MINUTES OF RYDE TOWN COUNCIL’S MEETING OF FULL COUNCIL HELD ON MONDAY 26 JUNE 2023 AT 7.00PM IN THE GEORGE STREET CENTRE, BAPTIST CHURCH, RYDE.
5 Members of the public attended.
PUBLIC QUESTION TIME
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A question was asked around the lack of shelters and seating that provide shade in the new bus station as part of the Ryde Transport Interchange project and if it could be looked into. The Isle of Wight Councils Cabinet Member who covers Transport and Highways advised that further seating will be added in due course with additional trees to aid with shading. It was also noted that work on the train and bus station will commence in the Autumn.
Cllrs Les Kirkby, Karen Lucioni, Jenna Sabine, and Ian Stephens.
None declared.
None requested.
It was noted that regarding minute 45/23 paragraph 2, it should have stated that ‘plans and options were discussed by the Vectis Hall Working Group, but nothing had been agreed so far’ as opposed to stating, ‘no plans could be revealed at the current time, although a number of options were being discussed’.
After a proposer, seconder, and a vote via a show of hands, the following was:
RESOLVED:
Members were requested to consider and approve the following:
Section 1 - Annual Governance Statement (AGS) 2022-2023.
Members considered the AGS, which ensured there was a sound system of internal control within the Town Council. Members of the Finance and Community Resources Committee recommended the statement for approval by Full Council.
After a proposer, seconder, and a vote via a show of hands, the following was:
RESOLVED:
The mayor (Chairman) and the Town Clerk then signed the Annual Governance Statement 2022-2023.
Section 2 - Annual Accounting Statements (AAS) 2022-2023.
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Members considered for approval the AAS and the breakdown of the various areas of expenditure for year ended 31 March 2023, as recommended by members of the Finance and Community Resources Committee.
After a proposer, seconder, and a vote via a show of hands, the following was:
RESOLVED:
The mayor (Chairman) then signed the Annual Governance Statement 2022-2023.
Internal Audit Report 2022-2023.
Members considered for approval a report from the Town Councils Internal Auditor which evaluated the effectiveness of its risk management, control, and governance processes, taking into account the public sector internal auditing standards or guidance.
RESOLVED:
Notice of Public Rights Dates.
After a proposer, seconder, and a vote via a show of hands, the following was:
RESOLVED:
The mayor circulated a report ahead of the meeting which included the following: The following was also highlighted:
St Thomas' Church Information Day – The event held on Saturday, 24 June provided by Network Ryde staff and users, gave councillors and the public an opportunity to ask questions on progress so far as well as being given a tour of the new facility. The mayor expressed his admiration for the work of the young people and his thanks to the Youth Worker, Kaiya Woodford.
Armed Forces Day – The event, which was held on Sunday, 25 June was a huge success with aerial displays from a Spitfire formation team and the Royal Navy Parachute Display Team as well as marching bands and other forms of entertainment.
The mayor thanked Cllr Ian Dore and Hannah East, the Town Councils Events and Marketing Manager, for all their hard work in making the event the successful one it was.
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The Clerk provided updates on the following items:
St Thomas’ Church – Work was progressing well and on schedule. Contracts had recently been awarded for solar panels, electric works and heating and work on these should start soon.
Ryde Marina – Work had begun to clear the Marina arm of sand and should be completed by 27 June 2023. The Wayleave agreement between the Isle of Wight Council and Scottish and Southern Energy (SSE) had been agreed and work will be starting in due course to install the electric supply to the pontoons for berth holders.
Armed Forces Day – As stated by the mayor, the event was a big success and thanks were expressed to all involved in the organisation and help on the day. The clerk highlighted special thanks to Hannah, Cllr Dore, and the IW Armed Forces Committee.
Meet the Funders Day – The ‘Ryde Meet the Funders’ event will go ahead on Thursday, 6 July 2023. Thanks were given to Alison Pierce and Liz Dutton (the Town Councils Community Development Officer and Administration Officer) for their hard work. The event was now at capacity, and due to its popularity, IW Community Action were looking at hosting an additional event for the whole Island.
