Health and Environmental Services Committee 7 November 2007
From Nigov
Health and Environmental Services Committee Wednesday, 7th November, 2007
MEETING OF HEALTH AND ENVIRONMENTAL SERVICES COMMITTEE
Members present
Councillor Mullaghan (Chairman); and Councillors W. Browne, Cunningham, Cush, Hanna, Jones, Kyle, McKenzie, Mhic Giolla Mhín, O'Neill, O'Reilly and Rodway.
In attendance
- Mr. W. Francey (Director of Health and Environmental Services)
- Mr. S. Skimin (Head of Cleansing Services)
- Mr. T. Walker (Head of Waste Management)
- Mrs. S. Wylie (Head of Environmental Health)
- Mr. D. Rogan (Building Control Manager)
- Mr. M. McBride (Business Support Manager)
- Mr. H. Downey (Committee Administrator)
Apologies
Apologies for inability to attend were reported from Councillors Adamson, Austin and Hendron.
Minutes
The minutes of the meeting of 3rd October were taken as read and signed as correct. It was reported that those minutes had been adopted by the Council at its meeting on 1st November.
Eastern Health and Social Services Council
The Chairman informed the Committee that the Eastern Health and Social Services Council was an independent organisation which represented the views of the public on issues relating to health and social services provision within the Eastern Health and Social Services Board area. He pointed out that the organisation fulfilled an important role and suggested that it would be beneficial if its representatives were to be invited to attend a future meeting in order to outline the work which it undertook.
The Committee agreed to receive the representatives.
Notice of Motion: Illegal Fly-posting and Graffiti - Response from Department of the Environment
The Committee was reminded that, at its meeting on 1st August, it had considered a Notice of Motion in relation to Illegal Fly-posting and Graffiti which had been referred to it by the Council. The Committee had adopted the course of action set out within the Notice of Motion, which included the establishment of an inter-agency task force to deal with fly-posting and graffiti, and was of the view that appropriate legislation, similar to the Clean Neighbourhoods and Environment Act 2005 in force within England and Wales, should be introduced in Northern Ireland. The Committee had agreed also that a letter be forwarded to the Minister with responsibility for the Department of the Environment requesting that such legislation be introduced as a matter of urgency.
The Director of Health and Environmental Services informed the Members that a response had been received from the Department of the Environment's Planning and Environmental Policy Group. The response recognised the difficulties faced by Councils in dealing effectively with fly-posting and graffiti and outlined the work being undertaken by the Group to strengthen and extend Councils' powers, including consideration of the drafting of appropriate legislation based upon the Clean Neighbourhoods and Environment Act 2005. However, the letter had not provided a timeframe for the introduction of such legislation. The response had concluded by affirming the Group's willingness to participate in any task force being established to address fly-posting and graffiti.
The Committee highlighted the failure by the Department of the Environment to provide a timeframe for the introduction of appropriate legislation. Accordingly, it agreed that a further letter be forwarded to the Minister expressing its concern with this aspect of the response and suggesting that the drafting and implementation of appropriate legislation be afforded immediate priority.
Waste Management
Waste Marketing and Communications Campaign
The Committee considered the undernoted report in relation to the development of the next phase of the marketing and communications campaign to promote the Council's Waste Implementation Plan.
After discussion, during which the Director assured the Members that the Department would seek to ensure that payments to the marketing company as part of the contract would be linked directly to measurable improvements in recycling rates, the Committee adopted the recommendations.
Tender for the Provision of a Waste Education Programme for Schools
The Committee was reminded that, at its meeting on 1st August, it had approved the commencement of a tendering exercise for the provision of a waste education programme for schools. The Head of Waste Management reported that, in response to public advertisement, one tender had been received and had been evaluated, in conjunction with the Procurement Unit, against criteria based upon 60% quality and 40% cost. Accordingly, he recommended that the tender which had been submitted by Bryson Charitable Group, 28 Bedford Street, Belfast, be accepted for a three-year period at a cost of £40,000 per annum.
The Committee adopted the recommendation.
Invitation from Bryson Charitable Group
The Head of Waste Management informed the Members that the Council's Health and Environmental Services Department, in partnership with the Bryson Charitable Group, had delivered in recent years a number of projects which had provided significant benefits for local communities. He highlighted in particular the success of the White Goods Pilot Project through which used electrical household items which had been recovered from the Council's special household waste collection service were refurbished and supplied at affordable prices to disadvantaged people within the community. He reported that the Bryson Charitable Group had invited the Committee to visit the project which was based at the premises of Ulster Supported Employment Limited, 182-188 Cambrai Street. The visit was scheduled to take place at 3.30 p.m. on Tuesday, 27th November. Accordingly, he recommended that any Member of the Committee who so wished be authorised to attend.
