Issue - meetings

To consider the report of the Director of Service Delivery, (copy enclosed).

The Committee considered the report of the Director of Service Delivery seeking Members’ approval of a new fee structure for roundabout advertising and sponsorship within the District.

The report provided background information regarding the current arrangements in place to provide a sponsored roundabout scheme across seven sites within the Maldon District.  Members were advised of the proposal for future sponsorship / advertising to be managed in-house and the report provided detailed information regarding this proposal, including a minimum charging scheme proposed.  In response to a question regarding resources, the Director of Service Delivery highlighted the benefits of managing such a scheme in house.

The Director of Service Delivery advised the Committee that the proposed charge was not part of the standard fees and charges and therefore could be resolved by this Committee without the need for recommendation to the Finance and Corporate Services Committee.

Members’ commented on the fact that Essex County Council Highways Authority would require Maldon District Council to pass back 20% of the gross income generated and it was questioned what any ring fenced monies would be for.  In response to concerns raised the Director of Service Delivery advised that he would undertake further negotiations with the County Council

In response to a question, the Director of Service Delivery advised that there were further sponsorship opportunities that the Council would be looking into, but this report specifically related to roundabout sponsorship.

Following a lengthy discussion, the Chairman put the recommendations as set out in the report.  Recommendations (i) and (ii) were agreed along with an amendment to recommendation (iii) to include consultation with the Chairman and Vice-Chairman of this Committee and the Leader of the Council.  In light of the discussions and comments raised the Director of Service Delivery suggested that Members may wish to consider a further recommendation that Officers negotiate with Essex County Council over the proposed 20% contribution to take into account the Council’s expenses (NET) and seek clarification for the spend fund within the District, reporting back to the Committee.  This was duly agreed.

The Director of Service Delivery was also requested to confirm that the Council had subscribed to a Public Realm Agreement.

RESOLVED

(i)              that the Community Services Committee agrees to the principle that a roundabout advertising and sponsorship scheme should be continued and that future arrangements are directly managed in-house by the Council;

(ii)            that the Charges policy wording and accompanying fee structure as detailed within the report be agreed;

(iii)          that the Director of Service Delivery in consultation with the Chairman and Vice-Chairman of the Community Services Committee and Leader of the Council be granted delegated authority to accept suitable sponsorship offers subject to the Policy as agreed in (ii) above;

(iv)          that Officers negotiate with Essex County Council over the proposed 20% contribution to take into account the Council’s expenses (NET) and seek clarification for the spend fund within the District, reporting back to the Committee.