Agenda, decisions and minutes

That the minutes be approved as a correct record and signed by the Chair.

The minutes of the meetings held on 23 June 2015 had been circulated with the agenda.

RESOLVED:

That the minutes be approved as a correct record and signed by the Chair.

None were received.

A copy of the Chairman’s communications had been circulated to all Members before the meeting.  The Chairman reported on the positive outcome of the events attended.

The Chief Officer (Governance) confirmed that none had been received.

The Chief Officer (Governance) confirmed that none had been received.

The Chief Officer (Governance) confirmed that none had been received.

Councillor Arnold Woolley

“That this Council recommends to the Cabinet that they should establish a cross-group working party to examine the process and feasibility of introducing a dog DNA recognition information bank for dog owners within the County, in order to deal effectively with the ongoing most common complaint of ordinary citizens; namely that of the dog faeces fouling of pavements and other locations by that number of irresponsible dog owners who display no social conscience and thereby create a public nuisance and potentially endanger the health and well-being of residents in and visitors to the County”.

That the Notice of Motion be supported and the Environment Overview & Scrutiny Committee requested to establish a Task and Finish Group to consider the feasibility of canine DNA testing.

Councillor Arnold Woolley had submitted the following Notice of Motion:

“That this Council recommends to the Cabinet that they should establish a

cross-group working party to examine the process and feasibility of

introducing a dog DNA recognition information bank for dog owners within the

County, in order to deal effectively with the ongoing most common complaint

of ordinary citizens; namely that of the dog faeces fouling of pavements and

other locations by that number of irresponsible dog owners who display no

social conscience and thereby create a public nuisance and potentially endanger the health and well-being of residents in and visitors to the County”.

            Councillor Woolley read out a statement in support of his request and emphasised the risks to public health and well being as a result of the ongoing problem of dog fouling in public areas.  He outlined the need for a dog DNA recognition bank and said that dog DNA registration was not an annual requirement but a “one-off” process at a minimal/reasonable cost.  He said the implementation of such a scheme would achieve significant savings for the Authority in terms of the cost and resources required to remove dog faeces, and to monitor and enforce sanctions against irresponsible dog owners.   

Councillor Woolley thanked Councillor Bernie Attridge who had suggested an amendment to the Notice of Motion, to reflect that the Environment Overview & Scrutiny Committee would be asked to consider setting up a Task & Finish Group to  look into the DNA testing of dogs.

            Councillor David Roney spoke to second the Notice of Motion and said that a feasibility study would be welcomed.  He commented on the one-off cost of dog DNA registration which he felt was not prohibitive to the general public and said that charitable bodies may also be able to provide financial assistance towards such cost in cases of genuine need.  He reiterated Councillor Woolley’s comments on the risk to public health, and the financial savings and efficiencies that a dog DNA registration scheme would bring to the Authority. 

On being put to the vote, the proposal was carried.  Councillors Rita Johnson and Brian Lloyd voted against the Notice of Motion. 

RESOLVED:

That the Notice of Motion be supported and the Environment Overview & Scrutiny Committee requested to establish a Task and Finish Group to consider the feasibility of canine DNA testing.

The Police & Crime Commissioner, Mr Winston Roddick, CB QC, has been invited to the meeting to discuss with the Council the role, impact and operation of the PCC and how the PCC and police and crime plan work with/for Flintshire in partnership.

(a)      That the presentation be received; and

(b)       That Mr. Roddick be asked to provide a written response to any further

            supplementary questions submitted by Members.

The Chief Executive welcomed and  introduced Mr. Winston Roddick, CB QC, who had been invited to the meeting to discuss the role, impact and operation of the Police and Crime Commissioner and how the Police and Crime Commissioner, and the Police and Crime Plan work with/for Flintshire in partnership.

Mr. Roddick thanked Members for their invitation and introduced Julian Sandham, Deputy Police and Crime Commissioner, Sharon McCairn, County Chief Inspector for Flintshire, and Rhian Roberts, Policy Officer.

Mr. Roddick gave an overview of his role, powers, and responsibilities as Police and Crime Commissioner for North Wales.  He advised that he was the link between the professionals who delivered policing services and the public who received those  services. He explained that the role of the Police and Crime Commissioner was unprecedented and that he had been elected to office two and half years ago.  He said that he worked full-time and that his performance was scrutinised by the independent Police and Crime Panel.   He had an overarching duty to secure an efficient and effective police force which demonstrated value for money and reduced crime. He referred to his four main duties which were to:

·         Set out the priorities for policing in North Wales

·         Decide the budget for North Wales Police

·         Hold the Chief Constable to account; and

·         Listen and respond to the public’s views on policing 

Mr. Roddick commented on his wish to nurture a solid partnership with Flintshire County Council and expressed particular appreciation for the support of the Chief Executive on community safety work.   He commented on the need to work closely with partners to secure long term solutions to crime and disorder and referred to the many different types of organisations he worked with to ensure improved services to the people of North Wales. He advised that his role specifically involved working in partnership with the four Community Safety Partnerships in North Wales, the North Wales Safer Communities Board and the North Wales Regional Leadership Board.

