Agenda and minutes

No apologies were received.

There were no public questions.

To approve as a correct record the minutes of the Full Meeting of Council held on 25 February 2016.

The minutes of the ordinary meeting of Full Council held on 25 February 2016 were presented.

 

Resolved

 

That the minutes of the ordinary meeting of Full Council held on 25 February 2016 be approved and signed by the Chairman as a correct record.

 

Voting record

28 For

0 Against

2 Abstentions

There were no items of urgent business which the Chairman considered should be dealt with as a matter of urgency by virtue of Section 100B(4)(b) of the Local Government Act 1972 (as amended).

The following interests were declared:

 

Councillors V Arnold, Clark, Sanderson, Burr, Goodrick, and Shields declared a personal non-pecuniary but not prejudicial interest in agenda item 11 - Notices on Motion Submitted Pursuant to Council Procedure Rule 11), as North Yorkshire County Councillors.

 

Councillor Cleary declared a personal non-pecuniary but not prejudicial interest in item 11 as Chairman of Ryedale Cycle Forum.

 

Councillor Bailey declared a personal non-pecuniary but not prejudicial interest in item 10. Minute 72 (Devolution - towards a way forward for York, North Yorkshire and the East Riding) as a Member of the North York Moors National Park Authority.

 

The Chairman made the following announcements:

 

·        Congratulations to Les Chapman of North Yorkshire Building Control on receiving the LABC Superstars Award for the Yorkshire Region. 

            These awards have been set up to celebrate and recognise members            of staff who go the extra mile in their day to day work, to ensure their          performance is above and beyond the expected targets and provide           excellent levels of staff support and public service.

·        That the Civic Service had taken place on 10 April 2016 at Nunnington Church followed by afternoon tea at Nunnington Hall.

 

·        That there is a fundraising event for the two Chairman's charities, Air Ambulance and Macmillan Cancer Support to be held on Sunday 8 May 2016 at Tantara Lodge, Middleton.  Invitations will be sent out shortly.

Question to the Leader of the Council for Full Council, submitted by Councillor Clark.

 

"Does the Leader of Council agree with the Council's policy on bullying and how effective does she believe the policy to be in practice?"

Councillor Clark submitted the following question to the Leader of the Council.

 

"On the basis that our supreme leader doesn't seem to follow things like staff surveys or looking into bullying I thought it would probably be helpful if I asked under Council Procedure Rule 10.2 so she had plenty of time to  find out  what the answer was.  The question is does the Leader of Council agree with the Council's policy on bullying and how effective does she believe the policy  to be  in practice?"

 

The Leader of the Council, Councillor Cowling, replied:

 

"In so far as I am able to judge as I am not a HR professional we do have a Harassment Policy and that covers bullying so that is the policy that would deal with bullying.  It isn't for me personally to agree with that policy, it went to committee and was accepted by committee.  There is only one thing in it that I think is missing which I will speak about  later if necessary. As for the "does she believe the policy is effective?", I believe it to be.  In practice it's not for me to deliver how effective the policy is, in practice that is for Officers of this Council."

 

Councillor Clark asked a supplementary question to the Councillor Cowling, Leader of the Council:

 

"Well I would have thought that it was for you to agree or disagree with the policy, as for how effective it is, that is surely  the whole role of the controlling group in general and the Leader in particular because the welfare of our employees is the responsibility of the Council, so it is for her  to know how effective it is.   So let's narrow it down a little bit more, how many times has the harassment policy been used in say the last year or two years which ever period she looked at and how many times has it been found  that somebody has broken that policy and ideally what action was taken".

 

The Leader of the Council, Councillor Cowling, replied:

 

"The welfare of the employees of RDC, yes it is our responsibility and we set policies  and that is where our role ends.  It is then for the staff of this  Council to deal with the implementation of those policies, we don't get to dibble into dealing with staff matters, that is not part of our role nor do I believe that it is my job to be monitoring  how many times the harassment policy has been used. I don't want to know  personal matters to do with staff. If we had a problem then I am sure the Chief Executive would soon be telling me, but it is for the Chief Executive  and appropriate  staff to deal with those matters, it is not for me or any other Members to deal with those."

 

 

Councillor Cowling, Leader of the Council, presented the following statement:

 

"We have a very full agenda tonight so I do not intend to make a long statement.

 

I attended the Leaders meeting of Local Government for North Yorkshire and York on March 11th. The major item on the agenda was the progress on a devolution deal for York, North Yorkshire and East Riding of Yorkshire. The possibility of the inclusion of Hull in the deal was also discussed. The same presentation was given to Members of our Policy and Resources committee on the 31st March by James Farrar – the CEO of our LEP. That power point presentation has been circulated to all Members for information. This topic features on our agenda tonight – if after that Members feel that a further presentation would be useful, then we can arrange a Member Briefing on the subject.

