Agenda, decisions and minutes

The Chief Democratic Services Officer submitted a report outlining the arrangements for the annual election of the Chair of the Area Committee.

In accordance with the agreed procedure, the Chief Democratic Services Officer reported that a nomination for the Chair had been received on behalf of Councillor Neil Taggart and those Elected Members present at the West Inner Area Committee meeting were asked to take a formal vote.

RESOLVED -  That following an overall majority of votes cast by those Elected Members present at the meeting eligible to vote, Councillor Neil Taggart  be elected as Chair of the West (Inner) Area Committee for the 2009/2010 municipal year.

(Councillor Neil Taggart took the Chair) 

The Chair welcomed everyone to the first meeting of the West Inner Area Committee for the 2009/2010 municipal year and expressed sincere thanks to the former Chair, Councillor Janet Harper for the tremendous amount of hard work she had undertaken as Chair of this Area Committee in that last municipal year.  For the benefit of those members of public present, the Chair then asked everyone to introduce themselves.

An apology for absence was received on behalf of Councillor Denise Atkinson and Ward Members gave an update on her recent major operation.  The Area Committee conveyed their best wishes for a speedy recovery.

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

The following interests were declared at the meeting:

Councillor T Hanley declared a personal and prejudicial interest in his capacity as a Director of Bramley Elderly Action (Agenda Item 11 – Well-Being Budget (Appendices 4 & 5 – Application for funding the Inner Homes Support Services (Bramley Elderly Action)/Bramley for All Ages – Intergenerational Event – Minutes 9 (b)(iii) & (b)(iv)  refers).  Councillor Hanley  left the room and took no part in the discussion or vote for both applications.

Councillor J Harper declared a personal interest in her capacity as a Member of West Leeds Gateway and as Chair of the West Leeds Gateway Stakeholders’ Advisory Group (Agenda Item 12 - Area Managers Report – Minute 10 refers).

Councillor A Lowe declared a personal interest in her capacity as a member of the Leeds Mental Health Foundation/Director of West North West Homes (Agenda 11 – Well-Being Budget - Application for funding the Inner Homes Support Services (Bramley Elderly Action (Appendix 4 – Minute 9 (b)(iii)  refers));  as a School Governor of Raynville Primary and Intake High School (Agenda 11 – Well-Being Budget - Application for funding Bramley for All Ages – Intergenerational Event – (Appendix 5  -Minute 9 (b)(iv) refers));  as a Director of West North West Homes (Agenda 11 – Well-Being Budget - Application for funding – Friday Night Project - (Appendix 6 – Minute 9 (b)(v) refers)).

Councillor J McKenna declared a personal interest in his capacity as an employee of Armley Helping Hands/Area Panel Member of West North West  ALMO (Agenda 11 – Well-Being Budget - Application for funding the Inner Homes Support Services (Bramley Elderly Action (Appendix 4 – Minute 9 (b)(iii) refers));  as an Area Panel Member of West North West Leeds Homes  (Agenda 11 – Well-Being Budget - Application for funding – Friday Night Project - (Appendix 6 – Minute 9 (b)(v) refers));  as an Area Panel Member of West North West Leeds Homes (Agenda Item 11 – Well-being Budget – Application for funding - Community Development Worker (Appendix 7 – Minute 9 (b)(vi) refers)).

Councillor N Taggart declared a personal interest in his capacity as an Area Panel Member of West North West ALMO  (Agenda 11 – Well-Being Budget - Application for funding the Inner Homes Support Services (Bramley Elderly Action (Appendix 4 – Minute 9 (b)(iii) refers));  as a School Governor of Bramley  Primary School (Agenda 11 – Well-Being Budget - Application for funding Bramley for All Ages – Intergenerational Event – (Appendix 5  -Minute  9 (b)(iv) refers));  as an Area Panel Member of West North West Leeds Homes  (Agenda 11 – Well-Being Budget - Application for funding – Friday Night Project - (Appendix 6 – Minute 9 (b)(v) refers));  as an Area Panel Member of West North West Leeds Homes (Agenda Item 11 – Well-being Budget – Application for funding - Community Development Worker (Appendix 7 – Minute 9 (b)(vi) refers)).

