Agenda, decisions and minutes

The Cabinet Member was asked to declare any personal or prejudicial interests she might have in the business on the agenda.  Councillor Crisp declared a personal non-prejudicial interest in agenda item 6 -  “Developing the Explore Vision in the Library Service” (minute 11 refers), as a retired member of Unison.

To approve and sign the minutes of the meeting held on 12 July 2011.

RESOLVED:       That the minutes of the Decision Session – Cabinet Member for Leisure, Culture and Social Inclusion held on 12 July 2011 be signed by the Cabinet Member as a correct record.

At this point in the meeting, members of the public who have registered their wish to speak at the meeting can do so. The deadline for registering is Monday 12 September 2011 before the meeting at 5.00 pm.

Members of the public may register to speak on :-

·        an item on the agenda

·        an issue within the Cabinet Member’s remit;

·        an item that has been published on the Information Log since the last session.

A resident of Elmfield Terrace had registered to speak under the council’s Public Participation Scheme regarding agenda item 4 – “Refresh of the Council’s Events Protocol”.  Referring to the inclusion of Monk Stray within the Events Protocol, he expressed concern that the stray may be used to hold events which created a public nuisance to nearby residents.  He drew attention to possible problems in respect of noise, other anti-social behaviour and car parking.  The speaker urged that more consultation take place with residents regarding this matter.

Councillor Ayre spoke in respect of agenda item 4 – “Refresh of the Council’s Events Protocol”.  He stated that there had been a failure to consult with residents on this issue and that significant issues had arisen since the previous protocol had been implemented.  He raised particular concerns regarding the reclassification of Rawcliffe Country Park and at the decision to remove the buffer zone.  Councillor Ayre urged that meaningful consultation take place with residents. 

Councillor Ayre also spoke in respect of agenda item 6 – “Developing the Explore Vision in the Library Service”.  He stated that he welcomed the planned consultation but regretted the delays that had occurred in the consultation and the costs incurred because of this.

This report asks the Cabinet Member to approve a revision to the Events Protocol for the Council’s parks and open spaces.

RESOLVED:       That the revised Events Protocol, as set out in Annex 1 of the report, be approved.

REASON:           To make the city’s parks and open spaces more vibrant and ensure the events management principals are observed by all parties.

The Cabinet Member received a report that asked her to approve a revision to the Events Protocol for the council’s parks and open spaces.

Officers detailed the key issues that had been addressed in the revised protocol, including the option of requiring a monetary bond from events organisers under certain circumstances.  Officers clarified that the protocol did not deal with the licensing of the land.  It was noted that “larger community events and gatherings” had been included in the list of activities to recognise events such as the Olympic Torch and York 800 celebrations.

Referring to the representations made under the council’s Public Participation Scheme, the Cabinet Member stated that the new protocol did not propose any changes in respect of Monk Stray, and that if public events licences were to be applied for they would be subject to public consultation.   

In respect of Rawcliffe Bar Country Park, the Cabinet Member stated that the site had been included with other larger sites but the cornfield had been excluded.

The Cabinet Member stated that the intention was that the experience of those using the sites would be enhanced by the protocol.

Officers were thanked for their work in preparing the revised protocol.

RESOLVED:       That the revised Events Protocol, as set out in Annex 1 of the report, be approved.

REASON:           To make the city’s parks and open spaces more vibrant and ensure the events management principals are observed by all parties.

A Local Council Charter is a document which sets out principles of working together and co-operation between the local authority and parish and town councils within the local authority area. This report presents a draft revision of the current York Local Council Charter for consideration.

RESOLVED:       That the draft revised Local Council Charter, detailed in Annex B of the report, be approved.

REASON:           In order to demonstrate a continued commitment to working in partnership with local/parish councils.

The Cabinet Member received a report which presented a draft revision of the current York Local Council Charter.  The Charter set out principles of working together and co-operation between the local authority and parish and town councils within the local authority area.

The Cabinet Member acknowledged the consultation that had taken place in preparing the revised charter and expressed her appreciation of the work of those who had participated.  She stated that it was particularly important at this time that arrangements for working in partnership were in place.

RESOLVED:       That the draft revised Local Council Charter, detailed in Annex B of the report, be approved.

REASON:           In order to demonstrate a continued commitment to working in partnership with local/parish councils.

This report proposes a programme of community consultation in order to guide the roll out of the Explore Library Learning Centre model across the city.

RESOLVED:       (i)      That the Head of Service be instructed to

develop a community engagement plan along the lines set out in paragraph 9 of the report.

(ii)      That revised staffing arrangements be implemented to deliver the proposed approach, as set out in paragraphs 13 and 15 of the report.

REASON:           So that the library service can continue to develop its Explore vision.

The Cabinet Member received a report that proposed a programme of community consultation in order to guide the roll out of the Explore Library Learning Centre model across the city.

Officers gave details of the consultation that would take place to ensure that the service reflected the needs of local communities and special interest groups.

The Cabinet Member stated that she had requested that there be a comprehensive programme of community consultation and equality impact assessment to underpin the roll out, in order to ensure that the service met the needs of all York residents.  She commented on the excellent standard of equalities data that had now been obtained.

Referring to the staffing implications, the Cabinet Member stated that she had discussed this issue with the Unison trade union convener and that consultation with trade unions and staff was ongoing. 

The Cabinet Member thanked officers, including front-line staff, for the work that they had carried out and stated that it was important that new and innovative ideas were implemented to enhance the library experience. 

RESOLVED:       (i)      That the Head of Service be instructed to

develop a community engagement plan along the lines set out in paragraph 9 of the report.

(ii)      That revised staffing arrangements be implemented to deliver the proposed approach, as set out in paragraphs 13 and 15 of the report.

REASON:           So that the library service can continue to develop its Explore vision.