Agenda and minutes

The Chairman welcomed all in attendance to the December meeting of the South (Outer) 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

Agenda Item 6 – ‘Minutes of the Previous Meeting’ (Minute No. 54 refers)

CouncillorLeadley declared a personal interest in relation to agenda item 6, due to being a member of West Yorkshire Passenger Transport Authority (Metro)and a Member of Morley Town Council.

Councillors Elliott, Grayshon and Gettings all declared personal interests in relation to agenda item 6, due to being Members of Morley Town Council.

Councillor Beverley declared a personal interest in relation to agenda item 6, due to his wife being a Member of Morley Town Council.

Agenda Item 8 – ‘Outer South Area Committee Wellbeing Budget Report’ (Minute No. 57 refers)

Councillors Elliott, Gettings Grayshon and Leadley all declared personal interests in relation to agenda item 8, due to being Members of Morley Town Council.

Councillor Beverley declared a personal interest in relation to agenda item 8, due to his wife being a Member of Morley Town Council.

Agenda Item 10 – ‘Morley Literature Festival – Evaluation Report’ (Minute No. 59 refers)

Councillors Elliott and Gettings both declared personal interests in relation to item 10, due to being Members of the Morley Literature Festival Organising Committee.

Agenda Item 11 – ‘South Leeds Community Centres Lettings and Pricing Policy’ (Minute No. 60 refers)

CouncillorRenshaw declared a personal interest in relation to item 11, due to her position on the management committee of St Gabriel‘s Community Centre.

CouncillorsLeadley and Grayshon both declared personal interests in relation to item 11, due to being Members of Morley Town Council and Lewisham Park Centre Management Committee.

Councillor Elliott declared a personal interest in relation to item 11, due to being a Member of Morley Town Council and Lewisham Park Gala Committee.

CouncillorGettings declared a personal interest in relation to item 11, due to being a Member of Morley Town Council.

Councillor Beverley declared a personal interest in relation to item 11, due to his wife being a Member of Morley Town Council.

Agenda Item 13 – ‘Area Manager’s Report’ (Minute No. 62 refers)

Councillors Elliott, Gettings, Grayshon and Leadley all declared personal interests in relation to item 13, due to being Members of Morley Town Council.

Councillor Beverley declared a personal interest in relation to item 13, due to his wife being a Member of Morley Town Council.

Further declarations of interest were made at later points in the meeting (Minute Nos. 57, 60, 61 and 62 refer respectively).

(Councillor Mulherin joined the meeting at 4.05 p.m., during the consideration of this item)

To receive any apologies for absence from the meeting

An apology for absence from the meeting was received on behalf of Councillor R Finnigan.

To confirm as a correct record the attached minutes of the meeting held on 5^th

November 2007

RESOLVED - That the minutes of the previous South (Outer) Area Committee meeting held on 10^th September 2007 be approved as a correct record.

(Councillors Smith joined the meeting at 4.09 p.m., during the consideration of this item)

Allocation of Additional Wellbeing Funding (Minute No. 47 refers)

Members were advised that Morley Town Council Planning Committee had expressed a desire to be the co-ordinating body for the Conservation Area Review in Morley, and it was noted that a letter to this effect had be sent on behalf of Morley Town Council to the relevant parties.

Area Manager’s Report (Minute No. 49 refers)

Following previous requests from Members for further information on how the Youth Service budget had been spent in the area, Members received a Ward based break down of the budget which had been allocated towards staffing costs from John Paxton, Head of Youth Service. Having considered the information provided, the Committee sought a further, more itemised break down of how the budget had been spent. In response, the Head of Youth Service undertook to provide the Committee with such data.

Members then discussed the lack of youth provision in Drighlington, and made enquiries into the ways in which facilities for such provision could be identified and resourced.

Consultation on the Leeds Strategic Plan 2008-2011 (Minute No. 43 refers)

The status of Leeds City Council’s authority to introduce Quality Bus Contracts in the area was queried.

(Councillor Golton joined the meeting at 4.16 p.m., during the consideration of this item)

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 Chairman allowed a period of up to ten minutes for members of the public   to make representations or to ask questions on matters within the terms of reference   of the Area Committee.

