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ITEM EX3

EXECUTIVE – 30 APRIL 2002

EXECUTIVE – 17 APRIL 2002

Minutes of the Meeting commencing at 2.00 pm and finishing at 5.00 pm

Present:

Attendance: Councillor Roy Mold for Agenda Items 7 and 15

The Executive considered the matters, reports and recommendations contained or referred to in the agenda for the meeting, together with a schedule of addenda tabled at the meeting, and decided as set out below. Except insofar as otherwise specified, the reasons for the decisions are contained in the agenda, reports and schedule, copies of which are attached to the signed Minutes.

168/02. APOLOGIES FOR ABSENCE

Apologies for absence were received from Councillors Farrow, Janet Godden and Robertson.

169/02. MINUTES

The Minutes of the meeting of the Committee held on 3 April 2002 were approved and signed.

170/02. PETITIONS AND PUBLIC ADDRESS

The following requests to address the meeting had been agreed:-

Request from	Agenda Item
Ms Corrinne Grimley Evans on behalf of the Oxford Pedestrians’ Association	13 – European Car Free Day
Mr Dave Taylor on behalf of Little Milton Residents	7 – Transport Capital Programme 2002/05
Mr J. Hannigan, Western Road, Oxford	10 – West Oxford Residents’ Parking Scheme

Ms Grimley Evans urged the Executive to participate in the proposed Car Free Day, as encouraging the use of alternative forms of transport, consistent with the Oxford Transport Strategy objective of reducing the impact of traffic.

Mr Hannigan stated that in his opinion the proposed Residents’ Parking Scheme amendments in West Oxford discriminated against certain households by limiting the parking permits entitlement.

The address on Item 7 is recorded at the relevant minute below (174/02).

171/02. SOCIAL SERVICES BUDGET 2002/03

(Agenda Item 5)

The Executive considered a report (EX5) which considered a further re-allocation to Learning Disabilities, Mental Health and Support Services.

Councillor Hodgson asked the Executive whether there might be scope for reconsidering any of the any service reductions the light of consultations yet to be undertaken, by means of virements from other expenditure areas . He stressed the importance of consulting with the health and voluntary sectors services on the proposals as well as service users and affected staff.

In response, the Leader of the Council reported that it was the intention to consult with all key parties including the Health Service. Her confirmed that the Executive might decide to change elements of the proposals in the light of consultations, but that it was unlikely that the Council would be able to provide significant additional resources for Social Services overall, in the absence of improved funding by central government.

RESOLVED: to agree the proposed service reductions contained in paragraphs 3, 6 and 8 of the report, subject to:

1. consideration of any responses to consultation on individual proposals;
2. consultation prior to implementation of any of the measures outlined in paragraph 8 of the report with the Executive Members for Children & Young People and Community Care & Health.
   
   

172/02. CAPITAL PROGRAMME

(Agenda Item 6)

The Executive considered a report (EX6) which presented the updated Capital Programme, including changes on Education and Transport programmes, and the addition of projects approved by the Executive in January.

RESOLVED: to:

1. note the report;
2. note that a revised Capital Strategy and Asset Management Plan would be brought to the Executive in June.
   
   

173/02. TRANSPORT CAPITAL PROGRAMME 2002/05

(Agenda Item 7)

The Executive considered a report (EX7) which sought approval for the schemes proposed to be included in the transport capital programme for 2002/03 under the six main budget headings set out the Local Transport Plan; and which identified those schemes that were proposed to be included provisionally in the programmes for 2003/04 and 2004/05.

Mr Taylor urged the Executive to agree the allocation set down in the programme for traffic calming and route action on the A329/B480. He outlined the need and benefits the traffic calming would provide for the village.

In relation to a question raised by Councillor Mold regarding the lack of funding shown against Hanwell Fields Cycle Routes in Annex 3 of the report, Mr Luck reported that the scheme was due be funded completely by developer contributions. He undertook to provide Councillor Mold with a detailed written response on the funding and timing of the scheme.

The Leader of the Council reported receipt of a letter from Councillor Zoe Patrick and e-mail friends of Milbrook School PTA in relation to Annex 11 of the report, giving support for a pedestrian crossing in Brereton Drive in Grove.