Mr Morgan Pugh, Co-optee (Armley Forum) declared a personal interest in his capacity as Chair of Armley Helping Hands (Agenda 11 –  ...  view the full minutes text for item 4.

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.

It is also intended to submit under this item for information/discussion purposes the minutes of the local community forum meeting.  The following set of minutes are enclosed:

(a)  Armley Community Forum meeting held on 19^th May 2009.

The Chair gave notice that in accordance with the Area Committee Procedure Rules, there was provision for an Open Forum session of up to 10 minutes at each ordinary meeting of an Area Committee in order to allow members of the public an opportunity to ask questions or to make representations on any matter which fell within the remit of the Area Committee.

The Chair introduced Mr & Mrs Houseman of Horton Rise, Rodley who addressed the meeting on behalf of residents in Rodley regarding the poor state of the footways which were now badly in need of refurbishment.  It was reported that many elderly residents have lived in the Rodley area for the last 50 years.  Some weeks ago an elderly lady had been thrown out of her wheelchair due to the poor condition of the footways.  Residents are complaining to the Council on a weekly basis due to the problems caused from the poor state of the footpaths but, as yet, nothing had been done to rectify this problem.  Mr Houseman also informed the meeting that the footways in the Calverley area had been replaced replaced three times but as yet none of the footpaths in Rodley had been replaced in the 50 years he had lived in the area.

In response, Bramley & Stanningley Ward Members confirmed that the footways in Rodley were in a poor condition and that they had requested Highways Officers to inspect the area and to arrange for extensive work to be undertaken to rectify this problem.  Ward Members also informed the meeting that work to the Rodley Park Recreation Ground also needed updating in order to bring it up to the standard of Calverley Park.

Members also made inquiries regarding the erection of a public notice board in the Rodley area which had been funded by this Area Committee some time ago.  In response, the West Inner Area Management Officer informed the meeting that a site had now been identified to erect  the notice board and that an order had been placed with contractors.  The Area Management Officer informed the meeting that she would make further inquiries and update Ward Members of the latest position. 

Mrs Houseman also informed the meeting that extensive work needed to be carried out on the blocked drains in the Rodley area as most of them had been clogged up with leaves and grit for some considerable time.

The Chair thanked Mr & Mrs Houseman for attending the meeting.

A copy of the minutes of the Armley Community Forum meeting held on 19^th May 2009 were also attached for Members’ information.

RESOLVED -  

(a)  That the West North West Area Manager investigate the issues raised   above and to arrange a suitable meeting with Ward Members to advise   on progress.

(b)  That the minutes of the Armley Community Forum meeting held on 19^th   May 2009 be noted.

To confirm as a correct record the attached minutes of the meeting held on

9^th April 2009.

RESOLVED -  That the minutes of the meeting held on 9^th April 2009 be confirmed as a correct record.

To consider a report by the Director of Environment & Neighbourhoods to approve the appointment of co-optees to support the work the West Inner Area Committee.

The Director of Environment and Neighbourhoods submitted a report which sought approval for the annual appointment of co-opted Members to the West (Inner) Area Committee, in accordance with Article 10 of the Constitution, which states that there is provision for the Area Committee to appoint up to five non-voting co-opted members to support the Area Committee.

It was confirmed that Morgan Pugh, Hazel Boutle and Stepehen McBarron had been re-nominated to serve on this Area Committee by the Armley Community Forum and the Bramley & Stanningley Community Forum who had also nominated Stephen Longley as a representative from the Rossefields neighbourhood.  The Chair introduced Mr Longley and welcomed him to his first Area Committee meeting.

RESOLVED -  That Morgan Pugh and Hazel Boutle (Armley Forum) and Stephen McBarron and Stephen Longley (Bramley & Stanningley Forum) be appointed as non-voting co-opted members on the West (Inner) Area Committee for the 2009/2010 municipal year.

