| Item | Description | Resolution |
|---|---|---|
| PART 1 - PUBLIC | ||
| LAA 09/068 |
Declarations of interest. |
Councillor Coffin declared a personal and prejudicial interest in the item on Tonbridge Castle Festival of Music and Fireworks as he had a possible financial interest in the event and withdrew from the meeting during its consideration. Councillor Mrs Woodger declared a personal interest in any items that might refer to St James School, East Malling on the grounds that she was a member of their Board. |
| LAA 09/069 |
Minutes |
RESOLVED: That the notes of the meeting of the Leisure and Arts Advisory Board held on 22 September 2009 be approved as a correct record and signed by the Chairman. |
| MATTERS FOR RECOMMENDATION TO THE CABINET | ||
| LAA 09/070 |
Leisure Services - Review of Charges 2010/11 |
The joint report of the Chief Leisure Officer and the Director of Finance outlined charging proposals in respect of Poult Wood Golf Centre, Tonbridge Cemetery, Tonbridge Castle Council Chamber and weddings, the Summer Playscheme, pitch hire for Sportsgrounds in Tonbridge and car parking at the Council's two Country Parks. The report concluded that additional estimate income accruing to the Council from the proposed charges would be £29,520. It was noted that proposed charges for the Council's indoor leisure facilities and the Festival of Music and Fireworks were reported separately. Members were advised that consideration had been given to a range of factors in bringing forward the proposed charges and were reminded that significant concessions were given to specific groups, ensuring that the Council's leisure facilities were accessible to all. Attention was drawn to the proposed introduction of a joint car parking season ticket for the Haysden and Leybourne Lakes Country Parks, at the existing charge of £25, in liaison with the Council's Car Park Manager. The Advisory Board recognised the current difficult economic position and welcomed the thought and consideration given to the review of charges, which balanced the need to retain and maximise income where possible against remaining competitive in the market place, being attractive to customers and providing value for money. RECOMMENDED: That (1) the proposed charges for Poult Wood Golf Centre, as detailed at Annex 2 of the report, be agreed and implemented with effect from 1 April 2010; (2) the proposed pitch hire charges for Tonbridge Sportsgrounds, as detailed at Annex 3 of the report, be agreed and implemented with effect from 1 April 2010; (3) the proposed charges for Tonbridge Cemetery, as detailed at Annex 5 of the report, be agreed and implemented with effect from 1 April 2010; (4) the proposed charges for Tonbridge Castle Chamber and the associated list of concessionary users, as shown at Annexes 6, 7, and 8 of the report, be approved and implemented from 1 April 2010; (5) the proposed charges for Weddings in 2011/12 at Tonbridge Castle be agreed as detailed in the report; (6) the proposed charges for the 2010 Summer Playscheme, as detailed at Annex 10 of the report, be approved; (7) the proposed charges for car parking at Leybourne Lakes and Haysden Country Parks be approved and implemented from 1 April 2010; and (8) a joint season ticket for parking at both the Council's country parks be introduced in liaison with the Council's Car Park Manager. *Referred to Cabinet |
| LAA 09/071 |
Leisure Services Business Unit - Review of Charges |
The Chief Leisure Officer and Director of Finance outlined the charging proposals in respect of Larkfield Leisure Centre, Angel Centre, Tonbridge Swimming Pool, Tonbridge Farm All Weather Area and Tonbridge Racecourse Sportsground Games Hut. The Board's attention was drawn to the need for the charging proposals to be considered alongside the Leisure Services Business Unit draft revenue estimates which would be reported to the Finance and Property Advisory Board on 5 January 2010. Members were advised that consideration had been given to the policy objectives stated in the draft Leisure and Arts Strategy 2008-13, market position, trading patterns at each facility, the Leisure Services Business Unit Business Plan and user feedback. Charges at competing public and private sector facilities had also been taken into account. The Board was also reminded of the Leisure Pass Scheme, which enabled financially disadvantaged residents to participate in leisure activities at reduced rates. It was noted that the current financial year end performance reflected significant rebates and lower charges for utilities, staff savings related to vacant posts and the decision to defer the annual pay award until October 2009. Members were reminded that the Leisure Service Business Unit engaged in significant price promotion activity offering existing and new customers discounted opportunities to use the facilities. RECOMMENDED: That (1) the scale of charges with regard to Larkfield Leisure Centre, as set out in Annex 1 of the report, be implemented with effect from 1 April 2010; (2) the scale of charges with regard to Angel Centre, as set out in Annex 2 of the report, be implemented with effect from 1 April 2010; and (3) the scale of charges with regard to Tonbridge Swimming Pool, as set out in Annex 3 of the report, be implemented with effect from 1 April 2010. *Referred to Cabinet |
