Agenda, decisions and minutes

There were no apologies for absence.

Audio Recording of Meeting – Start time of Item – 32 seconds

There were no apologies for absence.

To take as read and approve as a true record the minutes of the meeting of this Committee held on the 4 June 2018.

RESOLVED:

(1)       That the Minutes of the Meeting of the Committee held on 4 June 2018 be approved as a true record of the proceedings and be signed by the Chairman;

(2)       That the Development and Conservation Manager be requested to circulate details of the Section 106 and Unilateral Undertakings regarding Arbury and Weston and Sandon Wards to the Ward Members as soon as possible.

Audio Recording – Start time of Item – 39 seconds

Members commented that, in respect of Minute 17 - Section 106 and Unilateral Undertakings, the requested information regarding  Arbury and Weston and Sandon Wards had not yet been circulated to the Ward Members and asked that this be done as soon as possible.

RESOLVED:

(1)       That the Minutes of the Meeting of the Committee held on 4 June 2018 be approved as a true record of the proceedings and be signed by the Chairman;

(2)       That the Development and Conservation Manager be requested to circulate details of the Section 106 and Unilateral Undertakings regarding Arbury and Weston and Sandon Wards to the Ward Members as soon as possible.

Members should notify the Chairman of other business which they wish to be discussed by the Committee at the end of the business set out in the agenda. They must state the circumstances which they consider justify the business being considered as a matter of urgency.

The Chairman will decide whether any item(s) raised will be considered.

There was no other business notified.

Audio Recording of Meeting – Start time of Item – 1 minute 46 seconds

There was no other business notified.

Members are 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, wished to exercise a ‘Councillor Speaking Right’, must declare this at the same time as the interest, move to the public area before speaking to the item and then must leave the room before the debate and vote.

(1)       The Chairman welcomed those present at the meeting, especially those who had attended to give a presentation;

(2)       The Chairman advised that, in accordance with Council Policy, the meeting would be audio recorded;

(3)       The Chairman drew attention to the item on the agenda front pages regarding Declarations of Interest and reminded Members that, in line with the Code of Conduct, any Declarations of Interest needed to be declared immediately prior to the item in question. Members declaring a Declarable Interest, wishing to exercise a ‘Councillor Speaking Right’, must declare this at the same time as the interest, move to the public area before speaking to the item and then must leave the room before the debate and vote.

Audio Recording – Start time of Item – 1 minute 55 seconds

(1)       The Chairman welcomed those present at the meeting, especially those who had attended to give a presentation;

(2)       The Chairman advised that, in accordance with Council Policy, the meeting would be audio recorded;

(3)       The Chairman drew attention to the item on the agenda’s front pages regarding Declarations of Interest and reminded Members that, in line with the Code of Conduct, any Declarations of Interest needed to be declared immediately prior to the item in question.  Members declaring a Declarable Interest, wishing to exercise a ‘Councillor Speaking Right’, must declare this at the same time as the interest, move to the public area before speaking to the item and then must leave the room before the debate and vote.

Mr Ian Knighton, President of Baldock Crusaders Netball Team, thanked the Chairman for the opportunity to address the Committee regarding their grant application.

The Chairman thanked Mr Knightonfor his presentation.

Audio Recording – Start time of Item – 8 minutes and 49 seconds

Mr Ian Knighton, President of Baldock Crusaders Netball Team, thanked the Chairman for the opportunity to address the Committee regarding their grant application.

Mr Knighton informed Members of the following:

·                Baldock Crusaders Netball Team was applying for equipment for training and coaching, court hire equipment and training facilities;

·                Baldock Crusaders Netball Team began in 2004 as there was very little netball provision locally.  There were now 5 senior sides, a youth team (14 – 16 years) and 50 juniors (8 - 14 years) who received regular training.  There were accredited trainers, not just from a safeguarding perspective but who were also qualified to teach netball.  The team continued to receive applications from aged 8 upwards from Baldock and the surrounding area, not only due to the training but also from a social aspect and taking care of mental health and wellbeing. 

·                The youth team was growing at the fastest rate so this application was to support the training equipment and the coaching for another 14-16 year old youth team comprising 12 players. 

·                The cost would be just under £3,000 requesting a grant of £1,000 as there was clearly a demand for supporting facilities for ladies of all ages to play netball.  The fact that the club was extremely successful was a credit to those involved. 

