Agenda item

Update Report – Performance and Cremator Replacement.

The Head of Finance, HR and Business Support, Paul Darby presented the report noting the following matters associated with the Crematorium on behalf of the Superintendent and Registrar, Alan José (for copy, see file of minutes). 

Cremations

The Head of Finance, HR and Business Support reported the number of cremations for the period 1 January 2011 to 31 March 2011 inclusive.  Members noted that there were 621 (+8 NVF), a decrease of 3 (+2 NVF) on the same period in the previous year.  The total included 366 from outside the area, with the remaining total being 255 for the area.  The Joint Committee noted that the total number of cremations for the period 1 April 2010 to 31 March 2011 was 2273, and increase of 100 on the same period last year.

Memorial Gardens

The Head of Finance, HR and Business Support reported that for Quarter 3 and Quarter 4 2010/11, the following Vase Blocks and Memorial Plaques had been sold:

Staffing Issues

The Head of Finance, HR and Business Support explained that, as previously reported, the vacancy relating to Grounds Maintenance / Cremator Operator had not yet been filled.

Independent Testing of Cremators and Environmental Permitting (England and Wales) Regulations 2010

The Joint Committee were advised that the Crematorium facility had been independently tested by Catalyst Environmental during the period 15-17 February 2011 and the results were within the limits as specified in the Secretary for State’s notes for Crematoria.  Members also noted that a varied Environmental Permit for operations of the Crematorium had been issued, superseding the previous permit.  Councillors  noted that the new permit recognised that the new cremators and abatement plant would be installed and fully operational by 31 December 2012.

Cremator Replacement and Crematoria Redevelopment Project – Update

The Head of Finance, HR and Business Support reminded Members of the additional photographs of the site, as shown to the Joint Committee via a slideshow prior to the meeting, and noted that regular monthly updates had been circulated to Members as previously agreed by the Joint Committee.

Councillors were informed that the works at the crematorium were ahead of schedule and the upcoming key date was mid-May for the erection of the requisite steel structure.  Members did note that upon commencement of the ground works on site, it was discovered that there was a requirement for deeper foundations and that this had affected the forecast outturn figures accordingly.  The Head of Finance, HR and Business Support explained that the arrangements in place as regards the contractor allowed for changes and variations in the specification, giving a degree of flexibility within the programme of works and overall budget sums.

The Joint Committee noted that timescales had not been adversely been affected by the additional work on the foundations and that the recent period of good weather had allowed for works to progress well.  Councillors learned that there had only been one complaint as regards the works, which was not relating to the standard of the works themselves or the actions of the main contractor, rather a sub-contractor working on behalf of the electricity supplier, NEDL.  The Head of Finance, HR and Business Support explained that the Engineers and Architects had noted some changes regarding expenditure; however, these would be covered via value engineering within the allocated budget.

The Head of Finance, HR and Business Support was pleased to inform Members of the Joint Committee that the screen erected to shield the works from view of the public  had been very effective and also that works regarding the car park were slightly ahead of schedule. 

Councillor J Marr informed the Joint Committee that Funeral Directors had initially raised concerns regarding potential muddy conditions at the site, however, meetings with Funeral Directors subsequent to works commencing had noted that there had been no issues thus far.  Councillor D Stoker noted that as local Member for the electoral division in which the Durham Crematorium was located, he was pleased with the lack of disruption and that the single complaint had been regarding a sub-contractor working for the electrical supplier rather than the main contractor or any large disturbance.  Councillor D Stoker added that it was very good that the project was on schedule and was on budget.

The Head of Finance, HR and Business Support added that there were fortnightly Steering Group meetings regarding the major works project and the monthly briefing notes for the Joint Committee would continue. 

Councillors were asked to note that the 3 major risks to the project within the work schedule were the installation of the foundations, now completed; the completion of the steel erection before the end of May and the requisite Bat Survey being carried out on site; and the point at which the existing building would be connected to the new section housing the new cremator equipment.  Members noted that the order for the steel had been placed and should be on site in time to be erected prior to the end of May.

Councillor J Wood noted with disappointment that not all Members of the Joint Committee had been invited to an open evening held at the Durham Crematorium on 6 April 2011.  Councillor J Marr noted that he had been asked to attend, however, was not aware that other Members had not been invited.  The Head of Finance, HR and Business Support explained that the Superintendent and Registrar would normally liaise with Members regarding such events and the comments of the Joint Committee would be noted.  

Resolved:

(a)       That the content of the Report with regards to current performance of   the Crematorium be noted.

(b)       That the vacant post continues to be filled temporarily until the wider     picture is clearer, at which time a recruitment exercise will be          undertaken, with the post advertised internally and simultaneously with             the two Partner Authorities.

(c)        That the progress with regards to Cremator Replacement and the        Crematoria Redevelopment Project be noted.