Posted in document archives - Market Management Minutes

Minutes of the Market Management Committee Meeting

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held in the Council Chamber, Town Hall, Bideford, on
Thursday 3 June 2010 at 6.30 pm

PRESENT:

North Ward:

Councillor M L Bushell
Councillor Ms E L Farrington

East Ward:    

Councillor Mrs C B Church

South Ward:    

Councillor C Bone (Substitute for T J Johns)
Councillor A T Inch
Councillor P J Pester (Substitute for D C Fulford)


IN ATTENDANCE:

Mr R Coombes (Market Administrator)
4 x Market Tenants/Traders
1 x Member of the Public

001    ELECTION OF CHAIRMAN

Proposed by Councillor Pester, seconded and

RESOLVED:  That Councillor Inch be appointed Chairman for the year 2010/2011.

(Vote: – For: 6 , Against: 0)

002    ELECTION OF VICE-CHAIRMAN

Proposed by Councillor Bone, seconded and

RESOLVED:  That Councillor Ms Farrington be appointed Vice-Chairman for the year 2010/2011.

(Vote – For: 6, Against: 0)

003    APOLOGIES FOR ABSENCE

Councillors T J Johns (North Ward – Hospital) and D C Fulford (North Ward – Personal).


004    DECLARATIONS OF INTEREST ON ITEMS ON THE AGENDA

There were no declarations received at this time.

005    PUBLIC PARTICIPATION PERIOD

It was advised that the next Steering Group meeting would be held on Wednesday 7 July 2010 at 6.15 pm in the Pannier Market Café.  The Mayor stated that he would promulgate this at the next Town Council meeting.

A tenant gave voice to his concerns to be broached in agenda item 14.

006    MINUTES

The Minutes of the meeting held on 6 May 2010 were approved and signed as a correct record.

(Vote: – For: 5,  Against: 0, Abstention: 1)

007    STEERING GROUP

Councillor Ms Farrington indicated that points raised at the last Steering Group meeting would be addressed in her reports at agenda items 10, 11 and 12.

The Market Administrator would provide clarification on the number of advertising leaflets distributed to date at the next meeting.

008    HIRE OF MARKET HALL – BIDEFORD & DISTRICT CACTI & POT PLANT CLUB

The Market Administrator advised that a nominal charge of fifty pence will be charged for each entrant.  The monies raised from the sale of teas, a tombola and raffle are generated to cover costs.  Proposed by Councillor Mrs Church, seconded and

RESOLVED:  That the hire charge be set at £180.00 on this occasion.

(Vote – For: 6, Against: 0)

009    LOAN REQUEST

Members discussed their concerns about the very fabric of the Market, its importance and iconic symbolism to the town and townspeople of Bideford.  Further, the value of ensuring a robust funding stream for the future.

Proposed by Councillor Bushell, seconded and

RESOLVED:  That the Staffing, Finance & General Purposes Committee be approached for a short term loan of £10,000.00 to support future initiatives and provide working capital.  Further, the Pannier Market should also be included in the 5 year plan.

(Vote – For: 6, Against: 0)

010    BEER FESTIVAL

Councillor Ms Farrington provided a report on the progress that she and Mr Simon Lacey had made.  She stressed the need to find the bands for the evening entertainment and events for children; Councillor Inch confirmed the provision of a free disco.  Councillor Ms Farrington also advised that she would be making a presentation to Sgt Bassett and Mrs Bryant (Licence Office) on Wednesday 16 June 2010 at the Bideford Police Station. Funding help will be derived from an appropriate sponsor and “dead stock” shall be sold on.

011    NORTH DEVON PLUS

Councillor Ms Farrington spoke on meetings that she had had with Ms Helen Symons (Events & Sector Support Manager) and Mr Roger Johnson (Director).  She was advised that North Devon Plus can provide advice on planned events, review any literature and offer business advice/support.

It was felt that Mr Johnson should be invited to attend a future meeting of the Committee.