 

On Tuesday of last week, along with other local representatives, I met the Chairman of the National Flood Resilience Review and the Chief Executive of the Environment Agency at the flood defences in Pickering. We were able to put various points about the way forward to continue to improve flood protection in our district. The slowing the flow project continues to generate a lot of interest nationally. It was a great opportunity for us to push for support to roll out the wider Derwent catchment scheme and promote the excellent community and partnership work this project has delivered. Undoubtedly this scheme has helped businesses in Pickering to thrive and the project has been a superb example of what this council can do to help grow the economy in our district.

 

Our transformation programme is underway and we are working Towards 2020, (this is referred to as the mandate for change). The purpose of the transformation is to build on what we have achieved, work through the financial reductions and changes to Local Government funding in order to create a viable authority for the future which can deliver the services the residents of Ryedale need, now and in the future. Some of the decisions we will make tonight are a part of that process and are necessary to deliver the transformation.

 

So, back to our agenda which is has a great emphasis on economic growth. The range of the work we can deliver is well illustrated in the items we shall be discussing tonight . From the community grants that we give, through Ryedale’s Economic Action Plan to the even wider concept of the Northern Power House and the part we shall play in that through a Combined Authority.

 

Finally I would like to add my congratulations to Les Chapman. Les has been the driving force in the North Yorkshire Building Control Partnership for 15 years. Without his vision it would not be the brilliant organisation that it is now."

 

The following questions were received on the Leader's Statement:

 

    1.     From Councillor Potter

 

            "I think it is worth noting that yesterday the Slowing the Flow  ...  view the full minutes text for item 97.

Policy and Resources Committee - 31 March 2016

 

Minute 69 - Ryedale Economic Action Plan

 

Minute 71 - Fuel Poverty Scrutiny Review

 

Minute 72 - Devolution - towards a way forward for York, North Yorkshire and the East Riding

 

Minute 73 - Exempt Information

 

Minute 74 - The future of Ryedale House

 

Overview and Scrutiny Committee - 7 April 2016

 

Minute tbc - Appointment of Independent Person

 

This issue was considered by the Overview and Scrutiny Committee meeting held on 7 April 2016. This item will be considered if a selection has been made. If a selection has not been made the issue will be referred to a future Council meeting.

Policy and Resources Committee - 31 March 2016

 

Minute 69 - Ryedale Economic Action Plan

 

It was moved by Councillor Cowling and seconded by Councillor Arnold  that the following recommendations of the Policy and Resources Committee be approved and adopted.

 

That Council be recommended to approve:

 

      i.        That the Ryedale Economic Action Plan 2016-20 at Annex C be adopted;

 

    ii.        That the proposed 'Priority Economic Projects' for 2016-20 and 2020+ be agreed and highlighted within the REAP as follows;

 

Priority Economic Projects for delivery 2016-20

 

·         Northern Ryedale employment sites (Pickering, Kirkbymoorside - Kirkby Mills and Ings Lane, Helmsley)

·         Delivery of Malton Food Enterprise Zone

·         Delivery of National Agri-Food Innovation Campus

·         Marketing of Ryedale both to potential investors and to visitors

·         Norton south-east link road

·         Skills initiatives

·         Enhanced communication links including cycle, high speed broadband and mobile phone connectivity.

·         Supporting the development of the Creative Hub in Malton.

·         Enhance rail parking and measures to reduce congestion at the rail crossing, Norton.

 

Priority Economic Projects - for delivery 2020 onwards

 

·         A64 dualling Hopgrove-Barton Hill

·         A64 Norton - Scarborough selective improvements

·         A64 Crambeck - Musley Bank dualling

·         Malton/Norton - new river and rail crossing / Derwent Park

 

   iii.        That Council conduct a feasibility study funded from the New Homes Bonus reserve to look into delivering the final bullet point under "Priority Economic Projects for delivery 2016-20" above.

 

Councillor Burr moved and Councillor Paul Andrews seconded the following amendment to an amendment:

 

"iii. That prior to Council conducting a feasibility study funded from the New Homes Bonus reserve Officers undertake an option appraisal to look into delivering the final bullet point under "Priority Economic Projects for delivery 2016-20"

 

Upon being put to the vote the amendment to the motion was carried.

 

Voting Record

14 For

12 Against

4 Abstentions

 

 

Upon being put to the vote the substantive motion was carried.

 

Resolved

 

 

i.    That the Ryedale Economic Action Plan 2016-20 at Annex C be      adopted;

 

ii.   That the proposed 'Priority Economic Projects' for 2016-20 and 2020+         be agreed and highlighted within the REAP as follows;

 

Priority Economic Projects for delivery 2016-20

 

·         Northern Ryedale employment sites (Pickering, Kirkbymoorside - Kirkby Mills and Ings Lane, Helmsley)

·         Delivery of Malton Food Enterprise Zone

·         Delivery of National Agri-Food Innovation Campus

·         Marketing of Ryedale both to potential investors and to visitors

·         Norton south-east link road

·         Skills initiatives

·         Enhanced communication links including cycle, high speed broadband and mobile phone connectivity.

·         Supporting the development of the Creative Hub in Malton.

