Posted in document archives - Market Management Minutes

Minutes of the Market Management Committee Meeting

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BIDEFORD TOWN COUNCIL

Minutes of the Market Management Committee Meeting
held in the Council Chamber, Town Hall, Bideford, on
Thursday 3 November 2011 at 6.31 pm

PRESENT:
North Ward:

Councillor Mrs M P Fulford

South Ward:

Councillor D G Brenton (Chairman)
Councillor S G Inch (Deputy Town Mayor)
Councillor R I Wootton

IN ATTENDANCE:

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

069 APOLOGIES FOR ABSENCE

Councillors Mrs E A Brenton (North Ward – Medical) and D C Fulford (North Ward - Personal).

070 DECLARATIONS OF INTEREST ON ITEMS ON THE AGENDA

There were no declarations of interest at this time.

071 PUBLIC PARTICIPATION PERIOD

One member spoke on encouraging those local groups who had benefited from the Council’s grant initiative to perform in the Market Hall.  They further questioned the need for Part II.

072  MINUTES

Minute No. 059 – The Market Administrator reported that Mrs Rodgers felt that her statement had not been articulated quite as she had intended.  The following is, she believes, a more accurate representation:

'Mrs Rodgers expressed her belief in the importance that those vacant and soon to be available Units in Butchers Row be widely advertised in order that the committee members may exercise maximum discernment in the selection of future tenants.'

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

(Vote: – For: 4, Against: 0)

073 MARKET ADVISORY COMMITTEE

The Chairman reviewed the earlier meeting and spoke on the potential of a rolling programme.

074 ITEMS BROUGHT FORWARD BY THE CHAIRMAN

No items were brought forward.

075 MARKET ADMINISTRATOR’S REPORT

“The NABMA Conference was an interesting and valuable opportunity to learn about general market issues, that other markets have similar issues and that they still retain an important place in their respective towns.

There were a number of speakers many of whom had budgets, take up of stalls and general numbers that do not relate to us in Bideford.

The change in the patterns of women’s work, end of the daily shop, rise and role of the supermarkets and E Commerce impact upon markets.  There simply are not enough people around during the week to justify trading on week days.  Comments that challenge many at the moment.  However, by focusing people on the attractive and distinctive elements of the Market/Trade shoppers can enjoy a unique experience.

We are beginning to tap into the history, the heritage and culture of the Town.  We should look to:

1. building partnerships
2. engage the Bideford 500
3. Link with special events in the Town
4. Christmas Lights Switch On is a start
5. Work with North Devon + and try to bring a food and drink festival to the Town

The Market provides an opportunity to meet local people; encouragement should be made to bring local and quality items be they food, craft etc.

Do the people of Bideford know what is on their door step?  Locals need to promote local.  Contacts with hotels, B&Bs, visitor attractions/centres – which, in truth, we do.

Strengthen ties with the Tourist Information Centres.

Leeds, the Market with ten million visitors a year had a vision:

1. Target students/City dwellers
2. Become known for quality and affordable
3. Deliver vibrancy
4. Promote food/offers and events
5. Actively recruit quality food
6. Demos
7. Taste before you buy

Leeds believe that, “Food is at the Heart of the Market”.  They do, however, have a staff of forty five and a somewhat larger catchment area.

We need to attract new traders but we need to support our current traders.  Contracts with incentives i.e. offer four month pitch for the price of two months paid up front, or variations thereof.  Current traders can be encouraged to invite new traders whereby the current trader pays half rent and the new trader pays half rent.  Clearly the detail would need to be established by the Management Committee.

A strong and cohesive campaign be it through the National Market Trades Federation or local advertisement needs to be conducted.

The Conference was worthwhile and provided an entry into a network.  There are people out there that we can tap into.”

076 SUSPENSION OF STANDING ORDERS

Proposed by Councillor Inch, seconded and

RESOLVED:  That Standing Orders be suspended in order for a tenant and member of the Advisory Committee to contribute to the following two agenda items.

(Vote – For: 4, Against: 0)

077 HISTORICAL/ART WORK DISPLAY BOARDS

Mrs Rodgers recounted the detail on the six display units and confirmed the price of £420.24 including shipping and VAT.  She explained that she had looked at alternatives and that a self build version while comparable in price did not offer the efficacy and finish of the completed assembly.

Proposed by Councillor Wootton, seconded and

RESOLVED:  That the six display boards be ordered at a cost of £420.24 subject to approval by the Conservation Officer.

(Vote – For: 4, Against: 0)

078 MARKET DISPLAY BOARD

Mrs Rodgers, having confirmed the cost of £450 for the design, fabrication and fitting of the wrought iron display board, added that Mr Frisby had quoted a cost of £220.00 for the cutting and painting of twenty one tenant/advertising boards.

Proposed by Councillor Inch, seconded and

RESOLVED:  That the display boards and frame be ordered, at a cost of £670.00, subject to the approval by the Conservation Officer.

(Vote – For: 4, Against: 0)

     
079 RETURN TO STANDING ORDERS

Proposed by Councillor Mrs Fulford, seconded and

RESOLVED:  That the Meeting return to Standing Orders.

(Vote – For: 4, Against: 0)

080 CHRISTMAS LIGHT SWITCH ON WEEKEND

Discussion on the Weekend confirmed the timings of 12.00 noon – 5.00 pm.

Proposed by Councillor Brenton, seconded and

RESOLVED:  That those traders not participating on Sunday 27 November 2011 are to remove their stalls.

(Vote – For: 4, Against: 0)

081 ACCOUNTS

Proposed by Councillor Inch, seconded and

RESOLVED:  That the list of payments be approved.

(Vote – For: 4, Against: 0)

082 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: 4, Against: 0)

PART II (Closed Session)

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

The Market Administrator advised that Units 13/14, and 6 would require new tenants once the present ones had vacated their respective units.  After two candidates made their presentation the Members reflected on those applicants who had yet to be allocated.

Proposed by Councillor Inch, seconded and

RESOLVED:  That Units 13/14 be offered to Mr Robert Paterson and Mr Bill Hudson.  Unit 6 be offered to Sarah Walton and that Mrs Smailes be confirmed in Shop Unit 28 within the Market Hall.

(Vote – For: 4, Against: 0)

084 UPDATE ON RENT ARREARS

There were no rent arrears.     
The business of the Meeting having been completed, the Chairman thanked the Members for
their attendance and the Meeting concluded at 7.40 pm.

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

ignature of Chairman:………………………………..............  Date:………………………......