| LAA 09/072 |
Haysden Country Park Management Plan Decision Notice D090170MEM |
The joint report of the Chief Leisure Officer and Cabinet Member for Leisure, Youth and Arts presented comments received as part of the consultation exercise on the draft Haysden Country Park Management Plan and recommended final approval of the plan. In response to a comment on the provision of a safe pedestrian path along Lower Haysden Lane, Members were advised that liaison would continue with Kent County Council to address this issue. RECOMMENDED: That the proposed amendments, highlighted at Annex 2 of the report, be confirmed and the amended Haysden Country Park Management Plan be formally adopted. |
| LAA 09/073 |
Dog Control Orders Decision Notice D090171MEM |
The joint report of the Chief Leisure Officer and Cabinet Member for Leisure, Youth and Arts sought approval of the proposed Dog Control Orders for the Council's Public Open Spaces following public consultation. The Advisory Board supported the introduction of Dog Control Orders and welcomed the opportunity to take account of public opinion relating to the number of dogs permitted per person. Consideration followed as to whether an amendment to this particular Control Order was justified. Members noted the need to take a balanced and pragmatic approach to problems caused by dogs, which reflected the interests of dog owners and those who did not own dogs. It was explained that the implementation of other Dog Control Orders would address problem areas and target irresponsible owners. It was proposed that the number of dogs permitted per person should be increased from four to six in line with DEFRA guidance. RECOMMENDED: That the proposed Dog Control Orders, as highlighted at Annex 1 of the report, be approved subject to increasing the maximum number of dogs permitted per person to 6. |
| LAA 09/074 |
Leybourne Lakes Country Park - Ocean Lake Decision Notice D090172MEM |
Members considered the joint report of the Chief Leisure Officer and Cabinet Member for Leisure, Youth and Arts which outlined the Council's approach to the management of vegetation along the east bank of the 'Ocean Lake' at Leybourne Lakes Country Park, following receipt of representations from local residents overlooking the Lake. A discussion followed on the merits of coppicing against pollarding and Members were advised that this decision had been reached in consultation with external experts. Following in-depth discussion the Advisory Board considered the approach outlined in the report a reasonable compromise, especially as this was consistent with the current management plan in place, good management practice and addressed some of the views put forward. RECOMMENDED: That (1) the Council's existing approach to the maintenance and promotion of marginal trees and shrubs along the east bank of the Ocean Lake at Leybourne Lakes Country Park be retained; and (2) a phased regime of coppicing trees along the bank be introduced from 2010 as outlined in the report. |
| LAA 09/075 |
Tonbridge Castle Festival of Music and Fireworks Decision Notice D090173MEM |
The joint report of the Chief Leisure Officer and Cabinet Member for Leisure, Youth and Arts outlined a proposed programme and charges for the 2010 Music Festival. Members were assured that the difficulties surrounding booking fees experienced last year had been addressed. The Advisory Board welcomed the continuing reduction in the cost of the Festival over recent years, the aim of achieving a break even position, the initiative of involving local producers and the ongoing success of the event. RECOMMENDED: That the proposed programme and ticket prices for the 2010 event, as outlined in the report, be agreed. |
| MATTERS SUBMITTED FOR INFORMATION | ||
| LAA 09/076 |
Capital Plan Progress Report |
The Chief Leisure Officer advised Members of progress made with schemes contained in the Leisure Services section of the Capital Plan. Members were pleased to note that a significant number of schemes had been completed, and total external funding of over £1m had been secured. |
| LAA 09/077 |
Leisure Facilities - Financial Performance |
The Chief Leisure Officer presented management information summaries for Larkfield Leisure Centre, Angel Centre, Tonbridge Swimming Pool, Poult Wood Golf Centre, Tonbridge Castle/Customer Services, Tonbridge Cemetery, Country Parks Car Park income and Poult Wood Grounds Maintenance. Members noted that a reduction in gas tariffs, effective from April 2009, and a positive reconciliation for gas and electricity for the period October 2008 to March 2009 had resulted in a significant rebate to the Borough Council. |
| MATTERS FOR CONSIDERATION IN PRIVATE | ||
| LAA 09/078 |
Exclusion of Press and Public |
There were no items considered in private. |