Agenda and minutes

To receive apologies for absence from members

Apologies for absence were received from Cllr W Owens and Cllr A Crimmings

To receive disclosures of personal interest from Members in accordance with the Code of Conduct

Note:

1.     Members are requested to identify the item number and subject matter that their interest relates to and signify the nature of the personal interest: and

2.   Where Members withdraw from a meeting as a consequence of the disclosure of a prejudicial interest they must notify the Chairman when they leave.

In accordance with the Council’s Code of Conduct, there were no declarations made pertaining to the agenda.

To receive the minutes of the previous meeting of the Public Service Delivery, Communities and Prosperity Community Committee held on 23 September 2020

It was RESOLVED to approve the minutes of the 23^rd September 2020 as an accurate reflection of the meeting.

The Senior Democratic Services Officer presented the report to members and provided members the opportunity to comment on the draft Forward Work Programme and put forward any items for discussion at future meetings.

She reminded members that the Forward Work Programme would remain flexible and could be reviewed by members at regular intervals.  She added that consideration would also be given to officers priorities whilst continuing to work through the current global pandemic.

A member asked if consideration to an item on Flytipping could be included on the Forward Work Programme.  The Senior Democratic Services Officer stated that this would be considered under the Enforcement item due in March 2021

A member stated that he had some ideas for the Forward Work programme and would discuss with the Chairman and forward to the Senior Democratic Services officer in due course.

REOSLVED: Members noted the recommendations in 2.1-2.3 of the report.

The Service Director Streetcare introduced the report to members on the recycling performance for the first 6 months of 2020/2 during the COVID 19 period.   He advised members that the target for recycling was set at 64% by Welsh Government and that failure to achieve these targets could result in substantial fines. He added that they were currently working towards the future targets and were performing extremely well and were well on track to achieve the targets ahead of time as long as they continue to push hard, even under the current circumstances.

The Chairman asked how COVID19 had impacted on the Streetcare teams in terms of staff being off sick or self-isolating and also how the team coped with staff being redeployed to other business critical service areas.  He also asked about the cleaning regime of the vehicles between uses to reduce the spread of infection. 

The Service Director advised that during the initial stages of lockdown it was a challenge as there were large number of staff that were shielding and the service also had to collapse other services that were deemed non-essential at the time.  He advised that the recycling centres were closed for an initial period during the lockdown with the staff redeployed to these other services. He added that green waste was also suspended.  Street cleansing operatives were transferred to waste teams to assist with collections when required. 

The Service Director advised that collections returned to normal in June. Grass cutting was suspended for the first month which was also a challenge for the service area.  He advised members that enforcement teams were used predominately to distribute recycling bags and enhanced cleaning of schools

In response to how the teams were cleansing the vehicles he advised that due to social distancing restrictions staff were reduced to two per cab so another support vehicle had to follow to transport the other crew member provide support.  The support vehicles were sought from other services or hired in through Fleet services.  The driver of the vehicle was responsible for sanitising the vehicle throughout the day using an antiviral spray.  A dedicated person at each of the depots would ensure all work areas were and continue to be sanitised.  Other rules enforced were staff wearing masks, social distancing and if anyone displayed symptoms they were to remain home and follow government guidance on testing, isolating, etc. 

A member stated that all the officers achieved excellent work during the pandemic, and all went over and above and all the teams should be commended.

A member referred to the figure achieved of 68.3% of recycling and asked how much down this was from last year.  The Service Director state that this was down just over 0.56% on last year

A member asked about the grass cutting schedule and the costs associated with the cutting. 

The Service Director stated that the grass cutting schedule starts at the end of March, however, this year it was delayed until the end of May.  He  ...  view the full minutes text for item 10.

To reflect on the meeting and actions to be taken forward.

The Chair thanked the Service Director in attendance and asked that the Committees thanks are sent to all of the teams involved for their continued hard work and commitment during the lockdown period and beyond. 

He asked that the Committee receive an update on the service area in 6 months’ time.

To consider any items, which the Chairman, by reason of special circumstances, is of the opinion should be considered at the meeting as a matter of urgency.

None