Agenda and minutes
Venue: Council Chamber, Council Offices, Urban Road, Kirkby-in-Ashfield
Contact: Lynn Cain Email: l.cain@ashfield.gov.uk
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Declarations of Disclosable Pecuniary or Personal Interests and Non Disclosable Pecuniary/Other Interests Minutes: No declarations of interest were made. |
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Minutes: RESOLVED that the minutes of the meeting of the Council held on 16th May, 2019, as now submitted, be received and approved. |
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Announcements from the Chairman, Leader, Members of the Cabinet and the Head of Paid Service Minutes: Leader of the Council
“Thank you Mr. Chairman, I think Members are aware of the new agenda here, where Cabinet reports on portfolio activity at item 9, but I do have some announcements on behalf of the Council.
The first one is that I’d like to formally announce that I’m going to set up a Veterans and Service Personnel Commission, with immediate effect, for this Council to investigate all opportunities for it to do as much as it can, for those members of the armed forces serving and retired.
To see that we can pull together all the different strategies and policies of the Council, and make sure that they’re all in one place, so that it’s very, very clear that we go above and beyond the armed forces covenant that we have agreed to and do everything that we can in this District to do the best by those people who have served on behalf of the country.
I’ve asked Councillor Gascoigne if he would Chair that Commission and over the coming weeks and months that will be staffed by the Scrutiny Team so that they can form part of proper recommendations to Cabinet. Councillor Gascoigne will be choosing members of that Commission from outside of the Council to get expertise in and we’ve spoke to people with relevant experience who run charitable bodies etc. already to help feed in to that.
So I’d like to make that announcement. I’m delighted that Councillor Gascoigne with his proud service record actually on behalf of the country has agreed to take on that piece of work. I think it’s very, very good.
Secondly and lastly, Members may not be aware but this will be Beth Brown’s last full Council meeting today. She is going off to….I don’t want to say a better place! She’s going off to Nottingham City, so it’s different. I’m not sure it’s better. I think she’s got a better job and a great opportunity but I think we’ll be sad to see her and her skills leave Ashfield District after the number of years she’s been here.
So on behalf of the Administration I’d like to say a big thank you, and Beth, from us….we’d like you to come forward please and take these flowers.
In addition to that, I’d also like to say that it would ordinarily have been Carol Cooper-Smith’s last full Council meeting. She has served as Interim Director for a long time and done an incredible piece of work here. She goes off for a small vacation very soon but we’re not going to say goodbye to Carol at this stage and I’m not quite ready to say why not, but it’s not goodbye, it’s just au-revoir for a couple of weeks. So, thank you Carol for this bit and we’ll see you very, very soon. Thank you Mr. Chairman.”
Portfolio Holder for Regulatory Services
“Thank you Chairman for allowing me to talk on this subject today before us. May I ... view the full minutes text for item C.18 |
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Questions from the Public From Mr. Trevor Carter:
To the Deputy Leader and Portfolio Holder for Streets, Parks & Town Centres:
“Why have ADC stopped selling dog waste bags to Teversal Visitors Centre, Vets, Pet shops and other distributors, which is cost effective and replaced the facility with the provision of dispensers full of free bags at parks that leads to vandalism, scattering and wanton disposal of the contents and an additional costs to ADC?” Minutes: In accordance with Council Procedure Rule 11, the following question had been submitted:-
From Mr. Trevor Carter:
To the Deputy Leader and Portfolio Holder for Streets, Parks & Town Centres:
“Why have ADC stopped selling dog waste bags to Teversal Visitors Centre, Vets, Pet shops and other distributors, which is cost effective and replaced the facility with the provision of dispensers full of free bags at parks that leads to vandalism, scattering and wanton disposal of the contents and an additional cost to ADC?”
The Deputy Leader and Portfolio Holder for Streets, Parks & Town Centres duly responded to the question as follows:-
“Thank you Chairman, and thank you Mr. Carter for your question. Several years ago Labour scrapped the free dog poo bags that the Council used to distribute, and instead they introduced a charge to those bags. What we looked at was ways that we could improve this because it created a massive problem across the District. There was a massive increase in dog fouling incidents across the District putting an additional cost on the Authority.
