Minutes Town Council Property Committee - Monday 5 October 2009
Committee Members Present:
Councillor A Leech (Chair)
Councillor Dr M Ireland (Vice Chair)
Councillor Mrs K Bickley
Councillor Mrs C Marsh
Councillor P Stunèll
Councillor P Vachon
Councillor D Weekes (Town Mayor)
Councillor Mrs M McDonald (Chair, Planning)
Councillor C Hodgson (Chair P & R)
Other Members Present:
Councillor Ms T Edwards
In Attendance:
D Bent (Town Clerk)
265. Apologies for Absence - There were no apologies for absence.
266. Deferment of Business - (for comment by the public) - There were no members of the public present.
267. Members’ Questions - Councillor Stunèll advised that he had joined the Property Committee.
Councillor Mrs Marsh questioned the colour scheme of the front door of the Town Hall and Members discussed options; the topic to be submitted to a subsequent meeting of this Committee.
268. Minutes - The minutes of the Property Committee meeting held on 27 July 2009 were approved and signed on the proposition of Councillor M Ireland, seconded by Councillor C Hodgson.
269. Matters Arising -
269.1 Former Castle Quadrate Barbican Painting - A letter from Bonhams’ Valuers offered a current open market valuation, in its present condition, at £300-£500. Members were also mindful of a verbal offer of £200-£300 from Plymouth City to purchase this painting. On the proposition of Councillor Hodgson, seconded by Councillor Ireland, it was resolved that Bonhams be asked to identify specialist auctions in the Plymouth area with a view to selling.
269.2 Charter Hall Brochure - The Chairman advised that the Policy and Resources Committee had called a special meeting of the Committee to write a destination marketing plan for the town, which Committee would look at suitable brochures for the Town Hall, Charter Hall and Simmons Park and he asked for this matter to be discussed at that meeting; agreed accordingly.
269.3 Building Condition Survey - The Chairman offered apologies in not progressing this due to his personal workload, however was mindful of an objective to produce a maintenance programme identifying capital and non-capital costs for due budget provision; a report to be submitted as soon as practical.
269.4 Charter Hall Foyer - The Clerk referred to discussions with G Greaves (cinema director) who confirmed his willingness with any scheme for this location. Mr Greaves had further mentioned alteration to the toilets layout, access from the cinema which was currently in concept stage, developments were awaited. The Clerk referenced a conversation with Mrs Buchanan of the College (Art and Design) who was keen for the students to produce exhibitions in the foyer with five per year over the five school years including pop art sculpture plus an offer to produce a scheme of work for the foyer over future years. Members accepted these conceptual ideas and noted that the Chair and Clerk would meet the above and develop the same.
The Clerk referenced the state of the Charter Hall toilets shared with the cinema and commented that the cinema management had not maintained cleanliness. Members were disappointed and on the proposition of Councillor Weekes, seconded by Councillor Mrs Marsh, it was resolved that this Council assume responsibility for proper cleaning and maintenance for two months, the cost to be charged to the cinema, with an option for that company to resume responsibility after that time.
270. Designated Premises Supervisor/Personal Licence - The Chairman presented legislation update which advised that community premises need not appoint a designated premises supervisor or personal licence holder as the Committee could assume this responsibility. Members noted the Town Clerk held the proper licence to operate this if necessary and noted the letter.
271. Battle of the Bands - Members were asked to reconsider the sale of alcohol at the heats of this event in the Charter Hall. The Chairman deemed this premature and suggested a meeting be held in February with the organisers to discuss all aspects of the event. Members requested rigid policing preventing alcohol being brought in to the building as well as out whilst acknowledging that the majority of people at the heats were under 18. On the proposition of the Chairman, seconded by Councillor Mrs McDonald, it was resolved that a meeting be held in February to discuss the fine details of the event with the organisers.
Members questioned transparency of the event’s accounts and were informed it was an operating charity with a constitution, identified objectives plus trustees. On the proposition of Councillor Ireland, seconded by Councillor Weekes, it was resolved that details of the events, constitution, charitable objectives and trustees be submitted to the next meeting for clarification.
272. Members’ Reports -
Chamber of Trade - Councillor Mrs Bickley reported on a presentation by Devon County Highways relating to the traffic lights, referenced the Alcohol Designation Order and a talk by M Wreford about the town’s history.
Councillor Mrs Marsh reported that the Ockment Rivers Improvement Group had secured a further grant of £16,000 from the Big Lottery Fund for improvement works to land behind Lidl’s.
Councillor Weekes referred to a visit from Stuttgart to the Town Hall connected with education at Okehampton Primary School.
Meeting closed 8.25 pm.