Issue - meetings

The Board considered the Quarterly Recommendation Tracker and the Portfolio Holder for Community Services was pleased to advise Members that all recommendations which had been agreed by Cabinet in respect of the two Refuse and Recycling Scrutiny Investigations has been completed.  The Portfolio Holder for Community Services drew Members attention to the following:

• On-street recycling – a trial scheme would shortly be run from Sanders Park.
• The contractors used for the recycling of aluminium cans and the cost to the Council.  The Portfolio Holder invited Councillor C. B. Taylor to attend the next Portfolio Holder’s meeting, as he had a particular interest and knowledge of this area.
• NVQ Training – all staff had now completed the training, which was well received.  The Portfolio Holder confirmed that new staff members would also be offered the training.   A presentation of certificates would take place at the Depot in October and the Portfolio Holder undertook to invite Members to attend.
• Co-mingled Sorting Plant visit – a further visit would be arranged for those Members who had not yet seen the new plant.
• Eco-schools programme – Members asked whether Bromsgrove School was or could be included within this programme.  The Head of Environmental Services agreed to investigate and report back to the Board in due course.
• Availability of the recycling service – the Portfolio Holder advised Members that the service had recently been offered to a further 2,500 households and it was envisaged that it would be available to 99% of residents within the next few months.  He confirmed that press releases had been provided to the local papers, but had been disappointed that the article had only appeared in one local paper (and not on the front page as had been hoped) and had not been included in the local paper’s website.
• The vehicle management system – this was also being looked at with Worcestershire County Council.  The Head of Environmental Services explained that software was available, although very expensive, which would assist with this and WCC were exploring the option of all districts using the same system as this would be more cost effective.

RESOLVED:

(a)               that Recommendations 1 and 2 from the Hot Food Takeaways Investigation (24th November 2009) be referred back to the new Head of Planning and Regeneration for further consideration;

(b)               that Recommendations 1, 2 and 3 from the Refuse and Recycling VMF Scrutiny Investigation (25th November 2008) be removed as completed items from the Scrutiny Board Recommendation Tracker; and

(c)               that Recommendations 1, 2, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 10 11, 14 and 15 of the Refuse and Recycling Scrutiny Investigation (4th March 2008)  be removed as completed items from the Scrutiny Board Recommendation Tracker.