So what we did, we went outside, we looked at what was available and we got the Tikspacs. We have introduced 25 free dog poo stands across the District. Some of the parks include Brierley Park, Kingsway Park, Sutton Lawn, and Titchfield Park in Hucknall. These are free at the point of access and all the bags are fully bio-degradable, they’re corn starch and I’m pleased to say that the units and bags provided at no cost to this Authority. We do undertake close monitoring of the Tikspac units in our parks and they are well used by members of the public.
Responsible dog owners always clean up after their dogs. The minority who don’t clean up, or won’t carry the means of cleaning up….sorry but they risk a fixed penalty notice. We do not intend to return to selling dog poo bags when there is a viable cost effective and readily accessible alternative.
What the Ashfield Independents have shown is that we can come up with common sense solutions to problems across our District. Labour scrapped free dog poo bags to save £15,000 a year. It ended up costing us over £40,000 a year in additional revenue cost to clean up the mess. This is why we introduced the Tikspac pack service and it is yet again, the Ashfield Independents who are showing common sense solutions and are cleaning up Labour’s mess and putting Ashfield residents first.”
The Chairman then gave Mr. Carter the opportunity to ask a supplementary question and he responded as follows:-
“Do the Council think it’s fair that in the light of what’s been said there, that I feel there’s a cost to this system that you’re now using? We always paid for our dog bags at Teversal, upon receipt, the silly thing was, I’m afraid, and it annoyed me, was that attached to it was a note saying “when you have used the dog bags or sold ... view the full minutes text for item C.19 |
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Petitions (None received for this meeting) Minutes: No petitions were received for consideration. |
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Changes to Committee Memberships Minutes: Council was requested to consider a change of membership for the Audit Committee.
RESOLVED that Councillor Melanie Darrington be taken off the membership for the Audit Committee and replaced by Councillor Jim Blagden. |
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Appointment of the Independent Remuneration Panel PDF 216 KB Additional documents:
Minutes: Council were requested to agree the appointment of the Independent Remuneration Panel (IRP) to conduct a review of the Members’ Allowances Scheme and agree the timeline for completing the review.
Councillor Lauren Mitchell moved an amendment to the IRP Terms of Reference as set out in Appendix A to the report, seconded by Councillor Keir Morrison as follows:-
To add a sentence to Part 1 of the Terms of Reference to read:-
“1. The Panel is to make recommendations to the Council, following a review of Leader, Elected and Co-opted Member remuneration as to the appropriate level of remuneration. ‘This review is to be based on the same financial envelope of allowances as of 2nd May, 2019.’ In its deliberations the Panel is required to make recommendations regarding….”
The meeting was adjourned at 7.20 p.m. and reconvened at 7.26 p.m. to enable due discussion to take place and having been put to the vote the amendment duly fell.
RESOLVED that a) approval be given to the appointment of Dr. Declan Hall as Chair with Mark Cawar, (Voluntary Sector Representative) and Paula Watkinson (Business Sector Representative) as Lay Members of the Independent Remuneration Panel for a four-year term and delegate authority to the Chief Executive to agree the fees and expenses as set out in the report;
b) the timeline as indicated in the report for the Independent Remuneration Panel to conduct a review of the Members’ Allowances Scheme as shown in the terms of reference set out in Appendix A, be approved;
c) the role descriptors for the Chairman and Lay Members of the Independent Remuneration Panel as set out in Appendices B and C to the report, be approved. |
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Interim Review of Polling Places PDF 109 KB Minutes: Council was requested to consider a proposal to undertake an interim review of a limited number of polling places where issues have been identified at the recent council elections and European Parliamentary elections held in 2019.
