Meeting documents

45 EMERGENCY EVACUATION PROCEDURE

The Chair(person) drew attention to the emergency evacuation procedure as set out on the Agenda

46 DECLARATIONS OF INTEREST UNDER THE LOCAL GOVERNMENT ACT 1972

There were no declarations of interest made.

47 TO ANNOUNCE ANY URGENT BUSINESS AGREED BY THE CHAIR(PERSON)

There were no items of urgent business.

Councillor Watt announced that he had received a proposal from Councillor Terry Gazzard and he would take this at item 8 on the agenda.

48 QUESTIONS AND STATEMENTS

Statements were made by the following people (where provided, copies have been placed on the Minute book);

o Tony Hooper

o Worthy Gilson

o Keith McGarrigle

o Bob Calleja

49 MINUTES: WEDNESDAY 9TH APRIL 2008

On a motion from Councilllor Pritchard, seconded by Councilllor Hawkins, it was

RESOLVED that the minutes of the meeting held on Wednesday 9th April 2008, including the exempt minute of the same meeting, be confirmed as a correct record and signed by the Chair(person).

50 UPDATE ON POSITION WITH CHARITY COMMISSION (Report 7).

Keith Bray, Independent Advisor to the Trust, summarised the main issues in the report.

On a motion from Councilllor Pritchard, seconded by Councilllor Hawkins, it was

RESOLVED to note the contents of the report.

51 CAR PARKING UPDATE (Report 8).

Jo Long, Trust Board Advisor, drew attention to the information in the report. Councillor Watt explained the need to regulate parking on the north side of the ground and the TRO (traffic regulation order) would do this without the need of physical barriers and would also provide for fines or removal of vehicles where emergency access had been blocked. He further explained that this supported parking for legitimate activity at the ground.

The Chair invited any factual questions from members of the public.

Mr Worthy Gilson asked why the Trust considered the illegitimate parking of Bath Rugby business on the Recreation ground legal. Councillor Watt explained that anyone engaged in legitimate activity could park and that the arrangement provided valuable income for the Trust which helps to subsidise non commercial activities on the Recreation ground.

Councillor Terry Gazzard asked for confirmation that the TRO covered the north side of the Recreation ground only. Councillor Watt confirmed this and explained that there was already a TRO covering the hard standing area under the Leisure Centre, and the car park beside the 5 a side court.

Mr Keith McGarrigle asked for confirmation that 40 permits had been withdrawn from the Rugby Club. Councillor Watt explained that the supply of 50 passes for the use of 20 spaces is an annual arrangement. He explained that there was not 100% agreement between the Rugby club and the Trust on this and that the agreement would have to fit in with the TRO and its operation and enforcement.

On a motion from Councilllor Pritchard, seconded by Councilllor Hawkins, it was

RESOLVED that:

(1) That contents of the report be noted; and

(2) Officers be instructed to pursue the Traffic Regulation Order, subject to funds being available.

52 LETTINGS UPDATE (Report 9).

Councillor Watt explained that he had attended a meeting with the two neighbouring resident associations (Pulteney and Abbey) and had discussed the need for better notification for them of planned events. The Chair explained that he had received a formal request from Councillor Terry Gazzard (Abbey ward) for the Trust to consider how event organisers could be encouraged to be more considerate to residents.

Councillor Watt suggested a `Considerate Event Organisers Charter'. Councillor Pritchard stated the need for a penalty if organisers agreed to the Charter but then did not act considerately. Councillor Watt suggested that if a particular event organiser did not comply with the Charter that specific conditions be put on the next event they wish to organise and if the situation was repeated, it be considered that any following applications be denied. He stated that he felt that it was not appropriate that local residents should deal directly with event organisers and that this should be brokered through the Trust officers or the Council.

Councillor Watt asked if there were any contributions at this stage:

Councillor Terry Gazzard stated that he felt that this suggestion would be helpful and thanked the Trustees.

Mr Worthy Gilson stated that the major issue is parking and Bath Rugby business use where there was clear abuse. Councillor Watt explained that this may not be the major issue for others.

On a motion from Councilllor Pritchard, seconded by Councilllor Hawkins, it was

RESOLVED that:

(1) the lettings situation be noted; and

(2) that officers be required to draft a `Considerate Event Organisers Charter' to be included in the lettings agreement limited to events of 100 or more. Furthermore, that once agreed by the Trustees, the Pulteney and Abbey resident associations along with immediate neighbours be consulted on this Charter and their input be sought.

53 UPDATE ON PROGRESS FOR THE STRATEGIC REVIEW OUTCOMES (Report 11).

Councillor Watt explained that the appendices to this report had been subject to a public interest test (copies of the wording were available to the public gallery and held for inspection on the minute book for this meeting). Councillor Watt further explained that the Charity Commission had imposed a deadline for 1^st August 2008 and that the Trustees would be considering the Heads of Terms in exempt session.

The Chair invited any factual questions on this.

Mr Keith McGarrigle asked the Trustees to take into account that the World Heritage status of Bath was being considered at present and the Recreation ground is the most sensitive of all sites. Councillor Watt explained that issues regarding the built environment would be considered by the Development Control function of the Council and that any concerns should be pursued in this way. Councillor Hawkins stated that UNESCO were visiting all world heritage sites, not just Bath.

Mr Worthy Gilson asked why the Trustees were pursuing the misappropriation of public funds to pursue a commercial interest. Councillor Watt replied that the response to this point was well documented.

The Chair moved to the next item on the agenda.

54 EXCLUSION OF THE PUBLIC

On a motion from Councilllor Watt, seconded by Councilllor Hawkins, it was

RESOLVED