Operations and Improvements Committee 1st August 2022 7pm

Cllr Messent    Cllr Coiley    Cllr Walton   Cllr Clark   Cllr Edwards   Cllr Minshall

That Cllr Messent is elected Chair of the committee.

That Cllr Clark is elected Deputy Chair of the committee.

Resolved:

(i)                  To approve the proposal to allocate £10,000 from 345 EMR – Heritage as match funding for an exhibition to mark the 180^th anniversary of the opening of Crewe Works.

(ii)                To approve the proposal to allocate £4,500 from 345 EMR – Heritage to develop and deliver heritage resources for schools.

8.2 Christ Church

The report was noted.

1.      Crewe Business Improvement District

2.      Regeneration Projects

3.      Lyceum Square

Grant to Cheshire East Council, purchase of barriers and volunteer support.

The update was noted with the following approvals given:

1)      Regeneration Projects budget 307 4186

i)                    Knife Angel proposed project for M&E committee in September: To make £3000 of budget available for deposits to cover installation.

ii)                  Ly²: To support purchase of branded hi – vis vests and equipment for the safety and identification of volunteers up to the value of £500.

2)      473 4721 Public Realm

The purchase of barriers for events use was noted.

i.                    That the current operating model and understood tasks fulfils current expectations, including prioritising tasks in the public realm before addressing issues with ANSA-managed public parks and greenspaces

ii.                   That the viability of direct employment of the ranger service is explored

iii.                 As this service reaches its current level, consideration of the future scale of the service is required to ensure best efficacy and efficiency and a report detailing the opportunities and risks is prepared for committee consideration

iv.                 That it is recommended to Council that a 3- year commitment is approved for the service with ANSA, with appropriate clauses to provide flexibility for direct delivery.

v.                   That the cost impact of regrading and associated other considerations is explored and reported to this committee for consideration

vi.                 That a mixed working pattern is explored and considered, in consultation with the rangers.

vii.               That the Clerk can engage with CEC Assets to explore opportunities and associated considerations for a Crewe-based site for the ranger service.

11.1 Property Update.

11.2 Tree removal on Hungerford Road

i.                     That the committee recommends to council a term of 10years for site and/or federation leases.

ii.                    That the committee approves the prioritisation of preferred operating models runs as: 1. federation with subleases; 2. Individual site leases for the 8 sites; 3. Direct management by the council if the above are not achievable.

iii.                  That the committee seeks a formal report at the next opportunity that assesses the required capital investment for each site in recognition that the council is currently responsible.

iv.                  That the committee recommends to council the provision of temporary resource for 6 months to administer and collate the necessary information and engagement with sites and plot holders.

v.                    That the expenditure on works associated with boundary trees to protect the fencing is approved.

·       i) Approval to proceed with full costing and procurement of services and items in line with Council processes and procedures and governance.

·       ii) To focus on the more ambitious improvements along with cleansing.

·       iii) To present for future consideration, opportunities to introduce public art to the public realm such as timelines to explain the history of Crewe, and to replace banners with Crewe Branding once there are some new positive stories to tell.

·       iv) Delegation to Regeneration manager in agreement with Town Clerk for items of expenditure under £10,000 to be undertaken in line with financial regulations.

·     Budget line:

473 4721 Public Realm

i)            That officers are tasked to express the view of the council that Crewe parks and play areas require additional resource in response to the need for equality in terms of facility accessibility and condition standards as are seen in other areas of the budget

ii)            That the council should consider if direct service delivery should be progressed as an option through devolution of the assets and services associated with Crewe, as is seen in other towns.

To proceed with Frank Webb Avenue play area on the basis that there is ability to provide CCTV with a view to consideration of effectiveness of CCTV in the park to inform decision Claughton Avenue in 23/24

That the draft budget to date is agreed, subject to further review at the next meeting of this committee.