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 5 August 2010 at 6.30 pm

PRESENT:

North Ward:
Councillor M L Bushell
Councillor Ms E L Farrington
Councillor D C Fulford
Councillor T J Johns

East Ward:
Councillor Mrs C B Church

South Ward:
Councillor A T Inch (Chairman)

IN ATTENDANCE:

Mr G B McLauchlan (Town Clerk)
Mr R Coombes (Market Administrator)
3 x Market Tenants/Traders/Public

033    APOLOGIES FOR ABSENCE

There were no absentees.

034    DECLARATIONS OF INTEREST ON ITEMS ON THE AGENDA

There were no declarations received at this time.

035    PUBLIC PARTICIPATION PERIOD

There was no public participation.

036    MINUTES

The Minutes of the meeting held on 1 July 2010 were approved and signed as a correct record.

(Vote: – For: 6,  Against: 0)

037    STEERING GROUP

Councillor Ms Farrington felt that using historic pictures was a very good initiative that would brighten up the Market Place entrance to Butcher’s Row.  She suggested that Councillor Christie and trader Graham Hobbs could be approached.  Further discussion centred on providing a display on the history of Bideford, its cost and possible format. There was general support for the idea; it will be placed on the agenda item for the next meeting.

038    KENWITH ARCHERS

Kenwith Archers were represented by the Chairman, Dean Stojc, and committee member Steve Burgess.  They gave an extensive talk from the equipment, through the youth development, their impressive record both individually and as a team in representative competitions to community involvement supporting schools, charities and local initiatives.  Councillor Inch led the Committee in expressing his belief in the work of Kenwith Archers and other organisations in giving so much of their time selflessly for the benefit of the youth.  He thanked the two representatives for their presentation.

039    HIRE CHARGE FOR THE KENWITH ARCHERS

The Market Administrator advised of the Kenwith Archers request to hire the Hall from 14 September 2010 until mid April 2011.  He reminded them of the charges for that period.  The Town Clerk spoke on the cost of the utilities and advised that rather than an inclusive charge, the Committee should consider charging Kenwith Archers for electricity and gas consumed in addition to the flat rate hire charge.

Proposed by Councillor Church, seconded and

RESOLVED:  That the Kenwith Archers be allowed to continue hiring the Hall but in addition to the £120.00 per three evening week pay for their gas and electricity consumption.

(Vote – For: 6,  Against: 0)

040    SECURITY INITIATIVES

The Market Administrator advised of the recent petty vandalism and anti-social behaviour of a group of youths, known to the Police, in, around and on top of the Market building.  The Committee expressed concern and in debating the issue spoke on a number of ideas.

Proposed by Councillor Ms Farrington, seconded and

RESOLVED:  That anti-vandal paint be introduced, notices erected stating that offending individuals would be prosecuted through the courts, dispersal orders should be investigated and the present CCTV coverage should be re-evaluated. The press would also be informed of the mindless acts perpetrated against the Town’s historic building by a minority, poorly representing the youth of Bideford.

(Vote – For: 6,  Against: 0)

041    SALE OF TABLES

The Market Administrator advised of an offer to purchase twenty tables at fifteen pounds per table.  Councillor Ms Farrington spoke of interest from other parties, the need to maximise price and reduce the stock pile.  Councillor Johns advised the Committee on his experience of the disposal of tables from parish halls.
Proposed by Councillor Inch, seconded and

RESOLVED:  That a local specialist be approached to give an evaluation of cost and the means to offload unwanted items.

(Vote – For: 6,  Against: 0)

042    REAL ALE FESTIVAL

Councillor Ms Farrington advised that the Festival would be postponed to a suitable date in 2011 given that SIA door staff was unavailable to police the event; no expenditure had been incurred.  She spoke on lessons learned and further stated that the festival would be run over two and not three days.  The Committee accepted the news and proffered fulsome praise for her efforts to date.

043    ACCOUNTS

Proposed by Councillor Fulford, seconded and

RESOLVED: That the list of payments be approved.

(Vote – For: 6,  Against: 0)

044    MARKET ADMINISTRATOR’S REPORT

The Market Administrator advised that a number of Butcher’s Row Tenants had spoken of a groundswell of interest in holding an Arts & Craft Fair in the Market Hall.  They will canvass opinion so that, should there be sufficient interest, the initiative could be noted as an agenda item for next month.  Should the Committee find merit then a Wednesday during half term in October, followed by one in November and December should it be regarded as a success, appears attractive and worth pursuing.

045    CONFIDENTIAL ITEMS TO BE TAKEN IN PART II

Proposed by Councillor Bushell, 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)


PART II (Closed Session)

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

There were none.

047    UPDATE ON RENT ARREARS

The Market Traders, Butcher’s Row and Market Place Tenants have paid their respective rents and utility bills in an unprecedented timely fashion, largely completing their payments within the agreed terms.  The fiscal statement for July 2010 is in excellent health.

The business of the meeting having been completed, the Chairman thanked the members for their attendance and the meeting concluded at 7.50 pm.