Agenda and minutes

a)  i)   The Lord Mayor reported the recent death of Mike Palmer-Jones

a former long serving Director of Leisure Services of the City;

ii)   The Lord Mayor referred to the recent Polish air crash which  resulted in the death of President Lech Kaczynski, his wife and several others;

iii)  The Lord Mayor referred to the significant loss of life caused by an earthquake in Qinghai province of China;

iv)  The Lord Mayor reported the recent tragic death of Leeds Council refuse worker David Nelson whilst at work and Council stood in silence.

b)  The Lord Mayor congratulated Councillor Patrick Davey on his nomination as Deputy Lord Mayor.

c)   The Lord Mayor reported that Councillors Coupar, Rhodes-Clayton, Harington, Bale, Shelbrooke and Robinson would not be seeking re-election in May and thanked them for their services to the City.

To confirm the minutes of the Council Meeting held on 24^th February 2010.

It was moved by Councillor Bentley seconded by Councillor Gruen and

RESOLVED – That the minutes of the meeting held on 24^th February 2010 be approved.

To receive any declarations of interest from Members.

The Lord Mayor announced that a list of written declarations submitted by members was on deposit in the public galleries and had been circulated to each member’s place in the Chamber.

Following an invitation to declare further individual interests, declarations in accordance with the Council’s Code of Conduct were made as follows:-

a)   Councillor D Blackburn declared a personal interest in minute 103 of this meeting (Council agenda page 201, minute 29) as a Board Member of West Leeds Gateway

b)   Members declared personal interests in minute 107 of this meeting as follows:-

Councillor Leadley declared a personal and prejudicial interest in the same item as a Committee Member and Trustee of Morley Elderly Action.

c)   Members declared personal interests in minute 109 of this meeting as follows:-

d)   Further declarations (Councillors J McKenna and Nash) made during the course of the meeting are referred to in minutes 103 and 104 respectively.

To receive deputations in accordance with Council Procedure Rule 10.

Four deputations were admitted to the meeting and addressed Council as follows:-

1)   Wetherby Business Association seeking re-instatement of the Wetherby Historic Market Town Signage on the A1

2)   Wetherby Town Council seeking provision of a mini-roundabout at the junction of the A661 and Linton Road, Wetherby.

3)  The National federation of Market Traders on behalf of Kirkgate Market Traders regarding the Strategy for Leeds Market.

4)   The Access Committee for Leeds regarding “Adult Social Care – The Real Deal”

RESOLVED – That the subject matter of the deputations be referred to the Executive Board for consideration.

To consider the following report which the Chief Executive considers to be appropriate to be received at this meeting in accordance with Council Procedure Rule 2.2(f) (the report will be issued following despatch of the agenda and the appendix to the report will be designated as exempt under Access to Information Procedure Rules 9.2(b) and 10.4(1))

That the recommendation of the Employment Committee on the appointment of the Chief Executive, as contained in the report of the Chief Officer (Human Resources), be approved in accordance with Article 12 of the Constitution.

A CARTER

It was moved by Councillor A Carter seconded by Councillor Wakefield and

RESOLVED –  That the recommendation of the Employment Committee on the appointment of Mr Tom Riordan to the post of Chief Executive, as contained in the report of the Chief Officer (Human Resources), be approved in accordance with Article 12 of the Constitution.

To deal with questions in accordance with Council Procedure Rule 11.

1)  Councillor Lowe to the Executive Member (Central and Corporate)

Can the Executive Board Member for Central and Corporate confirm that he is committed to transparency and equality in the procurement process?

The Executive Member (Central and Corporate) replied.

2)  Councillor Cleasby to the Executive Member (Learning)

Would the Executive Board member responsible for Learning join with me in congratulating Horsforth Newlaithes School on their excellent OFSTED Report last month?

The Executive Member (Learning) replied.

3)  Councillor Lobley to the Leader of Council

Would the Leader of Council care to comment on the recent proposals for a high speed rail link to Leeds?

The Leader of Council replied.

4)  Councillor Hussain to the Executive Member (Leisure)

Can the Executive Board Member for Leisure please confirm that he is committed to upholding the Member-Officer protocol in respect of the provision of information on the management of cemeteries, parks and countryside matters?

The Executive Member (Leisure) replied.

5)  Councillor Gettings to the Executive Member (Learning)

Does Cllr Harker agree with me that, as Gildersome Junior School is about to double in size, it would be appropriate to consider providing Nursery provision at the school, especially as the other small junior school in the village has such provision and is full and children are already having to travel to Morley.

The Executive Member (Learning) replied.

6)  Councillor Wakefield to the Executive Member (Adult Health and Social Care)

Can the Executive Board Member for adult social care confirm this Council’s commitment to promoting health and well being amongst our elderly people?

