Agenda item

Update on the commissioned grounds maintenance service, its objectives and performance.

The Cabinet Member for Commercial and Operations presented the slides giving an update on the grounds maintenance service provided by EnvironmentSK. He explained that when EnvironmentSK became the Council’s grounds maintenance provider earlier in the year, in order to facilitate a smooth transition the maintenance specification was transferred from the previous contractor unchanged. There was now potential for opportunities to be taken to review the specification of the provision, in order to make budget savings or to complement the Council’s other initiatives. The Cabinet Member also highlighted the low level of complaints received since the contract had been taken over and reminded Members that roadside verges were not included in this contract; these were the responsibility of the Lincolnshire County Council Highways department. Members were asked if they had any questions arising from the presentation:

Noting the Cabinet Member’s comment regarding roadside verges, Members commented on the disparity between verge maintenance in different areas of the district. Bourne Town Council had paid for extra cuts to be undertaken throughout the year. Members considered if extra cuts could be carried out in Grantham. The cost for this would need to be met by the Grantham Special Expense Area. It was noted that the overall Council Tax precept (which included SEAs) could not be raised over 5% without a district-wide referendum, so careful consideration would need to be given to any potential extra charges for Special Expense Areas.

Members discussed the potential of introducing managed biodiversity areas, noting other areas where this had been successful, as well as instances where this had been less well-managed. Members were keen not to develop these areas simply by stopping grass cutting; close monitoring and management of any biodiversity sites would be required. It was noted that additional maintenance works such as this would be easier to facilitate under the new grounds maintenance provider, but the cost of introducing such areas would need to be established. Members discussed the small managed biodiversity area already in place at Grantham Crematorium, and asked if indicative costs could be produced based on the maintenance costs of that site. Officers explained that as Grantham Crematorium was already a heavily monitored and maintained site, costs could differ compared to the potential of introducing new sites elsewhere in the District. During discussion, Members questioned whether biodiversity areas could be encouraged in other areas such as new housing developments. The committee was reminded that the Council could only introduce or require such projects on its own land.

Action point

Ø  Officers to consult with EnvironmentSK and report back to the committee with examples and indicative costs for introducing managed wildflower biodiversity areas in the District, to begin with one area in each town

Ø  The Chairman requested that any stakeholders are identified when investigating potential trial areas

Recommendation

·         The Officers and Cabinet Member for Commercial and Operations are thanked for the information provided

·         The grounds maintenance update is noted

·         The principle of increased tree planting and the introduction of managed biodiversity wildflower areas is encouraged in future grounds maintenance specifications