To consider a report by the Chief Democratic Services outlining the Appointment Procedure Rules and requesting confirmation of the nominees to work with the Outside Bodies identified in Appendix 2 attached to the report.

The Chief Democratic Services Officer submitted a report outlining the Committee’s role in relation to its Elected Member appointments to the community and local engagement category appointments to outside bodies which had been delegated to the Area Committee to decide.

RESOLVED:-

(a)  That the contents of the report and appendices be noted.

(b)  That in respect of the Outside Body schedule, approval be given to the following appointments being made for the Municipal Year 2009/10:-

To consider a report by the Director of Environment & Neighbourhoods to update members on the current amount of capital and revenue funding committed and available via the Area Committee Well-Being Budget for wards in the Inner West area.  The report also seeks approval for new and continuing projects commissioned by the Area Management Team.

RESOLVED –

(a)  That the financial status of the Well-Being Budget both capital and   revenue as outlined in Appendices 1 and 2 of the submitted report   be   noted.  

(b)  That the following decisions be taken in respect of the applications for   funding from the:

  Revenue Budget

(i)  Small Grants  - Approved £10,000.

(ii)  Skips – Approved £2,500.

(iii)  Bramley Elderly Action Independent Living Project –

(iv)  Intergenerational Event –

(v)  Friday Night Project –

(vi)  New Wortley Community Centre –

Capital Budget

(i)  Youth Mobile –

(ii)  Capture House

(iii)  Haleys Field Allotments and Fencing –

(iv)  Alleygating Project –

(v)  Alert Boxes –

(c )  That the budget and the list of Small Grants since the last meeting as   set out in paragraph 4.2 of the submitted report be noted. 

(d)  That the update on the capital funding project approved in October   2008 for Moorside Community Association be duly noted.

The Director of Environment and Neighbourhoods submitted a report providing Members with details of the amount of well-being capital and revenue funding available for the financial year 2009/2010, an update on the commitments already made and comment on any of the new applications received to date.

Alison Pickering, Area Management Officer presented the report and responded to Members’ questions and comments.

Numerous applicants gave a brief presentation regarding their applications before the Chair asked them all to leave the room while Members discussed the applications and made their decisions.

RESOLVED –

(a)  That the financial status of the Well-Being Budget both capital   and revenue as outlined in Appendices 1 and 2 of the submitted   report be noted. 

(b)  That the following decisions be taken in respect of the applications for   funding as outlined in Appendices 2 to 12:

  Revenue Budget

(i)  Small Grants  - Approved £10,000.

(ii)  Skips – Approved £2,500.

(iii)  Bramley Elderly Action Independent Living Project – Refused.

(iv)  Intergenerational Event – Approved £2,500

(v)  Friday Night Project – Approved £2,000

(vi)  New Wortley Community Centre – Approved £5,000 

and that the applicants seek any future funding from other

sources.

Capital Budget

(i)  Youth Mobile – Approved £15,000

(ii)  Capture House – Approved £4,000

(iii)  Haleys Field Allotments and Fencing – Approved £20,000, subject to maintenance of the toilets being carried out by the applicants and that future plans include an increase in community events. 

(iv)  Alleygating Project – Approved £4,382.

(v)  Alert Boxes – Approved £10,000 for the purchase of 30 Alert Boxes to run as a pilot scheme.

(c )  That the budget and the list of Small Grants since the last meeting as   set out in paragraph 4.2 of the submitted report be noted. 

(d)  That the update on the capital funding project approved in October   2008 for Moorside Community Association be duly noted.

(Note:  Councillor T Hanley having previously declared a personal and prejudicial interest in the Bramley Elderly Action Independent Living Project and the Intergenerational Event Project,  left the room during this item taking no part in the discussion or voting thereon).

To consider a report by the Director of Environment & Neighbourhoods informing Members of the progress against the Leeds Strategic Plan and the Inner West Area Delivery Plan.