Mr Luck reported that all the schemes outlined in Annex 11 needed to be assessed for possible inclusion in this or next years’ programme. He undertook to assess the Brereton Drive/Wessex Way crossing as soon as possible to see if it could be included in this year’s programme.

The Executive expressed their thanks to the Director and staff for an excellent programme.

RESOLVED: to:-

1. approve the 2002/03 transport capital programme set out in Annexes 2 to 7 of the report, subject to any additional schemes, for which finance was available, being added following consultation with the Executive Members for Transport and Strategic Planning & Waste Management;
2. approve the provisional programmes for 2003/04 and 2004/05 set out in Annexes 8 to 13 of the report as a basis for the development of future programmes; and
3. ask the Director of Environmental Services to update the Executive on progress on the transport capital programme in October 2002.
   
   

174/02. MINOR TRAFFIC SCHEMES ASSESSMENT FRAMEWORK

(Agenda Item 8)

The Executive considered a report (EX8) which outlined a framework to assess requests for minor traffic schemes in a systematic and consistent manner, in accordance with the findings of the Transport Capital Programme Procurement Best Value Review.

RESOLVED: to:

1. approve the prioritisation of Casualty Reduction schemes on the basis of First Year Economic Rates of Return as set out in paragraph 3 of the report; and
2. approve the assessment framework for minor traffic schemes as set out in paragraphs 4-6 and Annexes 2-5 of the report.
   
   

175/02. HARCOURT HILL, NORTH HINKSEY – PROPOSED TRAFFIC CALMING

(Agenda Item 9)

The Executive considered a report (EX9) on the outcome of consultation on a proposed traffic calming scheme for Harcourt Hill, North Hinksey.

RESOLVED: to authorise the implementation of the traffic calming scheme as described in the report.

176/02. WEST OXFORD RESIDENTS’ PARKING SCHEME REVIEW

(Agenda Item 10)

The Executive considered a report (EX10) on the outcome of consultations on amendments to the existing West Oxford Residents’ Parking scheme.

RESOLVED: to approve the making and implementation of the advertised order as illustrated by drawing no. 271/26777a, subject to the minor modifications set out in paragraph 6 (a)-(f) of the report.

177/02. WOODSTOCK: HENSINGTON ROAD, SHIPTON ROAD, FLEMINGS ROAD, PRINCES RIDE AND CADOGAN PARK TRAFFIC CALMING PROPOSALS

(Agenda Item 11)

The Executive considered a report (EX11) on the outcome of consultations on traffic calming measures (including a proposed 20mph speed limit) in Hensington and Shipton Roads.

Councillor Cooper endorsed the scheme. He thanked Councillor Tudor Hughes, former Executive Member for Transport, for all his work towards this scheme.

RESOLVED: to:

1. note the objections and representations in response to formal consultation for the scheme as set out in Annex 1 of the report and the comments of the Director of Environmental Services;
2. note the representation made by Woodstock Town Council following the informal consultation (and subsequent meeting and correspondence) as set out in Annex 2 of the report; and
3. approve the implementation of the traffic calming works and the making and implementation of the 20mph speed limit order as set out in Annex 3 of the report.
   
   

178/02. PEDESTRIAN CROSSING FACILITIES OXFORD – WINDMILL ROAD BY MARGARET ROAD

(Agenda Item 12)

The Executive considered a report (EX12) on the response to consultation on a Pelican crossing proposal in Windmill Road just north of Margaret Road.

RESOLVED: to approve the implementation of the scheme in principle, as shown on drawing No BPN698/F3316 (Annex 2), subject to the exact location being determined by the Director of Environmental Services in consultation with adjoining frontagers.

179/02. EUROPEAN CAR FREE DAY

(Agenda Item 13)

The Council on 2 April 2002 had considered the following motion by Councillor Simmons:

"This Council supports the closure of Broad Street, Oxford on European Car Free Day (Sunday 22 September 2002) as requested by the Oxford Pedestrians Association, provided the opportunity can be taken to organise a fun day, making it a celebration of a traffic-free Broad Street rather than an anti-car event. "

Although the motion as moved had been rejected, some support had been expressed during the debate for a suggestion that the Executive explore the possibility of Broad Street being closed for May Day 2003.

RESOLVED:

The following motion was proposed by Councillor Mitchell:

"The Executive notes that Sunday 22 September is European Car Free Day."

