STIRLING COUNCIL
MINUTES of the MEETING of STIRLING COUNCIL held in the COUNCIL CHAMBERS,
VIEWFORTH, STIRLING on THURSDAY 22 JUNE 2017 at 10.30 AM
Present:
Provost Christine SIMPSON (in the Chair)
Councillor Maureen BENNISON
Councillor Neil BENNY
Councillor Alistair BERRILL
Councillor Margaret BRISLEY
Councillor Robert DAVIES
Councillor Douglas DODDS
Councillor Martin EARL
Councillor Scott FARMER
Councillor Bryan FLANNAGAN
Councillor Danny GIBSON
Councillor Graham HOUSTON
Councillor Chris KANE
Councillor Graham LAMBIE
Councillor Alison LAURIE
Councillor Alasdair MACPHERSON
Councillor Jeremy MCDONALD
Councillor Susan MCGILL
Councillor Alasdair TOLLEMACHE
Councillor Jim THOMSON
Councillor Evelyn TWEED
In Attendance
Carol Beattie, Interim Director of Children Communities & Enterprise
Jim Boyle, Chief Officer – Finance
Alastair Brown, Director of Localities & Infrastructure
Stewart Carruth, Chief Executive
Natasha Graham, Communications, Marketing & Events Team Leader
Kevin Kelman, Senior Manager Schools & Learning
Drew Leslie, Service Manager Infrastructure Delivery
Louise McDonald, Committee Support Officer, Localities & Infrastructure
Alan Milliken, Senior Manager Communities & People
George Murphy, Accounting Operations Manager
Nicole Paterson, Senior Manager – Environment & Place
Brian Roberts, Senior Manager – Infrastructure
Karen Swan, Committee Officer, Localities & Infrastructure
Marie Valente, Senior Manager Children & Families
Iain Strachan, Chief Officer – Governance (Clerk)
Prior to the start of the meeting, Provost Christine Simpson intimated that the Leader of the Council, Councillor Scott Famer, would make a statement on Fire Safety Issues following the horrendous events at Grenfell Towner in London.
He advised that Stirling Council were taking a pro-active approach in reviewing the fire safety measures across tenures. 1360 properties within Council stock had external wall insulation largely traditional 2 story properties. All external cladding systems deployed were direct-fixed systems with a cement based external render directly applied to the insulation.
Building Standards and Fire & Safety were currently working through proposed inspections of 4 and 5 storey flats, in which the Council has a limited number with 3 externally cladded with cement based render finish, noting that no rain screening boards had been used.
Linked heat and smoke detectors along with upgraded emergency lighting were in the progress of being installed in all 5 storey blocks with detection systems and sprinkler systems in high risk properties e.g. homeless hotels.
Council staff, working with Fire & Rescue colleagues, had been undertaking precautionary checks, upgrading prevention in properties as appropriate and had written out to all residents in 5 storey blocks concerning housekeeping of closes for fire safety reasons. A general communication would also be undertaken to private landlords in relation to their responsibilities regarding fire safety including HMO’s and relevant Regulations.
Councillor Farmer also noted that the University of Stirling had completed inspection of both the traditional hall accommodation and the new build units on 16 June 2017, with no issues raised.
Overall, no properties appear to be affected in the manner which was understood to have had contributed to the fire in London.
Stirling Council would continue to remain vigilant on such matters. Minimising risks by highlighting fire safety and taking advice and guidance as the nation discussion progresses.
SC11 APOLOGIES
Apologies for absence were submitted on behalf of Councillor Ross Oxburgh.
SC12 DECLARATIONS OF INTEREST
There were no declarations of interest.
SC13 URGENT BUSINESS
The Provost indicated her intention to bring forward one report under Urgent
Business: - Scotland Rolling Programme of Electrification Stirling-Dunblane-Alloa (SDA) Delivery of Bridge Replacement Works in Stirling & Dunblane.
Due to the potential impact of the works that Network Rail had proposed, the Provost had determined that there were special reasons why the consideration of the report has a matter of urgency, and accordance with Standing Order 35, the item would be taken as Urgent Business.
