Agenda and minutes

The Chairman drew attention to the list of notices published on the back of the agenda.

Apologies for absence were received from Councillors H M Bass, Mrs H E Elliott and R Pratt.  In accordance with notice duly given Councillor M F L Durham was attending as a substitute for Councillor Bass and Councillor A S Fluker as a substitute for Councillor Pratt.

To confirm the Minutes of the meeting of the Committee held on 4 July 2017, (copy enclosed).

RESOLVED that the Minutes of the meeting of the Committee held on 4 July 2017 be approved and confirmed.

To disclose the existence and nature of any Disclosable Pecuniary Interests, other Pecuniary Interests or Non-Pecuniary Interests relating to items of business on the agenda having regard to paragraphs 6-8 inclusive of the Code of Conduct for Members.

(Members are reminded that they are also required to disclose any such interests as soon as they become aware should the need arise throughout the meeting).

Councillor M F L Durham declared a non-pecuniary interest as a Member of Essex County Council in any items of business relating to the County Council.

Councillor A S Fluker declared an interest in Agenda Item 8 – Promenade Park, Maldon – Income Share for the Maldon Mud Race as he was a Maldon Harbour Commissioner.

To receive the views of members of the public on items of business to be considered by the Committee (please see below):

1.               A period of ten minutes will be set aside.

2.               An individual may speak for no more than two minutes and will not be allowed to distribute or display papers, plans, photographs or other materials.

3.               Anyone wishing to speak must notify the Committee Clerk between 7.00pm and 7.20pm prior to the start of the meeting.

No requests had been received.

The Chairman referred to the following items:

·               Smoke and Fire Food Festival – This had been held on Promenade Park over the weekend of 19 and 20 August attracting over 10,000 visitors.  Feedback had been positive and the Council was hoping to build on this success with the event organiser.

·       New Essex Police Base – The new base at the Council Offices had been officially opened by Chief Constable Stephen Kavanagh, Police & Crime Commissioner Roger Hirst, Maldon District Council Leader Councillor Mark Durham and Chairman of the Council Councillor Henry Bass.

·       Bank Holiday Market – The Chairman comments on the success of the recent Bank Holiday Market which had taken place on Promenade Park.

·       Maldon Bowling Club - The Chairman referred to a compliment which had been received from the Maldon Bowling Club thanking the Council’s Parks Department for their work on the bowling green in the last 12 months.

To receive an update from the Chief Executive following the latest Maldon Health Hub Partnership meeting.

An update from the Chief Executive following the latest Maldon Health Hub Stakeholder Project Board meeting was circulated at the meeting.

In response to a comment in the tabled report there was a brief discussion regarding maternity services with Members advising that full maternity services had not been part of the original considerations.

To consider the report of the Director of Customers and Community

The Committee considered the report of the Director of Customers and Community seeking Members view on a request from Maldon Mud Race Limited on the income share allowance from the parking charges for Promenade Park, Maldon during the 2017 Maldon Mud Race.  Members were also asked to consider the change of approach by Maldon Mud Race Limited to enhance the Maldon Mud Race.

The report provided background information regarding previous arrangements for car parking income during the Mud Race.  A request had been received from Maldon Mud Race Ltd that the income share from car parking from the 2017 event be extended from the previously agreed two hours before and after the start of the event.  A copy of this request was attached at Appendix 1 to the report and the Maldon Mud Race Ltd current accounts were attached at Appendix 2.

Members were advised that as the policy allocation for the car parking income had been agreed any variation would have to be considered by the Finance and Corporate Services Committee.  Appendix 3 set out a draft report to that Committee prepared by Officers.

The Chairman moved the recommendations as set out in the report and this was duly seconded.

In response to a number of questions, the Director of Customers and Community advised that the Council recharged for services provided specifically to the mud race.  Members were also informed of the charities which the Council had been advised would benefit as part of the distribution of funds from the Mud Race 2017.

Councillor A S Fluker proposed that when the Finance and Corporate Services Committee considered this matter that a clearer understanding of the relationship of  Maldon Mud Race Trading to the Mud Race be provided.  This was not supported.

Councillor M F L Durham referred to two hours either side of the race not be unreasonable and he proposed that the current policy remain unchanged.  This proposal was duly seconded.  Following further discussion the Chairman put the proposal in the name of Councillor Durham to the Committee and upon a vote being taken this was duly agreed.  The Committee also agreed that Officers would report back to Members on the future arrangements for the Mud Race.

