Agenda, decisions and minutes

At this point Members are asked to declare any personal or prejudicial interests they may have in the business on this agenda.

At this point in the meeting Members present were invited to declare any personal or prejudicial interests they might have in the business on the agenda. None were declared.

To approve and sign the minutes of the last City Strategy Decision Session held on 6 April 2010.

RESOLVED:             That the minutes of the last Decision Session – Executive Member for City Strategy, held on 6 April 2010 be approved and signed by the Executive Member as a correct record.

It was reported that there had been one registration to speak at the meeting under the Council’s Public Participation Scheme. Details of the speaker are set out under the individual agenda item.

The Executive Member deferred a decision on this report at the last Decision Session on 6 April 2010, to allow Officers time to prepare a response to each of the representations made in writing by Councillors Merrett, D’Agorne and the Ramblers Association.

[A copy of the report presented to the Decision Session on 6 April is attached to this item on-line, for information]

RESOLVED:             That the Executive Member approves Option 1, and agrees to:

i)              Authorise the Head of Civic, Democratic and Legal Services to make and advertise the required Definitive Map Modification Orders to add all those paths to the Definitive Map, where it is recommended based on the evidence available, to make an Order (see bottom of page of each Schedule (Annexes 1-3) for recommended action).

ii)            If no objections are received, or any objections received are subsequently withdrawn, the Orders referred to in i) above be confirmed; or

iii)          If objections are received, and not withdrawn, the Orders, or relevant parts thereof, be referred to the Secretary of State for determination.

REASON:                  As surveying authority for the area, the City of York Council has a statutory duty (Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981, section 55(3)), to produce a Definitive Map and Statement for the former County Borough of York; and in doing so is obliged to make Definitive Map Modification Orders to register the existence of all public rights of way in that area.

The Executive Member considered a report, which sought to assist him in determining whether or not to make a number of Definitive Map Modification Orders to record public rights of way on the Definitive Map for the former Borough of York within Guildhall, Fishergate and Micklegate Wards.

Consideration was also given to the Officers tabular response to each of the representations made in writing by Councillors Merrett, D’Agorne and the Ramblers Association for which this item had been deferred at the last Decision Session.

Councillor Merrett referred to additional comments he had forwarded to Officers, prior to the meeting, raising a number of issues in relation to various routes. He stated that since the meeting he had viewed the Sustrans route adjacent to the Law College/Middlethorpe and that the gate previously referred to did not obstruct this route as had been stated so he felt that this path should be included on the Definitive Map. He also referred to an additional paths he had identified in Knavesmire Woods and to the path on Mill Mount/Scarcroft Hill for which he had received conflicting information about its status. He hoped these routes could also be added to the Map.

Officers confirmed that they welcomed evidence in relation to the existence of the various paths and that Members comments would be taken on board.

The Executive Member referred to the Officer responses made to representations and he confirmed that he was now satisfied that the Orders could be advertised.

He considered the following options:

Option 1: Make the necessary DMMOs to add those paths to the Definitive Map that are recommended in the Schedules.  This option is recommended; or

Option 2:  Do not make the DMMOs to add the paths to the Definitive Map.

RESOLVED:             That the Executive Member approves Option 1, and agrees to:

i)              Authorise the Head of Civic, Democratic and Legal Services to make and advertise the required Definitive Map Modification Orders to add all those paths to the Definitive Map, where it is recommended based on the evidence available, to make an Order (see bottom of page of each Schedule (Annexes 1-3) for recommended action).

ii)            If no objections are received, or any objections received are subsequently withdrawn, the Orders referred to in i) above be confirmed; or

iii)          If objections are received, and not withdrawn, the Orders, or relevant parts thereof, be referred to the Secretary of State for determination. ^1.

REASON:                  As surveying authority for the area, the City of York Council has a statutory duty (Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981, section 55(3)), to produce a Definitive Map and Statement for the former County Borough of York; and in doing so is obliged to make Definitive Map Modification Orders to register the existence of all public rights of way in that area.

This report seeks to assist the Executive Member in determining whether or not to make a number of Definitive Map Modification Orders to record public rights of way on the Definitive Map for the former County Borough of York within the Clifton, Heworth, Holgate and Hull Road Wards.

RESOLVED:            That the Executive Member agrees to:

i)          Authorise the Head of Civic, Democratic and Legal Services to make and advertise the required Definitive Map Modification Orders to add all those paths to the Definitive Map, where it is recommended, based on the evidence available, to make an Order (see bottom of page of each Schedule (Annexes 1-4) for recommended action).

ii)        If no objections are received, or any objections received are subsequently withdrawn, the Orders referred to in i) above be confirmed; or

iii)      If objections are received, and not withdrawn, the Orders, or relevant parts thereof, be referred to the Secretary of State for determination.

