Agenda and minutes

There were no apologies for absence made at this meeting.

To confirm as a correct record the minutes of the meeting of the Leisure and Community Policy Development and Review Panel held on 7 November 2012.

It was AGREED that the minutes of the meeting of the Leisure and Community Policy Development & Review Panel held on 7 November 2012 be confirmed and signed as a correct record.

The Chairman welcomed the following persons who were to make presentations to the Panel:- Jake Hipwell, Setti Mulari, Paul O'Beirne and Jenny Romecheva

There were no further announcements made at this meeting.

To receive any declarations of interest from members in accordance with Standing Orders and the Council’s Code of Conduct and disclosures of advice or directions received from Group Leaders or Political Groups, in accordance with the Council’s Constitution.

There were no declarations of interest made at this meeting.

To receive any deputations of which notice has been lodged.

There were no deputations made at this meeting.

To receive a presentation from (to be confirmed) on proposals for a skatepark at Wicor Recreation Ground.

The Panel received a presentation from Jake Hipwell, (representing California Skateparks), on proposals for the re-development of the skate park at Wicor Recreation Ground, Portchester.  Mr Hipwell presented examples of the proposed design for the facility, gave details of proposed funding arrangements and a suggested a way forward to include the setting up of a constituted group of users and interested parties. 

A particular issue of concern of the Panel was to ensure that any newly developed facility would remain, as at present, unrestricted and open for public use.  Members asked a variety of questions about the information contained in the presentation to which Mr Hipwell replied.

It was suggested by Councillor Price that officers explore the possibilities of funding with Mr Hipwell at the appropriate time.

It was AGREED that officers should consider the options available and report back at a later meeting.

To receive a presentation from (to be confirmed) regarding proposals for an indoor skating facility in the Borough.

The Panel received a presentation from Setti Mulari,(representing Salmiakki CIC), on proposals for development of an indoor sports facility in the borough.  Mr Mulari explained Salmiakki CIC is a not- for -profit Community Interest Company (CIC). Its sole purpose is to acquire the funds to build a multi-sport rink in Fareham.  Salmiakki CIC propose that any surplus funding generated from the rink would be reinvested in the facility and in particular into local minority sports.  These funds would be directed into sports equipment for people at the rink as well as opportunities for free introductory sessions to encourage participation.

At the invitation of the Chairman Councillor Mrs Hockley addressed the Panel during discussion on this item.

The multi-purpose sports rink will serve people who enjoy minority and disabled sports to enable them to participate in their chosen activities in a safe, open and unintimidating setting. The intention is to run sports that are not catered for in Fareham or the neighbouring areas.  The multi-purpose rink would be the only rink in the UK that conforms to the safety regulations to be introduced in 2014. The rink would be suitable for roller sports such as inline hockey, skater hockey, roller derby and public skating. Other rink sports include lacrosse, rink soccer and floorball.

To date, Salmiakki CIC has found suitable premises in Fareham near the M27 motorway and is ready to proceed immediately if the Council supports the project with community funding.  The British Rink Hockey Association has pledged support and every roller sports club within a 40 mile radius has shown an interest.  Members asked a variety of questions about the information contained in the presentation to which Mr Mulari replied.  In particular, it was noted that a community funding report relating to this proposal is to be considered by the Executive in March.

It was AGREED to:-

a)        support the principles of the proposal; and

(b)       request the Executive to consider the proposal based on all the information received from the applicant.

To receive a presentation from the Chief Executive of Community Action Fareham on the topic of volunteering in the community.

The Panel received a presentation from the Chief Executive of Community Action Fareham, Paul O’Beirne and Jenny Romecheva (Volunteer Centre Co-ordinator) which updated members on the role and activity of the Volunteer Centre.

A paper was circulated to explain the services the Volunteer Centre provide which includes setting up groups, engaging young people and training.  Members asked a number of questions relating to youth engagement and community transport.

Members thanked Community Action Fareham for an informative presentation.

To consider a report by the Director of Community which sets out the main achievements of Community Action Fareham (CAF) in delivering their core activity under their current service level agreement arrangements (1 April 2010 to 31 March 2013).

The Panel considered a report by the Director of Community which set out the main achievements of Community Action Fareham (CAF) in delivering their core activity under their current service level agreement arrangements (1 April 2010 to 31 March 2013).

The report also updated members on the current "Review of funding to support future capacity in the voluntary and community sectors in Hampshire" which is currently underway and being organised by Hampshire County Council (HCC) in partnership with Borough and District Councils. It was however noted that options for the future delivery of services are not expected to be finalised until May 2013.

The report also provided proposals for the funding of CAF for the next year.  These proposals are to enable the existing service to continue to be provided, until the final outcome of the current review are reached in mid 2013. 

Members were referred to the options for the next year contained in paragraphs 28 to 31 of the report. 

