47.
MINUTES
RESOLVED :
THAT the Minutes of the meeting of the Executive held on 13 August 2003 be confirmed.
48.
DECLARATIONS OF INTEREST
There were no declarations received at this stage.
49.
REGULATION OF TRAFFIC, PARKING ETC
Members received a report suggesting improved arrangements for the delivery of efficient and open Executive decisions in relation to the regulation of traffic, parking and related management issues. The report suggested a revision of the title, terms of reference and membership of the Traffic Regulation Order Executive Committee and explained that decisions on the orders would be made by either the Executive, the Regulation of Traffic, Parking, Etc Executive Committee, the Portfolio Holder or the Head of Engineering depending on the level of controversy or strategic importance of the proposed decision. It was noted that the existing arrangements for delegated decisions would ensure that the decisions were open and democratically accountable.
RESOLVED :
(i) THAT the Traffic Regulation Order Executive Committee be retitled the Regulation of Traffic, Parking, Etc Executive Committee.
(ii) THAT the terms of reference of the Regulation of Traffic, Parking, Etc Executive Committee be:
“To consider and determine all decisions referred by the Portfolio Holder, which arise under executive functions which relate to the regulation of traffic, parking and the management of traffic and motor vehicles.”
(iii)
THAT it be confirmed that
the Portfolio Holder and the Head of Engineering have delegated authority to
consider and determine Executive functions relating to the regulation of
traffic, parking on and off the highway and the management of traffic and motor
vehicles.
(iv)
THAT the membership of the
Regulation of Traffic, Parking, Etc Executive Committee be all members of the
Executive from time to time with a quorum of three, to be chaired by the
Portfolio Holder for Transport if present.
50.
TOTLAND PRIMARY SCHOOL
The Portfolio Holder for Education and Lifelong Learning presented a report setting out the history of various OFSTED inspections at Totland Primary School, the action taken by the Governors and the Council as Local Education Authority (LEA) since the school had been placed under special measures, that the School had falling rolls (currently 52) and that although there had been some limited improvement it was felt that this improvement was not sustainable without the continued significant input from the LEA. Members considered three options: the status quo, closure of the school, or a “Fresh Start” (closure followed by immediate re-opening).
Letters from the local member (who was unable to be present) and the Headteacher were circulated and read out at the meeting.
It was considered that the status quo was not an option as it was more than likely that the DFeS would remove the control of the School from the LEA and almost certainly close it on account of its falling rolls and limited improvement to date.
It was also considered that closure of the school would lead to the loss of a valuable community facility, the loss of parental choice in the area and be contradictory to the needs of this depressed area.
The “Fresh Start” approached was recommended by the Portfolio Holder, however for this to be successful a detailed proposal setting out the extended community use of the school, in addition as to how it would improve the education of its pupils would need to be developed. The community would be consulted on this and DFeS approval would be needed for an action plan for implementation in September 2004. Possible additional community use could include Neighbourhood Nursery and Adult Education.
The risk of the “Fresh Start” approach was that rolls would continue to fall and thus make the provision of the school unacceptable. It was explained that the community needed to express their support, and clearly demonstrate it, for the “Fresh Start” to be a success.
Members understood and debated the risks of the “Fresh Start” approach but considered that these were outweighed by the value of the school to the local community.
RESOLVED :
THAT a “Fresh Start” programme for Totland Primary School be initiated for implementation in September 2004.
51. BEST VALUE REVIEW OF COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT
Members considered the Best Value review of Community Development and were asked to endorse its findings and the improvement plan arising from it. A number of the proposed improvements could be contained within the existing budgets, whilst others would form part of the budget process for next year.
RESOLVED :
(i)
THAT the Best Value Review
of Community Development be endorsed.
(ii)
THAT the delivery of the
improvement plan be supported.
(iii)
THAT the additional funding
requirements arising from the improvement plan be considered as part of the
2004/05 budget setting exercise.
(iv)
THAT the title of the
Portfolio Holder be changed to Education and Community Development.
52.
APPOINTMENT TO AN
OUTSIDE BODY – RYDE DEVELOPMENT TRUST
Members considered a recommendation from the Economic Development,
Planning, Tourism and Leisure Services Select Committee to appoint Mr I Stevens
as the Council’s representative on the Ryde Development Trust. It was noted
that as the number of trustees on the Trust were increased the Council would be
entitled to appoint a further representative. It was suggested that the Trust
be asked to expedite their increase in size so that it became efficient and
representative as quickly as possible.
RESOLVED :
THAT Mr I Stevens be appointed as the Council’s representative on the Ryde Development Trust and that the Trust be requested to find its additional trustees as soon as possible.
53.
PUBLIC CONVENIENCE
CLEANSING AND MINOR MAINTENANCE CONTRACT
Members considered the outcome of the recent tendering process for the
renewal of the public convenience cleansing and minor maintenance contract,
where the tenders had come in significantly over the budget available. A number
of options for dealing with this were considered, however Members emphasised
that they did not want to see any reduction in the number of public
conveniences available other than where there was clear local support.
The printed recommendation was amended to delete reference to the
numbered options set out in the report and to add explicit confirmation that
the Head of Engineering Service has the delegated authority to take any
decision in order to enter into a contract which most closely fits the existing
specification, and in any event to ensure continuity of service within existing
budgets if a long term contract is not agreed.
The reason for the amendment was that the revised wording gave greater
freedom to the Head of Engineering Services to pursue and achieve the objective
of delivering cost effective services through a long term contract, whilst
preserving continuity of service if negotiations did not succeed prior to the
expiry of the existing contract.
RESOLVED :
(i)
THAT the Head of Engineering
Services, in consultation with the Portfolio Holder, be given a specific
delegation to pursue and agree a contract under whichever of the options
delivers as closely as possible the objectives of the original specification.
(ii)
THAT at all times the Head
of Engineering Services has the ability to maintain existing delivery of
service within existing budgets.
54.
CHANGES TO THE
CURRENT FORWARD PLAN
The Portfolio Holder for Education and Community Development explained
that following the publication of the Green Paper and discussions with the
Portfolio Holder for Social Services and Housing an item on Children at Risk
would be added to the Forward Plan for a meeting of the Executive in November.
RESOLVED :
THAT the change detailed above be noted.
55.
MEMBERS’ QUESTION TIME
Questions were put to the Chairman as follows :
Mr P Harris asked a questioning relation to land at
Shanklin Cemetery (MQ28/03)
Copies of the questions and replies given are contained in
the Members' Question Register.
CHAIRMAN