Minutes of the Community Centre Sub-Committee of Aston Clinton Parish Council, held on 12th June 2015 at 7.30pm
at Aston Clinton Parish Meeting Room
Present:
Councillors: -
A MooneyJ Savigar
N SavigarT Comerford
C Birch
Clerk: Cllr J Savigar recorded the minutes of this meeting
15.01Election of Chair, Vice chair and any co-opted members
Cllr N Savigar proposed Cllr Comerford as Chairman for this Sub-Committee. Cllr A Mooney seconded this proposal and it was unanimously AGREED.
15.02Apologies for Absence
Cllr Tubb
15.03Declarations of Interest
None
15.04Requirements of New Community Centre
The results of the village survey conducted in March pointed to the need for a large, multi use, modernised community centre, which would satisfy the leisure needs of an increasing local population.
This survey was then followed by a series of interviews with the vast majority of the village groups such as the Scouts, U3A and Kiddikicks. All the groups were asked about the frequency of their meetings, the number of villagers that attended and their requirements in terms of equipment, size of room or storage needs.
It was discussed that large sections of the general community had not had the opportunity to express their views. It was decided to conduct another survey. Cllr Comerford suggested siting a survey in the new Cafe in the Park.
15.05Community Centre Feasibility Study
There was discussion as to whether an architect solely would be able to satisfy all the requirements of the Feasibility Study. The Council might have to seek the services of other specialist consultants.
The main requirements of the Feasibility Study are good design plans and costings. Cllr Savigar has talked to a councillor at Westbury Parish Council who has led her council through the process of conducting such a study. It was decided to arrange a meeting with the Westbury councillor to ask advice, and maybe request the name of their chosen architect.
All the councillors on the committee have had the opportunity to review the Invitation to Tender for Architecture Service and have suggested no changes. The Invitation to Tender document is to be advertised by the Clerk giving tenderers four weeks to submit an offer. Several local architects who have previous experience of a similar project will be offered to tender.
Cllr Comerford asked whether there are any forums for Parish Councillors to gain further information to help us through the process of the Feasibility Study. Cllr N Savigar said might be helpful.
15.06Community Centre Sources of Funds
The funding for the Community Centre will be derived from Section106 funds, New Homes Bonus, local charities and any other possible sources of funding.
The New Homes Bonus is available for communities who are suffering a rapid increase in house building. The deadline for applying this year is September. Cllr N Savigar offered to write an Expression of Interest for this New Homes Bonus, which will be submitted to Jan Roffe at AVDC.
15.07Formation of a Charity
It was discussed about the possibility of forming a charity in preparation to manage the new Community Centre.
This will be looked at in detail at a later date. The internal auditor has been asked for advice with regard to the timing of such an option.
15.08The Pavilion
The Pavilion premises are in the process of being leased to a team of four people who are planning to manage a cafe and community centre. They plan to name the venture "your Cafe in the Park". At present, they have signed a Heads of Terms Agreement and have commenced the conversion of the premises. The Council's solicitor has been asked to draw up a lease to finalise the tenancy of the building. Cllr Comerford offered to liaise with the new tenants during this next phase; he will discuss this with the Clerk.
An electrical inspection of the property has been completed and any highlighted essential safety concerns have been addressed. There are also a few essential external repairs. The windowsills are not fixed to the building, there are a couple of blocked and leaking gutters, some of the brickwork needs repointing and some holes in the masonry need filling. The Clerk is currently obtaining quotes for this work. Mr. McGoldrick has offered to paint some external wooden doors and down pipes.
The toilets in the Pavilion will be made available for all users of the Park. The cost of the maintenance and cleaning of the toilets will need to be shared by the tenants and the Council. Cllr Comerford will include this topic in his proposed meeting.
Cllr Comerford asked for a short progress meeting with the new tenants to discuss their signage,estimated date of opening and the plans for sale of alcohol. Cllr Birch advised that the premises would require an alcohol license, as well as one for the tenants. She will investigate any evidence of an historic license.
15.09Matters for next meeting
None
15.10Date and time of next meeting
To be decided.
The meeting closed at 8.30pm
…………………………………………………………………. Chairman …………………………………… Date
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