Elected Members were reminded of their obligations under the Councillors’ Code of Conduct around the determination of such quasi-judicial and regulatory applications and that the report was for noting/information and comments should be restricted and non-judgemental.
Scotland Rolling Programme of Electrification – Update
Stirling-Dunblane-Alloa (SDA) Delivery of Bridge Replacement Works in Stirling
& Dunblane
The report was to provide Council with an update on the proposed works by Network Rail within the Stirling area. Network Rail were progressing the roll out of the Scottish Government Programme for the electrification of the rail network. It was proposed that this programme would deliver the electrification of the line between Polmont and Dunblane and Alloa by December 2018. The programme would provide service benefits including improved connections across the central belt, with new trains, increased capacity and shorter journey time from Dunblane, Bridge of Allan, Stirling and Alloa.
Within the programme the need to replace the Kerse Road Bridge, where some
elements of the project were subject to a current planning application, would require associated road closure orders to be granted for that aspect of the project to be taken forward. No substantive decision was being sought from the Council in relation to the report.
The Planning Application for the replacement of the Kerse Road structure, Planning Ref: 17/00002/FUL, would be considered at a Hearing to be held by the Planning & Regulation Panel. It was anticipated that the Panel would also consider as a separate item at that meeting the request for Network Rail to temporarily close Kerse Road to vehicular traffic to enable works, and consider the mitigation measures identified to accommodate increased traffic on alternative routes. The date of the Planning & Regulation Panel had not been set as discussion was still ongoing with Network Rail to finalise elements of the project, construction programme, traffic management plan and mitigation measures.
Network Rail had advised that the project required to be completed by late 2018 to enable the electrification of the rail line in December 2018.
The replacement of the Kerse Road Bridge and supporting structures involved major engineering works which would inevitably result in disruption to the communities, businesses and visitors to Stirling.
Officers continued to challenge Network Rail to maximise opportunities to reduce the duration and timing of the works and implement mitigation measures to reduce the impact of alternative traffic and travel managements during the works. To facilitate the replacement of the Kerse Road Bridge, a combination of the off-road works, overnight and short term weekend road closures, periods of one-way closures and a period of full road closure would be required.
Due to the aspects of the proposals which still need to be finalised by Network Rail, and in particular the construction programme, traffic management arrangements, mitigation measures and the time required to complete the work, it was likely to be early August 2017 before the Planning & Regulation Panel could hold the above- mentioned Hearing.
Subject to determination of the planning application, approval of the mitigation measures and road closures, Network Rail’s current draft programme proposed works being undertaken between the end of August 2017 and November 2018. Network Rail confirmed in a meeting with Council Officers on Friday 16 June 2017 that the commencement of works in August 2017 was now unlikely to be achievable, the result of which may be to delay more of the works until after Christmas.
Network Rail were currently reviewing their programme requirements with Transport Scotland, and were not yet in a position to confirm the detail of the revised draft programme of works that would take place during 2017/2018. Officers had requested that this be confirmed by 28 June 2017, in advance of the planned Elected Members briefing with Network Rail on the 29 June 2017.
In response to Elected Members questions, Senior Manager Infrastructure advised that he would confirm to Members the details of proposed Network Rail work within Ward 6 (Pike Road), including level crossings. Also a briefing/communication would be circulated to local businesses and Community Councils to ensure they were kept appraisedof the work/timescales proposed.
Motion
That Council agrees to: -
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note that officers were continuing to challenge Network Rail to reduce the period of works and duration of road closures required to undertake these works, and continue to work with Network Rail to ensure all reasonable steps were taken to minimise disruption to the public;
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note that the planning application for the proposed replacement of Kerse Road bridge will be subject of a Hearing at a future meeting of the Planning & Regulation Panel, and that the road closure request associated with the project was to have been considered at the same Panel.
On reflection Council now delegates the consideration of the road closure and partial closures to the next scheduled meeting of the Environment and Housing Committee or at a special meeting of the Environment & Housing Committee.
It is this meeting of the Environment & Housing Committee which would consider the extent and timing of the proposed road closure, the traffic management plan and mitigation measures associated with the proposed works at Kerse Road Bridge; and
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delegates to the Chief Governance Officer in consultation with the Leaders of the political groups, to seek external legal advice (QC) on legal necessity for Network Rail to carry out the proposed replacement of Kerse Road Bridge and potential derogation from same.