The Executive Member (Adult Health and Social Care) replied.

7)  Councillor Downes to the Executive Member (Central and Corporate)

Would the Executive Board member responsible for Central and Corporate care to comment on the recent additional powers granted to local authorities for such as lap dancing clubs?

The Executive Member (Central and Corporate) replied.

8)  Councillor Anderson to the Executive Member (Development and  Regeneration) 

Would the Executive Board Member for City Development & Regeneration care to welcome the progress that is being made towards completing the Leeds Arena in time for its scheduled opening in November 2012, following selection of a preferred contractor?

The Executive Member (Development and Regeneration) replied.

9)  Councillor Atha to the Executive Member (Central and Corporate)

Can the Executive Board member for Central & Corporate please provide an update on the future of the Royal Park buildings?

The Executive member (Central and Corporate) replied.

10)  Councillor Lyons to the Executive Member (Environmental Services)

Can the Executive Board member for Environmental Services please confirm how many tonnes of waste per year will be transported to the Council’s planned incinerator in East Leeds?

The Executive Member (Environmental Services) replied.

At the conclusion of question time, the following questions remained unanswered and it was noted that under the provisions of Council Procedure Rule 11.6, written responses would be sent to each member of Council:-

11)  Councillor Chapman to the Executive member (Environmental Services.

12)  Councillor Lamb to the Leader of Council.

13)  Councillor Ogilvie  ...  view the full minutes text for item 102.

To receive the minutes in accordance with Council Procedure Rule 2.2(o).

It was moved by Councillor A Carter seconded by Councillor Bentley and

RESOLVED – That the minutes submitted to Council in accordance with Council Procedure Rule 2.2(o) be received.

In summing up prior to the vote on this matter Councillor A Carter noted that Mike Wilkinson’s term as Chair of Standards Committee was due to end and offered thanks to him on behalf of the Council.

(During the debate on this item, Councillor J McKenna declared a personal interest as a member of Armley Helping Hands)

Council Procedure Rule 4 providing for the winding up of business was applied prior to all notified comments on the minutes having been debated.

The meeting was suspended at 4.55 pm and resumed at 5.25 pm.

This Council believes that the historic Kirkgate Market is a local, regional and national attraction for Leeds, a destination in its own right, and a valuable business incubator for small business; and that both the asset and its traders should receive better support and promotion in recognition of these valuable roles.

To achieve the above, Council believes it is imperative that the currently vacant role of Market Manager is accorded recruitment priority as a frontline role in an essential service.

COUNCIL CALLS ON THE EXECUTIVE BOARD:-

1.  To require Marketing Leeds to undertake a bespoke campaign to promote Kirkgate Market to  local, regional, national and international target audiences;

2.  To lift the ban on recruitment in respect of the role of Market Manager with immediate effect.

M DOBSON

It was moved by Councillor Dobson seconded by Councillor Wakefield

That this Council believes that the historic Kirkgate Market is a local, regional and national attraction for Leeds, a destination in its own right, and a valuable business incubator for small business; and that both the asset and its traders should receive better support and promotion in recognition of these valuable roles.

To achieve the above, Council believes it is imperative that the currently vacant role of Market Manager is accorded recruitment priority as a frontline role in an essential service.

Council calls on the Executive Board:-

1.  To require Marketing Leeds to undertake a bespoke campaign to promote Kirkgate Market to  local, regional, national and international target audiences;

2.  To lift the ban on recruitment in respect of the role of Market Manager with immediate effect.

An amendment was moved by Councillor Anderson seconded by Councillor Campbell

Delete all after: ‘This Council believes that the historic Kirkgate Market is a local, regional and national attraction for Leeds, a destination in its own right, and a valuable business incubator for small business.’

and replace with:-

‘Council notes the investment made by the current administration in Kirkgate Market and the wider City Centre over recent months, but recognises that there is still much work to do to mitigate the effects of the worst recession in 60 years.

This Council recognises that a key aspect of economic recovery will be support to small businesses such as those located in Kirkgate Market. This Council therefore resolves to do all in its power to encourage growth in Kirkgate Market and the wider economy in an effort to ensure that Leeds emerges from this recession with renewed economic vigour.’

The amendment was carried and upon being put as the substantive motion it was

RESOLVED – That Council notes the investment made by the current administration in Kirkgate Market and the wider City Centre over recent months, but recognises that there is still much work to do to mitigate the effects of the worst recession in 60 years.

This Council recognises that a key aspect of economic recovery will be support to small businesses such as those located in Kirkgate Market. This Council therefore resolves to do all in its power to encourage growth in Kirkgate Market and the wider economy in an effort to ensure that Leeds emerges from this recession with renewed economic vigour.’

