MINUTES OF RYDE TOWN COUNCIL’S FULL COUNCIL MEETING HELD ON MONDAY 6 MARCH 2023 AT 7.00PM IN THE METHODIST CHURCH, GARFIELD ROAD, RYDE.
12 Members of the public attended.
PUBLIC QUESTION TIME
DRAFT
A question was asked by a member of the public regarding the regular Police Updates at Full Council meetings and if Cllr Lucioni, in her role as the Isle of Wight Councils Cabinet Member for Community Protection could provide an update on her recent meeting with Donna Jones, the Hampshire and Isle of Wight Police Commissioner.
John Taylor of the Royal British Legion expressed his great concern over the loss of the Book of Remembrance which had been intrusted with Ryde Town Council. After much effort to locate the book which had been unsuccessful, a new version would be created by Mr Taylor at his own expense which would be bound and given a correct dedication. The mayor was therefore asked if Ryde Town Council would give assurances that this would be kept in a secure place with no repeat of the loss of the original one.
The mayor apologised for the loss of the original book, which was due to an unfortunate internal miscommunication and gave assurances that any new book would be looked after correctly and securely with no repeat of the original incident. In order to help achieve this, an agreement with both parties can be created on the future use of the Book of Condolences. The Mayor also offered for Ryde Town Council to pay for the binding and dedication of the new book, which Mr Taylor politely declined.
All Councillors noted the recent election of Cllr Diana Conyers to Ryde Town Council representing Ryde North West and Cllr Conyers was welcomed by the mayor.
Cllr Conyers then read out and signed the Declaration of Acceptance of Office in front of the Proper Officer (the Clerk) and received a copy of the Code of Conduct.
Apologies were received from Cllrs Georgie Carter, Charles Chapman, Ian Dore, and Les Kirkby.
Cllr Malcolm Ross declared an interest in minute number 33/23 (item 17 on the agenda), Ryde Carnival – Creation of Partnership, as he was the Marketing and Processions Officer of Ryde Carnival.
None requested.
The minutes to the meeting of Full Council held on 30 January 2023 were reviewed and the following was:
RESOLVED:
DRAFT
The Clerk provided members with an update on the following:
Lifeguard Station
The lifeguard stations renovation had begun and contractors for roof replacement, flooring replacement, external staircase/roof railing extension, electrical works, and door repairs had been appointed. The roofing works had been completed, whilst the staircase and railing, electrical, doors and flooring would begin soon. Smaller jobs would be completed by Ryde Town Council staff. All works would be completed by mid-April prior to the start of the Life Guard’s seasonal work.
Ryde Marina
Since taking over the Marina in April 2022, Ryde Town Council had achieved various objectives which were outlined in the original Business Plan. A comprehensive list of the items which had either been completed or had begun was noted. Those completed included:
New Marina Office and Beachfront Store
CCTV for the Marina
New system of record keeping and accounts
18 replacement Flag poles
New power supply to Marina Office
New Entrance Channel Buoyage
Rebranding of Beachfront Services
Community Development
This was progressing well, and the uptake of the food and fuel vouchers had been extremely popular with many identified as ‘Just About Managing’ applying for them. A further £4,000 had been applied for to cover more vouchers which would need to be spent by the end of the financial year.
Appley Tower
Heritage Lottery Funding had officially been confirmed and the ownership of the tower on a 25-year lease was being transferred to Natural Enterprise.
Following the granting of planning permission for the renovations to the tower and the creation of four beach huts the Local Planning Authority (LPA) were considering the detailed Building Regulations drawings, which would require approval before any work could commence.
Subject to LPA approval it was anticipated that it would be possible to seek tenders for the tower renovations in April 2023 with the aim of any work to commence in the summer. Natural Enterprise would be seeking 12 volunteers to help research the history of the tower and the people associated with it.
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Members were advised that any works carried out should not impede the enjoyment of local residents and tourists visiting Appley Park and its adjoining beach and amenities. The works would be carried out in stages over a 12-month period.
Cllr Hanley advised members that part of his manifesto to seek election to the Ryde Appley and Elmfield seat was to ‘prioritise the revitalisation of the Ryde Splash Park in remembrance of Isaac Hayward’. He added that he would like to see the facility open for the summer of 2023 in a simplified form with funding options explored which included charitable donations from visitors. Therefore, would Ryde Town Council support his aspiration to open the park for the summer of 2023?
The mayor replied by stating that the relevant working group would need to meet and explore all options with any recommendations fed back to the correct committee for a decision, which could also require a Full Council decision.
Cllr Conyers asked why there was no item on the agenda where members of outside bodies, such as IWALC (Isle of Wight Association of Local Councils) could provide updates on latest developments. It was noted that this would be reinstated on future agendas.
The mayor’s report was circulated prior to the meeting and included the following, which members noted:
Mayor’s Pancake Challenge and Poverty Campaign - This year’s event was held on the 21 February 2023 and was in two parts. The first part was a pancake flipping contest with pupils from Oakfield Primary School. Later an adult pancake flipping contest hosted by Pickle and Dill with a follow up event at the Star Ale and Coffee House took place. The final figure raised was £2,128.07p which would be split between Ryde Foodbank, Oakfield Community Pantry, Oakvale Foodshare, and Ryde Aspire food project.
Ryde Community Development Trust - Wight Ice Leisure Charity had fully agreed to transform into Ryde Community Development Trust and has instigated the name change. The Trust was inviting new trustees to join its board with relevant skills, so that a new transition board could be in place by end the of April to work with Ryde Town Council in developing its aims, objectives, and business plan.
