| Time: | 7.30pm | Place: | Committee Room 1, Council Offices, Gernon Road, Letchworth Garden City |
| PRESENT: | Councillor John Booth (Chairman), Councillor Julian Cunningham (Vice-Chairman), Councillor Clare Billing (left at 10.45 p.m.), Councillor Gary Grindal, Councillor David Kearns, Councillor Lorna Kercher, Councillor David Levett, Councillor Ian Mantle, Councillor Mrs L.A. Needham, Councillor Mike Rice and Councillor Deepak Sangha. |
| IN ATTENDANCE: | Louise Symes (Strategic Planning and Projects Manager), Chloe Hipwood (Service Manager - Waste Management), Claire Morgan (Community Development Officer) and Hilary Dineen (Committee and Member Services Officer). |
| ALSO PRESENT: | At the start of the meeting 32 members of the public. |
| Item | Description/Resolution | Status | Action | |
| PART I | ||||
| 91 |
APOLOGIES FOR ABSENCE Apologies for absence were received from Councillor Terry Hone. |
Noted | ||
| 92 |
MINUTES Minutes RESOLVED: That the Minutes of the Meeting of the Committee held on 8 January 2014 be approved as a true record of the proceedings and be signed by the Chairman. |
Agreed | ||
| 93 |
NOTIFICATION OF OTHER BUSINESS No other items of business were discussed. |
Noted | ||
| 94 |
CHAIRMAN'S ANNOUNCEMENTS (1) The Chairman welcomed all those present at the meeting, particularly those due to give a presentation; (2) The Chairman reminded those giving presentations under Public Participation that there was a time limit of 5 minutes per presentation; (3) The Chairman advised Members that the total amount requested in grant funding exceeded the amount available and therefore Members would need to keep this in mind when considering the grant applications; (4) Members were reminded that any declarations of interest in respect of any business set out in the agenda, should be declared as either a Disclosable Pecuniary Interest or Declarable Interest and are required to notify the Chairman of the nature of any interest declared at the commencement of the relevant item on the agenda. Members declaring a Disclosable Pecuniary Interest must withdraw from the meeting for the duration of the item. Members declaring a Declarable Interest which requires they leave the room under Paragraph 7.4 of the Code of Conduct, can speak on the item, but must leave the room before the debate and vote. |
Noted | ||
| 95 |
PUBLIC PARTICIPATION - PARKING PROBLEMS IN ROWAN CRESCENT Peter Wright, a representative of the residents of Rowan Crescent thanked the Chairman for the opportunity to address the Committee and gave a verbal presentation regarding parking problems in Rowan Crescent, Letchworth Garden City as follows: - He was speaking on behalf of the residents in Rowan Crescent; - The Cowslip Hill Junction has double yellow lines and permit parking at the top end, which keeps the junction clear for safe use; - There were two parking issues, which should be dealt with separately; - The Bedford Road junction had no yellow lines and was dangerous as people parked on the junction, blocking the dropped path and blocking the view for drivers to pull out safely. This matter should be dealt with immediately; - Inconsiderate and bad parking in Rowan Crescent by commuters and other travellers was causing problems for residents who were sometimes unable to use their own driveways; - The number of vehicles parked on the road also causes problems for services such as refuse collection, delivery drivers and emergency services who cannot access, park and exit the road; - As well as the parking issues, some of the residents had been verbally abused by those parking in the road; - These issues had first been reported to NHDC approximately 10 years ago; - Residents were concerned about the safety of people using the road and the Bedford Road Junction and asked what and when something could be done to address the Safety issue at the Bedford Road Junction and the parking problems along Rowan Crescent. The Strategic Planning and Projects Manager informed Members that this area was included in the report at Item 7 - Letchworth Area Parking Review Update and that there was process to follow which took time to complete. Members noted that it could take up to three years to fully complete the Parking Review and were concerned that urgent issues would be delayed unnecessarily until the end of the review process and asked whether a fast track route was available for Traffic Regulation orders. In respect of those parking in Rowan Crescent, Members suggested that residents could write to the Police Station, which was used as a training centre, to request that their trainees be advised to park legally and considerately. The Strategic Planning and Projects Manager advised that processes were in place for Traffic Regulation orders which involved Junction protection. Such orders must be progressed in accordance with the Local Authorities Traffic Orders (Procedure) Regulations 1996, and this procedure took time. The Chairman thanked Mr Wright for his presentation and advised that the Letchworth Parking Review would be discussed later in the meeting (Minute 110 refers). |
