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Minutes of the Council Meeting held 7th June 2006

Minutes of a meeting of the Council of the City of Sheffield held in the Council Chamber within the Town Hall, Sheffield, on Wednesday, 7^th June, 2006 pursuant to notice duly given and Summonses duly served.

PRESENT

THE LORD MAYOR (Councillor Jackie Drayton)

THE DEPUTY LORD MAYOR (Councillor Arthur Dunworth)

1 Arbourthorne Ward	10 Dore & Totley Ward	19 Mosborough Ward
Julie Dore	Anne Smith	Mike Peat
John Robson	Mike Waters	David Barker
Tim Rippon	Keith Hill	Sam Wall

2 Beauchief/Greenhill Ward	11 East Ecclesfield Ward	20 Nether Edge Ward
Anthony Holmes	Vic Bowden	Ali Qadar
Simon Clement-Jones	Graham Oxley	Pat White
Clive Skelton	Pat Fox

3 Beighton Ward	12 Ecclesall Ward	21 Richmond Ward
Ian Saunders	Sylvia Dunkley	Martin Lawton
Chris Rosling-Josephs	Roger Davison	John Campbell
Helen Mirfin-Boukouris	Michael Reynolds	Liz Naylor

4 Birley Ward	13 Firth Park Ward	22 Shiregreen & Brightside Ward
Bryan Lodge	Joan Barton	Jane Bird
Mike Pye	Chris Weldon	Peter Price
Denise Fox	Alan Law	Peter Rippon

5 Broomhill Ward	14 Fulwood Ward	23 Southey Ward
Paul Scriven	John Knight	Tony Damms
Alan Whitehouse	Andrew Sangar	Leigh Bramall
Shaffaq Mohammed	Janice Sidebottom	Gill Furniss

6 Burngreave Ward	15 Gleadless Valley Ward	24 Stannington Ward
Ibrar Hussain	Terry Fox	David Baker
Steve Jones	Rosemary Telfer	Vickie Priestley
	Garry Weatherall

7 Central Ward	16 Graves Park Ward	25 Stocksbridge & Upper Don Ward
Jean Cromar	Peter Moore	Martin Davis
Jillian Creasy	Ian Auckland	Alison Brelsford
Bernard Little	Bob McCann	Martin Brelsford

8 Crookes Ward	17 Hillsborough Ward	26 Walkley Ward
Brian Holmes	Robert MacDonald	Diane Leek
John Hesketh	Janet Bragg	Veronica Hardstaff
Sylvia Anginotti	Alf Meade	Jonathan Harston

9 Darnall Ward	18 Manor Castle Ward	27 West Ecclesfield Ward
Mary Lea	Pat Midgley	Kathleen Chadwick
Harry Harpham	Jan Fiore	Trevor Bagshaw
Mazher Iqbal	Jan Wilson	Alan Hooper

		28 Woodhouse Ward
		Marjorie Barker
		Mick Rooney
		Ray Satur

1.	APOLOGIES FOR ABSENCE
	Apologies for absence were received from Councillor Andrew White.

2.	PRESENTATION OF SEALED RESOLUTION TO FORMER LORD MAYOR AND LADY MAYORESS
	The Lord Mayor (Councillor Jackie Drayton) presented a sealed resolution and casket to Councillor Roger Davison and Mrs Catherine Davison in recognition of the official duties undertaken by them as Lord Mayor and Lady Mayoress during the Municipal Year 2005/06.

3.	MR MOHAMMAD AZIM
	The Lord Mayor reported that former Councillor Mohammad Azim had not been re-elected to the City Council on 4^th May 2006 and arising therefrom is was:
	RESOLVED UNANIMOUSLY on the Motion of the Lord Mayor (Councillor Jackie Drayton), seconded by Councillor Paul Scriven, that this Council places on record its appreciation of the valuable services rendered to the City by Mr Mohammad Azim.