Ryde Mayor’s Dinner and Fundraising Event - The final fundraising event will be to launch Ryde Community Development Trust and raise initial funds. The date and venue for the Mayors Dinner would be in the evening of Saturday, 13 May 2023 at Ryde School. The event would be self-funded with a celebration of talent and development of local initiatives and invention.
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Channel 5 series about Isle of Wight - In 2022, Channel 5 made four TV programmes about the Isle of Wight, which included a film about Ryde. Local singing entertainer Derek Sandy and the ‘Isle of Wight Has Talent’ competition on Eastern Gardens featured as well as the mayor and the Town Councils Marina Team.
Noting of Minutes to Meeting
The approved minutes of the Finance and Community and Resources Committee held on 17 January 2023 were noted.
Noting of Minutes to Meeting
The approved minutes of the Place, Neighbourhood and Planning Committee held on 13 December 2022 were noted.
WSP report: Ryde Esplanade - Strategic Opportunities Development Framework
The report commissioned by the Isle of Wight Council provided a set of ideas on how Ryde Esplanade could be developed in the future.
Members noted the report but there were some concerns that there had been a lack of consultation with members of the Town Council during its drafting. It was also noted that some members believed that the report was somewhat weak in places and needed to be more robust. There were also concerns that there wasn’t a clear strategy of how things would move forward.
High Street Heritage Action Zone (HSHAZ) - To note that the IWC had applied for ‘Active Travel’ funding to further improve the High Street.
Members noted that the Isle of Wight Council had applied for ‘Active Travel’ funding to further improve the High Street.
It was noted that some members had experienced issues around accessing HSHAZ consultation and improvements around this matter would be looked into.
Members were to receive an important announcement regarding the facility, but owing to Central Government changes, this should now take place at the next meeting of Full Council.
To note the resolution from the Finance Committee meeting on the 28 February 2023 regarding a budget for the project.
Members noted the approved the cost of £5,000 to cover legal costs of entering into a 25-year lease with SSE for land adjoining the Quarry Road Allotments.
To agree the plans for the extension of Quarry Road allotment by entering into a lease with SSE to provide additional allotment plots, accessible plots, and a Community Garden.
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Members were advised that the the land would be used to offer accessible allotments sites, accessible toilet, a community orchard, and wildlife space, which all align with Ryde Town Councils Corporate Plan. Volunteers would be utilised to clear the land with an ultimate aim to have an official opening by the King.
Members were assured that this part of the Quarry Road allotments had not been subject to any Japanese Knotweed.
Following a proposer, seconder, and a vote via a show of hands the following was:
RESOLVED:
To receive the notes from the Network Ryde Management Group held on 25 May 2022.
Members received the notes from the Network Ryde Management Group held on 25 May 2022.
To note the updated Staff Structure approved at the Personnel Panel meeting held on the 26 January 2023 Staff Structure.
Members noted the updated Staff Structure approved at the Personnel Panel meeting held on the 26 January 2023.
Members were advised that Ryde would be involved in the Coronation weekend. There would be a Celebration Picnic at St Thomas Garden on 7 May (the day of the Coronation) and Ryde Town Council would work with Ryde Carnival, the New Carnival Company and Shademakers. Victoria Arcade would also hold an event.
There was a suggestion that Eastern Gardens could be used as an alternative site for the Celebration Picnic and that the possibility of using a large screen to show the Coronation could be explored. Members were reminded however that the Town Council needed to be mindful of the residents of the area and not create any unnecessary excess noise. The extra costs of staffing any event over a bank holiday weekend should also be an important area of consideration. Members were therefore asked to consider volunteering to offer helping out over the Coronation weekend in order to minimise costs.
The Marketing and Events Officer and the Business Development Manager would report back as and when event plans unfolded.
DRAFT
Cllr Charles Chapman (who sent apologies ahead of the meeting) had, through the Chair, suggested that Ryde marked the Coronation with a Civic Service at All Saints Church on Sunday 7 May 2023, the day after the event. Members however felt that as there was an Island Service already arranged for that day at St Marys Church in Cowes at 6.00pm, and another service in Ryde might be seen as excessive. The proposition was therefore not supported.
Following a proposer, seconder, and a vote via a show of hands the following was:
RESOLVED:
Cllr Richard May was proposed and seconded and after a vote via a show of hands, the following was:
RESOLVED:
Members were presented with a report which proposed an initial three-year agreement with Ryde Carnival replacing grant funding for Ryde Carnival Association with in-kind support.
Additionally in the initial year, there would be extra support through Waving the Flag funding for marketing spend. The sum would be £5,817.61 and would go direct to Ryde Town Council to allow for extra staff hours and marketing expenses.
Waving the Flag would also have a Marketing Resources budget to pay for the programmes, poster, printing etc and would continue to pay for these. Ryde Town Council would provide various administrative support.
Following a proposer, seconder, and a vote via a show of hands the following was:
RESOLVED:
Owing to the original agreed date for the next meeting falling on the 8 May, which would now be a Bank Holiday to mark the Kings Coronation, it was necessary to move the date back to 15 May 2023.
Following a proposer, seconder, and a vote via a show of hands the following was:
RESOLVED:
DRAFT
Meeting closed at 8.30pm
Signed………………………………………. Michael Lilley
Mayor of Ryde Town Council, 15 May 2023