Agenda and minutes

Apologies for absence were received from Councillor R Adams.

Councillor M B Wyatt declared a non-pecuniary interest in any reference to Coalville Town Centre as a business owner.

Councillor J Geary declared a non-pecuniary interest in 7 – Capital Projects Update as a regular supporter of Coalville Town Football Club and a founder member of Mantle Lane Arts.

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

To confirm the minutes of the meeting held on 11 January 2018

Consideration was given to the minutes of the meeting held on 11 January 2018.

It was moved by Councillor J Legrys, seconded by Councillor N Clarke and

RESOLVED THAT:

The minutes of the meeting held on 11 January 2018 be approved and signed by the Chairman as a correct record.

To receive a verbal update

The Head of Planning and Infrastructure gave a presentation to Members, providing an update on the current plans and position of the development of Marlborough Square. 

Councillor M B Wyatt was happy with the proposed free parking spaces on James Street as he believed it would help to regenerate the area which has struggled since the introduction of the parking charges.  He was also impressed with the designs and the proposal to hold events in the square.  He suggested that the bus shelters be utilised for advertising to generate income.  Overall Councillor M B Wyatt welcomed the proposals and had received good feedback from local businesses and residents.

Councillor M Specht asked how the taxi company had responded to the consultation as the proposals included a significant reduction in parking for taxis during the daytime.  The Head of Planning and Infrastructure confirmed that the response was positive as the peak time for business was in the evening and the bus stops would be available for the taxis during this time.  He added that there was not currently a formal agreement for the taxis to park outside of the rank and this happened predominantly around the driver’s lunch break, therefore alternative arrangements would have to be made by the drivers in future.

Councillor M Specht asked if there were plans for more attractive lighting in the evening to make the area comfortable for people to use, as he felt the current lighting was not appropriate.  The Head of Planning and Infrastructure would discuss the matter further as part of the coming conversations with Leicestershire County Council regarding the cabling required for the scheme.

Councillor J Legrys reported that he had attended one of the engagement events and believed there was no real objection to the proposals.  He asked officers to take note of a number of points that were raised from local residents, one being the desire for the installation of public toilets which he accepted was unlikely, and also the possibility of using the paviours elsewhere in Coalville once they were removed.    He confirmed that there was cross party support for the scheme and he felt it was desperately needed to regenerate the area, although he was personally unconvinced by the proposed timescale for completion.  He also asked officers to seriously consider the road crossing facilities to ensure they were adequate.

Councillor D Everitt enquired into the response of the nursery to the consultation as he is aware of the difficulties at drop off and pick up times.  The Head of Planning and Infrastructure confirmed that there were no objections from the nursery as they believed the free parking spaces available would be utilised by parents.  He added that all of the surrounding businesses who were already engaged with the scheme had supported the proposals.

Councillor P Purver asked if the residents of Margaret Street had been consulted as the proposals would affect their route home.  The Head of Planning and Infrastructure reported that officers had not engaged specifically with  ...  view the full minutes text for item 26.

Discussion item

The Head of Community Services reported that following the question being raised by Members regarding public attendance at the meetings of the working party, the Legal Team had advised that there was no reason why the meetings could not be held in public.

All Members agreed that due to the nature of the meeting, it would be prudent to open the meeting to the public and be held in the Council Chamber which was more accessible. 

The Head of Community Services agreed to amend the Terms of Reference to reflect the change and bring it to the next meeting for confirmation.

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

RESOLVED THAT:

Future meetings of the working party be open to the public and take place in the Council Chamber.

Report of the Cultural Services Team Manager

The Cultural Services Team Manager presented the report to Members, highlighting upcoming events and allocated budget and status.

St George’s Day

The Cultural Services Team Manager reported that the flags had been flying around Coalville but had noticed that those at the Clock Tower were in poor condition and had therefore arranged for them to be replaced immediately.  Councillor M B Wyatt requested a larger flag for the top of the Clock Tower to make it more visible.  The Cultural Services Team Manager agreed and confirmed it was currently being considered.  In response to a question from Councillor J Legrys, the Cultural Services Team Manager confirmed that the scheduled works to the Clock Tower would result in the removal of the flag pole.  She added that a bracket would also be installed to allow a temporary flag pole to be erected on certain occasions.

Music and Picnic in the Park

The Cultural Services Team Manager reported that the event was currently on schedule with all elements booked and local people engaged.  She also informed Members that ‘Art in the Park’ would return, whereby Coalville schools would decorate boards which would be displayed in the park for the weekend.  These would then be displayed in the community garden area through the summer months.

Coalville by the Sea

The Cultural Services Team Manager reported that the event was scheduled for Friday 3 and Saturday 4 August which had been extended to cover two days based on feedback regarding the popularity of the event.

Christmas in Coalville

The Cultural Services Team Manager reported that planning for the event had commenced and was currently ahead of schedule with key elements in place.  She announced that the next meeting of the Events Sub Group was to be held on 25 September and would be heavily focused on the Christmas events.

