Agenda, decisions and minutes

The Chair welcomed all in attendance to the November meeting of the South (Inner) Area Committee.

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.

There were no declarations of interest.

To receive any apologies for absence.

Apologies for absence were submitted by Councillors Davey and Ogilvie.

To confirm as a correct record the minutes of the meeting held on 22^nd September 2010.

RESOLVED – That the minutes of the meeting held on 22^nd September 2010 be confirmed as a correct record.

Minute No. 9 – Review of Mobile Youth Provision

The Deputy Area Manager reported that Steve Buckley was providing Elected Members with updates on youth services.

Minute No. 15 – Dog Control Orders

The Area Committee was informed that signs publicising the operation of Dog Control Orders had been agreed by the Council’s Executive Board.  One Member requested further information about the boundaries.

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. 

On this occasion, there were no matters raised under this item by members of the public.

To receive and consider a report from the Director of Environment and Neighbourhoods providing an overview of the 2010 I Love South Leeds Festival activities that were commissioned through Inner South Area Committee Area Well Being funding.

(5 mins presentation / 5 mins discussion)

RESOLVED –

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

(b)  That Area Management be requested to work with Extended Services Clusters on a proposal (for Area Committee consideration) on a joined-up approach to summer holiday activities in 2011;

(c)  That South Leeds Superstar be re-commissioned for 2011, either as part of the proposal with Extended Schools Clusters or independently should the proposal with Extended Schools Clusters not be approved;

(d)  That the Area Committee approves up to 9k of indicative costs for South Leeds Superstar (£3,000 split equally from Beeston and Holbeck, City and Hunslet, and Middleton Park Wards); and

(e)  That the Area Committee approves the proposed funding on an in principle basis from the 2011/12 wellbeing revenue budget, subject to the allocation to the South (Inner) Area Committee.

The Director of Environment and Neighbourhoods submitted a report which provided the Area Committee with an overview of the 2010 I Love South Leeds Festival activities that were commissioned through Inner South Area Committee Wellbeing funding.  The report also contained recommendations relating to the future management of the festival.

Keith Lander, Deputy Area Manager, presented the report and responded to Members’ questions and comments.

In brief summary, the main areas of discussion were:

• The role of Extended Services Clusters in developing the programme of activities.
• The benefits of undertaking a mapping exercise in relation to local provision.
• Clarification that £6,285 had been allocated as part of the Turn It Up Programme and the amount spent was £6,000.  The report incorrectly referred to £6,000 being allocated and £6,285 being spent.

RESOLVED –

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

(b)  That Area Management be requested to work with Extended Services Clusters on a proposal (for Area Committee consideration) on a joined-up approach to summer holiday activities in 2011;

(c)  That South Leeds Superstar be re-commissioned for 2011, either as part of the proposal with Extended Schools Clusters or independently should the proposal with Extended Schools Clusters not be approved;

(d)  That the Area Committee approves up to 9k of indicative costs for South Leeds Superstar (£3,000 split equally from Beeston and Holbeck, City and Hunslet, and Middleton Park Wards); and

(e)  That the Area Committee approves the proposed funding on an in principle basis from the 2011/12 wellbeing revenue budget, subject to the allocation to the South (Inner) Area Committee.

To receive a report from Leeds Initiative providing the Area Committee with development progress and the next steps in relation to the Vision for Leeds 2011-2030.

(5 mins presentation / 5 mins discussion)

The Area Committee received a report from Leeds Initiative which provided an update on work undertaken to date to develop a new Vision for Leeds 2011 to 2030.

Appended to the report for Members’ information was a copy of the consultation document ‘What if Leeds …’, consultation and communication plans for the Vision for Leeds 2011 to 2030, together with a consultation timetable.

The Chair welcomed to the meeting, Jenny Hill, Project Officer, to present the report and respond to Members’ questions and comments.

In brief summary, the main highlighted points were:

• A number of groups and individuals had been consulted in the inner south area, including, New Bewerley Primary, Broomfield Children’s Centre, an inter faith group and drug and alcohol group.  Officers had also attended a health event at the Hamara Centre and various PACT meetings.
• Feedback on the ‘What if Leeds’ debate, particularly in relation to the widening of the gap between rich and poor – respondents were concerned that parts of north Leeds received more attention than the south.
• John Clark, Chief Executive of Aire Valley Homes Leeds, agreed to provide details of other groups and individuals that could be consulted.  Members also discussed publicising the Vision for Leeds through the work of South Leeds Community Radio. 