4.	PUBLIC QUESTIONS AND PETITIONS
4.1	Petitions
	(a) Petition concerning the ALCO site at Midhill Road
	The Council received a petition containing 149 signatures in relation to the ALCO site at Midhill Road, calling upon the Council to take action to deal with issues affecting the quality of life for residents and visitors in relation to excessive noise, general disturbance, excess traffic movement, alleged traffic regulation violations and dust and danger from heavy goods vehicles entering and exiting the site.
	The Council heard representations made on behalf of the petitioners by Mrs June Woodward.
	In response, the Cabinet Member for Transport (Councillor Terry Fox) stated that some liaison had been undertaken with ALCO, local Members and Mrs Woodward in relation to this matter.
	The Council referred the petition for consideration by the City Centre, South and East Planning and Highways Area Board.

	(b) Petition concerning Anti-Social Behaviour at Rustlings Road Allotment site
	The Council received a petition containing 25 signatures, expressing concern regarding the significant increase in vandalism and anti-social behaviour on the Rustlings Road Allotment Site and calling upon the Council to review the action taken to date and to bring forward recommendations for future action with a clear and costed, timetabled strategy for improving security on the site in the medium and long-term.
	The Council heard representations made on behalf of the petitioners by Mr Nick Whitaker, a member of the Rustlings Road Allotments Society, who drew the Council’s attention to the popularity of the site and its environmental and wildlife credentials and commended the measures taken by the South Yorkshire Police in dealing with the anti-social behaviour affecting the Allotment site.
	In response, the Cabinet Member for Streetscene and Green Spaces (Councillor Bryan Lodge) stated that the Council was aware of issues raised by the petitioners and action had been taken over the past year to help alleviate the problems identified.
	The Council referred the petition for consideration by the Cabinet Member for Streetscene and Green Spaces (Councillor Bryan Lodge).

	(c) Petition Concerning Public Toilets at Graves Park
	The Council received a petition containing 305 signatures, calling upon the Council to take action to retain and improve the public toilets in Graves Park.
	The Council heard representations made on behalf of the petitioners by Mrs Rose, detailing the concerns of petitioners.
	In response, the Cabinet Member for Streetscene and Green Spaces (Councillor Bryan Lodge) stated that investment had been made in toilets in Graves Park during the year 2004/05, although the toilets at the Cobnar Road end of the Park had been subject to misuse.
	The Council referred the petition for consideration by the Cabinet Member for Streetscene and Green Spaces (Councillor Bryan Lodge).

	(d) Petition concerning the Fitting of Bollards Adjacent to Shop Entrances on Page Hall Road
	The Council received a petition, containing 303 signatures, calling upon the Council to abstain from fitting bollards adjacent to shop entrances on Page Hall Road, as the shop owners felt it would directly affect their trade, although they were wholeheartedly supportive of traffic calming measures and other restrictions on parking.
	The Council heard representations made on behalf of the petitioners by Mr M. Hussain who drew particular attention to the effects upon parking and access to businesses if bollards were to be erected.
	In response, the Cabinet Member for Transport (Councillor Terry Fox) stated that the Council had to take account of the interests of the various users of the highway and pointed to the difficulties in relation to parking in that area.
	The Council referred the petition for consideration by the West and North Planning and Highways Area Board.

	(e) Petition concerning the Bus Lane on Ecclesall Road
	The Council received a petition containing 754 signatures, objecting to proposals to extend the bus lane and freeway on Ecclesall Road.
	The Council heard representations made on behalf of the petitioners by Mr Paul Iseard. Mr Iseard stated that an extension of the bus lane and freeway on Ecclesall Road would adversely affect residents’ parking and would not necessarily improve traffic flows. He requested that alternate bus lanes be established on Ecclesall Road.
	In response, the Cabinet Member for Transport (Councillor Terry Fox) stated that the Council needed to balance the demands of businesses, public transport and other road users. He stated that there had been a city-wide consultation and the matter was due to be considered by the City Centre, South and East Planning and Highways Area Board.
	The Council referred the petition for consideration by the City Centre, South and East Planning and Highways Area Board.

