MINUTES OF PENZANCE COUNCIL MEETING held remotely via ‘Zoom’ on Monday 16 November 2020 at 7:00pm
PRESENT
Councillor N C Broadhurst (Town Mayor) P Young (Deputy Mayor)
Councillors D J Axford K M Baker S Bosworth (left at 9:05pm) R B Cliffe S M Cordel (left at 10:20pm; not present for confidential section) N A Davis J H Dixon W Elliott J M How B Jackson J S Lambourn R A Mann (left at 10:20pm not present for confidential section) N G Pengelly M B Thomas N N Waller C A C White (left at 10:20pm; not present for confidential section)
Also present: Hester Hunt (Town Clerk), Helen Wilson-Prowse (Support Services Manager/RFO), Ben Brosgal (Leisure & Amenities Manager), Rev Sian Yates, Stefan Piasecki, Michael Rabbitte, Rachel Yates (Sustainable PZ), Miki Ashton (Hypatia Trust)
The Town Clerk conducted a roll-call of members present.
The Mayor reminded members that that meeting was being live-streamed to social media and that the protocol established for the running of zoom meetings still applied.
Rev Sian Yates led the meeting in a prayer.
68. APOLOGIES FOR ABSENCE
None
69. DECLARATIONS OF INTEREST
None
70. PUBLIC PARTICIPATION TIME
Stefan Piasecki
Mr Piasecki spoke in support of agenda item 12(i) South Parade Mews – yellow lines, and provided background information as a local resident of the area.
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Michael Rabbitte
Mr Rabbitte put two questions concerning items on the agenda:
1. Whether the £12,000 proposed for upgrading the IT infrastructure at Penlee House was part of the existing budget and why the IT equipment had not been renewed for several years. – Cllr Axford responded that the proposed funds would come from the existing budget and that the move of the Council Offices to the Penlee Centre had highlighted the need for the Penlee House IT infrastructure to be compatible with that of the Penlee Centre.
2. Why were Golowan requesting additional funding when they had just received a £50,000 funding grant? The Mayor responded that the Council had previously resolved to provide funding to assist Golowan Festival CIC with a move to alternative premises and that, since Golowan would be staying in the original building (The Barbican), the organisers had requested use of the pledged funding to help them clear out the building and make it fit for purpose.
Rachel Yates, Sustainable Penzance
Ms Yates thanked for the Council for funding and support and provided an update on the activities of Sustainable Penzance.
Miki Ashton – Gardeners’ House Project
Ms Ashton provided an update on the proposed project and informed members that the project had now moved away from the Hypatia Trust and a new organisation had been established (Gardeners’ House Project Charitable Incorporated Organisation - CIO) to take the project forward and source funding. The proposal was for an independent Educational Study Centre in Morrab Gardens.
71. CORNWALL COUNCILLORS’ REPORTS
Cllr Jim McKenna (The following written report had been submitted prior to the meeting)
Unfortunately, due to a long-standing work commitment this evening, I will be unable to attend tonight’s Town Council meeting.
I did however wish to make a small contribution, in my capacity as the Cornwall Councillor for Promenade Division, within which the Club sits, to the discussion regarding the future of Penzance Football Club. Like the Town Council, I would really like to see the Club thrive and be a great asset to the town once again.
I am aware that the Town Council has set up a sub-group to look at potential future arrangements and deal with some long-standing issues existing between both parties.
In the last couple of weeks, I have had a number of discussions with Club representatives, all of which have been positive; it is clear that with the introduction of - 61 -
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‘new blood’ to the Committee, there is a new energy and determination to get things moving again, in a way which benefits both the Club and also the Town Council as landlords. The election of Nick George as Club Chair and Godfrey Adams to the Committee is great news, as both are long-standing and successful local businessmen, with a lengthy history of involvement in sport in Penzance and West Penwith. I have known both of them for many years and am certain that once the future of the lease and arrangements for some remedial work are agreed, things will start moving quickly.
I am aware that a number of different suggested resolutions have been put forward prior to this evening’s meeting. Having spoken to both Councillor Cliffe and the Club Chair today, could I suggest (via Councillor Cliffe this evening) the following:
• That the Town Council agree the principle of a 15 year lease, with a 2 year break clause encompassing the Club House, Ground and Changing Rooms. • That subject to the above, the detailed arrangements regarding future arrangements be deferred to allow further discussion between both parties, with a view to receiving a joint report to the first available future Town Council meeting.