Moved by Councillor Jim Thomson, seconded by Councillor Danny Gibson
Decision
The Motion was unanimously approved without the need for a roll call vote and accordingly the Council agreed to: -
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note that officers were continuing to challenge Network Rail to reduce the period of works and duration of road closures required to undertake these works, and continue to work with Network Rail to ensure all reasonable steps were taken to minimise disruption to the public;
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note that the planning application for the proposed replacement of Kerse Road bridge will be subject of a Hearing at a future meeting of the Planning & Regulation Panel, and that the road closure request associated with the project was to have been considered at the same Panel.
On reflection Council now delegates the consideration of the road closure and partial closures to the next scheduled meeting of the Environment and Housing Committee or at a special meeting of the Environment & Housing Committee.
It is this meeting of the Environment & Housing Committee which would consider the extent and timing of the proposed road closure, the traffic management plan and mitigation measures associated with the proposed works at Kerse Road Bridge; and
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delegates to the Chief Governance Officer in consultation with the Leaders of the political groups, to seek external legal advice (QC) on legal necessity for Network Rail to carry out the proposed replacement of Kerse Road Bridge and potential derogation from same.
(Reference: Report by Director of Localities & Infrastructure, dated 21 June 2017 submitted)
SC14 MINUTES
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Special Meeting of Stirling Council – 9 February 2017
The Minutes of the Special Meeting of Stirling Council held on 9 February 2017 were agreed as an accurate record of proceedings.
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Special Meeting of Stirling Council – 23 February 2017
The Minutes of the Special Meeting of Stirling Council held on 23 February 2017 were agreed as an accurate record of proceedings.
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Meeting of Stirling Council – 2 March 2017
The Minutes of the Meeting of Stirling Council held on 2 March 2017 were agreed as an accurate record of proceedings.
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Statutory Meeting of Stirling Council – 18 May 2017
The Minutes of the Statutory Meeting of Stirling Council held on 18 May 2017 were agreed as an accurate record of proceedings.
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Finance & Economy Committee – 2 February 2017
The Minutes of the Finance & Economy Committee held on 2 February 2017 were agreed as an accurate record of proceedings.
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Community Planning & Regeneration Committee – 16 February 2017
The Minutes of the Community Planning & Regeneration Committee held on 16 February 2017 were agreed as an accurate record of proceedings.
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Provost Panel – 21 February 2017
The Minutes of the Provost Panel held on 21 February 2017 were agreed as an accurate record of proceedings.
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Local Review Body – 2 March 2017
The Minutes of the Local Review Body held on 2 March 2017 were agreed as an accurate record of proceedings.
The Minutes of the Planning & Regulation Panel held on 13 April 2017 were
agreed as an accurate record of proceedings.
SC15 WRITTEN QUESTIONS
Two written questions had been received in terms of Standing Order 41. The
questions and answers are attached at Appendix 1 to these Minutes.
The Members who had put the written questions were allowed one supplementary question and the supplementary questions and answers are also included in Appendix 1.
SC16 QUESTION TIME
In terms of Standing Order 48, Members had the opportunity to put questions to the Provost, the Leader of the Council, any Portfolio Holder or Committee Convener or Chair of any Panel as appropriate regarding any business included in the Volume of Minutes circulated with the agenda for the meeting.
The following questions were put:-
Councillor Martin Earl - Minutes of the Special Meeting of Stirling Council held on 9 February 2017 (SC526 Outcome of the Procurement Process and Contract Award for the Supply of Sport, Physical Activity and Well-being services from 1 April 2017 to 31 March 2042)
Councillor Earl asked whether the transition of the Sports, Physical Activity and Wellbeing services to a new trust would be in place by the agreed time. The Leader of the Council confirmed discussions were at advanced stages with further meetings around governance arrangements being taken over the next few weeks.
Councillor Alistair Berrill – Minutes of Meeting of Stirling Council held on 2 March 2017 (Question to Convener of Environment & Housing Committee – A Boards)
Councillor Berrill asked whether a report on A Boards would be submitted to
Environment & Housing Committee. The Convener of Environment & Housing
Committee confirmed that a report would be brought for submission to the
Committee.
