Agenda, decisions and minutes

Apologies for absence were received from Councillors Kate Aspinwall, Julian Cunningham, Paul Marment, Sue Ngwala and Deepak Sangha.

Apologies for absence were received from Councillors Kate Aspinwall, Julian Cunningham, Paul Marment, Sue Ngwala and Deepak Sangha.

To take as read and approve as a true record the minutes of the meeting of this Committee held on the 6 June 2018.

These Minutes are to follow

The Chairman advised that the Acting Committee and Member Services Manager had apologised that the Minutes for 6 June 2018 had not yet been published.

She had provided a copy of the Decision Sheet for information and the Minutes would be agreed at the next meeting.

The Chairman advised that the Acting Committee and Member Services Manager had apologised that the Minutes for 6 June 2018 had not yet been published.

She had provided a copy of the Decision Sheet for information and the Minutes would be agreed at the next meeting.

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.

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 everyone to this meeting of the Letchworth Committee;

(2)       The Chairman thanked those who had attended Town Talk and those attending this meeting to give a presentation;

(3)       The Chairman reminded Members that the joint meeting with the Letchworth Heritage Foundation would take place on 26 September 2018;

(4)       The Chairman advised that, in accordance with Council policy, this meeting was being audio recorded, members of the public may use their own devices to record the meeting or take photographs, but ensure that the meeting was not disrupted;

(5)       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.

(1)       The Chairman welcomed everyone to this meeting of the Letchworth Committee;

(2)       The Chairman thanked those who had attended Town Talk and those attending this meeting to give a presentation;

(3)       The Chairman reminded Members that the joint meeting with the Letchworth Heritage Foundation would take place on 26 September 2018;

(4)       The Chairman advised that, in accordance with Council policy, this meeting was being audio recorded, members of the public may use their own devices to record the meeting or take photographs, but ensure that the meeting was not disrupted;

(5)       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.

Ms Susan Gibbins, Support Volunteer, North Hertfordshire MS Society, thanked the Chairman for the opportunity to address the Committee regarding their grant application as follows:

·                Funding was requested to purchase an innovative bike that would be of enormous benefit to the North Herts MS group;

·                The bike had been recommended by their physiotherapist, who had over 30 years experience and had been working with this group for more than 20 years;

·                It would provide bilateral and symmetrical exercise, enabling mobility, strengthening and co-ordination for upper and lower limbs;

·                The stability of the design offered more support for a greater range of users, including for those with more limited movement;

·                There were a number of motivational aspects to further enhance the benefits for users, encouraging them to go further or faster;

·                The programmes could be measured and recorded;

·                A demonstration of its capabilities had been given and members were very impressed;

·                Each physiotherapy session was well attended by mixed ability individuals including some wheelchair users;

·                New people joining the group were assessed by the physiotherapist;

·                Physiotherapy was only one if the activities offered to members;

·                Activities were paid for by the North Herts MS group;

·                The group celebrated its 60^th anniversary in 2018 with high tea at Knebworth Barns for 65 members;

·                Each year they organised outings and a Christmas lunch;

·                Funding relied on donations and participating in flag days;

·                They had been included in the Tesco Token initiative.

The following Members asked questions:

·                    Councillor Needham;

·                    Councillor Rice:

·                    Councillor Oliver.

The Chairman thanked Ms Gibbins for her presentation.

Prior to the item being considered Councillor Helen Oliver declared a declarable interest in that the Wednesday Drop In Club met at the Methodist Church where she worked. However, she was not connected to room rental and the rental of the room would not affect her employment.

Mr John Sharman and Mr George Liddle, Wednesday Drop In Club, gave a verbal presentation in support of their grant application.

The Chairman thanked Mr Sharman and Mr Liddle for their presentation.

Audio recording – Start time of Item – 7 minutes 11 seconds

Prior to the item being considered Councillor Helen Oliver declared a declarable interest in that the Wednesday Drop In Club met at the Methodist Church where she worked. However, she was not connected to room rental and the rental of the room would not affect her employment.

Mr John Sharman and Mr George Liddle, Wednesday Drop In Club, gave a verbal presentation in support of their grant application for £1000 towards the cost venue hire, insurance and outings

Mr Sharman gave a description of the events and activities held at the Drop In Club.

He advised that members paid a small fee for teas, coffees and lunch but the Club was reliant on grant aid to cover regular outgoings. The accounts for last year showed a deficit of £1,753.

