| Item | Description | Resolution |
|---|---|---|
| PART 1 - PUBLIC | ||
| LAA 12/030 |
Declarations of interest. |
There were no declarations of interest made. |
| LAA 12/031 |
Minutes |
RESOLVED: That the notes of the meeting of the Leisure and Arts Advisory Board held on 14 May 2012 be approved as a correct record and signed by the Chairman. |
| LAA 12/032 |
Leisure Facilities Review of Management Options |
The report of the Management Team drew attention to a review of management options for the future delivery of the Council's leisure facilities which was being undertaken to fulfil the key priority of "the continued delivery of priority services and a financially viable Council". Members were advised that due to the complex nature of the review and the need to ensure that all aspects of the possible options were fully understood and addressed, an external consultant had been appointed to assist the Council. The brief provided to the consultant stressed the Council's objective of retaining a strong commitment to the delivery of leisure facilities in the Borough and the efficient quality standards achieved. A presentation was made by Robin Thompson, Managing Director of RPT Consulting on the initial findings of the review. Mr Thompson outlined the features of the alternative management options ranging from retention of the in-house management, through use of a new or existing not for profit distributing organisation (Leisure Trust), a hybrid trust or a private sector commercial leisure management contractor. It was noted that the objective of the review was to provide a detailed overview of these management options, assessing both the financial and service quality implications. Mr Thompson answered a range of questions from Members and discussion ensued. It was noted that the outcome of the detailed review including recommended preferred options would be reported back to the next meeting of the Advisory Board with consideration thereafter by the Cabinet and full Council. The Chairman then thanked Mr Thompson for his presentation. |
| MATTERS FOR RECOMMENDATION TO THE CABINET | ||
| LAA 12/033 |
Kent County Council - Review of Libraries Decision Notice D120110MEM |
The joint report of the Chief Leisure Officer and Cabinet Member for Leisure, Youth and Arts drew attention to the County Council's review of its Library Service and gave details of arrangements for local engagement and Borough Council representation on a Joint Advisory Panel and its sub-group which was investigating future models of delivery. RECOMMENDED: That the Council's approach to the review of library services by Kent County Council, as outlined in the report, be endorsed and progress be reported to future meetings of the Leisure and Arts Advisory Board. |
| LAA 12/034 |
Capital Projects - Post Implementation Reviews Decision Notice D120111MEM |
The joint report of the Chief Leisure Officer and Cabinet Member for Leisure, Youth and Arts gave details of Capital Plan Post Implementation Reviews undertaken in respect of three completed schemes, namely Disability Discrimination Act Improvements - Phase 2, Water Quality Health and Safety Management and Haysden Country Park - Alternative Sewage System. RECOMMENDED: That the post implementation reviews for the projects outlined in the report be endorsed. |
| LAA 12/035 |
Ground Maintenance Contract Decision Notice D120112MEM |
The joint report of the Chief Leisure Officer and Cabinet Member for Leisure, Youth and Arts outlined arrangements for the proposed retender of the Ground Maintenance Contract for Public Open Spaces which was due to expire on 31 December 2014. RECOMMENDED: That (1) the Council's Ground Maintenance Contract be retendered in accordance with EU Regulations and in line with the time frame shown at Annex 1 to the report; and (2) the proposed levels of service for the new contract be reviewed and reported to the February 2013 meeting of the Advisory Board, together with the review of how economic, social and environmental improvements might be added through the procurement process. |
| LAA 12/036 |
Leisure Facilities - Christmas Closure Arrangements Decision Notice D120113MEM |
The joint report of the Chief Leisure Officer and Cabinet Member for Leisure, Youth and Arts brought forward the proposed Christmas closure arrangements for the Council's leisure facilities for consideration following consultation with the Buildings and Facilities Manager, and took into account essential maintenance works at individual sites. The overall approach generally followed the principles adopted for each facility in recent years. RECOMMENDED: That the Christmas closure arrangements for the Council's leisure and customer service facilities, as detailed in the report, be agreed and publicised in the December edition of Here and Now and other appropriate outlets. |
| LAA 12/037 |
Coaching Courses - Continuous Assessment Decision Notice D120114MEM |
The joint report of the Chief Leisure Officer and Cabinet Member for Leisure, Youth and Arts reviewed the new continuous assessment approach to the Swim School at Larkfield Leisure Centre and Tonbridge Swimming Pool. It was recommended that a similar approach be adopted in future to dryside courses at the indoor leisure facilities. RECOMMENDED: That arrangements be progressed to adopt a continuous assessment approach to the gymnastics programme at Larkfield Leisure Centre and the Angel Centre. |
| LAA 12/038 |
Tonbridge Castle Gatehouse Charges Decision Notice D120115MEM |
The joint report of the Central Services Director and Director of Finance presented proposed revised charges for the Tonbridge Castle Gatehouse tourist attraction for implementation from 1 April 2013. RECOMMENDED: That (1) the proposed charges for Tonbridge Castle Gatehouse, as outlined in the report, be agreed for implementation from 1 April 2013; and (2) these charges be reflected in the appropriate tourism marketing material. |
| MATTERS SUBMITTED FOR INFORMATION | ||
| LAA 12/039 |
Event Update |
The report of the Chief Leisure Officer, illustrated by a presentation, updated Members on a range of events that had taken place throughout the year. It was noted that 2012 had been particularly busy with both the Queen's Diamond Jubilee and two Olympic Torch events in addition to the usual programme. The Advisory Board expressed appreciation of the efforts of all involved with the events. |
| LAA 12/040 |
Capital Plan Schemes |
The report gave details of progress with schemes contained in the Leisure Services section of the Capital Plan. Particular reference was made to the flood lighting of the teenage facilities at Tonbridge Racecourse Sportsground for which external funding had been secured and planning approval was currently being sought. |
| LAA 12/041 |
Holiday Activities for Children and Young People |
The report provided an update on activities for children and young people that had taken place over the summer holidays, including the Summer Playscheme, Activate and Y2 Crew. |
| LAA 12/042 |
Children and Young People Update |
The Advisory Board was updated on key areas of the Children and Young People work programme, including the Tonbridge and Malling Local Children's Trust Board, the Community Chest Grant, the Kent Youth Service Review and the Try Angle Awards. Members welcomed the fact that Samays would continue to act as a centre of youth provision. |
| LAA 12/043 |
Active People Survey Results |
The report gave details of the results of the latest Active People Survey undertaken by Sport England, which focused on sports participation rates. It was noted that Tonbridge and Malling had the highest percentage of participation in West Kent and the third highest percentage in Kent overall. |
| LAA 12/044 |
Leisure Facilities - Financial Performance |
The Chief Leisure Officer presented details of the overall financial performance of the Leisure Services Business Unit and submitted management information for Larkfield Leisure Centre, Angel Centre, Tonbridge Swimming Pool, Poult Wood Golf Centre, Tonbridge Castle/Customer Services, Tonbridge Cemetery, Country Parks and Poult Wood Grounds Maintenance. Members were pleased to note an above profile position of £98,443 to 31 July 2012 with strong performance in fitness sales, courses and casual swimming. |
| MATTERS FOR CONSIDERATION IN PRIVATE | ||
| LAA 12/045 |
Exclusion of Press and Public |
No items were considered in private. |