Agenda, decisions and minutes

To elect a Chair for the 2009/10 municipal year.

(Council Function)

(2.5 mins presentation / 2.5 mins discussion)

A report was submitted by the Chief Democratic Services Officer which outlined the arrangements for the annual election of Chair of the South (Outer) Area Committee.  It was reported that one nomination for the position of Chair had been received on behalf of Councillor Grayshon.

RESOLVED –

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

(b) That following an overall majority of votes cast by those Elected Members present at the meeting, Councillor Grayshon be elected as Chair of the South (Outer) Area Committee for the 2009/10 municipal year.

(Councillor Grayshon took the Chair)

To identify items which have been admitted to the agenda by the Chair for consideration.

(The special circumstances shall be specified in the minutes.)

The Chair admitted to the agenda a revised cover report on Area Committee Roles for 2009/10, which was to be considered under agenda item 16 (Minute No. 14 refers).

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.

Councillor Leadley declared a personal interest in relation to agenda item 7, Minutes – 30^th March 2009, due to being a Member of Morley Town Council, which part funds the Town Centre Management Project (Minute No. 5 refers).

Councillor Finnigan declared a personal interest in relation to agenda item 12, CCTV (2008/09) Annual Report, due to being Chair of Morley and District Community Safety Panel, and as a Member of Morley Town Council, which contributes to CCTV (Minute No. 10 refers).

Councillors Gettings and Grayshon declared a personal interest in relation to agenda item 12, CCTV (2008/09) Annual Report, due to being Members of Morley Town Council, which contributes to CCTV (Minute No. 10 refers).

Councillor Leadley declared a personal interest in relation to agenda item 12, CCTV (2008/09) Annual Report, due to being a Member of West Yorkshire Integrated Transport Authority, which is a partner in CCTV operations, and Morley Town Council, which contributes to CCTV (Minute No 10 refers).

Councillors Finnigan, Gettings, Grayshon and Leadley declared a personal interest in relation to agenda item 13, Town Centre Management Report and agenda item 15, Outer South Area Committee Well-being Budget, due to being Members of Morley Town Council, which part funds the Town Centre Management Project (Minute Nos. 11 and 13 refer).

To receive any apologies for absence.

Apologies for absence were submitted by Councillors Elliott, Golton and Mulherin.

On behalf of the Area Committee, the Chair wished to convey his congratulations to Councillor Elliott, who had been appointed Lord Mayor for 2009/10.  It was reported that Councillor Elliott was undertaking mayoral duties and was therefore unable to attend this meeting.

To confirm as a correct record the minutes of the meeting held on 30^th March 2009.

An addition to Minute No. 77, Outer South Area Committee Well-being Budget Report, was suggested as follows

‘It was pointed out that the Area Manager had confirmed via e-mail that the £33,407.50 figure to fund the Town Centre Management Project up to March 2010, was incorrect’.

RESOLVED – That subject to the above addition to Minute No. 77, the minutes of the meeting held on 30^th March 2009 be confirmed as a correct record.

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 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.

A local resident requested an update on the minerals review at Britannia Quarry.  It was reported that a meeting to progress the matter had been arranged to take place in the near future.

To receive and consider a report from the Director of Environment and Neighbourhoods, which updates Members on the work of the Priority Neighbourhood Worker.

(Executive Function)

(5 mins presentation / 5 mins discussion)

RESOLVED – That the contents of the report be noted.

The Director of Environment and Neighbourhoods submitted a report which updated Members on the work of the Priority Neighbourhood Worker, particularly Neighbourhood Improvement Plans (NIPs), information about the ‘Supported Area’ programme and additional community engagement work.

Appended to the report were the updated NIP Action Plan and the first Oakwell and Fairfax Newsletter.

Tom O’Donovan, Area Management Officer, presented the report and responded to Members’ questions and comments.  Nicky Greening, Priority Neighbourhood Worker, was also in attendance.