REASON:                  As surveying authority for the area, the City of York Council has a statutory duty (Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981, section 55(3)), to produce a Definitive Map and Statement for the former County Borough of York; and in doing so is obliged to make Definitive Map Modification Orders to register the existence of all public rights of way in that area.

Consideration was given to a report which sought to assist the Executive Member in determining whether or not to make a number of Definitive Map Modification Orders to record public rights of way on the Definitive Map for the former County Borough of York within the Wards of Holgate, Clifton, Heworth and Hull Road.

The Executive Member pointed out that there had been very few comments and objections submitted in relation to these proposals. He then considered the following options:

Option 1: Make the necessary DMMOs to add those paths to the Definitive Map that are recommended in the Schedules.  This option is recommended; or

Option 2:  Do not make the DMMOs to add the paths to the Definitive Map.

RESOLVED:    That the Executive Member agrees to:

i)          Authorise the Head of Civic, Democratic and Legal Services to make and advertise the required Definitive Map Modification Orders to add all those paths to the Definitive Map, where it is recommended, based on the evidence available, to make an Order (see bottom of page of each Schedule (Annexes 1-4) for recommended action).

ii)        If no objections are received, or any objections received are subsequently withdrawn, the Orders referred to in i) above be confirmed; or

iii)      If objections are received, and not withdrawn, the Orders, or relevant parts thereof, be referred to the Secretary of State for determination. ^1.

REASON:                  As surveying authority for the area, the City of York Council has a statutory duty (Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981, section 55(3)), to produce a Definitive Map and Statement for the former County Borough of York; and in doing so is obliged to make Definitive Map Modification Orders to register the existence of all public rights of way in that area.

This report informs the Executive Member of the results of the public consultation undertaken on the proposed improvements to the Blossom Street area, advises of road network implications of any alterations made and presents potential options for altering the layout to improve safety for all users.

RESOLVED:                That the Executive Member for City Strategy agrees to:

i)             Note the results of the public consultation;

ii)           Note the results of micro-simulation computer modelling undertaken to ascertain the road network impact of making various alterations to Blossom Street;

iii)         Approve the implementation of the preferred option detailed in Annex ‘E’, in order that further consultation can be undertaken locally to develop detailed design, resulting in works being tendered and construction commencing in the autumn of 2010;

iv)         Delegate to the Director of City Strategy authority to approve the detailed design of the scheme, including refinements aimed at addressing any outstanding Police comments about safety issues, as well as any practical opportunities to include cycle priorities on Holgate Road and to reduce the problems caused by the cobbled gutter, and vehicles poorly parked on the double yellow lines, on the narrow strip of cobbles on the south side of Blossom Street;

v)            Request Officers to pursue the introduction of additional loading and waiting restrictions in Blossom Street so that any agreed changes can be implemented at the same time as other work is completed in the area.

REASON:                        The proposals will provide facilities to enhance the accessibility and safety for all users of this road, with significant improvements for the more vulnerable users: pedestrians and cyclists.  In addition, the streetscape and approach along Blossom Street towards the historic Micklegate Bar will be significantly improved, particularly by removing unnecessary street furniture.  The proposed measures would also make a significant contribution towards the aims of the Council as a Cycling City.

The Executive Member considered a report, which informed him of the results of the citywide public consultation undertaken on the proposed improvements to the Blossom Street area. The report also advised of the road network implications of any alterations made to Blossom Street and its junction with Queen Street, Micklegate and Nunnery Lane, following further detailed analysis.

The following options had been considered as part of the proposals:

Option A is merely a comparison case to the base model and acts as the ‘status quo’.  The only change here is the conversion of the bus-gate from signalised to a merge.  As discussed, this does show some apparent benefit to car users of this corridor and therefore acts as the ‘do minimum’ case against which each of the other Options are compared.

Option B (which was Option 1 in the public consultation) includes a new signalised one-stage pedestrian crossing between the Bar Convent and the Windmill PH, much to the benefit of pedestrians.  In addition, the inbound Blossom Street stop-line is set further back so that larger vehicles can make an easier left turn into Queen Street.  Furthermore, an extended cycle feeder-lane is introduced under Micklegate Bar outbound so that outbound cyclists can travel to the front of stationary traffic to access the ASL, unhindered by vehicles queuing and blocking the archway. 

