A funny thing happened at the Forum - one in the eye for apathy?

[Adrian Essex]

The minutes of the CROUCH END, HORNSEY AND STROUD GREEN AREA FORUM AND 

COMMITTEE TUESDAY, 17 JANUARY 2012 have been published and they show some very pleasing trends.

1) Members of the public outnumbered councillors and paid officers by better than three to one. One in the eye for apathy

2) The Committee, i.e. the elected councillors making up the formally constituted body of the council, conducted no business of either their own or of the council - the entire meeting was devoted actions raised by members of the public during the forum - well done members of the public, well done committee for taking this on board

3) 14 Action Points have been raised by the formally constituted committee on behalf of members of the public - if these are all followed through then it might be said that this new form of meeting is serving its purpose

• Action 1 - The Chair would ask the Cabinet Member for Finance and Carbon Reduction for a copy of the Heads of Terms that was to be signed by the Council and representatives of Mountview Academy Representatives. This was requested by Adrian Essex. ACTION: CHAIR
• Action 2 - A member of the public who was an Islington resident agreed to provide the Chair with details of a contact in Islington Council who the Chair can liaise with regarding including Islington residents on communication about the development of Hornsey Town Hall. ACTION: LOCAL RESIDENT & CHAIR
• Action 3 - Residents could get more information on Parliamentary Boundary Changes Consultation at: http://www.greenn8.org/
• Action 4 - Officers were asked to identify areas where puddles were forming around ‘sloping policemen’ / speed humps in wet weather so that remedial action could be taken. ACTION: Highways Officers & Director Place & Sustainability
• Action 5 - Controlled Parking Zones (CPZ) A review of the wording on signage in the Stroud Green CPZ was requested. Current signs were unclear about parking restrictions on public holidays and on Arsenal home match days. Local contacts include local ward councillors and Sally Billot. ACTION: Director Place & Sustainability/ Head of Neighbourhoods/ Transport Consultation Officer
• Action 6 - Clarity of who was entitled to essential user parking permits in Stroud Green would be provided. ACTION: Director Place & Sustainability/ Head of Neighbourhoods
• Action 7 - Customer Service Centre Lyn Garner to meet with Cllr Butcher to discuss concerns with the Council’s Customer Service Centre. ACTION: Director Place & Sustainability/ Cllr Butcher
• Action 8 – Dog Control Orders Comments on the Council’s consultation on proposals for dog control orders can be sent to: [e-mail]
• Action 9 - The Chair would write a letter to the Cabinet Member and Director of Place and Sustainability highlighting the concerns raised about fortnightly rubbish  collection during the Area Forum. ACTION: Chair/ Director – Place & Sustainability
• Action 10 - A resident suggested that funds from the Section 106 Agreement relating to the Chimes Terrace Development be put towards the area and included in the Area Plan. The Chair would investigate what funds were available. ACTION: CHAIR
• Action 11 - Following a presentation from Prof. Clarke, it was decided that an exercise to establish the exact boundary of the Parkland Walk be included as a priority on the Area Plan. The boundary should also be included on the Council’s website. ACTION: Senior Project Manager - Community Safety & Engagement
• Action 12 - A meeting with Council officers would be arranged with Professor Clarke (clerk will provide contact details) ,residents and Cllr Wilson to discuss the issue. ACTION: Chair/ Director – Place & Sustainability
• Action 13 – Officers were asked to conduct a survey of Parkland Walk and establish a proper boundary map, which could also be shown on the Council’s website.
• Action 14 - Concerns about this event (Jamaica Village ) should be passed on to the Director of Place and Sustainability. ACTION: Residents/ Committee Member