RESOLVED that a) approval be given for the establishment of a Polling Place Review Working Group (made up of 7 Members) with a remit as outlined in the report;
b) the Chairman and Members of the Working Group be as follows:-
Councillors Dale Grounds Tom Hollis Andy Meakin Lauren Mitchell Kevin Rostance Helen-Ann Smith Jason Zadrozny (Chairman)
c) the timetable for the review, as outlined in the report, be approved. |
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Recommendations from the Cabinet and the Council's Committees PDF 122 KB Additional documents:
Minutes: In accordance with the Council Procedure Rule 2(ix), Council considered three recommendations from the following:-
Minute No. CA.5 Cabinet – 24th June, 2019 Ashfield Community Partnership Strategic Plan
RESOLVED that the draft Ashfield Community Partnership Strategic Plan 2019-2022, as presented, be received and approved.
(During consideration of the recommendation, Councillors Tom Hollis and Melanie Darrington left the room at 8.15pm and 8.16pm and returned to the meeting at 8.19pm and 8.17pm respectively.)
Minute No. CA.6 Cabinet – 24th June, 2019 Budget - Draft Outturn 2018/19
RESOLVED that a) the £4.715m underspend on the Capital Programme during 2018/19, caused by delays to schemes included in the Programme, be carried forward to 2019/20;
b) £55,000 of the 2018/19 underspend be used to meet the additional costs of the Council’s new political structure.
(During consideration of the recommendation, Councillors David Hennigan, Phil Rostance and Tom Hollis left the room at 8.29pm, 8.42pm and 8.43pm and returned to the meeting at 8.33pm, 8.44pm and 8.45pm respectively.)
(At this point in the proceedings and in accordance with Council Procedure Rule 23 (Conclusion of Proceedings), a motion was moved and seconded to extend the conclusion of the meeting to 9.30 p.m. The motion was put to the vote and duly carried.)
Minute No. L.4 Licensing Committee – 8th July, 2019 Draft Street Trading Policy: Consultation Responses
RESOLVED that the Draft Street Trading Policy, as presented, be received and approved.
(During consideration of the recommendation, Councillor Sarah Madigan left the room at 8.49pm and returned to the meeting at 8.50pm respectively.) |
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Updates from Members of the Cabinet on their Portfolio Activity Minutes: The following Cabinet Members gave updates in respect of their Portfolio activity:-
Portfolio Holder for Place, Planning & Regeneration
· regeneration projects including Summit Park development, former Annesley Miners Welfare site new housing development, refurbishment of the Byron Cinema, Hucknall and the relocation of new business to Sherwood Business Park;
· support grants being offered to starter businesses;
· ‘Discover Ashfield’ business breakfasts;
· assistance with the Nottinghamshire County Council Leader Programme funding initiative;
· launch of monthly business surgeries with enterprise partners;
· progress of the Sherwood Observatory planetarium project;
· the framework for the development of the new Local Plan;
· High Street Heritage Action Zone bid for Sutton in Ashfield town centre conservation area;
· the status of the Council’s Future High Street funding bid;
· ‘Discover Ashfield’ branding, gateway signage and recruitment of ambassadors.
Portfolio Holder for Regulatory Services
· holding regular meetings with management;
· getting to know the Licensing Team and their responsibilities;
· acknowledging the process for dealing with travellers and giving thanks to the Strategic Housing Private Sector Enforcement Team for their continued commitment and efficient work ethic;
· undertaking site visits with Licensing Officers to shops, offices, taxi ranks and public houses;
· attending community group, charity and tenant & resident group meetings to ascertain regulatory service requirements.
Portfolio Holder for Housing
· 24 Housing website naming Ashfield District Council as the only local authority in the country to be included on a prestigious list of the top 50 housing landlords including plaudits for rent collection, speed of re-letting properties and high customer satisfaction;
· a lead role in obtaining £1.5m Government funding for assisting rough sleepers and survivors of domestic abuse;
· national recognition for Caleb Hamilton-Parkin shortlisted for an ‘apprentice of the year’ award and Michael Chaplin for ‘mentor of the year’ award;
· commencement of a re-roofing scheme on the Healdswood Estate;
· repair works undertaken to stem a leak at Hucknall Swimming Pool;
· the introduction of a housing tenant portal to serve as a digital one-stop shop for Ashfield tenants;
· the return in-house of the Council’s homelessness function from the previous shared service with Mansfield District Council;
· the Council’s approved investment in 23 additional mixed accommodation properties on Davies Avenue, Sutton in Ashfield.
