In another “behind closed doors” decision, the Council has decided to transfer all aspects of the design, building, management and maintenance of the new Community Stadium (Monks Cross) to a private contractor.

It is unclear who will undertake this contract although, in the past, the operators of the existing facility have expressed an interest in managing any new stadium.

The Council has now said that “a number of options have been considered and the preferred procurement option of Design Build Operate and Maintain (DBOM) provides the best opportunities for; (i) cost effective delivery of the overall project, (ii) achieving effective risk transfer and (iii) maximising commercial innovation”.

No consultation on the proposal took place before the meeting and it remains very unclear whether lumping all aspects of the community stadium project into one contract will optimise value for money for taxpayers.

This is now a big issue as Labour plan to contribute an additional £4 million of taxpayers money into the project – in addition to the value of the site. The latest decision could mean that there will be a reduced chance of that funding being recovered from rental income as was the original intention.

The Council will have to write up a very detailed – and financially watertight – tender specification before procurement starts. Taxpayers will expect this documentation to be published before the project goes to tender.

There is also mystery surrounding the Councils intentions for the management of its other leisure facilities such as the Yearsley Swimming pool and the “Energise” sports centre on Cornlands Road.

Labour have threatened to outsource the management of these facilities in one large contract in the past but now seem reluctant to confirm what they expect to happen and when.

The furore in the media about the relatively large amounts of “hospitality” received by the current Council Leader and one of his Cabinet colleagues, needs to be viewed in context.

Anyone undertaking this role will need to be out and about meeting residents, businesses and investors.

Most meetings will take place at the Council offices where a discrete and professional approach can be maintained. On other occasions the Leader may wish to extend hospitality to those who are planning to invest in the City. The Leaders substantial salary allows him to do that.

On other occasions the City’s civic head – the Lord Mayor – may take on that role when welcoming “personalities” to the City.

On occasions these days it will be necessary to travel to other parts of the Leeds City Region to participate in events which could aid the economic development of York.

Trips to other parts of the country, either at taxpayers or the host’s expense, need to be justified publicly. The question to be answered is, “what is the City of York getting out of this event?”
The present Council Leader has a good historic record of refusing to be drawn into the local party scene http://tinyurl.com/bsreqey

The dangers lie in accepting hospitality from vested interests who are seeking to promote a particular commercial “opportunity”. It is rarely, if ever, wise to do so. That would include any organisation that receives, or hopes to receive, a grant from the Council. Particular circumspection is required when dealing with organisations which might be supporting – or opposing –a pending planning application.

It is to be hoped that lessons have been learned.

There are more serious issues with the present Council Leadership. Lack of candour and a reluctance to open up the decision taking process to residents and the media is a more fundamental flaw.

Again the Leader has been publicly criticised for trying to manipulate or silence the Press with some pointing to his track record as a student Leader.
That should be behind him now.

Our advice?
Take a holiday. Arrange for an honest review of what has happened recently, then return to the days of open decision making, genuine consultation before decisions are taken and embrace at least some of the non partisan advice which is on offer.

Some 2 years after residents petitioned for permanent no parking restrictions to be implemented outside their properties; the Council has agreed to advertise proposals that would lead to the introduction of double yellow lines between numbers 12 – 32.

The delay occurred when the Labour Councillor who made the decision wanted to implement restrictions on only the school side of the lane.

The other proposals including parking restrictions opposite 4 – 10 Grange Lane have been agreed for implementation

The change came about following representations made by Liberal Democrat transport spokesperson Cllr Ann Reid.http://tinyurl.com/LibDem-TRO-representations The 3 Westfield ward Councillors did not respond to the consultation.

It is likely to be several months before the legal processes required for the changes are completed.