·         Enhance rail parking and measures to reduce congestion at the rail crossing, Norton.

 

Priority Economic Projects - for delivery 2020 onwards

 

·         A64 dualling Hopgrove-Barton Hill

·         A64 Norton - Scarborough selective improvements

·         A64 Crambeck - Musley Bank dualling

·         Malton/Norton - new river and rail crossing / Derwent Park

 

iii.        That prior to Council conducting a feasibility study funded from the New   Homes Bonus reserve Officers undertake an option appraisal to look   into     delivering the final bullet point under "Priority Economic Projects   for delivery 2016-20"

 

Recorded Vote

 

For

Councillors  ...  view the full minutes text for item 98.

Proposed by Councillor Keal and seconded by Councillor Mrs Shields.

 

In view of the fact that

 

a)    Despite the opening of the Brambling Fields junction many roads in Norton and Malton and especially Castlegate are clogged with traffic, including HGVs far too large for the size of these roads, spewing pollutants into the air on a daily basis

 

b)    pollutants recorded at Butcher Corner in Malton have been proven to exceed the recommended levels in Air Quality (England) Regulations 2000, The Air Quality (England) (Amendment) Regulations 2002 on atmospheric pollution (Nitreous Dioxide) which inevitably has a detrimental impact on the health and wellbeing of residents in this area of the town, pedestrians and motorists in the area.

 

This council commit to:

 

i)              Lobbying North Yorkshire County Council to implement a complete HGV ban through Malton and Norton town centres (except for access) as soon as possible.

 

ii)             Request that the current consultation on a HGV ban over County Bridge represents the views of local people, especially residents in Castlegate, Malton and Church Street, Norton.

 

iii)            Urgently revisit plans to realign traffic through the Castlegate, Yorkersgate and Norton Road areas of the town to reduce pollutant levels, ease traffic flow and improve the street scene

 

iv)           Improve access for pedestrians and cyclist between the twin towns by developing designated cycle ways and improved walking routes

 

 

Proposer: Cllr Di Keal

Seconder: Cllr Mrs Elizabeth Shields

It was moved by Councillor Keal and seconded by Councillor Mrs Shields.

 

In view of the fact that

 

a) Despite the opening of the Brambling Fields junction many roads in Norton and Malton and especially Castlegate are clogged with traffic, including HGVs far too large for the size of these roads, spewing pollutants into the air on a daily basis

 

b) pollutants recorded at Butcher Corner in Malton have been proven to exceed the recommended levels in Air Quality (England) Regulations 2000, The Air Quality (England) (Amendment) Regulations 2002 on atmospheric pollution (Nitreous Dioxide) which inevitably has a detrimental impact on the health and wellbeing of residents in this area of the town, pedestrians and motorists in the area.

 

This council commit to:

 

i) Lobbying North Yorkshire County Council to implement a complete HGV ban through Malton and Norton town centres (except for access) as soon as possible.

 

ii) Request that the current consultation on a HGV ban over County Bridge represents the views of local people, especially residents in Castlegate, Malton and Church Street, Norton.

 

iii) Urgently revisit plans to realign traffic through the Castlegate, Yorkersgate and Norton Road areas of the town to reduce pollutant levels, ease traffic flow and improve the street scene

 

iv) Improve access for pedestrians and cyclist between the twin towns by developing designated cycle ways and improved walking routes

 

Councillor Ives moved and Councillor Duncan seconded the following amendment.

 

"Remove iii)

Amend iv) Delete 'Improve', Add 'Support improved'

Add v) A report be produced for the Policy and Resources Committee on the progress of the Air Quality Action Plan".

 

Upon being put to the vote the amendment was carried

 

Voting Record

 

19 For

2 Against

5 Abstentions

 

Upon being put to the vote the substantive motion was then carried.

 

Voting Record

 

Unanimous

 

Resolved

 

In view of the fact that

 

a) Despite the opening of the Brambling Fields junction many roads in Norton and Malton and especially Castlegate are clogged with traffic, including HGVs far too large for the size of these roads, spewing pollutants into the air on a daily basis

 

b) pollutants recorded at Butcher Corner in Malton have been proven to exceed the recommended levels in Air Quality (England) Regulations 2000, The Air Quality (England) (Amendment) Regulations 2002 on atmospheric pollution (Nitreous Dioxide) which inevitably has a detrimental impact on the health and wellbeing of residents in this area of the town, pedestrians and motorists in the area.

 

This council commit to:

 

i) Lobbying North Yorkshire County Council to implement a complete HGV ban through Malton and Norton town centres (except for access) as soon as possible.

 

ii) Request that the current consultation on a HGV ban over County Bridge represents the views of local people, especially residents in Castlegate, Malton and Church Street, Norton.

 

iii) Support improved access for pedestrians and cyclist between the twin towns by developing designated cycle ways and improved walking routes

 

iv) A report be produced for the  ...  view the full minutes text for item 99.

There being no other business, the meeting closed at 10.45pm