Members commented on the positive achievements of the Priority Neighbourhood Worker, since her appointment in December 2008.  In relation to the family fun event at Drighlington Meeting Hall, it was reported that roughly 35 people had attended the event.

RESOLVED – That the contents of the report be noted.

To receive and consider a report from the Director of Environment and Neighbourhoods presenting the revised Outer South Area Delivery Plan (ADP) for 2008-11.

(Executive Function)

(5 mins presentation / 5 mins discussion)

RESOLVED –

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

(b)  That the annual update of the ADP 2008-11 be approved;

(c)  That the proposed charter be developed as the public facing, resident friendly version of the ADP; and

(d)  That the Member nominations for the 2009/10 thematic leads be confirmed as follows:

-  Thriving Neighbourhoods and Learning – Children Leeds – Councillor Gettings

-  Thriving Neighbourhoods – Community Safety Partnership – Councillor Finnigan

-  Thriving Neighbourhoods – District Housing Partnership – Councillor Finnigan

-  Learning and Thriving Neighbourhoods (worklessness) – Employment, Education, Training Partnership – Councillor Mulherin

-  Health & Well-being – Councillor Grayshon

-  Stronger Communities – Community Cohesion Partnership – Councillor Grayshon

-  Environment (for South Inner Area Committee) – Not applicable at this stage

-  Enterprise and Economy – Councillor Finnigan

-  Culture – Councillor Elliott

-  Transport – Councillor Leadley.

The Director of Environment and Neighbourhoods submitted a report which presented the revised South (Outer) Area Delivery Plan (ADP) 2008-2011 for approval.

Appended to the report were the revised ADP and outer south priorities.

Tom O’Donovan, Area Management Officer, presented the report and responded to Members’ questions and comments.

In brief summary, the main areas of discussion were:

• The need for greater acknowledgement of Area Management Team’s contribution to promote and support community based events, especially the Morley Literature Festival.
• Protecting against car sales on council green space, particularly on Middleton Lane – Members were advised to contact the police with location and car registration details.

RESOLVED –

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

(b)  That the annual update of the ADP 2008-11 be approved;

(c)  That the proposed charter be developed as the public facing, resident friendly version of the ADP; and

(d)  That the Member nominations for the 2009/10 thematic leads be confirmed as follows:

-  Thriving Neighbourhoods and Learning – Children Leeds – Councillor Gettings

-  Thriving Neighbourhoods – Community Safety Partnership – Councillor Finnigan

-  Thriving Neighbourhoods – District Housing Partnership – Councillor Finnigan

-  Learning and Thriving Neighbourhoods (worklessness) – Employment, Education, Training Partnership – Councillor Mulherin

-  Health & Well-being – Councillor Grayshon

-  Stronger Communities – Community Cohesion Partnership – Councillor Grayshon

-  Environment (for South Inner Area Committee) – Not applicable at this stage

-  Enterprise and Economy – Councillor Finnigan

-  Culture – Councillor Elliott

-  Transport – Councillor Leadley.

(Councillor Smith arrived at 4.15 pm during the consideration of this item).

To receive and consider a report from the Director of City Development, which examines the opportunities to develop the relationship between the Parks and Countryside service and the South Outer Area Committee.

(Council Function)

(5 mins presentation / 10 mins discussion)

The Director of City Development submitted a report which examined the opportunities to develop the relationship between the Parks and Countryside service and the South (Outer) Area Committee.

The following representatives from Parks and Countryside attended the meeting:

-  Kris Nenadic, Principal Parks Area Manager;

-  Kevin Barker, Principal Parks Area Manager; and

-  Vicky Nunns, Business Development Manager.

The key areas of discussion were:

• Limited funding for play facilities – it was reported that £1.1 million funding had been secured for 22 play sites across Leeds.
• Clarification about the reorganisation in Parks and Countryside.  It was advised that interim arrangements were in place and a temporary position to take on some responsibilities was being advertised.

RESOLVED – That the contents of the report be noted.

To receive and consider a report from the Director of Environment and Neighbourhoods, which highlights the services provided by the Council’s Community Safety CCTV Team.

