Agenda and draft minutes

To agree the minutes of the previous meeting.

Councillor Silwall chaired the meeting.

The minutes of the last meeting were not available.

To receive any apologies for absence.

There were apologies from Councillors Barret, Hobson and Taylor.

To receive any declarations of interest.

There were no declarations of interest.

There was no public partiipation.

None.

J Deane explained that very little had changed since the last budget.

Cllr Silwal asked a question about Independent Members Allowances.

J Deane said that the rates were set by the remuneration panel they give a recommendation and it was found that we were below average so we have paid above for the last three years and this year is the last so they would be looking at that.

Cllrs Alan Anderson and Graham Sutton gave presentations about their services.

Cllr Anderson said that as Portfolio Holders they were presenting what they had been doing and what was coming.

Starting with Environment he explained that his Portfolio encompassed Refuse, Clean Safe and Green and Sustainability.

Cllr Anderson talked about the improvements that have been made at Cupid Green including the vehicle repair shops, the buildings and installing a shower for female members of staff. He also spoke about the educational waste projects they run including Love Food Hate Waste and clothes swapping events.  Cllr Anderson said that in the future we must be aware of the growing population in our area in respect of waste solutions and it is a possibility that the Government may decide standardise waste collection across the country which would bring challenges.

Cllr Anderson explained that the CSG work in many different ways and he was seeking to document some of that so that their effectiveness could be maximised. Anti-Littering signs on the roads need to be improved and public event organizers should have to provide bins and he also wants to ‘get to grips’ with weeds. 

Cllr Anderson went on to speak about protocol for dealing with graffiti and wanting to increase bio-diversity, seeing what can be done with introducing wild flowers cost effectively, he added that the council is looking to ban the release of lanterns and balloons from property and spaces owned By Dacorum Council due to the danger to animals and wildlife plus damage to property. Cllr Anderson said that he has talked to the Water Company about the chalk streams in our borough. He spoke about the Water Gardens and how important it is that they are now maintained to the high standard they have been restored to.  The Splash Park, he said, is very popular but needs to be monitored to ensure that it is being used in a hygenic way with parents being responsible for their children, so that it may continue to be enjoyed by all. Improvements are also being made to play areas and playing fields.

Cllr Anderson reiterated that we have an ambitious tree planting project. Trees were going to be planted and they were hoping to plant a thousand by the end of the year and planning for that is well under way, ensuring that we get the supply of trees etc,  Also looking at formalising tree replacement through planning applications.

Cllr Anderson said that things they would be looking at in the future would be CO2 reduction, air quality, the climate emergency and he said that he would also like to investigate the possibility of supporting any local food schemes.

Cllr Ransley suggested signs saying that children must wear swim nappies be put up at the Splash Park.

Cllr Anderson replied that they were already in place.

Cllr Beauchamp asked whether there would be new services offered in terms of maintenance repair – bring other vehicles in to the Cupid Green facility.  ...  view the full minutes text for item 80.

The work programme was not discussed at this meeting.