SC17 APPOINTMENT TO EXTERNAL ORGANISATIONS, WORKING GROUPS AND RELIGIOUS REPRESENTATION ON EDUCATION COMMITTEE
At its meeting on 24 May 2017, Council made a number of appointments to
Committees, Panels, Working Groups and External Organisations.
A number of further appointments to certain groups which would help support the Council’s operational activities and which should be made in advance of the review of the current decision-making arrangements were submitted.
Decision
The Council agreed
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to appoint six Elected Members to the Housing Advisory Group: -
Councillor Evelyn TweedCouncillor Alasdair MacPherson
Councillor Danny Gibson
Councillor Martin Earl
Councillor Bryan Flannagan
Councillor Alasdair Tollemache; -
to appoint four Elected Members to the Stirling Local Development Plan/Local
Transport Strategy Group:-Councillor Alasdair MacPherson
Councillor Jim Thomson
Councillor Danny Gibson
Councillor Douglas Dodds; -
to appoint three Elected Members to the Broadband Delivery Group:-
Councillor Chris KaneCouncillor Graham Lambie
Councillor Jeremy McDonald; -
to appoint four Elected Members to the Beauly to Denny Power Line Legacy
Steering Group:-Councillor Maureen Bennison
Councillor Margaret Brisley
Councillor Jim Thomson
Councillor Douglas Dodds; -
to delegate to the Chief Officer – Governance to undertake an appointments process to fill any vacancies that may arise among the public representation on the Beauly to Denny Power Line Legacy Steering Group;
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to appoint the Leader of the Council, Depute Leader of the Council and Convener of the Community Planning & Regeneration Committee to the Community Planning Partnership Leadership Group;
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to appoint Mary Rennie as the Roman Catholic Church statutory religious
representative on the Education Committee; and -
to note the above may be subject to review to reflect the outcome of the review of the current political decision-making arrangements which the Chief Officer – Governance was to conduct and report back to a future Council, which may be within the next six months.
(Reference: Report by Director of Localities & Infrastructure, dated 14 June 2017 submitted)
SC18 PROGRAMME OF COMMITTEE AND PANEL MEETINGS AUGUST 2017 – JUNE
2018
At its meeting on 24 May 2017, Council agreed to instruct the Chief Officer-
Governance to prepare a Programme of Meetings for approval by Council in June 2017.
The report presented a proposed programme of meetings from August 2017 to June 2018 for consideration by Council, generally based on the programme followed during the previous Council term up to March 2017.
A number of free weeks were included and these were shown on the programme.
During the previous Council term, full meetings of Council took place either in the morning or evening at different points in in the cycle, the meeting in June and December being held in the morning. Education Committee met in the evening.
It was proposed that all meetings commence at 10.00 am. This would have a
positive impact on staffing and other resources.
No other changes to the decision-making process were proposed at this time. It was anticipated that a review of the current political decision-making structure would be considered by Council at its December 2017 meeting, at which time Members may wish to update or revise the programme to the end of the Council term in 2022.
Members were in consensus that day meetings would have a positive impact
although it was noted that it would limit the number of public wishing to attend.
Decision
The Council agreed to approve the Programme of Committee and panel meetings attached as an Appendix to the report, subject to any changes made following a review of the current political decision-making structure in December 2017.
(Reference: Report by Director of Localities & Infrastructure, dated 14 June 2017 submitted)
SC19 STIRLING COUNCIL DRAFT ACCOUNTS 2016/2017
The draft Stirling Council accounts for the year to 31 March 2017 had been prepared for audit. The Local Authority Accounts (Scotland) Regulations 2014 required the draft accounts to be submitted to the appointed auditor no later than 30 June 2017, and that Elected Members must consider the unaudited accounts at the meeting be held no later than 31 August 2017.
Given the early completion of the 2016/17 accounts closure process, the draft
accounts were issued to the appointed auditor on 5 June 2017 to enable the
commencement of audit work.
All Members had received electronic copies of the accounts. They had also been placed on the public website.