Agreement of the above would allow for detailed discussions between Town Council representatives and those of the Football Club, with slightly less time pressure.
Jim McKenna, INDEPENDENT CORNWALL COUNCILLOR, PENZANCE PROMENADE DIVISION
Cllr Roger Harding
• South West Water would be carrying out significant work to tackle the ongoing problem of sewerage in Mousehole Harbour.
• Following the lifting of the first lockdown of the pandemic, the increase in visitors in the summer months had caused considerable traffic congestion in and around Mousehole. Also, the problem of congestion on Chywoone Hill was ongoing.
• Paul Parish had now become part of St Buryan Parish and it was not clear which Parish should now have responsibility for St Clement Island (this fell previously to Paul Parish).
• Redevelopment of Polvellan House in Mousehole - the building was being restored but concerns still remained over the proposed large extension to the building.
Cllr Cornelius Olivier
• The committee heading an enquiry into the private rental sector had unanimously agreed the recommendations that would go to Cabinet in February. If approved, the recommendations would be implemented, including a licensing scheme for private rental landlords in Camborne/Redruth, Newquay and Penzance.
• Food poverty – Penzance organisations were currently providing food for 1200 – 1500 people. Grants were being provided and Cornwall Council were considering
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implementing the government report to extend free school meals more widely, e.g. to any family receiving universal credits.
• Concerns over the £10,000 business grants provided during the first lockdown – these were also received by the owners of holiday let premises, many of whom did not live in the county.
• Recent meeting with a youth worker based in Camborne who would like to get a youth project going in Penzance. It was hoped that this would be feasible in the near future.
• Mounts Bay Academy / St John’s Hall project – Cllr Olivier hoped the Council would support this project but it was stressed that this needed to be a collaborative project involving other schools and it was hoped that a meeting with Mounts Bay Academy and Humphry Davy School could be organised.
• Recycling – Penzance was one of the lowest areas for recycling in Cornwall which was itself one of the lowest areas in the country.
72. TO RESOLVE TO EXCLUDE MEMBERS OF THE PRESS AND PUBLIC
To agree any items to be dealt with after the public (including the press) have been excluded as publicity would prejudice the public interest by reason of the confidential nature of the business to be transacted Public Bodies [Admission to Meetings] Act 1960
Due to the confidential nature of agenda item 16 Confidential Reports for Decision, it was unanimously
RESOLVED – to exclude the public and press from the meeting when these items were discussed. Proposed: Cllr Dixon; seconded: Cllr White)
73. TO APPROVE WRITTEN REQUESTS FOR DISPENSATION
No requests had been submitted.
74. TO CONFIRM THE MINUTES OF THE COUNCIL MEETING OF 1 OCTOBER 2020
The minutes of the meeting having been previously circulated, it was
RESOLVED – to approve the minutes of the Council meeting held on 1 October 2020. (Proposed: Cllr Jackson; seconded: Cllr Elliott)
For: Cllrs Axford, Baker, Bosworth, Broadhurst, Cliffe, Cordel, Davis, Dixon, Elliott, How, Jackson, Lambourn, Pengelly, Thomas, White, Young Abstained: Cllrs Mann, Waller
75. TO DEAL WITH BUSINESS EXPRESSLY REQUIRED BY STATUTE TO BE DONE
There was no business to be transacted. - 63 -
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76. TO RECEIVE QUESTIONS FROM MEMBERS OF WHICH PRIOR WRITTEN NOTICE HAD BEEN GIVEN, IN ACCORDANCE WITH SO NO. 17
No questions had been submitted.