They had applied for grant funding to Letchworth Garden City Heritage Foundation.

The following Members asked questions:

·                Councillor Grindal;

·                Councillor Levett.

The Chairman thanked Mr Sharman and Mr Liddle for their presentation.

Audio recording – Start time of Item – 14 minutes 39 seconds

Mr Simon Efford, Treasurer, Letchworth Eagles FC, gave a verbal presentation in support of their grant application for £1350 towards the cost of a new set of goal posts

Mr Efford gave a description of the events and activities of the Football Club.

Councillor Hone advised that they had received £1,000 funding from his County Council Locality Budget.

The following Members asked questions:

·                Councillor Levett;

·                Councillor Hone.

The Chairman thanked Mr Efford for his presentation.

Audio recording – Start time of Item – 20 minutes 8 seconds

Ms Christina Butterworth, Letchworth Arts and Leisure Group, gave a verbal presentation in support of their grant application for £500 towards Nordic Walking Poles and training.

Ms Butterworth gave a description of the benefits of using Nordic walking poles.

She had so far funded the Nordic Walking Group herself.

The Arts and Leisure Group had a large bank balance, however most of this this was earmarked for projects and outgoings.

The following Members asked questions:

•        Councillor Needham;

•        Councillor Rice.

The Chairman thanked Ms Butterworth for her presentation.

To receive a presentation from Patricia Saunders, Letchworth BID Manager, regarding activities, events and issues in Letchworth Garden City Town Centre.

Prior to the item being discussed Councillor David Levett declared a declarable interest in that he was a member of the Letchworth BID and he also had a business in the Letchworth town centre. As this item did not require any decision he would remain in the room and listen to the presentation.

Mrs Patricia Saunders, Letchworth Garden City BID Manager, gave a verbal presentation regarding the aims of the BID and the events and activities in the town Centre.

The Chairman thanked Mrs Saunders for her presentation.

Audio recording – Start time of Item – 28 minutes 12 seconds

Prior to the item being discussed Councillor David Levett declared a declarable interest in that he was a member of the Letchworth BID and he also had a business in the Letchworth town centre. As this item did not require any decision he would remain in the room and listen to the presentation.

Mrs Patricia Saunders, Letchworth Garden City BID Manager, gave a verbal presentation regarding the aims of the BID and the events and activities in the town Centre.

She advised that the main area of work at the moment was regarding the renewal of the BID for the next 5 years.

The following Members asked questions:

·                Councillor Oliver;

·                Councillor Needham;

·                Councillor Rice:

·                Councillor Grindal.

The Chairman thanked Mrs Saunders for her presentation.

REPORT OF THE COMMUNITIES MANAGER

To update  the Committee on the activities and actions of the Communities Officer, to advise on the current expenditure and balances of the delegated budgets and to consider applications for grant funding.

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.

REASON FOR DECISION:To keep Members of the Committee apprised of the latest developments in community activities in Letchworth Garden City.

Audio recording – Start time of Item – 56 minutes 19 seconds

The Senior Communities Officer presented the report of the Communities Manager entitled Grants and Community Update. The following Appendix was presented with the report:

·                Appendix 1 - Budget 2018-19.

The following Members asked questions and took part in the debate:

·                Councillor Gary Grindal;

·                Councillor Mike Rice;

·                Councillor Ian Mantle.

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.

REASON FOR DECISION:To keep Members of the Committee apprised of the latest developments in community activities in Letchworth Garden City.

Audio recording – Start time of Item – 59 minutes 54 seconds

The Senior Communities Officer advised that she had provided support to the Society in preparing the application for funding and had split the amount requested between four of the area committees as follows:

Baldock and District Committee         £740                granted

Hitchin Committee                              £1,500             granted

Royston Committee                            £740                granted

Letchworth Committee                       £1,500             yet to be considered.

The following Members took part in the debate:

·                Councillor David Levett.

RESOLVED:That grant funding of £1,500 be awarded to North Herts MS Society from the 2017/18 Discretionary Budget towards the purchase a specialist exercise bike for their physiotherapy sessions.

REASON FOR DECISION:To improve services provided by local organisations and groups which are accessed by the community.

Audio recording – Start time of Item – 1 hour 2 minutes 8 seconds

The following Members took part in the debate:

·                Councillor Ian Mantle;

·                Councillor Gary Grindal.

