To receive questions from Members on any matter for which the Council has powers, duties or affects the City.
Minutes:
In accordance with Standing Order No.8, the following question was put by Councillor Moore to the Leader, Councillor Bialyk:
“Will the leader commit to meeting with local ward and division councillors and relevant officers to discuss options and actions for improving the flow of pedestrians, cyclists and wheelers around the Quay?”
The Leader, Councillor Bialyk, responded to this question stating that this was a Devon County Council function, but he would ensure that Officers attended relevant meetings to deal with these things and he was happy to go to any meeting he was invited to but it was up to Devon County Council to initiate.
In a supplementary question Councillor Moore stated that Exeter City Council was a significant landowner in the area and needed to be committed to working with Devon County Council. She also felt that the Leader needed to work with the Leader of Devon County Council to identify issues and asks.
The Leader advised that he would contact the Leader of Devon County Council but it had to be dealt with through officers with the relevant expertise.
In accordance with Standing Order No.8, the following question was put by Councillor Read to the Leader, Councillor Bialyk:
“As the Deputy Leader knows there have been discussions between significant stakeholders in the city about the concept of a community toilet scheme, would the council give consideration to working with organisations in the community to reopen the public toilets in Musgrave Row?”
Councillor R Williams, Portfolio Holder for City Management responded to this question in the following terms:
“The Council agreed in principle to the potential of a community toilet scheme in 2019.
If a community or other organisation wishes to take on the running of the toilets and can lead on, and demonstrate a business case with community support, then we can work with them to achieve that outcome.
There are significant challenges the group will need to overcome, not least the significant remedial work needed to bring facilities - such as the Musgrove, which have been closed since 2019 and were already in poor condition prompting their closure — back into operation. Officers have informed me that in 2019, at the point Musgrove was closed, annual running costs where approximately £14,000 per year. Those costs will be higher now, whilst that is in no way meant to put anyone off, it’s merely to be open and honest about the true costs and risks of running a public toilet.”.
In a supplementary question Councillor Read stated that she wanted to enable cafes and restaurants to be part of the scheme, and if that did happen would Exeter City Council be happy to do that?
The Leader advised that he would speak to Councillor Wright, the Deputy Leader and Portfolio Holder for Corporate Services, Community Safety, and City Centre and provide a response outside of the meeting.
In accordance with Standing Order No.8, the following question was put by Councillor Read to the Leader, Councillor Bialyk:
“Since the Council passed the plant-based policy in December 2022 is the council satisfied that it is being adhered to in letter and in spirit? Has there recently been an audit of the offerings at council run events and venues to ensure a good range of plant-based options are always on offer?”
The Leader advised that he was not aware of any audits taking place, nor aware of any that were expected to take place and felt that the Council would be carrying out the terms as agreed.
In a supplementary question Councillor Read asked if the Council were aware of the plant-based policy at the university, and if they were happy for her to make arrangements for meetings.
The Leader responded saying that it was not for Members to arrange meetings with the university and that he would discuss this with the Chief Executive.