77. TOWN MAYOR’S ANNOUNCEMENTS
Mayor’s Engagements 21 September to 15 November 2020
Sept 23 Planning Committee Meeting 24 Weekly Meeting with TC and DTM 25 Healthy Streets Penzance Working Group Meeting 25 Mayor and Chairs Meeting 28 Penzance Outer Breakwater Working Group Meeting 28 Penzance ROC Action Group Meeting (DTM) 28 Penzance Regeneration Partnership Meeting 28 Penlee House Committee Meeting Oct 1 Personnel Committee Meeting 1 Full Council Meeting 4 Present Medals – Virtual London Marathon 5 Penzance Town Deal Board Meeting 5 L&A Committee Meeting 8 Weekly Meeting with TC and DTM 8 Climate Emergency Sub-Committee 9 BBC Radio Cornwall Interview – Healthy Streets Penzance 9 ‘Who Dares Works’ Active Plus Event (DTM) 11 Paul Feast Service 14 Planning Committee Meeting 15 Weekly Meeting with TC and DTM 18 Trafalgar Service at Madron (DTM) 19 Finance/GPs Committee Meeting 22 Weekly Meeting with TC and DTM 22 Meeting to discuss Remembrance 2020 29 Weekly Meeting with TC and DTM 29 Sir William Matthews’ Pension Fund Meeting 29 Penzance Neighbourhood Plan Progress Meeting Nov 1 Remembrance Commemoration at War Memorial, Battery Rocks 2 Penzance Town Deal Board Meeting 4 Planning Committee Meeting 5 Weekly Meeting with TC and DTM 5 Devolution Working Group Meeting 6 Meeting re. Christmas Gifting 13 Social Action Working Group Meeting
78. TO NOTE THE MINUTES OF THE FOLLOWING COMMITTEE MEETINGS
(a) Planning Committee –23 September, 14 October & 4 November 2020
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(b) Penlee House Committee – 28 September 2020 (c) Leisure & Amenities Committee – 5 October 2020 (d) Finance & General Purposes Committee – 19 October 2020 (e) Climate Emergency Sub-Committee – 8 & 22 October 2020 (f) Personnel Committee (Confidential) – 1 October 2020
79. REPORTS FROM OTHER COMMITTEES FOR DECISION
Finance & General Purposes Committee
(a) Clarence Street CCTV replacement
The Leisure and Amenities Committee had been notified of the failure of the CCTV camera at Clarence Street car park and that the unit was beyond economic repair and it was unanimously
RESOLVED – to replace the CCTV camera at Clarence Street car park at a cost of £1,521.31 to be funded from budget line 3240/4. (Proposed: Cllr Thomas; seconded: Cllr Pengelly)
(b) Predicted end of year reserves position
Members were presented with a report detailing the predicted position of the year end earmarked reserves and it was unanimously
RESOLVED – to accept the predicted year end position of earmarked reserves allocated under the Council’s committees. (Proposed: Cllr Broadhurst; seconded: Cllr Young)
(c) Review of unallocated devolution reserves position
The Devolution Working Group had identified that the current unallocated funds provided scope for improvements and/or additional activities as well as any future plans relating to Morrab Gardens. The Working Group had recommended to the Finance & General Purposes Committee that the unallocated funds be retained in the earmarked devolution reserve to enable future activity to be planned and funded.
Following further clarification from the Responsible Finance Officer and debate amongst the Members, it was
RESOLVED – to approve that the amount of £96,819.88 currently unallocated in the Devolution Reserve should be reviewed at a later date. (Proposed: Cllr Axford; seconded: Cllr How)
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For: Cllrs Axford, Baker, Broadhurst, Cliffe, Cordel, Davis, Dixon, Elliott, How, Jackson, Lambourn, Mann, Pengelly, Thomas, Waller, White, Young Abstained: Cllr Bosworth
(d) Independent review of Penlee House
Penzance Council’s Strategic Plan included a resolution to determine a clear vision for the long term support of Penlee House.
The imminent loss of the Cornwall Council agency fee (from April 2022) and the detrimental effect of the Covid-19 pandemic had highlighted the importance for Penzance Council to establish its future support of Penlee House. It had therefore been proposed that an independent review of the operation of Penlee House would produce options and recommendations about the future funding strategy for Penlee House and would help with the creation of a new business plan for the facility.
Cllr Axford, as Chair of the Penlee House Committee, spoke in support of the review, the aim of which would be to provide Members with a clear strategy for moving forward, and it was
RESOLVED – to approve the commissioning of an independent review of Penlee House at a cost of up to £27,000 taken from the General Fund Reserves. (Proposed: Cllr White; seconded: Cllr Lambourn)
For: Cllrs Axford, Baker, Bosworth, Broadhurst, Cliffe, Cordel, Davis, Dixon, Elliott, How, Jackson, Lambourn, Mann, Thomas, Waller, White, Young Against: Cllr Pengelly
(e) Penlee House IT investment
It was noted that the IT systems in Penlee House required updating in order to facilitate efficient, secure and safe operations and compatibility between the Penlee House and Penlee Centre IT systems.