RESOLVED -  That the contents of the report and appendices be received and noted.

The Director of Environment and Neighbourhoods submitted a report informing Members of progress against the Leeds Strategic Plan on a number of projects in the West Inner Leeds area, as determined by the Area Delivery Plan 2009-11, which was, in turn, governed by the Area Committee functions and roles, as agreed by Executive Board in July 2008.

Appended to the report was a copy of a document entitled ‘Children Leeds – The Role of the Area Committee Children and Young People’s Champion’ (Appendix 1 refers) for the information/comment of the meeting.

Steve Crocker, West North West Area Manager presented the report and responded to Members’ queries and comments.

In summary, specific reference was made to the following issues:-

·  The impact of the recession on the Inner West Leeds area and the far sightedness of this Area Committee to put money into a worklessness programme known as the “4 Families” Scheme to work with a number of families and individuals on the New Wortley, Fairfield and Wyther estates to help get people back into the workforce. 

·  That the ‘I Love West Leeds’ Festival had now got through to the final of the Regeneration and Renewal magazine awards for 2009.  The Awards ceremony was due to take place on 23^rd September 2009, the same day as the next West Inner Area Committee meeting.  Members  requested that consultation takes place to arrange an alternative date for the next meeting.

·  That NHS Leeds had requested to make their presentation at the next meeting of the Area Committees rather than on a city wide basis.  Members requested that Community Forums be invited to the presentation.

RESOLVED - 

(a)  That the contents of the report and appendices be received and   noted.

(b)  That members of the Armley Community Forum and the Bramley &   Stanningley Community Forum be invited to the NHS   presentation at   the next Area Committee meeting.

To consider the attached report of the Director of Environment and Neighbourhoods and to receive an update from NPT  Inspector Mark Bownass regarding community safety issues within the Inner West Leeds area over the past eight weeks and to inform the Area Committee on the protocol between Leeds City Council and West Yorkshire Police in relation to the deployment of Police Community Support Officers (PCSO’s).

The West North West Leeds Area Manager submitted a report which updated the Committee on Community Safety issues in Inner West Leeds since the last meeting.

Police Inspector Bownass presented the report and explained in more detail about the work being done in the Armley area and provided an update on the Dispersal Order in the Cedars.

In brief, the following issues were discussed and comments raised:

·  residents and Ward Members are now being kept informed on what the Police are doing/intend to do regarding any incidents which may occur in their area.

·  the crime figures for the both the Armley and Bramley & Stanningley Wards are down, apart from certain hot spot areas such as the Wythers, which was still a problem. 

·  the new major crime provision link provided on the West Yorkshire Police website ‘Stop a Sneak’ which is a short video on crime prevention.  One of the biggest problems faced by the Police regarding theft was when people left windows open with IPods and SatNavs etc were on show. 

The Chair thanked Inspector Bownass for his attendance.

RESOLVED -

(a)  That the contents of the report and the update provided by the West   Yorkshire Police be noted.

(b)  That this Area Committee supports the proposal for a Dispersal Order   to assist the Police in tackling Anti-social behaviour and associated   crime on the Cedars estate in Armley.

To note a report submitted by the Director of Environment & Neighbourhoods to inform Members of proposals to delete the existing Neighbourhood Wardens staff structure currently located within the Regeneration Service and the creation of new Community Environment Officer posts in Environmental Services, subject to consultation outcomes.    

RESOLVED -  That the contents of the report and appendices be noted.

The Director of Environment and Neighbourhoods submitted a report in relation to the Neighbourhoods Wardens service.

Appended to the report were copies of the following documents for the information/comment of the meeting:-

·  Neighbourhood Warden Line Management Structure – April 2009 (Appendix A refers)

·  Job Description and Personal Details – Community Environment Officer (Appendix B refers)

The Officer informed the meeting that a further report would be submitted to the September 2009 Area Committee meeting following consultation with Trade Unions.

