30 11 2005

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

An apology for inability to attend the meeting was submitted on behalf of the Mayor.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

RESOLVED: That the Minutes of the Board meeting held on 14 September 2005 be approved and signed by the Chairman as a true and correct record.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Consideration was given to a report of the Borough Treasurer, which sought approval to the Council joining the proposed Hampshire Marketplace e–procurement initiative.

 

 

 

It was reported that a proposal to implement a local e-procurement project was recently presented to the Hampshire and Isle of Wight Efficiency Group.  This project would deliver many of the benefits sought following the recent adoption of a Procurement Strategy.  The project would be based on the Improvement and Development Agency (IDeA) solution, already in operation elsewhere in the region.  The IDeA: Marketplace solution was ideal for authorities wishing to maintain the procurement process within their own financials solutions as the content (catalogues and suppliers) could be accessed directly through virtually all such systems or for those without any purchasing systems at all.

 

 

 

Council membership of a marketplace had the potential to provide:

 

 

 

 

·        Instant savings

 

 

·        e-Procurement functionality

 

 

·        High quality management information

 

 

·        The ability to trade electronically with suppliers of all sizes

 

 

·        A simplified process for suppliers to trade with members electronically

 

 

 

The Borough Treasurer concluded that there had been a launch meeting for the proposal and if approved tonight, the Council would be the latest Council to join the initiative.  Already, seven Hampshire Districts, together with the County Council and the Isle of Wight had taken up membership.  At the launch, two further District Councils had attended as observers. Elsewhere in the country other authorities were operating the system, including nine out of ten Districts in Hertfordshire. 

 

 

 

RESOLVED: That the Hampshire Marketplace initiative be supported and the Council formally join as a District Council member for an initial 3-year period at a total cost of £32,250.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The Chairman formally withdrew this item at the meeting. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Consideration was given to a Cross-Reference from the Services Overview and Scrutiny Committee (25 October 2005) concerning the report of the Car Parking Working Group.

 

The Services Overview and Scrutiny Committee had formally requested the Board to (i) note the report of the Car Parking Working Group and (ii) give consideration to Councillors being able to park free of charge at the Town Hall Operational car park when visiting the Town Hall on Council business.

 

 

 

A number of members of the Board expressed their disappointment that the Car Parking Working Group did not appear to have addressed a number of issues the public had previously raised on the Car Parking Scheme, e.g. (i) first hour free parking, (ii) two hour free parking and (iii) free parking on a Sunday and on Bank Holidays. The Chairman advised that these proposals had been referred to in the Working Group’s report although the cost implications had not been set out. He had obtained information on the costs for free short stay parking and free Sunday parking, which were in the region of £430, 000, amounting to an increase of 10% on the Borough’s Council Tax.

 

 

 

RESOLVED: That -

 

 

 

(i)

the Board request the Services Overview and Scrutiny Committee to undertake a further review including the issues identified above; and

 

 

(ii)

councillors parking free of charge at the Town Hall Operational car park be not supported.

 

Apologies for inability to attend the meeting were submitted on behalf of the Mayor and Councillor Mrs Batterbury.

 

 

Councillor Wright declared a non-prejudicial interest in that any decision made regarding High Street improvements would not affect any decision he made as a Hampshire County Councillor.

 

Councillor Hook declared a personal and prejudicial interest in the item: “High Street Improvements”.

 

 

RESOLVED: That the Minutes of the Board meeting held on 5 September 2005 be approved and signed by the Chairman as a true and correct record.

 

 

Consideration was given to a report of the Regulatory Services Manager, which considered the objections received in response to the statutory advertisement of the proposal to prohibit waiting at the Tintern Road, Richmond Road and Walton Road junctions with Gordon Road by Traffic Regulation Order.  The approval of the Board was sought to make and implement the Borough of Gosport (Gordon Road Junctions) (Prohibition of Waiting At Any Time)(No1) Order 2004.

 

 A copy of a letter from Councillor Chegwyn was circulated to Board Members, which raised concerns regarding the loss of parking space and a possible increase of traffic speed resulting from the proposed waiting restrictions and suggested that the length of the double yellow lines should be limited to that of one car, approximately 3.5 metres. Members were advised that the proposed waiting restrictions were a compromise to satisfy the desire to improve safety and maintain reasonable access and traffic flow, and to accommodate the growing demand for on-street parking. The proposed restrictions reflected only the basic requirements of the Highway Code but would improve on the existing sight lines at the junctions, which should reduce the risks of injuries. They would enable access to the side roads for most vehicles without obstruction, thereby reducing congestion and the risk of tail end shunts. The double yellow lines would also provide more passing places in Gordon Road, which would reduce congestion and delay to buses.

