Agenda and minutes

Apologies were received from Councillor A Bridgen and Councillor M French.

Under the Code of Conduct members are reminded that in declaring disclosable interests you should make clear the nature of that interest and whether it is pecuniary or non-pecuniary.

Councillor M Wyatt declared non-pecuniary interests in all items should reference be made to Coalville town, as the owner of two town centre businesses. 

Councillor J Geary declared non-pecuniary interests in all items as a director of the Springboard Centre, founder member of Mantle Community Arts, and supporter of Coalville Town Football Club should any reference to them arise at the meeting.

Councillor J Legrys declared non-pecuniary interests in all items as a volunteer at Hermitage FM, should reference be made to Coalville town.  

To confirm the minutes of the meeting held on 12 October 2021.

Consideration was given to the minutes of the meeting held on 12 October 2021.

It was moved by Councillor J Geary, seconded by Councillor M Wyatt and

RESOLVED THAT:

The minutes of the meeting held on 12 October 2021 be confirmed and signed by the Chairman as a correct record.

Report of the Finance Team Manager

The Head of Finance presented the report to members, highlighting that at present the report remained a draft.

Councillor M B Wyatt advised that the expenditure sub group did not represent his views and felt that the group should have reported back before the draft budget was put to the main working party. He could not support the proposed 9% increase.

Members expressed a wish that they receive more consultation with regard to expenditure in their local areas, in particular play areas.

The Leisure Services Manager advised members that it had been discussed at previous meetings that the plan was to review all play area replacement plans, but it could not be done as a blanket approach and had to be prioritised. He noted that as each area came up officers would consult with local members as to what would need to be done.

It was noted that the original proposal was to increase the council tax by 13.7% and the sub group had proposed 9%.

Councillor J Legrys thanked Officers for help and guidance in assisting Members to understand the draft budget. He noted that a lot of time had been spent by the group debating the increase from 0% to 13.7% however it was also noted that it would be unavoidable if the Committee was to continue providing the service which it currently did.

The Chair observed that all comments be noted in order to pass on to Cabinet.

RESOLVED THAT:

The comments made by the Working Party on the 2022/23 Draft Budget and the proposed indicative increase in the Coalville Special Expense precept be put forward to Cabinet on 11 January 2022 for consideration.

Report of the Finance Team Manager

The Head of Finance presented the report to members.

It was debated whether the Cinema in the Park event would replace the Picnic in the Park event. Members were assured that due to an underspend last year, during 2022 both events be held, although due to the Jubilee Celebrations, the 2002 version of Picnic in the Park be known as the Queen’s Jubilee Celebration.

In a response to a question from Councillor M B Wyatt, the Leisure Services Team Manager advised the members that the one MVAS that was still working, would be funded by the Council, not by Special Expenses.

Members were advised that the underspend from Picnic in the Park 2021 be earmarked to support the delivery of Cinema in the Park 2022, which would be delivered as well as Picnic in the Park 2022 (as the Queen’s Jubilee celebration event). It was noted that budget being allocated to Cinema in the Park was to ensure that it remained affordable, as a privately run event would not make it accessible. It was also highlighted that any future events from 2023 onwards would be a decision for the working party at the right time, subject to what budget would be available at that time.

Councillor M Wyatt proposed that the committee have aspirations to hold the Picnic in the Park event in 2023, and members agreed, however with the added caveat that importance be stressed on planning events on a year by year basis, whilst keeping in mind the available budget.

The allocation of £25,000 towards an inclusive toilet was considered, however members felt they needed more specific information before it be agreed.

It was moved by Councillor M Wyatt, seconded by Councillor A Black that the Council aspired to hold a 2023 Picnic in the Park.

It was moved by Councillor J Geary, seconded by Councillor E Allman and

RESOLVED THAT:

1. The 2021/22 period 6 budget monitoring figures and the forecasted outturn be noted.

2. The proposal for the allocation of £25,000 from balances for an inclusive toilet be removed from consideration until a further report is provided to the working group

3. The committee has an aspiration to hold Picnic in the Park 2023.

RECOMMENDED THAT:

4.The earmarking of £16,000 underspend on the events budget towards funding the 2022/23 cinema event be recommended to Cabinet for approval.

Report of the Cultutral Services Team Manager

The Cultural Services Team Manager presented the report to members.

It was noted that unfortunately the Christmas Lights Switch On event was significantly impacted by Storm Arwen. This was somewhat mitigated by the ability to still deliver the outdoor food, drink and craft market and the success of the indoor market at Newmarket, and the fact that despite the weather, footfall in Coalville was significantly increased on the day.

Wendy May expressed her thanks to the Cultural Services Team for their efforts under extremely challenging conditions and noted that the negative feedback that had been received about the cancellations proved that residents of the area enjoyed the main stage and the fireworks that had been held in previous years.

Councillor M Wyatt provided positive feedback with regards to the lights at the clocktower and in other parts of Coalville, however he questioned whether the space in Memorial Square could be utilised more to hold events. Wendy responded that following extensive risk assessments, it was considered that the town had more suitable and safer pedestrianised areas.

Members expressed disappointment that the lights on the tree at Memorial Square had been vandalised but provided positive feedback on the success of the Christmas event at the Newmarket.

It was moved by Councillor J Geary, seconded by Councillor J Legrys and

RESOLVED THAT:

1.    the progress update on 2021/22 events be noted.

2.    the update for Christmas lights 2021/22 be noted.

3.   the update for 2021/22 Coalville Special Expenses community grant scheme be noted.

RECOMMENDED THAT:

4.   The proposed events programme and associated budget 2022/23 be considered by Cabinet.

Report of the Leisure Services Team Manager

The Leisure Services Team Manager presented the report to members, in which he provided updates on various projects, including Coalville Park play equipment, the Community Garden, Lillehammer Drive and also the provision of Covid memorial benches.

Members were pleased to see that the application to the Treescapes scheme had been successful. Following a comment from Councillor J Geary on the future maintenance of the 20 trees that had been secured, once the 3 year maintenance had expired, it was noted that a budget was available from previous funding that had been secured for that reason.

Members were invited to put forward their proposals for suitable sites for the Covid memorial benches via email to Officers, before the end of the month and it was noted that 6 memorial benches had been allocated in total for the Coalville Special Expense Area.

It was moved by Councillor J Legrys, seconded by Councillor J Geary and

RESOLVED THAT:

1. The progress update on the 2021/22 capital projects be noted.

RECOMMENDED THAT:

2. Approval be sought from Cabinet to submit an application to the district wide COVID commemoration.