	(f) Petition concerning Worcester Road, Lodge Moor
	The Council received a petition containing 40 signatures, expressing concern at the increase in the volume and speed of traffic on Worc, ester Road, Lodge Moor and requested a reduction in the speed limit to 20mph and that traffic management measures such as a narrowing of a section of the highway be undertaken.
	The Council heard representation from Mrs Boyle on behalf of the petitioners and in response the Cabinet Member for Transport (Councillor Terry Fox) indicated that he would hold further discussions with Mrs Boyle on this matter. He also stated that any requests for highways schemes would be subject to the Council’s assessment criteria.
	The Council referred the petition for consideration by the West and North Planning and Highways Area Board.

	(g) Petition concerning School Crossing Patrol at Brunswick Primary School
	The Council received a petition containing 384 signatures, calling upon the Council to make Station Road easier and safer to cross for children by providing a safe crossing point or a pelican or manually operated stop sign or by offering a ‘golden hello’ to anyone taking up the post of Crossing Patrol Officer.
	The Council referred the petition for consideration by the City Centre, South and East Planning and Highways Area Board and the Cabinet Member for Children’s Services.

4.2	Public Questions

	(a) Public Question concerning Rustlings Road Allotment
	Ms A. Hooevele referred to the petition submitted to the Council relating to Rustlings Road allotments and incidents of vandalism and anti-social behaviour on the allotment site. She asked the Council to consider how schools in the City could become involved in campaigns to deter vandalism and change the culture of anti-social behaviour.
	In response, the Cabinet Member for Streetscene and Green Spaces (Councillor Bryan Lodge) stated that this suggestion could be considered further and referred to schools. The Cabinet Member for Children’s Services (Councillor Harry Harpham) referred to the important role of schools in instilling a sense of citizenship in young people and the importance of respecting people and property and stated that the matter would be referred to the Executive Director, Children and Young People’s Services.

	(b) Public Question concerning Bathroom Facilities
	Lyn Harrison explained that she had been without the use of a bath or shower in her home for an unacceptable length of time, despite her situation being brought to the attention of the Executive Director, Neighbourhoods and Community Care and subsequently being referred to the Council’s Community Care Service. She stated that the situation was now affecting her health.
	Lyn Harrison also enquired as to whether the Council could take measures to combat the adverse effects of pigeon droppings falling onto the handrail and recycling bins at the housing complex where she lived.

	In response, the Cabinet Member for Safer Neighbourhoods (Councillor Chris Weldon) apologised to Lyn Harrison for the situation relating to her bathroom and stated that he would investigate the matters raised and respond to her.

	(c) Public Question concerning Nuclear Energy
	Eamonn Ward, Leila Simms and Thomas Glenon asked if the Council would be giving attention to the issue of nuclear energy in the light of the national debate relating to power generation.
	Robert Spooner stated that, if the United Kingdom continued to hold nuclear weapons this might have the effect of lessening the Country’s security. Further, he stated that fissile materials could potentially get into the hands of aggressive groups or states and asked the Council to support the Notice of Motion to be debated at the meeting in relation to nuclear energy and nuclear weapons.
	Jeff Rice stated that he believed that nuclear power was not sustainable and asked what planning the City Council had undertaken in relation to the use of renewable sources of energy production.
	Ian Wallace stated that the overall supply of uranium was limited and argued that investment should instead be made in renewable sources of energy. He asked what more the City Council could do to influence the Government in relation to this issue.
	Matthew Richardson stated that the development of nuclear power might detract funds from developing renewable sources of energy. He also referred to the expense of bus fares and considered that quality contracts should be developed in relation to bus services.
	In response, the Cabinet Member for Sustainable Environment (Councillor Mary Lea) stated that she welcomed the Government review of energy and the Council would have the opportunity to debate the issue. There was work being undertaken by the Council in relation to the use of renewable energy.
	The Leader of the Council (Councillor Jan Wilson) stated that the Council had established a Cabinet post for Sustainable Environment and stated that the Council, as a large employer and user of energy, would do more in relation to the use of renewable and sustainable sources of energy. In relation to the issue of nuclear energy, she stated that a debate on nuclear power was premature at the present time.
	The Cabinet Member for Transport (Councillor Terry Fox) responded in relation to the issue of bus services and particularly in relation the development of quality contracts which he stated would not guarantee control of the level of bus fares in the City.