It was unanimously
RESOLVED – to approve the virement of £12,005.28 from the Penlee House Fabric/Plant Fund reserve to the IT Replacement budget line to pay for the required upgrade to the Penlee House IT system. (Proposed: Cllr Axford; seconded: Cllr Elliott)
(f) Penlee House storage
Members were informed that the storage capacity at Penlee House was almost full and that additional fittings were urgently needed to provide appropriate storage for the paintings. It was therefore
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RESOLVED – to approve the virement of £6,974 from the Penlee House Fabric/Plant Fund reserve (2995/2) to the Museum Fittings budget line 2100/1 to provide additional storage. (Proposed: Cllr Axford; seconded: Cllr Pengelly)
For: Cllrs Axford, Baker, Bosworth, Broadhurst, Cliffe, Cordel, Dixon, Elliott, How, Jackson, Lambourn, Mann, Pengelly, Thomas, Waller, White, Young Abstained: Cllr Davis
(g) Hypatia Trust & Town Centre Hub
(i) Hypatia Trust The Hypatia Trust had recently confirmed they would not require the £25,000 funding for the Gardeners’ House Project until Spring 2021 and were happy for the earmarked funds to be reallocated to help cover the cost of the agreed contribution towards the Promenade development works which is not currently included in the 2020/21 budget.
The Finance & General Purposes Committee had therefore recommended that the resolution made by Full Council 26 May 2020 be reviewed and the funds be released based on the information provided by the Hypatia Trust.
The RFO confirmed that the Council’s commitment to the Gardeners’ House Project remained in place and as such the funding would be included in the budget for financial year 2021/22.
Following the presentation by Ms Ashton during Public Participation at the start of the meeting, Members had been made aware that the project was no longer being led by the Hypatia Trust (to whom the funding had been pledged) but by a newly- formed CIO, the constitution of which was unknown to the Council.
Cllr Cliffe spoke in support of the project and proposed an amendment to the recommendation that the £25,000 funding should be retained in an ear-marked reserve for the Gardeners’ House Project. This amendment was seconded by Cllr Davis and put to the vote, the result of which was:
For: Cllrs Bosworth, Cliffe, Davis, Elliott, Jackson, Lambourn, Pengelly, Thomas, Waller (9) Against: Axford, Baker, Broadhurst, Cordel, Dixon, How, Mann, White, Young (9)
Later in the meeting it was discovered that this vote had incorrectly been announced as 10 for; 8 against. It was therefore agreed to hold the vote again, the result of which is below:
For: Cllrs Bosworth, Cliffe, Davis, Elliott, Jackson, Lambourn, Pengelly, Thomas, Waller, White (10) Against: Cllrs Axford, Baker, Broadhurst, Cordel, Dixon, How, Mann, Young (8)
The amended resolution was duly carried.
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(ii) Town Centre Hub Penzance Council had budgeted for expenditure relating to the Town Centre Hub during the financial year 2019/20. As no expenditure was incurred the amount was carried forward to 2020/21.
The Mayor confirmed that consultation with Cornwall Council had revealed there were currently no plans to continue with the Town Centre Hub project and it was unanimously
RESOLVED – that the £20,000 funding ear-marked for the Town Centre Hub should be reallocated to the Council’s funding commitment for the promenade refurbishment. (Proposed: Cllr Cliffe; seconded: Cllr Axford)
(h) Mounts Bay Academy / St John’s Hall project
Following the Council’s resolution earlier in the year to match-fund the project, subject to certain conditions, it had been brought to Members’ notice that these conditions had not yet been met and it was proposed that Mounts Bay Academy should be asked to re-apply for funding once the funding position had been clarified and a management agreement was in place.
Cllr Thomas proposed an amendment to this recommendation that the Council should continue to show its support for the project by match-funding the £30,000 required with a ratio of 1:2 (£1 Penzance Council funding for every £2 raised by other parties). The funds only to be released on the condition that a management agreement for the Hall is reached with Cornwall Council.
This amendment was seconded by Cllr Elliott and put to the vote, the result of which was as follows:
For: Cllrs Bosworth, Cliffe, Davis, Elliott, How, Jackson, Lambourn, Pengelly, Thomas, Waller, White Against: Cllrs Axford, Baker, Broadhurst, Cordel, Dixon, Mann, Young
The motion was duly carried.
