MINUTES

OF THE MEETING OF THE

Council

Tuesday 17th June 2003

HELD AT THE TOWN HALL, WESTON-SUPER-MARE, SOMERSET.

Meeting Commenced: 6.00 p.m. Meeting Concluded: 8.20 p.m.

PRESENT: Councillors Ian Peddlesden (Chairman), Glyn Duck (Vice-Chairman), Nigel Ashton, Felicity Baker, Ian Baker, Bob Bateman, Michael Bell, Jeremy Blatchford, Astra Brand, Nick Brown, Peter Bryant, Peter Burden, Mark Canniford, John Clark, Andy Cole, Robert Coleman, Bob Cook, Alan Cotton, John Crockford-Hawley, Isabel Cummings, John Daws, Peter Fisher, Colin Golland, Jenny Gosden, Ann Harley, Alan Hockridge, Peter Kehoe, Derek Kraft, Muriel Kraft, Tom Leimdorfer, Greta Lewis, Ronald Moon, George Morris, Michael Nobes, Mari Owens, Ian Parker, Hugh Parsons, Robert Payne, Ian Porter, Howard Roberts, Michael Roe, David Shopland, Richard Skinner, Bob Steadman, Chanel Stevens, Sally Tabrett, Audrey Telling, Arthur Terry, James Tonkin, Richard Tucker, Barry Walters, Clive Webb, Elizabeth Wells, Roz Willis, Deborah Yamanaka.

APOLOGIES FOR ABSENCE: Councillors Elfan Ap Rees, Jon Gething, Tony Lake, John Norton-Sealey and Andy Wright.

COU

Prayer

The Rev. Norman Wallwork offered prayer.

COU

Public Participation Time: Proposed Tropicana Highway Changes (1) (Mr. T.J. Day) (Agenda Item 1)

Mr. Day addressed the Council. He expressed concern about the proposals for the traffic arrangements needed for the Tropicana development and he also made reference to traffic congestion, and traffic management problems generally, in the rest of the town. He requested that the Council investigate these matters particularly bearing in mind that they were having an effect on the commercial viability of some businesses.

The Chairman thanked Mr. Day for his address.

COU

Public Participation Time: Proposed Tropicana Highway Changes (2) (Mr. Ron Comer) (Agenda Item 1)

Mr. Comer addressed the Council. He represented the Royal Sands Management Companies and although acknowledging that traffic management arrangements would have to change arising from the proposed Tropicana development, he expressed concern at some of the proposals. In particular he referred to the reversal of the traffic flow along Marine Parade and the removal of the Marine Parade barrier. He requested that these matters be reconsidered.

The Chairman thanked Mr. Comer for his address.

COU

Petition: Double Yellow Lines in Copse Road, Clevedon (Councillor Shopland) (Agenda Item 3)

Councillor Shopland presented a petition that was in the following terms:

“The Council want to put double yellow lines in Copse Road. If you oppose this, please complete below.”

The Chairman referred the petition to Councillor Burden, the Executive Councillor for Strategic Planning.

COU

Petition: Traffic Systems Within Weston-super-Mare (Councillor Bryant) (Agenda Item 3)

Councillor Bryant presented a petition that was in the following terms:

“We the undersigned demand North Somerset Council prioritise an in depth study of all existing and proposed traffic systems within Weston-super-Mare including Worle and consult fully with residents before any identified problem areas are ‘improved’.”

Councillor Bryant made a statement in respect of the petition.

The Chairman referred the petition to Councillor Burden, the Executive Councillor for Strategic Planning.

COU

Declarations of Interest (Agenda Item 4)

A Member declared the interest below -

Councillor Cotton – Interest in the Local Access Forum as a member of the Ramblers’ Association.

COU

Minutes – 13th May 2003 (Agenda Item 5)

RESOLVED: that the minutes of the meeting be approved as a correct record.

COU

The Constitution 2003 (Agenda Item 6)

Motion: Moved by Councillor Terry and seconded by Councillor Roe –

“(1) that the Constitution Working Party and the Standards Committee be thanked for their ongoing work and that their comments and recommendations be noted;

(2) that the recommendations of the Constitution Working Party be approved and adopted;

(3) that the Constitution be amended to allow for the election of a second representative of the Town and Parish Councils to the Standards Committee;

(4) that the Solicitor to the Council be instructed to amend the Constitution in accordance with these recommendations and the Schedule to item 6 together with any minor consequential amendments he considers necessary for their implementation; and

Amendments to Standing Orders to stand deferred

(5) that it be noted that items (14) to (16) require further consideration, and that items (1), (12) and (13) require changes to Standing Orders and, therefore, cannot be implemented forthwith but stand deferred until the next full Council meeting, the remainder of the changes to take effect on 23rd June 2003.”

