Minutes:
(i) Buckhurst Hill Parking Review
Councillor Spencer asked the Safer and Greener Portfolio Holder for the latest timetable for completion of the Buckhurst Hill Parking Review.
Councillor Smith stated that progress had been made with the County Council in securing authorisation for implementation of the Epping Parking Review but that at present she was unable to provide dates for the other outstanding reviews. She advised that it was her intention to bring forward reports on the other reviews as soon as possible.
(ii) Pest Control Treatment Service
Councillor Leonard drew attention to the charges being made for this service under arrangements with Rentokil following the collapse of the service provider. He asked the Environment Portfolio Holder whether tenders would be sought when a new contract was due to be entered into early in 2012.
Councillor Knapman confirmed that it was his intention to seek tenders for a new contract and pointed out that there seemed to be some misunderstanding about the charges being made by Rentokil. He emphasised that Rentokil were providing a subsidised service to Epping Forest District residents and that additional discounts were available for those on defined benefits.
(iii) St John’s Road area, Epping – Redevelopment
Pursuant to the Council’s Code of Member Conduct, Councillor J M Whitehouse, before asking his question, declared a personal interest in this matter by virtue of being a resident of St John’s Road, Epping. The Councillor advised that he had determined that his interest was not prejudicial.
Councillor Whitehouse asked the Finance and Economic Development Portfolio Holder when the traffic study in relation to the scheme would be completed, when consultation would be carried out, and when draft and final reports would be available.
Councillor Mohindra advised that he had authorised the undertaking of a traffic survey. He continued that consultation would be undertaken after the options had been discussed and viable ones identified. He said that it was his intention to involve local ward councillors in the process.
(iv) North Essex Parking Partnership
Councillor Whitbread asked the Safer and Greener Portfolio Holder if it was the intention of the new Cabinet to continue to press for free parking in Epping and Ongar Town Centres as had been the policy of the previous Cabinet.
Councillor Smith advised that she had recently attended the first meeting of the Partnership but that this matter had not been discussed. She assured Councillor Whitbread that she would support local businesses and continue to press for free parking in Epping and Ongar Town Centres.
(v) Park and Ride Facility at North Weald Airfield in relation to the Lee Valley White Water Centre
Councillor Grigg asked the Leisure and Wellbeing Portfolio Holder if the proposal to use the Airfield as a park and ride facility was being pursued by the Olympic Development Agency. She stated that if this use took place, she was aware the Council would not receive income from the Olympic Development Agency but questioned whether the operator of coaches taking the public from North Weald to the White Water Centre would be making a contribution to the Council.
Councillor Gadsby advised that she would respond to Councillor Grigg in writing and would publish her reply in the Council Bulletin.
(vi) Safer and Greener Portfolio
Councillor Markham expressed disappointment at (a) the increase in the outturn figure for overall crime in the District despite an increased use of CCTV, (b) the delays in the outstanding parking reviews, and (c) the apparent demise of the Local Highways Panel. He asked Councillor Smith if she could draw attention to any positive matters in her report.
Councillor Smith confirmed that there had been a very small increase in overall crime in the District (1%) when comparing figures for 2010/11 with those for 2009/10. She pointed out however that within the figures, a number of significant improvements had been achieved. She expressed the view that the fear of crime was minimal in the District and expressed confidence in the contributions being made by all those represented on the Safer Communities Partnership. Councillor Smith advised that she felt it was important to retain local representation in highways partnership arrangements with the County Council and that she expected new arrangements to be established in place of the Local Highways Panel. She confirmed that matters remaining outstanding with the Panel would be progressed under any new arrangements.
(vii) Loughton Tree Strategy and Lake in the Roding Valley
Councillor Wixley drew attention to a tree walk taking place on 10 July 2011 being lead by Tricia Moxey and CountryCare Officers. He invited members to join the walk. Councillor Wixley asked the Environment Portfolio Holder if more publicity could be given to the situation regarding the lake which had been drained in the Roding Valley.
Councillor Knapman advised that a petition with 549 signatures had been received seeking the refilling of the lake in the Roding Valley which had been drained by the Police. He advised that he was liaising with Officers about the petition but acknowledged that there was possibly a need for increased publicity in relation to the current position. He agreed to pursue this matter.
(viii) Council’s Internet/Intranet Replacement
Councillor Dodeja asked the Planning and Technology Portfolio Holder for further information regarding the proposed replacement of the Council’s internet/intranet.
Councillor Philip confirmed that the current intranet solution was no longer fit for purpose. A new system had been developed internally and was currently being trialled. He advised that he anticipated this new solution could be used in the development of a new website.
(ix) Private Sector House Condition Survey
Councillor Jenny Hart drew attention to the Private Sector House Condition Survey to be undertaken and asked what level of responsibility private landlords had towards their tenants and the extent to which the Council could enforce these responsibilities, for example repairs to leaking plumbing and faulty electrics.
Councillor McEwen, Housing Portfolio Holder, advised that landlords were responsible for most repairs to the exterior or structure of a property that they rented out, e.g., problems with the roof, chimney, walls, guttering and drains. She continued that landlords were also responsible for keeping the equipment for supplying water, gas and electricity in safe working order. Councillor McEwen confirmed that this would include rectifying problems with leaks to plumbing and faulty electrical installations. She pointed out that tenants had responsibility for some minor repairs and maintenance including internal decorations, gardens and furniture or equipment. The Portfolio Holder advised that officers from the Private Sector Housing Team enforced a range of Environmental Health and Housing legislation requirements to ensure that properties were safe to occupy and had adequate amenities. Officers would contact landlords informally in the first instance, giving them the opportunity to remedy an issue and there was the option for further enforcement action by way of an improvement notice which legally required works to be completed. Failure to comply with the notice could result in either works being carried out in the landlord’s default and/or a prosecution for non compliance.
(x) St John’s Road area, Epping – Traffic Survey
Councillor J H Whitehouse referred to the answer previously given by the Finance and Economic Development Portfolio Holder and questioned whether the traffic survey would be undertaken during term time as the results would not reflect an accurate position if the survey took place during the school summer holiday period.
Councillor Mohindra said that he was well aware of these factors and that he was aiming to get the matter resolved speedily.
(xi) Waltham Abbey Youth 2000
Pursuant to the Council’s Code of Member Conduct, Councillor Pryor declared a personal interest in this matter by virtue of being a trustee/director of New Images/WAY2000. The Councillor advised that he had determined that his interest was not prejudicial.
Councillor Pryor asked the Leisure and Wellbeing Portfolio Holder what support, if any, the District Council could give Waltham Abbey Youth 2000 following the withdrawal of support to the organisation by Essex County Council.
Councillor Gadsby advised that officers had met with representatives of Waltham Abbey Youth 2000 and had offered support for certain activities.
(xii) Loughton Broadway Town Centre Partnership – CCTV
Councillor Brookes asked if an under-spend from the £100,000 allocation for CCTV at The Broadway Loughton could be used to purchase a piece of art for display at The Broadway.
Councillor Smith said that she did not have all the relevant information to hand and would take Councillor Brooke’s suggestion into account but felt that it was likely any under-spend would be invested in further CCTV.