(Executive Function)

(5 mins presentation / 10 mins discussion)

RESOLVED –

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

(b)  That a request be made to deploy mobile CCTV to areas of concern via local tasking groups and Neighbourhood Policing Teams; and

(c)  That the Area Committee receive 6 monthly update reports.

The Director of Environment and Neighbourhoods submitted a report which highlighted the services provided by Leeds City Council Community Safety CCTV, particularly in terms of demonstrating the effectiveness of the service in reducing the fear of crime and facilitating the apprehension and detection of offenders in areas covered by CCTV.

Appended to the report was a financial breakdown for the outer south area and information about the legal implications relating to CCTV surveillance.

Members were advised that Safer Leeds had been unable to provide a representative to attend the meeting.  Any comments raised at the meeting could be forwarded via the South Leeds Area Management Team.

RESOLVED –

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

(b)  That a request be made to deploy mobile CCTV to areas of concern via local tasking groups and Neighbourhood Policing Teams; and

(c)  That the Area Committee receive 6 monthly update reports.

To receive and consider a report by the Director of Environment & Neighbourhoods regarding the new arrangements for the delivery of the Town Centre Management Project in Morley and Rothwell.

(Executive Function)

(5 mins presentation / 5 mins discussion)

RESOLVED –

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

(b)  That the TCMB be disbanded and replaced with more local arrangements;

(c)  That a Morley Town Centre Board be established based on the current ‘Shadow Board’;

(d)  That the composition of the Morley TCMB, including the appointment of Councillors Finnigan and Grayshon as Area Committee representatives, be approved (appointment of Cllr Steve Jones, subject to confirmation by Morley Town Council);

(e)  That £15,000 be allocated towards Morley and Rothwell TCM operations to be split 60/40 in favour of Morley; and

(f)  That the Area Committee receive a further report at the September Area Committee on arrangements to develop a Board for Rothwell.

The Director of Environment and Neighbourhoods submitted a report which provided Members with an opportunity to consider the proposed new arrangements for the delivery of the Town Centre Management (TCM) Project in Morley and Rothwell.

Appended to the report were the draft terms of reference for Morley Town Centre Management Board, a map of the proposed area to be covered and the draft work programme.

Tom O’Donovan, Area Management Officer, presented the report and responded to Members’ questions and comments.  Peter Mudge, Morley and Rothwell Town Centre Manager, was also in attendance.

In brief summary, the main areas of discussion were:

• Developing transport links between Morley and East Ardsley and the need to involve ward members in future discussions.
• The need to review funding arrangements in relation to developing transport links.
• Clarification that the appointment of Cllr Steve Jones (Morley Town Council representative) was subject to confirmation by Morley Town Council.
• Concern about the accuracy of some of the costs to fund the TCM project – it was agreed to arrange a meeting with the Area Management Team.
• Consideration of the funding allocation for Morley and Rothwell TCM operations.
• Proposed extension of the Morley area boundary – a revised map was circulated at the meeting and subsequently agreed by the Area Committee.

RESOLVED –

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

(b)  That the TCMB be disbanded and replaced with more local arrangements;

(c)  That a Morley Town Centre Board be established based on the current ‘Shadow Board’;

(d)  That the composition of the Morley TCMB, including the appointment of Councillors Finnigan and Grayshon as Area Committee representatives, be approved (appointment of Cllr Steve Jones, subject to confirmation by Morley Town Council);

(e)  That £15,000 be allocated towards Morley and Rothwell TCM operations to be split 60/40 in favour of Morley; and

(f)  That the Area Committee receive a further report at the September Area Committee on arrangements to develop a Board for Rothwell.

To receive and consider a report from the Director of Environment and Neighbourhoods presenting a review of the Outer South Community Engagement Strategy.

(Executive Function)

(5 mins presentation / 5 mins discussion)

RESOLVED – That the contents of the report be noted.