Noted | ||
| 96 |
PUBLIC PARTICIPATION - OUTDOOR CINEMA EVENT Jason Valentine thanked the Chairman for the opportunity to address the Committee and advised Members that an outdoor cinema event would be held on Broadway Gardens, Letchworth Garden City on 16 August 2014. Members queried whether the event would be seated and whether facilities would be provided. They asked what films would be shown and whether they would be organising a voluntary collection for a charity. Mr Valentine advised that the organising team were working closely with the Safety Advisory Group, the North Hertfordshire Health and Safety Officer, North Hertfordshire College and Broadway Cinema. Seating would be not be provided, people were expected to bring blankets and toilet provision would be considered once a licence had been agreed. Mr Valentine informed Members that the film would be PG rated, and the plan was to ask the community which film they wanted to see and that a collection for a charity would be considered. The Chairman thanked Mr Valentine for his presentation. |
Noted | ||
| 97 |
PUBLIC PARTICIPATION - WW1 COMMEMORATION EVENTS IN LETCHWORTH Dan Hill, who was due to give a presentation on WW1 commemoration events in Letchworth Garden City, was unable to attend the meeting. The Community Development Officer will invite him to attend a future meeting. RESOLVED: That the Community Development Officer be requested to invite Mr Hill to give a presentation regarding WW1 commemoration events in Letchworth Garden City at a future meeting of this Committee. REASON FOR DECISION: To update the Letchworth Committee on the WW1 commemoration events that will be held in the area. |
Noted | ||
| 98 |
PUBLIC PARTICIPATION - JACKMANS COMMUNITY ASSOCIATION Graeme Frazer, Chair of Jackmans Community Association, thanked the Chairman for the opportunity to address the Committee and gave a verbal presentation regarding the proposed refurbishment of Jackmans Community Centre. - The smaller hall would be converted from the members bar into a room for hire; - The Members bar would be moved into the Old Library; - The Old Library needed some work to make it fit for purpose, including lighting and fire safety measures; - The alterations would enable the building to be used to full potential. The Chairman thanked Mr Frazer for his presentation. |
Noted | ||
| 99 |
PUBLIC PARTICIPATION - WILBURY COMMUNITY FORUM Prior to the item being discussed, Councillor Gary Grindal declared a Declarable Interest as he was a trustee of the Wilbury Community Forum and in the interest of transparency he would leave the room for the duration of this item. Ingrid Horgan, Secretary of the Wilbury Community Forum, thanked the Chairman for the opportunity to address the Committee and led 5 members of the Forum in giving a verbal presentation as follows: - The Forum wanted to develop a community website; - A workshop would be held with young people to design a logo, a graphic designer had offered support; - A young persons user group would be formed to advise on the website an develop a presence on social media; - They met once a month and held free events including book lending, crafts and cake baking as well as the Community Café and the Black Squirrel Credit Union. The presenters then gave examples of how the Forum had helped them including: - The Forum supported one of the presenters through illness; - The Forum helped one of the disabled presenters to start a voluntary placement at the Letchworth Arts Centre and start baking for the Community Cafe; - The Forum helped a young carer to find alternatives to getting into trouble. Members asked whether the requested grant funding would cover the cost of hosting as well as developing the website and how they would reach those in the community that did not have access to a computer Ms Horgan advised that the requested funding would pay for development, hosting and training for the website. In respect of those without a computer they were putting leaflets through doors and posters up in the community to promote their activities and have been successful in getting a radio interview and articles in the local papers. They were also offering IT skills training to older people in their own home. The Chairman thanked Ms Horgan and her colleagues for their informative and fun presentation. |
Noted | ||
| 100 |