Grant Applications – An Expression of Interest has been submitted to the Architectural Heritage Fund for a Heritage Development Trust Grant and a response was expected by 14 July 2023. A further application for £26,295 has also been made to the Connect for Communities Fund, for Cost-of-Living support for local residents. A response should be received by late July.
Members agreed that a press release should be issued to highlight the Town Councils commitment to helping the community and securing such grant funding.
St Johns Public Convenience Structural Report – Members noted a report from Elmstone Engineering which confirmed observations from their site inspection of the toilets on Wednesday, 7 June 2023. The purpose of the inspection was to comment on cracks within the building and to propose remedial works.
There were several recommendations which needed to be adopted, subject to further intrusive investigations or detailed remedial design as appropriate, in order to progress.
Members were required to consider the following:
Amendments to the Committees, Sub-Committees and Working Groups as outlined in the Terms of Reference Booklet.
New Committee Structure.
Owing to there still being some areas of the proposals needing to be discussed in more detail, it was agreed to defer the item until a future meeting of Full Council.
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Minutes of the Finance and Community Resources Committee meeting held on 25 April 2023 and to consider any recommendations arising from the meeting held on 20 June 2023.
The approved minutes of the meeting held on 25 April were noted. There were no further recommendations from the meeting held on 20 June 2023.
To approve the Financial Risk Assessment for 2023/24.
Members considered the assessment dated 31 March 2023. Cllr Lilley wished to place on record his thanks to the Responsible Finance Officer, Tara Bloomfield on the high standard of work being carried out within Finance.
After a proposer, seconder, and a vote via a show of hands, the following was:
RESOLVED:
Place, Neighbourhood and Planning Committee meeting held on 09 May 2023 and the 30 May 2023.
The approved minutes of the meetings held on 9 May and 30 May 2023 were noted. There were no recommendations from the meeting held on 19 June 2023.
To appoint a member to the Place, Planning and Neighbourhood Committee.
There were no nominations. The committee therefore remains with one vacancy.
Cllr Ian Dore made a further comment on the Isle of Wight Armed Forces Day event held in Ryde and advised members that it was attended by more people than the Portsmouth event held at Southsea Common on the previous week and many local businesses were able to capitalise on the much-needed additional trade. Cllr Dore also echoed the mayor’s gratitude to Hannah East for the work she had put in to ensure the day was a major success.
Cllr Cooke advised that the Isla of Wight Association of Local Council (IWALC) would soon be holding their Annual General Meeting and he would report back from that meeting at the next meeting of Full Council.
Cllr Lilley advised that a full committee was now in place for the Ryde Community Development Trust and its first meeting would be looking at various areas of funding.
Cllr Conyers reported on the new artwork on the WightFibre cabinet near the top of George Street and added that It was part of an initiative to encourage constructive graffiti in the town.
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Cllr Elliott reported on the recent public meeting with the Police and Crime Commissioner, stating it was a positive meeting. She also commented on a recent visit to Monkton Arts where various projects by University of Portsmouth students were on display as well as highlighting the progress in getting together a Ryde Youth Council. Finally Isle of Wight Pride 2023 was once again being held in Ryde would be on 15 July and the of Network Ryde in helping to organise the event was acknowledged and appreciated.
Cllr Chapman asked if the Fiveways Shelter could be looked at as it was overgrown with weeds and litter. Ryde Town Council would contact the Isle of Wight Council who own the shelter to enquire if it could be addressed.
Cllr Cooke asked about the Dover Street Shelter and its use for storage. It was noted that the building was extremely dirty, needing work and following a meeting with the Isle of Wight Council and the matter of it possibly being subject to business rates, it may be of no value. Storage therefore could therefore remain a problem.
Cllr Lilley asked if specialised bins could be put in the Men’s Public toilets to address specific needs for those with prostrate issues. Ryde Town Council would investigate.
Cllr Lilley also asked why there was still no Memorandum of Understanding agreed between Ryde Town Council and the Isle of Wight Council and could a letter be sent to them asking for the matter to be resolved. The Clerk said a letter would be sent.
The next meeting of Full Council would be held on Monday, 24 July 2023 in the upper room at Ryde Baptist Church (George Street Centre), George Street, Ryde.
Meeting closed at 8.00pm
Signed………………………………………. Cllr Richard may
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Mayor of Ryde Town Council, 24 July 2023