The Committee adopted the recommendation.
Cleansing Services
Street Cleanliness Index
The Committee considered a report (This should be requested under Freedom of Information) providing details in respect of the Street Cleanliness Index, Enforcement and Education Activities for the period from July till September, 2007. The Head of Cleansing Services reviewed the indices for each of Cleansing areas within the City and pointed out that the overall City-wide index of 69 represented a reduction of two points from the previous quarter and of one from the corresponding period in 2006. However, he advised the Members that the index indicated that the City was still regarded as being of a good overall standard of cleanliness.
Noted.
Environmental Health
Draft Policy on Anti-Social Behaviour
The Committee considered the undernoted report in relation to the formulation of a policy to address anti-social behaviour.
After discussion, the Committee adopted the recommendations and noted that a copy of the draft policy was available for inspection on the Members' Portal.
Change in the Management of the Neighbourhood Officer Scheme
The Head of Environmental Health submitted for the Committee's consideration the undernoted report outlining changes to the management of the Neighbourhood Officer Scheme.
The Committee adopted the recommendations.
Safe Seniors Pack
The Committee noted the contents of a report on the older people's safety and advice pack which had been launched on 16th October.
Neighbourhood Watch Development Officer
The Head of Environmental Health informed the Committee that the Neighbourhood Watch Scheme provided an opportunity for local communities, the Police Service of Northern Ireland and other agencies to work together to reduce crime and the fear of crime and to address anti-social behaviour throughout the City. The Scheme was supported at a strategic level by the Community Safety Unit of the Northern Ireland Office, the Police Service of Northern Ireland and the Northern Ireland Policing Board and at a local level through Community Safety Partnerships, Police District Command Units and District Policing Partnerships.
She explained that a Neighbourhood Watch Steering Committee, which was facilitated by the Council's Community Safety Team, had been established to co-ordinate the administration and promotion of Neighbourhood Watch Schemes across the City. Approximately 30 accredited Schemes were now in place and the Steering Committee had, during the past year, facilitated a series of training courses for volunteer co-ordinators and had organised a number of promotional events.
The Head of Environmental Health reported that the success of the Neighbourhood Watch Scheme had led to an increase in demand which, in turn, had resulted in a need to provide dedicated support for partner organisations in order to ensure effective engagement with groups participating in the Scheme. There was a requirement also to promote the initiative further and, in particular, to provide ongoing support to the groups and their co-ordinators. She explained that, in order to advance this work, the Police Service of Northern Ireland had provided funding of approximately £36,500 from within its Policing with the Community Fund to support the appointment of a Neighbourhood Watch Development Officer for a period of two years to work within the Council's Community Safety Team. This Officer would work with the relevant partners to develop a co-ordinated approach to promoting, developing and supporting Neighbourhood Watch Schemes throughout the City and would, thereby, contribute to the Council's Corporate Strategic Objective of Creating a Safer City. She explained that the fund would provide for salary costs, including on-costs for a part time post, and that the Council would provide support costs, including accommodation and equipment, from within its existing resources. Accordingly, she recommended that the Committee agree to support the appointment of a Neighbourhood Watch Development Officer on a part time basis for a period of two years.
The Committee adopted the recommendation.
New Bye-Laws for the Control of Cosmetic Piercing and Semi-Permanent Skin Colouring
The Head of Environmental Health submitted the undernoted report in relation to the introduction of new Bye-Laws for the control of cosmetic piercing and semi-permanent skin colouring.
The Committee adopted the Bye-Laws for the control of cosmetic piercing and semi-permanent skin colouring.
Amended Agreement to Provide Assistance in a National Emergency Involving an Animal-Related Disease
The Committee was reminded that, at its meeting on 11th June, it had agreed to provide emergency assistance to the Department of Agriculture and Rural Development in situations where a national emergency had been declared as a result of a confirmed outbreak of an animal-related disease and to authorise the Chief Executive to sign the Schedule of Emergency Provision committing the use of the Council's resources. The Committee had agreed also to the Secretary of the Local Government Emergency Management Group signing a Memorandum of Understanding on behalf of all District Councils, including Belfast, subject to clarification being obtained on the extent of the role of the Group in co-ordinating administrative and operational matters relating to the Memorandum.