First Amendment: Moved by Councillor Roe and seconded by Councillor Hockridge –

“(1) that the terms of reference for the proposed Environmental Services Policy and Scrutiny Panel include -

Highway Maintenance Contract,

Street Lighting Contract; and

(2) that the following Councillors be elected as the Chairmen and Vice-Chairmen of the proposed Policy and Scrutiny Panels -

Finance and Resources Policy and Scrutiny Panel –

Chairman: Councillor Brown

Vice-Chairman: Councillor Skinner

Housing, Health and Social Care for Adults Policy and Scrutiny Panel –

Chairman: Councillor Moon

Vice-Chairman: Councillor Mrs. Muriel Kraft

Children and Young People Policy and Scrutiny Panel –

Chairman: Councillor Blatchford

Vice-Chairman: Councillor Leimdorfer

Strategic Planning and Economic Development Policy and Scrutiny Panel –

Chairman: Councillor Ap Rees

Vice-Chairman: Councillor Canniford

Environmental Services Policy and Scrutiny Panel –

Chairman: Councillor Cotton

Vice-Chairman: Councillor Porter

Community Services Policy and Scrutiny Panel –

Chairman: Councillor Cole

Vice-Chairman: Councillor Bates

Organisational Effectiveness Policy and Scrutiny Panel -

Chairman: Councillor Steadman

Vice-Chairman: Councillor Mrs. Felicity Baker;

(3) that the Municipal Calendar be amended to provide for the changes; and

(4) that the Councillors’ Allowances Panel meet and report to the next Council

meeting having regard to recommendation (6) of the Working Party.”

The First Amendment was ACCEPTED BY THE MOVER AND SECONDER OF THE MOTION AS PART OF THE MOTION.

Second Amendment: Moved by Councillor Bell and seconded by Councillor Derek Kraft –

“That the call-in arrangements for Executive decisions be changed to provide that any two Members of the appropriate Policy and Scrutiny Panel may demand the call-in of a decision.”

The Second Amendment was ACCEPTED BY THE MOVER AND SECONDER OF THE MOTION AS PART OF THE MOTION.

Third Amendment: Moved by Councillor Brown and seconded by Councillor Shopland –

“That in respect of the representation of Town and Parish Councils on the Standards Committee, the Standards Committee liaise with Town and Parish Councils on the representation.”

The Third Amendment was ACCEPTED BY THE MOVER AND SECONDER OF THE MOTION AS PART OF THE MOTION.

Fourth Amendment: Moved by Councillor Shopland and seconded by Councillor Roe –

“That in respect of recommendation (12) of the Working Party, all after “reply” be deleted.”

The Fourth Amendment was ACCEPTED BY THE MOVER AND SECONDER OF THE MOTION AS PART OF THE MOTION.

It was thereupon

RESOLVED: that the Substantive Motion, recorded above as Motion, First Amendment, Second Amendment, Third Amendment and Fourth Amendment, be approved and adopted.

COU

Honorary Aldermen (Agenda Item 7)

Motion: Moved by Councillor Bryant and seconded by Councillor Fisher –

“That the Council exercise its right to create honorary aldermen.”

Debate ensued.

It was thereupon

RESOLVED: that the Motion be approved and adopted.

COU

Chairman’s Announcements (Agenda Item 8)

Former Members

The Chairman would be meeting former Members of the Authority at a lunch to be held in due course.

Engagements

During the previous four weeks, the Chairman had attended 20 engagements in North Somerset.

Pauline Pearce

Pauline Pearce, the Contract Manager for Grounds Maintenance, had been awarded a City and Guilds Medal for Excellence for outstanding performance on her horticultural course. On behalf of the Council, the Chairman congratulated Ms. Pearce.

Graham Pearson, Assistant Director of Housing and Social Services (Adult Care)

The Chairman advised the Council that Graham Pearson, (Assistant Director of Housing and Social Services (Adult Care)) would soon be leaving the Council’s employ to take up an appointment with Swindon Borough Council. The Council expressed appreciation to Mr. Pearson for his work for the Authority, with acclamation.