The Director of Environment and Neighbourhoods submitted a report which presented a review of the Outer South Community Engagement Strategy and outlined how consultation from community engagement events had informed the priorities and actions of the Area Delivery Plan 2008/11.

Tom O’Donovan, Area Management Officer, presented the report and responded to Members’ questions and comments.

The main highlighted points were:

• It was reported that the draft Conservation Audit for Morley was complete and consultation with the public was taking place shortly.
• Members welcomed the participatory budgeting initiative being rolled out.
• Area Management staff were thanked for their contribution in bringing improvements to the area outside the shops on Manor Road.

RESOLVED – That the contents of the report be noted.

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

(Executive Function)

(5 mins presentation / 5 mins discussion)

RESOLVED –

(a)  That the report and information appended to the report, which included the available balance of the Area Committee’s revenue and capital well-being budgets, be noted;

(b)  That £400 be allocated towards Operation Champions in the outer south area during 2009/10;

(c)  That the final small grants scheme overspend of £472 be approved;

(d)  That the Small Grant proposals approved since the last meeting of the Area Committee be noted;

(e)  That £21,000 of revenue funding be ringfenced towards a Site Based Gardeners Project (1^st October – 31^st March 2010), to be outlined by Parks and Countryside at the September Area Committee; and

(f)  That the following decisions be made in relation to the Well-being funding proposals, which had been submitted for determination at the meeting:-

• Churwell Action Group – Churwell Park CCTV – £17,712.01 (2009/10 Capital Budget) – Approved
• Cleaner Neighbourhoods Sub Group – Dog Fouling Project – £2,000 (2009/10 Revenue Budget) – Approved.

The Director of Environment and Neighbourhoods submitted a report which updated Members on both the capital and revenue elements of the Committee’s Well-being budget, advised the Committee of the small grants approved since the last meeting and invited Members to determine the capital and revenue proposals, as detailed within the report.

In brief summary, the main areas of discussion were:

• Challenges complying with CCTV legislation and the need to protect public open spaces.
• Raising awareness of dog fouling initiatives and the need for greater investment in this area of work.

RESOLVED –

(a)  That the report and information appended to the report, which included the available balance of the Area Committee’s revenue and capital well-being budgets, be noted;

(b)  That £400 be allocated towards Operation Champions in the outer south area during 2009/10;

(c)  That the final small grants scheme overspend of £472 be approved;

(d)  That the Small Grant proposals approved since the last meeting of the Area Committee be noted;

(e)  That £21,000 of revenue funding be ringfenced towards a Site Based Gardeners Project (1^st October – 31^st March 2010), to be outlined by Parks and Countryside at the September Area Committee; and

(f)  That the following decisions be made in relation to the Well-being funding proposals, which had been submitted for determination at the meeting:-

• Churwell Action Group – Churwell Park CCTV – £17,712.01 (2009/10 Capital Budget) – Approved
• Cleaner Neighbourhoods Sub Group – Dog Fouling Project – £2,000 (2009/10 Revenue Budget) – Approved.

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

(Executive Function)

(5 mins presentation/10 mins discussion)

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

The Director of Environment and Neighbourhoods submitted a report which detailed the area function schedules and roles for 2009/10, as agreed by the Executive Board on 17^th June 2009.

A revised copy of the report was circulated at the meeting.  Appended to the report was an updated copy of the delegated functions and other roles for 2009/10.

In brief summary, the main areas of discussion were:

• The need to devolve some functions to a more local level, e.g. to Parish Councils and community organisations.
• The need for greater delegation of street cleansing functions - it was agreed to refer this issue to the Cleaner Neighbourhoods Sub Group.

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

To receive a report from the Chief Officers for Regeneration and Health and Environment Action Services providing Members with information on the restructuring proposals for the Neighbourhood Warden service.

(Executive Function)

(5 mins presentation /10 mins discussion)

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

The Chief Officers for Regeneration and Health and Environmental Action Services submitted a report which updated Members on the restructuring proposals for the Neighbourhood Warden Service.

Appended to the report was the existing Neighbourhood Warden structure together with a revised job description for the new Community Environment Officer posts.

