Agenda and minutes

Apologies for absence were received from Councillors P Purver and M B Wyatt.

Councillor J Legrys declared a non pecuniary interest in any reference to Hermitage FM due to his involvement with the organisation. 

Councillor J Geary declared a non pecuniary interest in item 4 – Capital Projects update as a regular supporter of Coalville Town FC.

To confirm the minutes of the meeting held on 13 October 2015.

Consideration was given to the minutes of the meeting held on 13 October 2015.

Councillor J Legrys commented that a visit to Broom Leys Allotments had still not been arranged and asked for an update.  Councillor J Geary informed Members that Councillor M B Wyatt had advised that a visit would be arranged for May 2016 when the weather improved.

RESOLVED THAT:

The minutes of the meeting held on 13 October 2015 be approved and signed by the Chairman as a correct record.

Report of the Leisure Services Team Manager

The Head of Community Services introduced Catherine Ridgeway, the Community Focus Officer for Coalville and the surrounding area.  Her role was to support community groups and parishes, and her input could be valuable for the working group with the various projects.

The Leisure Services Team Manager presented the report to Members and provided the Working Party with an update on each of the ongoing projects.

Coalville Park Improvements – Peace Garden

In was confirmed that the project was now completed and the well attended official opening was held on 3 November.  Feedback received by officers was very good.  The Leisure Services Team Manager thanked Angela Bexton for her work in managing the project.

Owen Street Recreation Ground – Changing Room Development

Building works were underway and was on schedule to be completed in April 2016.  It was planned for the official opening to take place in July 2016 and would be marked by a marquee game for Coalville Town Football Club.

Thringstone Miners Social Centre

Members were informed that work had not really progressed since the last meeting due to a Thringstone Miners Social Centre officer absence but was now being moved forward.

Cropston Drive BMX Track and Wheeled Sports Facility

Unfortunately, contrary to the report the proposals and costings were not available at the meeting; the Leisure Services Team Manager confirmed that it would be circulated to Members before Christmas.

Urban Forest Park, Coalville – Footway and Drainage Improvements

It was confirmed that work had been completed and positive comments received.

Councillor J Legrys reported that part of the Boardwalk had been vandalised and asked officers to look into it.  He also added that it was a very successful project but the people are not aware of it, he suggested more signage be erected.

The Head of Community Services reported that he had received comments regarding the name of the park as it was not clear what it was.  He suggested that Members consider a new name and to look at some suggestions at the next meeting.  Members were in agreement.  The Leisure Services Team Manager confirmed that he would arrange a press release to publicise the park.

Thringstone Bowls Club Toilet Block

The Head of Community Services commented that it had been a fantastic funding project and suggested that Members may want to visit the club with an official celebration event.  Members were interested in attending an event.

It was also noted that whilst the total cost of the works is still confirmed as £25,422, BIFFA have confirmed that the amount required by a third party would be £2,606, which was slightly more than the £2,500 originally requested.  Members agreed the additional funding request.

Melrose Road Green Gym

Images of various pieces of Green Gym equipment were made available for Members to see during discussions.  Quotes received from contractors were between £10,500 and £13,700.

Benches in Thringstone

An image of the type of bench quoted for was available for Members to see during discussions.  The cost of  ...  view the full minutes text for item 22.

Report of the Cultural Services Team Manager

The Cultural Services Officer presented the report to Members and provided an update on each event.

Christmas Lights Switch on Event

The Christmas light switch on event combined with the Coaville Town Team food and drink event was well supported by the community and received significant media coverage.

Councillor J Legrys commented that it was a great event with lots of people movement around the area even though it was extremely cold.  He suggested that Christmas lighting be erected inside the market as well as outside in future.  The Head of Community Services agreed to look into it.

Councillor M Specht also felt that it was a great event, especially the fireworks which he could see from Swannington.

Coalville Christmas Decorations

The total cost of organising the Christmas tree in memorial square was £2,370 and would be funded by Coalville Special Reserves as previously agreed.  The tree would be an annual cost but the trees lighting would be incorporated into the new Field and Lawn contract.  Members were very positive about the Christmas Decoration in Coalville and agreed it was a measured improvement from previous years.  The Chairman commented that the tree looked lovely and it had withstood the high winds which was his main concern. 

2016/17 Proposed Events

The Cultural Services Officer reported that the Coalville Town Team would not be holding the usual events next year and would be looking at alternative projects. This would give the opportunity for the proposed events to be a little different in 2016 for example incorporating food and drink stalls into our events.

Councillor J Legrys stressed the importance of co-ordination between officers, the precinct owners and the Coalville Town Team to make sure there was no duplication of work.

RESOLVED THAT:

The 2015/16 events progress update be noted.

Report of the Head of Community Services

The Head of Community Services presented the report to Members and highlighted the forecast overspend due to the reduced burial income at Broomleys Cemetery.  He reported that the impact of the overspend would affect the end of year balances and advised Members to be cautious when allocating funds.   He added that this was not unusual but it was significant.  Members agreed to wait until April before making any further funding decisions.

RESOLVED THAT:

a)       The period 7 actuals and forecasted out turn be noted.

b)       It be noted that the 2016/17 Revenue Budgets were currently being drafted.

c)       The Capital Scheme funding position be noted.

The next meeting will be held on Tuesday, 19 April 2016

The next meeting would be held on Tuesday, 19 April 2016 at 6.30pm in the Boardroom.