Councillor Price proposed acceptance of option A to retain the current level of core funding with no variation for the next twelve months as he considered that  the possible savings in option B are not significant, however the proposal was not seconded.

Councillor Knight proposed supporting option B to reduce the current level of core funding by the same percentage as proposed by HCC and this was seconded by Councillor Ford.

(Voting 5 for the proposal, 1 against)  Councillor Price requested it be recorded that he opposed the proposal

It was AGREED that:-

a)            option B, as detailed in paragraph 29 of the report, is the preferred option; and

b)            the Panel wished to thank Community Action Fareham for the work undertaken for the residents of Fareham.

To receive a presentation from the Leisure Development Manager which updates members on proposals regarding Portchester Community Centre and Wicor Recreation Ground Changing Room.

The Leisure Development Manager gave a presentation comparing the old facilities with the new and a summary of the significant events, project deadlines and expenditure (to date) against the allocated budgets.

The first part of the presentation focused on Portchester Community Centre, reminding the Panel of the centre's location and the condition of the old community centre which was constructed in the early 1960's. The presentation showed the plot on the south field identified for the new community centre (before construction), photos from the Sod Cutting ceremony held in February 2012,  the unveiling of the dedication stone (in November 2012) gifted by Councillor  Walker & Councillor Price, photographs taken at practical completion on 18 December 2012, the letting of the new building to Portchester Community School and Hampshire County Council (for the Children Centre), the timetable for demolishing the old community centre, a summary of the expenditure to date against the allocated budget and a summary of the works and issues that remain outstanding.

The outstanding issues include the requirement for additional landscaping on completion of demolition (including improvements to the car park), provision of a new bin store and footpaths to aid evacuation of the building.  The Total Spend at 16 January 2013 was £1,891,652 leaving a residual budget of £108,348. 

A member of the Panel asked what would happen to the residual budget of £108,348, would the Council be required to refund the balance to Hampshire County Council or could Fareham Borough Council retain the residual budget.

The Leisure Development Manager stated that the project is not yet complete and hence the residual budget would be retained by Fareham Borough Council and used to fund the outstanding issues (i.e. the landscaping and car parking improvements).

The Director of Community confirmed that this was indeed correct and if on final completion of the project there was a residual budget, the balance would be used by the Council to pay back or reduce the £1m (5 year interest free) loan provided by Hampshire County Council.

Councillor Hockley (Executive Member For Community) reminded the Panel that Fareham Borough Council had raised the £2M for this project by selling land in Portchester, accepting a five year interest free loan of £1M from Hampshire County Council, a £400,000 contribution from Hampshire County for the new Children's Centre and the balance by selling the site of the new community centre to Hampshire County Council and leasing the site back at a peppercorn rent

The Chairman commented that positive feedback had been received from users and visitors and bookings were good. Councillor Mrs Hockley agreed with the Chairman

Councillor Price raised concern about the lack of public toilet facilities in the changing rooms to be accessible to dog walkers and general users of the recreation ground.  The Panel did not support opening the toilets at Wicor for general public use.

The Chairman congratulated officers on the work undertaken in providing new  changing rooms at Wicor Recreation Ground. 

It was AGREED that :-

(a)       thanks be extended to  officers for the work undertaken and to commend them for the achievement in completing two major projects under budget;

(b)       officers be requested to send a letter of thanks to AFC Portchester who had written to the Council in appreciation of the new changing room facilities and who had worked in partnership to enable the successful delivery of the project; and

(c)       officers be requested to arrange a visit for Panel members, Councillor Mrs Hockley (Executive Portfolio holder) and Councillor Woodard (Executive Leader) to the new changing rooms at Wicor Recreation Ground.

To consider a report by the Director of Community which reviews the Panel’s work programme for 2012/13 and considers a draft programme for 2013/14.

The Panel considered a report by the Director of Community which reviews the Panel's work programme for 2012/13 and considers a draft programme for 2013/14.

The Director of Community stated that, with members’ agreement, it was proposed to add the Review of Community Buildings - Fareham Needs Assessment to the work programme.  He also referred members to the work programme - for 2013/14 shown at paragraph 10 of the report. 

The Panel discussed whether the officer presentation scheduled for 15 May 2013 was necessary, but the Director stated it was a standard item for all Panels if there was new membership.  However the presentation could be adjusted as a refresher for members if required.  The Chairman invited members to put forward ideas for the 2013/14 work programme especially for the May meeting.

It was AGREED that, subject to the revisions shown below, the Panel's work programme for 2012/13 and draft programme for 2013/14 be approved:-

(a)          the addition of the Review of Community Buildings - Fareham Needs Assessment be added to the 2012/13 work programme; and

(b)          any new items required by the Panel to be included in the 2013/14 draft programme.