Planning Committee
(i) South Parade Mews – yellow lines
At the Planning Committee meeting of 4 November, members had discussed a request from residents for support with a proposal to have yellow lines installed on the corner of South Parade Mews in order to stop vehicles parking there and blocking access.
It was noted that there were alternative methods available for residents to resolve parking issues, such as approaching the Cornwall Council Ward Councillor and/or approaching Cormac direct.
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Following further discussion, it was
RESOLVED – to agree in principle to the use of yellow lines on the corner of South Parade Mews in order to enforce use of that section of the highway for loading and unloading purposes only, and to lobby Cornwall Council by writing a letter on behalf of the local residents requesting that yellow lines be installed. (Proposed: Cllr Elliott; seconded: Cllr Cliffe)
For: Cllrs Baker, Bosworth, Cliffe, Davis, Dixon, Elliott, How, Jackson, Lambourn, Pengelly, Thomas, Waller, White, Young Against: Cllrs Axford, Broadhurst, Cordel Abstained: Cllr Mann
80. REPORTS FOR DECISION
(a) Coach House refurbishment
Members were reminded that a future strategy for use of the Coach House in Penlee Park was included in the Council’s Strategic Plan.
Plans for the refurbishment of the building had been commissioned and drawn up and were presented to Councillors for review.
Cllr Axford, as Chair of the Penlee House Committee, provided further details on the proposed use of the building that would include meeting rooms that would be large enough to accommodate a Full Council meeting that could be hired out to other organisations, the relocation of the Council Offices reception area to make it more accessible and a community space for use by the whole community.
It was
RESOLVED – to:
a) approve the plans provided for the refurbishment of the Coach House;
b) agree to apply for planning permission to refurbish the Coach House; and
c) approve officers researching funding options for undertaking the refurbishment of the Coach House. (Proposed: Cllr Cliffe; seconded: Cllr Jackson)
For: Cllrs Axford, Baker, Bosworth, Broadhurst, Cliffe, Cordel, Dixon, Elliott, How, Jackson, Lambourn, Mann, Pengelly, Thomas, Waller, White, Young Abstained: Cllr Davis
At this point in the meeting, the Town Clerk announced a discrepancy in the voting on the Hypatia Trust item and it was agreed to take the vote again (see Minute 79(g)(i) above
Cllr Bosworth left the meeting – 9:05pm
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(b) Revision of Off-Street Parking Places Order – public representations and costs re signage & enforcement
Following the Council’s approval of the draft Off-Street Parking Places Order 2020, the Town Clerk had instructed Cornwall Council to move to the consultation stage of the review. This had taken place with four comments from members of the public being received and these were presented to Members.
It was unanimously
RESOLVED – to approve:
a) the making of the Order; b) the date of the Order, that being 1 January 2021 c) from budget line - 1060 Penlee House Car Park, the cost of £2,546.80 to design, create and install required revised signage, £972 for enforcement provision provided by Cornwall Council from 1 Jan – 31 March 2021 and £351.00 to make required changes to the parking machines. (Proposed: Cllr Axford; seconded: Cllr Dixon)
(c) Free parking in Penlee Car Park for Christmas shopping – Saturday 19 December
As in previous years, Cornwall Council had asked for a proposed date that would be most appropriate to provide free parking in the run up to Christmas.
In conjunction with the BID Manager, the date of Saturday 19 December 2020 had been suggested and Members were asked to approve free parking in Penlee Car Park also on 19 December.
Cllr Jackson proposed that free parking in Penlee Car Park should also be provided on 24 December and it was unanimously
RESOLVED – to make parking in Penlee Car Park free of charge on Saturday 19 December 2020 to coincide with the free parking in Cornwall Council car parks, and also to provide free parking in Penlee Car Park on Thursday 24 December. (Proposed: Cllr Axford; seconded: Cllr Pengelly)
(d) Community Engagement Strategy – adoption
It was recognised as good practice for a Council to implement a robust Community Engagement Strategy in order to guide and improve links for actively working with the local community. An active Community Engagement Strategy was also one of the requirements for achieving the second level of the Local Councils Award Scheme – Quality Status.
It was unanimously
RESOLVED – to approve and adopt the Community Engagement Strategy. (Proposed: Cllr Dixon; seconded: Cllr Young)
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(e) Penzance AFC – recommendations from the working group
The Football Club working group had reviewed the tenancy agreements between Penzance AFC and Penzance Council of the football club clubhouse and the football pitch, stand and changing rooms. Specialist contractors had also been engaged to review the condition of the buildings and to provide reports on the findings and proposed rectification works required to ensure the buildings were safe and fit for purpose.
