Minutes of the Market Management Committee Extra Ordinary General Meeting held in the Council Chamber of the Town Hall on Tuesday 2 May 2023 at 6.30 pm
PRESENT:
North Ward:
Councillor D Bushby
East Ward:
Councillor Mrs J Gubb (Town Mayor)
Councillor Mrs L Hellyer
Councillor J McKenzie (Chairman)
South Ward:
Councillor S Inch
IN ATTENDANCE:
Mr R Coombes (Deputy Town Clerk)
Councillor P Christie (North Ward)
118. APOLOGIES FOR ABSENCE
No apologies were received.
119. DECLARATIONS OF INTEREST AND ANY REQUESTS FOR DISPENSATION ON ITEMS ON THE AGENDA
There were no declarations of interest.
120. ACCOUNTS
It was proposed by Councillor Mrs Hellyer seconded, and
RESOLVED: That the lists of payments for 2 May 2023 be approved.
(Vote – For: 5, Against: 0)
121. MINUTES
Proposed by Councillor McKenzie and seconded by Councillor Mrs Hellyer, that the Minutes of the Meeting held on 13 April 2023.
(Vote – For: 5, Against: 0)
122. PART II CLOSED SESSION
Proposed by Councillor McKenzie, seconded by Councillor Mrs Hellyer and
RESOLVED: That in view of the confidential nature of the business about to be discussed, the meeting will be held in Part II (Closed Session).
(Vote – For: 5, Against: 0)
123. RESOURCE CONSULTATION
Members considered the immediate impact of the removal of the Studio Units and reduction of the traditional Saturday trading in relation to resource cost and the future running of the Hall offer.
Concerns were raised over the provision of a minimum standard in cleaning / hygiene and general security. Further, the flexibility required in enabling the Hall to be utilised outside standard working times.
Forthright discussion included delivering on the repurposing of the Hall in the light of recent Event successes against the poor take up of (Tuesday) traders.
Further concerns were expressed in relation to there being sufficient work for the Market Officer. The present incumbent, with fourteen years’ experience in the role is intimate with the building, has built a rapport with stakeholders is flexible and has articulated continued commitment to his work and the Council.
Members considered a broader opportunity within the Maintenance Team in general support of the Town centre.
Proposed by Councillor Mrs Gubb, and seconded by Councillor Mrs Hellyer
RESOLVED: That to ensure the Market Officer retains a valuable and fulfilling role within the Council, as the Market offer is repurposed, other opportunities within the Town Centre curtilage are explored, complementing his primary role.
(Vote For: 3, Against: 2)
124. RETURN TO STANDING ORDERS
Proposed by Councillor McKenzie, seconded and
RESOLVED: That the meeting returns to Standing Orders.
(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 7.22 pm.