            Mr. Roddick reported on his vision and priorities for the future and the outcomes he sought to achieve which were security in the home, safety in public places, and a visible and accessible policing service. He referred to the Police and Crime Plan which sets out the police and crime objectives, performance and accountability to deliver the required outcomes.  He said the Plan must have regard for the national strategic policing requirements.  The four police and crime objectives were:

·         To prevent crime

·         To deliver an effective response

·         To reduce harm and the risk of harm

·         To build effective partnerships

Mr. Roddick commented that in the current period of severe financial austerity North Wales Police faced significant financial challenges and delivery of the  above objectives and the achievement of the outcomes were challenging.  

Mr. Roddick commented on the consultation undertaken on the Police and Crime Plan and the Commissioner’s expenditure plans.  He reported that he had developed an integrated victims’ strategy incorporating the key themes of domestic abuse, sexual violence, hate  ...  view the full minutes text for item 33.

That the updated financial procedure rules as detailed in appendix A to the report be approved.

The Corporate Finance Manager introduced a report on the proposed updated Financial Procedure Rules (FPRs) for approval following consideration by the Audit Committee and Constitution Committee.  He provided background information and referred to the key considerations in the report.  He explained that once approved the FPRs would be published on the Infonet and a programme of awareness raising would be implemented with all staff needing to complete a training session to ensure they are aware of the responsibilities they have in the adherence of the FPRs.

            RESOLVED:

That the updated financial procedure rules as detailed in appendix A to the report be approved.

            That the change in the name of Gwernaffield Community Council to Gwernaffield and Pantymwyn Community Council be approved.

The Chief Officer (Governance) introduced a report to enable Council to consider a proposal from Gwernaffield Community Council to change its name to Gwernaffield and Pantymwyn Community Council.  He provided background information and referred to the key considerations as detailed in the report. The Chief Officer reported that Councillor Adele Davies-Cooke, Ward Member for Gwernaffield, had advised that she fully supported the proposal.

            RESOLVED: 

            That the change in the name of Gwernaffield Community Council to Gwernaffield and Pantymwyn Community Council be approved.

That the new format of the Schedule of Member Remuneration as agreed by the Constitution Committee be adopted.

The Chief Officer (Governance) introduced a report to consider amending the format of the Council’s Schedule of Member Remuneration to reflect recent guidance issued by the Independent Remuneration Panel for Wales (“The Panel”).  He provided background information and referred to the main considerations.  He explained that a recommended revised Schedule of Member Remuneration seeking to combine the best parts of the Panel’s proforma and the Council’s existing schedule was appended to the report. 

The Chief Officer advised that the Constitution Committee at its meeting on 1 July 2015, had resolved that the new format be adopted.  The Committee had asked that the additional responsibilities of those Members receiving allowances from  public and other bodies be explained and the Schedule had been amended to reflect this. 

RESOLVED:

That the new format of the Schedule of Member Remuneration as agreed by the Constitution Committee be adopted.

(a)       Thatthe inclusion of references to Value for Money and the Medium Term Financial Strategy and Plan within the terms of reference of the Corporate Resources Overview & Scrutiny Committee, as shown in appendix 1 to the report, be approved; and

(b)       That the Chief Officer (Organisational Change 1) be requested to keep the Education and Youth Overview & Scrutiny Committee informed of any future items submitted to the Organisational Change Overview & Scrutiny Committee relating to dual use leisure centres and libraries located on school premises. 

The Chief Officer (Governance) introduced a report to consider a recommendation from the Constitution Committee to amend the terms of reference for the Corporate Resources Overview and Scrutiny Committee.  He provided background information and referred to the key considerations.  He explained that an amended version of the terms of reference for the Corporate Resources Overview & Scrutiny Committee was appended to the report.

Councillor Ian Roberts advised that the Education & Youth Overview & Scrutiny Committee had requested that it be notified of any future issues arising around dual use leisure centres.  He requested that when items are submitted to the Organisational Change Overview & Scrutiny Committee relating to dual use leisure centres and libraries located on school premises, that the Education and Youth Overview & Scrutiny Committee be kept fully informed. 

              RESOLVED:

 (a)      Thatthe inclusion of references to Value for Money and the Medium Term Financial Strategy and Plan within the terms of reference of the Corporate Resources Overview & Scrutiny Committee, as shown in appendix 1 to the report, be approved; and

(b)       That the Chief Officer (Organisational Change 1) be requested to keep the Education and Youth Overview & Scrutiny Committee informed of any future items submitted to the Organisational Change Overview & Scrutiny Committee relating to dual use leisure centres and libraries located on school premises. 

There was one member of the press present.

(The meeting started at 2.30pm and ended at 4.10pm)