Agenda and minutes

On a motion from Councillor Rob Appleyard, seconded by Councillor Tim Warren, it was

RESOLVED that Councillor Martin Veal be elected as Chairman of the Board.

The Board did not feel it necessary to appoint a Vice-Chair at this stage.

The Chairman welcomed everyone to the meeting and invited introductions around the room.

The Democratic Services Manager read out the emergency evacuation procedure.

At this point in the meeting declarations of interest are received from Members in any of the agenda items under consideration at the meeting. Members are asked to indicate:

(a) The agenda item number in which they have an interest to declare.

(b) The nature of their interest.

(c) Whether their interest is a disclosable pecuniary interest or an other interest,  (as defined in Part 2, A and B of the Code of Conduct and Rules for Registration of Interests)

Any Member who needs to clarify any matters relating to the declaration of interests is recommended to seek advice from the Council’s Monitoring Officeror a member of his staff before the meeting to expedite dealing with the item during the meeting.

There were no declarations of interest made.

There were no items of urgent business.

No items from the public had been submitted.

To consider the report of the Director of Neighbourhood and Environment Services.  The Board is asked to:

Agree Terms of Reference.

Agree the role of the Independent Member to be co-opted to support the Board in its work.

Agree the proposed advert for the Independent Member.

Agree the formation of an Alice Park Sub-Committee, its membership and terms of reference.

Consider and agree a draft work plan for the coming year.

The Chairman invited the Divisional Director to introduce the report regarding arrangements for the work of the new Board, and establishment of the Alice Park Trust Sub-Committee.  The Divisional Director highlighted the key points of the report and the rationale for the recommendations.  In so doing, he drew Members’ attention to a small typo in Schedule 2:- the Trust referred to as ‘Blackstones’, should in fact be listed as ‘Backstones’.  The Divisional Director also advised Members that the job description and advert for the independent member of the Alice Park Trust Sub-Committee would be finalised following comments received at this meeting.

Members debated the number and nature of the co-opted appointments on the Alice Park Trust Sub-Committee and recognised the need for adequate representation, whilst not creating an unwieldy group.  They were reminded of the need to maintain control over decision making in their role of corporate trustees.  They proposed 2 independent members for the Sub-Committee.

Members were interested to hear the views of Tony Hickman (co-owner of the Alice Park café) who welcomed the arrangements and offered his support at community level.  The vital role of the ward members was also recognised in being a conduit for information between the Sub-Committee and local people.

In summing up debate, the Chairman offered reassurance that, although decision making rested with the elected members, it was their clear intention to listen and take into account all views.

During debate, the following resolutions were moved and seconded by the Councillors listed and agreed unanimously;

RESOLVED

1.  That the Terms of Reference of the Charitable Trust Board, as attached at Appendix A, be approved; (Cllr Warren moved, Cllr Appleyard seconded)

2.  To approve the proposed advert for the Independent Member to be co-opted to support the Board in its work (Appendix B to the report); (Cllr Appleyard moved, Cllr Moss seconded)

3.  To approve the role description of the Independent member (Appendix C to the report); (Cllr Appleyard moved, Cllr Moss seconded)

4.  To note the draft work plan for the coming year (Appendix D to the report); (Cllr Warren moved, Cllr Appleyard seconded)

5.  To agree the establishment of the Alice Park Trust Sub-Committee (Cllr Veal moved, Cllr Warren seconded)

a.  with the membership of Councillors Rob Appleyard, Michael Norton and Martin Veal; (Cllr Moss moved, Cllr Warren seconded) and

b.  with the Terms of Reference as amended during debate (details in the preamble and contained in the updated version attached to the online minutes) (Cllr Veal moved, Cllr Warren seconded).