place at Leeds Civic Hall in recognition of their success.

Another local resident circulated the Voice of Holbeck Newsletter.  The newsletter contained information about forthcoming events, particularly the Holbeck Gala on July 11^th, 12 noon to 5pm.

To consider a report of the Chief Democratic Services Officer on Local Authority Appointments to Outside Bodies.

(Council Function)

(2.5 mins presentation / 5 mins discussion)

A report was submitted by the Chief Democratic Services Officer which outlined the procedure relating to local authority appointments to outside bodies and which also invited Members to consider making appointments to those outside bodies detailed within the report.

In relation to the vacancy on Holbeck Elderly Aid, Members deferred making an appointment in order to receive further information about the possibility of being appointed to a more influential position, e.g. Trustee or Board Member. 

Members requested that the minutes of future Partnership meetings be circulated with the Area Committee agenda.

RESOLVED –

(a)  That the report and information appended to the report be noted;

(b)  That approval be given to the following Outside Body appointments being made for the 2009/2010 municipal year:

• Belle Isle Elderly Winter Aid – Councillor Driver
• Belle Isle Tenant Management Organisation – Councillors Blake and Coupar;
• Holbeck Elderly Aid – Vacancy (deferred to receive further information);
• Middleton Elderly Aid – Councillor Blake;
• Inner South ALMO Area Panel (Aire Valley Homes Leeds) – Councillors Iqbal and Ogilvie;
• Divisional Community Safety Partnership – Councillor Blake;
• Area Children’s Partnership – Councillor Gabriel;
• Area Health and Social Care Partnership – Councillor Coupar
• Area Employment, Enterprise and Training Partnership – Councillor Driver.

(c) That the minutes of future Partnership meetings be circulated with the Area Committee agenda.

To receive and consider a report from the South East Area Manager presenting a refresh of the Area Delivery Plan 2008-11 for Members’ approval.

(Executive Function)

(5 mins presentation / 5 mins discussion

RESOLVED –

(a)  That the contents of the report be noted;

(b)  That the annual update of the ADP 2008-11 be approved;

(c)  That the proposed charter be developed as the public facing, resident friendly version of the ADP;

(d)  To further strengthen the monitoring and influencing role of the Area Committee and its links with partnership activity, that the Member nominations for the 2009/10 thematic leads be confirmed as follows:

-  Culture – Councillor Iqbal

-  Enterprise and Economy – Councillors Davey and Driver

-  Learning – Councillor Driver

-  Transport – Councillor Nash

-  Environment – Councillor Ogilvie

-  Health and Wellbeing – Councillor Coupar

-  Thriving Places – Councillors Blake (SLEET) and Driver (Divisional Community Safety Partnership)

-  Harmonious Communities – Councillor Congreve

The Director of Environment and Neighbourhoods submitted a report which presented the revised South (Inner) Area Delivery Plan (ADP) 2008-2011 for approval.

Appended to the report were the revised ADP and inner south priorities.

Sheila Fletcher, Area Management Officer, presented the report and responded to Members’ questions and comments.

In brief summary, the main areas of discussion were:

·  Concern that the themes in the ADP were too broad.

·  Concern that themed champions only had a monitoring and influencing role.

·  The need to include greater reference to the work of the voluntary sector.

RESOLVED –

(a)  That the contents of the report be noted;

(b)  That the annual update of the ADP 2008-11 be approved;

(c)  That the proposed charter be developed as the public facing, resident friendly version of the ADP;

(d)  To further strengthen the monitoring and influencing role of the Area Committee and its links with partnership activity, that the Member nominations for the 2009/10 thematic leads be confirmed as follows:

-  Culture – Councillor Iqbal

-  Enterprise and Economy – Councillors Davey and Driver

-  Learning – Councillor Driver

-  Transport – Councillor Nash

-  Environment – Councillor Ogilvie

-  Health and Wellbeing – Councillor Coupar

-  Thriving Places – Councillors Blake (Divisional Community Safety Partnership) and Driver (SLEET)

-  Harmonious Communities – Councillor Congreve

To receive a report from the Director of Environment and Neighbourhoods which updates Members on both the capital and revenue elements of the Committee’s Well-being budget, advises Members of the Small Grants approved since the last meeting and invites Members to determine the capital and revenue proposals detailed within the report.