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

(Councillor Blake joined the meeting at 6.56 pm, during the consideration of this item.)

To receive and consider a report from the Chief Regeneration Officer presenting an overview of the draft Leeds Local Investment Plan (LIP) 2011-15.

(5 mins presentation / 5 mins discussion)

This item was withdrawn.

To receive and consider a report from the Strategic Asset Management Service providing a background of the position with South Leeds Sports Centre to accompany the report being submitted by Tiger11.

(5 mins presentation / 5 mins discussion)

The Strategic Asset Management Service submitted a report which provided the Area Committee with a background of the position with South Leeds Sports Centre to accompany the report being submitted by Tiger 11.

The Chair welcomed to the meeting the following representatives:

-  Jeremy Morton, Director of Tiger 11

-  Claire Harrigan, Project Manager, Harrigan Smith.

In brief summary, the key areas of discussion were:

• Proposals for the development of South Leeds Sports Centre, including, development of the main entrance, fitness suite and café and refreshment areas.
• Clarification that Tiger 11 was currently in discussions with Community Builders about issues in relation to State Aid.
• Exploring opportunities around S106 money for leisure gain.
• Acknowledgement of the positive work being undertaken to develop the proposals and the importance of demonstrating ongoing sustainability, particularly in view of the current economic climate.

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

(Councillor Iqbal joined the meeting at 7.12 pm, during the consideration of this item.)

To receive and consider a report from the Director of Environment and Neighbourhoods presenting the Area Committee with information on the merger process to date and future plans.

(5 mins presentation / 5 mins discussion)

The Director of Environment and Neighbourhoods submitted a report which presented the Area Committee with information on the proposed merger and future plans for Joseph Priestley College.

The Chair welcomed to the meeting, Sally Blunt, Principal of Joseph Priestley College, to present the report and respond to Members’ questions and comments.

An outline of the main points was provided, particularly in relation to enhancing provision for NEET’s and the statutory consultations, planned for February 2011.  It was agreed to invite Sally Blunt together with Peter Roberts, Principal of Leeds City College, to a future meeting of the Area Committee, as part of the statutory consultation programme. 

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

To receive and consider a report from the Director of Environment and Neighbourhoods providing the Area Committee with information on the demand for services provided by the Health & Environmental Action Service (HEAS) with particular focus on the enforcement activities undertaken by the Environmental Action Team (EAT) and Highways & Environmental Enforcement (HEE) team.

(5 mins presentation / 5 mins discussion)

The Director of Environment and Neighbourhoods submitted a report which provided the Area Committee with information on the demand for services provided by the Health and Environmental Action Service (HEAS) with a particular focus on the enforcement activities undertaken by the Environmental Action Team (EAT) and Highways and Environmental Enforcement (HEE) team.

Appended to the report was a copy of the HEAS Activity Report (April – September 2010) for Members’ information.

The Chair welcomed to the meeting, Paul Spandler, Acting Service Manager, South Environmental Action Team, to present the report and respond to Members’ questions and comments:

In brief summary, the key highlighted points were:

• The Area Committee requested a further breakdown of service requests for the City and Hunslet Ward (separate data to be included for the city centre.)
• One Member requested a report back on the Landlord Accreditation Scheme.
• Members raised concern about persistent noise and the associated challenges in terms of gathering evidence.
• The Area Committee was advised that income generated from dog fouling fines was re-distributed back to Environmental Services.

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

To receive and consider a report from the Chief Environment Services Officer on progress to date with the procurement of a new grounds maintenance contract commencing 1^st January 2012.

(5 mins presentation / 5 mins discussion)

The Chief Environment Services Officer submitted a report which updated the Area Committee on progress to date with the procurement of a new grounds maintenance contract commencing 1^st January 2010.

The Chair welcomed the following officers to the meeting, to present the report and respond to Members’ questions and comments:

-  Giles Jeffs, Contracts Officers, Environment and Neighbourhoods

-  Sue Spellman, Service Development Manager, Aire Valley Homes Leeds.