The report outlined the key features of the financial position displayed in the 2016/17 draft accounts, incorporating a brief overview of the final revenue and capital outturns for both the General Fund and Housing Revenue Account (HRA).
The draft accounts showed the Council ending the year with uncommitted General Fund balances of £8.152m (4.0% of the 2016/17 budget) and HRA balances of
£0.736m. Although the reported outturns were expected to represent the final positions for 2016/17, the figures remain subject to audit.
Elected Members passed on their unanimous praise to Officers on the work involved in the Draft Accounts.
Decision
The Council agreed to: -
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note the General Fund and HRA revenue and capital outturn positions as at 31 March 2017;
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note the position in terms of the Council’s share of the net pension liability of the Local Government Pension Scheme; and
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approve the updating of the 2017/18 General Services Capital Programme budget to reflect additional carry forward commitments and virements of £1.049m as set out in paragraph 3.6.
(Reference: Report by Director of Localities & Infrastructure, dated 13 June 2017 submitted)
SC20 COMMON GOOD FUNDS AND CHARITABLE TRUST DRAFT ACCOUNTS
2016/17
The draft Stirling Common Good Funds and Charitable Trusts Accounts for the year to 31 March 2017 had been prepared for audit. The Local Authority Accounts (Scotland) Regulations 2014 required the draft accounts to be submitted to the appointed auditor no later than 30 June 2017, and that Elected Members must consider the unaudited accounts at the meeting to be held no later than 31 August 2017.
Given the early completion of the 2016/17 accounts closure process, the draft accounts were issued to the appointed auditor on 5 June 2017 to enable the commencement of audit work.
All Members had received electronic copies of the accounts. They had also been placed on the public website.
Following questions from Members, the Chief Officer – Governance confirmed that he was in communication with OSCR about consolidation of the small charitable trusts, and this was progressing.
Decision
The Council agreed: -
1. to note the draft accounts of the Common Good Funds and charitable Trust for the year ended 31 march 2017.
(Reference: Report by Director of Localities & Infrastructure, dated 13 June 2017 submitted)
SC21 EXTENSION AND REFURBISHMENT OF STRATHYRE PRIMARY SCHOOL – FOR DELEGATED AUTHORITY FOR CONTRACT AWARD
The purpose of the report was to provide Council with an update on the Progress of the Strathyre Primary School extension and refurbishment project. The project was prioritised for delivery in the capital programme for 2017 to 2019. The project would provide additional teaching space, as well as providing a sport, dining and community space. It would remove existing modular accommodation, and the need to transport pupils off site for physical education. It outlined the current project scope and costs, and the programme status that directs the request for delegated authority to accept this contract.
The extension and refurbishment project at the School would take place over 12 months, with pupils transported to McLaren High School over the next school year. The original project development cost was £1.6m, and this was planned over 3 years. The pre-tender estimate had identified an increased project cost, based on an increased scope. Project reviews had been undertaken, with savings planned to achieve a project cost of £1.864m. Further work was being undertaken to identify additional savings.
In order to ensure that this school building was ready for handover and occupation in Summer 2018, the contract award for construction works required to be made during the forthcoming period of summer recess and delegated authority was required to ensure the committed programme milestones were met.
It was recognised that the current project estimate would still contain risk around specific areas, particularly external landscaping and drainage, and work continued with the Planning Authority and Scottish Water to confirm final requirements prior to completing the tendering process. Detailed work also continued on the mitigation of other risks and implementation of savings proposals.
Members were in full support of the project although noted it was disappointing that the work could not be completed over the summer holidays to reduce impact on pupils.
In response to a request from Councillor Gibson, Service Manager Infrastructure Delivery confirmed that discussions on sprinkler systems were ongoing and that any updates would be circulated to Elected Members.
Decision
The Council agreed:-
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the revised project budget and profiling of £1.864m; and
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to delegate authority to award the contract to the most economically
advantageous tender to the Director of Localities and Infrastructure in
consultation with the Convener and Vice Convener of Finance & Economy
Committee.
(Reference: Report by Director of Localities & Infrastructure, dated 15 June 2017 submitted)
SC22 MOTIONS IN TERMS OF STANDING ORDER 16
Prior to the Meeting, Elected Members had received supplementary information from Officers on the subject of these Motions. The supplementary information is attached as Appendix 2 to these Minutes.