COU

Forward Plan (Agenda Item 9)

Councillor Roe, Chairman of the Executive, presented the Forward Plan (dated 16th June 2003) and made a statement thereon.

RESOLVED: that the Forward Plan be received.

COU

Advance Written Questions (Agenda Item 10)

Advance written questions to the relevant Members were received and the questions and the replies are contained in Appendix 1.

COU

Question Time (Agenda Item 11)

Oral questions were directed to the relevant Members. The Members concerned and the summary notes and the topics involved are contained in Appendix 2.

COU

Report and Matter Referred from the Executive

27th May 2003 (Agenda Item 12)

(Minute EXE 2) Housing Association Development Programme 2003/4 – Scheme Details and Funding Approval

Motion: Moved by Councillor Roe, seconded by Councillor Mrs. Cummings and

RESOLVED: that the recommendation be approved and adopted.

COU

Report on an External Organisation

Avon and Somerset Police Authority (Councillor Terry) (Agenda Item 15)

Councillor Terry presented a report and Members asked questions thereon.

RESOLVED: that the report be received.

COU

Best Value Performance Plan 2003/2004 (Agenda Item 17)

Councillor Fisher presented a report.

Motion: Moved by Councillor Fisher, seconded by Councillor Roe and

RESOLVED:

(1) that the Draft Performance Plan 2003/4, contained in Appendix 1 of the report, be approved;

(2) that the Chief Executive Officer be authorised to approve the final plan in consultation with the relevant Executive Members; and

(3) that the Council note that regular monitoring of the Council’s performance against the targets set out in the Performance Plan will form part of a work programme for the Executive and the Policy and Scrutiny Panels.

COU

Appointments to the Local Access Forum (Agenda Item 18)

Councillor Roe presented a report.

Motion: Moved by Councillor Roe, seconded by Councillor Hockridge and

RESOLVED: that Councillors Clark, Cook and Mrs. Harley be appointed to the Local Access Forum.

COU

Appointment to the Adoption Panel (Agenda Item 19)

Councillor Ashton presented a report.

Motion: Moved by Councillor Ashton, seconded by Councillor Roe and

RESOLVED: that Councillor Mrs. Harley be appointed to the Adoption Panel.

COU

The Hutton Moor Playing Fields Project (Agenda Item 20)

The Chairman ruled that a report on this item be considered as urgent because there would be demonstrable harm to the public interest if the grant aid requirement by Sport England to complete the bulk of the work by October 2003 were not met.

Councillor Hockridge presented a report.

Motion: Moved by Councillor Hockridge and seconded by Councillor Roe –

“That the contract for the Hutton Moor Playing Fields Project be awarded to contractor A, Kestrel Golf and Sport, in accordance with the revised specification, for the sum of £458,121.60.”

Amendment: Moved by Councillor Duck and seconded by Councillor Derek Kraft –

“That the works omitted in the tender reduction exercise be reinstated.”

Debate ensued.

The Amendment was LOST.

It was thereupon

RESOLVED: that the Substantive Motion, recorded above as Motion, be approved and adopted.

________________________________

Chairman

________________________________

APPENDIX 1

NORTH SOMERSET COUNCIL

COUNCIL MEETING, 17TH JUNE 2003

ADVANCE WRITTEN QUESTIONS (Agenda Item 10)

QUESTION NO. 1

From Councillor Brown

To Councillor Roe, Leader of the Council

Financial Issues

“In common with all other councillors you will have received my recent memorandum about the key financial issues facing the Council. What are your thoughts on any of the specific points raised?”

Reply:

Councillor Roe indicated that the matters would have to go through the Policy and Scrutiny Panels.

In response to a supplementary question, Councillor Roe did not comment on the points raised by Councillor Brown.

QUESTION NO. 2

From Councillor Bell

To Councillor Hockridge, Deputy Leader of the Council

Lottery Grants

“A recent House of Commons Library report estimates that North Somerset has received £16.091 million in Lottery grants up to 5th June 2003. This compares to an estimated £28.827 million received by the Taunton area, £34.703 million for South Gloucestershire and £197.799 million for Bristol. Can the Executive Member outline the work currently undertaken by the Council to support local groups seeking to bid for Lottery cash and can he look at ways of further enhancing these efforts in future?”