In brief summary, the main points of discussion were:

• Confirmation that the current contract was being extended to 31^st November 2011, which enabled the new contractor a better run in period at a point when maintenance activity was reduced.
• Improvements to the mapping database and ensuring a consistent approach to grass cutting.
• The benefits of encouraging local community groups / tenant groups to provide feedback on land in need of grass cutting.
• The need for robust contract monitoring and ensuring an appropriate penalty system was in place.
• Ensuring value for money and varying the number of cuts in certain areas.
• Concern about grass cuttings being left on the pavement and the cost of removing the cuttings.

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

To receive and consider a report from the South East Area Manager presenting details of proposed projects and activities to deliver local actions relating to the agreed themes and outcomes of the Area Delivery Plan (ADP).

(5 mins presentation / 5 mins discussion)

RESOLVED –

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

(b)  That the transfer of £500 from each of the Environment, Enterprise and Economy, and Health and Wellbeing thematic pots from each of the Beeston and Holbeck and City and Hunslet Wards to the Thriving Places pots for each of these two Wards, be approved; and

(c)  That the proposals relating to I Love South Leeds Festival 2011, as outlined in the I Love South Leeds Festival 2011 report, and under 6.5 to the Inner South Wellbeing Budget report, be endorsed.

The Director of Environment and Neighbourhoods submitted a report which contained details of proposed projects and activities to deliver local actions relating to the agreed themes and outcomes of the Area Delivery Plan (ADP).

Keith Lander, Deputy Area Manager, presented the report.

RESOLVED –

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

(b)  That the transfer of £500 from each of the Environment, Enterprise and Economy, and Health and Wellbeing thematic pots from each of the Beeston and Holbeck and City and Hunslet Wards to the Thriving Places pots for each of these two Wards, be approved; and

(c)  That the proposals relating to I Love South Leeds Festival 2011, as outlined in the I Love South Leeds Festival 2011 report, and under 6.5 to the Inner South Wellbeing Budget report, be endorsed.

To receive and consider a report from the South East Area Manager updating Members on actions and achievements around the Area Delivery Plan since the last Area Committee meeting.

(5 mins presentation / 5 mins discussion)

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

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

The following information was appended to the report:

-  Minutes of South Leeds Employment, Enterprise and Training Partnership (SLEET) held on 8^th October 2010

-  Minutes of South East Leeds Health and Well Being Partnership meeting  held on 30^th September 2010

-  The Youth Bus – Monthly Feedback relating to each Inner South Ward (September 2010)

-  Developing the role of Elected Members in Tasking Meetings – an outline role profile.

Keith Lander, Deputy Area Manager, presented the report.

The Chair welcomed to the meeting, John Clark, Chief Executive of Aire Valley Homes Leeds.  Reference was made to ALMOs developing greater integrated working with Area Committees, particularly in view of the current economic climate.

The Area Committee also supported the trial of community safety member champion involvement at tasking meetings.

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

(Councillor Nash left the meeting at 8.32 pm, at the conclusion of this item.)

The Director of Environment and Neighbourhoods submitted a report which outlined the range of streetscene services that could potentially be delegated to Area Committees.

(5 mins presentation / 5 mins discussion)

The Director of Environment and Neighbourhoods submitted a report which outlined the range of streetscene services that could potentially be delegated to Area Committees.

Councillor Gabriel presented the report and the main points of discussion were:

• Confirmation that the likely timescale for the delegation was April 2011.
• Establishing incentive schemes for local residents
• The benefits of introducing a single system for complaints.

RESOLVED – That the contents of the report be noted.

Wednesday 12^th January, 2011

(Civic Hall, Leeds, LS1 1UR)

Wednesday 9th February, 2011

(Venue to be advised)

Thursday 24th March, 2011

(Venue to be advised)

(All meetings to commence at 6.30 pm).

To note the following future meeting dates for the 2010/11 municipal year:

Wednesday, 12^th January, 2011

(Civic Hall, Leeds, LS1 1UR)

Wednesday, 9th February, 2011

(Venue to be advised)

Thursday, 24th March, 2011

(Venue to be advised)

(All meetings to commence at 6.30 pm).

(The meeting concluded at 8.47 pm.)