PUBLIC PARTICIPATION - LETCHWORTH AND DISTRICT ASTRONOMICAL SOCIETY Dave Young thanked the Chairman for the opportunity to address the Committee and gave a verbal presentation regarding the Letchworth and District Astronomical Society as follows: - The Letchworth Astronomical Society has been a society since 1985; - Membership consisted of between 90 and 120 people from all over North Hertfordshire; - Approximately 100 people attended the Star Party held on Saturday 8 March 2014; - Approximately 40 people attended the monthly meetings; - Approximately 60 people attended when there were talks; - So far 5 talks on the physics behind astronomy had taken place, all with free entry; - 6 further talks were planned for the coming year with an entrance fee of £1; - Each talk would cost approximately £150 for venue hire and publicity, with members of the Society preparing and presenting at no cost. Members asked whether all lectures would be held at the same venue and how many members of the Society were from Letchworth. Mr Young advised that all lectures would take place at the Free Church and that approximately 50 percent of the members were from Letchworth. The Chairman thanked Mr Young for his presentation. |
Noted | ||
| 101 |
PUBLIC PARTICIPATION - NORTH HERTS BOWLS CLUB Dorothy Harrison, Treasurer of the North Herts Bowls Club, thanked the Chairman for the opportunity to address the Committee and gave a verbal presentation as follows: - They had an ambition to leave the green improved and attractive, to achieve this members spend a lot of time working on the green; - Whilst working members talked about democracy and how Local Government worked; - It was clear that few understood how local Government worked; - Councillor Needham to give a talk, which had been very helpful and informative; - Now they had some understanding of elections and Local Government it was a natural progression to gain an understanding of National Government; - Members of the Bowls Club were keen to learn about the democratic process; - A trip to the House of Commons was being organised; - The grant requested would contribute towards the cost of coach hire for this trip; - It was hoped that, in future, they would learn about the European Union. The Chairman thanked Mrs Harrison for her presentation. |
Noted | ||
| 102 |
PUBLIC PARTICIPATION - ROYAL BRITISH LEGION (LETCHWORTH BRANCH) Joan Ellis, Chair of Royal British Legion (Letchworth Branch), thanked the Chairman for the opportunity to address the Committee and gave a verbal presentation regarding the planned elements to the Armed Forces Day as follows: - Armed Forces Day would be celebrated over the entire weekend; - It was hoped that events and acts would include: Fun Day; Stalls and Attractions; Biggleswade Sea Cadets; Young musicians performing songs from WW1; Community orchestras and bands; - This years event would focus on cadets and young people; - The weekend would culminate in a parade to the war memorial and a service; - Any grant funding received would be used to hire staging and PA equipment for the live entertainment. Members asked where the staging and PA system would be hired from Mrs Ellis advised that Letchworth Arts Centre would provide the staging and PA system and would put them up and stay for the day. The Chairman thanked Mrs Ellis for her presentation. |
Noted | ||
| 103 |
PUBLIC PARTICIPATION - KHALSA FOOTBALL ACADEMY Bal Singh, a volunteer project officer, thanked the Chairman for the opportunity to address the Committee and gave a verbal presentation regarding Khalsa Football Academy. - The Khalsa Football Academy was founded in 1988 and run on a not for profit basis; - The aims were to promote diversity and engagement and included anti racist and anti poverty campaigns; - A programme of futsal had been arranged; - Recognised as one of the best anti racist projects in Europe in 2012; - Work with Police and human rights organisations; - Provided a platform to develop skills, communication, diversity and equality; - Grant funding had been requested to support a 12 month programme of workshops, futsal training sessions and a festival to celebrate the achievement of the young people attending. Members asked how many young people would be involved in the programme. Mr Singh advised that 80 to 100 young people attended on a weekly basis, with up to 200 on diversity days. Two Members informed the Committee that they had attended one of the events and witnessed commitment, energy and dedication of people working with enthusiastic young people. The Chairman thanked Mr Singh for his presentation. |
Noted | ||
| 104 |
PUBLIC PARTICIPATION - LETCHWORTH TOWN CENTRE PARTNERSHIP Prior to the item being discussed Councillor David Levett declared a Disclosable Pecuniary Interest as he was a Director of the Letchworth Town Centre Partnership and left the room for the duration of the presentation. Lee Boswell, Town Centre Manager for Letchworth, thanked the Chairman for the opportunity to address the Committee and gave a verbal presentation regarding the events planned to take place in Letchworth Town Centre over the next 12 months as follows: - There would be three main events in the Town Centre during the year: Street Fest; Food and Garden Festival; Christmas events; - These events had proved popular in the past, increasing footfall in the Town Centre from 19,000 on a Saturday to 24,000 on an event day; - They were working with outside organisations with the aim of making the Food and Garden Festival self-sustaining in three years; - Garden Square Shopping Centre had reduced the grant for these events; - North Hertfordshire College had withdrawn funding for these events; - The Business Improvement District would not fund these events, but a request would be made for funding additional aspects of the events; - Pub chains were being approached for funding. The Chairman thanked Mr Boswell for his presentation. |