RESOLVED – That the contents of the report be noted.

To receive and consider 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)

RESOLVED –

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

(b)  That funding of £650 to support the monitoring work of the Children and Young People’s Group, be approved; and

(c)  That the protocols document and indicative timetable to support the St Gabriel’s Management Group, be approved.

The Committee considered a report from the Director of Environment and Neighbourhoods which updated Members on the work of the Area Management Team since the last meeting.

The following information was appended to the report;

-  Minutes of the Outer South Community Centres Sub-Committee held on 20^th May 2009;

-  St Gabriel’s Community Centre protocols;

-  Minutes of the Cleaner Neighbourhoods Sub Group held on 28^th April 2009;

-  Outer South Cleaner Neighbourhoods Sub Group Action Plan; and

-  Protocol and General Work Schedule relating to the deployment of Police Community Support Officers (PCSOs), as agreed between Leeds City Council and West Yorkshire Police Authority.

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

The main highlighted points were:

• It was reported that an internal well-being audit had taken place and work was ongoing to address the recommendations, particularly in terms of improving accountability and transparency.
• Members discussed focussing on issues relating to member champion themes at future meetings, e.g. school attendance and reducing teenage pregnancy as part of the theme on Thriving Neighbourhoods and Learning – Children Leeds.

RESOLVED –

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

(b)  That funding of £650 to support the monitoring work of the Children and Young People’s Group, be approved; and

(c)  That the protocols document and indicative timetable to support the St Gabriel’s Management Group, be approved.

To consider a report of the Chief Democratic Services Officer on Local Authority Appointments to Outside Bodies.

(Council Function)

(2.5 mins presentation / 5 mins discussion)

A report was submitted by the Chief Democratic Services Officer which outlined the procedure relating to local authority appointments to outside bodies and which also invited Members to consider making appointments to those outside bodies detailed within the report.

RESOLVED –

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

(b)  That approval be given to the following Outside Body appointments being made for the 2009/2010 municipal year:

• Morley Town Centre Management Board – Councillors Finnigan and Grayshon;
• Morley Literature Festival Organising Committee – Councillors Finnigan and Gettings;
• Outer South ALMO Area Panel – Aire Valley Homes Leeds – Councillors Dunn and Gettings;
• Divisional Community Safety Partnership – Councillor Finnigan;
• Area Children’s Partnership – Councillor Gettings;
• Area Health and Social Care Partnership – Councillor Grayshon
• Area Employment, Enterprise and Training Partnership – Councillor Mulherin.

Thursday 10^th September, 2009

(Rothwell One Stop Centre, Civic Chamber, Main Street, Rothwell, LS26 0AD)

Monday 19^th October, 2009

(Lofthouse Methodist Church Hall, Leeds Road, Lofthouse, WF3 3NE)

Monday 30^th November, 2009

(Drighlington Meeting Hall, Drighlington Library, Drighlington, Moorland Road, BD11 1JZ)

Monday 1^st February, 2010

(Morley Town Hall, Morley, LS27 9DY)

Monday 15^th March, 2010

(Rothwell One Stop Centre, Civic Chamber, Main Street, Rothwell, LS26 0AD)

(All meetings to commence at 4.00 pm).

Thursday 10^th September, 2009

(Rothwell One Stop Centre, Civic Chamber, Main Street, Rothwell, LS26 0AD)

Monday 19^th October, 2009

(Lofthouse Methodist Church Hall, Leeds Road, Lofthouse, WF3 3NE)

Monday 30^th November, 2009

(Drighlington Meeting Hall, Drighlington Library, Drighlington, Moorland Road, BD11 1JZ)

Monday 1^st February, 2010

(Morley Town Hall, Morley, LS27 9DY)

Monday 15^th March, 2010

(Rothwell One Stop Centre, Civic Chamber, Main Street, Rothwell, LS26 0AD)

(All meetings to commence at 4.00 pm).

(The meeting concluded at 5.35 pm).