In response to questions from Members Mr Knighton advised that:

·                Letchworth ladies also used the facility as well, although the Crusaders were actually based there and the Council did offer the facility. 

·                Ian raised as to whether the general matter of finance regarding Saracens and Baldock Crusaders should be discussed.  The chairman advised that this application would be considered later. 

The Chairman thanked Mr Knightonfor his presentation.

Mr Ian Knighton, Vice-Chairman of Saracens Cricket Club, thanked the Chairman for the opportunity to address the Committee regarding their grant application.

The Chairman thanked Mr Knighton for his presentation.

Audio Recording – Start time of  Item – 2 minutes 34 seconds to 8 minutes 48 seconds

Mr Ian Knighton, Vice-Chairman of Saracens Cricket Club, thanked the Chairman for the opportunity to address the Committee regarding their grant application.

Mr Knighton informed Members of the following:

·                The Cricket Club was established in 1929;

·                Quite a few new, younger players, were joining the club;

·                Equipment was quite expensive and they did not want new players excluded from playing due to lack of equipment;

·                The aim was to build up a stock of kit that could be used by new players;

·                They also wished to introduce training sessions for the younger/newer players;

·                It was an inclusive, mixed ability but competitive club which played in the Sunday League;

·                The club was family orientated and held a lot of social activities;

·                They currently had 30 members and expected growth over the next year of a further 10 members;

·                90 percent of Members lived in Baldock and the surrounding villages;

·                Although the majority of members were male they currently had 3 lady members playing on a regular basis;

·                The project cost was £3,175 and the requested amount of grant funding was £800.

In response to questions from Members Mr Knighton advised that:

·                This was a wandering club that trained and played in around the local area;

·                There were qualified trainers within the club to provide training to younger members;

·                They encouraged new members through their website, the local press and other cricket networks

The Chairman thanked Mr Knighton for his presentation.

Mr Gary O’Brien Secretary and Youth Coordinator for Baldock Town Cricket Club, thanked the Chairman for the opportunity to address the Committee regarding their grant application.

The Chairman thanked Mr O’Brien for his presentation.

Audio Recording – Start time of Item – 14 minutes and 44 seconds

Mr Gary O’Brien Secretary and Youth Coordinator for Baldock Town Cricket Club, thanked the Chairman for the opportunity to address the Committee regarding their grant application.

Mr O’Brien informed Members of the following:

·                The Cricket Club had been based at Avenue Park for over ten years;

·                The request was very specific and for the development of youth coaching and youth participation.  As a result of television revenue being taken from satellite networks cricket participation had been dwindling especially in the last 10-15 years and therefore if children could not see the sport, they did not wish to play;

·                In previous years, Baldock Town Cricket Club had a youth organisation which brought through players to the senior teams however in the last 3-6 years’, children had to travel to other towns despite having the facilities and nets at their own club;

·                The club would like children to be active and interested in cricket and to be able to participate in sport with their parents;

·                In the last two years 9 year olds had been undergoing training.  They had also been in a local league in 2018, having made good progress; 

·                Nationwide, 15,000 children had participated in an ECB initiative called ‘All Stars Cricket.  35 children over the last two summers had attended every Sunday for 8 weeks, took part in all cricket-related activities which also involved their parents.  They were provided with a ball, hat, shirt with a monogram bearing their names.  Parents and children were therefore able to start playing independent games.  Mr O’Brien, was a Level 2 qualified coach and wanted to continue with this and the club was in need of more financial assistance;

·                An additional Level 2 qualified coach and also a Level 1 qualified coach were required to assist and help expand;

·                Parents had expressed an interest in participation and coaching of both boys and girls;

·                Additional equipment was required as many items go missing;

·                Expansion of the youth section included under 10’s in 2019 and an under 9’s team, so commitment of league fees through Hertfordshire Cricket and the balls, stumps, etc;

·                Income was generated from parents’ through subscriptions but also funded as a cricket club to assist the running of the club;

·                Through contacts at ‘Chance to Shine’ and ‘Cricket East’ there was a cricket club representative throughout our local schools in Summer 2018 which increased the scope for participation of both boys and girls in the town;

In response to questions from Members Mr O’Brien advised that:

·                Hartsfield and St Mary’s both had ‘Chance to Shine’ cricket lessons which was something they wanted to continue independently.  Richard South was a fantastic coach and had represented the club with the All Stars and the club wanted to enable him to reach out to the schools in Baldock and in the neighbouring towns as Cricket East did not have the scope to cover the schools;

·                It was unknown whether they attended St  ...  view the full minutes text for item 35.