Youth Provision in Drighlington

A representative of Drighlington Parish Council advised the Committee that the Parish Council would welcome the delivery of youth provision in the area, in order to help address the instances of anti social behaviour which had been experienced. Members also noted that a Primary School in the locality had been identified as a potential venue for delivering such provision.

To receive a report from the Director of Environment and Neighbourhoods which updates Members on both the revenue and capital elements of the Committee’s Wellbeing budget, provides a progress report on the revenue and capital projects agreed to date, advises Members of the Small Grants approved since the last meeting and invites the Committee to determine the capital and revenue proposals, as detailed within the report

(Executive Function)

(5 mins presentation/5 mins discussion)

The Director of Environment and Neighbourhoods submitted a report which updated Members on both the capital and revenue elements of the Committee’s Wellbeing budget, gave a progress report on the capital and revenue projects which had been commissioned to date, invited Members to determine the proposals for Wellbeing funding which were detailed within the report, and provided an update of the Small Grant applications which had been approved since the last meeting.

Members considered a proposal which sought the Committee’s approval of partly funding the cost of purchasing a mechanical sweeper for use in Morley town centre. It was then suggested that the performance of the sweeper in Morley could be monitored, with the findings being submitted to a future meeting, in order to enable the Committee to consider whether such a facility could be used in other Wards across Outer South Leeds.

In response to Members’ enquiries, a representative of Streetscene Services undertook to advise Members on the number of litter pickers currently being employed across all four Wards in the area.

Members raised concerns in relation to the reduction in the estimated cost of undertaking Conservation Area Reviews in Morley and Rothwell, and emphasised the need to ensure that such reviews were completed to a high standard. In response, Members were informed that assurances had been received that the reviews could be delivered at the stated cost.

In response to Members’ questions regarding the Small Grant project entitled, ‘Regeneration of Vicarage Avenue Allotment’, the Committee was advised that information regarding this proposal would be circulated to Members.

RESOLVED -

(a). That the report and information appended to the report, which includes the current position statement of both the capital and revenue elements of the Area Committee’s Wellbeing budget (including the additional £50,000.00 revenue allocation from Executive Board), an update on the revenue and capital projects which have been commissioned by the Committee to date, and an update on the Small Grants approved since the last meeting, be noted;

(b). That the following decisions be made in relation to the Wellbeing funding proposals which have been submitted for determination to this meeting:-

(i). ‘Electrical Services to Bandstand’ – City Services – 2007/08 capital budget - £936.00 – Approved;

(ii). ‘Mechanical Sweeper’ – City Services – 2007/08 capital budget - £6,000.00 – Approved, subject to confirmation of final costs and operating details being received.

(Councillor Grayshon and Elliott both declared personal interests in relation to this item, due to being members Morley Town Council Highways Committee)

(Councillor Beverley declared a personal interest in relation to this item, due to being a member of the ‘Clean Morley Campaign’)

(Councillor Smith declared a personal interest in relation to this item, due to his position as Executive Board Member with responsibility for Environmental Services)

(Councillor Gettings declared a personal interest in relation to this item, due to being a governor of Bruntcliffe High School)

(Councillor Dunn joined the meeting at 4.28 p.m., during  ...  view the full minutes text for item 57.

To consider a report from the Director of Environment and Neighbourhoods which outlines changes to Area Committee responsibilities and working arrangements agreed at the Council’s Executive Board in November

(Council Function)

(5 mins presentation/10 mins discussion)

The Committee received a report from the Director of Environment and Neighbourhoods outlining the changes to Area Committee responsibilities and working arrangements which had been agreed at the Council’s Executive Board meeting in November 2007.

Having received a brief overview of the key issues detailed within the report, a question and answer session ensued. The main areas of debate were as follows:-

·  Members highlighted the extensive range of proposals contained within the report, and suggested that further details on such proposals should be submitted to future meetings of the Committee for consideration;

·  The Committee emphasised the need to ensure that local communities’ involvement in the decision making process was maximised, and that the local authority’s partners were made more accountable for the services they delivered in the area.

RESOLVED -

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

(b). That the Area Committee receive further reports in the next and subsequent meeting cycles which relate to Area Delivery Plan preparations, Local Children and Young People Plans and local partnership working arrangements. 