Noted | ||
| 105 |
PUBLIC PARTICIPATION - JACKMANS FUNDAY Alan Bryl thanked the Chairman for the opportunity to address the Committee and gave a verbal presentation regarding Jackmans Funday. Mr Bryl informed Members that the annual Funday gave local community groups the opportunity to showcase what was available in the area. In addition there would be activities and music to listen to. Any grant funding awarded would pay for staging for the event. Members asked whether any other events in the Town would be held on the same date and asked for a summary of previous events. Mr Bryl advised that to his knowledge there were no other major events in the Town on the same day and that last years event attracted approximately 700 people. Approximately £1,100 profit was made of which 50 percent was donated to local charities and 50 percent has been retained to fund this event. The Chairman thanked Mr Bryl for his presentation. |
Noted | ||
| 106 |
PUBLIC PARTICIPATION - ROTARY CLUB BIG LUNCH Nigel Downes, a representative of Letchworth Rotary Club, thanked the Chairman for the opportunity to address the Committee and gave a verbal presentation regarding the planned Big Lunch event as follows: - The Big Lunch was started two years ago during the weekend of the Queens Jubilee celebrations; - Several hundred people attended the first event with approximately 1,500 people attending the event last year; - This years event would be held on 1 June 2014 between 1pm and 3pm in Howard Park and include: Traditional games; Classic cars; Folk and Jazz music; Food would be available; - This was a not for profit event which would bring people into the Town Centre. Members asked how the event would be publicised. Mr Downes advised that they would advertise in local papers, produce posters and leaflets, put up leaflets in local supermarkets and were trying to get onto Three Counties Radio. The Chairman thanked Mr Downes for his presentation. |
Noted | ||
| 107 |
PUBLIC PARTICIPATION - VISION4GROWTH The Community Development Officer advised that Alan Wheen, who had been due to give a presentation regarding Vision4Growth had been unable to attend this evening. |
Noted | ||
| 108 |
PUBLIC PARTICIPATION - HOWARD GARDEN SOCIAL CENTRE Prior to the item being discussed, Councillor Julian Cunningham declared a Disclosable Pecuniary Interest as he was a Trustee of Howard Garden Social and Daycare Centre and left the room for the duration of the presentation. Prior to the item being discussed, Councillor Lorna Kercher declared a Disclosable Pecuniary Interest as she was a Trustee of Howard Garden Social and Daycare Centre and left the room for the duration of the presentation. Janet Smith, a member of the Management Committee, thanked the Chairman for the opportunity to address the Committee and gave a verbal presentation regarding Howard Garden Social and Daycare Centre. - The Howard garden Social and Daycare Centre had been an integral part of Letchworth Garden City for 60 years providing care and support for some 200 people; - A hot meal was provided daily as well as events and medical support such as chiropody; - Grant funding was received from various organisations, however this only covered 25 percent of the cost of running the centre; - The service offered needed to evolve to meet the changing need of members, therefore a review was being undertaken; - It was necessary to improve on the administration of the Centre and this could be achieved by purchasing two computers and the necessary software; - The Centre had some reserves, however these were required to update the kitchen and install security shutters; - Any grant funding awarding would pay 50 percent of the cost of the computers with the Centre funding the other 50 percent. The Chairman thanked Mrs Smith for her presentation. |
Noted | ||
| 109 |
