Agenda and minutes

There were no appeals against the refusal of inspection of documents.

There were no resolutions to exclude the public.

There were no late items added to the agenda.

There were no declarations made.

Apologies were received from Councillor P Latty.

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

On this occasion there were no members of the public present.

The minutes of the meeting held on 5^th November 2012 were approved as a correct record.

The Locality Manager (West North West) presented his report. The report provided an update on performance against the Service Level Agreement between North West Outer Area Committee and the West North West Environmental Locality Team. The report covered the six month period from June to November 2012.

Members discussed the report in detail. Initially the Locality Manager was questioned about the clearance of leaves and the schedule in place to undertake this work. Members requested that they be given a copy of the schedule to help manage requests from constituents more effectively.

Members requested explanation from officers present about the mechanical sweeping of streets in Horsforth which is well below other wards in the North West Outer Area. Members were informed that problems had been encountered with equipment used in Horsforth and sickness levels.

Members went on to discuss the clearance of gulleys and problems with collapsed gulleys.  Carlton Lane was specifically exampled as a problem area. Members also questioned officers about frequency of gulleys being cleared and dug out. Members highlighted the need to work with Yorkshire Water and to ensure that they undertake all their responsibilities in relation to gulley clearance. A paper was requested for the next Environmental Sub Group meeting with regard to the ongoing work to keep gulleys clear.

Sickness levels of staff in this service were considered with Members expressing concern that levels were too high. The Locality Manager confirmed that he would provide Members with an accurate figure for absenteeism.

The impending changes to charging for bulky waste was brought up by Members and the banning of commercial vehicles from Council owned tips. It was considered that this might lead to costly enforcement action being taken if any rubbish was dumped.

RESOLVED –

(a)  that a schedule of leaf collecting rounds be provided to Members;

(b)  that an accurate figure for absenteeism be provided to Members;

(c)  that a report be submitted to the next meeting of the Environmental Sub Group  detailing the latest position on gulley cleansing; and

(d)  that the Committee note the report.

The Assistant Chief Executive (Customer Access and Performance) submitted a report outlining the current position statement of the Area Committee’s Wellbeing budget, detailing for determination those expressions of interest received for Wellbeing funding and presenting for information those small grant applications which had been received to date.

Members were informed that the Lawnswood Squadron Air Cadet application for a grant which was previously deferred had since been withdrawn.

RESOLVED –

(a)  that the current position of the well being budget as set out at sections 2 and 3 be noted;

(b)  that the following be agreed in respect of those expressions of interest received for Wellbeing funding, as detailed within Section 4 of the submitted report;

Name of Project:  New Litter Bins
Ward Affected: Adel & Wharfedale 

Name of delivery organisation: Environmental Services   

Decision: £1,845  revenue APPROVED

    Name of Project: Moss and Graffiti Removal

Ward affected: Adel & Wharfedale 

Name of delivery organisation: Environmental Services 

Decison: £2,732 revenue APPROVED

Name of Project: DogFouling Enforcement

Ward affected: Adel & Wharfedale   

Name of delivery organisation: Environmental Services

Decision: £1,364 revenue APPROVED

Name of Project: CASAC

Ward affected: Adel & Wharfedale   

Name of delivery organisation: CASAC

Decision: £15,000 revenue APPROVED

Name of Project: Holt Lane Play Area

Ward affected: Adel & Wharfedale   

Name of delivery organisation: Parks & Countryside

Decision: £5,500 revenue APPROVED

Name of Project:Improvement work to the surface of Public Bridleway No 1 Leeds (Cookridge Cricket Club)

Ward affected: Adel & Wharfedale   

Name of delivery organisation: Parks & Countryside

Decision: £10,120 revenue APPROVED

Name of Project: SIDs

Ward affected: Adel & Wharfedale   

Name of delivery organisation: Highways & Transportation

Decision: £4,000 revenue APPROVED

(c)  That the small grant and skip approvals as detailed at section 4 of the report be noted.

The Assistant Chief Executive (Customer Access and Performance) submitted a report which brought together a range of information regarding Area Committee business.

It was reported by the Chair that in future Sub Group notes will be written up more formally.

With regards to the Health and Well Being Sub Group it was noted that the Area Committee and its Members can have a beneficial impact on health services in North West Leeds.

With regards to the Transport Sub Group, Members were critical of the route chosen for the NGT scheme and commented that consideration should have been given to a stop at Headingley Stadium.

RESOLVED – That the Area Committee note the contents of the report.

The Assistant Chief Executive (Customer Access and Performance) submitted a report which provided an update on the work to date to deliver the actions within the North West Outer Area Committee Business Plan 2011-2015. The report also sought approval to undertake a review of the business plan to ensure that it continues to be fit for purpose and reflects the current city wide priority plans.

RESOLVED –

(a)  that the progress made against the Business Plan actions be noted as detailed at Appendix 1 to the report;

(b)  that the Area Support Team undertake a review of the Business Plan for 2013/14; and

(c)  that a refreshed Business Plan be received at the Area Committee meeting in March 2013 for approval.

The Assistant Chief Executive (Customer Access and Performance) submitted a report which formally notified Members that the minutes of Area Chairs Forum meetings will continue to be brought to Area Committee meetings as a regular agenda item, and to give a brief overview of the Area Chairs Forum meetings.

Members raised concerns at the removal of universal services for young people and the Youth Service review.  It was requested that the Children and Young People’s Sub Group give some focus to this issue.

RESOLVED –

(a)  that the contents of the report and the minutes form the Area Chairs Forum meetings be noted; and

(b)  that the Children and Young People’s Sub Group give consideration to the provision of Youth Services in North West Leeds.

2pm, Monday 4^th February 2013 at Yeadon Town Hall.