"The Executive recognises the importance of improving the availability, quality and reliability of public transport as well as cycling and walking as an alternative to the motor car."

"The Executive also recognises that, for many residents in the rural areas of Oxfordshire a ‘Car Free Day’ would necessarily be a ‘Stay at Home Day’ given the absence of any alternative mode of travel."

"The Executive therefore RESOLVES to investigate the possibility of promoting a ‘Celebrate our City Day’ on 1 May 2003. The theme of this day would be enjoyment of the city’s pedestrian areas, including the possible closure of Broad Street and the promotion of the City’s shops, pubs, restaurants and cultural organisations. The work would be done in partnership with the City Council, retail, cultural and environmental organisations, including the Pedestrian Association."

Councillor Godden proposed the following additions:

"The Executive further asks the Director to enter discussions with the bus companies and Oxford City Council on measures that can be taken to boost the use of public transport and other measures on European Car Free Day (22 September) and report back to a future meeting."

The motion as amended was agreed nem con.

RESOLVED: accordingly.

180/02. MEASURES TO REDUCE THE RISK TO ASTHMA SUFFERS

(Agenda Item 14)

The Council on 2 April 2002 had considered the following motion by Councillor Hodgson:

"This Council welcomes the government’s proposals to address the growing problem of asthma in this County and in the country, and in particular the policies to ensure that:

1. Every school has an asthma policy to ensure that pupils who suffer from asthma are encouraged always to have their inhalers available, avoidable triggers are removed and teachers know what to do when a pupil has an attack;

2. Asthma sufferers to be given a voice in planning, transport, health and education."

"This Council its commitment to anti-pollution policies in this County and urges the government to support the following measures:

1. public funding for a major programme of research into the causes of asthma, including links with pollution;
2. Ministers to set clear targets for the introduction of low- or no-emission vehicles;
3. more funding for the development of non-carbon vehicles that do not pollute and the infrastructure that people will need to use them;
4. reduction of the level of traffic on our roads by providing viable public transport;
5. extending and improving schemes such as the "Cube It" scheme to remove unroadworthy and heavily polluting vehicles from our roads."

1. Every school has an asthma policy to ensure that pupils who suffer from asthma are encouraged always to have their inhalers available, avoidable triggers are removed and teachers know what to do when a pupil has an attack;
2. Asthma suffers to be given a voice in planning, transport, health and education."

1. the major programme of research into the causes of asthma, including links with pollution being carried by out by the National Asthma Campaign;
2. the clear targets for the introduction of low- or no-emission vehicles that have been set by successive governments;
3. work being carried out by the motor industry to promote the development of non-carbon vehicles that do not pollute and the infrastructure that people will need to use them, whilst the Executive would like to see more work in this area;
4. the policies of successive governments to reduce the level of traffic on our roads by providing viable public transport;"

181/02. FAMILY CENTRE PROVISION IN BANBURY

1. convey to The Children's Society the County Council's appreciation of the valuable and innovative contribution made by the Banbury Family Centre to the lives of needy families in Banbury over the last 17 years and express regret at its closure while understanding the reasons for it;
2. conduct a review of the need for family support in Banbury in order to assess options for the re-allocation of the sum previously allocated to Banbury Family Centre, taking into account both the need to sustain existing services provided by the Family Centre and the need to ensure equitable provision of support to needy families across the County as a whole;
3. report to the Executive in the early autumn with recommendations for the re-allocation of funds for the year 2003-04;
4. make such interim arrangements as were appropriate to ensure continuity and transition of family support services for the Bretch Hill area in 2002-03 following the withdrawal of The Children's Society.

182/02. OXFORD CITY CENTRE : NEWCO LTD

(Agenda Item 16)

The Executive considered a report (EX16) which outlined a proposal by the City Council following the closure of their City Centre Management operation, to set up a largely private sector company to manage, promote and develop Oxford City Centre as a major regional centre for retail, residential, commercial, cultural, tourism, entertainment and leisure activities, to ensure the highest possible standards of urban design and management for buildings and public spaces and to ensure that all communities within Oxford had opportunities to influence the development of its city centre including business and employment opportunities.

RESOLVED: to approve in principle the setting up jointly with other partners of a company limited by guarantee to achieve the objectives as set out above, and authorise the Director of Environmental Services and Solicitor to the Council, in consultation with the Executive Member for Transport, to take all necessary action for this purpose.