PROCEDURAL INFORMATION FOR AUTUMN LEAFING. Report Appendix 1 - Leaf Fall Removal Schedule The Service Manager - Waste Management informed Members that Veolia Environmental Services were contracted to undertake leafing in the four main towns and some villages. The current contract required that removal of leaf fall was included in normal cleansing operations, however it was not always operationally possible to remove all leaf fall as part of the normal 28 day cleaning cycle. The 28 day cycle involved operatives using blowers, rakes and brooms and a road sweeper to clear footpaths, roads and gullies. In addition the Contractor provided an additional leafing crew, which operated on a separate schedule on a list of priority streets (detailed at Appendix A). In excessively wet winters leaf fall could remain in situ with additional work needed to remove it, which incurred additional cost. Members asked when the contract would be reviewed and how the streets in Appendix A were decided upon. They felt that major thoroughfares and entrances into Towns should receive priority. The Service Manager - Waste Management advised that the contract was originally let in 2002 and that this was the point at which the streets listed in Appendix A were decided. The Contract was due to be re-let in 2017 and consultation regarding all levels of service would be undertaken in late 2014/early 2015, at which time options and information regarding the level of service provision across the district would be considered. RESOLVED: (1) That the Service Manager - Waste Management be thanked for the informative report regarding procedural information for Autumn leafing; (2) That, prior to letting or renewal of the contracts affecting leaf clearance, the Letchworth Committee be consulted regarding the detail; (3) That the Head of Leisure and Environmental Services be requested to approach Letchworth Garden City Heritage Foundation to discuss leaf clearance and the costs involved. REASON FOR DECISION: To enable the Letchworth Committee to positively contribute to contracts involving leaf clearance in Letchworth Garden City. |
Agreed | ||
| 110 |
LETCHWORTH AREA PARKING REVIEW UPDATE Report Appendix A The Strategic Planning and Projects Manager presented the report of the Strategic Director of Planning, Housing and Enterprise entitled Letchworth Area Parking Review Update. She drew attention to Appendix A, which detailed issues previously raised by Members and the suggested next steps and priority of each scheme. Paragraph 8.9 of the report detailed other issues together with officer comments. She advised Members that a Principal Transport Policy Officer had not yet been appointed and suggested that Appendix A be focussed upon, until resources are in place to address other issues. Members considered Appendix A and agreed with the suggested actions and priorities, but were concerned that, with all schemes, the possible displacement parking be considered and alternative parking solutions needed to be considered and asked that Schemes 1 and 2 be run in tandem. As one of the principal causes of on street parking was commuter parking, and with Network Rail charging for their car park, Members felt that they should be approached to help solve the parking problems. The Committee were informed that Central Beds Council had been asked to reopen the road between Fairfield Park and Arlesey, but had refused. Members noted that, it was not just the number of cars parking on street, but the inconsiderate way in which they parked caused many problems and was difficult to address. The Committee agreed that parking restrictions needed to be rigorously enforced and that safety issues had to be a priority, The Strategic Planning and Projects Manager advised that it would be necessary to look beyond the boundaries of each scheme in order to consider possible displacement parking. Alternative transport methods could form part of the consideration, however people would make their own choices about the method of travel they would use. The Strategic Planning & Projects Manager also advised that some existing Controlled Parking Zones had spare capacity and suggested that a small amount could be released for non resident parking possibly by marking out specific bays. This would however require further investigation. RESOLVED: (1) That the Strategic Planning and Projects Manager and her team be thanked for the report and the work associated with the Letchworth Area Parking Review; (2) That the priorities listed in Appendix A of the report for progressing the Letchworth Parking Review be agreed; (3) That the Strategic Planning and Projects Manager be requested to run schemes 1 and 2 in Appendix A of the report in tandem; (4) That Officers be requested to contact the relevant County Councillors in order to seek agreement to joint fund the road safety schemes listed at Appendix A of the report; (5) That Officers be requested to contact Network Rail in order to seek their help in solving parking problems; (6) That the additional areas of work detailed in Paragraph 8.9 of the report be noted; (7) That the use of existing funding to provide the necessary expertise until the Principal Transport Policy Officer is appointed be supported; (8) That the Strategic Planning and Projects Officer be requested to provide the Letchworth Committee with regular updates on progress with the Letchworth Area Parking Review. REASON FOR DECISION: To enable the Letchworth Area Parking Review to progress towards implementation. |
Agreed | ||