 

Members were advised that, whilst it was accepted that the restrictions would result in a small loss of parking in an area with no alternative spaces on the highway, it was the responsibility of the Council to maintain and promote safe roads and protect the rights of the wider public to use the highway without undue obstruction.

 

Members raised the question of the implementation of 20 mile per hour speed limits. Officers’ understanding was that such speed limits would only be promoted by Hampshire County Council if they were largely self-enforcing. This would most likely require the provision of complementary traffic calming measures, which may not be appropriate to the road.

 

Members requested that a report on this latter subject be submitted to the next meeting of the Board.

 

RESOLVED: That-

 

a)

the implementation of waiting restrictions as shown in drawing number 242/1040A attached to the Regulatory Services Manager’s report be approved;

 

 

b)

having regard to the nature of the proposals and all the representations, a public enquiry be not held in respect of the Borough of Gosport (Gordon Road Junctions)(Prohibition of Waiting at Any Time)(No 1) Order 2004; and

 

 

c)

officers submit a report to the next meeting of the Board regarding the implementation of 20 mile per hour speed limits.

 

Note: Councillors Carr and Smith requested that a record be made of their votes against the recommendations for resolutions a) and b) above.

 

 

 

Consideration was given to a report of the Leisure and Amenities Manager, which advised the Board of the need for additional work to complete the refurbishment of Stokes Bay Paddling Pool.  Approval was sought for the allocation of an additional £40,000 from the Children’s Playing Space Account to fund the additional costs incurred in refurbishing the paddling pool.

 

Members were advised that, as works on the paddling pool progressed, it had become apparent that there was considerable scope to make further improvements, which would significantly add to the public's enjoyment of the new facility.  In particular it had been possible to cater for the needs of the very young and the disabled, as prescribed by the Disability Discrimination Act 1995, through the provision of shallow gradients both into the pool area and into the pool itself.

 

The major items of expenditure were summarised as follows:

 

§         Removal of steep ramp, unsuitable for wheelchair access, prams and pushchairs, from the promenade onto the poolside

§         Construction of semi-circular entry ramp into paddling pool, suitable for very young children and the disabled

§         Construction of circular corners to main pool

§         Replacement of damaged and uneven paving slabs with yellow tarmac to create a beach effect

§         Provision of multi-coloured bench seats around the poolside

§         Replacement of pumps, filters and pipework

§         Construction of a sewer across the car park from poolside to connect into existing sewer

§         Construction of shallow ramp, suitable for wheelchairs and the elderly, giving access from the car park to the promenade

§         Removal of badly vandalised and unsightly entry kiosk at promenade level

§         Construction of new entry kiosk and store at car park level

§         Construction of timber planters complete with sub-tropical plants

§         Modifications to railings to prevent small children falling from promenade onto the poolside

§         Rendering and decoration of poolside walls with a cartoon style mural

 

Members were advised that it had become apparent that, if the paddling pool was to realise its full potential, certain modifications would have to be implemented and this would result in an overspend.  Discussions with the Chairman of the Community and Environment Board had established that additional funding could be made available through the Ch, ildren’s Playing Space Account.

 

Members were advised that the approximate cost of the final scheme was £115,000 to which funds of £75,000 had already been allocated, leaving a deficit of £40,000. The total of the commuted sums unallocated in all seven Local Children’s Playing Space Provision Areas (Borough Wide) was £79,219 and approval was sought for the allocation of £40,000 from this balance, leaving a total of £39,219 in the Children’s Playing Space Account.

 

Members were concerned at the potential effect on the individual area funds making up the Children’s Playing Space Account and received assurances that those with a current balance of less than £5,000 would not be required to contribute and those with a balance of or exceeding £5,000 would not be reduced to less that £5,000.

 

Members requested information regarding the current position of open space developer contributions and it was agreed that officers would provide a briefing note to Board Members on this matter in due course.

 

RESOLVED: That-

 

a)

the allocation of an additional £40,000 from the Children’s Playing Space Account to fund the additional costs incurred in refurbishing the Stokes Bay Paddling Pool be approved; and

 

 

b)

officers be requested to provide a briefing note to Board Members on the current position of open space developer contributions.

 

 

 

 

Note: Councillor Hook declared a personal and prejudicial interest in this item, left the meeting room and did not take part in the discussion or voting thereon.

 

Councillor Wright declared a non-prejudicial interest in that any decision made regarding High Street improvements would not affect any decision he made as a Hampshire County Councillor.

 

Consideration was given to a report of the Chief Executive, which advised the Board on the progress of preparing proposals for the High Street, Gosport and their recommended approval for implementation.

 

Members were advised that the Town Centre Study Members Panel, at its meeting on 24 October 2005, had approved plans put forward by Plincke Landscaping Ltd and agreed that the proposals accorded with the results of the public consultation exercise previously undertaken. The Panel had felt that improvements to the High Street should commence as soon as possible and consideration should be given to further works when funds became available.