Meetings had been held with representatives of the Football Club in order to agree a way forward that would be acceptable to both parties. The Football Club had requested that the existing lease(s) be changed to a 15-year lease that would enable them to apply for key funding to help carry out the required work.
It was noted that Penzance AFC was under new management that had only been in place since the beginning of November and they had therefore had limited time in which to consider the proposals being put forward by the Council. Cllr Axford proposed that this item be deferred for consideration until the next Council meeting in January and this was seconded by Cllr Cliffe.
However, Members were informed by the Leisure & Amenities Manager that the Club was under time pressure to be in a position to hold an ‘at home’ game on 5 December and any delay in reaching an agreement would jeopardise these plans; Cllr Axford therefore withdrew his proposal.
Cllr Cliffe proposed an amendment (seconded by Cllr Davis) to the recommendation as follows:
a. To resolve to draw up a new 15-year lease for the Magpies Clubhouse, football pitch, shower block and carpark. Lease to have a break point at 2 years for both parties. The proposed lease will enable Pz AFC to qualify for Football Association grant funding for ground improvements. The proposed break clause will provide the Council with a final sanction if works to bring the Clubhouse up to statutory safety standards are unreasonably delayed or statutory safety standards are consistently not maintained.
b. To resolve to include lease terms in the new lease that require the tenant to periodically furnish evidence of compliance with statutory inspections. Council to seek professional advice on what wording to include in the lease.
c. To resolve that the Council offer a series of meetings with Pz AFC representatives to agree a way ahead on pressing safety related works, other maintenance issues and the long term future of the facilities.
The amendment was put to the vote, the result of which was as follows:
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For: Cllrs Baker, Cliffe, Davis, Elliott, Jackson, Lambourn, Pengelly, Thomas, Waller Against: Cllrs Axford, Broadhurst, Dixon, How, Mann, White, Young Abstained: Cllr Cordel
The amendment was duly carried.
(f) Penlee House independent review – establish a Task and Finish Group
Following the Council’s approval earlier in the meeting (Minute 79(d) above) for an independent review to be commissioned and the associated expenditure, it was proposed that the scope for this piece of work should be developed by a task and finish group consisting of the Chair of the Penlee House committee, three other Members, the Town Clerk and the Director of Penlee House and the CEO of Cornwall Museums Partnership (Emmie Kell). Members interested in being part of the task and finish group were asked to submit their expression of interest to the Town Clerk by Wednesday 25 November 2020.
It was further proposed that Full Council approve delegated powers to the Penlee House Committee to vote on and approve the final brief to be used in the procurement process. This would enable the procurement process to begin in February 2021 and, subject to availability and other factors outside of our control, the work could then begin in March or April, resulting in a finished report in the early summer for consideration by the new Council.
Cllr Cordel proposed an amendment to the recommendation in that the scoping document should be brought to the Full Council meeting on 18 January 2021 for approval rather go to the Penlee House Committee meeting on 25 January.
It was therefore unanimously
RESOLVED – to approve:
a) The establishment of a task and finish group to develop and agree the scope of the Independent Review of Penlee House;
b) the group to consist of the Chair of the Penlee House committee, three other Members, the Town Clerk and the Director of Penlee House and the CEO of Cornwall Museums Partnership (Emmie Kell); and
c) that the task and finish group’s scoping document should be taken to the Full Council meeting on 18 January 2021 for consideration and decision by all Council Members and, if approved, that the document then be used to commence the tender process for the consultant. (Proposed: Cllr Broadhurst; seconded: Cllr Elliott)
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(g) Golowan Festival CIC – request for additional funding
Further to the Council’s resolution of 26 August 2020 (Minute 49(a)) to help fund the move of the Golowan Festival CIC operations from The Barbican building to other, more suitable premises, the organisers of the Festival had entered into negotiations with the owner of The Barbican and were in the process of agreeing a new lease direct with the owner. They had also been awarded a grant from the Cultural Recovery Fund of £50,000 which had to be spent by March 2021. This grant would therefore be used to make the Barbican building fit for purpose and help ensure that the festival was resilient into the future.
