Agenda and draft minutes

To sign and confirm the minutes of the last meeting, held on 31^st January 2018.

The minutes of the meeting held on 31^st January 2017 were agreed as a correct record and signed by the Chairman.

To receive apologies for absence.

There were apologies for absence from Councillors Viven Edge, Stephen Raven, Brian Rush and Stephen Woodliffe.

(Inspector Andy Morrice will be in attendance to discuss any policing issues with Members.)

Inspector Morrice sent apologies for absence.

(A presentation by Andy Fisher, Head of Housing, Health and Community Services) 

The Head of Housing, Health and Communities gave a Powerpoint presentation summarising data downloaded from BTAC’s speed indicating device (SID) from the periods it was deployed at six locations chosen by Committee Members: Staniland Road, Spilsby Road, Sleaford Road, London Road, Church Road and Freiston Road.

The data showed the number of vehicles passing and their average speed; the number and percentage of those vehicles that were travelling over the speed limit and their average speed; and the maximum speed recorded (which could have emergency vehicles though this was not known).

The Head of Housing, Health and Communities referred to the data from London Road as the most serious and suggested that the Committee ask Inspector Morrice to consider use of mobile traffic cameras at this location.  It was the first time this information had been published; Members might wish to receive it quarterly in future and discuss it with the Road Safety Partnership and the Police.  The information could also be conveyed through the media, in particular, for example, pointing out the difference of impact of accidents happening at 35 miles per hour compared to 30 mph.

In response to questions, it was explained that the SID was not in one location for a consistent number of days, as it depended on the availability of only 2 members of staff to download, recharge and redeploy it.  Two members of staff had been trained in safe working practices, but were not always available and the device needed moving frequently.  A suggestion to use the town centre operatives to assist with moving the device could be taken up.  However, it was not a significant issue; it simply meant that the device was not moved every 11 days.  The device appeared to lose impact after two weeks if no fixed penalty notices were issued. 

Information on how other local authorities had tackled speeding had not been obtained, but the Road Safety Partnership had case studies.  Traffic calming measures and regular Police speed traps were options; it was essential that something was done.  The RSP could confirm that a location was a ‘hot-spot’ and the best deterrents were FPNs, with points on licenses or attendance at speed awareness courses.

A Member remarked that Members had chosen the right roads to locate the SID.  London Road had a school around a bend and from 1 April there would be a light-controlled pedestrian crossing; the data would be passed to Boston’s Highways Manager.  The maximum speeds recorded late at night were worrying and everything possible should  ...  view the full minutes text for item 77.

(A report by Phil Perry, Head of Town Centre, Leisure, Events and Culture)

The Head of Town Centre, Leisure, Events and Culture presented a report requested by the Committee at its last meeting, which updated Members of progress regarding the newly created Town Centre Maintenance Operative posts. 

On 30 August 2017, BTAC recommended Cabinet to approve additional monies towards the part funding of the existing Town Centre Maintenance Operative post and the provision of two new posts for maintenance across the BTAC area.  On 25 October 2017, BTAC also determined that it wanted the new posts filled and to become operational during the current financial year.  Cabinet approved the recommendations on 2 January 2018 effective immediately.

An appointment had been made in December to fill the original vacant post, the work of which was apportioned as 70% town centre and 30% in the wider borough.  The recruitment process for two additional Town Centre Operatives was now near completion and, following the conclusion of a training programme, the Operatives would be fully operational.  Training was programmed during spring in a number of core competencies and skills, including first aid, graffiti removal and weed control, as well as use of a new portable chewing gum removal machine. 

The Operatives had currently begun a comprehensive programme of tidying up the Town and officers would provide further periodic update reports as necessary.  To date most of the work in the BTAC area had been completed by the first post-holder who had also undertaken some activity within the villages and surrounding lay-bys. Work within the town centre had concentrated on scraping and clearing surfaces of weeds and debris round the edges of major town centre car parks and in other public areas such as the Bus/Coach Station and Custom House Quay, fitting of a new bin, some street vac use and installation of new signage.

With increased staffing levels and improving weather, the range of activity would be extended to include other activities such as the re-painting of railings/street furniture, installation of new benches, chewing gum removal, cleaning of signage and litter bins, weed spraying and improvements within Central Park.  Once the graffiti training had been completed in April it would also be possible to deploy the team to tackle graffiti around Boston.

It was anticipated that the Operatives would be fully operational after Easter and Members of BTAC were invited to put forward requests for work in their respective Wards, which would be incorporated into a programme of works.  A formal system would be agreed with BTAC in the lead up to April and, in the meantime the Head of Town Centre, Leisure, Events & Culture would be happy to receive any requests Members currently had. To date, two requests had been received from Councillor Sue Ransome, to remove offensive graffiti and clear grot spots in the Blue Street area and both tasks had been completed.  Photographs would be obtained to illustrate improvements. 

It was also reported that the Operations Manager had liaised with the County Council and had achieved the arrangement of two weed spray cycles per  ...  view the full minutes text for item 78.

(A report by Paul Julian, Head of Financial Services)

The Committee noted a report by the Head of Financial Services, which provided an update on the BTAC financial position, showing the budget for the 2017/18 year, and the projected reserve at the year end.

(The Committee’s work programme for the current year for discussion and/or updating.)

Members considered the work programme. 

In response to a suggestion, the Chairman confirmed that the Events Working Group was liaising with the Royal British Legion regarding the centenary of the end of World War I to assist with preparations and arrangements for events etc.