Option C is the same, other than that the two other ‘staggered’ (two-stage) pedestrian crossings, at Holgate Road and outside the cinema, are straightened into one-stage so that pedestrians can cross in one movement.

Option D is the same as Option B (with similar benefits), except this time one inbound traffic lane on Blossom Street is removed (three lanes reduced to two) so that room is made to introduce a new inbound cycle lane.  This has the benefit that cyclists now have a facility inbound.  In addition, inbound traffic lanes would be significantly wider than the narrow ones, which are currently present.  With wider traffic lanes and with already being displaced further from the kerb by the new cycle lane, left-turning vehicles would no longer need to straddle both lanes and could easily make the manoeuvre.

Option E (which was Option 2 in the public consultation) is the same, other than that the flare from one to two traffic lanes occurs later inbound, after the cinema crossing.  This means that the inbound cycle lane can be continuous from Holgate Road to the Micklegate junction.

Option F (which was Option 3 in the public consultation) includes a new staggered two-stage pedestrian crossing outside the Bar Convent and also on the Queen Street arm, to improve capacity of this junction.  In addition, although similarly inbound to Option E for cyclists, a further cycle lane is introduced, as well as an outbound cycle lane.  As a result, outbound traffic lanes are reduced from two to one, and consequently the two outbound Queen Street lanes must be separately phased.

Officers circulated an update at the meeting which detailed their responses to additional comments  ...  view the full minutes text for item 101.

This report provides background information about various elements of the proposed works on the public highway as part of the Access York Phase 1 project and examines the consultation process requirements

RESOLVED:          That the Executive Member for City Strategy agrees to:

(i)                 The consultation proposals as set out in paragraphs 12 to 14 of the report;

(ii)               The timescale for producing detailed reports to this Decision Session in September 2010 for further consideration; detailed in paragraph 9 of the report.

REASON:                  To ensure that the Access York Phase 1 project continues to progress satisfactorily and to make sure that any approval of works within the public highway receives appropriate consultation

The Executive Member considered a report, which provided background information and timescales in relation to the various elements of proposed works to be constructed on the public highway as part of the Access York Phase 1 project that had not been considered for approval within the planning application process.

The report also examined the consultation process requirements and outlined the draft proposals for the bus corridor and resurfacing works and the integration of the proposed cycling improvements.

Officers updated that, since the agenda had been published, the Planning Committee had, at their meeting on 29 April, granted planning permission for the Wigginton Road Park and Ride site.

Councillor Merrett welcomed the proposals and related bus priority measures. He asked that consultation should also be undertaken with Micklegate Ward residents and cycling groups. He confirmed that his only concern related to the Wigginton Road Park and Ride bus service not penetrating the city centre and made suggestions as to possible routes to overcome this.

Officers confirmed that Micklegate Ward members would be consulted on the proposals and that they were in the process of examining eight different route options for the service.

The Executive Member confirmed that there had been no comments received in relation to the timescales and that it was important to coordinate other capital works with these improvements.  He stated that he anticipated that there would be a lot of public interest in these proposals and that he hoped a consensus on the way forward could be agreed.

RESOLVED:          That the Executive Member for City Strategy agrees to:

(i)                 The consultation proposals as set out in paragraphs 12 to 14 of the report;

(ii)               The timescale for producing detailed reports to this Decision Session in September 2010 for further consideration; detailed in paragraph 9 of the report. ^1.

REASON:                  To ensure that the Access York Phase 1 project continues to progress satisfactorily and to make sure that any approval of works within the public highway receives appropriate consultation

[As amended at the Executive Member for City Strategy Decision Session held on 1 June 2010]

This report sets out the arrangements for the day to day operation of the Council’s Dial and Ride service, which is currently delivered by the charity York Wheels.

RESOLVED:             That the Executive Member for City Strategy authorises Officers to tender the day-to-day operation of Dial & Ride externally, including vehicle maintenance (as set out as Option 2 in this report) and requests Officers to ensure, as far as possible, that the voluntary sector are enabled to submit tenders on an equal footing with the commercial sector.

REASON:                  To ensure that the Council continues to operate a high quality Dial & Ride service whilst ensuring that it is getting the best value for money across all aspects of the operation and to ensure that the service operates efficiently.

Consideration was given to a report, which set out the arrangements for the day-to-day operation of the Council’s Dial and Ride service, which was currently delivered by the charity York Wheels. The Dial and Ride was a Council service for York residents who could not use other local bus services either because they could not get to a bus stop or who needed extra assistance at either end of their journey.

