No apologies had been received. 

There were no disclosures of interest.

The minutes of the meeting held on 8 October 2018 to be submitted and signed.

The minutes of the meeting held on 8 October 2018 were submitted and signed.

The Cabinet may wish to consider whether there are any items on which there is general agreement which could be considered now, to enable discussion to focus on those items where the Cabinet sees a need for further debate.

No changes were made to the agenda.  Councillor Bell spoke on behalf of the Labour Group.

Report of Head of Community and Environmental Services to ask Cabinet to approve a contract extension with Veolia for eight years from 1 July 2020.

Councillor Williams introduced the report and explained that the contract with Veolia had been successful for five years.  If the council wanted to take up the option of an extension for a further eight years then it was required to give Veolia 12 months’ notice.  The existing contract was running well and met the majority of the Key Performance Indicators (KPIs).

In response to a question from Councillor Bell regarding what would happen if the performance of Veolia dropped, the Mayor explained that the proposal before Cabinet was to enter into contract negotiations with Veolia to ensure that Watford tax payers would get good service and value for money.  The contract would contain penalty clauses but would also be ambitious in line with the Mayor’s manifesto commitment to have more green flags for parks in Watford.

Cabinet discussed how the contract with Veolia and other outsourced services e.g., SLM were being well managed and had good governance with a collaborative rather than a confrontational approach.

RESOLVED:

That Cabinet agreed:

1.         The request for a contract extension with Veolia for a further 8 years from 01.07.20 subject to detailed discussions on the contract and all other related matters, including budget implications.

2.         To delegate the detailed discussions on any variations to the contract and all other related matters to the Head of Community and Environmental Services in consultation with the Portfolio Holder.

3.         To delegate the approval of the final varied contract terms and all other related matters to the Head of Community and Environmental Services in consultation with the Portfolio Holder.

Report of Section Head, Parks, Open Spaces and Projects for Cabinet to note the Sport and Leisure Consultancy report and approve the way forward

The Mayor introduced the report and explained there had been a large amount of consultation with residents.

Councillor Williams described how the project was progressing well; and the report before Cabinet explained the conversations which had taken place with stakeholder groups and the public - including those who used the current facilities and other local residents.  There had been 59% support from the public for the proposals, though this may have been affected by the Watford Indoor Bowls Club organising a campaign which had responded in a negative manner.  The facilities would be used by many thousands of residents of different generations.  The communication and consultation would continue to ensure that everyone was fully aware of the plans and there would be a report back to Cabinet in March 2019.

Councillor Collett commented that as a Woodside Councillor she knew that Woodside residents were very excited about the project; there was already a green flag for Woodside Playing Fields and a good play area.  The council also retained a positive relationship with the cricket, boxing and athletics clubs.  The masterplan was about families and having a proper sports strategy for the area.  It was important to continue engagement with local residents and clubs.

The Mayor thanked the Sports and Leisure Consultancy for their thorough consultation.  He described the proposals as ambitious and bold and suggested that a forum was established similar to one which had taken place for Oxhey Park North, and which would have input from Councillors Collett and Williams.

In response to a question from Councillor Bell regarding the Watford Indoor Bowls Club, the Mayor explained there was an ongoing legal case which would be going to court in March.  The council had been clear with the Bowls Club about the necessity for the club to pay the rent that was due.

The Section Head – Parks, Open Spaces and Projects explained that the costings contained in the report were for the broad based masterplan.  The figures had been risk assessed and the next exercise, once the design team had been appointed, would be to do a further risk analysis.  Further estimated figures would be provided at the March Cabinet meeting.

RESOLVED:

That Cabinet agrees to note the report and the report from the Sport and Leisure Consultancy (SLC) and approve the way forward as detailed in Section 5.2 of the report:

•          November 2018: Cabinet report and PID developed.  Develop brief to appoint design team (architects, landscape architects, engineer, QS, M&E, ecologist) updates to PMB

•          December 2018 – January 2019: Procure design team and finalise capital bids

•          February – March 2019: Cabinet update – capital bids approved.  Design team appointed.

•          April 2019 onwards: Design process commences

Report of Head of Democracy and Governance for Cabinet to note the exemption to contract procedure rules

Councillor Watkin introduced the report and commented that asbestos had been discovered and had to be treated urgently in the Town Hall. 

The Legal and Democratic Section Head explained that all procurement exemptions needed to be reported to Cabinet in accordance with the constitution.  However, he would take back for consideration whether changes should be made to the contract procedure rules in relation to lower value procurement exemptions in particular.

RESOLVED

            That Cabinet notes the exemption has been given.

Report of Head of Democracy and Governance for Cabinet to approve appointments to Watford Health Campus Partnership LLP

Councillor Watkin informed Cabinet that the report was requesting approval of the appointment of Lauren Sharkey and Colleen Scales to represent Watford Borough Council on the Watford Health Campus Partnership Operations Board.  Lauren Sharkey would be the main appointment with Colleen Scales as a substitute.

Following a question from Councillor Bell, the Mayor and Managing Director explained that, although there had been a vacancy following the departure of the previous post holder, the council had still had two representatives on the board.  The operations board was also overseen by the full LABV board where everything was reviewed and signed-off.  There had been no disadvantage to the council in not having three members as the operations board did not generally make decisions.  The Managing Director explained that minutes from the meeting were redacted but could be made available upon request.

RESOLVED –

            That Cabinet agreed:

1.         Lauren Sharkey be appointed to the Operations Board of the Watford Health Campus Partnership LLP

2.         Colleen Scales is appointed as a substitute to the Operations Board of the Watford Health Campus Partnership LLP