Agenda item

Cabinet Member update

The Cabinet Members will update the Panel on any relevant issues. Panel members may ask questions on the updates provided.

 

Minutes:

Councillor Karen Warrington, Cabinet Member for Transformation and Customer Services addressed the Panel, a summary of her update is set out below.

 

Libraries

 

She said that she had received positive feedback on the proposals for Midsomer Norton Library.

 

She explained that an Engagement Panel had been established to look at the plans associated with the future of Bath Library. She said that she would look to share them with the Panel as soon as it was possible.

 

She stated that with regard to Community Libraries 11 initial contacts were made in respect of running them, this was followed by 7 expressions of interest and has resulted in 3 full applications.

 

She said that she was pleased to announce that Saltford Community Library Hub transferred to community ownership today (Monday 16th July) and will open to the public on Tuesday 17th July.

 

She informed the Panel that Stowey Sutton Community Library was planned to commence in September 2018 and Weston Community Library was planned to commence in October 2018.

 

She explained that discussions were still ongoing regarding the Mobile Library vehicle and availability of drivers for the service.

 

Councillor Richard Samuel asked for timescales concerning the Bath Library and whether the proposals would be subject to the Planning Application process and subsequent debate at a meeting of the Development Management Committee.

 

Councillor Warrington replied that the Engagement Panel had concluded its work in July and that she intended to bring the plans to the September meeting of the Panel. She added that Planning officers have been involved throughout the process and would await their decision on what process was required next.

 

Councillor Patrick Anketell-Jones asked if the consultation showed clearly the library offer that was wanted by the public.

 

Councillor Warrington replied that it had and the intention is for the site to be a Library and Information Service that will include study space with a range of technology available and space for 1-2-1 interviews to be carried out.

 

Councillor Bob Goodman, Cabinet Member for Development and Neighbourhoods addressed the Panel, a summary of his update is set out below.

 

Joint Community Safety Plan

 

He wished to commend the Plan and the remarkable work carried out by Samantha Jones, Inclusive Communities Manager in producing it.

 

Waste

 

He informed the Panel that he was working on vision for Waste and would to look to bring that to them when it was ready.

 

Littering

 

He stated that he had made a decision to increase the maximum fine for littering to £150 and that this would come into effect from 17th July 2018.

 

Air Quality

 

He said that modelling was taking place almost constantly and that a Business Plan was due by the end of the year. He said that this would be presented to the Panel prior to a decision being made, possibly their September meeting.

 

Leisure Centres

 

The refurbishment of Keynsham Leisure Centre has begun.

 

The new swimming pool at Bath Leisure Centre looks great and will reopen on July 23rd 2018.

 

Grass Cutting

 

He said that issues around ownership and frequency of cutting were being resolved.

 

Parks & Gardens

 

He said that a funding application had been made to the Rethinking Parks 2018.

 

He informed the Panel that various categories in Bath in Bloom had been judged between Saturday, 7th July and Sunday, 15th July 2018 and award winners and their friends will be invited to attend the Gala Presentation of awards and prizes in autumn 2018.

 

Councillor Richard Samuel asked if following a recent statement from a member of the public to Council on the issue of waste collection from flats if the Panel could be involved in this work.

 

Councillor Goodman replied that he would be happy for the Panel to be involved.

 

Councillor Peter Turner asked if the increased littering fines would be advertised.

 

Councillor Goodman replied that they would and that he would look to spread the message as much as possible.

 

Councillor Turner commented that he was aware that not all establishments within the city were using gull proof bags.

 

Councillor Goodman replied that the BID has helped in financing the bags for some premises. He added that some businesses must be addressed regarding their food waste.

 

Councillor Mark Shelford, Cabinet Member for Transport and Environment addressed the Panel, a summary of his update is set out below.

 

Transport

 

He informed the Panel that works on Marlborough Buildings and London Road were nearly complete and that the planters on London Road were due to transfer to the community for their upkeep.

 

He explained that there is a delay in works at Odd Down Coach Park as a species of butterfly had been identified that required protection.

 

He said that the parking price increase had been well received, along with the 10% discount for residents. He added that work continues in assessing an emissions based car parking charge.

 

He stated that a refurbishment of the underpass at Rossiter Road was about to take place.

 

Councillor Neil Butter asked if he could enquire as to the process of painted pavements as there was an issue within his ward (Bathavon South) where a section of pavement was requiring further attention.

 

Councillor Shelford replied that if Councillor Butters supplied him with more details he would follow up on his behalf.

 

Councillor Richard Samuel commented that he had witnessed as many as 10 coaches ‘idling’ in the Avon Street Coach Park and asked what could be done to prevent this.

 

Councillor Shelford replied that he would ask for signage to be put in place and enquire with officers if there was a need to visit the site.

 

The Chairman asked who would be paying for the planned highway drainage system on Freezing Hill Lane.

 

Councillor Shelford replied that the land was within South Gloucestershire and that funding had been sourced through WECA.

 

The Chairman asked if the 10% parking discount for residents only applied for the first hour.

 

Councillor Shelford replied that he would have to check and reply in due course.

 

Councillor Patrick Anketell-Jones asked if preparations were being made to exclude traffic from Kingsmead Square.

 

Councillor Shelford replied that this was being considered.

 

The Chairman thanked all of the Cabinet Members for their updates on behalf of the Panel.