012    FUTURE EVENTS

Councillor Ms Farrington advised members a number of future dates/activities being held at the Big Sheep.  She canvassed for ideas that the Committee could commit to and drive forward.  Ideas volunteered included: model making, music festival, pantomime, comedy night, arts and crafts/antiques fair.  She reinforced the need for members to be accountable, to take an idea, research and see it through to fruition.

013    COMMUNITY PROJECT – ST LOYE’S FOUNDATION

The Market Administrator advised on his recent positive meeting with Ms Kerri Ward from the St Loye’s Foundation, Mr Rob Barnes (Petroc) and the Mayor.  St Loye’s are willing to employ six people for twenty five hours a week over a six month period to work on the Pannier Market.  They will be drawn from the Bideford area with advertising being made through the local Job Centre.  Petroc will train and offer similar support as is currently being given to the Project although the Market Administrator will need to attend a Team Leader course.

Proposed by Councillor Ms Farrington, seconded and

RESOLVED:  That a working partnership be established with the St Loye’s Foundation.

(Vote – For: 6, Against: 0)


014    MARKET TRADER – LETTER

The Chairman gave members the opportunity to review the letter that had been circulated.  While there was a feeling of sympathy, Councillor Bone stated that competition could not be restricted nor constraints created.  Councillor Bushell was keen to see casual traders encouraged to become permanent.  Members further stated that prices could not be dictated and that competition had to remain free.

SUSPENSION OF STANDING ORDERS

Proposed by Councillor Ms Farrington, seconded and

RESOLVED:  That Standing Orders be suspended in order for the letter writer to contribute to the discussion.

(Vote – For: 6, Against: 0)

The trader spoke on the number of times that the casual trader mentioned in his letter had traded at the Market.

RETURN TO STANDING ORDERS

Proposed by Councillor Farrington, seconded and

RESOLVED:  That the Meeting return to Standing Orders for completion of item 14.

(Vote – For: 6, Against: 0)

015    ACCOUNTS

Proposed by Councillor Inch, seconded and

RESOLVED: That the list of payments be approved.

(Vote – For: 6,  Against: 0)

016    MARKET ADMINISTRATOR’S REPORT

The Market Administrator advised that:

The Market Officer will be attending a Chartered Institute of Environmental Health Level 2 course in Health and Safety in the Workplace on Thursday 24 June 2010.  

017    CONFIDENTIAL ITEMS TO BE TAKEN IN PART II

Proposed by Councillor Inch, seconded and

RESOLVED: That in view of the confidential nature of the business about to be discussed, it is advisable, in the public interest, that the public be excluded for the remainder of the meeting; they were instructed to withdraw.

(Vote – For: 6, Against: 0)

(Councillor Bone left the meeting)


PART II (Closed Session)

018    TERMINATIONS OF LEASES BY TENANTS/APPLICATIONS RECEIVED FOR TENANCIES OF PREMISES

The Committee was advised that 19 Butcher’s Row was available to rent.  Proposed by Councillor Ms Farrington, seconded and

RESOLVED: That the tenancy of 19 Butcher’s Row be offered to the candidates previously interviewed for 27 Market Place.

(Vote – For: 5,  Against: 0)

019    UPDATE ON RENT ARREARS

There remained one outstanding debtor, who has remained a habitual late payer.

Proposed by Councillor Pester, seconded and

RESOLVED: That the tenant be advised, by letter, that he brings his account up to date, including both rental payments for May and June 2010, within seven days of receipt of notification.  Failure to do so will bring the tenancy to a close.  Should payment be made the tenant is to be advised that any future payment made in “arrears for fourteen days” will similarly end the tenancy.  Further, all tenants are to note that rental payments are expected to be made within the terms of their tenancy agreement, “whether formally demanded or not.”

(Vote – For: 5,  Against: 0)

The business of the meeting having been completed, the Chairman thanked the members for their attendance and the meeting concluded at 8.30 pm.





Signature of Town Mayor:……………………………………  Date:……………………...........





Signature of Chairman:………………………………..............  Date:……………………….......