A long discussion ensued and Members expressed their wish that the Area Committee/ALMO funded Wardens should remain on their present duties.  It was felt that the Warden at the Wortley Community Centre had become the eyes and ears of the community especially the work carried out to combat anti-social behaviour in the area.  It was felt that should the duties of these Wardens be changed that funding would have to be withdrawn from both the West Inner Area Committee and the West North West ALMO.

RESOLVED – That the contents of the report and appendices be noted.

To consider a report by the Director of Environment & Neighbourhoods  highlighting the services provided by Leeds City Council Community Safety CCTV to demonstrate the effectiveness of the service in reducing the fear of crime and facilitating the apprehension and detection of offenders in areas covered by both mobile and fixed CCTV cameras.

RESOLVED –

(a)  That the contents of the report and appendices be noted.

(b)  That approval be given to the deployment of mobile CCTV to areas of   concern via local Tasking Groups and Neighbourhood Policing Teams.

(c )  That regular six monthly update reports be submitted to the West Inner   Area Committee.

(This item was deferred for consideration at the next West Inner Area Committee meeting to be held in September 2009.

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

The Director of City Development submitted a report examining the opportunities to develop the relationship between the Parks and Countryside service and the West Inner Area Committee.

Phil Staniforth, Parks & Countryside, presented the report and responded to Members’ queries and comments.

In summary, specific reference was made to the following issues:-

·  clarification of Section 106 funding in relation to the work need to bring Rodley Park Recreation Ground up to a decent standard.

·  clarification as to whether the improvements met the Council’s acceptable standard and the need for an action plan to be developed.

RESOLVED -

(a)  That the content of the report be noted.

(b)  That the West North West Area Manager arrange a meeting with Ward Members and the appropriate City Development Officers to discuss Section 106 monies for work to be carried out in Rodley Park Recreation Ground.

(c)  That the West North West Area Manager also arrange a meeting with Ward Members and Parks and Countryside Officers in order that an action plan be developed to bring Rodley Park Recreation Ground up to green flag standard.

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

RESOLVED -  That the contents of the report and appendices be noted.

The Director of Environment and Neighbourhoods submitted a report on Area Committee roles for 2009/10.

Appended to the report were copies of the following documentations for the information/comment of the meeting.

·  Area Committee Roles for 2009/10 – Area Functions (Appendix 1 refers)

·  Area Committee Roles for 2009/10 – Other Roles (Appendix 2 refers)

Steve Crocker, West North West Area Manager presented the report and responded to Members’ queries and comments.

RESOLVED – That the contents of the report and appendices be noted.

To consider a report by the West North West Area Manager to inform Members of the proposed updates to the contents and format of the Area Delivery Plan (ADP) for 2009-2012 and provides an overview of how the ADP links with the Leeds Strategic Plan.

RESOLVED -  

(a)  That the contents of the report and appendices be noted.

(b)  That the updates to the content of the Area Delivery Plan 2008/2012 as   outlined in the submitted report, be approved.

The Director of Environment and Neighbourhoods submitted a report seeking Members’ approval to the updated West Inner Area Delivery Plan (ADP) for 2008-11.  The report also informed Members of the proposed content and format of the Area Delivery Plan and provided details of how it would link with the Leeds Strategic Plan.

Alison Pickering, West Inner Area Officer, presented the report and responded to Members’ queries and comments.

RESOLVED –

(a)  That the contents of the report and appendices be noted.

(b)  That the updates to the content of the Area Delivery Plan 2008/2012 as   outlined in the revised appendices, be approved.

Wednesday, 23^rd September 2009 at 5.00 p.m.

Intake High School

Wednesday, 21^st October 2009 at 5.00 p.m.

Armley One Stop Shop

Wednesday, 9^th December at 5.00 p.m.

Stanningley Rugby Club

Wednesday, 17^th February 2010 at 5.00 p.m.

Armley Health Centre

Wednesday, 14^th April 2010 at 5.00 p.m.

Stanningley Rugby Club

 Members requested that an alternative date be arranged for the next West Inner Area Committee meeting.

The Chair thanked everyone for their attendance.