Agenda and minutes

Apologies for absence were received from Councillor P Clayfield.

Councillors J Geary, R Johnson and L Spence declared a disclosable non pecuniary interest in item 5 – Capital Projects Update, as regular supporters of Coalville Town Football Club.

Councillor J Legrys declared a disclosable non pecuniary interest in Item 4 – 2015/16 Events Update due to his involvement with Hermitage FM.

Councillor M Wyatt disclosable non pecuniary interest in item 5 – Capital Projects Update, as a local business owner.

To confirm the minutes of the meeting held on 16 December 2014.

Consideration was given to the minutes of the meeting held on 16 December 2014.

Councillor J Geary referred to a conversation that had not been included in the minutes regarding a visit to the Broomleys allotments.  It was proposed that a visit be organised before the next meeting but unfortunately this had not been arranged.  Councillor M B Wyatt reported that the gentleman who was the contact at the allotments had been in hospital which had caused a delay in the visit.  The Head of Community Services confirmed that a visit would be arranged and it would be open to all Members.

RESOLVED THAT:

The minutes of the meeting held on 16 December 2014 be approved.

Report of the Head of Community Services

The Cultural Services Team Manager presented the report to Members.

He provided Members with an update on each event.

Picnic in the Park and Proms in the Park – 27 and 28 June

Members were referred to the activities planned for the events as highlighted within the report.  He reported that following a meeting with the Coalville Specials Events Group on 25 February, it was suggested that an additional £1,000 to cover infrastructure costs in delivering the new Proms in the Park event, and £500 for improved signage to promote both events be requested.  All Members were happy with this request.

Coalville Summer Fest 2015 – 27 June

The Coalville Town team were delivering the event which would be held at the Belvoir Shopping Centre. A further meeting on 28 April was being held to discuss the contents of the event.

Coaville by the Sea - 8 August

Following the success of last year’s Coalville by the Sea, a similar event had been organised for families on the open spaced grassed area at Needhams Walk.  Although this area was an excellent, popular and safe venue for families, the newly developed forecourt and event area outside Coalville Market could also be considered as an alternative location.  Members were asked for their views.

Councillor J Legrys felt that Needhams Walk would be a more appropriate venue as it was more secure and comfortable for families.  All Members agreed.

Christmas Lights Switch on Event – 21 November

The 2014 Christmas Light Switch on event was combined with the Coalville Town Team Food and Drink event with both organisations benefiting from the merger, therefore the format would be repeated for 2015.

Councillor M B Wyatt reiterated his comments from the previous meeting regarding combining the two events and the impact it had on the local businesses.  He explained that local businesses needed the two separate events as it brought in trade to the area.  The Head of Community Services explained that the issue was discussed at the last meeting and it was agreed by Members that the event would remain combined as one.  Councillor M B Wyatt commented that this would contribute to the ongoing demise of Coalville. The Chairman strongly disagreed and believed that Councillor M B Wyatt was being discourteous to the Members of the Working Party.

Coalville Christmas Decorations

The 2015/16 budget for the Coalville Christmas decorations was £15,500 which included testing, repairs, licence, energy consumption, storage, erection and removal of current decorations.  A tender process was currently underway for the Coalville Christmas decoration contract and Members would be updated further at the next meeting. 

In response to a question from Councillor L Spence, the Cultural Services Team Manager agreed that a breakdown of the tender could be available once the process had been completed.

The Cultural Services Team Manager thanked Julia Harley and Angela Bexton for their hard work on the events throughout the year, Members concurred. 

RESOLVED THAT:

The progress update on the 2015/16 events be noted.

RECOMMENDED  ...  view the full minutes text for item 27.

Report of the Head of Community Services

The Head of Community Services presented the report to Members and welcomed Ian Gowdridge, Grounds Maintenance Team Leader to the meeting. 