Reply:

“The establishment of the Lottery Fair Share scheme was recognition that some areas across the country had not been as successful as others in attracting lottery funds. In many cases however this is due to several interlocking issues, firstly the capacity of the Voluntary and Community sector to complete complicated lottery application processes, secondly the criteria that determines successful applications has an emphasis on deprivation, social need and poverty, issues that most areas of North Somerset struggle to meet and finally sustainability of service delivery post any lottery success. Many of our small, mostly part time and voluntary organisations are committed to delivering services and do not have the infrastructure to either manage the application, paper stream, reporting process and exit strategies. Capital funding has been seen to be a more successful route than revenue for these reasons. The Local Authority working with the Greater Bristol Foundation has been increasing its support to the sector, through helping with application, advising on criteria and project development to enable greater uptake and success.

In March 2003 the Council's Funding Advisory Service organised a Fair Share Event publicising the scheme and allowing groups to meet the funders. The Fair Share initiative is now in its second year of a ten year programme, to date the Community Fund has spent £1.15 million on voluntary/community projects across North Somerset as part of the Fair Share programme and approximately £250,000 of New Opportunities Fund (NOF) grant has been allocated to projects in the district. We will continue to monitor the outcomes to see if this has changed the allocation pattern.”

In response to a supplementary question, Councillor Hockridge confirmed that he would arrange for the relevant Policy and Scrutiny Panel to consider the matter.

QUESTION NO. 3

From Councillor Clark

To Councillor Hockridge, Deputy Leader of the Council

Parish Wharf Leisure Centre

“The Deputy Leader Member may recall that in January I asked a question about Parish Wharf Leisure Centre and problems with the pool.

I was advised by the Executive Member of the time ‘we are organising works to resolve the ventilation problem ........ and progressing a positive solution to the water leak’. He hoped that these works would take place before April. It appears that whilst some preliminary meetings have taken place no work has actually commenced on these problems.

When can we look forward to work being completed on this long running problem?”

Reply:

“Further consideration on overcoming these problems has been continuing. Now that the outstanding major contractual issues have been resolved we have been able to progress the necessary works.

The provision of the secondary ventilation system has been tendered. Work is programmed to start on the 30th June and will take about 3 weeks; work will take place mainly at night.

An order for the steelwork/railings was placed on 4.5.03. The steelwork is currently being produced and installation works will start during late August. Once again, as much work as possible will take place at night.

Lastly, a decision has been made to resolve the leaking pool features, by creating new routes for the water supply. Currently investigations are being made into specialist contractors who can provide a design that is both aesthetically pleasing, economical and practical.”

In response to a supplementary question, Councillor Hockridge indicated that he would re-launch the project when the work had been completed.

QUESTION NO. 4

From Councillor Mrs. Muriel Kraft

To Councillor Mrs. Cummings, Executive Member for Housing

Housing Benefits

“Is she aware of the situation with Liberata where they are issuing housing benefit cheques without code numbers? This means that claimants receiving cheques on a Saturday have to visit the Town Hall Housing Office the following Monday in order to get the cheques stamped.

How long will this ridiculous situation continue and when will she take action to prevent it?”

Reply:

Councillor Mrs. Cummings replied that there were just over 150 people who cashed their benefit cheques through post offices. Until 30th June there would be problems for cheques to be cashed arising from a change of arrangements. The situation would be resolved in two weeks.

QUESTION NO. 5

From Councillor Cotton

To Councillor Roe, Leader of the Council

Law and Order

“During the recent elections I was reminded by many of my residents that law and order is a major concern. Anti-social behaviour and mindless vandalism are issues for which people expect a police response and yet in Clevedon the police are largely invisible. ‘I have not seen a policeman on-the-beat in Clevedon for years’ was a common comment.

I note that together with their council tax demand every household received a leaflet from Avon and Somerset Police Authority. This leaflet described improvements which would be delivered with the additional 196 police officers and the 162 support staff.

Could the Leader describe how he will use his influence to encourage and monitor improvements which these extra resources should deliver across all of North Somerset?”

Reply:

Councillor Roe replied that he was aware of the problems and would pursue the matters.

In response to a supplementary question, Councillor Roe indicated that Councillor Terry intended to give the Council regular reports on the Police Authority.