5.	MINUTES OF LAST MEETING
	RESOLVED: On the Motion of Councillor Pat Midgley, seconded by Councillor Jean Cromar that the minutes of the meeting of the City Council held on 3^rd May 2006 and the Annual Meeting held on 17^th May 2006, be approved as a correct record, with the addition of a note to the minutes of the Annual Meeting held on 17^th May 2006 recording the presentation of an engraved rose bowl to the University of Sheffield to commemorate the centenary of the University.

6.	ORDER OF BUSINESS
	RESOLVED: On the Motion of Councillor Jillian Creasy, seconded by Councillor Andrew Sangar, that the Council does now proceed to consideration of item 13, related to the Notice of Motion in connection with nuclear energy.

7.	NOTICE OF MOTION RE NUCLEAR ENERGY
	It was moved by Councillor Jillian Creasy, seconded by Councillor Bernard Little, that this Council:-

	(a) notes that Prime Minister Tony Blair has pre-empted the findings of the Energy Review by declaring that nuclear power is back on the agenda “with a vengeance”;

	(b) recognises that nuclear energy programmes:

	(i) divert resources from decentralised and renewable energy generation and efficiency schemes that could create jobs and improve living standards across the City;

	(ii) are far too costly and slow to meet the urgent need to prevent climate change; and

	(iii) produce radioactive wastes that remain a danger for thousands of years and increase the capacity for nuclear weapons roliferation;

	(c) further recognises that nuclear weapons are a crime against humanity, in certain circumstances are illegal in international law, are a threat to security and a scandalous diversion of taxpayers’ money that could be invested in the City’s services to build a decent and safe society;

	(d) therefore resolves to:

	(i) rejoin the Nuclear Free Local Authorities in order to contribute to local government’s campaign for a safe, sustainable and nuclear free future;

	(ii) call on our local Members of Parliament to sign Early Day Motion E2204 which explains why nuclear build will not solve our energy problems; and

	(iii) call on our local Members of Parliament to oppose upgrading Trident; and

	(e) requests the Chief Executive to send copies of this Motion to the Prime Minister and the local Members of Parliament.

	Whereupon it was moved by Councillor Andrew Sangar, seconded by Councillor Sylvia Dunkley, as an amendment, that the Motion now submitted be amended by:

	The deletion of all the words after the words “That this Council” and the substitution of the following words therefor:-

	“(a) is concerned for the long term future of the planet and the people, plants and animals on it and, therefore, priority should be given to conservation of energy, the use of sustainable and renewable energy sources and that carbon neutrality should be a minimum target and consequently that this Council supports investment that will enable this strategy;

	(b) believes that the use of nuclear energy has yet to be proven to be safe, as exampled by Three Mile Island and Chernobyl, nor reliable and economic to run, and is vulnerable to attack and, furthermore, that the safety of its disposed by-products may not be guaranteed for future generations over the hundreds of thousand years that it will take to become inert;

	(c) calls on our local Members of Parliament to sign Early Day Motion E2204 which explains why nuclear build will not solve our energy problems; and

	(d) directs that a copy of this motion is sent to the Prime Minister and all local Members of Parliament.”

	On being put to the vote, the amendment was negatived.

	It was then moved by Councillor Mary Lea, seconded by Councillor Gill Furniss, as an amendment:-