30 minutes will be set aside to allow members of the public to ask questions relating to the work of the Council. 3 minutes will be allowed per speaker. The order of speakers is at the discretion of the Chair and is normally taken in the order of agenda items, questions must relate to a report which is on the agenda for consideration. Notice is not required if you wish to speak at the meeting but if you require an answer to a question it is asdvisable to submit this in advance by contacting a member of the Democratic Services team or alternatively, by emailing kcritchel@dorset.gov.uk.
Minutes:
J Pullen addressed the committee with regard to the agenda item 7 and indicated that they fully supported the proposal to extend the Weymouth and Portland dog related Public Space Protection Order (PSPO) for 12 months. In addition he made reference to the Good Friday commencement of the order and also relevant byelaws.
In response, the Chair noted that the PSPO would be reviewed by the new Dorset Council and all views would be taken into consideration.
Elizabeth Hardy addressed the committee on behalf of the trustees of the Portland Museum and expressed concern with regard to the transfer of assets to the new Unitary council. She referred to previous successful working with the borough council and noted that the best option moving forward was for the museum to be transferred to Portland Town Council. She indicated that the trust needed the certainty of a long lease which would provide confidence when submitting bids for funding.
Mayor of Portland, Charlie Flack addressed the committee with regard to the transfer of functions and assets to Portland Town Council and provided detail of the background to discussions that had taken place with the borough council. The town council had produced a budget based on the discussions that had taken place and now faced uncertainty as assets were now to be transferred to the unitary council. He asked what assurances there were that the assets would be transferred to Portland Town Council after one year?
Councillor G Taylor read out a statement on behalf of Graham Parry with regard to North Quay. Mr Parry had no objection in principle with regard to development but had concerns over the parking needs for the area and made reference to the development of Brewers Quay.
Ken Whatley addressed the committee with regard to people camping out in the shelters along the Esplanade and asked what was being done to engage with these people about the facilities that were available? He referred to facilities that were available, that he said were not being used, and asked about the role of the council’s enforcement officers.
In response, Councillor G Taylor provided an overview of the work that was undertaken by the borough council and other agencies in the borough with regard to homelessness issues including the outreach service provided by Julian House, support provided through the Lantern, the shelter bus and the night shelter. There was a lot of support available but the council could not force people to use these services.
Councillor M Byatt reinforced the point that a lot of work was undertaken in this area by the council working with other agencies. Enforcement officers were on the street getting to know and working with people.
Councillor K Wheller noted that 12 people had been using the facility at St Marys Hall on Friday night with a further 2 remaining on the street by choice. She reiterated the point that people could not be forced to use available facilities.
Mr Farn addressed the committee with regard to the need to replace the bin on Westham bridge. He also made reference to street works undertaken in Dorchester Town Centre and asked whether this should also be undertaken in Weymouth.