Agenda, decisions and minutes

There were no declarations of interest made in accordance with the Code of Conduct.

To confirm as a correct record the Notes of the meeting of the Leisure and Arts Advisory Board held on 10 June 2014

RESOLVED:  That the notes of the meeting of the Leisure and Arts Advisory Board held on 10 June 2014 be approved as a correct record and signed by the Chairman.

Decision Notice D140101MEM

The joint report of the Director of Street Scene and Leisure and Cabinet Member for Leisure, Youth and Arts provided an update on the management and operation of the Council’s leisure facilities through the agreement with the Tonbridge and Malling Leisure Trust.  Details were given of the Trust’s Annual Service Delivery Plan – Cumulative Quarterly Monitoring Report, performance to date and financial position at year end which was updated at the meeting in the light of receipt of the final audit position.

RECOMMENDED:  That the Tonbridge and Malling Leisure Trust Annual Service Delivery Plan – Cumulative Quarterly Monitoring Report for 1 April to 30 June 2014 be noted.

Decision Notice D140102MEM

The joint report of the Director of Street Scene and Leisure and Cabinet Member for Leisure, Youth and Arts outlined progress in relation to the refurbishment of the Health Suite and the provision of LED lighting in the sports hall at Larkfield Leisure Centre.  It was noted that since tenders received in respect of the Health Suite Refurbishment project were significantly above the pre-tender estimate, a fundamental review was being undertaken and options on the proposed way forward considered.  However, the LED lighting project would be delivered within the approved budget with the Leisure Trust agreeing to reduce the annual service fee payable by the Council.

RECOMMENDED:   That a review of the Health Suite Refurbishment project at Larkfield Leisure Centre be considered by the Finance, Innovation and Property Advisory Board on 7 January 2015 as part of the Capital Plan Review process.

Decision Notice D140103MEM

Further to Decision No D140075MEM, the joint report of the Director of Street Scene and Leisure and Cabinet Member for Leisure, Youth and Arts brought forward comments received as part of the public consultation exercise on the draft Haysden Country Park Management Plan and recommended final approval of the amended Plan.

It was noted that both of the Council’s country parks had now been awarded a Green Flag and tribute was paid to the rangers and volunteers.

RECOMMENDED:  That the proposed amendments highlighted at Annex 2 to the report be approved and the amended Haysden Country Park Management Plan be formally adopted.

The report of the Director of Street Scene and Leisure outlined progress with work undertaken by Medway Valley Countryside Partnership.  The Partnership Manager, Kim Richards, attended the meeting to present an update on recent activities and projects taking place in the Borough and answered questions raised by Members.  Particular reference was made to a catchment improvement plan for the River Bourne and the control of invasive species including Japanese Knotweed.  Members were advised that more detailed reports on individual projects were available on request from the Partnership.  The Chairman then thanked Ms Richards for her contribution to the meeting.

The report gave 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.  Members were pleased to note the high levels of satisfaction with the schemes recorded in surveys of parents.

The report provided an update on events that had taken place and highlighted those still to come, some delivered directly and others by community groups with the assistance of the Council.  Members drew particular attention to events over the weekend of 13/14 September and thanked the Senior Leisure Services Officer, Environmental Projects Co-ordinator and Estates Manager for their efforts at the Medieval Fair and Dragon Boat Race in Tonbridge.  Reference was also made to the partnership role with organisations across the Borough and thanks recorded to those that had opened their facilities for the Heritage Open Days.

The report updated the Advisory Board on key areas of the Sports Development Programme including a new Door Step Sports Club Project in East Malling and the results from the most recent Active People Survey.  A number of cricket activities were highlighted and Members were pleased to learn that Beverley Emmerson, the Sports Development Officer, had won the Outstanding Contribution to Cricket Award for Kent and been entered for the national award at Lords on 6 October.

The report gave details of progress with schemes contained in the Leisure Services section of the Capital Plan.  Attention was drawn to the formal opening of the Tonbridge Memorial Garden on 22 September.

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 matters be considered in private.

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

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

Further to Decision No D140079MEM, the joint report of the Director of Street Scene and Leisure and Cabinet Member for Leisure, Youth and Arts provided an update on the retendering of the Ground Maintenance Contract.  During the tender process a number of queries had been raised, necessitating extension of the return deadline for tenders.  Since it had not been possible to complete the tender evaluation prior to the meeting of the Advisory Board, it was proposed that the award of the contract be considered and approved by the Cabinet.

RECOMMENDED:  That, due to the need to revise the date for the return of tenders, the outcome of the tender for the Council’s Ground Maintenance Contractbe considered at the Cabinet meeting on 8 October 2014.

*Referred to Cabinet