(During the debate on this matter Councillor Nash declared a personal interest as a member of the Co-operative Group)

On the requisition of Councillors Gruen and Nash the voting on the amendment was recorded as follows:-

YES

Anderson, Andrew, Bale, Barker, Bentley, Brett, Campbell, A Carter, J L Carter, Castle, Chapman, Chastney, Cleasby, Downes, Mrs R Feldman, R D Feldman, R Finnigan, Fox, Gettings, Golton, Grayshon, Hamilton, Harker, Harrand, Hollingsworth, Kendall, Kirkland, Lamb, Lancaster, Latty, Leadley, Lobley, Marjoram, Matthews, Monaghan, J Procter, R Procter, Pryke, Robinson,  ...  view the full minutes text for item 104.

This Council agrees to lobby Central Government for the return of an annually renewable dog license at a sustainable level to be allocated to cover the enforcement, street cleansing and education costs to reduce the impact of dog fouling.

R FINNIGAN

It was moved by Councillor Finnigan seconded by Councillor Grayshon

That this Council agrees to lobby Central Government for the return of an annually renewable dog licence at a sustainable level to be allocated to cover the enforcement, street cleansing and education costs to reduce the impact of dog fouling.

An amendment was moved by Councillor R Lewis seconded by Councillor Mulherin

Delete all after ‘This Council…’ and replace with:-

‘is concerned about the impact of dog fouling on our streets, playgrounds and public spaces in the City, and wishes to see appropriate resources directed to tackle this district-wide problem.

Council therefore calls upon Executive Board to:-

a)  properly direct resources which should be used  to enforce against irresponsible offending dog owners, including monies specifically intended for this purpose;

b)  use its powers to create no-go zones for dogs, and to designate public areas where dogs may not be let off their leads;

c)  carry out thorough consultation with the public about the introduction of the above;

d)  undertake a programme of public education to raise awareness of the health hazards and anti-social aspects of dog fouling.

This Council believes that together these measures will reduce the impact of dog fouling.

The amendment was lost and upon the motion being put to the vote it was

RESOLVED - That this Council agrees to lobby Central Government for the return of an annually renewable dog licence at a sustainable level to be allocated to cover the enforcement, street cleansing and education costs to reduce the impact of dog fouling.

(The provisions of Council Procedure Rule 4.2(c) were applied during the debate on this matter) 

On the requisition of Councillors Finnigan and Grayshon the voting on the amendment was recorded as follows:-

YES

Armitage, Atha, Beverley, A Blackburn, D Blackburn, Coulson, Davey, Dobson, Dowson, Driver, Dunn, Gruen, Harington, Hussain, G Hyde, Illingworth, Jarosz, J Lewis, R Lewis, Lowe, Lyons, A McKenna, J McKenna, Morgan, L Mulherin, Nash, Parnham, Renshaw, Selby, Taggart, E Taylor, Wakefield, Yeadon.

33

NO

Anderson, Andrew, Bale, Barker, Bentley, Brett, Campbell, A Carter, J L Carter, Castle, Chapman, Chastney, Downes, Ewens, Mrs R Feldman, R D Feldman, R Finnigan, Fox, Gettings, Golton, Grayshon, Hamilton, Harker, Harrand, Hollingsworth, Kendall, Kirkland, Lamb, Lancaster, Latty, Leadley, Lobley, Marjoram, Matthews, Monaghan, J Procter, R Procter, Pryke, Robinson, Schofield, Shelbrooke, Smith, A Taylor, Townsley, Wadsworth, Wilkinson, Wilson.

47

ABSTAIN

Cleasby.

1

This Council notes the “raw” deal received by Leeds from the Labour Government since its election in 2005 and condemns the failure to deliver on promises made to Leeds residents since that time.

This Council recognises the positive progress made by the current administration given the financial setbacks handed down by this Government, and further notes the impact of the recession on income streams and likely further impact on local authority budgets over the next Comprehensive Spending Review period.

This Council therefore underlines its determination to do all in its power to ensure that the people of Leeds receive a better financial deal from government during the course of the next parliament.

A CARTER

It was moved by Councillor A Carter seconded by Councillor Brett and

RESOLVED - That this Council notes the “raw” deal received by Leeds from the Labour Government since its election in 2005 and condemns the failure to deliver on promises made to Leeds residents since that time.

This Council recognises the positive progress made by the current administration given the financial setbacks handed down by this Government, and further notes the impact of the recession on income streams and likely further impact on local authority budgets over the next Comprehensive Spending Review period.

This Council therefore underlines its determination to do all in its power to ensure that the people of Leeds receive a better financial deal from government during the course of the next parliament.

This Council believes Neighbourhood Network Schemes are integral to the future of adult social care in this city and that their success relies upon strong links with the local communities they serve.

