Agenda and minutes

Apologies for absence were received from Cllr Mrs Cornes and Cllr Mrs Winfield. 

To confirm the minutes of the previous meeting of the Committee held on 19 March 2013. 

The minutes of the meeting held on 19 March 2013 were confirmed as a correct record. 

To receive declarations of interest from Members on items included in the agenda.  

There were no declarations of interest. 

To receive a report on the Public Sector Commissioning in Partnership (PSCiP). 

The Senior Members’ Services Officer gave an update to the report.  He stated that the County Council had put the timescales back further and therefore the contract with CAB/ Age UK would be extended until the end of the financial year.

RESOLVED: That the report be noted. 

To receive an update report on Keele Golf Course from the Head of Leisure and Cultural Services. 

The Executive Director for Operational Services introduced a report on Keele Golf Course.  He stated that the report set out the actions taken since the previous operator had gone into voluntary liquidation.  A temporary arrangement was in place with Glendale Managed Services who were carrying out grounds maintenance of the course and the overall management.  This had hopefully provided a seamless arrangement for the users of the course.  He was pleased to report that notices had been placed in the Trade Press inviting suitable operators to lease the course to ensure its continued operation.  There was essentially a two stage process.  The first being to obtain expressions of interest and the second was to compose a shortlist and develop a more detailed proposal showing the clear intent for the course, which would form the lease. 

The Chair stated that it was important for prospective operators to understand that it was a municipal golf course and not a private golf course. 

RESOLVED: That the Committee receives a further report when the marketing process has been completed. 

To consider a report on Kidsgrove Sports Centre. 

A Member stated that Kidsgrove Sports Centre had been closed once already for twelve months and there had been trouble with the plant since that time.  It had been very difficult to get the admission numbers to return to normal levels since the closure.  He wanted to have a better understanding of the responsibilities of the interested parties in the event of the building going wrong.  If the building was intended to be replaced, there was a need to understand the timescales and the business plan.

The Chair stated that there was a concern that if money was spent on keeping the building up and running in the short term, which was then ultimately replaced, a considerable amount of money could be determined to have not been wisely spent.  It was therefore important to plan ahead and be kept well informed.  He requested that a meeting be arranged with the Headmaster and Chair of Governors’ of the School and County Council officials.  This was in order to gain a better understanding of their future plans.

The Executive Director for Operational Services stated that he could provide accurate figures on the current usage of the centre since the facility was reopened and that the County Council recognised the strategic need for Leisure service provision within the Kidsgrove area.  

The Chair stated that it was important to encourage people to return to the centre. 

RESOLVED: That a meeting be arranged with the Headmaster and Chair of Governors’ of the School and Staffordshire County Council officials.  This is in order to gain a better understanding of their future plans for the centre.

To receive a progress report on the work being undertaken by the Allotments Service Review Scrutiny Working Group.  

The Chair stated that a review on allotments had not taken place for a considerable time.  Excellent work was being completed on the review by the Officers and the Members of the Working Group.  The Officers had been able to show a past and future perspective. 

RESOLVED: That the status report be noted. 

To discuss and update the work plan to reflect current scrutiny topics and to discuss and identify topics for scrutiny activity for the 2013/14 municipal year. 

The Chair requested that Bateswood Consultation process remain on the work plan in case any safety issues arose.  In response to questions from Members, The Executive Director for Operational Services stated that he would commission an update report on the progress of the fishing club.

The Chair requested a report on the expected timescale of the Community Interest Company. 

A Member requested scrutiny give consideration to the licensing of premises and in particularly that of takeaways.  It was agreed that the Overview and Scrutiny Co-ordinating Committee be asked to consider how best to approach the scrutiny of this item.    

The Chair requested a report and briefing on how specifically young people could be encouraged to take up regular sport and physical exercise. 

To consider any business which is urgent within the meaning of Section 100B(4) of the Local Government Act 1972.

There was no urgent business within the meaning of Section 100 B (4) of the Local Government Act 1972.