Coalville Park Improvements – Peace Garden

Following the visit to the site, further consultations had taken place with stakeholders and plans had been refined further.  The final plans were on display at the meeting for Members information.  The Head of Community Services reminded Members of the additional requests for the garden that were made during the visit to the site and recommended that an additional £1,000 be allocated to make it possible.  All Members agreed.

Councillor J Legrys congratulated everyone who had been involved with the development of the peace garden as it had been a pleasure and he was very pleased with the result.  The Grounds Maintenance Team Leader thanked his team for their hard work on the project.

Owen Street Recreation Ground

There was still no progress with proposals and costings to future proof the lux levels of floodlights but officers were hopeful that options would be available for the next meeting.  In response to a question from Councillor L Spence, the Head of Community Services explained that it was more difficult to acquire a contractor for the floodlights as it required a specific expertise.

An application had been made to the Land Registry for the Council to gain formal access over of the access road to the changing rooms and this had subsequently been approved.

A funding application to the Football Stadia Improvement Fund for a new changing pavilion had been submitted and if the application was successful it was possible that conditions would be attached to the grant award.  Any conditions attached to the funding would be considered by officers in liaison with the club and the Football Stadia Improvement Fund if necessary before any building work commenced.   Since the report had been written, the panel had considered the application and it had been approved. 

As requested Officers had considered a reduction in size to the trees that lined the entrance drive to the recreation ground which were covered by a Tree Preservation Order.  In liaison with the NWLDC’s Tree Officer, it was agreed that a 25 per cent reduction would be satisfactory and planning permission had been granted.  Members agreed to recommend to Cabinet the sum of £1,800 to undertake the works.

Thringstone Miners Social Centre

Thringstone Miners Social Centre Trustees were still working with officers to identify potential sources of funding to be able to convert the former Clover Place play area into a training pitch.  There had been no progress since the last meeting.

Councillor J Legrys reminded officers that diverting the footpath as part of phase one of the project would require permission as it was a regulated footpath.  The Head of Community Services confirmed that he was aware.

Councillor L Spence explained that there were two footpaths in the area and residents were concerned about possible anti social behaviour, therefore he asked that residents be consulted.  The Head of  ...  view the full minutes text for item 28.

Report of the Head of Community Services

The Head of Community Services presented the report to Members.

It was stated that the Period 11 position was projecting an under spending with a contribution to balances of approximately £16,388 leading to an end of year projection of balances of £97,460.

Councillor M Specht took a moment to reflect on the wonderful events over the last four years and congratulated the officers on their hard work as they had put Coalville in good stead.

Councillor L Spence added that he felt Members of the group also deserved some credit as they had put forward some very good ideas.

RESOLVED THAT:

The Period 11 Position, Forecast Outturn and 2015/16 budget be noted.

Tuesday, 14 July 2015 (provisional)

Tuesday, 13 October 2015 (provisional)

Tuesday, 15 December 2015 (provisional)

Members noted the provisional dates of the future meetings which were to be agreed at Annual Council.

Councillor R Johnson referred Members to the report he had circulated at the meeting regarding cemetery charges within the District.  He was concerned about the differing level of contributions that residents were paying for the same service dependent on where they live.  He believed that contributions should all be equal and asked for Members opinions.

The Head of Community Services explained that the costs of running the three cemeteries were roughly the same but each area had a different amount of properties which when displayed as a per household cost showed significant differences.

Councillor M B Wyatt stated that it would be wrong to discuss the issue at the meeting as he felt it should be formally considered at the next meeting as more information was required.  Other Members agreed that a full report from officers was needed to discuss this properly. 

Councillor J Geary suggested that the issue be considered by the Policy Development Group.  The Head of Community Services suggested that discussion be had at the next meeting to decide the best way to address the issue.

Councillor R Johnson thanked the Members for all they had achieved while he had been Chairman of the group.  He announced that he was not standing in a ward that fell within the Coalville special expenses area during the upcoming elections and therefore, if re-elected would not be part of the group.