APPENDIX 2

NORTH SOMERSET COUNCIL

COUNCIL MEETING, 17TH JUNE 2003

QUESTION TIME (Agenda Item 11)

QUESTION NO. 1

From Councillor Terry

To Councillor Burden, Executive Member for Strategic Planning

Safety Camera Partnership

Councillor Terry referred to the question of public accountability of this Partnership and the presentation that the Partnership had made to the Police Authority. He asked whether Councillor Burden would invite the Partnership to make a similar presentation to Members of the Council.

Councillor Burden said that he would invite the Partnership to make a similar presentation to Members of the Council.

QUESTION NO. 2

From Councillor Shopland

To Councillor Mrs. Yamanaka, Executive Member for Environment and Community

Refuse Collection

Councillor Shopland referred to the fact that dustbins now had to be placed on the pavement in Clevedon if they were to be collected. He enquired as to who would be responsible in the event of the dustbins causing an accident.

Councillor Mrs. Yamanaka indicated that she would investigate the matter.

Councillor Shopland asked a supplementary question and enquired whether back door collections could be reinstated for Clevedon. Councillor Mrs. Yamanaka indicated that she would look into this matter.

QUESTION NO. 3

From Councillor Canniford

To Councillor Roe, Leader of the Council

Local Taxation

Councillor Canniford enquired as to what efforts had been made in trying to reduce the level of tax increases in the coming year and he also enquired whether the Leader of the Council would consider any savings in spending to help ease the effects on the ratepayer.

Councillor Roe indicated that every Member of the Council should participate in the scrutiny of the Council’s Budget with the aim of keeping local taxation as low as possible.

Councillor Canniford raised a supplementary question and stated that a 1% reduction in the Budget would result in a 4% reduction in the rates and he enquired whether Councillor Roe appreciated this.

Councillor Roe confirmed that a small reduction could make a difference to the local taxation required.

QUESTION NO. 4

From Councillor Walters

To Councillor Hockridge, Deputy Leader of the Council

Section 106 Agreements and Special Expenses Funding

Councillor Walters asked whether Councillor Hockridge would offer a report to the appropriate Scrutiny Panel to show how democratic accountability was exercised on monies provided by Section 106 Agreements and special expenses and how the ten year maintenance obligation was to be both met and funded.

Councillor Hockridge indicated that he would arrange for such a report to be prepared and submitted.

QUESTION NO. 5

From Councillor Bell

To Councillor Roe, Leader of the Council

Business Improvement Districts

Councillor Bell referred to the provisions of the Local Government Bill currently progressing through Parliament which enabled the creation of Business Improvement Districts. Although the Bill had not yet completed its Parliamentary stages, Councillor Bell enquired whether Councillor Roe could indicate whether he had had any discussions with officers about the potential for one or more bids in North Somerset and could he comment particularly on the potential for a bid in Weston-super-Mare.

Councillor Roe indicated that no detailed discussions had taken place but the situation would be examined in due course.

QUESTION NO. 6

From Councillor Porter

To Councillor Hockridge, Deputy Leader of the Council

Kewstoke Toll Road

Councillor Porter referred to a recent near tragedy on the Kewstoke Toll Road and he enquired whether Councillor Hockridge supported the Police view that barriers should be erected to improve safety.

Councillor Hockridge indicated that he would investigate the matter.

QUESTION NO. 7

From Councillor Nobes

To Councillor Mrs. Cummings, Executive Member for Housing

Unfit Houses

Councillor Nobes referred to the number of houses unfit for human habitation in North Somerset and enquired as to the steps being taken to reduce the number.

Councillor Mrs. Cummings indicated that this matter would be considered by the relevant Policy and Scrutiny Panel in due course.

QUESTION NO. 8

From Councillor Blatchford

To Councillor Hockridge, Deputy Leader of the Council

Nailsea Swimming Pool

Councillor Blatchford enquired about a feasibility study for the Nailsea Swimming Pool.

Councillor Hockridge indicated that this would be considered in due course.

QUESTION NO. 9

From Councillor Webb

To Councillor Burden, Executive Member for Strategic Planning

Road Structure in Weston-super-Mare

Councillor Webb asked whether Councillor Burden would arrange for the review of the road structure in Weston-super-Mare.

Councillor Burden referred to the review that had taken place and the process followed. Further consultations were in progress and he would consider observations from Members.

QUESTION NO. 10

From Councillor Parsons

To Councillor Burden, Executive Member for Strategic Planning

Traffic Matters in Banwell

Councillor Parsons enquired as to the progress of the review of traffic problems in Banwell.

Councillor Burden indicated that this matter was being pursued.