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Letter to First Minister
Motion“Council recognises that on 8th June 2017 over 62% of voters across Stirling supported anti-independence parties. Council directs the leader of the council to write to the First Minister supporting this clear majority against a second independence referendum and urging the SNP to abandon its support for another vote on this divisive issue.”
Signed by Councillor Neil Benny and Councillor Alistair Berrill
Amendment
(To replace the Motion in its entirety)
“Council agreed that local voters expect Stirling Council to concentrate on local issues whilst leaving constitutional matters for national parliaments where the locus for such matters resides.”
Moved by Councillor Scott Farmer, seconded by Councillor Danny Gibson
Procedural Motion
”That the question is now put to the vote.”
Moved by Councillor Scott Farmer, seconded by Councillor Danny Gibson.
This was put without discussion and voted on by a show of hands, in accordance with Standing Orders.
There were 15 in favour of and 6 against the Procedural Motion.
On the roll being called the Members present voted as follows:-
For the Amendment (15)Councillor Maureen Bennison
Councillor Margaret Brisley
Councillor Robert Davies
Councillor Scott Farmer
Councillor Danny Gibson
Councillor Graham Houston
Councillor Chris Kane
Councillor Graham Lambie
Councillor Alison Laurie
Councillor Alasdair MacPherson
Councillor Susan McGill
Councillor Christine Simpson
Councillor Alasdair Tollemache
Councillor Jim Thomson
Councillor Evelyn TweedAgainst the Amendment (6)
Councillor Neil Benny
Councillor Alistair Berrill
Councillor Douglas Dodds
Councillor Martin Earl
Councillor Bryan Flannagan
Councillor Jeremy McDonaldThe Amendment was carried by 15 votes to 6 and became the Substantive Motion.
For the Substantive Motion (15)Councillor Maureen Bennison
Councillor Margaret Brisley
Councillor Robert Davies
Councillor Scott Farmer
Councillor Danny Gibson
Councillor Graham Houston
Councillor Chris Kane
Councillor Graham Lambie
Councillor Alison Laurie
Councillor Alasdair MacPherson
Councillor Susan McGill
Councillor Christine Simpson
Councillor Alasdair Tollemache
Councillor Jim Thomson
Councillor Evelyn TweedAgainst the Substantive Motion (6)
Councillor Neil Benny
Councillor Alistair Berrill
Councillor Douglas Dodds
Councillor Martin Earl
Councillor Bryan Flannagan
Councillor Jeremy McDonaldDecision
The Substantive Motion was carried by 15 votes to 6 and accordingly Council agreed that local voters expect Stirling Council to concentrate on local issues whilst leaving constitutional matters for national parliaments where the locus for such matters resides.
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Review of Waste Services
Motion
“Council thanks the previous Convener of Environment & Housing Committee
and the officers in the waste team for their considerable efforts in implementing the new waste services collection system.
Council also acknowledges the issues and concerns that have been expressed
by members of the public about the new system.
Council resolves to undertake a full review of the waste collection system and
the implementation of the project and bring it back to a future meeting of the
Environment & Housing Committee.
The review should take into account the views of communities and the feedback through the customer services contact centre.
The review will be reported no later than October 1st.”
Signed by Councillor Martin Earl and Councillor Douglas Dodds
Amendment
“Council thanks the previous Convener of Environment & Housing Committee
and the officers in the waste team for their considerable efforts in implementing the new waste services collection system.
Council also acknowledges the issues and concerns that have been expressed
by members of the public about the new system.
Council notes that the implementation had yet to be rolled out to the City Centre area.
It was further noted that a report would be due to be considered at the next
meeting of the Environment & Housing Committee. This report would highlight
the lessons learnt since the introduction of the new waste delivery vehicles and consider feedback direct from customers and through the call centre.
Members of the committee can decide what future action was required.”