The Executive Member confirmed that, at this stage, only tenders were being invited for running the service and that there would be another opportunity to discuss options when interest in the contract was known. He stated that in view of representations received he was to amend the proposals to ensure that the voluntary sector were given equal opportunity to put forward their proposals should they so wish.

He then considered the following options:

Option 1 - Instruct officers to renegotiate a service level agreement with York Wheels for the day-to-day operation of Dial & Ride.  This option will include setting and reviewing strategic targets on an annual basis to ensure the continuing improvement of assisted travel services for York residents.

Option 2 - Instruct officers to tender the day-to-day operation of Dial & Ride externally, including vehicle maintenance.

Option 3 - Instruct officers to bring all aspects of the operation of Dial & Ride in-house.

RESOLVED:             That the Executive Member for City Strategy authorises Officers to tender the day-to-day operation of Dial & Ride externally, including vehicle maintenance (as set out as Option 2 in this report) and requests Officers to ensure, as far as possible, that the voluntary sector are enabled to submit tenders on an equal footing with the commercial sector. ^1.

REASON:                  To ensure that the Council continues to operate a high quality Dial & Ride service whilst ensuring that it is getting the best value for money across all aspects of the operation and to ensure that the service operates efficiently.

This report updates the Executive Member on the current position concerning the introduction of an integrated ticket for York and regional progress on the delivery of the ‘Yorcard’.

RESOLVED:          That the Executive Member for City Strategy notes the  contents of this report and:

i) Supports the continuation of work to support the introduction of both integrated and smart ticketing for bus passengers in York and specifically through work being undertaken as part of the Yorcard scheme.

ii)                  Agrees to surveys being conducted to identify the demand for a multi-operator bus ticket alongside a citizens’ panel survey.

REASON:      Both integrated and smart ticketing will encourage greater bus use and will make bus travel more affordable.

The Executive Member considered a report, which updated him on the current position concerning the introduction of an integrated ticket for York together with regional progress on the delivery of ‘Yorcard’.

Officers updated that agreement had now been reached with the operators serving Elvington to introduce cross ticketing and that this was now in operation.

The Executive Member confirmed that this was a useful report which showed that some progress was being made on the difficult issue of cross ticketing and that the ‘Yorcard’ trial was to be further developed.

RESOLVED:          That the Executive Member for City Strategy notes the contents of this report and:

i) Support the continuation of work to support the introduction of both integrated and smart ticketing for bus passengers in York and specifically through work being undertaken as part of the Yorcard scheme. ^1.

ii)                  Agree to surveys being conducted to identify the demand for a multi-operator bus ticket alongside a citizens’ panel survey. ^2.

REASON:      Both integrated and smart ticketing will encourage greater bus use and will make bus travel more affordable.

This report presents and seeks approval of the revised approach for progressing the preparation of LTP3, due to the calling in of the Executive Members (provisional) decision on 2 March 2010, for undertaking the LTP3 Stage 2 Consultation.

RESOLVED:             That the Executive Member for City Strategy agrees to:

i) Note the contents of the report, particularly Annex A which sets out the revised approach for preparing and adopting LTP3, by 31^st March 2011.

ii) Approve the revised approach at Annex A.

REASON:                  To enable the effective preparation and adoption of the City’s Local Transport Plan 3, before the current LTP expires on 31^st March 2011.

The Executive Member considered a report, which presented details of a revised approach for processing the preparation of LTP3, due to the calling-in of the Executive Member’s provisional decision on 2 March 2010 for undertaking the LTP3 Stage 2 Consultation.

Officers updated that with regard to the proposal to engage with stakeholders and the public through a ‘dialogue’ that they were currently pursuing externally the arrangement of an interactive web-based forum.

The Executive Member confirmed that it was unfortunate that the Stage 2 consultation on the LTP3 had been delayed, as this would restrict the amount of time for further discussion. However the proposed ‘dialogue’ would allow those with specific interests and concerns to explore them and the door to door survey on all residents in the autumn to give everyone the opportunity to influence the final content of the LTP3 document.

RESOLVED:             That the Executive Member for City Strategy is recommended to:

i) Notes the contents of the report, particularly Annex A which sets out the revised approach for preparing and adopting LTP3, by 31^st March 2011.

ii) Approves the revised approach at Annex A. ^1.

REASON:                  To enable the effective preparation and adoption of the City’s Local Transport Plan 3, before the current LTP expires on 31^st March 2011.