Prior to the item commencing, Councillor Michael Muir declare a declarable interest as he was the President of Royal British Legion.

Prior to the item commencing, Councillor Michael Weeks declared a declaable interest as he was the Treasurer of the Royal British Legion.

Janice Middleton, Secretary of the Baldock & District branch of the Royal British Legion thanked the Chairman for the opportunity to address the Committee regarding their grant application. 

The Chairman thanked Janet Middleton for her presentation.

Audio Recording  - Start time of Item – 26 minutes and 22 seconds

Prior to the item commencing, Councillor Michael Muir declare a declarable interest as he was the President of Royal British Legion.

Prior to the item commencing, Councillor Michael Weeks declared a declaable interest as he was the Treasurer of the Royal British Legion.

Janice Middleton, Secretary of the Baldock & District branch of the Royal British Legion thanked the Chairman for the opportunity to address the Committee regarding their grant application.

Janice Middleton informed Members of the following:

·                That she had been in post for the last 3 years;

·                The Legion started in 1921, Baldock had a branch which closed in 1960.  The Legion became the Royal British Legion in 1973 and as a branch, Baldock reopened in 2006.  It was quite an established branch although very small;

·                There were many social events and as many members were quite elderly, it was the responsibility of the younger branch members to carry out the functions;

·                For Armed Forces Day 2018 – there was a gazeebo in the town and unfortunately a gust of wind just took it!  It ruffled all the bars and therefore was beyond repair. 

·                They were applying for a gazeebo and also a banner which, they had been prevented from obtaining due to lack of funds;

·                The presence of a banner would hopefully raise the profile of the Royal British Legion. The majority of fundraising was generally done by the Royal British Legion through concerts, raffles, BBQ’s, boot sales, parties, etc.

·                Mr and Mrs Middleton had been the main collectors for the Poppy Appeal for the past 12 years.  The money from that did not go directly to the branch; it went to a different section of the British Legion so therefore any funds directly to Baldock branch were as a result of their own fundraising. 

·                They wanted to use their banner on Remembrance Sunday to entice new members.  New members are always being sought however, as with most of the groups in the town, they are diminishing in numbers;

In response to questions from Members Janet Middletonadvised that:

·                £220 was requested for the gazeebo and the banner, with the hope that this would be sufficient.  They have tried a couple of different gazeebos however despite using the relevant bags and being tied down, the last one still blew away.  The new gazeebo would need to be more robust.

·                They were planning to buy an ordinary gazeebo and then put the banner up or tie it onto the gazeebo. 

·                Having been advised by members that there were vents that could be opened if it was windy, Janet Middleton stated that she would seek advice from them about the gazeebo type when the time came to replace this. 

The Chairman thanked Janet Middleton for her presentation.

Susan Gibbons, a member of the North Herts Multiple Sclerosis Society, thanked the Chairman for the opportunity to address the Committee regarding their grant application for an innovative exercise bike for North Herts Physio Group.

The Chairman thanked Sue for her presentation.

Audio recording – Start time of Item – 32 minutes 20 seconds

Susan Gibbons, a member of the North Herts Multiple Sclerosis Society, thanked the Chairman for the opportunity to address the Committee regarding their grant application for an innovative exercise bike for North Herts Physio Group.

Sue informed Members of the following:

·                The bike was recommended by their physio who had 30 years’ experience in neuro and physiotherapy and had been working with the group for over 25 years. 

·                The bike provided bilateral and symmetrical exercise which enabled mobility, strengthening and coordination for both upper and lower limbs.  The stability of the design offered more support to a greater range of users including those who had limited movement or spasms. 

·                Motivational aspects were included within the programmes which would further enhance the benefits of users, encouraging symmetry and motivation to go further or faster. 

·                The company which provided the bike demonstrated its capabilities at one of the physio sessions and the members were very impressed.

·                Each physio session was attended by individuals of mixed ability, including wheelchair users.

·                Their physio was supported by a volunteer, retired physio and two pilates instructors (one of whom was also occupational therapy trained).

·                The physio, in addition to other activities, was offered to their members. 

·                The Society was reliant on fundraising as it payed for literally everything.  Funds were mainly sourced from donations and flag day participation throughout North Herts during the year. 