(Executive Function)

(5 mins presentation / 5 mins discussion) 

RESOLVED –

(a)  That the report and information appended to the report which includes the available balance of the Area Committee’s revenue and capital well-being budgets, be noted;

(b)  That the small grant proposals approved since the last meeting of the Area Committee be noted;

(c)  That the proposed commissioning approach and allocation of the Area Committee’s well-being funds for 2009/10 to Area Delivery Plan themes, be approved; 

(d)  That the well-being applications approved in principle at the Area Committee meeting on 2^nd April 2009, be ratified (well-being applications at this meeting were subject to confirmation of the well-being allocation by the Executive Board); and

(e)  That the following decisions be made in relation to the Well-being funding proposals which had been submitted for determination at the meeting:-

• Youth Service – Beeston Old Library Youth Group – £1,800 (2009/10 Revenue Budget) – Approved;
• Middleton Elderly Aid – Additional Gardens – £3,910 (2009/10 Revenue Budget) – Approved;
• Belle Isle Elderly Winter Aid – Belle Isle Garden Scheme – £2,125 (2009/10 Revenue Budget) – Approved;
• Re’new – Middleton Regeneration Partnership – £8,000 (2009/10 Revenue Budget) – Approved, subject to breakdown of costs;
• Out of School Activities Team – Friday Night Project – South Leeds –  £3,000 (2009/10 Revenue Budget) – Approved;
• Out of School Activities Team – Friday Night Project – Middleton –  £3,000 (2009/10 Revenue Budget) – Approved;
• West Yorkshire Police – Operation CASAC – £5,000 (2009/10 Revenue Budget) – To be commissioned through funding allocated to the Thriving Places theme of the ADP;
• Area Management Team – Photocopier – contribution to rental charge – £2,483 (2009/10 Revenue Budget) – Deferred to receive further information;
• Friends of Cross Flatts Park – Summer activities in Cross Flatts Park – £5,000 (2009/10 Revenue Budget) – Approved;
• Safer Leeds – Leasowe Alleygating Scheme – £5,539 (2009/10 Capital Budget) and £110 (2009/10 Revenue Budget) – Approved in principle, subject to obtaining costs relating to re-siting of letterboxes;
• Joseph Priestley College – Old Cockburn Centre Renovation Project – £4,350 (2009/10 Capital Budget) – Approved;
• West Yorkshire Police – Bright Ideas – CCTV for Middleton Circus – £9,000 (2009/10 Capital Budget) and £25,000 Revenue over five years (£5,000 allocated towards 2009/10 Revenue Budget) – Approved in principle, subject to outcome of the Bright Ideas event and consideration of the deployment of the mobile CCTV unit.

The Director of Environment and Neighbourhoods submitted a report which invited Members to consider a proposed approach to the commissioning of activities linked to outcomes identified in the Area Delivery Plan (ADP).  The report also updated Members on both the capital and revenue elements of the Committee’s Well-being budget, advised the Committee of the small grants approved since the last meeting and invited Members to determine the capital and revenue proposals, as detailed within the report.

In relation to the capital well-being allocation, it was advised that the City & Hunslet ward pot was earmarked for improvements to Hunslet Library.

Following a brief discussion relating to the proposals for Well-being funding which had been submitted to the meeting for determination, it was

RESOLVED –

(a)  That the report and information appended to the report which includes the available balance of the Area Committee’s revenue and capital well-being budgets, be noted;

(b)  That the small grant proposals approved since the last meeting of the Area Committee be noted;

(c)  That the proposed commissioning approach and allocation of the Area Committee’s well-being funds for 2009/10 to Area Delivery Plan themes, be approved; 

(d)  That the well-being applications approved in principle at the Area Committee meeting on 2^nd April 2009, be ratified (well-being applications at this meeting were subject to confirmation of the well-being allocation by the Executive Board); and

(e)  That the following decisions be made in relation to the Well-being funding proposals which had been submitted for determination at the meeting:-