(During this item, Councillors Helen-Ann Smith, Chris Baron and Samantha Deakin left the room at 8.55pm, 8.56pm and 8.58pm and returned to the meeting at 8.57pm, 8.57pm and 9.00pm respectively.) |
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Notices of Motion
To consider a notice of motion proposed by Councillor David Hennigan and seconded by Councillor Jason Zadrozny, as follows:-
“Ashfield District Council recognises the scale and urgency of the global challenge from climate change. This Council recognises that local action on global warming can make a difference.
This Council acknowledges the steps that Ashfield District Council have been taking to combat climate change.
This Council is proud of the measures we are already taking at a local level. This includes:
(1) Ensuring energy efficiency across all our buildings and the moves towards reducing fleet emissions.
(2) Ensuring a comprehensive programme of planting trees - replacing every tree removed with two trees and planting 1000 trees across the District over the next four years.
(3) Ensuring that our planning policy continues to support blue and green infrastructure (rivers, streams, parks and nature reserves)
(4) Continues to work with community groups across the Ashfield District.
This Council has an obligation to continue to lead, catalyse, support and influence actions by residents, our partners and businesses in the Ashfield District.
This Council therefore resolves to:
(1) Reaffirm its commitment to doing everything possible to combat climate change including committing to a robust climate change strategy.
(2) Include an assessment of the implications for sustainability and the environment in all relevant reports to committees.”
Minutes: The Council received a notice of motion moved by Councillor David Hennigan and seconded by Councillor Jason Zadrozny as follows:-
“Ashfield District Council recognises the scale and urgency of the global challenge from climate change. This Council recognises that local action on global warming can make a difference.
This Council acknowledges the steps that Ashfield District Council have been taking to combat climate change.
This Council is proud of the measures we are already taking at a local level. This includes:
1) Ensuring energy efficiency across all our buildings and the moves towards reducing fleet emissions.
2) Ensuring a comprehensive programme of planting trees - replacing every tree removed with two trees and planting 1000 trees across the District over the next four years.
3) Ensuring that our planning policy continues to support blue and green infrastructure (rivers, streams, parks and nature reserves).
4) Continues to work with community groups across the Ashfield District.
This Council has an obligation to continue to lead, catalyse, support and influence actions by residents, our partners and businesses in the Ashfield District.
This Council therefore resolves to:
1) Reaffirm its commitment to doing everything possible to combat climate change including committing to a robust climate change strategy.
2) Include an assessment of the implications for sustainability and the environment in all relevant reports to committees.”
Councillor Keir Morrison moved an amendment to the motion, seconded by Councillor Lauren Mitchell as follows:-
“Ashfield District Council recognisesthat we are in a state of climate emergency that requires urgent action by all levels of government, including local government. This council also recognises that local action on global warming can make a difference.
This Council acknowledges the steps that Ashfield District Council has been taking to combat climate change.
This Council is proud of the measures we are already taking at a local level. This includes:
1) The change in capacity of the general waste bin, which drove up recycling rates and will achieve long term savings for the authority.
2) Ensuring energy efficiency across all our buildings and the moves towards reducing fleet emissions.
3) Ensuring a comprehensive programme of planting trees - replacing every tree removed with two trees and planting 1000 trees across the District over the next four years.
4) Ensuring that our planning policy continues to support blue and green infrastructure (rivers, streams, parks and nature reserves).
5) Continues to work with community groups across the Ashfield District.
This Council has an obligation to continue to lead, catalyse, support and influence actions by residents, our partners and businesses in the Ashfield District.
This Council therefore resolves to:
1) Reaffirm its commitment to doing everything possible to combat climate change including committing to a robust climate change strategy.
2) Include an assessment of the implications for sustainability and the environment in all relevant reports to committees.
3) Recognise that we are in a state of climate emergency that requires urgent action by all levels of government, including by local councils.
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Questions received in accordance with Council Procedure Rule 13 (None received for this meeting) Minutes: There were no questions submitted by Members. |
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Minutes: There were no questions submitted by Members. |