Agenda item
Cabinet Member(s) update
The Cabinet Member(s) will update the Panel on any relevant issues. Panel members may ask questions on the update provided.
Minutes:
The Cabinet Member for Transformation and Customer Services Councillor Karen Warrington updated the Panel on the following:
Bath Library Integration – there was a draft layout and would be a second round of engagement for feedback.
Midsomer Norton Library Integration – this would re-open on 4th June with a modern and flexible Council Chamber. The One Stop Shop element will not be fixed in place but provided on roving or wall mounted I-pads.
Branch Libraries -
Paulton - the Parish Council are consulting. Saltford – plans have been approved to move a Post Office into the Library. Weston – volunteers had come forward but there were still decisions to be made on the structure. Moorland Road – volunteers had come forward and there were discussions with Bath University. Radstock – there was space allocated in the Healthy Living Centre which had delayed progress.
The Cabinet Member also reported that there was potential for library services in Bishop Sutton, Chew Valley School, Timsbury, Peasdown St John and Whichurch Village. There has also been engagement with a broadband provider.
The Panel asked the following questions and made the following points:
Regarding the Council Chamber use in Midsomer Norton, it was explained that this could be used for training courses.
Regarding the Mobile Library, it was explained that options were being explored, a click and collect service was available.
The Cabinet Member for Development and Neighbourhoods Councillor Bob Goodman updated the Panel on the following:
Air Quality – there is a magazine BreATHe now available. The Council are committed to a clear air zone and consultation on this was in process. The issue would come back to this Panel before it goes to Cabinet for a decision. There is a clean air day on 21st June.
Leisure – Bath Centre has re-opened and facilities include a gym, trampoline park and bowling alley. The pool is due to open soon.
Waste – There has been an increase in recycling from 48% to 55% which is over a 5 month period which should go up to 60% over a full year. An area of concern remains flats where recycling is not always so advanced but progress was being made.
The Panel asked the following questions and made the following points:
In response to a query from Councillor Evans, the Cabinet Member explained that a breech notice is a yellow sticker on any extra bags left out – the teams ask why and also explains if some of the contents could be recycled. Councillor Turner stated that in some areas black bags were left out such as Bathwick and asked if there would be enforcement at some stage, The Cabinet Member explained that he had met with a champion in the area who was helping the situation.
In response to a question from Councillor Samuel, the Cabinet Member explained that the rise from 48-55% represented the overall collection figures.
The Cabinet Member for Transport and Environment Councillor Mark Shelford updated the Panel on the following:
Sustainability and Environment – item 8 on this agenda.
Resilience – Concrete blocks have been placed around the city to protect people.
London Road – The Planters could be moved to another location, talks were in process with property owners and utilities. Anglo Terrace – the order was raised for the materials to complete the work (8 week delivery period). The line painting of the box junction would be completed soon.
Tog Hill Road Junction – the initial study had concluded that there would either be traffic lights or a roundabout.
Park and Ride – the contract is due for renewal – there were some lighting and planning constraints if an extension was considered. There may be some options for solar panels.
Electric vehicle charging points – on and off street facility was being investigated. There were 3 versions of chargers.
The Panel asked the following questions and made the following points:
Regarding payment for electric vehicle charging, the Cabinet Member confirmed that the Council would have to cover its costs.
Councillor Butters asked about Tram feasibility and if any passive provision was being considered. The Cabinet Member stated that he was keen to see the outcomes of the working group and suggested they might look at the Preston build.
Councillor Samuel stated that he welcomed the update about Anglo Terrace. He asked that now the lodge is complete, we ensure that vehicles cannot hit it again. He also stated that he had weeded some of the planters on London Road and they were in a terrible state yet there were supposed to be maintained by the Council. The Cabinet Member stated that he would pass this on to the relevant person.
Councillor Anketell Jones asked about the Metro West funding. The Cabinet member explained that phase 1 (Bath to Bristol) would be going ahead but phase 2 (to Portishead) was not being funded by the Government.
Councillor Bull asked about line painting and explained that some of the lines in Paulton are disappearing. The Cabinet Member said he would investigate this.