| 111 |
CHAMPION NEWS AND FINANCE REPORT Report Appendix 1 - Budgets Appendix 2 - Grant Application - Jackmans Community Associaion Appendix 3 - Grant Application - Wilbury Community Forum Appendix 4 - Grant Application - Letchworth & District Astronomical Society Appendix 5 - Grant Application - North Herts Bowls Club Appendix 6 - Grant Application - British Legion Appendix 7 - Grant Application - Khalsa Football Academy Appendix 8 - Grant Application - Letchworth Town Centre Partnership Appendix 9 - Grant Application - Jackmans Funday Appendix 10 - Grant Application - Rotary Club Big Lunch Appendix 11 - Grant Application - Vision4Growth Appendix 12 - Grant Application - Howard Garden Social & Day Centre Appendix 13 - Area Committee Summary Appendix 14 - Information Note on WW1 Commemorations Appendix 14.1 Appendix 14.2 Appendix 15 Appendix 16 Appendix 16.1 The Community Development Officer presented the report of the Head of Policy and Community Services entitled Champion News and Finance Report and drew attention to the following: BOX CLEVA The information requested by Members regarding attendance at Box Cleva was included at Paragraph 8.12 of the report WORLD WAR 1 COMMEMORATIONS An update on World War 1 Commemoration events in the Town and any external funding opportunities were attached at Appendix 14 of the report. There was some discussion regarding the lack of publicised NHDC organised events to commemorate World War 1 and some suggestions regarding what these could be. COUNCILLOR SURGERIES The Community Development Officer reminded Members that Councillor Surgeries took place on the third Saturday of each Month, with 19 April 2014 and 17 May 2014 being the next dates booked. Members suggested that Councillor Surgeries be discussed and reviewed at the next meeting of this Committee. FREQUENCY OF MEETINGS Following the resolution of this Committee to continue to hold 6 meetings per Civic Year, the Committee and Member Services Officer had identified two date to be added to the Civic Calendar being 23 July 2014 and 21 January 2015. OFFICER SUPPORT FOR THE COMMITTEE The Chairman asked that Claire Morgan, Community Development Officer and Hilary Dineen, Committee and Member Services Officer, be thanked for their hard work supporting the work of this Committee. RESOLVED: (1) That the budgetary expenditure, balances and carry forwards from the Development and Visioning Budgets be noted; (2) That the actions taken by the Community Development Officer to promote greater community capacity and well-being for Letchworth Garden City be endorsed; (3) That the Community Development Officer be requested to include a discussion and review of Councillor Surgeries in Champions News for the next meeting of this Committee due to be held on 11 June 2014; (4) That Claire Morgan, Community Development Officer and Hilary Dineen, Committee and Member Services Officer, be thanked for their hard work supporting the work of this Committee. REASON FOR DECISION: To keep Members of the Committee apprised of the latest developments in community activities in Letchworth Garden City. |
Agreed | ||
| 112 |
GRANT APPLICATION - JACKMANS COMMUNITY ASSOCIATION Prior to the item being discussed, Councillor Lorna Kercher declared a Declarable Interest as she was a member of the Jackmans Community Association and stated that she would remain in the room and vote. Prior to the item being discussed, Councillor John Booth declared a Declarable Interest as he was a NHDC nominated representative to Jackmans Community Association and stated that he would remain in the room and vote. Prior to the item being discussed, Councillor David Levett declared a Declarable Interest as he was a NHDC nominated representative to Jackmans Community Association and stated that he would remain in the room and vote. Prior to the item being discussed, Councillor Julian Cunningham declared a Declarable Interest as he was a NHDC nominated representative to Jackmans Community Association and stated that he would remain in the room and vote. The Community Development Officer advised Members that grant funding was being sought towards the cost of refurbishing the current members room to give a smaller room for hire an that should Members be minded to grant the application the Capital Visioning budget could be used. Members acknowledged that enabling a smaller room to be hired may make the Association more profitable and sought clarification about where the remaining funds would come from. Members were concerned that any grant funding should not be released until all other funding was in place and that any allocated funds should only be made available for 12 months, at which time the Association should be invited to attend a meeting of this Committee to update Members on the position. The Community Development Officer advised that Section 106 funding was being sought. RESOLVED: (1) That, subject to sufficient funds being raised to complete the project, grant funding of £5,000 be awarded to Jackmans Community Association from the Capital Visioning Budget towards the costs of renovation of Jackmans Community Centre; (2) That the grant funding mentioned in (1) above not be released until sufficient funding to complete the project has been confirmed to NHDC; (3) That the grant funding mentioned in (1) above be made available for a period of 12 months; (4) That, if the grant funding is not released within 12 months of this meeting, Jackmans Community Association may ask for an extension by making a presentation to this Committee. REASON FOR DECISION: To improve services provided by local organisations and groups which are accessed by the community. |