183/02. CALL IN – REPRESENTATION ON CROSS THAMES TRAVEL STUDY GROUP

(Agenda Item 17)

On 19 March 2002 the Executive had decided to appoint the Executive Members for Transport and Strategic Planning & Waste Management (or their respective nominees) to represent the Council on Cross Thames Travel Study Steering Group, with immediate effect. The decision had been called in for consideration by the Environment Scrutiny Committee who on 16 April had agreed to accept the Executive’s decision, which had accordingly now taken effect.

However, the Committee had noted comments by Councillor Joslin that neither he nor Councillor Law (as the two former representatives of the Council on the Study Group) had been consulted or informed prior to the Executive’s decision. The Committee had suggested that the Executive should offer an apology to the two members concerned.

The Committee had accepted that the issues under consideration by the Study Group were of a strategic nature, but felt that steps should be taken to ensure that the view of potentially affected local members were taken into account. They had therefore asked that the County representatives appointed to the Study Group consult the relevant local members at each stage of the Group’s deliberations.

RESOLVED: to:

1. note that the Environment Scrutiny Committee had accepted the decision of the Executive;
2. tender apologies to Councillors Joslin and Law for the inadequate consultation prior to the Executive considering the membership of the Study Group;
3. ask the Council’s representatives on the Study Group to ensure that relevant local members were consulted at each stage of the Group’s deliberations.
   
   

184/02. STRATEGIC OUTSIDE BODIES

(Agenda Item 18)

The Executive considered a list of appointments to "strategic" outside bodies (EX18) for 2002/03.

RESOLVED to make appointments to the bodies listed in Part A of EX18 (Annex 1 to the Minutes) for the 2002/03 Council Year.

185/02. FORWARD PLAN AND FUTURE BUSINESS

(Agenda Item 19)

The Executive considered a list of items from the Forward Plan for the next two meetings (EX19).

Councillor Mitchell reported that an additional item had arisen which was not in the Forward Plan (Comprehensive Performance Assessment – submission to the Audit Commission) which needed to be considered at the next scheduled meeting. Mr Leverton further advised that, at the invitation of the Executive a meeting of the Corporate Governance Scrutiny Committee was being convened at 3.00 pm on 29 April for prior review of the submission.

RESOLVED: to note the items currently identified for forthcoming meetings, subject to the inclusion in the 30 April agenda of an item on Comprehensive Performance Assessment in order to meet the deadline for submission to the Audit Commission.

186/02. EXEMPT ITEMS

RESOLVED: that the public be excluded during the consideration of items 20E and 21E in the Agenda since it was likely that if they were present during those items there would be a disclosure of "exempt" information as described in Part I of Schedule 12A to the Local Government Act, 1972 and specified below each item in the Agenda, i.e. information relating to:-

1. a particular employee, former employee or applicant to become an employee of, or a particular office-holder, former office-holder or applicant to become an office-holder under, the Authority (Agenda Item 20E);
2. the amount of any expenditure proposed to be incurred by the authority under any particular contract for the acquisition of property or the supply of goods or services (Agenda Item 21E);

 

PROCEEDINGS FOLLOWING THE WITHDRAWAL OF PRESS AND PUBLIC

187/02. ORGANISATIONAL ISSUES AT A MAINTAINED SCHOOL

(Agenda Item 20E)

The Executive considered a report (EX20E) which gave the background to problems surrounding a particular school, and suggested some possible ways forward, all of which entailed structural changes in the pattern of local schooling.

The Executive were addressed by interested members on the options outlined in paragraph 8 of the report and on the potential to optimise the use of the site by providing Lifelong Learning and/or Nursery facilities there.

Mr Capstick, in introducing the report, outlined the staffing position.

RESOLVED:

1. put forward option (d) outlined in paragraph 8 of the report for formal consultation;
2. set out all four options in the consultation material, with an explanation as to why options (a)-(c) were not favoured;
3. agree in principle that it was desirable that a new name be found for the school.
   
   

188/02. INDEPENDENT SECTOR HOME SUPPORT FOR OLDER PEOPLE – CONTRACT TENDER EVALUATION

in the Chair

Date of signing 2002

ANNEX 1

STRATEGIC OUTSIDE BODIES