·                Tesco had kindly made a donation towards the bike.

·                David Martin, CEO of the MS Trust would be attending a club meeting with a view to developing links with regard to training of health professionals, research, pamphlets and they had their own, informative magazine called Open Door.

·                The Society had its own magazines and newsletter.

In response to questions from Members Sueadvised that:

·                The bike was going to be used once a week at Hadleigh and there was a high possibility that they would be able to expand the number of days and venues.  Hadleigh was a central location and the costs were low.  Transport would be required to move the bike between locations.

·                Hadleigh was social supported living accommodation and was secured by codes.  The bike was locked in a cupboard and if anyone were to attempt to take it, they would need to make a lot of noise. 

·                Non-MS Society members who had MS could still approach the Society with a view to being a part of the sessions.

·                A grant committee provided funding for various items of equipment to help members and non-MS Society members who might not be able to get these from Adult Services.  The grant team dealt with any incoming requests on merit and in order of priority.  Donations could also be made towards specialised equipment.

·                This service was advertised on the website.

·                The number of people who would benefit from the use of the bike would vary as their needs and abilities differ.  The bike could also be programmed for each individual.  ...  view the full minutes text for item 37.

RESOLVED: 

(1)       That grant funding of £1000 be awarded to Baldock Crusaders Netball Tean for equipment for training and coaching, court hire equipment and training facilities and this would be split as follows:

Weston and Sandon: £60 to be taken from 2018/19 base budget

Arbury:                        £170 (18%) from 2017/18 base budget

Baldock Town:           £585 (76%) to be taken from 2017/18 base budget

Baldock East              £185 (24%) to be taken from 2017/18 base budget

(2)       That grant funding of £800 be awarded to Saracens Cricket Club for equipment and training sessions.  This would be split between Baldock Town and Baldock East as follows:

Baldock Town:  £608 (76%)

Baldock East:    £192 (24%) – 2017/18 base budget.

(3)       That grant funding of £750 be awarded to Baldock Cricket Club for the development of youth coaching and to encourage youth participation.  This would be split between Baldock Town and Baldock East as follows:

Baldock Town:    £570 (76%)

Baldock East:      £180 (24%) – 2017/18 base budget

(4)       That grant funding of £220 be awarded to The Royal British Legion to purchase a more robust gazeebo and a banner and this would be split between Baldock Town and Baldock East as follows:

Baldock Town:  £167 (76%)

Baldock East:    £53 (24%) – 2017/18 base budget.

(5)       That grant funding of £740 be awarded to North Herts MS Society for the purchase of a specialist exercise bike and the associated running costs.  This would be split as follows:

Weston & Sandon:     £60 to be taken from 2018/19 budget

Arbury:                        £122 (18%) to be taken from 2017/18 budget

Baldock Town:           £424 (76%) from the 2018/19 base budget

Baldock East:             £134 (24%) from the 2017/18 budget

(6)       That grant funding of £200 be awarded tp purchase a new Union Flag for Baldock High Street.  This would be split as follows:

Baldock Town:       £152 (76%) from the 2018/19 base budget

Baldock East:        £48   (24%) from the 2017/18 carry forward

REASON FOR DECISION:

To improve services provided by local organisations and groups which are accessed by the community.

Audio Recording  - Start time of Item – 53 minutes and 13 seconds

The Communities Officer presented the report entitled Grants and Community Update

RESOLVED:

(1)       That grant funding of £1000 be awarded to Baldock Crusaders Netball Tean for equipment for training and coaching, court hire equipment and training facilities and this would be split as follows:

Weston and Sandon: £60 to be taken from 2018/19 base budget

Arbury:                        £170 (18%) from 2017/18 base budget

Baldock Town:           £585 (76%) to be taken from 2017/18 base budget

Baldock East              £185 (24%) to be taken from 2017/18 base budget

(2)       That grant funding of £800 be awarded to Saracens Cricket Club for equipment and training sessions.  This would be split between Baldock Town and Baldock East as follows:

Baldock Town:  £608 (76%)

Baldock East:    £192 (24%) – 2017/18 base budget.