RESOLVED:That grant funding of £1,000 be awarded to Wednesday Drop In Club from the 2017/18 Discretionary Budget towards the cost of venue hire, insurance and outings.

REASON FOR DECISION:To improve services provided by local organisations and groups which are accessed by the community.

Prior to the item being discussed Councillor Mike Rice declared a declarable interest in that his Grandson played for the Letchworth Eagles under 16 team. As the proposed goal posts wee for this team he would take no part on the debate or vote.

RESOLVED: That grant funding of £1,350 be awarded to Letchworth Garden City Eagles Youth Football Club from the 2017/18 Discretionary Budget towards the cost of a new set of goal posts.

REASON FOR DECISION: To improve services provided by local organisations and groups which are accessed by the community.

Audio recording – Start of Item – 56 minutes 49 seconds

Prior to the item being discussed Councillor Mike Rice declared a declarable interest in that his Grandson played for the Letchworth Eagles under 16 team. As the proposed goal posts wee for this team he would take no part on the debate or vote.

The following Members took part in the debate:

·                Councillor Lynda Needham;

·                Councillor Ian Mantle;

·                Councillor Grindal.

RESOLVED: That grant funding of £1,350 be awarded to Letchworth Garden City Eagles Youth Football Club from the 2017/18 Discretionary Budget towards the cost of a new set of goal posts.

REASON FOR DECISION: To improve services provided by local organisations and groups which are accessed by the community.

Audio recording – Start time of Item – 1 hour 4 minutes 1 second

The Senior Communities Officer reminded Members that the Letchworth Arts and Leisure Group was an umbrella group which had many smaller groups within its compass.

The following Members took part in the debate:

·           Councillor Terry Hone;

·           Councillor Gary Grindal;

·           Councillor Helen Oliver.

RESOLVED: That grant funding of £500 be awarded to Letchworth Arts and Leisure Group from the 2017/18 Discretionary Budget towards the cost of Nordic walking poles for the Nordic Walking Group.

REASON FOR DECISION: To enable the Letchworth Committee to choose whether to award grant funding to groups and organisations.

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

Members gave verbal updates on the following subjects:

·                Jackmans Play Area;

·                Howard Garden Social Centre;

·                Best Before Café;

·                Lister Hospital Health Shuttle.

Audio recording – Start time of Item – 1 hour 10 minutes 29 seconds

Jackmans Play Area

Councillor Levett gave an update regarding the reopening of the Jackmans Play Area.

Howard Garden Social Centre

Councillor Levett gave an update regarding the Howard Garden Social Centre.

Best Before Café

Councillor Allen gave an uodate regarding the Best Before Café.

Lister Hospital Health Shuttle

Councillor Grindal advised that the Health Shuttle from Lister Hospital was being removed.

To view the report entitled Transfer of Letchworth Garden City Museum Collections from North Hertfordshire District Council (NHDC) Museum Service to the Letchworth Garden City Heritage Foundation (LGCHF) Garden City Collection prior to consideration by Cabinet.

RECOMMEDED TO CABINET: That the Letchworth Committee was unanimously in support of the proposal to transfer the Letchworth Garden City Museum Collections  to Letchworth Garden City Heritage Foundation Garden City Collection.

REASON FOR DECISION: To enable the Letchworth Committee to comment on the transfer of the Letchworth Garden City Museum Collections to Letchworth Garden City Heritage Foundation Garden City Collection prior to consideration by Cabinet.

Audio recording – Start time of Item – 1 hour 14 minutes 5 seconds

The Committee received an Information note entitled Transfer of Letchworth Garden City Museum Collections from North Hertfordshire District Council (NHDC) Museum Service to the Letchworth Garden City Heritage Foundation (LGHF) Garden City Collection.

Members noted that the collections had been in the custody of Letchworth Heritage Foundation for some time and were on display in their museum.

Members were fully supportive of the transfer of the collection.

It was proposed, seconded and:

RECOMMEDED TO CABINET: That the Letchworth Committee was unanimously in support of the proposal to transfer the Letchworth Garden City Museum Collections  to Letchworth Garden City Heritage Foundation Garden City Collection.

REASON FOR DECISION: To enable the Letchworth Committee to comment on the transfer of the Letchworth Garden City Museum Collections to Letchworth Garden City Heritage Foundation Garden City Collection prior to consideration by Cabinet.