Agenda, decisions and minutes

To confirm the minutes of the previous meeting of the council

The minutes of the meeting held on 26 September 2018 were agreed by the Members present and then signed by the Mayor.

The minutes of the meeting held on 26 September 2018 were agreed by the Members present and then signed by the Mayor.

To receive any declarations of interest

There were no declarations of interest.

There were no declarations of interest.

To consider questions (if any) by members of the public of which the appropriate notice has been given to the Assistant Director (Corporate and Contracted Services)

None.

There was no public participation.

To receive announcements and business brought forward by the Mayor, Leader, and Members of the Cabinet or the Chief Executive.

4.1       By the Mayor:

4.2       By the Chief Executive:

4.3       By the Group Leaders:  Any apologies for absence

4.4       Council Leader and Members of the Cabinet:

Councillor Williams                 Leader of the Council

Councillor G Sutton                Planning & Infrastructure
Councillor Marshall                 Environmental Services

Councillor Elliot                       Finance & Resources

Councillor Mrs Griffiths           Housing

Councillor D Collins                Corporate & Contracted Services

Councillor Harden                   Community & Regulatory Services

1.      By the Mayor:

There were no announcements from the Mayor.

2.      By the Chief Executive:

There were no announcements from the Chief Executive.

3.      By the Group Leaders:

Councillor Williams confirmed that apologies had been received from Councillors Bateman, Conway, S Hearn, Matthews, Mclean, Mills, Bhinder, Ritchie and Timmis.

Councillor Tindall had no apologies.

Councillor Fisher confirmed apology for Cllr Fethney.

Councillors Adshead, Brown and Whitman were not in attendance.

4.    By the  Leader and Members of the Cabinet:

(Full details are in the minutes under Announcements of the Leader and Cabinet).

1.      By the Mayor:

There were no announcements from the Mayor.

2.      By the Chief Executive:

There were no announcements from the Chief Executive.

3.      By the Group Leaders:

Councillor Williams confirmed that apologies had been received from Councillors Bateman, Conway, S Hearn, Matthews, Mclean, Mills, Bhinder, Ritchie and Timmis.

Councillor Tindall had no apologies.

Councillor Fisher confirmed apology for Cllr Fethney.

Councillors Adshead, Brown and Whitman were not in attendance.

Councillor Imarni joined the meeting at 7.52pm.

4.    By the  Leader and Members of the Cabinet:

Councillor Williams, Leader of the Council and Portfolio Holder for Community Leadership

Cllr Williams confirmed nothing to announce at this point of the agenda but happy to take questions.

There were no questions.

Councillor G Sutton, Portfolio Holder for Planning & Infrastructure

The Portfolio Holder presented his update as follows;

1.    Water Gardens has been judged a regional finalist for the Civic Trust award

Following on from the national Landscape Institute award last year, and more recently the Green Flag award, the Water Gardens have been nominated for another prestigious national accolade. We should hear later this year if the Gardens have made it through to the national finals.

2.    Kylna Court business units on course for January occupation

The Maylands Business Centre goes from strength to strength. The new office units at the ground floor of the very impressive Kylna Court development for new Council homes will provide slightly larger accommodation than those we provide at the Business Centre, to enable our small business tenants to move on when they need to expand. We have already let 7 of the 8 new units and look forward to a successful opening in January.

3.    HHTC Christmas Lights switch on Sunday 25 Nov

The attractions opened at midday and featured the popular Phasels Wood climbing wall, mobile caves and other outdoor adventure activities, along with a mini snow slope provided by The Snow Centre, where youngsters could have a go at skiing or snowboarding.

DJ Kentastic was master of ceremonies on stage encouraging children to join in the fun along with Healthy U Gym Zumba Dancers, The Rock Choir and the cast from HH Theatre Co's Beauty and the Beast. Father Christmas was live on stage at around 4.45pm.

The Christmas Lights were switched on by the winner of DJ Ken's competition (name to follow on Tuesday) followed by a firework display at 5.30pm.

There were between 5000 and 7000 visitors on the day.

4.    First firm at the new Prologis development – Hermes -  now operating

Work is highly advanced at the Prologis development site at Breakspear Way Hemel Hempstead. Much of the new construction is under way with some of the new buildings either complete or nearing completion. The development has provided a new road link from the site through to Boundary Way.

