Agenda and minutes

Apologies were received from Councillor Mrs Williams.

To consider the minutes of the previous meeting held on Wednesday 22^nd April 2015.

Officers drew Members attention to page 6 of the agenda regarding the replacement of Green bags. The process would be started by issuing green boxes to households and a note would be issued to a resident when they were issued with a box. The issuing of green boxes would not be publicised until a later date in order to avoid a huge demand for what would be a limited supply of boxes initially.

Resolved:                 That the minutes of the meeting be agreed as a correct record.

To receive any declarations of interest from Members on items included in the agenda.

There were no declarations of interest stated.

1.    Transfer of Staff onto revised contract terms:

Officers stated that they were due to meet with the unions towards the end of June after which a meeting would be held with the workforce followed by individual meetings with staff.

At the moment there were a number of different staff working on a number of different contracts therefore the changes would affect individuals differently such as the change to a 5 day working and the ending of payment for overtime for Bank Holidays that would be replaced by an allowance paid throughout the year.

2.    Health and Safety Issues at the Depot.

Officers confirmed that planning permission was still required regarding the required changes at the depot and that these would hopefully be taken to the Planning Committee in July. A noise survey had been carried out and work would be completed in December/January regarding a trial site which would allow officers to make any required amendments.

Officers confirmed that there would be a requirement for additional capital for acoustic screening which would be in the regions of 100k. A detailed report would be taken to Cabinet in September following the meeting of the Planning Committee.

The question was raised as to whether the changes would have any effect on the highways. Officers stated that the number of vehicles entering and leaving the depot would not be greatly increased with the only issue being the earlier start time and the change to a 5 day working week. Attempts would be made to move vehicles away from operating during peak travel times.

With regards to the weigh bridge, officers had been to look at some in operation including where issues had been identified regarding the siting of the bridge and examples of the equipment that would be required for sorting and baling. Work at the Depot would be likely to start in September 2015 to ensure completion on time.

An application was also almost complete to change the current Waste Management Permit to a more flexible standard permit with would again result in a cost saving.

To consider any business which is urgent within the meaning of Section 100(B)4 of the Local Government Act.

Members received a presentation regarding the preferred computer software (BARTEC) that officers were considering for the new recycling and waste collection process. The software would link in with the existing Council customer services software (LAGAN) and was already being used in Tamworth and Lichfield.

The new software would greatly speed up back office processes and allow customer services staff to monitor in real time when a collection had been made or if a collection had been missed and emails could be sent to drivers rather than phone calls having to be made.

The software would be installed on 30 vehicles at a total cost of £100,000 and would integrate with LAGAN. The capital costs were already included in the budget along with money from the DCLG. The software would be put on 5 vehicles this year to help get staff used to using it and to fine tune any issues with the integration. The cost for the BARTEC back office software and installation on 5 vehicles would be in the region of 45k.

Resolved:    (a)        That Officers be authorised to purchase the BARTEC software and handsets for five vehicles this year.

                                    (b)       That a copy of the slides be sent to all members of the working group.

A copy of the document would be circulated with the minutes and included on the next agenda for adoption.

Members requested that a summary be provided for Members regarding the benefits of the new system for residents. Officers agreed and confirmed that there would also be a presentation before the meeting of Full Council on 9^th September.