Agenda, decisions and minutes

Apologies were received from Councillor Wise.

To receive any declarations of interest.  Members are advised to consider the extract from the Standard Board Code of Conduct for Members, which forms part of the Declaration of Interest Form at the back of this Agenda.  If a Member declares an interest, they should complete that Form and hand it to the Officer clerking the meeting.

Councillor Kirby declared a personal interest in relation to the Steam Museum detailed in the report for Item 5 Potential Asset Disposals for 2009/2010.

To approve the summary of recommendations and decisions of the Cabinet meeting held on 16 June 2009, copy attached.

The minutes of the meeting of Cabinet held on 16 June 2009 were agreed and signed by the Chairman.

Cabinet reviews the Council’s performance as set out in the dashboard and takes action to improve performance if required.

Members considered the report of the Project Officer which provided Cabinet with the Corporate Dashboard, the monitoring tool that will be used to monitor the Council’s operational performance. It also explained the progress that is being made in implementing a new performance management system and the roll out of an improved quarterly Corporate Performance Report.

Moved by Councillor Latchford, seconded by Councillor Mrs Tomlinson and resolved that;

“Cabinet reviews the Council’s performance as set out in the dashboard and takes action to improve performance if required”.

The Montefiore Games Centre is withdrawn and will be the subject of a  further report to Cabinet.

The Clock Tower Building, Ramsgate Harbour is withdrawn and will be the subject of a further report to Cabinet.

The Margate Caves have been the subject of recent discussion about potential reopening.

It is therefore recommended that after the survey, allowing for reopening, the remainder of the site be agreed as surplus.  Proceeding to disposal with housing provided through either preferred development partner, or registered social landlord.

The Retort House, Broadstairs site is agreed surplus, officers to enter into negotiation with the users of Retort House and Broadstairs Community Trust.  Part of the proceeds from any new development will go towards a new community facility in accordance with minute 17 01 2005 (Cabinet).

Officers continue to negotiate with the Steam Museum Trust regarding its occupancy of the Clock Tower Building.

Members considered the report of the Director of Regeneration Services and the Interim Leisure and Culture Officer which brought forward recommended decisions for disposal of surplus properties following the 2009-10 cycle of public consultation, with a recommendation regarding future leasehold of the Clock Tower Building, Ramsgate Harbour.

Councillors Campbell and Poole spoke under Council Procedure rule 24.1 on this item.

Amended recommendations moved by Councillor Latchford, seconded by Councillor Mrs Tomlinson and resolved that;

“The Montefiore Games Centre is withdrawn and will be the subject of a  further report to Cabinet.

The Clock Tower Building, Ramsgate Harbour is withdrawn and will be the subject of a further report to Cabinet.

The Margate Caves have been the subject of recent discussion about potential reopening.

It is therefore recommended that after the survey, allowing for reopening, the remainder of the site be agreed as surplus.  Proceeding to disposal with housing provided through either preferred development partner, or registered social landlord.

The Retort House, Broadstairs site is agreed surplus, officers to enter into negotiation with the users of Retort House and Broadstairs Community Trust.  Part of the proceeds from any new development will go towards a new community facility in accordance with minute 17 01 2005 (Cabinet).

Officers continue to negotiate with the Steam Museum Trust regarding its occupancy of the Clock Tower Building”.

That the Council supports the proposals by Thanet Leisure Force working with Alliance Leisure for new fitness and soft play facilities and improvements to Hartsdown Leisure Centre.

That the Council acts as the Loan Guarantor under the Local Government  Act 2000 section 2, relating to the improvement of the economic, social and environmental well being of the area and its residents.

Members considered the report of the Director of Environmental Services which sought approval of the funding proposals by Thanet Leisure Force for new fitness and soft play facilities and improvements to Hartsdown Leisure Centre and agreement for the Council to act as the Loan Guarantor under the Local Government Act 2000 section 2, relating to the improvement of the economic, social and environmental well being of the area and its residents.

Councillor Mrs Johnston spoke under Council Procedure Rule 24.1 on this item.

Moved by Councillor Mrs Tomlinson, seconded by Councillor Mrs Wiltshire and resolved that;

“That the Council supports the proposals by Thanet Leisure Force working with Alliance Leisure for new fitness and soft play facilities and improvements to Hartsdown Leisure Centre.

That the Council acts as the Loan Guarantor under the Local Government  Act 2000 section 2, relating to the improvement of the economic, social and environmental well being of the area and its residents”.

That Thanet Council responds to the consultation stating that we do not agree with SEERA’s preferred Option D proposed in Table H7a and that if Option A is not to be pursued then the pitches should be allocated around the region according to an option C1, which redistributes 50% of pitches around the region and the remaining pool is allocated in Kent according to need.

That authority be given to the Director of Regeneration Services in consultation with the Leader of the Council to sign a joint letter with the other Kent Authorities in support of the position set out in recommendation 1 above.

Members considered the report of the Director of Regeneration Services which gave details of a final consultation which was taking place between 8^th June 2009 and 1^st September 2009 in relation to Gypsy and Traveller Accommodation and the allocation of pitch numbers in each district.

Moved by Councillor J D Kirby, seconded by Councillor Latchford and resolved that;

“That Thanet Council responds to the consultation stating that we do not agree with SEERA’s preferred Option D proposed in Table H7a and that if Option A is not to be pursued then the pitches should be allocated around the region according to an option C1, which redistributes 50% of pitches around the region and the remaining pool is allocated in Kent according to need.

That authority be given to the Director of Regeneration Services in consultation with the Leader of the Council to sign a joint letter with the other Kent Authorities in support of the position set out in recommendation 1 above”.

To approve the ICT Strategy 2009 – 2012, the Information Management Strategy and the publishing of these documents internally and externally.

Members considered the report of the ICT Manager and Corporate Information Officer which sought approval of the updated ICT Strategy for the period 2009 to 2012, the updated Information Management Strategy and the publication of the related documents.

Councillor Campbell spoke under Council Procedure rule 24.1 on this item.

Moved by Councillor Moores, seconded by Councillor Mrs Wiltshire and resolved that;

“To approve the ICT Strategy 2009 – 2012, the Information Management Strategy and the publishing of these documents internally and externally”.