Hermes, the first occupiers of the site have just begun operating and add to the list of major employers already based at Maylands.

The Prologis development is one of the  ...  view the full minutes text for item 4.

To consider motions;

1.    From Cllr Ron Tindall to consider recent IPCC report urging action on climate-change

2.    From Cllr Lara Pringle to consider impact of Brexit on EU27 citizens

A motion was proposed by Cllr Tindall and seconded by Cllr England;

Cllr Tindall advised that an amendment had been proposed by Cllr Williams, which has been agreed.  The agreed motion therefore reads;

“This Council notes the recent IPCC report urging action on climate change and requires that the new local plan currently under consideration should have within it environmental protection and sustainability consideration which should where possible aim to exceed national policy requirements.

Therefore, council requests that the local plan task and finish group give full consideration to these matters when considering the new local plan which should include sections on;

1 Modern construction methods and technologies and that all developments should provide were practical the following:

1.    Energy conservation specification in insulation, smart controls and lighting

2.    Energy generation including solar panels, ground source heat pumps and other renewable energy systems  to reduce fossil fuel usage and carbon emissions.

3.    Other considerations including plug-in electric vehicle charging, rain water harvesting and waste minimisation.

High sped fibre should be provided for all new developments to enable connection to the network where or when available.”

Vote

Unanimously agreed.

A motion was proposed by Cllr Pringle and seconded by Cllr England;

“A recent Freedom of Information request revealed that 321 EU27 citizens employed by West Herts NHS Trust have left nursing and health care posts. This has been due to a combination of Brexit uncertainty over their rights to remain in the UK and the rise of unacceptable hostility within our communities towards those from other countries, evidenced by the appalling rise in hate crime.

This has left West Herts Hospitals with a current total of 325 staff vacancies which we can little afford in view of the unacceptable A&E waiting times.

In view of this Dacorum Borough Council could be considered at risk itself of undesired vacancies and needs to keep aware of the situation.

Therefore, this Council

(a) recognises the immense value of EU27 citizens to our local area - not only working in vital roles helping our most vulnerable, but contributing in taxes, the voluntary sector and as valued friends and neighbours

and, in these uncertain times

(b) pledges to our EU27 residents, tenants and employees that regardless of the outcomes of any Brexit agreement, DBC will treat them with dignity, respect and humanity and will endeavour to implement all government policies with a view to avoiding the inadvertent creation of a hostile environment for our valued colleagues, friends and closest neighbours from the European Union”

Vote

For                   6

Against            30

Abstain            0

The motion was lost.

Councillor Tindall proposed a motion, seconded by Cllr England;

Cllr Tindall advised that he was pleased to report that an amendment has been put forward by the Conservative group which we are pleased to accept, noting that it is good to see we are able to agree and work together.

Cllr Tindall moved the amended motion.

The Mayor asked Cllr Tindall to read out the amended motion, which read as follows;

This Council notes the recent IPCC report urging action on climate change and requires that the new local plan currently under consideration should have within it environmental protection and sustainability consideration which should where possible aim to exceed national policy requirements.

Therefore, council requests that the local plan task and finish group give full consideration to these matters when considering the new local plan which should include sections on;

1 Modern construction methods and technologies and that all developments should provide were practical the following:

1.    Energy conservation specification in insulation, smart controls and lighting

2.    Energy generation including solar panels, ground source heat pumps and other renewable energy systems  to reduce fossil fuel usage and carbon emissions.

3.    Other considerations including plug-in electric vehicle charging, rain water harvesting and waste minimisation.

High sped fibre should be provided for all new developments to enable connection to the network where or when available.

Cllr Williams expressed his gratitude to Cllr Tindall for accepting the amended motion. 

Motion agreed.

Councillor Pringle proposed the motion, seconded by Cllr England;

Councillor Pringle addressed the room and set out why she feels this motion is important. The proposed motion reads;

A recent Freedom of Information request revealed that 321 EU27 citizens employed by West Herts NHS Trust have left nursing and health care posts. This has been due to a combination of Brexit uncertainty over their rights to remain in the UK and the rise of unacceptable hostility within our communities towards those from other countries, evidenced by the appalling rise in hate crime.

This has left West Herts Hospitals with a current total of 325 staff vacancies which we can little afford in view of the unacceptable A&E waiting times.