Golowan Festival CIC was now requesting a new resolution from the council to make a grant of £4,000 towards expenditure that would be incurred to enable a successful festival to take place in 2021. It was noted that there was still a commitment on the council to grant £19,000 in addition to the £5,000 for a fireworks display. (£6,000 has been paid to Golowan Festival CIC following the signing of the SLA by both parties on 6 October 2020).
The organisation had also requested £1,000 to help with the cost of removing unwanted materials which have built up from historical use of the building.
A £1,000 from budget line 1215 “Barbican statutory checks and inspections” can go towards these grants if Members agree the request and the remaining £4,000 to come from budget line 3800/3 - Office Rental (which is where monies were vired to from the General reserve to meet resolution 49 a) referred to above).
It was unanimously
RESOLVED – to grant £4,000 towards expenditure that would be incurred to enable a successful festival to take place in 2021. (Proposed: Cllr Dixon; seconded: Cllr Thomas)
It was further
RESOLVED – to grant Golowan £1,000 to help with removing unwanted materials which had built up from historical use of the building. (Proposed: Cllr Davis; seconded: Cllr White)
For: Cllrs Axford, Baker, Cliffe, Davis, Dixon, Elliott, How, Jackson, Lambourn, Mann, Pengelly, Thomas, Waller, White Against: Cllrs Broadhurst, Cordel, Young
The time having reached 10:00pm, it was unanimously
RESOLVED – to suspend Standing Order 4w in order to allow the Council to conclude the business of the agenda. (Proposed: Cllr Broadhurst; seconded: Cllr Elliott)
Cllr Mann left the meeting – 10:02pm
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(h) Report from Social Action Fund Sub-Committee
It was noted that the sum of £25,000 remained in the Social Action Fund budget for the current financial year.
Due to the second lockdown period of the Covid-19 pandemic, there were local organisations who required further financial assistance to continue supporting the needs of the community and it was proposed that delegated authority be given to the Mayor, Deputy Mayor and Chair of the Finance & General Purposes Committee to make grants from the Social Action Fund, where required.
It was therefore unanimously
RESOLVED – that:
a. Authority to make grants of up to £2000 and not exceeding a total value of £12,000 be delegated to Mayor, Deputy Mayor and Chair of Finance & General Purposes Committee up to the end of the 2020/21 financial year so that the Council can respond promptly to needs arising during the current Covid 19 epidemic and especially during periods of lockdown. Applications being circulated to the whole SAF committee for comment within 2 days prior to final decision making.
b. Any unspent balance in SAF budget line is returned to the General Reserve and not ring fenced for future projects. (Proposed: Cllr Cliffe; seconded: Cllr Young)
(i) Proposal to instal cycle shelters in Penlee Car Park
Cornwall Council had submitted a bike storage project as part of the Town Deal Accelerator Funding proposal.
The scope of the project was ‘to put in place a series of bike shelters and secure parking at key locations across Penzance. The bike storage will be future-proofed to allow for different types of non-car parking including cargo-bikes (charging) mobility scooters and pushbikes.
Penzance Council Officers had been made aware that Penlee Car Park was a proposed location for a 20-space shelter and Members were asked if they would support the proposal in principle and request that officers seek further information on the proposed scheme. It was noted that the projects had to be completed by March 2021.
Concerns were raised about the inappropriate location of the proposed shelter (Penlee Car Park being situated outside the town centre), the health and safety risk of encouraging more pedestrian traffic through the car park and the loss of revenue that would result from the shelter taking up a considerable space in the car park. It was noted that any project would be subject to final costings being established and budget line identified. - 74 -
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As no proposer for the recommendation was forthcoming, the motion fell.
81. REPORTS FROM OUTSIDE BODIES
(a) Neighbourhood Development Plan (Cllr Cliffe)
Cllr Cliffe would email an update to Members within the next few days.
(b) Penzance BID (Cllr Cliffe)
It was reported BID was focussing on making the town centre as festive as possible for the Christmas period, with an emphasis on decorating shop windows, in particular the empty shops. BID was also playing a large role within in the Town Deal Board.
82. REPORTS FOR INFORMATION
(a) Christmas/New Year 2020 office closing
The office closing dates for the Christmas/New Year were presented.
(b) Revised Covid-19 budget 2020/21
The revised Covid-19 budget for the current financial year was presented for information.
The Mayor thanked the RFO and the Office team for their work and support.
(c) Interim Audit report
An Interim Audit had been carried out in October 2020 and the report with recommended actions was presented to Members.