We cannot condone the current commissioning process which is onerous, unfair to the Third Sector, and has caused alarm and despair amongst dedicated people who bridge the gap in public sector services to provide much-valued, and much needed care to some of the most vulnerable people in our City. 

Neighbourhood Networks must be able to have trust in the Independent Review.  We demand assurances that there will be robust member involvement in developing the Terms of Reference for the Independent review demonstrating transparency and accountability.

This Council therefore calls upon the Executive Board:

1.  To stand by the offer of a 12 month contract extension for groups affected;

2.  To undertake a complete overhaul of the way it commissions the Third Sector and other small organisations to enable them to compete on equal terms with larger organisations, taking account of the special relationships, ethos and local knowledge they can offer.

3.  To guarantee robust member involvement in developing the Terms of Reference for the Independent Review.

L YEADON

Under the provisions of Council Procedure Rule 14.11, with the consent of the seconder, leave of Council was given to withdraw the motion in the name of Councillor Yeadon.

This Council agrees with the recommendation of the Inner North West Area Committee regarding the matter of the legal costs relating to the legal action in relation to Royal Park School and requests that Executive Board instruct officers not to pursue or enforce the Costs Order obtained by the Council following its action to evict members of the community occupying Royal Park School.

B ATHA

It was moved by Councillor Atha seconded by Councillor Gruen

That this Council agrees with the recommendation of the Inner North West Area Committee regarding the matter of the legal costs relating to the legal action in relation to Royal Park School and requests that Executive Board instruct officers not to pursue or enforce the Costs Order obtained by the Council following its action to evict members of the community occupying Royal Park School

An amendment was moved by Councillor Brett seconded by Councillor Campbell

Delete all after ‘This Council’ and replace with:-

‘notes the recommendation of the Inner North West Area Committee regarding the matter of legal costs relating to legal action in relation to Royal Park and agrees with that committee as to the community value of Royal Park School. Council supports the principle of community asset transfer and also welcomes the hard work of local councillors in protecting this landmark building from demolition following its closure under the previous administration.

Council welcomes the positive discussions the Leaders have had with the local community and looks forward to a report being submitted to a future meeting of the Executive Board regarding this matter.’

The amendment was carried and upon the motion being put to the vote it was

RESOLVED – That this Councilnotes the recommendation of the Inner North West Area Committee regarding the matter of legal costs relating to legal action in relation to Royal Park and agrees with that committee as to the community value of Royal Park School. Council supports the principle of community asset transfer and also welcomes the hard work of local councillors in protecting this landmark building from demolition following its closure under the previous administration.

Council welcomes the positive discussions the Leaders have had with the local community and looks forward to a report being submitted to a future meeting of the Executive Board regarding this matter.’

This Council condemns the failure of the Leeds Teaching Hospitals Trust to fulfil its repeated promises to fund a City Centre Kidney Dialysis Unit at the Leeds General Infirmary.

Council notes that since 2006 the City Centre has been without this vital health facility and has every sympathy with those patients who have to make time consuming journeys to receive this essential treatment at Seacroft and St James’ Hospitals.

Council praises the good work done by Scrutiny Board Health on this issue and instructs the Chief Executive of Leeds City Council to write to the Secretary of State for Health to ask him to reconsider his decision not to intervene in this matter.

A LAMB

It was moved by Councillor Lamb seconded by Councillor Lancaster

That this Council condemns the failure of the Leeds Teaching Hospitals Trust to fulfil its repeated promises to fund a City Centre Kidney Dialysis Unit at the Leeds General Infirmary.

Council notes that since 2006 the City Centre has been without this vital health facility and has every sympathy with those patients who have to make time consuming journeys to receive this essential treatment at Seacroft and St James’ Hospitals.

Council praises the good work done by Scrutiny Board Health on this issue and instructs the Chief Executive of Leeds City Council to write to the Secretary of State for Health to ask him to reconsider his decision not to intervene in this matter.

An amendment was moved by Councillor Lowe seconded by Councillor Jarosz

Delete all after ‘Council praises the good work done by Scrutiny Board Health on this issue.’

The amendment was lost and upon the motion being put to the vote it was

RESOLVED - That this Council condemns the failure of the Leeds Teaching Hospitals Trust to fulfil its repeated promises to fund a City Centre Kidney Dialysis Unit at the Leeds General Infirmary.

Council notes that since 2006 the City Centre has been without this vital health facility and has every sympathy with those patients who have to make time consuming journeys to receive this essential treatment at Seacroft and St James’ Hospitals.

Council praises the good work done by Scrutiny Board Health on this issue and instructs the Chief Executive of Leeds City Council to write to the Secretary of State for Health to ask him to reconsider his decision not to intervene in this matter.