In view of this Dacorum Borough Council could be considered at risk itself of undesired vacancies and needs to keep aware of the situation.

Therefore, this Council

(a) recognises the immense value of EU27 citizens to our local area - not only working in vital roles helping our most vulnerable, but contributing in taxes, the voluntary sector and as valued friends and neighbours

and, in these uncertain times

(b) pledges to our EU27 residents, tenants and employees that regardless of the outcomes of any Brexit agreement, DBC will treat them with dignity, respect and humanity and will endeavour to implement all government policies with a view to avoiding the inadvertent creation of a hostile environment for our valued colleagues, friends and closest neighbours from the European Union

Cllr Birnie responded and referred to the limits of the Council’s responsibilities  ...  view the full minutes text for item 5.

To consider questions (if any) by members of the Council of which the appropriate notice has been given to the Solicitor to the Council.

None.

None.

To consider any business referred from the previous meeting

None.

None.

To consider the following referrals from Cabinet:

7.1  CA/106/18  16 October 2018  Hemel Hempstead Town Centre and Parking Access and Movement Strategy

7.2  CA/110/18   16 October 2018  Treasury Management 17/18 Closing Performance

7.3  CA/117/18   13 November 2018 Budget Monitoring Quarter 2 2018/19

Resolved:

That the following be approved:

16^th October 2018

CA/106/18       HEMEL HEMPSTEAD TOWN CENTRE AND PARKING ACCESS AND MOVEMENT STRATEGY

1.     That the delivery of the parking, access and movement proposals for Hemel Hempstead town centre as set out in the report be approved.

2.     That authority be delegated to the Assistant Director (Planning, Development and Regeneration) to approve further design, planning and implementation decisions on recommendation 1 above. 

3.     That authority be delegated to the Assistant Director (Planning, Development and Regeneration) for the appointment of consultants and contractors to deliver the Parking, Access and Movement project as set out under recommendation 1 above.

4.     That authority be delegated to the Assistant Director (Planning, Development and Regeneration) in consultation with the Assistant Director (Corporate and Contracted Services) for the approval of a legal agreement with Hertfordshire County Council (HCC) to enable the works to be undertaken on the public highway.

5.    That approval is given for either DBC to make or for DBC to submit to Hertfordshire County Council to make a Traffic Regulation order required to prevent blue badge parking along Bridge Street, west of Waterhouse Street and to seek delegated authority from HCC to enforce the Traffic Regulation Order.

6.    Approval of a supplementary capital budget of £165k in financial year 2019/20 to enable the project to be delivered.

7.    That the use of s106 income and income from sustainable transport funding from HCC to supplement existing budgets on this scheme; the virements brought in from these sources will increase the respective project budget be approved.

8.    Approval of a supplementary one off reserve draw down of £25,000 in 2019/20 to support the delivery of the project, funded from the Planning and Regeneration Project Reserve.

CA/110/18       TREASURY MANAGEMENT 17/18 CLOSING PERFORMANCE

The acceptance of the report on Treasury Management performance in 2017/18 and the Prudential Indicators for 2017/18 actuals.

13 November 2018

CA/117/18       BUDGET MONITORING QUARTER 2 2018/19

1.    That the budget monitoring position for each of the above accounts be noted.

2.    Approval of the revised capital programme to move £2.8m slippage identified at

Quarter 2 into financial year 2019/20 as detailed in Appendix C;

3.    Approval of the one off supplementary budgets required to deliver several service changes as set out below. These will be funded by use of the Management of change reserve. Details for these supplementary budgets are set out in the body of the report and have a net nil impact on the General Fund Working Balance:

·         A one off Increase to the Planning service budget of £90k to support the implementation of new and improved planning software.

·         A one-off increase to the Adventure Playground service employees budget by £80k to support costs incurred of restructuring the service.

·         An increase in the Neighbourhood Delivery employees budget by £80k to meet one off pension strain costs arising from the consolidation of the management team.

That the following be approved:

16^th October 2018

CA/106/18       HEMEL HEMPSTEAD TOWN CENTRE AND PARKING ACCESS AND MOVEMENT STRATEGY

Decision

1.     That the delivery of the parking, access and movement proposals for Hemel Hempstead town centre as set out in the report be approved.

2.     That authority be delegated to the Assistant Director (Planning, Development and Regeneration) to approve further design, planning and implementation decisions on recommendation 1 above. 

