Posted in document archives - Market Management Minutes

Minutes of the Market Management Committee Meeting

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held in the Mayor's Parlour, Town Hall, Bideford, on
Thursday 3 February 2011 at 6.00 pm

PRESENT:

North Ward:    

Councillor Ms E L Farrington
Councillor D C Fulford
Councillor T J Johns

South Ward:

Councillor A T Inch (Chairman)

IN ATTENDANCE:


Mr R D G Coombes (Market Administrator)
2 x Market Tenants
2 x Members of the Public

114    APOLOGIES FOR ABSENCE

Councillors Mrs C Church (East Ward – Work).

115    DECLARATIONS OF INTEREST ON ITEMS ON THE AGENDA

Councillor Ms Farrington declared a personal interest in agenda item 16.  (Partner retails similar items).

116    PUBLIC PARTICIPATION PERIOD

A member of the public noted that the Christmas trees adorning the Pannier Market had finally been removed.  He observed that the North Devon and Torridge District Councils were seeking ways in which to work in concert and expressed his concern regarding “asset exchange”.  He asked if the Council had made a specific approach to Torridge District Council to safeguard the Market.  (The Chairman asked that this point be made an agenda item for 3 March 2011.)  He also expressed concern after viewing the Crime Map for the Pannier Market Area.

117    MINUTES

The Minutes of the meeting held on 6 January 2011 were approved and signed as a correct record.

(Vote: – For:  4, Against:  0)


118    STEERING GROUP

Councillor Ms Farrington advised that a meeting had not taken place recently.

119    GROW YOUR OWN

The Committee were advised that the agenda item had been withdrawn.

120    PROMOTION OF THE PANNIER MARKET

The Market Administrator spoke on the need to attract interest from different quarters to stimulate market footfall, notwithstanding the traditional quiet first quarter.  He advised that he had approached Devon Youth and the merit of inviting other organisations e.g. scouts, majorettes, dance groups generally to publicise themselves and attract interest to the Hall.

Councillor Ms Farrington felt strongly that advertising for new traders should be considered in specific trade journals including the Market Trader.  She felt that the Committee should make a list of those disciplines that should be specifically encouraged i.e. new clothes, children’s shoes.  She underlined the need to set up the special insurance to encourage “hobbyists” and exclaimed disquiet at the holding of an Arts & Crafts Day on a traditional market trading day.  Given that the scaffolding would be out by Easter she emphasised the need to have the maximum number of market stalls active.

Councillor Fulford indicated that armed with the detail on costs he would be prepared to visit local markets and encourage traders to consider trading at the Bideford Pannier Market.

Councillor Ms Farrington, noting that membership had been renewed with North Devon +, stated that she would contact them with a view to utilising their website.  The Chairman asked if there was an opportunity to re-visit the Real Ale Festival originally scheduled for last year.  She advised that discussions were still in earnest regarding a scaled down event.  She would provide an update, under an agenda item, at the meeting to be held on 3 March 2011.

The Chairman intimated that the overall agenda item would be revisited at the following meeting in the hope that members would research their ideas.  It was clear action needed to be taken sooner than later.

121    CCTV

The Market Administrator advised the Committee that three firms had visited the Pannier Market in order to provide a quotation for the installation of a suitable CCTV system.  Blanchard, Fire and Security provided the only one.  The members viewed the offer but were concerned that only one was available for discussion.

Proposed by Councillor Ms Farrington, seconded and

RESOLVED: That, with a maximum budget of £2,500.00, the Town Clerk and Market Administrator should consider further quotations and press forward with the purchase of an appropriate system at the earliest opportunity.

(Vote – For:  3, Against:  0, Abstention: 1)

122    ACCOUNTS

Concern was expressed at the repair cost as a result of the break in.  Members wished to establish the point at which claims would be made against the building insurance.

Proposed by Councillor Fulford, seconded and

RESOLVED: That the list of payments be approved.

(Vote – For:  4, Against:  0)

123    MARKET ADMINISTRATOR’S REPORT

a.    The next Art, Craft and Collectable Market will be scheduled for Saturday, 19 February 2011.

b.    The individual who broke into the Pannier Market on Thursday 6 January 2011 is currently residing at her Majesty’s Pleasure as a result of other offences.  However, he has been formally identified and it is understood that he will be charged.

c.    Mr Scott commenced work at the Pannier Market on Wednesday 2 February 2011.

d.    Mr R Huxtable has been contracted to provide a report on the roof of the Pannier Market Complex.  While inspecting the Market he made a point of speaking to a number of tenants regarding water ingress issues.

124    CONFIDENTIAL ITEMS TO BE TAKEN IN PART II

Proposed by Councillor Ms Farrington, 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:  4, Against:  0)


PART II (Closed Session)

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

Four applicants had expressed an interest in Shop 28, Market Hall.

Proposed by Councillor Inch, seconded and

RESOLVED:  That Mr Hobbs be offered the license to trade from Shop 28.  He must satisfy the condition that any display/promotion outside of the front of the shop would require payment in addition to the monthly rent of £68.00.  Should the offer not be acceptable then Mr Edwards would be offered the Shop with the same condition.

(Vote – For:  3,  Against:  0, Abstention: 1)

126 UPDATE ON RENT ARREARS

There was one partial late payment which was fully paid within a matter of days.

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




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




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