To receive a report from the Director of Environment and Neighbourhoods which evaluates the 2007 Morley Literature Festival and outlines a proposed framework for the future organisation of this event

(Executive Function)

(5 mins presentation/15 mins discussion)

The Committee received a report from the Director of Neighbourhoods and Housing which critically evaluated the second Morley Literature Festival, held between 10^th-14^th October 2007, in various venues across Morley.

Members received a brief summary of the key issues detailed within the report from Paula Truman, the Festival Director, which was followed by a question and answer session. The key points of the discussion were:-

·  In response to Members’ questions, the Committee was informed that several festivals of a similar nature were held across the region at the same time as the Morley Literature Festival, and although this had enabled the organisers to attract writers to attend events at the festival, as they were already in the region, the competition from other festivals had made it harder to maximise publicity. Therefore, it was emphasised that consideration needed to be given to potentially changing the timing of future Morley Literature Festivals;

·  The Committee noted the considerable levels of involvement in the festival by local schools, and discussed the ways in which local libraries could become more involved in future events;

·  Members concluded by paying tribute to the Festival Director, the Morley Literature Festival Organising Committee and the Area Management Team for all their efforts, which helped to make the festival a huge success.

RESOLVED -

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

(b). That the Festival Director, the Morley Literature Festival Organising Committee and the South Leeds Area Management Team be congratulated on the success of the event;

(c). That the Committee’s in principle support be given to the continuation of the Morley Literature Festival. 

To consider a report from the Director of Environment and Neighbourhoods which sets out and invites Members to endorse a revised Community Centres Lettings and Pricing Policy for South Leeds

(Executive Function)

(5 mins presentation/10 mins discussion)

Members received a report from the Director of Environment and Neighbourhoods which set out and sought the Committee’s endorsement of a revised Community Centres’ Lettings and Pricing Policy for implementation across the Outer South area.

A copy the revised Pricing and Lettings Policy, in addition to a summary of the responses received from the associated consultation exercise were appended to the report for Members’ information.

Following a brief summary of the key issues detailed within the report from the South Leeds Area Manager, a debate then ensued. The main areas of discussion were as follows:-

·  The Committee was advised that the policy aimed to create a standardised charging system for all those community centres which had been, or were scheduled to be delegated to the Area Committee. Members noted however that the proposed policy would not affect those centres which were leased out to community organisations on a long term basis;

·  In response to Members’ questions, the Committee noted that the aim was to establish a standard pricing and lettings policy across all areas of Leeds, however due to the nature of the delegated authority, the endorsement of such a policy was a matter for each individual Area Committee;

·  Members emphasised the need to ensure that the term ‘council holidays’ was clearly defined within the policy;

·  The Committee discussed the criteria for the proposed discount policy, and emphasised the need to ensure that well managed voluntary groups which made a slight profit and qualified for a discount were not penalised by higher charges;

·  Members highlighted that once the policy had been introduced, its performance needed to be monitored by the Community Centres Sub Committee.

RESOLVED -

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

(b). That subject to the above comments, the revised Community Centres Pricing and Lettings Policy be endorsed for implementation across the area;

(c). That any further alterations to the policy be discussed and considered by the Community Centres Sub Committee, prior to such alterations being submitted to the Area Committee for approval;

(d). That an indicative implementation date of 1^st April 2008 for the policy be agreed, however should this not be achieved, the policy be implemented as soon as is operationally possible.

(Councillor Mulherin declared a personal interest in relation to this item, due to being a governor of Joseph Priestley College)

To receive a report from the Director of Environment and Neighbourhoods which presents the results of the recent survey of Queensway Car Park in Morley, invites the Committee to identify a preferred option for parking provision on the site and consider any financial implications

(Executive Function)

(5 mins presentation/10 mins discussion)

Further to Minute No. 36, 10^th September 2007, the Committee received a report from the Director of Environment and Neighbourhoods which presented the results of the recent survey undertaken at Queensway Car Park, Morley, and sought Members’ views on several alternative options detailed within the report which aimed to improve the parking provision on site.

The findings from the survey were appended to the report for Members’ consideration.

