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.

The Executive Member was asked to declare any personal or prejudicial interests in the business on the agenda. None were declared.

To approve and sign the minutes of the meeting of the Executive Member Decision Session for Neighbourhoods and Housing held on 16^th November 2010.

RESOLVED:             That the minutes of the Decision Session held on 16^th November be signed by the Chair as a correct record.

It was reported that there had been one registration to speak at the decision session.

Mark Warters representing Osbaldwick Parish Council spoke in reference to item 4 (Highway Maintenance), in particular Tranby Avenue as detailed in Annex 6 of the report. He advised that in November 2006, Tranby Avenue had been allocated the largest single contribution from the highway maintenance budget for the road surface to be repaired using the crack and seat process. Since then large sections of the road structure had failed and had been repaired in parts. The original officers involved had since left the authority leaving new officers trying to sort the problem out. The Parish Council questions whether it is cost effective to continue repairing the road on a piece meal basis and would like to request that the whole of Tranby Avenue is re-done, which surely would be more cost effective for City of York Council.

This report outlines the preparation of the provisional highway maintenance surfacing programmes.  It recommends and seeks approval to begin advanced design for a list of schemes in each category of work. 

RESOLVED:             That the Executive Member:

(i)                 Noted the results of the 2010 condition surveys on the city’s roads and footways.

(ii)               Approved the split in funding between footways and roads on a 40/60 basis.

(iii)             Approved the provisional programme of work listed in Annexes 3 to 12 of the Officers report.

(iv)              That Officers prepare a briefing note on the current situation and history of the works in Tranby Avenue in light of the speakers comments.

REASON:                  To ensure the Highway Maintenance budget is expended in the most cost effective way based on the Council’s assessed priorities and approved policies.

The Executive Member considered a report which outlined the preparation of the provisional highway maintenance surfacing programmes. The report recommended and sought approval to begin advanced design for a list of schemes in each category of work.

Officers outlined the report in particular the following issues:

• The annual condition survey had been carried out in July, using only one individual to ensure consistency.
• A map will be published on the Members pages to show the grade of roads.
• A reduction in funding has resulted in a reduced list of programmes by around 20%. Adjustments to the programme as a result of any change of budget will be made accordingly and reported to Members in March.

In response to the registered speakers comments, the Head of Highway Infrastructure acknowledged that the work carried out in 2006/07 had not worked and advised that the road between Cavendish Grove to Baysdale will be repaired under the 2011/12 programme and this would be a final fix.

The Executive Member then made the following comments:

• That a briefing note be prepared for her on the Tranby Avenue situation and that it be shared with Osbaldwick Parish Council. The comments by the speaker were noted.
• In relation to Annex 1 – the chart shows that the condition of York’s roads has been improving recently and the additional funding received had helped achieve this.
• It is prudent to adopt a lesser programme of works at first and hope that further funding will be forthcoming.

RESOLVED:             That the Executive Member:

(i)                 Noted the results of the 2010 condition surveys on the city’s roads and footways.

(ii)               Approved the split in funding between footways and roads on a 40/60 basis.

(iii)             Approved the provisional programme of work listed in Annexes 3 to 12 of the Officers report.

^(iv)                 That Officers prepare a briefing note on the current situation and history of the works in Tranby Avenue in light of the speakers comments.¹

REASON:                  To ensure the Highway Maintenance budget is expended in the most cost effective way based on the Council’s assessed priorities and approved policies.

This report advises the Executive Member of the successful outcome of the area based home insulation scheme and the potential funding opportunities through the Community Energy Saving Programme to extend the scheme.

RESOLVED:             That the Executive Member noted the information in the report and approved Option 1 and gave authority to Officers to seek further funding opportunities through Community Energy Savings Programme and the Regional Growth Fund for the Domestic Energy Efficiency Programme.

REASON:                  To ensure that the Council meets its fuel poverty and sustainability targets.

The Executive Member considered a report which advised of the successful outcome of the area based home insulation scheme and the potential funding opportunities through the Community Energy Saving Programme to extend the scheme. Significant work is being undertaken by Leeds City Region on the Domestic Energy Efficiency Programme (DEEP) which if successful will have a positive impact on any future area based insulation work undertaken by the Council.

Officers outlined the report and highlighted the following points:

• 600 homes had work carried out.
• Financial benefit to householders.
• The scheme assists with the Councils CO2 strategies.
• DEEP programme includes York as part of the Leeds City Region.
• There are more benefits for York not highlighted in the report that will be reported at a later date.

The Executive Member was happy to approve the recommendations.

RESOLVED:             That the Executive Member noted the information in the report and approved Option 1 and gave authority to Officers to seek further funding opportunities through Community Energy Savings Programme and the Regional Growth Fund for the Domestic Energy Efficiency Programme.

REASON:                  To ensure that the Council meets its fuel poverty and sustainability targets.