Agenda and minutes

Apologies were submitted on behalf of Councillors Lynch & Taylor, and it was also noted that Councillors Hodgkins and Mullaney were at another engagement and unlikely to be able to attend.

To confirm the minutes of the meeting held on 28 January 2013.

It was moved by Councillor Nichols, seconded by Councillor Witherford and

RESOLVED – the minutes of the meeting held on 28 January 2013 be confirmed and signed by the Chairman.

To receive verbally from Members any disclosures which they are required to make in accordance with the Council’s Code of Conduct or in pursuance of Section 106 of the Local Government Finance Act 1992. This is in addition to the need for such disclosure to be also given when the relevant matter is reached on the agenda.

Councillor Bray stated that he would need to declare an interest if there were to be any discussions regarding Netherley Court, but he would do so at the relevant point if necessary.

The Committee received the revenue and capital outturn for the Special Expenses Area for 2012/13. It was reported that some carry forward was required to cover tree works in the cemeteries which were intended to be completed in 2012/13 but this hadn’t been possible due to the weather. In response to a member’s question it was explained that works to Richmond Park should be completed in two weeks depending on the weather.

RESOLVED –

(i)         the draft outturn for 2012/13 for the Special Expenses Area be noted;

(ii)        the requested carry forward for tree works be approved.

Councillors Hodgkins & Mullaney entered the meeting at 6.42pm.

Members were presented with options for the future use of the balances and reserves held by the Special Expenses Area. It was noted that the suggested projects in the appendix to the report were not in priority order, and that those benefiting from Section 106 contributions would be undertaken as a priority. Work was currently being undertaken to identify those projects to ensure the Section 106 money was used.

During discussion, reference was made to the following:

• Grit bins and the process for purchasing;
• Wildflower meadows;
• Walking and cycle routes in the area of the Harrowbrook Corridor;
• The low usage of outdoor gyms;
• The possibility of a play area on New Street car park;
• Reinstatement of bench at The Rock Gardens and general improvements;
• Pathways in parks following complaints about shale; and the need for pathways to be hard wearing;
• Provision of trees at Hamilton Close;
• Funding for improvements on the land between Clifton Way and Florian Way;
• The footpath to Barlestone Drive;
• The public objection to the suggestion to change Burbage Common to a Country Park and suggestion therefore to remove from the list of possible schemes;
• Bulb and tree planting at Trinity Vicarage Road.

Councillor Bray left the meeting at 7.15pm.

It was suggested that schemes be spread evenly across the Special Expenses Area and that a working group be set up with one member from each of the Hinckley Wards to prioritise the schemes. Members felt that up to £100k of available funds for 2013/14 be spent on the chosen schemes. It was

RESOLVED – Councillors Bill, Cope, Nichols and Witherford form a working group to prioritise schemes following identification of those subject to Section 106 contributions and that up to £100k be allocated to these schemes.