Minutes of the Market Management Committee Meeting held in the Council Chamber of the Town Hall, Bideford, on Thursday 20 June 2019 at 6.38 pm
PRESENT:
East Ward
Councillor J Craigie (Deputy Chairman)
Councillor Mrs L Hellyer
South Ward
Councillor B Wootton
West Ward
Councillor Mrs K Corfe
Councillor J Hawkins
Market Hall
Mrs G Morgan
Mr B Sidwell
Butchers Row
Miss K la Fontaine
IN ATTENDANCE:
Mr R Coombes (Deputy Town Clerk)
19. APOLOGIES FOR ABSENCE
Councillor J McKenzie (East Ward – personal).
20. DECLARATIONS OF INTEREST ON ITEMS ON THE AGENDA
There were no declarations of interest.
21. PUBLIC PARTICIPATION PERIOD
There were no members of the public present.
22. MINUTES
The Minutes of the Meeting held on 23 May 2019 were approved and signed as a correct record.
(Vote – For: 4, Against: 0, Abstention: 1)
23. ACCOUNTS
It was proposed by Councillor Craigie, seconded and
RESOLVED: That the list of payments be approved.
(Vote – For: 5, Against: 0)
24. CHAIRMAN’S / MARKET ADMINISTRATORS REPORT
The Market Administrator confirmed that the interviews for the post of Development Officer would be conducted on Monday, 24 June 2019.
25. INNER DOORS – PLANNING APPROVAL – BUDGET IMPLICATIONS
The Chairman explained how much funding would be required by the Market and Council to finance the purchase and installation of the Inner Doors.
The Market Administrator gave detail on the balanced budget and anticipated future costs including funds earmarked for the Development Officer. He advised that the Market should not reduce the operating fund to less than £20,000, citing recent costs incurred in repairing the very fabric of the building; this would allow for a contribution of £10,000, requiring a further £25,000 to £30,000 from Council.
The Chairman advised that recent Tavistock Market / Council Buildings development work had received Heritage (Lottery) Funding.
It was proposed by Councillor Craigie seconded and
RECOMMENDED: That the Council provide £25,000.00 from the Town Council Regeneration Budget, with an option of a further £5,000.00, in addition to the Market’s commitment of £10,000.00 for the purchase and installation of the Inner Doors.
Opportunities to raise monies from the Heritage (Lottery) Fund will be investigated.
(Vote – For: 5, Against: 0)
26. DEVELOPMENT WORKING GROUP
Miss La Fontaine provided a copy of the Development Plan, that had been considered by the Committee at the Meeting held on 6 December 2018, for a basis to work from.
Discussion followed on promoting the Market, in the absence of the Development Officer. Concern was raised at the approaching school breaks with no form of promotion nor additional attractions.
Councillor Mrs Corfe gave detail to her working with children certification and volunteered herself to provide events in the Market dedicated to them on a Saturday during the school holidays.
Further discussion followed on the provision of a face painter / arts and crafts.
The Chairman led the Committee in agreeing to make provision of up to £200.00 to support attractions / activities during the school holidays in the run up to the engagement of the Development Officer.
27. SOCIAL MEDIA: FACEBOOK / TWITTER
Mr Sidwell advised that sixteen to seventeen tenants / traders were keen on the Social Media training, however, confirmation of commitment to matched funding would be available for the next Meeting, to be held on 1 August 2019.
28. TRADERS / TENANTS
Although there had been no recent outage, Miss la Fontaine did not believe that the free Wi-Fi provision was fit for purpose. Disruption in Butchers Row had meant that those visitors wishing to make card payments did not have the opportunity.
Councillor Mrs Corfe wondered if the tenants / traders were prepared to meet the cost of provision.
The Chairman felt that the purpose of the free Wi-Fi provision needed to be considered and addressed. Who was the free provision serving?
The Market Administrator reminded Members that the item had been considered in February with a view to the status quo remaining for a year. He reiterated a report had been compiled giving a breakdown of cost. Those wishing for a change would need to provide detail on provider and hardware including prices.
Mr Sidwell indicated that traders would be happy for there to be an increase in rent to cover an access fee.
Discussion also included when the Inner Doors would be installed and when the Development Officer would be in post.
29. CONFIDENTIAL ITEMS TO BE TAKEN IN PART II
Proposed by Councillor Mrs Hellyer, 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 / traders were instructed to withdraw.
(Vote – For: 5, Against: 0)
30. PART II (CLOSED SESSION)
31. CHAIRMAN’S REPORT – CONFIDENTIAL MATTERS
There was nothing to report.
32. TERMINATIONS OF LEASES /APPLICATIONS RECEIVED FOR TENANCIES OF PREMISES
The Market Administrator indicated that the family of the former 27 Market Place tenant intended to clear the Shop Unit on Saturday, 29 June 2019.
The Chairman, having established that there was no further business to discuss, thanked the Members for their attendance and concluded the Meeting at 7.30 pm.
Draft Pannier Market Accounts for approval at the Market Management Committee Meeting on 20 June 2019