The Head of Environmental Health explained that, under the terms of the Memorandum, the Council would be required to supply experienced manual staff and certain types of plant and equipment, together with operatives/drivers where necessary, and that any cost incurred would be recoverable from the Department of Agriculture and Rural Development. She reported that, following discussions with that Department, it had been established that, due to operational and logistical difficulties, it would not be possible for the Local Government Emergency Management Group to co-ordinate and sign the Memorandum on behalf of Councils. Therefore, each Council would be required to make its own arrangements and, accordingly, she recommended that the Chief Executive sign the Memorandum of Understanding on behalf of the Council.
The Committee adopted the recommendation.
Structural Review of Environmental Protection Unit
The Committee considered the undernoted report in respect of a review of the Environmental Protection Unit.
After discussion, the Committee adopted the recommendations and noted that a copy of the Business Improvement Section's report was available for inspection on the Members' Portal.
Review of the Community Safety and Health Development Teams
The Committee was reminded that, at its meeting on 14th May, it had granted approval for the Business Improvement Section to conduct a review of the Community Safety and Health Development Teams within the Environmental Health Service.
The Head of Environmental Health reported that, as part of a consultation exercise being undertaken within the Review, the Business Improvement Section was proposing to arrange a focus group in order to obtain the views of Members on the future direction and role of the Community Safety and Health Development Teams. Accordingly, she requested that the Committee nominate Members to participate in the group.
After discussion, it was agreed that a letter be forwarded to each Member of the Committee requesting them to indicate if they wished to take part in the focus group.
Building Control
Tender for the Supply and Erection of Street Nameplates
The Committee was advised that the Building Control Service was responsible for the erection and maintenance of street nameplates under the Local Government (Miscellaneous Provisions) (Northern Ireland) Order 1995. The Building Control Manager reported that approximately 400 nameplates were manufactured and erected annually, with a further 300 being either cleaned or replaced. In addition, the Service facilitated the erection of dual-language street nameplates, upon approval by the Council. He explained that the existing contract for this work was due to expire and, accordingly, he sought the Committee's approval for the commencement of a tendering exercise for the provision of street nameplates. The tenders would be evaluated on the basis of 40% quality and 60% cost and the contract would be awarded for a three-year period, at an estimated cost of £40,000 per annum.
The Committee granted the approval sought.
Tender for the Demolition, Blocking-Up and Repairs of Properties
The Building Control Manager informed the Members that the Building Control Service was required to ensure that properties throughout the City were blocked-up, repaired and/or demolished if they became unsafe and represented a health and safety risk. He explained that, in most cases, the costs associated with the undertaking of this work were met by the owners of the properties concerned. However, there were occasions when it was not possible to identify the owners, thereby necessitating the Council to meet the costs. He reported that the existing contract for this work would expire in the near future and, accordingly, he recommended that a tendering exercise be initiated for the demolition, blocking-up and repairs of properties. The tenders would be evaluated on the basis of 40% quality and 60% cost and the contract would be awarded for a three-year period, at an estimated cost of £30,000 per annum.
The Committee adopted the recommendation.
Tender for the Digitisation of Building Control Records
The Committee was advised that the Building Control Service was proposing to undertake the digitisation of its records dating back to the year 2000. The Building Control Manager explained that this exercise would provide an improved service for customers as it facilitated faster research and would create additional office space by reducing the number of plans being stored. Accordingly, he sought the Committee's approval for the commencement of a tendering exercise for the digitisation of Building Control records and pointed out that the tenders would be evaluated on the basis of 80% quality and 20% cost. The contract would be awarded for a three-year period and would cost in the region of £40,000.
The Committee granted the approval sought.
Northern Ireland Building Control Conference
The Building Control Manager informed the Committee that the 2007 Building Control Conference would be held from 22nd till 23rd November in Killadeas, County Fermanagh. In addition to discussing topics such as planning and sustainable development and the impact of Building Regulations upon sustainability, the Conference would review the visit which had been undertaken by the Northern Ireland Group Committee for Building Control to Freiburg, Germany, to assess that City's innovative work in establishing green policies. The cost of attending the Conference would be in the region of £250 per delegate.
The Committee agreed that it be represented at the Conference by the Chairman, the Deputy Chairman and the Director of Health and Environmental Services (or their nominees), together with an officer from the Building Control Service, and agreed to the payment of the associated travel and subsistence allowances in connection therewith.
Chairman
