Agenda, decisions and minutes

At this point in the meeting, the Executive Member is asked to declare:

·        any personal interests not included on the Register of Interests;

·        any prejudicial interests;

·        any disclosable pecuniary interests

which they may have in respect of business on this agenda.

The Executive Member confirmed that she had no personal interests not included on the Register of Interests, nor any prejudicial or disclosable pecuniary interests, to declare in the business on the agenda.

To approve and sign the minutes of the Decision Session held on 23 October 2017.

Resolved:  That the minutes of the Decision Session held on 23 October 2017 be approved, and signed as a correct record.

At this point in the meeting, members of the public who have registered to speak can do so. The deadline for registering is 5.00pm on Friday, 15 December 2017.  Members of the public can speak on agenda items or matters within the Executive Member’s remit.

To register to speak please contact the Democracy Officer for the meeting, on the details at the foot of the agenda.

Filming, Recording or Webcasting Meetings

Please note that, subject to available resources, this meeting will be filmed and webcast ,or recorded, including any registered public speakers who have given their permission. The broadcast can be viewed at http://www.york.gov.uk/webcasts or, if recorded, this will be uploaded onto the Council’s website following the meeting.

Residents are welcome to photograph, film or record Councillors and Officers at all meetings open to the press and public. This includes the use of social media reporting, i.e. tweeting.  Anyone wishing to film, record or take photos at any public meeting should contact the Democracy Officer (contact details are at the foot of this agenda) in advance of the meeting.

The Council’s protocol on Webcasting, Filming & Recording of Meetings ensures that these practices are carried out in a manner both respectful to the conduct of the meeting and all those present.  It can be viewed at

https://www.york.gov.uk/downloads/file/11406/protocol_for_webcasting_filming_and_recording_of_council_meetings_20160809

It was reported that there had been no registrations to speak at the session under the Council’s Public Participation Scheme.

Written representations had been received in respect of Agenda item 4 (Update on the Arboricultural Management of Council Trees) from:-

a)    The Foxwood Residents Association, expressing disappointment that the council did not consult residents’ associations on local tree management strategies and outlining matters which they felt should be included in such strategies, and

b)   Steve Galloway, highlighting increased complaints about overgrown trees and bushes in Westgate Ward, stressing the need for improved communication with residents and seeking more local discretion on tree and bush management.

This report explains how the council manages its own, or ‘public’, trees and seeks approval for an updated policy for the management of these trees.

Resolved:  (i)      That the updated policy for the management of the council’s public trees, as set out in Annex 1 to the report, be approved, subject to the addition of the words ‘and amenity space’ after ‘formal Parks and Gardens’ in the new Policy Statement 19.

Reason:     To ensure that the Council’s duty of care towards tree management and protection remains consistent and transparent, and that resources are used to the best effect.

                   (ii)      That Officers respond to those who have submitted written representations on this item and consider arranging a meeting with the Foxwood Residents’ Association.

Reason:     In order to deal appropriately with the issues raised by the representors.

                   (iii)     That a further update report be brought to the Executive Member in six months’ time.

Reason:     In order to monitor the progress and effectiveness of the updated policy.

The Executive Member considered a report which explained how the council managed its own, ‘public’, trees (i.e. trees on the land it directly managed) and proposed a number of updates to the policy for the management of these trees.

The policy adopted in 2016 had helped to explain how work was prioritised and why complaints about ‘dangerous’ trees were often categorised as low priority.  The changes proposed to the policy would enable ward committees to fund work on trees categorised as lower priority.  They would also ensure that more details were recorded regarding the outcome of inspections and address the management of trees in woodlands and formal parks.  The changes were summarised in paragraphs 15 to 18 of the report and the full policy, with proposed amendments and additions, was attached at Annex 1. 

The Executive Member expressed support for the proposals, and noted that the policy did not apply to hedges.  She raised concerns about street lights being obscured by trees, a problem she felt had been exacerbated by the new energy-saving LED lighting.  Officers recognised the problem and committed to work on a case by case basis, in consultation with the Arboricultural Manager where necessary.

Resolved:  (i)      That the updated policy for the management of the council’s public trees, as set out in Annex 1 to the report, be approved, subject to the addition of the words ‘and amenity space’ after ‘formal Parks and Gardens’ in the new Policy Statement 19.

Reason:     To ensure that the Council’s duty of care towards tree management and protection remains consistent and transparent, and that resources are used to the best effect.

                   (ii)      That Officers respond to those who have submitted written representations on this item and consider arranging a meeting with the representors.

Reason:     In order to deal appropriately with the issues raised by the representors.

                   (iii)     That a further update report be brought to the Executive Member in six months’ time.

Reason:     In order to monitor the progress and effectiveness of the updated policy.