Agreed | ||
| 113 |
GRANT APPLICATION - WILBURY COMMUNITY FORUM Prior to the item being discussed, Councillor Gary Grindal declared a Declarable Interest as he was a trustee of the Wilbury Community Forum and in the interest of transparency he would leave the room for the duration of this item. Prior to the item being discussed, Councillor Lorna Kercher declared a Declarable Interest as she attended the Community Café and had given grant funding from her County Council budget and stated that she would remain in the room and vote. Prior to the item being discussed, Councillor Deepak Sangha declared a Declarable Interest as he attended the Wilbury Community Forum and stated that he would remain in the room and vote. RESOLVED: That grant funding of £1750.00 be awarded to Wilbury Community Forum from the Discretionary Budget towards the cost of developing a website for the group. REASON FOR DECISION: To improve services provided by local organisations and groups which are accessed by the community. |
Agreed | ||
| 114 |
GRANT APPLICATION - LETCHWORTH AND DISTRICT ASTRONOMICAL SOCIETY Members were pleased that the Letchworth and District Astronomical Society were educating people about science and noted that previous lectures had been well attended. RESOLVED: That grant funding of £500.00 be awarded to Letchworth and District Astronomical Society from the Discretionary Budget towards the cost of venue hire and publicity for six public lectures in 2014. REASON FOR DECISION: To improve services provided by local organisations and groups which are accessed by the community. |
Agreed | ||
| 115 |
GRANT APPLICATION - NORTH HERTS BOWLS CLUB The Community Development Officer reminded Members that grant funding was being sought which would help educate members of the Bowls Club and other groups about national democracy. It was proposed and seconded that grant funding £175.00 be awarded. RESOLVED: That grant funding of £175.00 be awarded to North Herts Bowls Club from the Discretionary Budget towards the cost of a visit to the House of Commons in order to learn more about the democratic process. REASON FOR DECISION: To improve services provided by local organisations and groups which are accessed by the community. |
Agreed | ||
| 116 |
GRANT APPLICATION - ROYAL BRITISH LEGION (LETCHWORTH BRANCH) Prior to the item being discussed Councillor Lorna Kercher declared a Declarable Interest as the British Legion met at the Howard Garden Social and Daycare Centre of which she was a Trustee and stated that she would remain in the room and vote. The Community Development Officer informed Members that, since the report had been written, the Ministry of Defence were offering grant funding for these types of events and that she would be supporting the British Legion to make an application. An application for grant funding would also be made to Letchworth Garden City Heritage Foundation. The event would cost £6,000 of which £1,000 was being requested for staging and PA equipment. Members noted that the staging and PA equipment was being hired from the Letchworth Arts Centre and asked that, as the Letchworth Committee part funded the purchase of this equipment, the Centre be requested to attend the next meeting of this Committee to explain its hiring policy. RESOLVED: (1) That grant funding of £1,000.00 be awarded to the Royal British Legion (Letchworth Branch) from the Discretionary Budget towards the cost of organising a two day event to celebrate Armed Forces Day and commemorate the start of WW1; (2) That the Community Development Officer be requested to invite the Letchworth Arts Centre to the next meeting of this Committee, due to be held on 11 June 2014, to explain its hiring policy regarding staging and PA equipment. REASON FOR DECISION: To improve services provided by local organisations and groups which are accessed by the community. |
Agreed | ||
| 117 |