Moved by Councillor Jim Thomson, seconded by Councillor Danny Gibson
On the roll being called the Members present voted as follows:-
For the Amendment (13)
Councillor Maureen Bennison
Councillor Margaret Brisley
Councillor Scott Farmer
Councillor Danny Gibson
Councillor Graham Houston
Councillor Chris Kane
Councillor Graham Lambie
Councillor Alison Laurie
Councillor Alasdair MacPherson
Councillor Susan McGill
Councillor Christine Simpson
Councillor Jim Thomson
Councillor Evelyn Tweed
Against the Amendment (7)
Councillor Neil Benny
Councillor Alistair Berrill
Councillor Robert Davies
Councillor Douglas Dodds
Councillor Martin Earl
Councillor Bryan Flannagan
Councillor Jeremy McDonald
Not Voting (1)
Councillor Alasdair Tollemache
The Amendment was carried by 13 votes to 7 with 1 Member not voting and
became the Substantive Motion.
In light of the amendment becoming the Substantive Motion, the Substantive
Motion was agreed unanimously without the need for a further vote on the same.
Decision
The Council thanks the previous Convener of Environment & Housing Committee and the officers in the waste team for their considerable efforts in implementing the new waste services collection system.
Council also acknowledges the issues and concerns that have been expressed
by members of the public about the new system.
Council notes that the implementation had yet to be rolled out to the City Centre area.
It was further noted that a report would be due to be considered at the next
meeting of the Environment & Housing Committee. This report would highlight
the lessons learnt since the introduction of the new waste delivery vehicles and consider feedback direct from customers and through the call centre.
Members of the committee could decide what future action was required.
The Provost closed the meeting at 11.50 am
Appendix 1
QUESTION FROM COUNCILLOR ALISTAIR BERRILL FOR ANSWER BY CONVENER
OF THE ENVIRONMENT & HOUSING COMMITTEE AT THE FULL COUNCIL MEETING
TO BE HELD ON THURSDAY 22 JUNE 2017.
QUESTION
Has a policy for the rules of engagement of Council's new Parking Enforcement Officers been produced and is it available; specifically, are Enforcement Officers directly or indirectly incentivised to issue parking tickets, or are they instructed to give priority to establishing good relationships with motorists where possible, to keeping the traffic moving, and to issue parking tickets only as a last resort?
Answer
There are no incentive schemes or targets for officers to achieve. It is always a last resort to issue a Penalty Charge Notice to a vehicle. Where possible motorists are moved on or advised to park legally e.g. by purchasing a pay and display ticket, displaying a blue badge. Where vehicles have been issued with a ticket, a judgement has been made that no alternative is available. All Enforcement staff are appropriately trained; a key focus of which is well developed interpersonal skills.
Supplementary Question and Answer
Cllr Berrill thanked the Convener of Environment & Housing Committee for his response and asked would the Administration be setting out a policy, including training requirements for enforcement officers.
The Convener of Environment & Housing Committee clarified that at present there was no written policy that existed. He confirmed that he would meet with Councillor Berrill to review the parking arrangements associated with traders and members of the public that had been raised.
QUESTION FROM COUNCILLOR BRYAN FLANNAGAN FOR ANSWER BY CONVENER
OF THE ENVIRONMENT & HOUSING COMMITTEE AT THE FULL COUNCIL MEETING
TO BE HELD ON THURSDAY 22 JUNE 2017.
QUESTION
Can the Convener of Environment & Housing update the council on the situation regarding the closure of the Kerse Road and Bridge, specifically an update on the negotiations which will determine the length of closure? In addition, when will a detailed breakdown of the closures be given to the residents and business owners?
Answer
A report on Kerse Road and Bridge will be brought to the meeting of Stirling Council on 22 June 2017 as “Urgent Business”. The report will detail the current situation and proposed future negotiations with Network Rail.
APPENDIX 2
MEETING of the STIRLING COUNCIL to be held in the COUNCIL CHAMBERS, OLD VIEWFORTH, STIRLING on THURSDAY 22 JUNE 2017
Motion in Terms of Standing Order 16
Information/Advice from Officers
1. Review of Waste Services
The Members comments are noted. A report will be prepared for the first available meeting of the Environment & Housing Committee providing detail of the changes to the waste service in the preceding 12 months, the progress in implementation of change, the benefits from change and a review of feedback from members of the public. The report can also consider what measures have been taken to address any issues which may have arisen.