Agenda and minutes

The Chair welcomed everyone to the meeting.

Apologies were received from Paul Pearce, Team Leader, Parks and Trees.

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.

There was no urgent business.

Questions were submitted to the meeting by Paul Hooper, Graham Page and Janet Marton.  The Chair confirmed that responses would be sent within 5 working days of the meeting.  (A copy of the questions and responses is attached as an appendix to these minutes).

Graham Page made a public statement to the Sub-Committee.  He informed members that he had resigned from his role as an independent member of the Sub-Committee for health reasons.  He also explained that as he is also an independent member on the Charitable Trust Board, there could be a conflict of interest.  He stated that he is very supportive of the work being carried out by the Sub-Committee and the improvements to Alice Park.  However, he has some concerns regarding the way that health and safety, security and safeguarding issues are dealt with.  He would be happy to support the work of the Sub-Committee going forward.

The Chair then wished Graham well for the future and thanked him for all the work he had undertaken as an independent member of the Sub-Committee.

To confirm the minutes of the meeting held on 3 February 2021 as a correct record.

The minutes of the meeting held on 3 February 2021 were confirmed and signed as a correct record.

To receive an update from the Chair regarding the following matters:

·  Skatepark

·  Tennis courts

·  Independent member vacancy

The Chair gave an update on the following matters:

(1)  Tennis Courts

Work to upgrade the tennis courts is ongoing.  There has been liaison between officers from the Council’s parks team and the workers on site.  The old metal benches are being removed and will be replaced by wooden benches.  The work is expected to be completed within the planned 12-week timeline.

(2)  Skate Park

Security fencing will be positioned between the skate park and the sandpit area.  Cllrs Appleyard and Wright are working hard to ensure that the work is completed as soon as possible.  The Chief Operating Officer is aware of the current situation and is working to overcome the delays.  It is hoped that that the skate park will soon be open for use.

Cllr Wright has asked for a timeline for the work by the end of today and any further information will be circulated with the minutes.

(Note: The instruction has been placed with the contractors for the permanent fencing and the other minor works). 

(3)  Independent Member Vacancy

Following the resignation of Graham Page, the vacancy for an independent member of the Sub-Committee will be advertised shortly.  There will also be opportunities for members of the local community to join the Sub-Committee as co-optees to work on specific projects.  The key focus for this year will be the play area and the provision of an outdoor gym facility.

Bill Shaw suggested that the vacancy could be advertised on the Friends of Alice Park Facebook Group.  The Sub-Committee agreed that this would be a good idea but stressed that the group should remain independent from the Sub-Committee itself.

(4)  London Road Gate

Bill Shaw raised concerns regarding the gate leading from the park onto the London Road.  This is heavy and difficult to open and should be on the maintenance list.  Cllr Appleyard agreed to speak to the parks or property team regarding this matter.

(5)  Fencing

The Chair informed the Sub-Committee that he has asked the Property Services Team to inspect the damaged fencing and to ensure that this is repaired as there are currently safety concerns.

To consider and approve the Alice Park Trust statement of accounts and annual report for the year ending 31 March 2020 for submission to the Charity Commission.

The Sub-Committee considered a report which set out the Statement of Accounts and the Annual Report for the Alice Park Trust for the year ending 31 March 2020.

The Chair thanked the Finance Team for the work they had carried out to produce these documents.

It was RESOLVED unanimously:

(1)  To agree and sign the financial statements of the Alice Park Trust for the year ending 31 March 2020 and to submit these to the Charity Commission.

(2)  To agree and sign the annual report for the Alice Park Trust for the year ending 31 March 2020 to submit this to the Charity Commission.