3.     That authority be delegated to the Assistant Director (Planning, Development and Regeneration) for the appointment of consultants and contractors to deliver the Parking, Access and Movement project as set out under recommendation 1 above.

4.     That authority be delegated to the Assistant Director (Planning, Development and Regeneration) in consultation with the Assistant Director (Corporate and Contracted Services) for the approval of a legal agreement with Hertfordshire County Council (HCC) to enable the works to be undertaken on the public highway.

5.    That approval is given for either DBC to make or for DBC to submit to Hertfordshire County Council to make a Traffic Regulation order required to prevent blue badge parking along Bridge Street, west of Waterhouse Street and to seek delegated authority from HCC to enforce the Traffic Regulation Order.

6.    Approval of a supplementary capital budget of £165k in financial year 2019/20 to enable the project to be delivered.

7.    That the use of s106 income and income from sustainable transport funding from HCC to supplement existing budgets on this scheme; the virements brought in from these sources will increase the respective project budget be approved.

8.    Approval of a supplementary one off reserve draw down of £25,000 in 2019/20 to support the delivery of the project, funded from the Planning and Regeneration Project Reserve.

Seconded and agreed.

CA/110/18       TREASURY MANAGEMENT 17/18 CLOSING PERFORMANCE

Decision

The acceptance of the report on Treasury Management performance in 2017/18 and the Prudential Indicators for 2017/18 actuals.

Seconded and agreed.

13 November 2018

CA/117/18       BUDGET MONITORING QUARTER 2 2018/19

Decision

1.    That the budget monitoring position for each of the above accounts be noted.

2.    Approval of the revised capital programme to move £2.8m slippage identified at

Quarter 2 into financial year 2019/20 as detailed in Appendix C;

3.    Approval of the one off supplementary budgets required to deliver several service changes as set out below. These will be funded by use of the Management of change reserve. Details for these supplementary budgets are set out in the body of the report and have a net nil impact on the General Fund Working Balance:

·         A one off Increase to the Planning service budget of £90k to support the implementation of new and improved planning software.

·         A one-off increase to the Adventure Playground service employees budget by £80k to support costs incurred of restructuring the service.

·         An increase in the Neighbourhood Delivery employees budget by £80k to meet one off pension strain costs arising from the consolidation of the management team.

4.    Approval of the virement detailed in Appendix D  ...  view the full minutes text for item 8.

None.

None.

To consider the following referrals from Licensing:

5.  13 November 2018                     Review of Gambling Act Statement of Principles

Resolved:

That the following be approved:

13 November 2018

CA/091/18       REVIEW OF GAMBLING ACT STATEMENT OF PRINCIPLES

Council endorse the revised draft Statement of Principles under the Gambling Act 2005 for the period 2019 – 2022, and refer it to Full Council for approval and adoption.

13 November 2018

CA/091/18       REVIEW OF GAMBLING ACT STATEMENT OF PRINCIPLES

Decision

Council endorse the revised draft Statement of Principles under the Gambling Act 2005 for the period 2019 – 2022, and refer it to Full Council for approval and adoption.

Seconded and agreed.

To consider any proposals for changes to committee membership

None.

None.

To consider any proposals for changes to committee dates

None.

None.

To consider passing a resolution in the following terms:

That, under s.100A (4) of the Local Government Act 1972 Schedule 12A Part 1 as amended by the Local Government (Access to Information) (Variation) Order 2006 the public be excluded during the items in Part 2 of the Agenda for this meeting, because it is likely, in view of the nature of the business to be transacted, that, if members of the public were present during those items, there would be disclosure to them of exempt information relating to the financial and business affairs of the Council and third party companies/organisations.

Local Government Act 1972, Schedule 12A, Part 1, paragraph 3.

There were no items for consideration under the exclusion of the public.

To consider passing a resolution in the following terms:

That, under section 100A(4) of the Local Government Act 1972, the public be excluded during the item in Part II of the Agenda for this meeting, because it is likely, in view of the nature of the business to be transacted, that if members of the public were present during this item there would be disclosure to them of exempt information relating to the financial and business affairs of the Council and third party companies/organisations.

(Local Government Act 1972, Schedule 12A, Part 1, Paragraph 3).

The meeting ended at 9.17pm