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Minutes of the Extra Ordinary Market Management Committee held in the Council Chamber of the Town Hall on Wednesday 22 June 2022 at 5.00 pm
 
PRESENT:
 
North Ward:
 
Councillor D Bushby
 
East Ward:
 
Councillor Mrs J Gubb (Town Mayor)
Councillor Mrs L Hellyer
Councillor J McKenzie (Chairman)
 
 
West Ward
 
Councillor C Hawkins
 
Market (Hall) Tenants: Ms E Hilton
 
IN ATTENDANCE:
 
Mrs H Blackburn (Town Clerk)
Mr R Coombes (Deputy Town Clerk)
Councillor P Lawrence (also, Tenant)
2 x Market Tenants
 
15.     APOLOGIES FOR ABSENCE
 
Councillor J Herron (North Ward – personal).
 
16.    DECLARATIONS OF INTEREST AND ANY REQUESTS FOR DISPENSATION ON ITEMS ON THE AGENDA
 
The Chairman noted that Councillor Lawrence, not a member of the Committee and with no voting rights, is a Market Tenant.
 
There were no declarations of interest.
 
17.    PUBLIC PARTICIPATION SESSION OF 15 MINUTES DURATION
 
The two Market Tenants contributed by reflecting on the perceived expectations raised by the engagement of a Development Officer.  South Molton Market and their promotion was seen as a thriving concern in the face of post pandemic consumer confidence. 
 
Councillor Lawrence explained the importance of the summer trading and the concern amongst traders that the Market needed something in place to stimulate footfall.  He believed that a reduction in rent made sense given the Development Officer vacancy.  Something was needed on a regular basis to facilitate Tuesday trading “back on its feet.”  He concluded that the Community needed to work together, not fight.
 
18.   MINUTES
 
Proposed by Councillor Bushby and seconded by Councillor Mrs Gubb, the Minutes of the Meeting held on 26 May 2022 were approved and signed as a correct record.  
 
(Vote – For: 5, Against: 0) 
 
19.   ACCOUNTS
 
It was proposed by Councillor Bushby and seconded by Councillor McKenzie, and
 
RESOLVED:  That the lists of payments for 22 June 2022 be approved.
 
(Vote – For: 5, Against: 0)
 
20.    DEVELOPMENT OFFICER POSITION.
 
Councillor Bushby did not believe now was the time to go down the route of appointing another Development Officer.
 
He spoke about an offer made to the Council, which had been circulated to Members, highlighting the organiser’s successful track record in organising events, drawing footfall; the individual was a “doer not a talker.”  They will have an immediate impact.
 
The Market Administrator explained that there are no casual traders on Market Charter Tuesdays (Market Tenants and Shop Unit 28).  
 
He believed the Market Community would benefit from an organised Tuesday Market that is advertised / promoted by the organiser.  The Council will receive payment.  
 
Their plan includes holding a music /cinema / bar on the last Saturday evening every month; and on a Sunday to hold a daytime event (flea market / antique fair / table top sale / wedding fair /garden centre /food fair).  
 
The opportunity would be an attraction for visitors / locals.  It may well encourage other enquiries from those wishing to hire the Hall or trade on a Saturday.  
 
SUSPENSION OF STANDING ORDERS
 
It was proposed by Councillor Bushy seconded by Councillor Hawkins, and
 
RESOLVED:  That Standing Orders are suspended to allow for public / tenant contributions during discussion.
 
(Vote – For: 5, Against: 0)
 
Ms Hilton indicated that when canvassing fellow tenants on the item the opinion had been the engagement of an Event Co-ordinator would be preferable to a Development Officer.
There was a hope that the individual behind the offer could be engaged.
 
Councillor Mrs Hellyer spoke in support of both the former incumbents believing that they had done a good job given their time in post and the challenges faced.  She felt that it was a real blessing that the offer had been made and that it should be pursued.
 
Discussion followed that saw Members wholly in support of the offer noting insurance / risk assessment / finer detail considerations and welcoming on going communication.
 
The Chairman intimated that a twelve month review be taken with the Development Officer position left in abeyance.
 
 It was proposed by Councillor McKenzie seconded by Councillor Hellyer, and
 
RECOMMENDED:  That the Council does not seek to engage a Development Officer, given the opportunity for the Market to work with an independent Events’ Organiser.
 
(Vote – For: 5, Against: 0)
 
RETURN TO STANDING ORDERS
 
It was proposed by Councillor McKenzie seconded by Councillor Hawkins, and
 
RESOLVED:  That the Meeting return 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 5.32. pm.

 

Table showing the Pannier Market Accounts as at 22 June 2022

 


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