Following a brief summary of the key issues detailed within the report, a question and answer session ensued. The main areas of debate were as follows:-

·  Having considered the proposed timescales which related to the implementation of the scheme, Members suggested that a sum of Wellbeing funding was allocated by the Area Committee towards the scheme, subject to a financial contribution being negotiated with Wm Morrison;

·  Following Members’ enquiries, the Committee was advised that any parking restrictions established in car parks owned by the local authority would be enforced by Leeds City Council, and that any revenue recouped from the penalties incurred would be added to Council budgets;

·  Members considered the results of the survey, and discussed the general trends which it had revealed;

·  The Committee discussed the extent to which the proposed parking restrictions would affect local trade;

·  Members emphasised the need to ensure that adequate notification was given to all users of the car park, once the restrictions had been introduced;

·  The Committee concluded by discussing the arrangements which could be established to monitor the success of the parking restrictions.

RESOLVED -

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

(b). That ‘Option One’ (Sections 1 and 2 will offer a maximum 2 hour stay, while sections 3, 4 and 5 offer parking with no time limits) as detailed within the report, be identified as the Committee’s preferred option for parking provision at the Queensway Car Park, Morley;

(c). That a maximum of £6,000.00 be allocated from the Committee’s Wellbeing budget towards the cost of the scheme, subject to a financial contribution from Wm Morrison being negotiated;

(d). That in association with Parking Management, the situation be reviewed at the end of the first 6 months of operation.

(Councillor Smith declared a personal interest in relation to this item, due to his position as Executive Board Member with responsibility for Environmental Services)

To receive 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 Outer South area of Leeds

(Executive Function)

(5 mins presentation/5 mins discussion)

The Committee received a report from the Director of Environment and Neighbourhoods which detailed the range of activities currently taking place throughout the Outer South area of Leeds.

With regard to a proposal from the Narrowing the Gap Group to pilot a Participatory Budgeting scheme in a particular neighbourhood in Outer South Leeds, the Committee noted that the Oakwell and Fairfaxes area had been identified as the most appropriate neighbourhood in which to conduct the pilot, and that an allocation of £10,000.00 from the Committee’s Wellbeing budget was being sought towards the cost of the scheme.

In response to the proposal, Members gave their support towards the scheme and emphasised the importance of capacity building and developing resident participation in such neighbourhoods. The Committee then paid tribute to the work which had been undertaken in this field by Kate Armitstead, Area Assistant, who had recently left the employ of the Area Management Team.

With regard to the proposed sale of the public conveniences in Midland Street, Woodlesford, the Committee emphasised that such facilities in the area were needed, and that any capital receipts gained from the sale were used to fund a replacement facility.

Members then discussed the additional funding which had been allocated by Executive Board to each Area Committee. The main areas of debate were as follows:-

·  Members proposed that a proportion of the additional funding from Executive Board could be used to undertake, where appropriate, Area Design Statements in the area;

·  The Committee referred to the reduction in the estimated cost of undertaking Conservation Area Reviews in Morley and Rothwell, and emphasised that as the reviews formed part of the performance indicator process, there was a need to ensure that such reviews were completed to a high standard;

·  Members referred to the proposed refurbishments to Morley Town Hall, and considered the most appropriate ways in which to resource such proposals;

·  The Committee then proposed that further information was sought in relation to identifying the most appropriate assessment procedure for ‘the Falls’ area of Ardsley and Robin Hood Ward.

RESOLVED -

(a). That the report and information appended to the report, which includes the Action Plan of the Cleaner Neighbourhoods Sub Group and the minutes from the Cleaner Neighbourhoods Sub Group meeting held on 18^th October 2007, be noted;

(b). That £10,000.00 from the Committee’s wellbeing budget be allocated towards the Participatory Budgeting pilot scheme being undertaken in Outer South Leeds;

(c). That following discussions with Civic Buildings staff, a further report be submitted to the February 2008 meeting of the Area Committee in respect of potential improvements to Morley Town Hall;

(d). That a letter be sent on behalf of the Area Committee to Kate Armitstead, Area Assistant, which conveys the Committee’s gratitude and thanks for all the hard work that Kate has undertaken throughout the area, during her time with South Leeds Area Management Team;

(e). That the Committee support the disposal of the public conveniences on Midland Street, Woodlesford  ...  view the full minutes text for item 62.

Monday, 25^th February 2008 at 4.00 p.m.

(Venue – Morley Town Hall, Morley, LS27 9DY)

Monday, 25^th February 2008 at 4.00 p.m.

(Venue – Morley Town Hall, Morley, LS27 9DY)

(The meeting concluded at 6.10 p.m.)