Minutes:
The
Committee scrutinised the following matters:
Cabinet
Board Proposals
4.1 Combined Highways and Neighbourhood Works
Programme
The Committee received information in relation to expenditure
for highway and neighbourhood works to be undertaken in the financial year
2018/19 as contained within the circulated report.
When further detail was sought on the consultation
process, Members were informed that Members Surgeries and subsequent meetings
with individual Members have identified local concerns.
Following scrutiny, the Committee was supportive of
the proposals to be considered at Cabinet Board.
4.2 Individual Disabled Parking Places
Policy.
The Committee received information in relation to
the amended Individual Disabled Parking Places Policy as contained within the
circulated report.
Members were concerned that applications could
increase significantly and were keen that careful monitoring is conducted.
It was noted that tenanted properties have the
space revoked if circumstances change.
Members asked for clarity in relation to street
signage for the Bays and what is in place to prevent Blue Badge Holders parking
in the spaces. It was noted that each Bay has a corresponding permit and on
road signage is clear that the Bay is for an Individual Disabled Parking Space
only.
Following scrutiny, the Committee was supportive of
the proposals to be considered at Cabinet Board.
4.3 Streetcare
Fees and Charges 2018/19
Members received information in relation to the Streetcare Fees and Charges 2018/19 as contained within the
circulated report.
The Committee commented that Fees and Charges are a
Delegated Authority for decision by Officers and queried why the decision was
being brought to Committee for decision.
Officers stated that for full and frank disclosure, the decision had
been taken to put the report before Members for their information.
It was noted that Welsh Government is providing a
grant to Local Authorities to abolish all fees directly relating to the burial
of a person under the age of 18 years old which will come into effect from
April 1st 2018 and that any fees incurred before this date will be
waivered.
Following scrutiny, the Committee was supportive of
the proposals to be considered at Cabinet Board.
4.4 Cwmavon
Landslip.
Members received information in
relation to the carrying out
Rock Anchoring strengthening at Pant Du, Cwmavon as contained within the circulated report.
Members asked for clarity in relation to the
removal of trees and were informed that only the larger trees were being
removed to allow for a steel net to be positioned across the rock face to
stabilise the slopes.
Following scrutiny, the Committee was supportive of
the proposals to be considered at Cabinet Board.
4.5 Highway Structures Asset Protection and Maintenance.
Members received information in relation to progress on the
Highway Structures Asset Protection and Maintenance Programme as contained
within the circulated report.
Members were concerned at the current backlog estimated to
be circa £3.3m of work and asked if reserves could be utilised. Mitigation
measures were discussed including enforcing weight restrictions on bridges and
single line traffic and Members were informed that all high risk structures are
reported directly to the Capital Programme Steering Group.
Following scrutiny, the
Committee was supportive of the proposals to be considered at Cabinet Board.
4.6 Vehicle
Fleet Procurement Programme 2018/19
The Committee received
information in relation to the Vehicle and Heavy Plant Fleet Procurement
Programme as contained within the circulated report.
Members noted that the
National Procurement Service is utilised to procure vehicles and a specific
contract is utilised around recycling vehicles according to the All Wales
Framework.
Members asked if older
vehicles are offered to other sections of the Council and were informed that
vehicles have been offered to schools and organisations such as DANSA.
Following scrutiny, the
Committee was supportive of the proposals to be considered at Cabinet Board