Minutes of the Market Management Committee held in the Council Chamber of the Town Hall on Thursday 6 July 2023 at 6.30 pm
PRESENT:
North Ward:
Councillor D Bushby
East Ward:
Councillor Mrs J Gubb
Councillor J McKenzie (Town Mayor)
Councillor Mrs L Hellyer
South Ward
Councillor S Inch
West Ward
Councillor C Hawkins (Chairman)
IN ATTENDANCE:
Mr R Coombes (Deputy Town Clerk)
4 x Tenants
1 x Public
14. APOLOGIES FOR ABSENCE
N/A
15. DECLARATIONS OF INTEREST AND ANY REQUESTS FOR DISPENSATION ON ITEMS ON THE AGENDA
There were no declarations of interest.
16. PUBLIC PARTICIPATION SESSION OF 15 MINUTES DURATION
A tenant, who had submitted an application for a vacant unit gave detail in support of their submission intimating a desire to hire the Market Hall and reaffirming their commitment to the Market Complex and stakeholders. They were hopeful of attracting new visitors.
17. MINUTES
Proposed by Councillor Hawkins and seconded by Councillor Mrs Gubb, the Minutes of the Meeting held on 23 May 2023 were approved and signed as a correct record.
(Vote – For: 6, Against: 0)
18. ACCOUNTS
It was proposed by Councillor Inch and seconded by Councillor McKenzie, and
RESOLVED: That the lists of payments for 6 July 2023 be approved.
(Vote – For: 6, Against: 0)
19. CHAIRMAN’S / MARKET ADMINISTRATOR’S REPORT
There was no report.
20. MARKET FUTURE
Councillor Mrs Hellyer spoke of the importance in promoting the Market Hall’s availability and maximise the income opportunity.
Councillor Mrs Gubb made reference to the Event Organiser that works with the Market Management Committee. Alluding to meetings with the Chairman and Cooperative Tenants and later the Organiser she confirmed the latter’s willingness to step back from the Tuesday trading and commit to a Friday offer during the summer period. This would allow for the Cooperative Tenants to hire the Hall and build upon their once monthly Saturday trading initiative.
Councillor Mrs Gubb explained that the Friday offer would include activities for children of all ages and abilities; children’s groups and services providers will also attend. They will provide networking opportunities, also to all stakeholders.
She indicated that the Event Organiser (working with the Tourism Committee) will run a “Bideford’s Got Talent” audition and finals on 14 and 21 July. She will provide for a summer Ceilidh event in August. Other “ticketed” events include the July “Ladies Night,” have been arranged.
Discussion followed on the opportunity for the Cooperative Tenants to hire the Hall with a view to operating a Tuesday Market, the need to review the hire charging rates, press articles, the promotion of the Hall as an event’s space including the provision of banners and photographs of past activities to advertise from within (to visitors).
Councillor Mrs Gubb spoke about a “relaunch” event; local organisations could be invited to take a stall including Council grant recipients.
Proposed by Councillor Mrs Gubb, seconded by Councillor Mrs Hellyer and
RESOLVED: That a “Re-Launch” Event is organised in the Market Hall.
(Vote – For: 6, Against: 0)
In considering the Hiring of the Hall, Members discussed the Tuesday Market. Councillor Mrs Gubb explained that there had been discussion, and agreed understanding, that would provide for the Cooperative Tenants and the Event Organiser to work in tandem, on the same terms to make a success of the troubled Tuesdays. The Cooperative Tenants subsequently withdrew their interest.
Councillor Mrs Hellyer suggested that by allowing the Cooperative Tenants to hire the Hall on a reduced rate it would provide for a trading offer that would drive footfall up.
Proposed by Councillor Mrs Hellyer, seconded by Councillor Hawkins and
RESOLVED: That the Cooperative Tenants are offered a reduced Hire rate of £50.00 to run a Tuesday Market until October.
(Vote – For: 2, Against: 3, Abstention: 1)
21. NABMA ANNUAL CONFERENCE - 9 / 10 OCTOBER 2023
Members discussed the benefits of attendance at the NABMA Annual Conference; this year it will be held in Harrogate between 9 and 10 October 2023.
Proposed by Councillor McKenzie, seconded by Councillor Mrs Hellyer and
RESOLVED: That the Chairman attend the NABMA Annual Conference 9 – 10 October 2023. Travelling expenses (mileage restricted to rail journey tariff) and subsistence costs will be met by the Council.
(Vote – For: 6, Against: 0)
22. PART II (CLOSED SESSION)
Proposed by Councillor Hawkins, 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; the tenants were instructed to withdraw.
(Vote – For: 6, Against: 0)
23. CHAIRMAN’S REPORT
There was no report.
24. TENANT / TRADER
a. Members considered applications Market Place Shop Unit 24 and Butcher’s Row Unit 20. They discussed the various merits noting the Holistic and Natural aromatherapy offers as well as art and print making disciplines.
It was proposed by Councillor Hawkins and seconded by Councillor Mrs Hellyer, and
RESOLVED: That:
1. Maja Lelandais and Arwen Raddon are offered the tenancy for Market Place Shop Unit 24.
2. Rachel Flores and Karen Austin are offered the tenancy for Butcher’s Row Unit 20.
3. Emma McClean is offered the tenancy for Butcher’s Row Unit 17.
(Vote – For: 6, Against: 0)
b. The Clerk indicated that there were no rental concerns but, prior to the Meeting having circulated the Market Hall tariffs resolved upon in May 2021, indicted the Hall tariffs could be reviewed given the need to generate income.
Councillor Bushby led Members in simplifying the charges making them more relevant to the Market Hall facility and past enquiries.
It was proposed by Councillor Bushby and seconded by Councillor Mrs Hellyer, and
RESOLVED: That the Market Hall Hire charges for new applications are:
1. Half day (3.5 hours): £75.00.
2. Full day (7 hours): £100.00.
3. Larger Community / sporting event: £350.00.
4. Greater / Corporate: On request.
(Vote – For: 6, Against: 0)
25. RETURN TO STANDING ORDERS
Proposed by Councillor McKenzie, seconded and
RESOLVED: That the meeting returns to Standing Orders.
(Vote For: 6, Against: 0)
The business of the meeting having been completed, the Chairman thanked the members for their attendance and the meeting concluded at 7.45 pm.