GRANT APPLICATION - KHALSA YOUTH FOOTBALL ACADEMY Members asked that, at the time of the review of Memorandums of Understanding, the Community Development Officer ensure that consideration be given to funding the Khalsa Football Academy in that way. RESOLVED: (1) That grant funding of £2000.00 be awarded to Khalsa Youth Football Academy from the Discretionary Budget towards the cost of a 12 month programme of workshops, regular football sessions and a festival to celebrate the achievement of the young people attending; (2) That, at the time of the review of Memorandums of Understanding, The Community Development Officer ensure that consideration be given to funding the Khalsa Youth Football Academy in that way. REASON FOR DECISION: To improve services provided by local organisations and groups which are accessed by the community. |
Agreed | ||
| 118 |
GRANT APPLICATION - LETCHWORTH TOWN CENTRE PARTNERSHIP Prior to the item being discussed Councillor David Levett declared a Disclosable Pecuniary Interest as he was a Director of the Letchworth Town Centre Partnership and left the room for the duration of the item. The Community Development Manager advised Members that three events would be held during the year and that the breakdown of the application for grant funding for each event was: Food and Garden Festival £3,000 Street Fest £2.000 Christmas Events £3,000. It was proposed and seconded that £5,000 be awarded for the Food and Garden Festivals and the Street Fest and that consideration be given, at the next meeting of this Committee, to granting a further £3,000 towards the Christmas events. Members agreed that the Letchworth Town Centre Partnership would not be required to give a further presentation at that meeting. RESOLVED: (1) That grant funding of £5,000.00 be awarded to Letchworth Town Centre Partnership from the Discretionary Budget towards the cost of providing the Food and Garden Festival on 17/18 May 2014 and the Street Fest proposed to take place on 7 June 2014; (2) That consideration be given to granting £3,000.00 to Letchworth Town Centre Partnership towards the costs of providing the Christmas programme of events, at the next meeting of this Committee due to be held on 11 June 2014. REASON FOR DECISION: To improve services provided by local organisations and groups which are accessed by the community. |
Agreed | ||
| 119 |
GRANT APPLICATION - JACKMANS FUNDAY RESOLVED: That grant funding of £1000.00 be awarded to Jackmans Funday from the Discretionary Budget towards the cost of providing a community event for the residents of the Jackmans Estate. REASON FOR DECISION: To improve services provided by local organisations and groups which are accessed by the community. |
Agreed | ||
| 120 |
GRANT APPLICATION - ROTARY CLUB OF LETCHWORTH GARDEN CITY RESOLVED: That grant funding of £1200.00 be awarded to Rotary Club of Letchworth Garden City from the Discretionary Budget towards the cost of providing a "Big Lunch" event in Howard Park on 1 June 2014. REASON FOR DECISION: To improve services provided by local organisations and groups which are accessed by the community. |
Agreed | ||
| 121 |
GRANT APPLICATION - VISION4GROWTH The Community Development Officer explained that the Chairman of Vision4Growth, who was visually impaired, had been unable to organise transport to this meeting. The Community Development Officer informed Members that Vision4Growth was a Community Interest Company which was finding it difficult to do their accounts due to their visual impairments. They were actively seeking a volunteer for the future, but needed someone to get their accounts up to date and presentable now. RESOLVED: That grant funding of £720.00 be awarded to Vision4Growth from the Discretionary Budget towards the cost of setting up accounting systems. REASON FOR DECISION: To improve services provided by local organisations and groups which are accessed by the community. |
Agreed | ||
| 122 |
GRANT APPLICATION - HOWARD GARDEN SOCIAL AND DAYCARE CENTRE Prior to the item being discussed, Councillor Julian Cunningham declared a Disclosable Pecuniary Interest as he was a Trustee of Howard Garden Social and Daycare Centre and left the room for the duration of the item. Prior to the item being discussed, Councillor Lorna Kercher declared a Disclosable Pecuniary Interest as she was a Trustee of Howard Garden Social and Daycare Centre and left the room for the duration of the item. Members were keen to support the purchase of computers for the Centre, but asked the Community Development Officer to research whether NHDC could acquire them at a better cost. RESOLVED: (1) That, subject to (2) below grant funding of up to £810.00 be awarded to Howard Garden Social and Daycare Centre from the Discretionary Budget towards the cost of purchasing a new computer and updating software to improve administration of the centre; (2) That the Community Development Officer be requested to liaise with NHDC's IT department regarding options available to purchase this equipment. REASON FOR DECISION: To improve services provided by local organisations and groups which are accessed by the community. |
Agreed | ||
| 123 |
WARD AND OUTSIDE ORGANISATIONS - MEMBERS' REPORTS There were no Member Reports regarding Ward and Outside Organisations. |
Noted | ||