Issue - meetings

This report provides an update on the service performance in relation to highway weed control and outlines options for improvements to that service.

Resolved:

(i)        That all the reviews be undertaken as outlined in the options:

•  Option 1 – Review the following areas of the street cleansing service.

•  Option 2 – Review and amend the contract

•  Option 3 – Use of third party resources

•  Option 4 – Alternatives to Glyphosate

(ii)      That Bishophill and one other area of York be inspected by officers and the Executive Member for Environment and Climate Change.

(iii)   That officers be requested to consider the future officer monitoring arrangements of the contract.

Reason: Because this will respond to residents and member concerns.

The Executive Member considered a report that provided an update of the service performance in relation to highway weed control and options for improvements to that service which would need to be developed and costed and considered by Executive and Council as part of the budget setting process.

The Assistant Director of Transport, Highways and Environment gave an update and addressed some of the concerns raised by the registered speakers.  It was noted that:

•        Ward Councillors would be consulted on the list of streets to be treated in their particular wards.

•        The value and the terms of the current contract would be confirmed in writing to the Executive Member and the registered speakers¹.

•        A team had been commissioned to focus on removing detritus which collects in kerb lines, particularly on the offside of traffic islands where sweeping was more difficult and less effective. 

•        The Executive Member could also request that:

•  Officers review the option to bring the weed control service in house;

• The Economy & Place Policy & Scrutiny Committee examine and review this service. 

The Executive Member considered the options and agreed that the four listed in the report would support and develop better proposals for consideration.

Following discussions around the use of glyphosate it was:

Resolved:

(i)      That all the reviews be undertaken as outlined in the options:

·        Option 1 – Review the following areas of the street cleansing service.

·        Option 2 – Review and amend the contract

·        Option 3 – Use of third party resources

·        Option 4 – Alternatives to Glyphosate

(ii)     That Bishophill and one other area of York be inspected by Officers and the Executive Member for Environment and Climate Change.

(iii) That Officers be requested to consider the future officer monitoring arrangements of the contract.

Reason: Because this will respond to residents and Member concerns.