The Panel had recommended that approval be given for the first phase of works to include:

 

i)

Improvements to street lighting, especially in the alleyways leading to the High Street;

 

 

ii)

Removal of brick planters on the High Street except for those in the Town Hall area which would be given a coloured cladding and the provision of additional seats; and

 

 

iii)

Refurbishment/upgrading of street furniture in the High Street;

 

 

 

The Panel had also recommended that-

 

 

i)

Officers be given authority to proceed with applications for planning permission, listed buildings consent and Section 278 Agreements where necessary; and

 

 

ii)

Officers keep Members of the Town Centre Study Members Panel informed of progress with the improvement works.

 

Members of the Board agreed to these recommendations and also agreed that the Town Centre Study Members Panel should monitor progress via meetings as and when required.

 

RESOLVED: That-

 

a)

approval be given for the first phase of works to include:

 

i)                    improvements to street lighting, especially in the alleyways leading to the High Street;

 

ii)                  removal of brick planters on the High Street except for those in the Town Hall area which would be given a coloured cladding and the provision of additional seats; and

 

iii)                refurbishment/upgrading of the street furniture in the High Street.

 

 

b)

officers be given authority to proceed with applications for planning permission, listed building consent and Section 278 Agreements, where necessary; and

 

 

c)

officers keep Members of the Town Centre Study Members Panel informed of progress with improvement works and that the Town Centre Study Members Panel monitor progress via meetings as and when required.

 

 

The meeting commenced at 6.00 p.m. and concluded at 7.15 p.m.

 

The Mayor (Councillor Burgess) (ex-officio), Chairman of Policy and Organisation Board (Councillor Hook) (ex-officio) (P), Councillors Allen (P), Carter (P), Mrs Cully (P), Davis (P), Foster (P), Gill (P), Philpott (P), Rigg (P), Mrs Salter and Mrs Wright (P).

 

 

It was reported that, in accordance with Standing Orders, notice had been received that Councillor Smith would replace Councillor Mrs Salter for this meeting.

 

 

 

 

Apologies were received on behalf of The Mayor and Councillor Mrs Salter.

 

 

 

 

There were no declarations of interest.

 

 

 

 

RESOLVED:  That subject to the deletion of the words “…although it was confirmed that the majority of the homelessness caseload came from Gosport.” in the third paragraph of Minute No 18 – Funding Homelessness Prevention, the Minutes of the meeting of the Housing Board held on 7 September 2005 be approved and signed by the Chairman as a true and correct record.

 

 

 

 

There were no deputations.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The Board received a copy of the Housing Services Manager’s report setting out the changes to the Right to Buy Scheme brought about by the 2004 Act, along with a new Right to Buy Strategy, particularly related to the early re-sales by RTB purchasers.

 

 

The Board noted all the changes to the scheme that were indicated in bold type in the report.

 

 

Members noted that, following further consideration by officers of the Government Guidelines, an amended Appendix A to the report had been circulated prior to the meeting.  This Appendix proposed that the Borough Treasurer would determine applications to waive the repayment of a discount received on a Right to Buy sale and not the Housing Services Manager, as originally proposed.  In view of the budget implications inherent in any discounted repayment agreement, Members agreed that the Borough Treasurer should consider such applications in the first instance, with any appeal being considered by the Chief Executive.

 

 

RESOLVED:  That the Board:

 

(i)                      note the changes to the Right to Buy legislation;

 

(ii)                    adopt the new Right to Buy Strategy as outlined in Appendix A to the report;    and

 

(iii)                  delegate authority to the Borough Treasurer to determine applications to   waive repayment of part or the whole amount of the repayable discount and also delegate authority to determine any appeals to the Chief Executive in accordance with the Council’s Right to Buy Strategy.

 

 

 

 

RESOLVED: That under Section 100(A)(4) of the Local Government Act 1972, the public be excluded from the meeting for the under-mentioned item of business on the grounds that it involves the likely disclosure of exempt information as defined in paragraph 9 of Part I of Schedule 12A of the Act.

 

 

 

 

The Board received an exempt copy of the report of the Head of Technical Services setting out the background to the proposed partnering arrangement for response repairs, voids and associated works, and with a recommendation that a bespoke contract be entered into with Connaught Property Services Ltd for these services from 17 March 2006.

 

 

 

 

Board Members noted a revised recommendation to authorise the letting of the contract for a period of five years and to provide the option to extend the contract for a further two years.

 

 

RESOLVED:  That the Board:

 

(i)       authorise the letting of a bespoke partnering contract with Connaught Property Services Limited to run for five years from 17^th March 2006, with an option to extend this for a further two years, in respect of the provision of response repairs, voids and associated works; and

 

(ii)    consider any recommendation to extend the contract at the end of the initial   five-year period.