In response to a question from Councillor J Legrys, the Cultural Services Team Manager stated that the new Coalville events poster was currently being worked on and would be distributed to shops in May.

Coalville Commemorates

The Cultural Services Team Manager informed Members that an artist had been appointed and the concept sketches as at appendix 2 of the report had been shared prior to the meeting.  She added that the planning application would be submitted by the end of the week and a meeting had been scheduled with the Whitwick branch of the Royal British Legion to discuss the plans.

With the outcome of the funding application to Bardon Hill Quarry Community Fund not known until 31 May 2018, the Cultural Services Team Manager asked the working party if they would consider allocating up to £8,000 from balances if required to ensure that the project could be progressed to meet the completion deadline.  It was moved by Councillor N Clarke, seconded by Councillor J Geary and 

RESOLVED THAT:

Up to £8,000 from balances be allocated to cover the shortfall in budget to progress the project to meet the completion deadline.

Councillor J Legrys commented  ...  view the full minutes text for item 28.

Report of the Leisure Services Team Manager

The Leisure Services Team Manager presented the report to Members and provided an update on ongoing projects.

Owen Street Recreation Ground

The Leisure Services Team Manager reported that the procurement process for the refurbishment of the floodlights had been completed and the contract had been awarded to OLighting Ltd.  Work would also need to be undertaken on the distribution of the power supply to ensure that it was adequate, this was currently being quoted for.

A planning application for the installation of the radio transmitter had been approved, along with the variation of the lease with the football club and written consent from the Council, therefore the delivery of the project was now with Hermitage FM and Coalville Town Football Club.  Therefore the item would be removed from future reports.  Councillor J Legrys added that Leicestershire County Council DLO was also involved in the delivery of the project.

Thringstone Miners Social Centre Training Pitch

The Leisure Services Team Manager reported that planning approval had been given for both the fencing and the footpath diversion.  At the last meeting of the Board of Trustees, a number of issues were highlighted regarding the financial stability of the football club, therefore the training pitch project would not be progressed until the issues had been resolved.

Coalville Forest Adventure Park

The Leisure Services Team Manager reported that improvement works had commenced and at the end of summer, there would be additional planting undertaken in partnership with CEP, plus the creation of an additional path.

Mobile Vehicle Activated Signage

The Leisure Services Team Manager informed Members that despite a number of teething issues, the signage was now operational.  Therefore the item would be removed from future reports.  At the request of Councillor N Clarke, it was agreed for the schedule of the signage positions to be re-circulated to Members.

Melrose Road Recreation Ground, Park Development

The development had now been completed and would therefore be removed from future reports.

Melrose Road Play Hub

The Leisure Services Team Manager reported that correspondence from the landowner had been received earlier in the day stating that his consent for the new footpath would only be given if it was for a Permissive Footpath Agreement.  It was believed that the cost for this would be approximately £1,500, so further investigation was required and once discussion had been had with Legal Services, further information would be provided for Members.

Coalville Park

The Leisure Services Team Manager reported that achievement of the Green Flag award had been included in the 2018/19 Council Delivery Plan.  With the assistance of a Green Flag Assessor, plans had been put in place throughout the year with the application process to be completed by 31 January 2019.  Councillor M B Wyatt suggested that officers apply to the Bardon Hill Quarry Community Fund for the money required to progress this project, rather than request the funds from Cabinet.  The Leisure Services Team Manager commented that he was happy to look into this option but asked Members to  ...  view the full minutes text for item 29.

Report of the Head of Community Services

The Head of Community Services presented the report to Members, highlighting the contribution to balances of £22,000 which would increase the forecasted yearend balance to £86,000.  He reminded Members that a prudent level of reserves was 10 percent of the annual recurring expenditure, therefore it would be approximately £45,000.

Councillor M B Wyatt commented that each year he asked officers to look into expanding the Christmas events and was always told there was not enough time for further considerations.  Therefore he asked officers to thoroughly investigate the possibility of expanding the event onto Hotel Street and Memorial Square for the 2019/20 financial year.  The Chairman asked officers for a report to be brought to the next meeting with some ideas and costings so it could be discussed further.  Councillor M B Wyatt agreed and commented that if it was not viable then he would understand but he would like the opportunity to discuss the option further.     

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

RESOLVED THAT:

a)         The 2017/18 Forecast Outturn be noted.

b)         The Capital Programme for 2018/19 be noted.

c)         A report be considered at the next meeting regarding the possible expansion of the Christmas in Coalville events.

Tues, 19 June 2018 (Provisional)

Tues, 16 October 2018 (Provisional)

Tues, 18 December 2018 (Provisional)

Tues, 16 April 2019 (Provisional)

Tues, 19 June 2018

Tues, 16 October 2018

Tues, 18 December 2018

Tues, 16 April 2019