• Youth Service – Beeston Old Library Youth Group – £1,800 (2009/10 Revenue Budget) – Approved;
• Middleton Elderly Aid – Additional Gardens – £3,910 (2009/10 Revenue Budget) – Approved;
• Belle Isle Elderly Winter Aid – Belle Isle Garden Scheme – £2,125 (2009/10 Revenue Budget) – Approved;
• Re’new – Middleton Regeneration Partnership – £8,000 (2009/10 Revenue Budget) – Approved, subject to breakdown of costs;
• Out of School Activities Team – Friday Night Project – South Leeds –  £3,000 (2009/10 Revenue Budget) – Approved;
• Out of School Activities Team – Friday Night Project – Middleton –  £3,000 (2009/10 Revenue Budget) – Approved;
• West Yorkshire Police – Operation CASAC – £5,000 (2009/10 Revenue Budget) – To be commissioned through funding allocated to the Thriving Places theme of the ADP;
• Area Management Team – Photocopier – contribution to rental charge – £2,483 (2009/10 Revenue Budget) – Deferred to receive further information;
• Friends of Cross Flatts Park – Summer activities in Cross Flatts Park – £5,000 (2009/10 Revenue Budget) – Approved;
• Safer Leeds – Leasowe Alleygating Scheme – £5,539 (2009/10 Capital Budget) and £110 (2009/10 Revenue Budget) – Approved in principle, subject to obtaining costs relating to re-siting of letterboxes;
• Joseph Priestley College – Old Cockburn Centre Renovation Project – £4,350 (2009/10 Capital Budget) – Approved;
• West Yorkshire Police – Bright Ideas – CCTV for Middleton Circus – £9,000 (2009/10 Capital Budget) and £25,000 Revenue over five years (£5,000 allocated towards 2009/10 Revenue Budget) – Approved in principle, subject to outcome of the Bright Ideas  ...  view the full minutes text for item 10.

To receive and consider a report from the Director of Environment and Neighbourhoods highlighting the services provided by the Council’s Community Safety CCTV Team.

(Executive Function)

(5 mins presentation / 5 mins discussion)

RESOLVED – That the item be deferred pending further discussions relating to the budget allocation for the city centre.

The Director of Environment and Neighbourhoods submitted a report which highlighted the services provided by Leeds City Council Community Safety CCTV, particularly in terms of demonstrating the effectiveness of the service in reducing the fear of crime and facilitating the apprehension and detection of offenders in areas covered by CCTV.

Appended to the report was a financial breakdown for the inner south area and information about the legal implications relating to CCTV surveillance.

The main highlighted points were:

·  Concerns that the city centre allocation should be separate from the rest of City & Hunslet ward as they were mainly all commercial areas.  Members emphasised the need to provide an additional allowance for CCTV in the city centre. 

·  Members sought clarification about the areas in inner south Leeds covered by Mobile CCTV.

RESOLVED – That the item be deferred pending further discussions relating to the budget allocation for the city centre and the areas in inner south Leeds covered by Mobile CCTV.

(Councillors Iqbal and Nash left the meeting at 7.30pm, at the conclusion of this item.  It was advised that the meeting was now inquorate and any further decisions were subject to ratification at the next meeting).

To receive and consider a report on the development of the New Generation Transport scheme for Leeds.

(Council Function)

(5 mins presentation / 5 mins discussion)

A report of the New Generation Transport Team (City Development) was submitted which updated Members on the development of the New Generation Transport Scheme and the ongoing consultation process.

Francis Linley, NGT Co-ordinator, attended the meeting to present the report and respond to Members’ questions and comments.

The main areas of discussion were:

• The ongoing public consultation exercise, particularly the south Leeds consultation event on 18^th June 2009.
• Concern that established bus routes could be scrapped in favour of NGT routes.
• The need to keep ward Members informed on proposals to introduce a Park and Ride facility at Elland Road.

RECOMMENDED –

(a) That the report and information appended to the report be noted; and

(b) That comments on the NGT proposals be submitted via the Area Management Team.

To receive and consider a joint report of the Chief Officers for Regeneration and Health and Environmental Action Services on the restructuring proposals for the Neighbourhood Warden service.

(Executive Function)

(5 mins presentation / 5 mins discussion)

RECOMMENDED – That the report and information appended to the report be noted.

The Chief Officers for Regeneration and Health and Environmental Action Services submitted a report which updated Members on the restructuring proposals for the Neighbourhood Warden Service.

Appended to the report was the existing Neighbourhood Warden structure together with a revised job description for the new Community Environment Officer posts.

