Agenda and minutes

Apologies for absence were received from Councillor R Adams.

Councillor J Geary declared a non-pecuniary interest in item 5 – Capital Projects Update as a regular supporter of Coalville Town Football Club and a founder member of Mantle Lane Arts, and in any reference to the Springboard Centre as a director.

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

Councillor M B Wyatt declared a non-pecuniary interest in any reference to Coalville Town Centre as an owner of 2 businesses in the town.

The Head of Economic Regeneration read out a brief statement regarding the pre-election period rules in regards to the discussions at the meeting.

To confirm the minutes of the meeting led on 18 December 2018.

Consideration was given to the minutes of the meeting held on 18 December 2018.

It was moved by Councillor J Legrys, seconded by Councillor M Specht and

RESOLVED THAT:

The minutes of the meeting held on 18 December 2018 be approved and signed by the Chairman as a correct record.

Report of the Cultural Services Team Manager

The Cultural Services Team Manager presented the report to Members.

St Georges Day – 23 April 2019

The Cultural Services Team Manager asked Members to note the timings for the flag flying as printed within the report.

Music and Picnic in the Park – 22 and 23 June 2019

Planning for this event was well underway and ahead of schedule.  It was reported that a funding contribution had been secured for the main attraction, which supported the council’s priority ‘Recycle more….’  The attraction was an 18-metre giant inflatable whale, in which public could enter the attraction and watch a live performance highlighting the impact on plastics on the environment.  There would also be another ‘Art in the Park’, whereby art created by schools at the Timber Festival would be on display at the park.

Coalville by the Sea – 2 and 3 August 2019

It was reported that following comments from Members, donkey rides had been added to the event. 

Christmas in Coalville – 23 November 2019

It was noted that planning was in the early stages.

Coalville May Fair – 3-11 May 2019

It was noted that the event would now cover two weekends to have a greater impact on the town centre.

Councillor M Specht congratulated officers on the progress made with the events for the coming year.  He asked if the funding for music and picnic in the park was combined or whether a breakdown of costs was available.  The Cultural Services Team Manager explained that there was a number of shared costs, such as the fencing and the toilets but would circulate a breakdown to Members outside of the meeting.

Councillor M B Wyatt reported that he was aware of a biker group that had shown an interest in organising a Christmas drive through Coalville and would like some assistance from officers if possible.  It was agreed to pass on the contact details to the Cultural Services Team Manager.

The Cultural Services Team Manager reported that the Christmas in Coalville Business Survey had been sent out to all local businesses with a 3.6 percent return rate. It was therefore concluded that due to the low number of responses received that most town centre businesses were satisfied with the Christmas event as they had chosen to not take advantage of the opportunity to comment.  Further, the comments and suggestions made by the businesses that did respond were noted and where appropriate officers would liaise directly with the relevant business. Councillor M B Wyatt did not agree with the conclusion from the survey, as he was aware that a number of businesses had chosen not to return a response, as they did not believe it was worthwhile.  He would therefore be encouraging businesses to return the survey so that officers could have a more accurate response.  The Chairman was disappointed with the number of responses.  He referred Members to the suggestions made for more free parking and commented that if parking was free for the whole of December  ...  view the full minutes text for item 26.

Report of the Leisure Services Team Manager

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

Coalville Park Green Flag Award

As referenced within the report, the Coalville park improvement plan was circulated to Members.  The Leisure Services Team Manager highlighted three areas for the first phase of the action plan, refurbishment of the play area, the landscape enhancement of the recreation ground and the community garden project.  He suggested the use of the £35,000 available Section 106 money, as well as to seek match funding for the remaining cost.  He proposed that £1200 be allocated for the graffiti art project for the skate park.  All Members agreed.

Lillehammer Drive

The Leisure Services Team Manager explained that a public meeting was held in January to discuss the possible landscaping schemes however, it was evident that creating a public space was not the wish of the residents due to the previous ASB issues in the area.  It was agreed that consideration would be given to allowing the area to become part of the school but unfortunately, there was a number of covenants imposed on the land, which did not allow it.  Members were asked to consider whether they would like officers to open negotiations with Barratt’s with a view to having the existing covenants lifted.  Councillor J Legrys attended the public meeting and he concurred with earlier comments about residents’ views.  He felt that officers should approach Barratt’s about the covenants and he hoped a good conclusion could be sought.  All Members agreed.

London Road Closed Cemetery

It was reported that the seating had now been installed and a photograph was circulated to Members.  In response to a question from Councillor M B Wyatt, the Leisure Services Team Manager explained that the information board was the only thing now outstanding but it was in progress and that the design of the board would be circulated to Members for comments prior to ordering.  Councillor M B Wyatt asked if there would be any recognition within the area to Bardon Quarry for the funding.  Following discussion, it was agreed to look into having something included on the information board.

Hanging Baskets

It was reported that the hanging baskets for Coalville had been investigated but due to a number of drawbacks including the installation of brackets on private property, and getting legal agreements in place with property owners, this approach would take a considerable amount of time to arrange.  Ffunding had been made available from the High Streets Community Clean Up Fund and a number of flower troughs had been ordered.  The Leisure Services Team Manager circulated the list of the locations for which flower troughs had been ordered and the requested costs for watering.  He also proposed a number of additional options for the purchase of further flower troughs and towers for Members discussion and approval.

Councillor M B Wyatt was disappointed that the hanging baskets were not being pursued and that there were no proposals within the report to overcome  ...  view the full minutes text for item 27.

Report of the Head of Economic Regeneration

The Head of Economic Regeneration presented the report to Members.

The Chairman thanked the officers for all the hard work undertaken in the last four years.

It was moved by Councillor P Purver, seconded by Councillor M Specht and

RESOLVED THAT:

a)     The 2018/19 period 11 Position/Forecast Outturn be noted.

b)     The approved budget for 2019/20 be noted.