RESOLVED

(i)              that the Finance and Corporate Services Committee be recommended to not change the current policy in respect of the Maldon Mud Race, that being car parking income received two hours before and after the start of the Maldon Mud Race 2017 is shared on a 50:50 basis with the Maldon Mud Race Ltd and reviewed on an annual basis;

(ii)            that Officers report back to this Committee on the future arrangements for the Maldon Mud Race.

To consider the report of the Director of Customers and Community

The Committee considered the report of the Director of Customers and Community which provided an update on the viability of the Maldon Thursday and Saturday Town Markets.  Officers sought Members’ agreement to go out to tender for a further two year period of market operations in Maldon.

The report provided background information on both markets and it was noted that Officers felt a service was being provided for customers and until an alternative location was identified the current arrangements should continue.  An amendment to reduce the number of car parking spaced allocated to the markets was proposed.

The Chairman presented the report and proposed that the recommendation set out within it be agreed.  This was duly seconded.

A lengthy debate ensued and a number of concerns were raised regarding the current market arrangements and use of car parking spaces.  Some suggestions were made for alternative locations for the markets and Members’ were reminded of the Working Group which was set up to look at markets along with its findings.

In response to a question the Director of Customers and Community confirmed that at the present time the Council had been unable to find a contractor for the Maldon markets.  A number of comments were made regarding the current Burnham-on-Crouch Market at this point.

In response to concerns raised, the Director of Customers and Community suggested that the recommendation as set out in the report be amended to specify that the income received from the markets should be no less than the potential income from the parking spaces.  Following a brief discussion Councillor A T Cain proposed that the minimum amount of £15,000 per annum be added to the recommendation.  This was duly agreed.  Upon a vote being taken the recommendation as amended was agreed.

RESOLVED that the Director of Customers and Community be authorised to seek tenders for a two year contract for a Maldon Market at Butt Lane Car Park, Maldon on a Thursday with an allocation of 27 parking spaces and a Saturday Market for up to three staff with no loss of car parking, subject to the income being no less than the potential revenue generated from the parking spaces used (a minimum of £15,000 per annum).

To receive and note the report of the Director of Customers and Community

The Committee considered the report of the Director of Customers and Community, providing Members with an update on the reinstatement of a caravan site at Millfields, Burnham-on-Crouch.

It was noted that the reinstatement of a caravan site within Burnham-on-Crouch would benefit the local community and visitors would have access to local businesses.  The site would enhance recreation ground and may offer additional facilities which could be enjoyed by non-residents.  Upon completion of the legal process, the caravan site would become an operational asset and Officers would monitor the contract and provide routine performance updates to this Committee.

RESOLVED

(i)              that the decision of the Finance and Corporate Services Committee (detailed below) be noted;

“that a new lease for the Millfields Caravan Park, Burnham-on-Crouch be offered to Birch Leisure Parks Limited subject to option one as detailed in the report.”

(ii)            that Officers prepare a further report to this Committee following the completion of the legal agreement with Birch Leisure Parks Limited updating Members on progress towards implementation.

To consider the report of the Director of Customers and Community, (copy enclosed).

The Committee considered the report of the Director of Customers and Community providing an overview of the new Ecoflex “Help to Heat” scheme.  The report also sought Members’ approval of a statement of intent for the Maldon District and the ability to work with a third party delivery partner.

The report provided background information following the Governments’ introduction of the “Energy Companies Obligation (ECO)” which allowed Local Authorities to tailor funding opportunities for energy efficiency measures to meet the needs of its most vulnerable households.  A Statement of Intent (attached at Appendix 1 to the report) provides a mechanism for identifying the most vulnerable residents and making an important contribution to their health and wellbeing.  It was noted that working with a Green Deal Provider would provide access to a broad funding pool and enable delivery of much needed energy efficiency measures.

RESOLVED

(i)              that the details of the Ecoflex “Help to Heat” Scheme and the potential benefits to those in fuel poverty in the District be noted;

(ii)            that the proposed Statement of Intent (Appendix 1 to the report) is agreed;

(iii)          that subject to satisfactory procurement, a third party is engaged as a business partner to deliver the scheme.

To appoint two Members to fill current vacancies on the above Liaison Committee.

Following a brief discussion it was agreed that Councillors A S Fluker and Mrs N G F Shaughnessy be appointed as representatives to the Citizens Advice Bureau Liaison Committee.

RESOVLED that Councillors A S Fluker and Mrs N G F Shaughnessy be appointed as representatives to the Citizens Advice Bureau Liaison Committee.