Meeting documents

28 EMERGENCY EVACUATION PROCEDURE

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

29 DECLARATIONS OF INTEREST

Rob Scott, Adviser to the Trust, declared a personal interest in all items as a season ticket holder.

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

There were no items of urgent business.

31 QUESTIONS AND STATEMENTS

There were no questions or statements from public or Councillors.

32 MINUTES: FRIDAY 23RD MARCH 2007

Tony Bartlett, Adviser to the Trust, gave an update regarding the meeting with the Charity Commission referred to in minute number 25 (3). He explained that the meeting due to take place the following day had been cancelled by the Charity Commission. He would be writing to them to request another meeting be set up before the completion of the Strategic Review.

On a motion from Councillor Jonathan Gay, seconded by Councillor Gerry Curran, it was

RESOLVED that the minutes of the meeting held on Friday 23^rd March 2007 be confirmed as a correct record and signed by the Chair(person)

33 THE RECREATION GROUND, BATH - LAND FOR EAST STAND - BATH RUGBY (Report 7).

Rob Scott, reported that an independent valuer had negotiated terms with the Club and his report was made available to the Trust Board. This report explained that a rental increase of 4.6% had been arranged which would take the rental income per match from £3,928.57 to £4,110, which the independent valuer considered to be the best consideration reasonably obtainable.

Councillor Jonathan Gay enquired whether taking action on this issue would in any way compromise the position regarding the Strategic Review.

Tony Bartlett, Adviser to the Trust, explained that the Strategic Review was due to conclude in June. The public consultation had been reported; - further counsel advice and the Ernst & Young work was awaited so that a comprehensive report could be prepared. Taking that into consideration, this was a reasonable course of action to take which would not prejudice the outcome of the Review.

Keith Bray, Independent Adviser to the Trust, explained that he felt that the proposal on the table was the one that would best keep options open.

Councillor Sir Elgar Jenkins raised various practical issues and asked for these to be looked into. He mentioned the poor condition of the grass once the stand was removed and asked for the relative merits of re-seeding versus laying turf to be explored. He also mentioned the disturbance caused by the erection of the stands and asked that steps be taken to minimise the impact of this. Rob Scott acknowledged that these issues were of concern to the local community and agreed to follow them up.

On a motion from Councillor Sir Elgar Jenkins, seconded by Councillor Gerry Curran, it was

RESOLVED

(1) To note the recommendations of the consultant and agree that the terms of the proposal, including commercial terms, are the best that can reasonably be obtained for the Trust;

(2) To agree that the grant of a lease in accordance with the terms negotiated is expidient in the interests of the Trust for the reasons outlined in the report and in these minutes and;

(3) To authorise Trust Advisers to seek approval of the Charity Commission and, if obtained, enter in to a new lease with Bath Rugby plc upon the terms recommended.