(3)       That grant funding of £750 be awarded to Baldock Cricket Club for the development of youth coaching and to encourage youth participation.  This would be split between Baldock Town and Baldock East as follows:

Baldock Town:    £570 (76%)

Baldock East:      £180 (24%) – 2017/18 base budget

(4)       That grant funding of £220 be awarded to The Royal British Legion to purchase a more robust gazeebo and a banner and this would be split between Baldock Town and Baldock East as follows:

Baldock Town:  £167 (76%)

Baldock East:    £53 (24%) – 2017/18 base budget.

(5)       That grant funding of £740 be awarded to North Herts MS Society for the purchase of a specialist exercise bike and the associated running costs.  This would be split as follows:

Weston & Sandon:     £60 to be taken from 2018/19 budget

Arbury:                        £122 (18%) to be taken from 2017/18 budget

Baldock Town:           £424 (76%) from the 2018/19 base budget

Baldock East:             £134 (24%) from the 2017/18 budget

(6)       That grant funding of £200 be awarded tp purchase a new Union Flag for Baldock High Street.  This would be split as follows:

Baldock Town:       £152 (76%) from the 2018/19 base budget

Baldock East:        £48   (24%) from the 2017/18 carry forward

REASON FOR DECISION:

To improve services provided by local organisations and groups which are accessed by the community.

To receive a quarterly oral update on Baldock Community Events.

Members discussed the following:

·                The Baldock Cycling Challenge - 15/07/2018

·                Rat Run – Baldock’s first ever 5K run

·                Baldock Christmas Fair – 1^st December 2018

·                Baldock Fair

·                Baldock Community Fireworks - 20^th October 2018.

Audio Recording  - Start time of Item – 1 hour, 10 minutes and 38 seconds

The Baldock Cycling Challenge - 15/07/2018

The Communities Officer advised that there was a shortage of participants three weeks’ before however there were 180/190 cyclists on the day.  It was well organised, well supported and incident-free.  Everyone commented on how much they enjoyed it. 

Rat Run – Baldock’s first ever 5K run

There were 120 booked in at the time of today’s meeting.  The event had more obstacles including kissing gates, steps and it crossed fields with cattle.  Ashley stated that he had walked the course with Sam.  The Police had been advised of the necessary road closures required.  The Marshall Coordinator was going to walk around the course with the Marshalls so they knew where to stand.  Crowd control barriers were going to be used to direct people to the start.  Organised by ‘Sports Therapy for You’ to celebrate 10 years of their presence in Baldock.  There was going to be a singer/entertainer appearing on the day.  Start time 10am from White Horse Street towards St Mary’s Church and Church Street.  End time 1pm.  Norton Road Bridge would be open with effect from Friday. 

Baldock Christmas Fair – 1^st December 2018:

Work was underway with the Rotary Club and Baldock Festival to upgrade the Christmas lights.  There was a proper switch-on ceremony and music. 

Baldock Rotary Club thanked two organisations, The Festival and the Beer Festival contributed £3000 and £3500.  The Rotary Club contributed £3000 so there was £9500 being spent to update the lights.  15 new panels were ordered.  All the old panels were tested.  A digital timer was discussed to replace existing timer. 

The event began at 10am and finished at 6pm so it was dark when all the lights were switched on. 

Baldock Fair:

The traffic management company who have supported the fair for the last 11-12 years pulled out at the last minute due to staff leaving the company.  Five different organisations were contacted and Chevron were asked whether they could cover this year’s event and they were chased.  Chevron hold all the branded signage so they were asked to return it.  A Ringway contact was suggested.  Advertising was organised and everything else put into place. 

Baldock Community Fireworks - 20^th October 2018:

First planning meeting on Friday.  Event held at Hartsfield School.

To receive any oral reports from Members regarding Ward matters and Outside Organisations.

Members discussed the following:

·                Baldock Events Forum

Audio recording - Start time of item 1 hour, 27 minutes, 15 seconds

Members’ Reports

BALDOCK EVENTS FORUM

Councillor Jim McNally stated that Baldock did not have the advantage of a bid and was not there at the beginning when most of the money was handed out by NHDC; so the Events Forum had very little money with no support and had to start from scratch.  In order to continue the Forum needed a sustainable income stream.  Part of that plan was to have a 200 Club whereby people contribute £10 per month with a maximum of 200 members with the possibility of winning £400 each month.  Prize money would be £800 if there were 200 members.  1^st prize £400, 2^nd prize £300, 3^rd prize £200. 

Baldock’s Events Forum web page – more people needed to sign up.  This was due to poor marketing and failure to capture peoples’ imaginations.