Minutes:
8.
PRE-Scrutiny
The Committee chose to scrutinise the
following items:
Cabinet Board Proposals
8.1 Proposed acquisition of the former Crown
Foods, Carnaud Metal Box
The Committee received
information in relation to the proposed acquisition of the former Crown Foods
site as contained within the circulated report.
Officers
reported that the purchase of the former Crown Foods was an investment
opportunity where by the Council could offer floor space to companies
(particularly those wishing to expand) which would result in the creation of
jobs, and generate new potential income streams for the Council. Officers
informed Members that the purchase of the premises would contribute towards the
Valleys Task and Finish objectives as the jobs created would offer employment
to citizens from the valleys who would not have far to travel.
Members queried
whether there were any asbestos risks in the building, and if so, would the
Council be responsible for removing it. Officers informed Members that the
authority had worked closely with the previous owners of the premises before
they ceased to trade, and they were very co-operative and compliant. Officers
stated that the information available to date confirmed that the company had
dealt with the asbestos in line with regulations. Officers added that what would
happen to the asbestos within the building would depend on the proposals of the
prospective occupiers as they may wish to physically alter the existing
building.
Members
questioned whether there were any risks around residual chemicals or lead paint
in the ground. Officers stated that there was contamination as would be
expected in a building of this type and age, but from the information available
it was a manageable risk.
Members
questioned whether work had been carried out to protect the building from flood
risk following severe flooding at the premises in 1977. Officers stated that
there had been no flooding at the premises since 1987, and there was now a sump
pump in the basement. Officers added that the culverts were cleared in 2001.
Officers assured Members that work had been carried out to mitigate the risk of
flooding.
Members queried
whether the Council would be exposed to any financial risk in terms of
renovation works required to the building to make it suitable for alternative
use. Officers stated that they did not anticipate that the authority would bear
the costs for any renovation works, these costs would be met by businesses renting
the building.
Following
scrutiny, the Committee were supportive of the proposals to be considered at
Cabinet Board.
8.2 Neath
Town Centre Redevelopment - Update
Members received
information in relation to the Neath Town Centre Redevelopment as contained
within the circulated report.
Members queried
whether it was possible for the Council to stipulate in the contracts with the
retailers that any branding or signage inside and outside the stores were required
to be displayed in Welsh also. Officers informed Members that some retailers
operated nationally and could be deterred by the requirement to incorporate the
Welsh language into their branding and external signage although they would be
encouraged to use bilingual signage.
Members queried
whether the units would be constructed with the flexibility to convert a number
of units into one if required in the future. Officers stated that the
flexibility would be built in to allow the potential conversion of two of the
units into one and a mezzanine option would also be included for one unit.
Following
scrutiny, Members were supportive of the proposals to be considered at Cabinet
Board.
8.3 Civic Maintenance
Members received
information in relation to Civic Maintenance as contained within the circulated
report.
Members queried
whether there was a significant cost saving when the contract was originally
outsourced. Officers stated that they were not involved at that time and did
not have the relevant information to hand. Officers informed Members that in
the past 10 years the Building Services Department had improved their
operations particularly since integrating with technology. Officers stated that
the Building Services Department were responsible for maintaining the schools
and other Council buildings, and were often able to prolong the life of
equipment that other companies would have replaced at a significant cost to the
authority.
Members queried
whether the Building Services Department were able to fulfil their contractual
obligations with existing staff levels or would they need to employ additional
staff. Officers informed Members that existing staffing levels in addition to
any TUPE staff would be adequate to deal with the additional workload.
Following
scrutiny, the Committee were supportive of the proposals to be considered at
Cabinet Board.