Venue: Council Chamber, District Council Offices, Gernon Road, Letchworth Garden City
Contact: Scrutiny Officer Email: ScrutinyOfficer@north-herts.gov.uk
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CHAIRMAN'S WELCOME Decision: · The Chairman formally opened the Hearing and the Panel, along with Officers. were introduced. · The Chairman advised that the meeting would be audio recorded and made available on the NHDC website. Minutes: Audio recording – Session 1 - 27 seconds
· The Chairman formally opened the Hearing and the Panel, along with Officers. were introduced. · The Chairman advised that the meeting would be audio recorded and made available on the NHDC website. |
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Decision: · The Chairman explained the format of the hearing and the purpose of the Panel. Minutes: Audio recording – Session 1 – 30 seconds
· The Chairman explained the format of the hearing and the purpose of the Panel. |
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Additional documents:
Decision: The following witnesses had been invited to attend Day 1 to based on their written statement:
· John Robinson; · Colin Dunham; · Chris Parker (Keep Hitchin Special) · Rosemary Read; · Ellie Clarke (Hitchin Forum) and Jane Arnold (Hitchin Society) · Steve Crowley. Minutes: The following witnesses had been invited to attend Day 1 to based on their written statement:
· John Robinson; · Colin Dunham; · Chris Parker (Keep Hitchin Special) · Rosemary Read; · Ellie Clarke (Hitchin Forum) and Jane Arnold (Hitchin Society) · Steve Crowley.
Audio recording – Session 1 –4 minutes 39 seconds
A. Statement of John Robinson
The Chairman welcomed Mr Robinson, explained the format and purpose of the Panel Mr Robinson gave a verbal presentation drawing attention to the following:
· His former position at North Herts District Council. · Partnership relied on project partnership rather than a Development Agreement or any breaches; · There were elements within the written evidence that he concurred with and others that he objected to; · David Morgan’s written evidence was balanced and accurate; · It was clear that senior officers needed to be party to political decisions; · Throughout the Project political influence was significant; · Partnership should not be a replacement for a legally binding contract or public consultation; · Community engagement had largely been the responsibility of HTH Ltd; · There had been some aggressive behaviours experienced from HTH directors; · HTH Ltd had used various forms of media to circulate misinformation, particularly regarding the control of finances; · Confidential information had also been circulated to those not entitled access · The Council had always been clear that there were limited funds for the project; · The Council mostly conducted its business within the public domain; · The involvement of HTH Finance was post his employment at the Council · Mr Robinson provided the Panel with additional documents that were circulated to the Panel, being: A schematic to show the difficulty in managing community, political and Council interests and concerns. A plan showing that construction of the wall across the stage was always intended.
Questions to Mr Robinson were asked by the Panel. John Richardson Questions:
· How could the project have been better managed? · How he took on responsibility for project?
A summary of the response by John Robinson was as follows:
· An effective Council relied on functioning political parties, in this case it was particularly difficult. · Took on responsibility for the project as the Corporate Director of Customer Services - following a restructure the project became part of the remit of that role. This project arose out of Best Value Reviews in 2005. · He had responsibility for managing the Hitchin Town Hall building and this was brought together with the museum review. · On leaving the Council’s employment the majority of the building work had concluded . · Cabinet authorised the capital expenditure.
Councillor Helen Oliver questions:
· Why did Council assume HTH Ltd was responsible for community engagement?
A summary of the response by John Robinson was as follows:
· There had been several attempts to improve the management of Hitchin Town Hall. · A Community initiative came together · Hitchin Initiative, a locally based group, had better connections with public, which was helpful given the opposition to the council plans. · It seemed a good idea, considering the local opposition to the Council’s scheme. · HTH was a much-loved building, but was little used.
Councillor ... view the full minutes text for item 3. |
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Audio Recording of Meeting MP3 59 MB Additional documents: |