(d) Insurance renewal
It was noted that Council Officers were working with the Council’s insurance provider for the insurance policies that were due for renewal on 1 December 2020.
(e) Strategic Plan - progress
An updated report on the Strategic Plan actions was presented. It was noted that this would be the last report on the 2018 -2021 Strategic Plan. Work on a plan for 2021- 2025 would begin in early summer next year.
(f) Sustainable PZ – progress update
A progress update on the activities of Sustainable PZ was presented.
(g) Jubilee Pool – end of season report
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Penzance Council, 16 November 2020
The 2020 end of season report from Penzance Jubilee Pool Ltd was circulated.
(h) Community Infrastructure Levy – annual report
Since 1 January 2019 Cornwall Council has been charging CIL on new development and was required to pass back a percentage of any receipts from development that had commenced within Penzance parish. The amount paid was 15% (capped at £100 per existing Council Tax paying dwelling), or 25% if the area had an adopted Neighbourhood Development Plan.
Members were provided with a table that set out how much Penzance Council would be receiving from each commenced CIL liable development.
(i) Code of Conduct complaint – outcome
In accordance with Standing Order 16, the Town Clerk reported that a Code of Conduct complaint against Cllr Will Elliott had been rejected by Cornwall Council.
(j) Healthy Streets Penzance – update
An update on the ‘Healthy Streets Penzance’ initiative was provided.
(k) iSight Cornwall – thank you letter for receipt of Social Action Funding
A letter of thanks for receipt of funding from the Social Action Fund had been received from iSight Cornwall.
The public meeting closed and a separate confidential zoom meeting for Members and Officers only was opened. Cllrs Cordel and White gave apologies for the next section of the meeting.
Officers present: Hester Hunt (Town Clerk), Helen Wilson-Prowse (Support Services Manager/RFO)
83. CONFIDENTIAL REPORTS FOR DECISION
(a) Funding for Anti-Social Behaviour Caseworker
Penzance Council had originally resolved in February 2019 (Min no.101(b)) to fund 50% of this post for a 12 month trial period. This ran successfully until end May 2020 and a further resolution was made by the council on 11 November 2020 (Min no.85 (a)) to approve the expenditure for funding the engagement of an ASB Officer for a further 12 month period to the end of May 2021.
Members recognised the positive impact on the reduction of anti-social behaviour in the Parish resulting from the presence and intervention of the ASB Casework and it was
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Penzance Council, 16 November 2020
RESOLVED – to approve the funding of 80% of the ASB Caseworker post for the period 1 June 2021 to 31 May 2022. The money to be taken from budget line 3205 (ASB Caseworker – contribution to costs). (Proposed: Cllr Pengelly; seconded: Cllr Cliffe)
For: Cllrs Axford, Baker, Broadhurst, Cliffe, Davis, Elliott, How, Jackson, Lambourn, Pengelly, Thomas, Waller, Young Abstained: Cllr Dixon
Reports for Decision from Finance & General Purposes Committee
(b) Maternity cover recruitment
It was unanimously
RESOLVED – to approve the recruitment of maternity cover, for a period of up to 13 months, for the Finance & Administration Officer. (Proposed: Cllr Broadhurst; seconded: Cllr Dixon)
(c) TOIL recommendation
It was unanimously
RESOLVED – to approve the payment of approx. £8,155 from General Fund Reserves to cover, on a one-off basis, the cost of TOIL accrued by employees. (Proposed: Cllr Jackson; seconded: Cllr Dixon)
(d) Correction of salary discrepancy
It was unanimously
RESOLVED – to approve the use of £7,543 from General Fund Reserves to correct a salary underpayment. (Proposed: Cllr Young; seconded: Cllr Cliffe)
(e) Orangery Café Lease payment
It was
RESOLVED – to approve a reduction of the Orangery Café lease payment for the financial year 2020/21 to a minimum of £12,000 or 10% of takings, whichever amount was higher. (Proposed: Cllr Axford; seconded: Cllr Cliffe)
For: Cllrs Axford, Baker, Broadhurst, Cliffe, Dixon, Elliott, How, Jackson, Lambourn, Pengelly, Thomas, Waller, Young Against: Cllr Davis
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Penzance Council, 16 November 2020
84. MATTERS ARISING FOR REPORT AT NEXT MEETING ONLY
None.
The meeting closed at 10:40pm
Town Mayor 18 January 2021
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