Agenda item

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 Monday 8 September 2014.  Members of the public can speak on agenda items or matters within the remit of the committee.

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 this meeting will be filmed and webcast and that includes any registered public speakers, who have given their permission.  This broadcast can be viewed at http://www.york.gov.uk/webcasts.

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 (whose 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 http://www.york.gov.uk/downloads/download/3130/protocol_for_webcasting_filming_and_recording_of_council_meetings

It was reported that there had been four registrations to speak at the meeting under the Council’s Public Participation Scheme, and that three Members of Council had also requested to speak on items, details of which are set out below:

York Flood Risk Management Strategy

Peter Richardson, a local resident, spoke to refer to figures published in the local press regarding flood defence costs. He pointed out that in reality flooding could be alleviated at little cost by dredging at Naburn Lock to reduce water levels further upstream.

Councillor D’Agorne spoke to welcome the new Flood Risk Management Strategy. He did however express concerns at the effects of new housing developments on drainage and asked for this to be reflected in Local Plan planning policies. He also made reference to areas where increased rainfall caused surface water problems and to the need to invest and alleviate these problem areas.

Community Stadium and Leisure Facilities Update

Fiona Evans spoke, as a representative of the Yearsley Pool Action Group, expressing their concerns at the procurement process in relation to the new Community Stadium and in particular the threat to the Yearsley Pool. She referred to the damage closure of the pool would have on water sports and fitness swimming in the city and to the lack of consultation with York City Baths Club and pool users. She referred to previous commitments made in relation to Yearsley Pool and asked Cabinet to reconsider the outcome and preserve the pool for future generations.

Fiona Williams spoke as Chief Executive at Explore York Libraries and Archives, confirming her pleasure in being part of the new Stadium project. She referred to the Explore Library space proposed at the Stadium aimed at accessing new users and groups to engage with libraries.

Councillor Healey confirmed that Fiona Evans, the earlier speaker had covered many of his points in relation to the possible closure of Yearsley Pool. He referred to the increase in costs from the inception of the first proposals for the Stadium and questioned the value for money from current proposals. He acknowledged that it was difficult to see how retention of the Yearsley Pool would fit in with the provision of a new Stadium and he asked Cabinet to ensure that current proposals still met the original proposals for a Stadium.

Councillor Watson spoke to express his concerns regarding proposals for the new Stadium and to question a number of risks he had identified in relation to the project. These included risks in relation to the different types of pools, failure of the cinema/restaurants, planning, library, Yearsley Pool, if the development was not profitable and if the costs were not agreed by full Council.

Financial Close for the Long Term Waste Management Service Contract

Richard Lane spoke, on behalf of York and Ryedale Friends of the Earth, an organisation which had campaigned against the incinerator for York since the plans emerged in 2002. He expressed their concerns at the financial outlay, lack of consultation and questioning the proposed savings and as to whether the waste volumes required this facility. He also referred to the lack of alternative options and the costs of leaving the contract.

Councillor D’Agorne spoke to endorse the earlier speaker’s comments and concerns in relation to the long term waste contact.

The Chair thanked the speakers for their comments, confirming that these would be taken into account when consideration was given to the reports later in the meeting.