Agenda, decisions and minutes

There were no declarations of interest made in accordance with the Code of Conduct.  However, Councillor Coffin referred to a potential interest in the 2014 Events Update as a provider of fireworks at events.

To confirm as a correct record the Notes of the meeting of the Leisure and Arts Advisory Board held on Monday, 9 December 2013

RESOLVED:  That the notes of the meeting of the Leisure and Arts Advisory Board held on 9 December 2013 be approved as a correct record and signed by the Chairman.

Decision Notice D140033MEM

The report of the Director of Street Scene and Leisure provided an update on the management and operation of the Council’s leisure facilities through the agreement with the Tonbridge and Malling Leisure Trust.  The first Annual Service Delivery Plan and quarterly monitoring report produced by the Trust were presented together with the results from recent shopper visits and progress on reinstatement works for Tonbridge Swimming Pool following flooding over the Christmas period.

RECOMMENDED:  That

(1)            the Tonbridge and Malling Leisure Trust Annual Service Delivery Plan for 1 November 2013 to 31 March 2015 be approved;

(3)            the progress and work to reinstate Tonbridge Swimming Pool in liaison with the Council’s insurers and the Leisure Trust continue with the facility reopening to the public in mid March 2014.

The joint report of the Director of Street Scene and Leisure and Cabinet Member for Leisure, Youth and Arts outlined charging proposals brought forward by the Tonbridge and Malling Leisure Trust in respect of Poult Wood Golf Centre together with details of proposed membership options and booking privileges.

RECOMMENDED:  That

(1)            the proposed core charges for Poult Wood Golf Centre set out at Annex 1 to the report be approved and implemented by the Leisure Trust from 1 April 2014; and

(2)            the Leisure Trust’s proposed new membership options be supported and the proposed new membership priority booking status with a 48 hour advanced window for tee time bookings for Poult Wood Golf Centre be agreed.

* Referred to Cabinet

Decision Notice D140034MEM

The joint report of the Director of Street Scene and Leisure and Cabinet Member for Leisure, Youth and Arts gave details of progress with the refurbishment of Tonbridge Memorial Gardens including an update on the procurement process and an amended timeframe for the project.  Details of the outcome of the tendering process were presented in a supplementary report containing exempt information.

RECOMMENDED:  That

(1)            the revised timescale for the refurbishment of the Tonbridge Memorial Gardens, as highlighted at Annex 1 to the report, be noted and approved; and

(2)            the revised procurement process for the project be noted together with the award of the contract as set out in the supplementary report.

Decision Notice D140035MEM

The joint report of the Director of Street Scene and Leisure and Cabinet Member for Leisure, Youth and Arts presented the results of the 2013 user survey carried out at Haysden Country Park and brought forward potential improvements for consideration.  It was noted that the results indicated that the facility continued to be appreciated by the local community with a 97% level of satisfaction.

RECOMMENDED:  That

(1)                                         the 2013 market survey results for Haysden Country Park user survey be noted; and

(2)                                         improvements be progressed in accordance with the approach outlined at paragraph 1.2.8 of the report.

Decision Notice D140036MEM

The joint report of the Director of Street Scene and Leisure and Cabinet Member for Leisure, Youth and Arts brought forward for consideration Capital Plan post implementation reviews in respect of Larkfield Leisure Centre energy saving measures, enhancement of fitness suites at Larkfield and Angel Leisure Centres and bridge repairs at Haysden Country Park.

RECOMMENDED:  That the Post Implementation Reviews for Larkfield Leisure Centre – Energy Saving Measures Phase 2, Larkfield and Angel Leisure Centres – Enhancement to Fitness Suites and Haysden Country Park – Bridge Repairs be endorsed.

The report provided an introduction to the Medway Valley Countryside Partnership, outlined the Borough Council’s financial support and gave details of progress with work undertaken by the Partnership in 2013/14.  The Partnership Manager, Caroline Drewett, attended the meeting to present the update of activities undertaken within the Borough and answered Members’ questions.

Members were advised of two key Commonwealth celebration dates in 2014 and related activities within the Borough.  These included the ‘Fly a Flag’ initiative to celebrate Commonwealth Day on 10 March 2014.  Members were also updated on arrangements for welcoming the Commonwealth Baton to Kent on 5 June including the hosting of an event at Tonbridge Castle.

The Advisory Board was updated on a number of projects taking place within and adjacent to Tonbridge Racecourse Sportsground.  Reference was made to works to Bewley’s Weir and Avebury Avenue bridge, the planned installation of two additional wells on Tonbridge Racecourse Sportsground by South East Water and the refurbishment of Tonbridge Memorial Gardens.

The report updated progress with schemes contained in the Leisure Services section of the Capital Plan

The report updated progress on key areas of the Children and Young People work programme including Activate, the Summer Playscheme, the Y2 Crew programme, the Children’s Operational Group, KCC Children’s Centres and the Youth Forum.

The report gave details of the forthcoming programme of events across the Borough, some delivered directly and others by community groups with the assistance of the Council.

The Chairman to move that the press and public be excluded from the remainder of the meeting during consideration of any items the publication of which would disclose exempt information.

The Chairman moved, it was seconded and

RESOLVED:  That as public discussion would disclose exempt information, the following matter be considered in private.

(LGA 1972 Sch 12A Para 3 – Financial or business affairs of any particular person)

The report provided details of the outcome of the tendering process for the refurbishment of Tonbridge Memorial Gardens (Minute LAA 14/5 refers).