Issue - meetings

Report of the Leisure Services Team Manager

The Leisure Services Manager updated Members on the progress of the 2019/20 Capital Projects as detailed in the report.

Coalville Park

In response to a question from Councillor J Geary in relation to the use of funding and the ongoing maintenance costs, the Leisure Services Team Manager advised that the S106 money must be used on the park but felt that the concern was valid as the amount to deliver the project was great. Councillor J Legrys advised that he had attended the meeting of the Friends of Coalville Park group and that they had put a lot of work in to become a charitable group and they were aware of the situation. He felt that there was a lot of enthusiasm to improve that park and that it should not be squashed. Members agreed to have a presentation from the group at the next meeting to gain a better understanding of the project and proposals.

Coalville in Bloom 2020

Councillor M B Wyatt noted that a report would be brought to the December meeting but advised that if Members wished to progress the project an application could be submitted to Bardon Aggregates, but it would require submitting in November. He advised Members that the current proposal was to work with the Coalville Community Action Group to create a pot of money to progress the idea.

Wild Flower Planting Areas

Councillors expressed concerns that wild flower planting was a lovely idea but felt that out of season the areas may look a mess. Councillor A Black felt that trees would be more suitable as they would hide new buildings and help with drainage. It was noted that proposals would come back to a future meeting.

CSE ASSETS

The Leisure Services Team Manager drew Members attention to paragraph 1.12 CSE Assets and advised that the three areas had day to day maintenance met from the revenue budget however there were no asset management plans in place to identify when major works would be required and the financial commitment needed. He reminded Councillors that as members of the Working Party they were responsible for ensuring that appropriate asset protection funds were available. It was noted that officers were developing Asset Management Plans so that Members could make informed decisions and recommendations to Cabinet. It was hoped to bring the plans to the December meeting.

The Leisure Services Manager also highlighted to the working party that at a previous meeting they had recommended to Cabinet that £15,000 of external funding be approved to upgrade the play equipment at the Oval Play Area in Bardon, however Cabinet could not support the recommendation and requested that the funding be allocated to a play area with higher priority needs. Following discussions with the Finance team and the development of the Asset Management Plan, it was suggested that Members looked at earmarking the external funding until such time that some play area equipment was in need of replacement and therefore helping to remove some financial pressure from  ...  view the full minutes text for item 13