RECOMMENDED – That the report and information appended to the report be noted.

To receive and consider a report from the Director of City Development which examines the opportunities to develop the relationship between the Parks and Countryside service and the South Inner Area Committee.

(Council Function)

(5 mins presentation / 10 mins discussion)

The Director of City Development submitted a report which examined the opportunities to develop the relationship between the Parks and Countryside service and the South (Inner) Area Committee.

The following representatives from Parks and Countryside attended the meeting:

-  Kris Nenadic, Principal Parks Area Manager; and

-  Vicky Nunns, Business Development Manager.

The key areas of discussion were:

·  Concern that Cranmore Recreation Ground was not up to standard (there were no car parking or toilet facilities). 

·  The need to improve access and security at Middleton Park.

·  The need for further improvements at Holbeck Moor.

·  The need for a senior parks and countryside representative to attend local residents meetings (Kris Nenadic, Principal Parks Manager agreed to meet with local residents to discuss their concerns).

·  Acknowledgement that ward Members had their own priorities for community green space improvements – it was suggested that the Area Committee report back its priorities on an individual ward basis.

RECOMMENDED –

(a) That the contents of the report be noted

(b) That the Area Committee reports back its priorities for community green space improvements on an individual ward basis.

To receive a report from the Director of Environment and Neighbourhoods detailing the area function schedules and roles for 2009/2010 as agreed by the Executive Board on 17^th June 2009.

(Executive Function)

(2.5 mins presentation / 2.5 mins discussion)

RECOMMENDED – That the report and information appended to the report be noted.

The Director of Environment and Neighbourhoods submitted a report which detailed the area function schedules and roles for 2009/10, as agreed by the Executive Board on 17^th June 2009.

A revised copy of the report was circulated at the meeting.  Appended to the report was an updated copy of the delegated functions and other roles for 2009/10.

RECOMMENDED – That the report and information appended to the report be noted.

To receive and consider a report from the Director of Environment and Neighbourhoods which provides Members with an overview of the range of activities currently taking place within the inner south area of Leeds.

(Executive Function)

(5 mins presentation / 5 mins discussion)

RECOMMENDED –

(a)  That the report and information appended to the report be noted; and

(b)  That a report back be submitted to a future Area Committee meeting in relation to the sustainability and succession of community groups supported through the NIP programmes.

The Committee considered a report from the Acting Area Manager which updated Members on the actions and achievements of the Area Management Team since the last meeting.

A Protocol and General Work Schedule relating to the deployment of Police Community Support Officers (PCSOs), as agreed between Leeds City Council and West Yorkshire Police Authority, was appended to the report for Members’ information.

The Acting Area Manager presented the report and responded to Members’ questions and comments.

In brief summary, the key areas of discussion were:

• Acknowledgement of the work undertaken by the Priority Neighbourhood Worker in supporting the recent Holbeck in Bloom event.
• The need to review arrangements relating to the sustainability and succession of community groups supported through the Neighbourhood Improvement Plan (NIP) programmes.

RECOMMENDED –

(a)  That the report and information appended to the report be noted; and

(b)  That a report back be submitted to a future Area Committee meeting in relation to the sustainability and succession of community groups supported through the NIP programmes.

Wednesday 23^rd September, 2009

(Building Blocks, Maud Avenue, Leeds, LS11 7DD)

Tuesday 3^rd November, 2009

(Belle Isle Family Centre, St John and Barnabas Church, Belle Isle Road, Leeds, LS10 3PG)

Thursday 7^th January, 2010

(Venue to be advised)

Wednesday 10^th February, 2010

(Venue to be advised)

Thursday 25^th March, 2010.

(Venue to be advised)

(All meetings to commence at 6.30 pm).

Wednesday 23^rd September, 2009

(Building Blocks, Maud Avenue, Leeds, LS11 7DD)

Tuesday 3^rd November, 2009

(Belle Isle Family Centre, St John and Barnabas Church, Belle Isle Road, Leeds, LS10 3PG)

Thursday 7^th January, 2010

(Civic Hall, Leeds, LS1 1UR)

Wednesday 10^th February, 2010

(Venue to be advised)

Thursday 25^th March, 2010.

(Venue to be advised)

(All meetings to commence at 6.30 pm).

(The meeting concluded at 8.22 pm)